Adding, Removing, or Rebalancing ETFs

As your goals, preferences or the market evolves, you may want to adjust your DIY portfolio - either by adding new ETFs, removing existing ones, or rebalancing to stay aligned with your target weightings.

This takes  you through how to make those changes on InvestEngine and why they matter.

 

Why make changes to your portfolio?

Adjusting your ETF mix is a key part of portfolio management - but it’s worth doing thoughtfully.

Here are some reasons you might make a change:

  • Adding an ETF – to increase diversification or introduce new exposure (e.g. emerging markets, inflation-linked bonds, ESG)
  • Removing an ETF – if it no longer aligns with your goals, or has become duplicated across other holdings
  • Rebalancing – to return your portfolio to your intended allocation after some ETFs have over- or under-performed

Rebalancing helps manage risk and keep your strategy consistent - but frequent trading isn’t usually necessary. Consider rebalancing periodically or after major market moves, rather than reacting to short-term changes.

 

Adding an ETF to your portfolio

  1. Go to your Dashboard and click into the portfolio you'd like to update
  2. Click ‘Add securities’ above your list of ETFs
    • Alternatively: Options > Edit Portfolio > Add securities
  3. Use the ETF Picker to browse or search for the new ETF
  4. Once selected, click “Add to portfolio”
  5. Adjust your target weightings so that the total adds to 100%
     
    • Update the weight of the new ETF and the others as needed
  6. Click Save

Any new weightings will be applied to AutoInvest, meaning future top-ups will follow your updated targets automatically.

 

Removing an ETF

You can remove an ETF in one of two ways:

Option A – adjust weight to 0%

  1. Go to Options > Edit Portfolio
  2. Set the ETF’s weight to 0%
  3. Adjust the weights of your remaining ETFs so the total = 100%
  4. Click Save

This method keeps the ETF in your portfolio visually until sold

Option B – sell it manually

  1. From your portfolio view, scroll below the performance graph
  2. Click the ETF, then select Buy/Sell > Sell
  3. Choose ‘Sell All’

Once the ETF has settled (after 2 business days) and the holding is 0%, you can remove it from your portfolio:

  • Click the ETF again
  • Select the bin icon to fully delete it from your portfolio

Selling an ETF manually (rather than rebalancing it) will cancel AutoInvest for that portfolio.

Rebalancing your portfolio

Rebalancing helps bring your portfolio back in line with your target weightings, especially if market changes have pushed your investments off track.

  1. Go to your portfolio and click Options > Rebalance Portfolio
  2. You’ll see a breakdown of:
     
    • Current vs Target weightings for each ETF
    • Which ETFs will be bought (underweight) or sold (overweight)
    • Your cash balance included in the calculation
  3. Click Confirm to proceed

The actual trade amounts may differ slightly at execution, depending on price movements and your cash balance.

 

Trade execution timing

All ETF orders are executed after 2.30pm (UK time) each business day.

  • Orders created after 2pm will be processed the next business day
  • Portfolios are typically updated by 7pm

  • You cannot cancel orders between 2pm and 7pm while your portfolio is being updated

     

Quick reminder

Adding, removing or rebalancing your ETFs can help you stay in control of your investment strategy — but it’s important to make changes with a long-term vie

Not sure where to start? Use your Portfolio’s LooThrough Toolto check your asset mix, regions, sectors and top holdings before making changes.


 

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