Which of the following is a key benefit of diversification?

A key benefit of diversification is the reduction of overall portfolio risk. When an investor diversifies their portfolio by holding a variety of assets—such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and other investment vehicles—they are less exposed to the adverse performance of any single investment. This spread of investments can stabilize returns because different assets often respond differently to market conditions. For instance, while one sector might be declining, another might be performing well, thereby offsetting potential losses.

Diversification does not guarantee returns, enhance volatility, or lead to increased management fees, which means its primary advantage lies in risk management. By combining assets with low or negative correlations, an investor can achieve a smoother performance over time, making diversification a fundamental strategy in investment practice.