What is the primary purpose of asset diversification?

• A. To reduce risk by spreading investments across different assets.
• B. To maximize short-term gains.
• C. To concentrate investments in a single sector.
• D. To avoid taxes altogether.

Answer: (A)

Diversification reduces risk by spreading investments across different assets so that the portfolio isn’t tied to the performance of a single investment. By combining different asset classes, sectors, and geographies that don’t move in perfect tandem, the overall return becomes less volatile. If one investment stalls, others may hold steady or rise, smoothing the portfolio’s value over time and helping manage unsystematic risk. This is about managing risk, not chasing quick profits. It won’t eliminate market-wide declines (systematic risk) and it doesn’t guarantee profits. Diversification also isn’t a tax strategy; taxes depend on the specific assets and their tax treatment, not merely on spreading holdings.