60/40 Portfolio Comeback: AOR ETF Matches S&P 500 Return So Far (Downgrade)

iShares Core 60/40 Balanced Allocation ETF has delivered a 14% total return, matching SPY, aided by international exposure and bond performance. I'm downgrading AOR to "Hold" due to elevated global equity valuations and lower bond yields, signaling less attractive risk/reward ahead. AOR remains diversified, low-cost, and liquid, but technical indicators suggest potential near-term weakness and softer future gains.

Seeking Alpha • Oct 17, 2025

AOR Can Be The Passive Investor's Answer To No-Maintenance Investing

AOR offers a low-cost, diversified 60/40 equity and fixed income allocation, ideal for passive investors seeking a hands-off, all-in-one portfolio solution. While AOR provides broad asset class exposure and automatic rebalancing, it has historically underperformed lower-cost alternatives like VBAIX and VTI/BND blends. AOR's volatility can be higher due to small- and mid-cap exposure, but its structure helps minimize downside risk and simplifies portfolio management.

Seeking Alpha • Aug 5, 2025

ETF Strategies to Follow in 2H 2025

Markets hit new record with bets on a "Goldilocks" economy, but volatility persists. AI and international ETFs like QQQ, IVES and EZU could be good bets for 2H.

Zacks Investment Research • Jul 3, 2025

Should You Invest in Multi-Asset ETFs Now?

Volatile markets revive interest in multi-asset ETFs like AOR, AOA, AOM, AOK and MDIV for balanced growth, income and diversification.

Zacks Investment Research • May 23, 2025

Enough With 60/40, Consider 100% Dividend Strategy For Retirement

The 60/40 portfolio, with 60% in equities and 40% in bonds, has long been the gold standard in the investment game. Yet, it has failed to deliver on its promise. In my view, a durable income strategy is a better approach, especially for funding retirement and becoming financially independent.

Seeking Alpha • Apr 18, 2025

Retirees Can Look At Balanced Allocation ETFs For An Easier Time Managing Their Wealth

Retirees looking for more of a one-stop-shop investment solution that takes care of asset allocation may wish to check out some of the “balanced” ETF offerings offered by iShares.

24/7 Wall Street • Mar 8, 2025

AOR: Passive Fund For Investors With Moderate Risk Tolerance

iShares Core Growth Allocation ETF offers a diversified, balanced portfolio with a 60% equity and 40% fixed income allocation, ideal for moderate risk tolerance. AOR's historical performance shows lower volatility and drawdowns compared to a 100% S&P 500 portfolio, making it suitable for risk-averse investors. With a low expense ratio of 0.15% and a 2.44% quarterly dividend, AOR provides cost-effective, passive global investment exposure.

Seeking Alpha • Sep 9, 2024

AOR: A Balanced Portfolio But Not Growth Oriented

iShares Core Growth Allocation ETF has a balanced portfolio of fixed income and equity funds. AOR has yet to reach its price peak from late 2021, while the S&P 500 index has already surpassed its peak. AOR is not a growth-oriented fund and is likely to underperform the S&P 500 index in the long run.

Seeking Alpha • Jun 11, 2024

5 Defensive Investment ETF Strategies for Your Portfolio

Market volatility roared back in recent weeks on growing inflation worries, the uncertain timing of Fed rate cuts and escalating geopolitical tension in the Middle East. The combination of these factors has made investors jittery, compelling them to revisit their portfolios.

Zacks Investment Research • Apr 18, 2024

AOR: Not The Most Capital-Efficient 60/40 ETF

iShares Core Growth Allocation ETF has a 60/40 allocation in global equities and bonds through ETFs. Exposure to foreign securities implies some currency risk, which has been detrimental since the fund's inception in 2008. Among competitors, WisdomTree U.S. Efficient Core Fund implements a 60/40 strategy with a 1.5 leveraging factor and about 98% of assets in U.S. issuers.

Seeking Alpha • Jan 29, 2024