Financial risk is a broad term that refers to the potential for financial loss or uncertainty in financial markets. It is an inherent part of investing, as no investment is completely without risk. The level of risk varies from one investment to another, and it is important for investors to understand the risks associated with their investments and how to manage financial risk in order to make informed decisions.
One way to think about financial risk is as what is left over when you think you’ve thought of everything. This means that no matter how much due diligence you do, and no matter how much you try to anticipate potential risks and plan for them, there will always be some level of uncertainty and potential for loss. This is because there are many unpredictable factors that can influence financial markets, such as changes in economic conditions, political events, and natural disasters.
There are several types of financial risk that investors should be aware of.
Market Risk
One of the most common types is market risk, which refers to the risk of losses due to changes in the value of financial assets. For example, if you invest in stocks, you are exposed to market risk, as the value of your stocks may fluctuate based on a variety of factors such as the performance of the company, the overall state of the economy, and changes in interest rates.
Credit Risk
Another type of financial risk is credit risk, which refers to the risk of losses due to the default or bankruptcy of a borrower. For example, if you invest in bonds issued by a company, you are exposed to credit risk, as the company may default on its bond payments if it is unable to meet its financial obligations.
Liquidity Risk
In addition to market and credit risk, there are other types of financial risk that investors should be aware of, such as liquidity risk, which refers to the risk of being unable to sell an investment when you need to. For example, if you own real estate and intend to sell, you may face liquidity risk if the market conditions are bad.
Operational Risk
There is also operational risk, which refers to the risk of losses due to operational failures or errors. A type of business risk, operational risk can result from breakdowns in a company’s internal procedures, systems, and business activities.
How to Manage Financial Risk
To manage financial risk, investors can use a variety of strategies, such as diversification, risk management tools, and risk assessment techniques.
Diversification involves spreading your investments across different asset classes, sectors, and regions in order to reduce the impact of any one investment on your overall portfolio. True diversification will mix different asset classes that have little to no financial relationship with one another and move up and down at different times.
Risk management tools such as stop-loss orders and hedging strategies can also help to limit potential losses. Risk assessment techniques such as stress testing and scenario analysis can also help investors to identify and quantify potential risks in order to make informed decisions about their investments.
There are always unpredictable factors that can influence financial markets, and financial risk is an inherent part of investing. But savvy investors can use strategies to manage financial risk.
Delap Wealth Advisory specializes in helping maximize the after-tax, risk-adjusted financial outcomes our clients experience. Reach out to our team today to start a conversation.
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