What Are the Different Classes of Assets?

When it comes to investing their money, many people are content to take a random approach.

They may have received a hot tip for a particular investment and decided to plow a large amount of money into it with no regard to the overall balance of their portfolios.

However, research has shown that it is through the careful selection of the various asset classes, rather than the individual investments themselves, that people prosper financially.

One study showed that on average, as much as 91.5 percent of an investment portfolio’s overall return can be attributed to asset class selection.¹

Therefore, the careful selection and distribution of your investments among the various asset classes is likely to prove crucial to the future success of your investment portfolio.

There are five broad asset classes that you should take into consideration when constructing your investment portfolio.

Cash refers to the most liquid holdings in your portfolio. It includes the balance in your checking account, money market account, and certificates of deposit.

Conventional wisdom holds that you should keep three to six months’ salary in cash to cover yourself in the event of an emergency.

Fixed-principal investments are those that do not put your principal at risk to market forces. Fixed annuities and trust deeds fall into this category.

Debt makes up the third asset class. It includes municipal, corporate, government, and government agency bonds. It also covers other debt-secured investments such as collateralized mortgage obligations.

Equity represents an ownership interest in a business entity; this class covers any investment you might make in stocks. It also covers any interest you may have in a closely held corporation or partnership.

Tangibles include your holdings in real estate, art, gold, precious stones, stamps, baseball cards, or other valuable collector’s items.

How you choose to distribute your investments among the various asset classes depends on your goals, your risk tolerance, and your expected rate of return.

Keep in mind that asset allocation does not guarantee against loss; it is a method used to help manage investment risk.

All investments are subject to market fluctuation, risk, and loss of principal. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost.

Source: 1) Brinson, Singer, and Beebower, “Determinants of Portfolio Performance II: An Update,” Financial Analysts Journal, May-June 1991

The information in this article is not intended to be tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Emerald. © 2012 Emerald Connect, Inc.

Securities Offered Through ValMark Securities, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC Investment Advisory Services Offered Through ValMark Advisers, Inc. a SEC Registered Investment Advisor 130 Springside Drive, Suite 300, Akron, Ohio 44333-2431* 1-800-765-5201. The Giles Financial Group is a separate entity from ValMark Securities, Inc. and ValMark Advisers, Inc.

PLEASE NOTE: The information being provided is strictly as a courtesy. When you link to any of the web sites provided here, you are leaving this web site. ValMark Securities, Inc. makes no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of information provided at these web sites. Nor is ValMark Securities, Inc. liable for any direct or indirect technical or system issues or any consequences arising out of your access to or your use of third-party technologies, web sites, information and programs made available through this web site. When you access one of these web sites, you are leaving our web site and assume total responsibility and risk for your use of the web sites you are linking to.

Investors should consult with their own professional advisor regarding the potential tax, estate, and legal considerations that may arise in connection with entering into a life settlements transaction. Proceeds from a life settlement transaction may be taxable under federal or state law to the extent the proceeds exceed the cost basis. The proceeds from a life settlement transaction may be subject to claims of creditors. The receipt of proceeds from a life settlement transaction may adversely impact eligibility for government benefits and entitlements. The amount received for the sale of the Policy may be impacted by the circumstances of the particular purchaser of the Policy, the insured’s life expectancy, future premiums, the death benefit, the terms of the Policy, and the current market for insurance policies, among other factors. The amount received for the sale of the Policy may be more or less than what others might receive for the sale of a similar policy. There may be high fees associated with the sell of a Life settlement.

Any tax advice contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended for public dissemination. Further, you should seek specific tax advice from your tax professional before pursuing any idea contemplated herein. This advice is being provided solely as an incidental service to our business as a financial planner.