Types of Investment Risks

 There are basically two categories of financial risk: The first is referred to as Systematic Risk.

Systematic risk influences a large number of investments across a wide spectrum. The financial crisis of 2008 would be a good example. Virtually, every asset was impacted adversely. This type of risk is almost impossible to protect against. In other words, sometimes lightning strikes.

The second is referred to as Unsystematic Risk, also commonly called "Specific Risk."

This is the type of risk that impacts a smaller number of investments across a narrow spectrum. An example of this would be a highly regarded company using dubious financial practices (think Enron). Proper diversification is the key to providing protection from this type of risk.

Now let's explain in more detail the specific types of Unsystematic Risk that exist in the world of investing.

Market Risk

This is the type of risk that you may be most familiar with. It is simply the normal fluctuations in the price of an investment. It is most apparent in stock-related investments.

Simply put, it is the risk that an investment will decline in value, due to market forces. This is also sometimes referred to as volatility, which is really the measure of market risk. These movements in markets are what provide the ability for an investor to make money.

Credit Risk

This is also referred to as default risk. This occurs when a person or entity (company/government agency, etc.) is unable to pay what they owe on their debt. It can be either the principal or the interest. Corporate bonds tend to have a higher risk of defaulting but tend to pay higher rates of return in an attempt to compensate. Government bonds tend to have lower default rates but pay a lower rate of return. If a bond is considered (by a rating agency) to have a relatively low likelihood of risk of default, then it is referred to as investment grade. Conversely, If a bond is considered (by a rating agency) to have a relatively high likelihood of default, then it is referred to as a junk bond. This is somewhat of a misnomer, since "junk bonds" can be a solid addition to an investment portfolio and can mitigate other types of risk.

Country Risk

This refers to the risk that is inherent when a country cannot meet its financial commitments (think Greece). When a country defaults on its obligations, the impact is often that of a cascading nature. That means not only will the bonds of the country be affected but also other financial assets within the country, such as the overall stock market. In addition, other countries or companies that do business with the defaulting company can also be impacted.

Foreign-Exchange Risk

Investing in foreign countries provides many advantages, especially in terms of diversification. When you invest in assets or debt of foreign countries, note that the currency exchange rates can change the price of the asset or debt. So, even though the asset increases in value when you exchange it for your home currency, you could suffer a loss. The converse is also true: the asset could go down, but when you transfer it into your home currency, you could also realize a gain.

Interest Rate Risk

This refers to the risk when a change in interest rates affects the value of an asset or debt instrument. Typically, the risk applies to bonds in a more direct fashion than it does to stocks. However, stocks, especially preferred, convertible and high dividend ones, can also be affected. With all things being equal, as interest rates increase, the value of the bond will decrease.

Political Risk

This refers to the risk that occurs when the policies of a country change, especially if it happens in a random manner. For example, if a company is selling in country ABC and that country radically changes its tax laws and becomes business unfriendly, companies that do business in that country can be adversely affected.

Letting Go of Emotional Investing Patterns

 When the Fed raised short-term interest rates in December, did you feel obligated to buy, sell or change your investing strategy solely on that knowledge? The urge to make an investment decision is often influenced by media reports and the sentimental value you apply to those investments. This frame of thinking may lead you to make investment decisions based on your emotions, and in the long-term, emotional investing may prevent your portfolio from reaching its true potential.

Focus on the long-term. Check yourself for news-driven fear or euphoria before you call your financial professional. Remind yourself of what your long-term financial goals are, and ask yourself if making a change would help you reach them. If you still feel you need to make a change, ask your professional for their perspective.

Root out unfitting investments. Do you still have your first stock certificate from mom and dad? Shares inherited from a favorite aunt? Stock from an early employer? There are all kinds of ways to acquire stocks over the years, and over time, some investments may not "fit" with your overall investment goals. It can be hard to detach from stocks with an emotional connection, but like unruly branches in your backyard, portfolios need pruning on a regular basis to perform at their best. Portfolios and individual stocks should be evaluated periodically to determine whether they are still appropriate holdings given your time horizon, risk tolerance and overall portfolio. Keep in mind that sometimes no changes are warranted, but it's a good habit to regularly review.

Strive for a balanced portfolio. Portfolios often need to be rebalanced over time, as your individual circumstances and the individual holdings' situation changes. Take an objective look at your portfolio and ensure you are comfortable with the level of risk. If company stock options are available to you, make sure you're aware of how that may impact your overall investment strategy. While it's good to have confidence in your company, having too much stock in one company may expose you to more risk than you intend.

Be consistent. Counteract impulse buying and selling with a consistent approach to investing. Automated investing makes it easy to implement a disciplined approach, such as investing a set amount at regular intervals. This systematic investing can be a way to help minimize the effects of market volatility in a portfolio; however you will still need to review over time to make sure the strategy fits with your overall goals.

Embrace diversity. You'll be in a better position to hang on to a sentimental favorite if the rest of your portfolio is diversified across a range of industries and assets. Diversity may provide balance in the event one or more sectors are down, but do keep in mind that diversity alone cannot protect against an investment loss.

Sell when the time is right. If you identify a loser that's not likely to turn around, it may be advantageous to sell it now. Many investors continue to hold an investment with the hope that one day it will pay off to hold it. If you're unsure about if you should cut your losses and move on, consult a financial professional who can give you an objective opinion.

Request a portfolio review. If you suspect your personal preferences and emotions are interfering with your investment decisions, defer to the experts. Ask a financial professional to conduct an objective review of your portfolio, with an eye to performance and your financial goals. Together you can look for opportunities to grow your earnings through disciplined investing strategies.