Investors are concerned with holding an optimal portfolio. Consider the choices an investor can make. How will the portfolio choices differ for a conservative investor? What about an aggressive investor? Which type of investor would you most likely identify with?
Investors are concerned with holding an optimal portfolio.
Full Answer Section
Aggressive Investor:- Risk Tolerant:Aggressive investors are comfortable with higher levels of risk in pursuit of potentially greater returns.
- Asset Allocation:Their portfolios might have a higher weighting of:
- Growth stocks:Stocks of companies with high growth potential (higher risk, potentially higher returns)
- Small-cap stocks:Stocks of smaller companies with the potential for rapid growth (high risk, high potential returns)
- Emerging market stocks:Stocks of companies in developing countries (high risk, potentially high returns)
- Diversification:They may still diversify, but their focus might be on maximizing potential returns.
- Age:Younger investors typically have a longer time horizon and can tolerate more risk.
- Financial Goals:Short-term goals may require a more conservative approach, while long-term goals allow for more risk.
- Risk Tolerance:How comfortable are you with potential losses?
Sample Answer
Portfolio Choices and Risk Tolerance
Investors aim to construct portfolios that balance potential returns with risk tolerance. Here's how asset allocation choices might differ for conservative and aggressive investors:
Conservative Investor:
- Risk Averse: Conservative investors prioritize capital preservation and seek to minimize risk.
- Asset Allocation: Their portfolios will likely have a higher weighting of:
- Fixed-income investments: Bonds, certificates of deposit (CDs), money market accounts (low risk, predictable returns)
- Stable-value funds: Invest in low-risk assets like cash equivalents
- Blue-chip stocks: Stocks of well-established companies with a history of paying dividends (moderate risk, moderate returns)
- Diversification: They will likely diversify across asset classes to mitigate risk.