What is the main benefit of diversification in an investment portfolio?

Diversification in an investment portfolio primarily helps to reduce overall risk. This strategy involves spreading investments across various asset classes, sectors, or geographical regions. By doing so, the negative performance of one investment can be offset by the positive performance of another. This balance helps to mitigate the impact of market volatility and lowers the potential for significant losses.

For instance, if an investor puts all their money into a single stock and that stock performs poorly, the entire investment may suffer a substantial loss. However, if the investor diversifies their portfolio with a mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets, the downturn in that one stock can be cushioned by gains in other areas, leading to a more stable overall performance.

In addition to this, while diversification may also lead to a more stable return, it does not specifically guarantee increased potential returns or profits, nor does it enhance liquidity, as these aspects are influenced by other factors such as market conditions and the nature of the investments themselves.