Rethinking risk

Continue the portfolio construction course with module 4, which explores how to rethink the impact risk has within investment portfolios, the different types and how it is measured.

All investments carry a degree of risk, yet risk is one of the most misunderstood variables in investing

While returns are unpredictable, risk is manageable, and is not inherently bad. Instead, focus on ensuring that any risk being taken is intentional.

At a basic level, the higher the potential return on investment, the more risk an investor must take. Establishing a benchmark to measure against will provide insight into whether an investment is too aggressive or too conservative relative to an investor’s goals.

Good risk management means looking beyond the allocation of assets and considering the types of stocks and bonds that go into a portfolio

Financial professionals should know what bonds would diversify the types of shares a client owns.

For example, high-yield bonds can often move in the same direction as equities in times of stress and are thus an unreliable hedge against stock market volatility. Likewise, interest rate decisions do not just impact bonds; some equity sectors can take divergent paths based on underlying rate moves.

However, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to finding the right level of risk. In addition to understanding their clients, advisors should have a sophisticated strategy in place for managing risk.

One thing to keep in mind is that financial professionals’ clients’ level of tolerance may change with shifts in the market, often becoming more risk averse during market volatility and more less so when the markets are favorable. The key is to build a portfolio that can achieve an investor’s financial goals within the bounds of volatility they can stomach.

Risk management techniques

1. Diversify

Ensuring a portfolio is well diversified by investing across a range of asset classes, industries and geographies should be the foundation of any risk management strategy.

2. Understand client outcomes

Financial professionals should understand how each investment fits into their clients’ portfolios, what could cause it to rise or fall in value, and how it meets their clients’ overall investment objectives. This essentially means carrying out a rigorous due diligence process when selecting potential investments, as outlined in the investing and monitoring module of this course.

3. Use a holdings-based analysis

Financial professionals with access to statistical, computer-based models can take a risk-first approach by using a holdings-based analysis to assess risk. This type of analysis examines the underlying securities of a portfolio and looks at its current holdings, rather than its past returns. Combining a holdings-based approach with other returns-based strategies allows advisors to better understand total portfolio risk and whether it is likely to stay within a client’s level of risk tolerance.

Set a risk measurement framework

After determining the level of risk that is most appropriate for a client, consider how to measure the levels of risk in a portfolio. Risk is measured through both qualitative and quantitative inputs for a more holistic approach. However, attempting to measure risk can be challenging. BlackRock specialists can help guide financial professionals through the complexities.

Think differently

Advisors shouldn’t try to avoid risk, but prepare for it and know what to do when there’s a downturn in the markets. Understanding the levels of and different kinds of risks can help develop successful portfolios. By leveraging BlackRock’s reports and insights, advisors can develop a disciplined approach to risk management and portfolio construction. Using these insights will allow for smarter investment decisions that will match their clients’ appetite for risk.

This concludes the fourth module of the portfolio construction course. Read the next module, which discusses the benefits of diversifying investments across multiple factors and the relationship to risk, to continue the course.