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Periodic adjustments will help keep your portfolio balanced and aligned with your objectives.

Don't "set it and forget it"

There will be market rallies and there will be corrections.
Because financial markets are dynamic and unpredictable, you can't expect your portfolio to perform exactly as planned. It takes close monitoring and periodic adjustments to help stay on track: The more you do so, the better you'll get at keeping your portfolio aligned with your objectives.
Learn:
3 steps to building a balanced portfolio
Get insights:
What should you do when the markets get volatile?
Asset allocation (1:21)
Is your portfolio in line with your objectives?
Is your portfolio in line with your objectives?
Try the Asset Allocation Tool™

Pay attention to your asset allocation

Careful asset allocation is an important aspect of long- term investing. It could help you ride out market highs and lows by helping to minimize the potential impact of market fluctuations.Footnote 1
Asset allocation also involves balancing your financial goals with your comfort with risk, which can help you keep your financial strategy on track. Higher risk usually means more volatile returns; lower risk usually delivers more conservative returns.
Changes in your life may warrant changes in your allocation. If you get married or divorced, buy a home or have a child, your tolerance for risk may change and your asset allocation should follow suit.
Learn:
Asset allocation: A sound investment strategy

Fine-tune your portfolio

Even the simplest asset allocation strategies need rebalancing on occasion. A good rule of thumb is to make adjustments, a process called "rebalancing," at least once a year to help keep you on track. Fine-tuning your portfolio quarterly can be worth the extra effort.Footnote 1

Learn: How — and when — to rebalance your portfolio
Rebalancing your portfolio (1:23)
Who relies on Financial Advisors?Footnote 2
Who relies on Financial Advisors?

You don't have to go it alone

Investing involves a combination of knowledge, skill and time. With Merrill Edge, resources are always there when you need them to help you manage your investments online.
If you want a personalized action plan, consider working with a Merrill Edge Financial Solutions Advisor™, who can assess your personal situation and assemble an appropriate mix of financial products and tools to help you pursue your investment goals.
What's next?
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Footnote 1 Asset allocation, diversification and rebalancing do not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.

Footnote 2 Merrill Edge Report, Fall 2013. Respondent base 1,016 mass affluent respondents with investable assets between $50,000 and $250,000.

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