Having multiple shares of multiple stocks is generally considered a more diversified and robust investment strategy compared to holding 1 share across several stocks. Here's why:
- Increased Diversification: When you hold multiple shares of multiple stocks, you're not only diversifying across companies but also within companies. This multi-layered diversification can help mitigate risks associated with market volatility, sector-specific risks, and company-specific risks12.
- Risk Reduction: By spreading your investment across multiple companies, you reduce the impact of any single company's performance on your portfolio. This can lead to a more stable investment profile and potentially lower overall risk12.
- Leveraging Fractional Shares: If you're limited to purchasing fractional shares, having multiple shares of multiple stocks can still provide a significant exposure to various companies without the need to purchase whole shares3.
- Flexibility and Accessibility: Holding multiple shares of multiple stocks can be more flexible for investors who need to adjust their positions based on market conditions or company performance. It also allows for easier adjustments to maintain desired asset allocations4.
- Long-Term Investment: Owning multiple shares across multiple stocks encourages a long-term investment perspective, which is generally more beneficial for achieving financial goals compared to short-term market speculation2.
While holding 1 share across several stocks can still be a valid strategy for some investors, particularly those with a high-risk tolerance or a very small investment amount, having multiple shares of multiple stocks is generally considered a more diversified and prudent approach to investing. It aligns better with the principles of risk management and can potentially lead to more stable and consistent returns over time.