Investing in the stock market can be very profitable. It can also be very risky. Some stocks soar to new heights each day while others tumble down to new lows. Using asset allocation in your portfolio will help balance the extremes. Allowing your money to grow through any market cycle.

Basics of Asset Allocation

At its simplest, asset allocation is a diversification strategy. It divides your portfolio’s investments into different, disconnected industries. The goal is to reduce the amount of risk to your portfolio. Should any single industry suddenly lose value, the hope is that the other industries in your portfolio would not be affected and would help balance the loss. There are several basic formulas for asset allocation. To determine the right balance for you, it can be helpful to consult professional financial services firms Charlotte.

Ideal Portfolio Allocation

Your ideal portfolio allocation will change as you grow older. Since stocks are a high-risk investment, you will want to decrease the percentage of your portfolio invested in stocks as you get closer to retirement.

Valuing Reallocation

The goal of allocation is to balance the losses in your portfolio with winning investments. Over time, these investments will change in value which may cause changes to your allocation percentages. Reallocation is used to reduce your risk from being overexposed to an overvalued category. Once a year you should evaluate if your portfolio is close to your desired allocation percentages. If it isn’t, sell those assets which have appreciated in value to purchase those which have decreased in value. This will ensure that you are selling high and buying low, maximizing your profits. 

One way to protect your retirement portfolio is through proper asset allocation. You will have the opportunity to reduce your overall risk while maximizing your profit potential. It’s an investment strategy that can serve you well through both bear and bull markets.