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 1. Individuals
 2. Build Your Knowledge
 3. What’s investment risk and why does it matter?




WHAT’S INVESTMENT RISK AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?

Risk is inherent in stock markets and investment portfolios. Shifting headlines
can push stocks one way one day, and another way the next. That’s especially
true when economic data doesn’t land as predicted. But not all risks to
investments are the same, and there may be rewards to taking some investment
risk.


WHAT IS INVESTMENT RISK?

For an investor like you, investment risk refers to the degree of uncertainty
and/or potential financial loss inherent in an investment decision. In other
words, when you invest your money, you don’t know for sure if you’ll receive the
desired returns or experience unexpected losses.

But risk to your investments doesn’t come just from stock market moves. The
economy, length of investment time, and more all pose potential risk to your
investments.


TYPES OF INVESTMENT RISK

The risk What it is Effect on investments Inflation risk The tendency for prices
to increase over time Future dollars (your investments) will not have as much
buying power. Longevity risk The risk of outliving your savings The length of
retirement is undetermined, making it tough to know how much money you’ll need.
Market risk The risk of loss due financial market performance Stocks vary from
day-to-day and year-to-year, which can have a negative effect on investments.
Interest rate risk The risk to savings and loan rates if interest rates change
For money you want to grow (investments), interest rate increases are generally
positive. Credit risk (corporate bonds) The risk of default by the issuer of the
bond Bondholders may not be paid the promised interest or the full principal.


WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF INVESTMENT RISK?

So why subject yourself to investment risk? In general, the rewards of the
return on investing may outweigh the rewards of return on traditional savings
accounts.

However, investment risk varies from one type of investment to another, meaning
the level of risk you take on is up to you. If short-term changes in the value
of your investments don’t bother you, you’re probably fine taking on some amount
of investment risk. However, if the thought of a drop in value—even for one
day—gives you the chills, then taking less risk might be more your speed.

Tip: Market volatility ≠ Market risk

Market volatility is how frequently and significantly an investment changes
price over time.

Market risk is the probability that a change will result in permanent or
long-lasting loss of value.

In addition, some types of investment risk help counteract other types of
investment risk. Take inflation: It causes prices to increase over time. If you
want your investments to keep pace with the risk of those increases, you may
need to take on some risk.

Finally, when you think about investment risk, it’s helpful to balance
short-term wariness with long-term opportunity. Look at the stock market: Some
years for the S&P 500 have been better than average and some worse. Over the
long haul, however, there have been fewer negative periods than positive. For
the investors who took the risk and kept their money in, even when the markets
were wobbly, the value of their investments likely increased.1

See for yourself how this plays out with our case study on the extreme
volatility in 2008 and 2009.


NEXT STEPS:

How much are you saving for retirement every year, no matter what the markets
do? Log in to your Principal account to see how you’re doing and adjust. First
time logging in? Get started by creating an account.

1
https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/042415/what-average-annual-return-sp-500.asp

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Past performance
does not guarantee future results.

Asset allocation and diversification do not ensure a profit or protect against
loss.

Investing in equities involves more risk than other securities and may have the
potential for higher returns and greater losses. The two main risks related to
fixed-income investing are interest rate risk and credit risk. Please note, as
interest rates rise, existing bond prices fall and can cause the value of an
investment to decline. Changes in interest rates have a greater effect on bonds
with longer maturities than on those with shorter maturities.

The subject matter in this communication is educational and is provided with the
understanding that Principal® is not rendering legal, accounting, or tax advice.
You should consult with appropriate counsel or other advisors on all matters
pertaining to legal, tax, or accounting obligations and requirements.

Insurance products and plan administrative services provided through Principal
Life Insurance Co. Securities offered through Principal Securities, Inc.,
800-547-7754, member SIPC. Principal Life and Principal Securities are members
of Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392.

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Securities offered through Principal Securities, Inc., member SIPC




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