Diversification represents a technique for the identification and assessment of potential risks and
combines a diverse array of investments in a portfolio. The justification is that fluctuations in the
value of single security will have smaller negative impact as a part of a diversified portfolio. In this way,
diversification reduces the overall risk of the investments.
There are three major strategies to enhance the quality of diversification. Firstly, the portfolio may comprise
of various investment instruments such as bonds, cash, and stocks, among others. Secondly, one may employ various mutual
fund strategies such as investment in balanced and index funds.
This approach entails the creation of portfolio which comprises of instruments with varying levels of risk.
Losses incurred by investments in some areas will be compensated by profits gained in
other areas. Thirdly, one may diversify the industry type and geographic locations of the securities. This
approach aims to lessen the impact of risks associated with the possible decline of particular industries.
Moreover, weather conditions such as regional floods, storms, and floods may cause extensive damages on certain
locally based industries. Furthermore, it is best to simultaneously invest in domestic and international
securities. Even if one country is experiencing economic decline, the overall portfolio will include other
countries of varying degrees of economic growth.
Asset diversification comprises of horizontal and vertical
diversification. The first type occurs when the investor holds securities in various companies which engage in a
certain activity at the same stage of the production process. Vertical diversification refers to investment in
companies which are engaged in different phases of production: from raw materials to finished products. In
general, horizontal diversification narrows the investment to companies within a single sector. Vertical
diversification increases the scope of investment to the purchases of stocks in different branches. Moreover,
broader diversification may entail the purchase of both, stocks and bonds within diverse array of sectors.
Free charting webinarMon, Nov 18th, 2013 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ESTDuring the 60 minute session Paul Coghlan, founder of Coghlan Capital, looks at current charts for currencies, precious metals, US indices, highlighting turns and low risk entry points using the Median line analysis methodology. Median line analysis reduces risk and increases the chartists ability to see trend direction, trend
strength and highlight entry and exit levels. Seats are limited so be sure to reserve your spot today. The webinar will be recorded, by signing up you'll receive an email with the webinar replay afterwards. |