Asset Class ETF Picks
Research-Driven ETF Selections by Asset Class
This is the same research-driven list I use to represent core asset class exposure across portfolios — from simpler two or three core funds representing broad allocations for smaller accounts, to comprehensive portfolios holding multiple ETFs across U.S. growth and value, international developed and emerging markets, small-caps, commodities, and gold.
Each ETF was chosen for its risk-adjusted performance, manager skill, cost efficiency, and relevance within a diversified portfolio.
Below are educational articles explaining how to combine these holdings into balanced portfolios and align them with long-term objectives. Readers are welcome to share feedback or suggestions on how this research can better support their goals.
Subscribers are welcome to reach out with thoughts or suggestions to support their investing journey to grow true wealth.
Max Target Weight: Upper guideline based on each holding’s role and typical portfolio use (does not total to 100%).
| Asset Class / Category | ETF | Portfolio Fit | 🛡 | Max Target Weight |
Objective / Commentary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Equities | |||||
| U.S. Broad | Capital Group U.S. Equity ETF (CGUS) | Covers large-, mid-, and small-cap U.S. stocks; a simple one-fund U.S. core for a 2–3 fund portfolio or anchor in a larger one. | 4 | 20% | Actively managed ETF seeking growth and income from U.S. stocks. Combines broad market exposure with active management for lower risk. Uses a single-manager approach. |
| U.S. Large Blend | Capital Group Dividend Value ETF (CGDV) | Primarily large-cap exposure; serves as a core fund and can be paired with other U.S. sleeves. | 4 | 20% | Actively managed U.S. large-cap dividend/value ETF. Though labeled value/dividend, its growth tilt makes it closer to a core blend. Strong risk-adjusted returns and competitive performance. Multi-manager structure. |
| U.S. Large Growth | Capital Group Growth ETF (CGGR) | Large-cap growth focus; pairs well with a large-cap value sleeve for balance. | 5 | 15% | Actively managed U.S. growth ETF targeting long-term capital appreciation. Provides sector flexibility and exposure to innovative leaders. Supported by a multi-manager process with competitive performance. |
| U.S. Large Value | Avantis U.S. Large Cap Value ETF (AVLV) | Large-cap value sleeve; diversifies away from expensive Big Tech and complements CGUS or CGGR. | 4 | 20% | Actively managed U.S. large-cap value ETF. Diversified portfolio of undervalued, profitable firms. Evidence-based methodology with strong outperformance vs. the Russell 1000 Value Index. |
| International Equities | |||||
| International Broad | Avantis All International Markets Value ETF (AVNV) | Covers large-, mid-, and small-cap stocks across developed and emerging markets; a simple one-fund international core. | 4 | 20% | Actively managed “fund of funds” providing developed and EM exposure. Combines active management with a systematic, factor-based process emphasizing undervalued, profitable firms. Designed for cost efficiency, tax efficiency, and diversification. Rebalances allocations across Avantis ETFs in a single holding. |
| International Developed Broad | Avantis International Equity ETF (AVDE) | Developed-markets, all-cap; pairs naturally with EM exposure. | 4 | 20% | Actively managed developed-market ETF offering diversified exposure across non-U.S. companies. Uses a value and profitability tilt, with a strong record of outperforming benchmarks since 2019. |
| International Developed Large | Avantis International Large Cap Value ETF (AVIV) | Large-cap developed markets; pairs well with AVEM. | 4 | 20% | Actively managed developed-market large-cap value ETF. Focuses on undervalued firms with strong fundamentals, such as earnings and cash-flow growth, for long-term appreciation. |
| International Developed Small Cap | Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF (AVDV) | Small-cap developed markets; complements large-cap sleeves. | 5 | 5% | Actively managed small-cap value ETF in developed markets. Focuses on undervalued, profitable smaller firms with higher growth potential and strong risk-adjusted outcomes. |
| International Emerging Markets Broad | Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVEM) | All-cap EM exposure (China, Taiwan, India, etc.); complements developed-market funds. | 5 | 10% | Actively managed emerging-markets ETF spanning all cap sizes. Differentiates from indexes by overweighting undervalued, profitable companies for disciplined EM exposure. |
| Fixed Income | |||||
| U.S. Bond Broad (Core-Plus) | JPMorgan Core Plus Bond ETF (JCPB) | Intermediate bond exposure; core ballast against equities. | 3 | 20% | Actively managed; invests mainly in investment-grade bonds, MBS, and Treasuries. May decline if rates rise. |
| U.S. Bond Short-Term | JPMorgan Ultra-Short Income ETF (JPST) | Short-term bonds; cash-like buffer with less rate risk than intermediate-term bonds. | 1 | 20% | Actively managed; invests mostly in investment-grade corporate and asset-backed securities. |
| Money Market | iShares Prime Money Market ETF (PMMF) | Cash-equivalent liquidity with minimal risk; typically yields more than savings accounts. | 1 | N/A | Actively managed money market ETF offering immediate liquidity and capital stability. |
| Real Assets | |||||
| Commodity Futures | First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy ETF (FTGC) | Broad commodity mix; often better suited for tax-advantaged accounts. | 5 | 5% | Actively managed across energy, agriculture, and metals with tactical roll strategy. |
| Gold | abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL) | Defensive hedge; often more tax-efficient in IRAs. | 3 | 10% | Physically backed gold ETF for inflation and geopolitical hedging. |
Guides & Insights
Disclaimer
Your True Wealth is not a registered investment adviser. Our intent is to provide professional and credible financial education—resources often reserved for the affluent—in a way that is accessible to everyone. Therefore, this is financial education—not advice—and no buy or sell recommendations are provided. Every individual’s situation—and risk tolerance—is different, so readers should think critically, do their homework, and stay focused on long-term goals. Consult a licensed professional for personalized advice.