WealthHow to read a portfolio analysis, block by block
A useful dashboard does not deliver a verdict. It organizes signals to show what changed, why it changed and the risk involved.
Published July 17, 2026 · By the WealthWise team · Human review indicated
1. Total value, contributions and return are not synonyms
If a portfolio moves from $80,000 to $100,000, the gain is not automatically 25%. A $15,000 contribution, a withdrawal, a dividend or CAD-USD movement may explain part of the difference.
The first block should answer three questions: What is the current value? Which cash flows entered or left? Which return belongs to the investments themselves?
2. Allocation and exposure answer different questions
Allocation classifies the portfolio into broad categories: stocks, bonds, cash, listed real estate and other assets. Exposure then examines countries, sectors, currencies and underlying holdings.
| View | Question | Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Asset class | Which risk type dominates? | Stock, bond and cash weights |
| Country | Where is the economic exposure? | Canada, United States and international |
| Sector | Does one industry dominate? | Financials, technology, energy and others |
| Currency | Which FX move changes value? | CAD, USD and other currencies |
| Underlying holding | Do ETFs overlap? | Consolidated weight of major companies |
3. Return and benchmark need the same rules
A return only makes sense when period, currency and dividend treatment are consistent. Comparing a balanced Canadian portfolio with the S&P 500 can answer a narrow question, but it is not always a fair test of the complete mandate.
Time-weighted return reduces the effect of contribution timing; money-weighted return reflects more of the investor’s actual experience. They can differ without either calculation being wrong.
4. Risk, fees and income complete the story
Concentration shows dependence on a few holdings. Volatility describes the size of historical changes. The Sharpe ratio connects return with variability, but it depends on period and assumptions. None of these predicts the next market move.
Add fund MERs, currency-conversion fees and platform fees. For income, separate announced dividends, historical distributions and projections: a projection can change.
Describe
Write down what the data shows without an immediate judgment.
Explain
Connect the change with markets, contributions, currencies, fees or distributions.
Put it in context
Compare the signal with the objective, horizon and liquidity need.
Explore each dashboard block
Use focused guides to validate the signal shown in the portfolio dashboard.
Portfolio analysis Canada
The complete method and connected tools.
ComparisonCompare two portfolios
Normalize the data before interpreting a difference.
ConcentrationPortfolio concentration risk score
Measure dependence on the largest holdings.
OverlapETF overlap
See holdings repeated through several funds.
ReturnWhat is a good portfolio return?
Interpret horizon, inflation and risk level.
RiskSharpe ratio
Understand return adjusted for volatility.
Sources and method
Rules, limits and fees change. The primary sources below were reviewed on July 17, 2026. Always verify the official version before acting.
- Bank of Canada — exchange rates — reference for currency conversion
- Financial Consumer Agency of Canada — general investing and risk principles
- WealthWise — methodology — assumptions, sources and calculation limits
Frequently asked questions
Why did my portfolio rise more than the displayed return?
Total value also includes contributions and can be affected by withdrawals, distributions and currencies. Return attempts to isolate investment performance.
Should I always compare with the S&P 500?
No. The benchmark should fit the question and resemble the portfolio by currency, asset class and risk.
Does a high risk score mean I should sell?
No. The score describes one aspect of the portfolio. Interpret it with horizon, objective, drawdown capacity and, when needed, a qualified professional.
Are projected dividends guaranteed?
No. A projection uses known or historical distributions and can change if a company or fund changes its payment.
Open the data behind each indicator
Import positions and read allocation, return, risk and income in a view designed for Canadian accounts.