Investing is fundamentally about fulfilling life’s financial goals within a specific timeframe. However, many investors abandon their plans midway due to poor investment experiences, often triggered by market volatility or emotional decisions. When investments are prematurely withdrawn, neither the tenure is completed nor the goals achieved—defeating the very purpose of investing.
This is why it’s crucial to not just focus on goal achievement, but also ensure a stable and satisfying investment journey. A well-planned strategy that balances growth and risk through asset allocation is the key. One such robust approach is Multi-Asset Investing.
What is Multi-Asset Investing?
As the name suggests, multi-asset investing involves spreading investments across three or more asset classes. Riding on the asset allocation strategy, Multi-Asset Investing ensures the portfolio is well diversified with suitable exposure to various asset classes. These could include equities, debt instruments, gold and real estate-linked securities. Each asset class behaves differently under varying market and macroeconomic conditions. By diversifying, investors reduce the concentration risk that arises from putting all funds into a single asset class.
Asset classes rarely perform in tandem. For example, during periods when equity markets surge, debt or gold may underperform, and vice versa. A diversified, multi-asset portfolio helps smooth out these fluctuations, reducing volatility and enhancing the consistency of returns. By balancing different assets, multi-asset investing aims to deliver risk-adjusted, inflation-beating returns over the long term. In essence, this strategy prevents your portfolio from being too dependent on the fortunes of one asset class and helps you reap the benefits of all asset classes at any given point of time.
Key Benefits of Multi-Asset Investing
Multi-asset investing has proven effective over time, offering a built-in solution to investors’ asset biases through asset allocation process. Given the inherent volatility in every asset class, single-asset portfolios can be unsettling. A diversified approach cushions the impact of market swings.
In a multi-asset portfolio, Equity offers potential capital appreciation while the Debt provides stability and accrual returns. Allocations to Gold and Silver acts as a strong hedge against inflation and currency risks. On the other hand, investment in Real Estate Instruments like REITs and InVITs helps boost the yield. The yield enhancement strategies through covered call options are highly useful especially in the current scenario wherein stock markets are volatile due to geopolitical tensions, global trade tariffs, interest rate trajectory and volatile FPI inflows.
This balanced composition with distinct investment style equips the portfolio to navigate economic uncertainties. History shows that investors who adhered to multi-asset strategies weathered multiple market downturns and crises with their wealth intact—and often grew it further.
Relevance in Today’s Market
While multi-asset investing is always relevant, its importance intensifies during volatile or uncertain periods—such as the current environment marked by geopolitical tensions and market instability. With equities facing heightened volatility and a downward bias, diversifying into other asset classes provides a buffer against potential losses.
Simplifying with Multi-Asset Mutual Fund
Implementing a multi-asset strategy independently can be challenging. It demands time, market knowledge and constant monitoring—resources many investors may lack. That’s where multi-asset mutual funds come into play. These funds are managed by professionals who allocate your money proportionately across multiple asset classes, adjusting dynamically as per market conditions. For those seeking a stress-free investment experience with optimal returns while working steadily towards their goals, multi-asset mutual funds offer an effective, all-in-one solution.
Disclaimer: The Views are Personal and not a part of the Outlook Money Editorial Feature