What does the term "asset diversification" mean?

Asset diversification refers to the practice of spreading investments across various asset classes to reduce overall risk. By investing in a mixture of different types of assets—such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and commodities—investors can protect themselves from significant losses. If one asset class underperforms, others may perform well, balancing out the overall performance of the portfolio.

This strategy recognizes that different asset classes behave differently under varying market conditions. For example, during periods of economic uncertainty, bonds may provide more stability compared to stocks, which can be more volatile. Thus, diversification aims to minimize the impact of market fluctuations on a comprehensive investment strategy.

A singular focus on one asset class or high-risk investments can expose an investor to greater potential losses, while concentrating solely on short-term investments can limit the benefits gained from the long-term growth potential of a diversified investment approach.