How to Use Portfolio Rebalancing Tools With DEGIRO and Interactive Brokers

Rebalancing is key to maintaining your investment strategy over time. Whether you hold ETFs, stocks, or a mix, the right tools can make this process accurate and low-stress. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to use portfolio rebalancing tools with DEGIRO and Interactive Brokers (IBKR), including step-by-step instructions using Portfolio Performance and Passiv. All examples use EUR and are tailored to what’s available for European investors.

What Is Portfolio Rebalancing and Why Does It Matter?

Portfolio rebalancing means adjusting your portfolio back to your target asset allocation (e.g., 70% global equity ETFs, 30% European government bonds). Over time, market movements cause these weights to drift, increasing risk or reducing expected returns. Regular rebalancing helps you stick to your plan and manage risk.

Step 1: Export Your Portfolio Data From DEGIRO or IBKR

Why: Rebalancing tools need up-to-date information on your holdings and their market values. This is the foundation for all further steps.

For DEGIRO:

1. Log in to your DEGIRO account.
2. Go to Portfolio in the main menu.
3. Click the Export button (usually at the top-right of the portfolio table).
4. Select CSV as the format, and download the file to your computer.

Expected outcome: A CSV file with your current holdings, quantities, and values in EUR.

For Interactive Brokers (IBKR):

1. Log in to IBKR Client Portal.
2. Navigate to Portfolio → Reports → Statements.
3. Generate a Portfolio or Activity statement for the relevant date range.
4. Download as CSV or PDF (CSV preferred for most tools).

Expected outcome: You’ll have a CSV listing your current assets, quantities, and values in EUR (or your base currency; convert if needed).

Step 2: Choose and Set Up a Rebalancing Tool

Why: These tools automate the calculations, track your allocations, and reduce errors. Options range from free desktop software like Portfolio Performance to subscription services like Passiv. IBKR supports direct integration with Passiv; DEGIRO does not (as of 2026), so you’ll use manual import/export.

Option A: Portfolio Performance (Free, Manual Import)

1. Download and install Portfolio Performance (available for Windows, Mac, Linux).
2. Create a new portfolio file and set EUR as your base currency.
3. Import your DEGIRO and/or IBKR CSV files:
   • Go to File → Import → CSV Import.
   • Map columns to Security Name, ISIN, Quantity, Price, and Currency.
4. Confirm your current holdings appear correctly in the dashboard.

Option B: Passiv (Direct IBKR Integration, Subscription Required)

1. Sign up at Passiv and choose the paid plan (required for IBKR integration).
2. Connect your IBKR account through the secure API flow (follow Passiv’s instructions for authentication).
3. Import your portfolio automatically—Passiv will sync your holdings.
4. If using DEGIRO, manual entry or CSV upload is required; Passiv does not support direct DEGIRO integration.

Expected outcome: Your tool of choice now displays your portfolio allocations and values, ready for rebalancing analysis.

Step 3: Define Your Target Asset Allocation

Why: Rebalancing only makes sense if you have a clear target. Typical allocations might be 70% equity ETFs (e.g., iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF EUR, ISIN: IE00B4L5Y983), 30% bonds (e.g., Xtrackers II Eurozone Government Bond UCITS ETF, ISIN: LU0290355717), or a mix including individual stocks.

1. In your rebalancing tool, open the Asset Allocation or Targets section.
2. Set your desired percentages for each asset class or security.
3. Example:
   • Global Equity ETF (ISIN: IE00B4L5Y983): 60%
   • European Equity ETF (ISIN: IE00B1YZSC51): 10%
   • Eurozone Government Bond ETF (ISIN: LU0290355717): 30%
4. Save or apply your target allocation.

Expected outcome: The tool displays both your current and target allocations side by side.

Step 4: Analyze Drift and Generate Rebalancing Instructions

Why: This step identifies which securities need buying or selling to return to your targets. Tools like Portfolio Performance and Passiv show “drift” (the % your current allocation deviates from your target).

1. Navigate to the Rebalancing or Analysis tab in your tool.
2. Review the drift for each asset. Example: Your global equity ETF is now 65% instead of 60%, and your bonds are 25% instead of 30%.
3. Let the tool calculate the exact euro amounts to buy or sell for each holding. For example:
   • Sell €2,000 of IE00B4L5Y983
   • Buy €1,000 of LU0290355717
   • Buy €1,000 of IE00B1YZSC51
4. Note these instructions for your next trading session.

Expected outcome: You have a clear, actionable list of trades to execute to rebalance your portfolio.

Step 5: Execute Rebalancing Trades on DEGIRO or IBKR

Why: The most important step—actually placing the trades! Always double-check amounts and ISINs before executing.

On DEGIRO:

1. Log in to your DEGIRO account.
2. Search for each ETF or stock by ISIN in the search bar.
3. Enter the buy or sell order as per your rebalancing instructions. Set the correct order type (market or limit).
4. Confirm the trade. Check your portfolio after execution to ensure the correct amount has been bought or sold.

Expected outcome: Your DEGIRO portfolio now reflects the updated allocation.

On Interactive Brokers:

1. Log in to IBKR Client Portal or Trader Workstation.
2. Search for each asset by ISIN or ticker.
3. Enter the buy/sell order (choose EUR as the trading currency if possible).
4. Review and submit each order. Wait for execution confirmation.

Expected outcome: IBKR will show your new holdings in the Portfolio tab, matching your planned allocation more closely.

Step 6: Track and Repeat

Why: Rebalancing is not a one-time task. Markets move, and your portfolio will drift again. Set up a simple routine to repeat this process every 3–6 months or after major deposits/withdrawals.

• Schedule a calendar reminder for your next rebalance check.
• Update your tool by importing the latest portfolio data.
• Review and adjust your target allocations as your goals or risk tolerance change.

Portfolio Rebalancing Checklist

• Export latest portfolio data from DEGIRO and/or IBKR
• Import data into your chosen rebalancing tool
• Set and review your target asset allocation
• Analyze drift and generate rebalancing instructions
• Place buy/sell orders on your broker platform
• Confirm trades and update your tracking tool
• Schedule your next review

Common Mistakes When Using Portfolio Rebalancing Tools

• Forgetting to update data: Always export the latest holdings before each rebalance.
• Ignoring transaction fees: Small, frequent trades can eat into returns—set reasonable drift thresholds.
• Incorrect ISIN or ticker: Always double-check before placing trades, especially with similar ETF names.
• Overcomplicating allocations: Simpler portfolios are easier to rebalance and track.
• Not accounting for cash: Leave a small cash buffer to avoid forced sales due to rounding or fees.

Next Steps

• Try out both Portfolio Performance (free, manual) and Passiv (automated, subscription) with your DEGIRO or IBKR portfolios to see which fits your workflow best.
• Review your broker’s fee schedule—see DEGIRO vs Trade Republic vs Interactive Brokers: Which Platform Is Best for Long-Term ETF Investors? for a head-to-head comparison.
• If you’re just starting out, read Choosing Your First European Broker: A 2026 Step-By-Step Guide for Beginners.
• Keep learning: Effective rebalancing is one part of a robust investing process. For a full overview, see The Best European Low-Cost Brokers of 2026.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research and consider consulting a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.