Asset class

An asset class comprises a group of securities with similar characteristics, risk profiles, and market behavior. Typical asset classes include equities, bonds, commodities, and real estate.

Asset classes can be further refined. For example, equities can be divided by country, sector, or company size, while bonds can be divided into government and corporate bonds. Without such a precise specification, reference is usually made to the highest level of grouping, for example, equities.

In the following video podcasts, we discuss the most important characteristics of each asset class.

• The most popular asset class: equities
• The second most important asset class: bonds
• Investing in commodities: an introduction
• Real estate or REITs: Which is the better investment?