What's the difference between asset allocation & diversification?

When it comes to investing, asset allocation is the equivalent of deciding how many of your eggs you're going to put into how many different baskets—or asset classes. Diversification is the spreading of your investments both among and within different asset classes.

Do diversification and asset allocation guarantee a profit?

Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or guarantee against loss. Stock markets are volatile and can fluctuate significantly in response to company, industry, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments. Investing in stock involves risks, including the loss of principal.

What is asset allocation?

Asset allocation means spreading your investments across various asset classes. Broadly speaking, that means a mix of stocks, bonds, and cash or money market securities. Within these three classes there are subclasses: Large-cap stocks: Shares issued by companies with a market capitalization above $10 billion.