Ray Dalio isn’t just another investor—he’s one of the greatest hedge fund managers of all time. His firm, Bridgewater Associates, has managed over $100 billion, and his All-Weather Portfolio was designed to survive anything the market throws at it.
Good times? It makes money.
Recession? It stays strong.
High inflation? No problem.
The best part? You don’t need a billion-dollar hedge fund to copy it. You can build your own version of Dalio’s legendary portfolio with just five ETFs—a simple, low-maintenance strategy built to withstand every market condition.
By the time you finish this article, you’ll know exactly what to buy, why it works, and how to set it up in minutes.
Why This Portfolio Just Works
Dalio’s investing philosophy is built on two simple but powerful ideas:
You can’t predict the future. Even the best investors get it wrong. The solution? Own assets that thrive in different economic environments.
Risk management is everything. Instead of chasing returns, this strategy balances risk across different types of assets.
The result? A portfolio that’s engineered to handle market crashes, inflation spikes, and economic slowdowns—without you constantly making changes.
The Secret Sauce: Covering All Market Conditions
Markets move based on two key forces: growth and inflation. There are only four possible economic environments:
Growth rises faster than expected → Stocks thrive
Growth falls relative to expectations → Bonds provide stability
Inflation rises more than expected → Commodities, certain stocks, and inflation-protected bonds shine
Inflation falls relative to expectations → Nominal bonds perform well
Most investors go all in on stocks, but that’s risky. The All-Weather Portfolio spreads its bets, ensuring something is always working.
The 5 ETFs to Build Your All-Weather Portfolio
You don’t need complicated trading strategies or expensive hedge funds. Here’s how to build a rock-solid portfolio with just five ETFs:
1. CI Canadian Equity Index ETF (30%)-($CCDN)
This is your growth engine—a broad exposure to the Canadian stock market.
Stocks perform best when the economy is booming.
2. CI U.S. 500 Index ETF (10%)-($CUSA)
U.S. stocks offer global exposure and diversification beyond Canada.
The American market has historically led global innovation and growth.
3. Sprott Precious Metals ETF (10%)-($
Gold and silver shine when inflation spikes or markets panic.
Precious metals act as a hedge against currency devaluation and economic uncertainty.
4. CI Canadian Aggregate Bond Index ETF (35%)-($CAGG)
Bonds provide stability when stocks crash.
In recessions or deflationary environments, bonds preserve capital and offer steady returns.
5. iShares Canadian Real Return Bond Index ETF (15%)-($XRB)
Protects against unexpected inflation by adjusting for rising prices.
Unlike regular bonds, these bonds increase in value when inflation rises.
Set It and (Almost) Forget It
This portfolio isn’t just easy to build—it’s easy to maintain.
Rebalance once a year to keep the target allocation intact.
No need to time the market—this strategy is built for long-term success.
Lower stress, better sleep—because your portfolio is designed for any market condition.
If you want a simple, proven strategy backed by one of the world’s most successful investors, this is it.
The All-Weather Portfolio isn’t about chasing the next hot stock—it’s about building lasting wealth, no matter what the economy does next.
Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with a financial advisor before making investment decisions.