INSIGHT

INSIGHT

How diversified is your portfolio

Many people see diversification as a cornerstone of successful investing – and for good reason.

We're often urged to not 'put all our eggs in one basket'. This advice sums up the perils of investing in a limited number of asset classes. Yet this is exactly what many investors do, often unwittingly.

Property investors, for instance, are often homeowners, meaning a significant proportion of their wealth is tied to the residential property market. If values cool, their personal wealth can take a blow in a way that mirrors market movements.

Diversification provides shelter from this type of impact because different asset classes don't always move in sync. In fact, they each typically behave quite differently at different times. We have witnessed a great example of this in recent years with cash-based assets delivering very low returns while residential property has seen excellent gains.

Smooth out returns, minimise risk

By diversifying your portfolio across a range of different investment classes, you can maximise your chances of good long-term returns and reduce your exposure to market highs and lows (also known as 'volatility'). All this minimises the level of risk in your portfolio.

When it comes to investing, none of us knows what the future holds. Don't gamble your financial wellbeing by relying on just one or two types of investments.

But diversification isn't just about the value of the returns you earn. Diversifying can also give you a degree of protection against unexpected tax or legislative changes that may be pitched at a particular asset class.

Investment: a world of choice

When it comes to investing, none of us knows what the future holds. Don't gamble your financial wellbeing by relying on just one or two types of investments.

How you diversify will depend on your age, income, personal circumstances and attitude to risk. There is a world of choice when it comes to the investments available to Australian investors: shares (both Australian and international), fixed interest investments, structured products and managed funds that invest across a range of markets or focus on a particular asset class.

Visit citbank.com.au/investments to see our range of investment solutions.

How to Invest

Important Information:

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This material is for general information only. All opinions are subject to change without notice. This material is taken from sources which are believed to be accurate, however Citibank accepts no liability of any kind to any person who relies on the information in it.

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