Definition and How Allocation Strategy Works

Table of Contents

What is an Investment Pyramid

An investment pyramid, or risk pyramid, is a portfolio method that allocates property in line with the relative risk levels of those investments. The risk of an investment is printed in this method by means of the variance of the investment return, or the likelihood the investment will decrease in worth to a large level.

The bottom and widest part of the pyramid is constituted of low-risk investments, the mid-portion is composed of growth investments, and the smallest segment on the most productive is allocated to speculative investments.

Key Takeaways

  • The investment pyramid is an asset allocation method that consumers use to diversify their portfolio investments in line with the danger profile of each protection.
  • The pyramid, representing the investor’s portfolio, has 3 distinct tiers: low-risk property at the bottom akin to cash and money markets; rather unhealthy property like stocks and bonds inside the middle; and high-risk speculative property like derivatives on the most productive.
  • The strategy calls for allocating a very powerful proportion of capital to the low-risk property at the bottom, and the smallest amount to the speculative property on the most productive.

Explaining the Investment Chance Pyramid

Working out the Investment Pyramid

An investment pyramid method builds a portfolio with the ground risk investments as the ground, equity securities of established companies as the middle, and speculative securities because the perfect.

  • The ground (i.e. the widest part of the pyramid) would include the most productive allocation of property and would include cash and CDs, non permanent government bonds, and money market securities.
  • The middle part of the pyramid would include an inexpensive allocation to corporate bonds, stocks, and exact belongings. The ones property are moderately unhealthy and have some probability of shedding worth, even supposing over time they have sure expected returns.
  • The perfect would include the smallest allocation weights and include extraordinarily unhealthy, speculative investments that have a over the top chance of loss, alternatively may also produce above-average returns. The ones would include derivatives contracts like alternatives and futures (not used for hedging purposes), variety investments, and collectibles akin to paintings.

Within each risk layer of the pyramid, you understand an build up in risk taking, alternatively with a smaller allocation of basic budget available to take a position. Consequently, the higher you progress up the pyramid, the bigger the danger, however moreover greater the conceivable return.


Chance Pyramid.
Image by means of Julie Bang © Investopedia 2020

Phrase that not all patrons have the equivalent willingness and/or ability to take on risk. The pyramid representing a portfolio should be customized to an individual’s specific risk selection and financial scenario.

Example of an Investment Pyramid

For example, Harold went to his financial information for advice on one of the best ways to position his portfolio. The information urged that in line with Harold’s objectives, risk tolerance and time horizon, he should adopt an investment pyramid method. The information signifies that Harold put 40-50% of his portfolio in Treasury bonds and money market securities, 30-40% in mutual budget that invest in corporate stocks and bonds, and the rest in speculative items akin to futures and commodities.

Similar Posts