On of the simplest and easiest ways to reduce risk in a portfolio is diversification. Holding assets spread across different types, classes, countries, etc. not only reduces risks but also provides a cushion to a portfolio when markets head south as we witnessed in December 2018. The following chart shows the importance of diversification as no one asset class was the best performer every year.

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Note Past performance is not a guide to future performance and may not be repeated.

Source: Schroders, Refinitiv data correct as of 01 January 2019.  Stock Market: MSCI World Total Return Index, Property: Thomson Reuters Developed Market Real Estate Total Return Index. Cash: IBA US dollar interbank LIBOR 3 month, High Yield Bonds: BofA Merrill Lynch Global High Yield TR Index, Investment Grade Bonds: ICE BofAML Global Corporate Total Return Index, Commods: Bloomberg Commodity Index, Gold: Gold Bullion LBM $/t oz. All show total return in local currency.

Article source: 14 years of returns: history’s lesson for investors, David Brett, Schroders