Investments
Aug 16, 2025

Global Diversification Matters

Nick Faulkner, CFP®
COO & Lead Financial Planner
Read us in socials:
Social iconSocial iconSocial iconSocial icon

Only Invested in S&P 500?:

Is all of, or most of your portfolio only in the S&P 500? The S&P 500 is made up of larger US companies (typically greater than $20 billion market capitalization).

If your portfolio is only U.S. large-cap stocks, you might be missing big opportunities — and taking unnecessary risk.

Reality Check:

• In the last 15 years, the S&P 500 was the top-performing asset class only 3 times — and 2 of those years were in 2023 & 2024.

• Before 2023? The top performing asset class only once since 2010.

• From 2000–2009 (the “lost decade”), the S&P 500 had a negative return.

Meanwhile, during that same lost decade 2000-2009:

• Emerging Markets: +9.78% annualized

• U.S. Small Cap Value: +8.27% annualized

• U.S. Large Cap Value: +2.47% annualized

• International Developed: +1.63% annualized

Diversification Matters!

I’m not going to disagree that the S&P 500 has pretty much CRUSHED everything in its path over the last 10 – 15 years, what I am saying is that there have been periods of time where it’s significantly lagged other asset classes.

We don’t want our clients to only be exposed to a singular country or asset class – this can dramatically hinder your portfolio, especially if you are taking distributions from your accounts.

You need a customized investment approach that aligns with your goals, tolerance, and time horizon.

Our latest articles

More Insights from Fee-Only Financial Advisors

Blog Img
Nick Faulkner, CFP®
Nov 24, 2025
5 Things to Consider Before Retirement

Choosing to retire is one of the most important decisions someone can make in their lifetime. Read this article to learn about all the things you should consider prior to making this life-changing decision.

Blog Img
Nick Faulkner, CFP®
Nov 10, 2025
Does Stock Picking Work?

Stock pickers underperform the market long-term. Learn why diversification and disciplined investing still win.

Blog Img
Nick Faulkner, CFP®
Oct 9, 2025
What Are Stock Options? What are RSUs, ISOs, NSOs, ESPPs? - Planning Considerations Around Equity Compensation

Are you a tech employee with an equity compensation plan? If you want to learn more details about RSUs, ISOs, NSOs, & ESPPs, take a look at this article.