Register For Our Mailing List

Register to receive our free weekly newsletter including editorials.

Home / 329

Managing risk using asset diversification

Employing a strategic asset allocation (SAA) can minimise the overall level of portfolio risk for a given level of return. The investment strategy sets target weights to the asset classes in a portfolio. Weightings are primarily allocated based on the investment objective, time horizon and, most importantly, the risk tolerance of the investor.

Combining uncorrelated assets

Support for SAA is provided by the fundamental benefit of portfolio diversification. Combining a group of assets that are less than perfectly correlated can reduce the overall risk of a portfolio for a required rate of return. The main theory, known as Modern Portfolio Theory, was pioneered by Harry Markowitz for which he was later awarded a Nobel Prize (for Graham Hand's interviews with Mr Markowitz, see here and here).

It is centered on the notion that the return of an asset should not be viewed in isolation but assessed on its contribution to the overall portfolio risk and return. The portfolios that provide the highest return for a defined level of risk fall on what is called the efficient frontier. This combination of assets is deemed to have greater diversification and be less susceptible to nonsystematic risk.

To illustrate the risk and return benefits of a SAA in a portfolio, 10 year back-tested data has been provided for three portfolios with different risk profiles: Conservative, Balanced and High Growth.

The portfolio asset weightings have been based on the corresponding BetaShares ETF Model Portfolios of the same risk profiles. This example is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to reflect the actual performance of the model portfolios they have been based on. Risk profiles of each model portfolio are produced in accordance with the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority’s (APRA) standard risk measure.

In Figure 2, we have calculated the performance over a period of 10 years ending 30 September 2019, with monthly rebalancing back to the target SAA weights. Broad market cap weighted total return indices are used to generate asset class returns, focusing on indices that are commonly tracked by ETFs.

Figure 2 illustrates that each of the portfolios can be seen as ‘optimal portfolios’ that broadly fall on the efficient frontier. Compared to a portfolio of solely Australian Equity, the ‘High Growth’ portfolio provided a higher 10-year return and lower risk whilst having a monthly return correlation of 92.4%.

A 100% weighting towards Australian Equity would have been a sub-optimal portfolio and an inefficient investment strategy over the 10 years. This highlights the importance of asset diversification in a portfolio and the long-term risk versus return benefits it can provide.

Correlations in returns between different asset classes are also relevant in building a portfolio. Figure 3 shows a 10-year correlation matrix, including the blended portfolios described above. It's notable that even a 'balanced' portfolio has a high correlation to equities.

The results also show the higher returns come with greater 'risk', measured by the standard deviation. These are the classic trade offs expected under Modern Portfolio Theory.

 

Will Gormly is an ETF/LIC Specialist at Bell Potter Securities. This article is for general information only and does not consider the circumstances of any investor.

Firstlinks provides regular reports on LICs trading at discounts and premiums in the Education Centre.

 

RELATED ARTICLES

Stars align for fixed income

Do Government bonds still have a role to play for Australian investors?

Passive investing has risks too

banner

Most viewed in recent weeks

Maybe it’s time to consider taxing the family home

Australia could unlock smarter investment and greater equity by reforming housing tax concessions. Rethinking exemptions on the family home could benefit most Australians, especially renters and owners of modest homes.

Supercharging the ‘4% rule’ to ensure a richer retirement

The creator of the 4% rule for retirement withdrawals, Bill Bengen, has written a new book outlining fresh strategies to outlive your money, including holding fewer stocks in early retirement before increasing allocations.

Simple maths says the AI investment boom ends badly

This AI cycle feels less like a revolution and more like a rerun. Just like fibre in 2000, shale in 2014, and cannabis in 2019, the technology or product is real but the capital cycle will be brutal. Investors beware.

Why we should follow Canada and cut migration

An explosion in low-skilled migration to Australia has depressed wages, killed productivity, and cut rental vacancy rates to near decades-lows. It’s time both sides of politics addressed the issue.

Are franking credits worth pursuing?

Are franking credits factored into share prices? The data suggests they're probably not, and there are certain types of stocks that offer higher franking credits as well as the prospect for higher returns.

Are LICs licked?

LICs are continuing to struggle with large discounts and frustrated investors are wondering whether it’s worth holding onto them. This explains why the next 6-12 months will be make or break for many LICs.

Latest Updates

A nation of landlords and fund managers

Super and housing dwarf every other asset class in Australia, and they’ve both become too big to fail. Can they continue to grow at current rates, and if so, what are the implications for the economy, work and markets?

Economy

The hidden property empire of Australia’s politicians

With rising home prices and falling affordability, political leaders preach reform. But asset disclosures show many are heavily invested in property - raising doubts about whose interests housing policy really protects.

Retirement

Retiring debt-free may not be the best strategy

Retiring with debt may have advantages. Maintaining a mortgage on the family home can provide a line of credit in retirement for flexibility, extra income, and a DIY reverse mortgage strategy.

Shares

Why the ASX is losing Its best companies

The ASX is shrinking not by accident, but by design. A governance model that rewards detachment over ownership is driving capital into private hands and weakening public markets.

Investment strategies

3 reasons the party in big tech stocks may be over

The AI boom has sparked investor euphoria, but under the surface, US big tech is showing cracks - slowing growth, surging capex, and fading dominance signal it's time to question conventional tech optimism.

Investment strategies

Resilience is the new alpha

Trade is now a strategic weapon, reshaping the investment landscape. In this environment, resilient companies - those capable of absorbing shocks and defending margins - are best positioned to outperform.

Shares

The DNA of long-term compounding machines

The next generation of wealth creation is likely to emerge from founder influenced firms that combine scalable models with long-term alignment. Four signs can alert investors to these companies before the crowds.

Sponsors

Alliances

© 2025 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer
The data, research and opinions provided here are for information purposes; are not an offer to buy or sell a security; and are not warranted to be correct, complete or accurate. Morningstar, its affiliates, and third-party content providers are not responsible for any investment decisions, damages or losses resulting from, or related to, the data and analyses or their use. To the extent any content is general advice, it has been prepared for clients of Morningstar Australasia Pty Ltd (ABN: 95 090 665 544, AFSL: 240892), without reference to your financial objectives, situation or needs. For more information refer to our Financial Services Guide. You should consider the advice in light of these matters and if applicable, the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before making any decision to invest. Past performance does not necessarily indicate a financial product’s future performance. To obtain advice tailored to your situation, contact a professional financial adviser. Articles are current as at date of publication.
This website contains information and opinions provided by third parties. Inclusion of this information does not necessarily represent Morningstar’s positions, strategies or opinions and should not be considered an endorsement by Morningstar.