In: Economics
Asset allocation refers to an investment technique which aims to
balance risk and create diversification within a portfolio by
dividing assets across a number of major categories (stocks, bonds,
real estate, cash, etc.). Because each asset class in the portfolio
experiences different levels of risk and return, each tends to
behave differently over a longer span of time. While one type of
asset may be increasing in value, another may be decreasing.
Investors looking to make an investment for a long period of time
tend to focus their portfolios on stocks. One reason for this is
that common stock tends to outperform most other financial
instruments over a long enough timeframe. Investors who are looking
to maximize returns over a shorter period, on the other hand, often
diversify their portfolios by including investments other than
stocks.In this case asset allocation will help better
Another reason is older investors tend to look for lower levels
of risk. After retiring, an investor may need to depend upon
savings as the only source of income. Individuals at or nearing
retirement age tend to invest more conservatively, as it’s crucial
that they preserve their assets at this stage.So asset allocation
performs well here.