What is 'diversification' in the context of investing?

Diversification in investing refers to the strategy of spreading investments across a range of different assets to reduce overall risk. By holding a varied portfolio that includes different asset classes, sectors, or geographic regions, an investor can mitigate the impact of poor performance from any single investment. The rationale behind this approach is that while individual assets may be subject to volatility and price fluctuations, having a mix can lead to more stable performance overall.

For example, if one asset class, like technology stocks, underperforms, having investments in other areas, such as bonds or consumer goods, can help cushion the financial blow. This practice creates a balanced investment strategy that aims to smooth out potential losses and enhance the likelihood of achieving a more consistent return over time.