CRG Conservative ETF Model
OBJECTIVE:
The Conservative ETF Model is designed for investors seeking steady, low-risk allocation with a primary focus on capital preservation and income generation. This model portfolio emphasizes stability by investing predominantly in high-quality, income-producing assets with limited exposure to market volatility.
RISK LEVEL | Very Low |
TIME HORIZON (YRS) | 0 – 3 |
RISK SCORE RANGE | 0 – 20 |
EST. NOMINAL RETURN | 2.5 – 4% |
EST. VOLATILITY | 3 – 6% |

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TICKER | RATIONALE | LITERATURE |
AGG (iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF)
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The iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG) provides a diversified, stable, and income-generating core fixed income holding in a Conservative ETF Model Portfolio. It supports capital preservation, reduces volatility, and offers steady income, aligning perfectly with the conservative investor’s focus on protecting principal while achieving modest, stable returns.
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BND (PIMCO Active Bond ETF)
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Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND) offers broad, diversified, and low-cost fixed income exposure that supports capital preservation, steady income, and risk reduction in a Conservative ETF Model Portfolio. This makes BND an ideal core bond holding for conservative investors seeking stable returns with minimal volatility.
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SHYG (iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF)
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The iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (SHYG) can modestly enhance income and diversify fixed income exposure through short-duration high-yield bonds in a Conservative ETF Model Portfolio . Its lower interest rate risk relative to longer-duration high-yield funds makes it a more suitable choice for conservative investors seeking incremental yield while maintaining a focus on capital preservation and risk management. Caveat: Given the higher credit risk inherent in high yield bonds, SHYG allocation is limited to avoid undue risk and maintain the portfolio’s conservative risk profile.
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MINT (PIMCO Enhanced Short Maturity Active ETF) 1 |
Including MINT (PIMCO Enhanced Short Maturity Active ETF) in a conservative ETF model supports the objectives of capital preservation, low volatility, enhanced yield over cash, and diversification, while maintaining liquidity and flexibility—key attributes for conservative investors.
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BNDX (Vanguard Total International Bond ETF)
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Including the Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) in a conservative ETF Model Portfolio enhances fixed income diversification by adding currency-hedged international bonds, reducing overall portfolio volatility and risk. It complements domestic bonds, supports income generation, and contributes to capital preservation, aligning well with the investor’s conservative capital preservation stance.
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IAU (iShares Gold Trust)
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IAU (iShares Gold Trust ETF) complements a conservative ETF model by providing portfolio diversification, inflation protection, and a safe-haven asset with no credit risk. Its inclusion helps reduce overall portfolio risk and preserve capital during inflationary or turbulent market environments, aligning well with conservative investment objectives.
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