Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 9,500+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
Try GOLD - Free
Beyond the Numbers: Why Less Can Be More for Your Diversified Portfolio
Mint Chennai
|May 16, 2025
Recently, I came across a 1996 article titled "Spreading the Wealth" by Jon Newberry. It explained diversification's math with a clarity often missing today.
Despite advances like AI trading and global markets, the basics of investing haven't changed. Many investors say their portfolios are "well-diversified," but often it's just a long list of stocks or funds that adds complexity without real protection. For example, one investor held 40 stocks, but five accounted for over 60% of the portfolio's value. The rest added paperwork and stress without impact.
This raises a key question: what is diversification really meant to do? Its core purpose is to protect against major losses. As Philip Fisher noted in 1958, "too many eggs in so many baskets" means many eggs don't end up in good baskets. Diversification, in fact, is smart risk management, not just quantity.
This story is from the May 16, 2025 edition of Mint Chennai.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Mint Chennai
Mint Chennai
It's Clear That Gamblers Should Pay More Taxes Than Investors
Investing aids the economy but gambling is simply consumption
3 mins
September 15, 2025
Mint Chennai
Finding inspiration in natural light
Nicobar's Simran Lal on how her two workspaces keep her calm, motivated
2 mins
September 15, 2025
Mint Chennai
Yuan versus the dollar: Propose a third option
As China attempts to globalize its legal tender; America guards the supremacy of its own and digital currencies gain traction, India should revive Keynes' idea of a global trade currency
2 mins
September 15, 2025
Mint Chennai
Mercedes Expects Best Festive Season
The recent GST rate cut is likely to make the upcoming festive season the 'best-ever' for the luxury carmaker, but there is a need to cap road taxes levied by states on car purchases for long-term growth of the industry, Mercedes-Benz India managing director and chief executive officer Santosh Iyer said.
1 min
September 15, 2025
Mint Chennai
Indian Market Resilient; Stocks Could Touch New Highs by March
Over the long term, say 7 to 10 years, small and midcaps will be the real winners A. Balasubramanian, managing director and chief executive of Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC
4 mins
September 15, 2025
Mint Chennai
Top Debtor States Seek More From Finance Commission
Greater fiscal relief, revamped criteria for tax revenue sharing, special funds among demands
2 mins
September 15, 2025
Mint Chennai
Insurance law revision likely next session: FM
The Insurance Amendment Bill, which proposes 100% foreign direct investment in the sector, is likely to be introduced in parliament in the winter session, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said.
1 min
September 15, 2025
Mint Chennai
When street dogs, cats bring the office closer
When colleagues work towards a collective goal like looking after community animals, it offers them a sense of purpose
4 mins
September 15, 2025
Mint Chennai
COP-30: Use carbon trading to win climate leadership
An efficient and credible carbon market can give India a chance to lead a global agenda that's fair to everyone
3 mins
September 15, 2025
Mint Chennai
Small stores, bold ambitions: Ikea to ramp up presence
Ikea India plans to add 3-4 small city stores over 10 months, shifting focus from large-format outlets to compact spaces
1 mins
September 15, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size