Personal Finance

Apple CEO Tim Cook says that owning Crypto is part of a diversified portfolio and I'm not sure I agree with him

Kristin Hitchcock

Published: November 29, 2024 9:29 am

24/7 Wall St. Key Takeaways:

• Crypto can be a balanced part of a diverse portfolio. However, it is very volatile!
• You should not feel mandated to purchase Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) or Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH), but it can be something to explore for some investors. 
• Also: Take this quiz to see if you’re on track to retire ^(Sponsored)

There are a lot of arguments about what exactly a “diversified portfolio” means. I recently came across a Reddit post in the r/fatFIRE community that highlighted a thought-provoking statement by Apple CEO Tim Cook. In an interview with The New York Times, Cook revealed that he has personally invested in cryptocurrency for “a while” and considers it “reasonable to own crypto as part of a diversified portfolio.”

For a forum often focused on traditional investment approaches like index funds and bonds, this sparked an interesting debate: Should this shift perspectives on crypto investments?

Let’s explore some of my opinions on this topic, especially for those pursuing financial freedom.

What Crypto Brings to a Portfolio

So, let’s look at what exactly crypto can bring to a portfolio. There are many reasons why investors recommend crypto, such as:

• Diversification: Crypto is very different from other traditional asset classes. Therefore, when used in moderation, it reduces the overall portfolio risk. 
• Potential Growth: With the crypto market’s rapid expansion, some assets have demonstrated incredible growth, albeit with extreme volatility.
• Belief: Some people simply believe in cryptocurrency as a concept and may choose to invest in it out of principle.

However, crypto is highly speculative. Its value can fluctuate dramatically, even though we expect it to rise. However, this assumes you’re using crypto as part of a balanced portfolio, not just investing in crypto. When used to diversify a portfolio, it is used very sparingly. 

Should You Revisit Your Risk Tolerance?

The Reddit post raises a key question: For those sticking to low-risk investments, does this news prompt a reconsideration of risk tolerance? The answer depends on your financial goals, timeline, and comfort with volatility.

Cypto is very high-risk, akin to high-growth stocks. Therefore, it should only comprise a small amount of your portfolio, around 1-5%. This approach allows you to use it for diversification while also keeping your portfolio from becoming too volatile. 

Yes, you can use crypto as part of a diverse portfolio, but it shouldn’t be a huge portion. 

Proceed with Caution

That said, it’s best to work with a financial advisor if you’re worried about using crypto or don’t want to research your own investment options. While Tim Cook’s endorsement might be noteworthy, your financial plan should reflect you, not the portfolio of a billionaire!

Advisors can help assess whether crypto is a good option for you or not.