Investing 101

What is a Multi-Asset fund?

If you're new to investing, the term "multi-asset fund" might sound a bit complex, but it's actually a straightforward and versatile investment option. Let's break it down.

Capital at risk. The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise and are not guaranteed. Investors may not get back the amount originally invested.

What is a Multi-Asset fund? 

Multi-Asset funds are a mixed basket of different types of investments. Imagine you have a basket that holds a variety of fruits: apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes. Each fruit represents a different type of investment, such as stocks, bonds, and cash.

When you invest in a multi-asset fund, your money is spread across these different types of investments. This can help to manage risk because if one type of investment doesn't do well, the others might perform better. It's a way to diversify your investments without having to pick and manage each one individually.

A fund is a type of investment vehicle that pools money from multiple investors to purchase a diversified portfolio of securities, such as stocks, bonds, or other assets.

Risk. Diversification and asset allocation may not fully protect you from market risk.

Who manages it and makes the decisions?

Multi-asset funds are managed by professional fund managers. These are experts who have a deep understanding of the financial markets and investment strategies. The fund managers make the decisions about where to invest the money within the fund. They continuously monitor the market and aim to adjust the fund's investments to achieve the best possible returns while managing risk.

What does it invest in?

As the name suggests, a multi-asset fund invests in multiple types of assets. This can include:

  • Stocks: Shares of companies that can provide growth if the companies perform well.
  • Bonds: Loans to companies or governments that pay interest over time.
  • Real Estate: Properties that can generate rental income or appreciate in value.
  • Cash or Cash Equivalents: Highly liquid assets that provide stability and easy access to funds
  • Other: This could be commodities such as gold, or other investments to further increase the diversification.

What are its benefits?

There are several benefits to investing in a multi-asset fund:

  • Diversification: By spreading investments across different asset types, the fund can mitigate the risk of losing money if one asset performs poorly.
  • Professional Management: Experienced fund managers handle the investment decisions, which can be reassuring for those who are new to investing.
  • Convenience: Investors don't need to manage multiple investments themselves; the fund does it all in one package.
  • Potential for Stable Returns: The mix of assets can help balance growth and stability, aiming for more consistent returns over time.

Why choose a Multi-Asset fund?

People may choose a multi-asset fund as an investment vehicle for several reasons, they may be ideal for:

  • Beginners who lack the knowledge or time to manage a portfolio.
  • Investors looking for balanced growth or income without taking on too much risk.
  • Those seeking a "one-stop-shop" solution to investing.
  • Ease of Access: It's a convenient way to invest in a variety of assets without needing extensive knowledge or time to manage them.

By blending various assets, these funds can help smooth out market ups and downs, making them a good choice for medium- to long-term goals like retirement savings or funding a child’s education.

  • Risk Management: The diversified nature of the fund helps manage risk, making it a safer option for cautious investors.
  • Ease of Access: It's a convenient way to invest in a variety of assets without needing extensive knowledge or time to manage them.
  • Long-Term Growth: Multi-asset funds can provide a balanced approach to growing wealth over the long term, making them suitable for retirement savings or other long-term financial goals.
  • Risk-Adjusted Returns: Balances high- and low-risk investments for a smoother ride.
  • Flexibility: Many multi-asset funds are tailored for specific investor needs, like income generation or capital preservation.

Risk. Diversification and asset allocation may not fully protect you from market risk.

Risk. Risk management cannot fully eliminate the risk of investment loss.

Risk. There is no guarantee that a positive investment outcome will be achieved.

In summary, a multi-asset fund is a versatile and professionally managed investment option that spreads your money across different types of assets. It offers diversification, professional management, and the potential for stable returns, making it an attractive choice for new investors looking to grow their wealth while managing risk.

Who is BlackRock?

BlackRock is one of the world’s largest asset managers1 trusted by institutions all over the world to manage their investments. This includes many pension funds, official institutions like governments, and private investors (big and small).

BlackRock’s mission is to help clients invest better, they do this by acting as a fiduciary, this means that the interests of their clients come first in decision making.

What does this mean for me?

BlackRock’s global nature and local teams mean that across the globe we have assembled teams and set them to work with one mission – delivering on outcomes for our clients’ investment goals. Utilising complex financial data and technology, meaning our fund managers can dedicate their time to making smart investment choices – freeing you up to focus on the things that matter to you.

What does this mean for my investments?

Each quarter, our team of investment experts combine global insights with local knowledge to determine how to re-balance the portfolios of each of the funds. This can stay within the risk level you have chosen and may mean greater returns than index-only options.

Capital at risk. The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise and are not guaranteed. Investors may not get back the amount originally invested.

1Source: Reuters, June 12 2025.

Important Information

This document is marketing material.

In the UK and Non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries: this is issued by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: 12 Throgmorton Avenue, London, EC2N 2DL. Tel: + 44 (0)20 7743 3000. Registered in England and Wales No. 02020394. For your protection telephone calls are usually recorded. Please refer to the Financial Conduct Authority website for a list of authorised activities conducted by BlackRock.

For investors in South Africa: Please be advised that BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited is an authorised Financial Services provider with the South African Financial Services Conduct Authority, FSP No. 43288.

Any research in this document has been procured and may have been acted on by BlackRock for its own purpose. The results of such research are being made available only incidentally. The views expressed do not constitute investment or any other advice and are subject to change. They do not necessarily reflect the views of any company in the BlackRock Group or any part thereof and no assurances are made as to their accuracy.

This document is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer or invitation to anyone to invest in any BlackRock funds and has not been prepared in connection with any such offer.

© 2025 BlackRock, Inc. All Rights reserved. BLACKROCK, BLACKROCK SOLUTIONS, and iSHARES are trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. or its affiliates All other trademarks are those of their respective owners.