20 Different 3 Fund Expanded Canvas Portfolios With 4+ Strategies

Sometimes it’s a good idea to give yourself a creative challenge.

One of my biggest weaknesses as an investor, that I’ve tried my best not to spill over profusely onto this site, is that I’m inclined towards complexity.

I love keeping a messy room when it comes to my own personal portfolio.

In other words, I’ve got lots of funds under the hood.

Way more than the average investor.

In terms of constructive feedback, I’ve had investors tell me that my portfolio ideas (that tend to be somewhere between 5 to 10 funds on average) are often overly complicated.

Hence, I’ve given myself a fun challenge.

Creative expanded canvas portfolio ideas with 3 funds, 20 portfolios and 4 strategies each

Can I come up with diversified model portfolios that are capital efficient using only three funds?

Here is my specific mandate:

Create a series of diversified portfolios that offer 4 or more strategies that are limited to just 3 funds.

At first, I thought I’d maybe only come up with 4 to 6.

However, I’ve got 20 to share with you today!

Yes, you heard that correctly.

20.

Furthermore, they all follow the guidelines and template of the Picture Perfect Portfolios 2.0 model portfolios:

  1. Capital Efficiency
  2. Maximum Diversification
  3. Optimization

An attempt by an amateur investor to come up with serious portfolios with absolutely ridiculous names.

You’ll notice they range from 140% to 200% canvas size and from ultra defensive (tactical equity exposure of 0% in defensive mode) to 100% equities plus diversifiers.

Moreover, each portfolio features a minimum of 4 strategies and a maximum of 9.

This challenge helped me to think more creatively and to tighten the reigns.

I was actually surprised that it’s a cinch to put together a diversified portfolio with just 3 funds.

So without further ado, let’s explore them!

Hey guys! Here is the part where I mention I’m a travel vlogger! This investing opinion blog post is entirely for entertainment purposes only. There could be considerable errors in the data I gathered. This is not financial advice. Do your own due diligence and research. Consult with a financial advisor. 

20 Expanded Canvas Portfolios: 3 Funds / 4+ Strategies

"The Perfect Pizza Portfolio" with a wide variety of toppings symbolizing different types of investments, surrounded by people excited and eager to dive in. The vibrant colors and exaggerated expressions capture the humorous and surreal quality of the concept.

These asset allocation ideas and model portfolios presented herein are purely for entertainment purposes only. This is NOT investment advice. These models are hypothetical and are intended to provide general information about potential ways to organize a portfolio based on theoretical scenarios and assumptions. They do not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation/goals, risk tolerance and/or specific needs of any particular individual. 

Perfect Pizza Portfolio

40% $RSSY – Return Stacked U.S. Equity & Futures Yield ETF (coming soon)
40% $RSBT – Return Stacked Bonds & Managed Futures ETF
20% $GDMN – WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Gold Miners Strategy Fund

Canvas: 196%

Exposures:

40% Equities
40% Carry (Futures)
40% Managed Futures
40% Bonds
36% Gold Strategy (Gold exposure + Gold producing equities)

Strategies: 6

Objective: A capital efficient alternative to an equal slice Harry Browne Portfolio with extra diversifiers (managed futures & carry) instead of cash

Benchmark: Harry Browne Permanent Portfolio (25% VTI / 25% GLD / 25% TLT / 25% BIL)

Adventurous chase of a group of bounty hunters and spies, set on defeating an "all equity portfolio" monster. The scene is vibrant and filled with action, humorously intertwining finance and adventure in a visually striking way.

Bounty Hunter Portfolio

40% $RSST – Return Stacked US Stocks & Managed Futures ETF
40% $RSSB – Return Stacked Global Stocks & Bonds ETF
20% $RSSY – Return Stacked U.S. Equity & Futures Yield ETF (coming soon)

Canvas: 200%

Exposures:

100% Equities
40% Bonds
40% Managed Futures
20% Carry (Futures)

Strategies: 4

Objective: To outperform an all equity portfolio utilizing a diverse capital efficient ensemble of 100% alternatives added to the mix

Benchmark: 100% Equities (60% SPY + 40% VT)

Concept of a "Tightrope Walker Portfolio," symbolizing a balanced approach to investing in a humorously exaggerated Pop Art style. The vibrant scene captures a tightrope walker balancing investments, teetering high above a cityscape, with a colorful and dynamic background illustrating the financial market's ups and downs.

Tightrope Walker Portfolio

40% $UPAR – UPAR Ultra Risk Parity ETF
40% $BLNDX – Standpoint Multi-Asset Fund
20% $QDSIX – AQR Diversifying Strategies Fund

Canvas: Variable

Exposures:

Global Equities
Bonds (including TIPs)
Managed Futures
Gold
Market Neutral
Macro
Style Premia
Arbitrage
Multi-Asset

Strategies: 9

Objective: As balanced and diverse of a portfolio that one could possibly assemble where maximum diversity is priority numero uno

Benchmark: None

The Chameleon Portfolio," showcasing the adaptability in investing with a whimsical and vivid Pop Art style. The scene features a giant chameleon, skin adorned with financial symbols, adeptly snatching up various investment opportunities with its tongue, set against a backdrop filled with financial market chaos, all in eye-catching colors and exaggerated forms.

The Chameleon Portfolio

50% $BLNDX – Standpoint Multi-Asset Fund
25% $RDMIX – Rational/ReSolve Adaptive Asset Allocation Fund
25% $QSPIX – AQR Style Premia Alternative Fund

Canvas: Variable

Exposures:

Global Equities
Managed Futures (Trend)
Bonds
Global Systematic Macro
Tail-Risk
Style Premia

Strategies: 6

Objective: An adaptive alternative to a global static risk parity portfolio where diversification reigns supreme

Benchmark: Global Risk Parity (50% $AGG / 30% $VT / 10% $GLD / 10% $DBC)

"Coin It Portfolio," with a comical emphasis on Bitcoin's significant role within an investment portfolio. Captures investors' fascination with Bitcoin, humorously depicted through their interactions with an oversized golden Bitcoin, all set against a dynamic backdrop of financial symbols and crypto chaos.

Coin It Portfolio

40% $GDE – WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund ETF
36% $RSBT – Return Stacked Bonds & Managed Futures ETF
24% $BTRN – Bitcoin Trend Strategy ET

Canvas: 168%

Exposures:

36% Equities
36% Gold
36% Managed Futures
36% Bonds
24% Bitcoin (Trend-Following)

Strategies: 5

Objective: A diversified and capital efficient balanced portfolio with a generous allocation budget and tilt towards Bitcoin

Benchmark: None

Concept of value investing in a humorous and exaggerated in this vibrant scene features a savvy investor vulture, perched atop a treasure trove of undervalued assets, with a keen eye for spotting deals amidst the colorful chaos of the financial market.

Value Vulture Portfolio

60% $AVGV – Avantis All Equity Markets Value ETF
20% $RSBT – Return Stacked Bonds & Managed Futures ETF
20% $GOLY – Strategy Shares Gold-Hedged Bond ETF

Canvas: 140%

Exposures:

60% Global Value Equities
40% Bonds
20% Managed Futures
20% Gold

Strategies: 4

Objective: A balanced take on a global value tilted portfolio with three additional strategies added to the mix (bonds, managed futures, gold)

Benchmark: Global 60/40 (60% VT / 40% AGG)

Pack Mule Portfolio" image, which humorously visualizes a heavily diversified investment strategy. The scene features a colorful and cartoonish pack mule, overloaded with an assortment of investment instruments, embodying the complexity and effort of managing a diversified portfolio in a light-hearted manner.

Pack Mule Portfolio (60/40+)

40% $RSSB – Return Stacked Global Stocks & Bonds ETF
20% $RSST – Return Stacked US Stocks & Managed Futures ETF
40% $QDSIX – AQR Style Premia Alternative Fund

Canvas: 160%

Exposures:

60% Equities
40% Bonds
20% Managed Futures
40% Alt-Other:
Market Neutral
Macro
Style Premia
Arbitrage
Multi-Asset

Strategies: 8

Objective: To pack mule a diverse set of alternatives to the backbone of a 60/40 portfolio

Benchmark: 60/40 Portfolio (VBIAX and AOR)

Even-Steven Portfolio" image, illustrating the concept of a perfectly balanced investment strategy with aesthetics. This whimsical scene features a cartoonish investor on a giant scale, achieving financial equilibrium with a variety of investment instruments, set against a vibrant, comic-style financial backdrop.

Even-Steven Portfolio

50% $ACWV – iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF
25% $RSBT – Return Stacked Bonds & Managed Futures ETF
25% $GOLY – Strategy Shares Gold-Hedged Bond ETF

Canvas: 140%

Exposures:

50% Global Min Vol Equities
50% Bonds
25% Managed Futures
25% Gold

Strategies: 4

Objective: Equal Parts Equities (50%), Bonds (50%) and Alternatives (50%) for a balanced defensive approach.

Benchmark: 50% VT / 50% AGG

So Trendy Portfolio" image, set in a disco scene that humorously reflects a portfolio always aligned with the latest market trends. This vibrant and colorful scene features cartoonish investors in exaggerated '70s disco attire, dancing under a disco ball adorned with trendy investment symbols, all captured in the lively manner.

So Trendy Portfolio

50% $BLNDX – Standpoint Multi-Asset Fund
30% $GMOM – Cambria Global Momentum ETF
20% $COM – Direxion Auspice Broad Commodity Strategy ETF

Canvas: Variable

Exposures:

Global Equities (MCW + factors)
Managed Futures
Bonds
Commodities (long + long/flat)

Strategies: 4

Objective: A pure trend portfolio (long, long-flat and long-short strategies) with exposure to a diverse range of global asset classes

Benchmark: AOK and AOR

"Quantassaurus Portfolio" image, where the concept of quantitative analysis in investing is humorously personified by a dinosaur. It captures the 'Quantassaurus' towering over a financial cityscape, using a giant calculator and wearing glasses, amidst a vibrant and chaotic blend of stock market symbols and charts.

Quantasaurus Portfolio

40% $SPQ – Simplify US Equity PLUS QIS ETF
40% $RSBT – Return Stacked Bonds & Managed Futures ETF
20% $GDE – WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund ETF

Canvas: 176%

Exposures:

58% Equities
40% Bonds
40% Managed Futures
20% QIS Multi-Strategy
18% Gold

Strategies: 5

Objective: An alternative tilted portfolio where 78% of the portfolio exposure is committed to strategies other than long-stocks and bonds

Benchmark: None

Living Large L/S Portfolio," where the thrilling world of long/short equity strategies is brought to life with cartoonish investors riding oversized stock market bulls and bears. This scene is filled with the vibrant energy and bold colors of Pop Art, humorously depicting the high-stakes atmosphere of aggressive investment tactics.

Living Large L/S Portfolio

40% $RSST – Return Stacked US Stocks & Managed Futures ETF
40% $QLEIX – AQR Long-Short Equity Fund
20% $QSPIX – AQR Style Premia Alternative Fund

Canvas: 140%

Exposures:

40% Equities
40% Long-Short Equities
40% Managed Futures
20% Style Premia

Strategies: 4

Objective: A portfolio where every fund has exposure to L/S strategies across a diverse range of asset classes.

Benchmark: None

The Sloth Portfolio" image, depicting a sloth as an investor embodying a slow and steady investment strategy, humorously contrasted against the fast-paced financial market backdrop

The Sloth Portfolio

35% $GDE – WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Fund
35% $
RSBT – Return Stacked Bonds & Managed Futures ETF
30% $CAOS – Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF

Canvas: 163%

Exposures:

31.5% Equities
31.5% Gold
35% Bonds
35% Managed Futures (Trend)
30% Tail Risk: OTM Put

Strategies: 5

Objective: A Dragon-inspired portfolio with a slow and steady approach to accumulation whilst defensively being prepared for all economic scenarios

Benchmark: None

"Factorious Portfolio" image, depicting a mad scientist investor experimenting with various investment factors. This scene captures the essence of factor investing with a creative and exaggerated twist, complete with comic-style financial symbols and explosions.

Factorious Portfolio

60% $GLOF – iShares Global Equity Factor ETF
20% $RSBT – Return Stacked Bonds & Managed Futures ETF
20% $RSBY – Return Stacked Bonds & Futures Yield ETF (coming soon)

Canvas: 140%

Exposures:

60% Global Multi-Factor Equities
40% Bonds
20% Managed Futures (Trend)
20% Carry (Futures)

Strategies: 4

Objective: A factor first approach to asset allocation where a multi-strategy approach is favoured over MCW equities.

Benchmark: 60% VT / 40% AGG

Imaginative process of crafting a diversified investment portfolio with a tiny artist painting on a gigantic canvas. It portrays the meticulous artistry involved in portfolio management, surrounded by whimsical characters and a chaotic backdrop of financial symbols.

Creative Canvas Portfolio

60% $RSST – Return Stacked US Stocks & Managed Futures ETF
20% $GOLY – Strategy Shares Gold-Hedged Bond ETF
20% $RSBY – Return Stacked Bonds & Futures Yield ETF (coming soon)

Canvas: 200%

Exposures:

60% Equities
60% Managed Futures
40% Bonds
20% Gold
20% Carry

Strategies: 5

Objective: To expand the canvas to 200% with a balanced 60/40 portfolio plus diversifiers

Benchmark: 60/40 Portfolio ($VBIAX)

The Coward Portfolio" image, humorously depicting an overly cautious investment strategy with a cartoonish character that embodies timidity in the financial world, filled with exaggerated symbols of safety and fear of risk.

The Coward Portfolio

20% $HCMT – Direxion HCM Tactical Enhanced U.S. Equity Strategy ETF
40% $RSBT – Return Stacked Bonds & Managed Futures ETF
40% $GOLY – Strategy Shares Gold-Hedged Bond ETF

Canvas: 200% or 180%

Exposures:

Offensive:

40% Equities
80% Bonds
40% Managed Futures
40% Gold

Defensive:

0% Equities
80% Bonds
40% Managed Futures
40% Gold
20% Cash

Strategies: 4 of 5

Objective: A portfolio that has the ability to retreat to 0% equity exposure (hence the nickname ‘coward’) during market downturn scenarios

Benchmark: 20/80 Portfolio (20% $VTI / 80% $AGG)

"Double Double Eh Portfolio" image, humorously blending iconic Canadian elements like the 'double double' coffee and the slang 'eh' with investment culture. It brings to life a coffee shop setting where investors, adorned in stereotypical Canadian attire, discuss their diversified portfolio strategies over cups of 'double double' filled with coins and financial symbols.

Double Double Eh Portfolio

60% $AOFT – Auspice One Fund Trust
30% $PFAA.TO – Picton Mahoney Fortified Alpha Alternative Fund
10% $QBTL.TO – AGF US Market Neutral Anti-Beta CAD-Hedged ETF

Canvas: Variable

Exposures:

Global Equities
Managed Futures (Trend)
Bonds
Gold
M/N Equity
Arbitrage
Special Situation Credit
Style Premia

Strategies: 8

Objective: An alternative strategy for Canadians to consider who are seeking maximum diversification above all other considerations

Benchmark: Global Balanced (VBAL.TO ETF)

"Ultimate Defender Portfolio" image, portraying a superhero character embodying a robust defensive investment strategy. It captures the essence of safeguarding assets against market volatility and economic downturns with humor and exaggeration.

Ultimate Defender Portfolio

40% $ACWV – iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF
50% $RSBT – Return Stacked Bonds & Managed Futures ETF
10% $CAOS – Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF

Canvas: 150%

Exposures:

40% Global Min Vol Equities
50% Bonds
50% Managed Futures
10% OTM PUT

Strategies: 4

Objective: To overall limit exposure to equities (40%) and to choose the most defensive stocks strategy (min vol) to stabilize the portfolio

Benchmark: 40/60 Portfolio (40% VT / 60% AGG)

"Tactical Tornado Portfolio" image, showcasing an aggressive investment strategy with a dynamic twist. Investors navigate a financial tornado, representing their ability to swiftly capitalize on market trends amid volatility, all rendered with humor and vibrant colors.

Tactical Tornado Portfolio

40% $RSSY – Return Stacked U.S. Equity & Futures Yield ETF (coming soon)
40% $RSBT – Return Stacked Bonds & Managed Futures ETF
20% $HCMT – Direxion HCM Tactical Enhanced U.S. Equity Strategy ETF

Canvas: 200% or 180%

Exposures:

Offensive:

80% Equities
40% Managed Futures
40% Bonds
40% Carry (Futures)

Defensive:

40% Equities
40% Managed Futures
40% Bonds
40% Cary (Futures)
20% Cash

Strategies: 4 or 5

Objective: A portfolio that is balanced but has an offensive boost towards growth (80%) or tactically retreats to conservative (40%) equity exposure

Benchmark: None

"Tortoise Portfolio" image, humorously depicting the investment strategy of patience and long-term growth. A cartoon tortoise, embodying the cautious and steady investor, navigates a colorful landscape of long-term investments, underscoring the wisdom of a slow and steady approach towards achieving financial goals.

Tortoise Portfolio

20% $USML – ETRACS 2x Leveraged MSCI US Minimum Volatility Factor TR ETN
60% $RSBT – Return Stacked Bonds & Managed Futures ETF
20% $BTAL – AGF US Market Neutral Anti Beta Fund

Canvas: 180%

Exposures:

60% Bonds
60% Managed Futures
40% US Min Vol Equities
20% M/N Anti-Beta

Strategies: 4

Objective: A portfolio that is designed for slow and steady accumulation with the potential to retreat into its shell during market turbulence

Benchmark: 40/60 Portfolio (40% $VTI / 60% $AGG)

Alt Arrow Portfolio" image, capturing the essence of embracing innovative and alternative investment strategies with a sense of humor. This scene features an investor navigating through the sky on a zigzagging arrow, amidst unconventional investment symbols, showcasing the bold and creative journey of exploring non-traditional investment avenues.

Alt Arrow Portfolio

40% $RSSB – Return Stacked Global Stocks & Bonds ETF
20% $QLEIX – AQR Long-Short Equity Fund
40% $QDSIX – AQR Diversifying Strategies Fund

Canvas: 140%

Exposures:

40% Global Equities
40% Bonds
40% Alt Other
20% L/S Equities
Market Neutral
Macro
Style Premia
Arbitrage
Multi-Asset

Strategies: 9

Objective: A portfolio where alternative strategies take up 60% of the resources in terms of asset allocation with only 40% to stocks/bonds.

Benchmark: None

Bonus Portfolios

Here are some bonus portfolios from other friends and acquaintances on FinTwit.

I love receiving contributions from others as it almost always opens my eyes to new possibilities.

Tri-Force Portfolio," featuring cartoonish characters on a quest, each representing different investment strategies. The central motif, a stylized triangle divided into three parts, symbolizes the integration of these approaches against a backdrop filled with financial symbols.

Triforce Portfolio

Creator: @game_book_life

Backtest:

https://x.com/game_book_life/status/1773768852821684721

36.5% $RSST – Return Stacked US Stocks & Managed Futures ETF
27%
$NTSI – WisdomTree International Efficient Core Fund
36.5%
$QSPIX – AQR Style Premia Alternative Fund

Canvas: 186.5%

Exposures:

60.8% Equities (60/40 US/exUS)
36.5% Managed Futures
16.2% Bonds
73% Style Premia

Strategies: 4

Objective: An alternative to a global 60/40 portfolio that avoids home country bias (with Int-Developed equities) whilst committing significant resources to style premia and managed futures

Benchmark: Global 60/40 (60% $VT / 40% VBTLX)

Nomadic Samuel Final Thoughts

Whew, thanks for making it through all 20 portfolios!

I hope I didn’t overwhelm you with options galore.

Sometimes going to a behemoth supermarket can make me feel anxious as I’m overwhelmed by choices.

However, I wanted to present as many different portfolio options as possible to explore all of the interesting combinations out there.

These, at the end of the day, are just ideas.

I’m of the firm opinion that it’s not a wise idea to just copy any of these portfolios; instead put your personal stamp of approval by coming up with something that makes sense for you.

With all that said, there has never been a better time IMO to be a capital efficient DIY investor.

You have so many options these days as fascinating puzzles pieces continue to penetrate the marketplace.

But at this point in the article I’m more interested in what you’ve got to say.

What are some three fund portfolio ideas that you’ve come up with?

Do you have a favourite portfolio amongst the ones that I’ve shared?

Please let me know in the comments below.

Important Information

Investment Disclaimer: The content provided here is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, tax or professional advice. Investments carry risks and are not guaranteed; errors in data may occur. Past performance, including backtest results, does not guarantee future outcomes. Please note that indexes are benchmarks and not directly investable. All examples are purely hypothetical. Do your own due diligence. You should conduct your own research and consult a professional advisor before making investment decisions. 

“Picture Perfect Portfolios” does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of the information in this post and is not responsible for any financial losses or damages incurred from relying on this information. Investing involves the risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. When it comes to capital efficiency, using leverage (or leveraged products) in investing amplifies both potential gains and losses, making it possible to lose more than your initial investment. It involves higher risk and costs, including possible margin calls and interest expenses, which can adversely affect your financial condition. The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of anyone else. You can read my complete disclaimer here

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