What is a potential risk of a poorly diversified retirement portfolio?

A poorly diversified retirement portfolio can lead to increased vulnerability to market volatility. This risk arises because a lack of diversification means that the investment is concentrated in a limited number of assets or asset classes. When the market experiences fluctuations, the impact is more pronounced on those concentrated investments. If, for example, the sectors or assets chosen underperform or face downturns, the entire portfolio can suffer significantly, increasing the risk of losing capital and jeopardizing long-term financial security.

In contrast, a well-diversified portfolio spreads investments across different asset classes, sectors, and geographic regions, which can help mitigate the impact of volatility since not all investments will react the same way to market changes. This approach balances risks and can lead to more stable returns over time.