Correlation Concerns

Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT) is based on the notion that diversification creates better (a.k.a., more efficient) portfolios. The benefit of the diversification stems from less than perfect correlations between asset classes. However, during times of extreme stress, and even in recent years with market integration, correlation values have increased. This calls into question whether diversification will bring the full benefit that it is expected to provide. See article here, Bloomberg.

Diversification Revisited

Asset allocation is widely considered to carry the most weight in determining a portfolio's overall return, but we often avoid/ignore many categories that could be helpful. See article here for a discussion of why diversification matters, Fidelity.

On the contrary, though, some analysts believe too much diversification is not a good thing. See article here (WSJ) to help answer the question, "How Much Diversification Is Too Much?"

Going Global

For diversification reasons, most investors should consider investing internationally. However, many investors have limited knowledge about how to do so or about how to determine how much exposure to have internationally. Click here for a recent WSJ article that provides some guidance on these issues.

Increased Leverage = Less Risk?

All else equal, the use of leverage increases investment risk. But, can it ever have the opposite effect? Investors using the so-called risk parity trade believe the answer is yes. Under this approach, a portfolio is built using equity and debt, but the debt is purchased using leverage. The strategy is based on two key points: (1) equity is more volatile than debt and (2) debt returns are negatively correlated to equity returns. Thus, with leverage, the debt returns are in effect more volatile. When combined, the negative correlation creates a less risky portfolio as the equity and debt returns balance each other out. See article here, Wall Street Journal.

"Alternative" Alternative Investments

Typical Alternative Investments include such categories as commodities and real estate. However, some investors have branched out into more esoteric assets such as cars and collectibles. As such, there is a growing category of managers offering such funds. See the article here, Wall Street Journal.

High Yield Debt

High Yield Debt is a nice way of saying "junk" debt, i.e., debt that is considered speculative grade. As you would expect, the yield on such debt, due to higher default risk, is higher than standard investment grade debt. However, with historically low interest rates, even the yields on "high yield" debt don't look so high any more. See article here, International Financing Review.

Is Diversification Dead?

Diversification (primarily based on asset correlation) is a key component of Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT). However, the recent financial crisis illustrated an increase in correlation across asset categories. Thus, many debate whether diversification still helps. Even with increasing correlations, diversification still provides benefit (possibly just not as much). However, the more relevant issue is that increasing correlation across the typical asset categories suggests that diversification is now more critical across "non-typical" categories -- such as commodities, hedge funds, and private equity funds. See the article here, Journal of Financial Planning.