PortfoliosLab logoPortfoliosLab logo

Documentation

Upgrade your plan
MS Advanced Balanced
Performance
Return for Risk
Dividends
Drawdowns
Volatility
Diversification

MS Advanced Balanced

Currency in CAD · Last updated Apr 3, 2026

https://www.moneysense.ca/save/investing/advanced-couch-potato-investing-portfolio/

Asset Allocation

ZFL.TO 10.00%XSB.TO 10.00%XTLH.TO 10.00%XIC.TO 16.67%XUS.TO 16.67%PRA.TO 10.00%XEF.TO 8.33%VEE.TO 8.33%CGR.TO 10.00%BondBondEquityEquityReal EstateReal Estate
PositionCategory/SectorTarget Weight
CGR.TO
iShares Global Real Estate Index ETF		REIT
10%
PRA.TO
Purpose Diversified Real Asset Fund
10%
VEE.TO
Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap Index ETF		Emerging Markets Equities
8.33%
XEF.TO
iShares Core MSCI EAFE IMI Index ETF		Global Equities
8.33%
XIC.TO
iShares Core S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF		Canada Equities
16.67%
XSB.TO
iShares Core Canadian Short Term Bond Index ETF		Canadian Government Bonds
10%
XTLH.TO
iShares 20+ Year U.S. Treasury Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged)		Government Bonds, Long-Term Bond
10%
XUS.TO
iShares Core S&P 500 Index ETF		S&P 500
16.67%
ZFL.TO
BMO Long Federal Bond		Canadian Government Bonds
10%

S&P 500 Index

Performance

Performance Chart

The chart shows the growth of an initial investment of CA$10,000 in MS Advanced Balanced, comparing it to the performance of the S&P 500 index or another benchmark. All prices have been adjusted for splits and dividends. The portfolio is rebalanced Every 3 months.

Loading graphics...

The earliest data available for this chart is Mar 2, 2023, corresponding to the inception date of XTLH.TO

Returns By Period

1D1MYTD6M1Y3Y*5Y*10Y*
Benchmark
S&P 500 Index
0.48%-2.20%-2.42%-2.12%20.50%18.26%12.69%12.98%
Portfolio
MS Advanced Balanced
0.39%-1.25%3.94%4.31%17.76%11.73%——
Portfolio components:
XIC.TO
iShares Core S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF		0.44%-2.21%5.02%9.84%39.35%21.12%14.69%12.66%
XUS.TO
iShares Core S&P 500 Index ETF		0.35%-2.17%-2.26%-1.75%21.77%19.58%13.95%14.51%
XEF.TO
iShares Core MSCI EAFE IMI Index ETF		-0.48%-1.72%3.39%4.48%25.47%15.72%10.07%9.42%
VEE.TO
Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap Index ETF		-0.51%-1.23%1.40%-0.52%21.75%14.05%5.27%7.79%
CGR.TO
iShares Global Real Estate Index ETF		1.12%-3.48%5.28%2.32%5.06%8.48%4.22%3.72%
ZFL.TO
BMO Long Federal Bond		0.55%-2.74%0.21%-2.41%-7.92%-2.04%-4.32%-1.31%
XSB.TO
iShares Core Canadian Short Term Bond Index ETF		0.11%-0.52%0.32%0.54%2.25%4.20%1.94%1.95%
PRA.TO
Purpose Diversified Real Asset Fund		1.05%6.06%24.69%29.10%36.88%17.55%16.98%11.52%
XTLH.TO
iShares 20+ Year U.S. Treasury Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged)		0.57%-2.87%0.15%-1.81%-2.49%-4.24%——
*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

Monthly Returns

Based on dividend-adjusted daily data since Mar 3, 2023, MS Advanced Balanced's average daily return is +0.05%, while the average monthly return is +0.95%. At this rate, your investment would double in approximately 6.1 years.

Historically, 68% of months were positive and 32% were negative. The best month was Nov 2023 with a return of +6.4%, while the worst month was Sep 2023 at -4.1%. The longest winning streak lasted 7 consecutive months, and the longest losing streak was 3 months.

On a daily basis, MS Advanced Balanced closed higher 56% of trading days. The best single day was Apr 9, 2025 with a return of +3.5%, while the worst single day was Apr 3, 2025 at -3.1%.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecTotal
20262.20%4.49%-3.34%0.70%3.94%
20252.97%0.81%-1.46%-2.63%2.59%2.20%0.94%1.93%3.95%1.38%0.94%-1.17%12.95%
2024-0.94%2.04%2.88%-2.30%2.64%0.89%3.50%0.68%2.90%-0.62%3.34%-2.47%12.99%
20231.25%1.57%-3.20%2.02%1.68%-0.94%-4.07%-1.25%6.43%3.65%6.91%

Benchmark Metrics

MS Advanced Balanced has an annualized alpha of 4.00%, beta of 0.44, and R² of 0.54 versus S&P 500 Index. Calculated based on daily prices since March 03, 2023.

  • This portfolio participates in less of S&P 500 Index's moves in both directions, but captures a larger share of gains (55.22%) than losses (46.61%) — typical of diversified or defensive assets.
  • This portfolio generated an annualized alpha of 4.00% versus S&P 500 Index — delivering returns beyond what market exposure alone would predict.
  • Beta of 0.44 indicates this portfolio moves significantly less than S&P 500 Index — a genuinely defensive profile with reduced participation in both market rallies and downturns.
Alpha
4.00%
Beta
0.44
R²
0.54
Upside Capture
55.22%
Downside Capture
46.61%

Expense Ratio

MS Advanced Balanced has an expense ratio of 0.19%, which is considered low. Below, you can find the expense ratios of the portfolio's funds side by side and easily compare their relative costs.

CGR.TO
iShares Global Real Estate Index ETF
VEE.TO
Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap Index ETF
XEF.TO
iShares Core MSCI EAFE IMI Index ETF
ZFL.TO
BMO Long Federal Bond
XTLH.TO
iShares 20+ Year U.S. Treasury Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged)
XSB.TO
iShares Core Canadian Short Term Bond Index ETF
XUS.TO
iShares Core S&P 500 Index ETF
XIC.TO
iShares Core S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF

Return for Risk

Risk / Return Rank

MS Advanced Balanced ranks 49 for risk / return — on par with similar portfolios. You're getting a typical balance of risk and reward. Not a standout, but not a red flag either — a reasonable choice if other factors align with your goals.

MS Advanced Balanced Risk / Return Rank: 4949
Overall Rank
MS Advanced Balanced Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6161
Sharpe Ratio Rank
MS Advanced Balanced Sortino Ratio Rank: 5252
Sortino Ratio Rank
MS Advanced Balanced Omega Ratio Rank: 6060
Omega Ratio Rank
MS Advanced Balanced Calmar Ratio Rank: 3535
Calmar Ratio Rank
MS Advanced Balanced Martin Ratio Rank: 3737
Martin Ratio Rank
The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

Return / Risk — by metrics

PortfolioBenchmarkDifference

Sharpe ratio

Return per unit of total volatility

1.40

0.75

+0.65

Sortino ratio

Return per unit of downside risk

1.87

1.14

+0.73

Omega ratio

Gain probability vs. loss probability

1.29

1.18

+0.11

Calmar ratio

Return relative to maximum drawdown

1.62

1.15

+0.47

Martin ratio

Return relative to average drawdown

7.05

4.21

+2.84

Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

How much return does each position deliver for the risk it carries? Higher values mean better reward for the risk taken.

Risk / Return RankSharpe ratioSortino ratioOmega ratioCalmar ratioMartin ratio
XIC.TO
iShares Core S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF		912.242.831.453.2314.37
XUS.TO
iShares Core S&P 500 Index ETF		370.761.141.181.194.41
XEF.TO
iShares Core MSCI EAFE IMI Index ETF		641.281.791.261.897.10
VEE.TO
Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap Index ETF		481.031.461.211.405.07
CGR.TO
iShares Global Real Estate Index ETF		200.340.561.080.501.65
ZFL.TO
BMO Long Federal Bond		2-0.74-0.930.89-0.78-1.20
XSB.TO
iShares Core Canadian Short Term Bond Index ETF		551.181.611.231.536.03
PRA.TO
Purpose Diversified Real Asset Fund		912.543.131.472.8113.01
XTLH.TO
iShares 20+ Year U.S. Treasury Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged)		7-0.22-0.230.97-0.27-0.53

Sharpe Ratio

The Sharpe ratio helps investors understand how much return they're getting for the level of risk taken. A higher Sharpe ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance, meaning more reward for each unit of risk.

MS Advanced Balanced Sharpe ratios as of Apr 3, 2026 (values are recalculated daily):

  • 1-Year: 1.40
  • All Time: 1.42

These values reflect how efficiently the investment has delivered returns relative to its volatility over different time periods. All figures are annualized and based on daily total returns (including price changes and dividends).

Compared to the broad market, where average Sharpe ratios range from 0.98 to 1.66, this portfolio's current Sharpe ratio falls between the 25th and 75th percentiles. This indicates that its risk-adjusted performance is in line with the majority of portfolios, suggesting a balanced approach to risk and return—likely suitable for a wide range of investors.

The chart below shows the rolling Sharpe ratio of MS Advanced Balanced compared to the selected benchmark. This view highlights how the investment's risk-adjusted performance has changed over time.

Loading graphics...

Dividends

Dividend yield

MS Advanced Balanced provided a 2.45% dividend yield over the last twelve months.

TTM20252024202320222021202020192018201720162015
Portfolio2.45%2.62%2.65%2.61%2.31%1.74%1.88%2.19%2.21%2.11%2.08%2.30%
Portfolio components:
XIC.TO
iShares Core S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF		2.13%2.23%2.64%2.95%3.10%2.44%3.03%3.01%3.19%2.49%2.72%3.21%
XUS.TO
iShares Core S&P 500 Index ETF		1.29%1.26%1.03%1.22%1.38%0.99%1.35%2.02%1.77%1.48%1.66%1.70%
XEF.TO
iShares Core MSCI EAFE IMI Index ETF		2.35%2.43%2.76%2.75%2.93%2.42%1.93%2.72%2.76%2.10%2.42%2.42%
VEE.TO
Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap Index ETF		2.14%2.26%2.45%2.83%3.35%2.18%1.61%2.71%2.21%1.89%1.99%2.53%
CGR.TO
iShares Global Real Estate Index ETF		2.39%2.51%2.52%2.59%2.40%1.70%2.22%2.10%2.54%4.25%2.83%2.97%
ZFL.TO
BMO Long Federal Bond		2.99%3.13%3.20%3.49%3.77%2.85%2.57%2.95%3.00%2.99%3.05%3.10%
XSB.TO
iShares Core Canadian Short Term Bond Index ETF		3.14%3.15%3.05%2.67%2.28%2.05%2.21%2.39%2.39%2.36%2.36%2.50%
PRA.TO
Purpose Diversified Real Asset Fund		2.08%3.23%2.95%3.12%1.93%1.25%1.52%1.57%1.77%1.55%1.64%2.09%
XTLH.TO
iShares 20+ Year U.S. Treasury Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged)		4.50%4.42%4.32%2.67%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%0.00%

Drawdowns

Drawdowns Chart

The Drawdowns chart displays portfolio losses from any high point along the way. Drawdowns are calculated considering price movements and all distributions paid, if any.

Loading graphics...

Worst Drawdowns

The table below displays the maximum drawdowns of the MS Advanced Balanced. A maximum drawdown is a measure of risk, indicating the largest reduction in portfolio value due to a series of losing trades.

The maximum drawdown for the MS Advanced Balanced was 9.81%, occurring on Apr 8, 2025. Recovery took 53 trading sessions.

The current MS Advanced Balanced drawdown is 2.71%.

Depth

Start

To Bottom

Bottom

To Recover

End

Total

-9.81%Mar 3, 202527Apr 8, 202553Jun 24, 202580
-7.03%Jul 27, 202362Oct 25, 202327Dec 1, 202389
-6.2%Feb 27, 202616Mar 20, 2026———
-4.19%Dec 10, 202422Jan 13, 202513Jan 30, 202535
-3.37%May 1, 202339Jun 23, 202317Jul 19, 202356

Volatility

Volatility Chart

The chart below shows the rolling one-month volatility.

Loading graphics...

Diversification

Diversification Metrics

Number of Effective Assets

The portfolio contains 9 assets, with an effective number of assets of 8.37, reflecting the diversification based on asset allocation. This number of effective assets indicates a moderate level of diversification, where some assets may have a more significant influence on overall performance.

Asset Correlations Table

The table below displays the correlation coefficients between the individual components of the portfolio, the entire portfolio, and the chosen benchmark.
BenchmarkPRA.TOXSB.TOXTLH.TOZFL.TOVEE.TOCGR.TOXUS.TOXIC.TOXEF.TOPortfolio
Benchmark1.000.250.070.060.070.520.390.970.580.620.69
PRA.TO0.251.000.000.060.040.350.360.270.520.380.53
XSB.TO0.070.001.000.660.820.090.320.060.150.220.42
XTLH.TO0.060.060.661.000.820.080.320.060.160.200.48
ZFL.TO0.070.040.820.821.000.070.350.080.150.220.49
VEE.TO0.520.350.090.080.071.000.320.530.530.650.64
CGR.TO0.390.360.320.320.350.321.000.420.440.520.68
XUS.TO0.970.270.060.060.080.530.421.000.600.650.71
XIC.TO0.580.520.150.160.150.530.440.601.000.680.79
XEF.TO0.620.380.220.200.220.650.520.650.681.000.80
Portfolio0.690.530.420.480.490.640.680.710.790.801.00
The correlation results are calculated based on daily price changes starting from Mar 3, 2023