• There are substantial fears in the investment markets that volatility could return in 2023
• Inflation, disrupted supply chains, and a potential recession all inform these fears
• Diversification holds the key to making gains and protecting investment as experts encourage international diversification.

A Gallup survey shows that a record high 48% of Americans believe that the stock market will fall in the next six months. A further 67% of the respondents feel inflation will go up in the same period. And more expressed fears of high-interest rates and unemployment.

These fears are not unfounded, and neither do they affect the US economy alone. The World Bank predicted a potential global recession in 2023. Economic experts are also worried about the volatility of the markets and many now recommend diversification as a means of preserving value and observing gains even in an uncertain economic environment.

As central banks fight inflation by increasing interest rates, and the war in Ukraine still affecting energy costs and disrupting supply chains, the prevailing view is that markets will be volatile with no one being able to make accurate predictions.

However, it is not gloomy all over as certain pockets of the market are recording significant gains and showing promise to maintain steady growth. Private markets managed futures, and emerging markets are all giving reasons for investors to diversify their funds. Investing abroad is presently an attractive option as developed markets experience stagflation, emerging markets are set to outperform them. If you are wondering where to invest abroad, Luigi Wewege, President of award-winning Caye International Bank has an answer.

“You might want to invest in new businesses overseas, or you could explore stock markets in new jurisdictions. You can simply invest in foreign currencies in order to hedge against inflation in your home country, or you could have access to a new currency as you make plans to live or retire overseas. From funds to precious metals, there is something for everyone when it comes to offshore investment opportunities.”

Types of diversification

If you are going to engage in asset diversification, it helps to know the options you have. The first option is diversification within an asset category. If you opt for equities, you can choose based on market capitalization either going for a small, mid, or large cap. You can also choose based on the sector, for example, banking, pharma, or IT. You could also choose between high beta or low beta stocks.

You can also diversify across portfolios. For example, you could invest in gold which is historically an excellent diversifier. It offers excellent returns and stabilizes the overall performance of your whole portfolio.

You can also diversify across managers if you will choose mutual funds as an investment vehicle. You should spread your money across the investment funds and fund managers. This action gives you the safety of spreading risk around several options. Using three funds is too concentrated, but getting to 20 is over-diversifying. Find a rational number that will give you gains and invest the rest elsewhere.

You can also diversify across geographies. Essentially, this means making international investments. While this may seem a huge leap for an investor who has not had time to invest abroad, there is considerable reason to do so. For instance, global economists all project that Europe and United States will have low economic growth and high inflation. On the other hand, regions like Latin America and the Caribbean, Central Asia, South Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific region will all have growing economies.

Advantages of international investing

If you are looking for extra motivation to invest offshore, the following benefits should spur you on.

Diversification

Investing in international markets provides access to a wider range of industries and companies, which can help reduce the overall risk of a portfolio. This can help balance out the ups and downs of the stock market in different regions. Luigi Wewege advises working with reputable institutions like Hong Kong, Panama and Swiss banks when planning an offshore portfolio. Belize, he also points out is now the most favored offshore investment destination by high-net-worth individuals.

Growth opportunities

Investing in international markets can provide exposure to economies and industries that may be growing at a faster rate than the domestic market. This can potentially lead to higher returns over the long term.

Currency exchange rate

When investing internationally, investors can benefit from currency exchange rate fluctuations. If the investor’s home currency is stronger than the currency in which the investment was made, they can benefit from the currency exchange rate when they convert their investment back into their home currency.

Hedge against inflation

Investing in international markets can provide a hedge against inflation. If inflation in the domestic market is high, international investments can potentially provide a buffer against the impact of rising prices.

Access to global brands

International investing provides access to well-established global companies that may not be available in the domestic market. This can provide an opportunity to invest in companies with a global presence, brand recognition, and a strong track record of performance.

Summary

Luigi Wewege believes that Asset diversification will make a comeback in 2023 largely because it is the best bet against changing economic times. It has become an option for asset protection and with diversification options like offshore investment, there is a realistic chance to grow your wealth even in these uncertain economic times.