Asset Allocation Fund

An asset allocation fund is a fund that provides investors with a diversified portfolio of investments across various asset classes. The asset allocation of the fund can be fixed or variable among a mix of asset classes. Popular asset categories for asset allocation funds include stocks, bonds and cash equivalents. 

Asset allocation funds were developed from modern portfolio theory. Modern portfolio theory shows that investors can achieve optimal returns by investing in a diversified portfolio of investments included in an efficient frontier. The standard applications of modern portfolio theory investing include an efficient frontier of stocks, bonds and cash equivalents. Furthermore, modern portfolio theory outlines how a portfolio can vary its asset mix to tailor to the risk tolerance of the investor.

Asset allocation funds provide a simplified application of modern portfolio theory with varying allocations and combinations of assets for investors. One of the most common types of asset allocation funds is a "balanced fund." A balanced fund implies a balanced allocation of equities and fixed income, such as 60% stocks and 40% bonds. Investors will find numerous funds deploying the 60/40 mix as it has become a popular standardized strategy for investors seeking broad market diversification. Asset allocation funds also offer varying levels of diversification based on risk tolerance. Investors seeking additional investing categories beyond just 60/40 will find many options, including conservative allocation funds, moderate allocation funds and aggressive alloca­tion funds.

"Life-cycle" or "target-date" funds, usually used in retirement planning, are also considered a type of asset allocation fund. These funds are managed with a targeted mix of asset classes that starts out with a higher risk-return position and gradually becomes less risky as the fund nears its targeted utilization date.

After determining a targeted asset allocation, funds can manage their investment selection in a number of ways. Some funds may choose to invest in a variety of exchange-traded funds to represent different market exposures. Other funds may take a more active approach by using fundamental analysis to select top performing securities in each asset class. Overall, most funds will actively monitor and allocate securities in response to evolving market conditions and economic environments.

Below are examples of some of the investment industry’s top asset allocation funds.

iShares Core Aggressive Allocation ETF (AOA)

The iShares Core Aggressive Allocation ETF is a tracker fund that seeks to replicate the performance of the S&P Target Risk Aggressive Index. The Fund invests in targeted ETFs that seek to replicate the Index. The Index is heavily weighted towards equities, targeting investors with high risk tolerance.

iShares Core Conservative Allocation ETF (AOK)

The iShares Core Conservative Allocation ETF is a tracker fund that seeks to replicate the performance of the S&P Target Risk Conservative Index. The Fund invests in ETFs that seek to replicate the Index. The Index is heavily weighted towards fixed income, targeting investors with a more conservative risk tolerance.

Vanguard Balanced Index (VBINX)

Investors seeking asset allocation funds will find a number of options with Vanguard. The firm’s Vanguard Balanced Index fund invests approximately 60% in stocks and 40% in bonds. Its holdings seek to track two indexes, the CRSP US Total Market Index and the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Float Adjusted Bond Index.