Topic: Asset classes

Basic raw materials (e.g., gold, oil, wheat) standardized and traded on the global financial market.

Shares in companies around the world — the growth engine of a portfolio.

Loans to governments or companies that pay you interest.

Money you can reach quickly without much risk to its value.

Real estate and other assets that don’t always move in step with shares and bonds.

A young, highly volatile category — only ever a very small, optional slice.