Portfolio Diversification: How to Potentially Gain Better Returns per Unit of Risk

This research article analyzes the impact of portfolio diversification when applied to a portfolio of stocks and bonds. In particular, it shows that by spreading the investment on uncorrelated asset classes an investor may achieve a higher return per unit of risk taken (Sharpe ratio). The article is structured as follows. The first section introduces the concept of portfolio diversification through Markowitz Portfolio Theory (MPT). The second section shows how portfolio diversification applies to traditional asset classes like equities and bonds by building an efficient frontier where an investor can choose his desired portfolio in terms of risk and return…....