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What is an asset class?

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Quick answer

An asset class is a group of investments that behave similarly and follow the same rules — like stocks, bonds, cash, real estate, or commodities. Spreading money across different asset classes is a core way investors manage risk through diversification.

Key things to understand

  1. It's a group of similar-behaving investments.
  2. Examples: stocks, bonds, cash, property, commodities.
  3. Each carries its own risk and return profile.
  4. Mixing classes is key to diversification.

People also ask

What is an asset class?
A category of investments that behave similarly, such as stocks, bonds, cash, or real estate.
What are the main asset classes?
Equities (stocks), fixed income (bonds), cash, real estate, and commodities.
Why do asset classes matter?
They have different risk-return profiles, so combining them helps diversify and manage risk.