4. Moderate offensive
A moderately offensive policy is one of six categories, what are the risks, benefits and consequences of this form of investment?
Moderately offensive investing: pursuing returns with managed risk
Investing is an exciting way to grow your wealth, but it also involves risk. Are you looking for a balance between potential gains and manageable risk? Then moderately offensive investing may be for you. In this article, we discuss the features, benefits, risks and implications of this form of investment.
What is moderately offensive investing?
As the name suggests, moderately offensive investing is in the middle of the investment spectrum. It is slightly riskier than defensive investing, but less adventurous than offensive investing. With this strategy, you aim for higher returns than defensive investing, but with an acceptable degree of risk.
The exact interpretation of moderately offensive investing can vary from one provider or fund to another. In most cases, the emphasis will be on equities, with an additional portion of bonds and/or cash.
A typical distribution for a moderately offensive investment profile:
- Shares: 60-70%.
- Bonds: 30-40%.
- Liquidity: 0-10%.
This distribution can be dynamically adjusted depending on market conditions.
The benefits of moderately offensive investing
- Potentially higher returns: By investing in stocks, there is a chance for higher returns than with defensive investing.
- Manageable risk: The bonds and/or cash in the portfolio provide a buffer against fluctuations in the stock market.
- Diversification: By diversifying across different asset classes, you reduce the risk of losing everything if one sector or investment disappoints.
- Suitable for long-term: Moderately offensive investing is generally suitable for investors with an investment horizon of 5 years or longer.
The risks of moderately offensive investing
- Equity risk: Share prices can fluctuate sharply, which can lead to (temporary) losses.
- Bond interest rate risk: Falling interest rates can depress the value of bonds.
- Market risk: General economic or political turmoil can affect all investments.
The consequences of moderately offensive investing
- Possible higher returns: In the long run, the probability of higher returns than defensive investing.
- Fluctuations: The value of your investments may fluctuate more than with defensive investing.
- Possible loss: You may lose money (temporarily), especially in the short term.
Is moderately offensive investing for you?
Whether moderately offensive investing suits you depends on your personal investment profile, your risk appetite and your investment goals. Are you looking for a healthy balance between return and risk, and do you have a long-term horizon? Then this form of investment can be an interesting option.
Some rules of thumb:
- Are you younger than 40? Then you may be able to take on more risk than if you are closer to retirement age.
- Do you have a buffer to deal with unexpected setbacks? Then you can better deal with (temporary) losses on your investments.
- Can you handle stress well? Investing always involves risk. Make sure you are comfortable with this.
Tips for moderately offensive investing
- Do your research: Delve into the various investment options and choose a fund or provider that fits your profile.
- Spread your risks: Don't invest all your money in one investment or sector.
- Stay informed: Follow the markets and adjust your investments as needed.
- Invest for the long term: Be patient and don't get caught up in short-term panic.
Moderately offensive investing is an interesting option for investors looking for higher returns than defensive investing, but with an acceptable degree of risk. By being well informed, diversified and investing for the long term, you limit the impact of intermediate declines and achieve higher returns on average.