Let us understand this with an example:
Imagine you have some money to invest. Instead of putting all your money in a single company's stock, you decide to create a portfolio. You buy stocks from different companies in various industries, maybe fixed deposit for added stability, and perhaps even a small portion in a real estate fund. This way, your investment is diversified across different assets.
Why is Portfolio Investment important?
Portfolio investment is important for several reasons:
Diversification
The primary advantage of portfolio investment is diversification. The old saying "don't put all your eggs in one basket" applies perfectly here. By spreading your investment across different assets, you minimise the risk of losing a large portion of your money if one particular investment performs poorly.
For example, if all your money is invested in a technology company and the tech sector experiences a downturn, you could face substantial losses. However, a diversified portfolio cushions the blow. Even if the tech stocks go down, other investments in your portfolio might still perform well, or at least not decline as significantly.
Potential for higher returns
While diversification mitigates risk, portfolio investment also offers the potential for greater returns. By investing in various assets, you expose your money to different growth opportunities. If one area of the market performs exceptionally well, you benefit from having exposure to it within your portfolio.
Tailoring to your needs
Portfolio investment can be customised according to your individual circumstances and goals. If you are young investor with a long-time horizon, you might opt for a more aggressive portfolio with a greater emphasis on stocks for higher growth potential. On the other hand, a retiree seeking steady income may build a portfolio with more bonds, fixed deposits and stable dividend-paying stocks.
Also read: Popular Investment Options
Types of assets in a portfolio
Here are a few types of assets in a portfolio:
1. Fixed deposit
Fixed deposits offer a guaranteed, fixed interest rate over a specified period. They are a low-risk investment option ideal for those seeking stability and predictable returns.