No Love for BlackRock MyMap?

AltaNate

For multi-asset funds the usual suspects (VLS, HSBC GS, L&G MI) appear to be often suggested while BlackRock MyMap range gets a passing mention now and again. I hold a chunk of HSBC GS Balanced and looking at alternatives. 

What are people’s thoughts of why this is - not as mature so less investors, not as well known? Past performance appears comparable (no guarantee of future returns), fees are competitive, home bias but not as much as VLS, some alternatives…

cloud_dog

I am 'intrigued' by and monitoring the BR MyMap funds, as an option for a more simplified post SP age portfolio.

I think one of the reasons they are not more commonly referenced is that they are relatively new to MA fund offerings.

GeoffTF

There is every reason to expect they are as good as the others. Just pick one.

AltaNate

Sure fairly similar but just wondering if people had thoughts about lack of popularity versus the others.

masonic

There is some further commentary here: https://monevator.com/passive-fund-of-funds-the-rivals/

Albermarle

Also they still have the older multi asset funds available- the Consensus range, so maybe that confuses the offering. The way Consensus is named is for sure confusing - the Consensus 60 is 40% equity ( and more UK bias than the other MA funds )

dunstonh

AltaNate said:

Sure fairly similar but just wondering if people had thoughts about lack of popularity versus the others.

Blackrock were late to the game.   Vanguard still benefit from being the first (to heavily market them) and that gives them brand recognition that the others do not have. They are the fashion brand now and fashion brands don't need to be best.  HSBC GS benefits from the lower charges and better past performance and that appeals to many.    Blackrock Consensus was more expensive and didn't appeal.  By the time Blackrock launched mymap, the others had their feet under the table.    

L&GMI has drifted away, as has Architas multi-asset passive (now Liontrust) in terms of popularity.  Mymap probably needs a marketing push.  Maybe get some of the Vanguard fanboys to switch their allegiance.

DavidT67

Monzo bank recently launched via Investment sales side;  they use three Blackrock MyMap funds, so guess MyMaps will be getting a lot more attention shortly.

dunstonh

DavidT67 said:

Monzo bank recently launched via Investment sales side;  they use three Blackrock MyMap funds, so guess MyMaps will be getting a lot more attention shortly.

Blackrock have made their funds available to be used by robos.  Many Robos are virtually a white label offering.    
In the case of Monzo, they offer them with a 0.45% platform charge.   Thats double the typical platform charge but not unreasoanble as Monzo are likely to attract small investor that are costly to provide services to.

I suspect most of these Robos will fail and Blackrock will mop them up on the cheap and end up being one of the biggest robos itself.

Aminatidi

dunstonh said:

AltaNate said:

Sure fairly similar but just wondering if people had thoughts about lack of popularity versus the others.

Blackrock were late to the game.   Vanguard still benefit from being the first (to heavily market them) and that gives them brand recognition that the others do not have. They are the fashion brand now and fashion brands don't need to be best.  HSBC GS benefits from the lower charges and better past performance and that appeals to many.    Blackrock Consensus was more expensive and didn't appeal.  By the time Blackrock launched mymap, the others had their feet under the table.    

L&GMI has drifted away, as has Architas multi-asset passive (now Liontrust) in terms of popularity.  Mymap probably needs a marketing push.  Maybe get some of the Vanguard fanboys to switch their allegiance.

What's your view of MyMap v the equivalent LS offering please?

AltaNate

Thanks all for observations!