Question

People who might need to retrieve part or all of their investment relatively soon, such as the elderly, are often advised to invest a higher percentage of their money in bonds, and thus a lower percentage in stocks, than people who can leave the investment untouched for decades. We know, however, that bonds typically have a lower rate of return than stocks. Why would people be advised to invest in assets that give lower average rates of return

Answer 1

Answer: C. While stocks have a higher rate of return in the long run, they are much more volatile (riskier) in the short run. As such, they have a higher probability of having less than the original value of the investment for people who might need to withdraw the investment in the short run.

Explanation:

As stated, people who need to withdraw part or all of their investments in a short time frame such as the elderly are advised to invest in bonds as opposed to stock.

To properly benefit from Stock ownership, one has to be willing to leave it for a long period of time because stocks are more volatile in the short run. If a person needs to withdraw in a short horizon and goes in on Stock, they may lose some of their money due to Capital losses if the Stock reduces in value.

Bonds on the other hand will give a steady income so that even if you wish to withdraw in a short time, you can with the probability of no losses in that short time frame.

Answer 2

Answer:

The payment from bond is guaranteed, while the value of stock fluctuates.

Explanation:

Stock is a risky asset and the risk is compensated by a higher rate of return in the long run. However, the stock being a risky asset can lose its value that generally fluctuates.

However, bond is not categorized as a risky asset and its payment is guaranteed.

Therefore, it is advisable for the elderly to invest a higher percentage of their money in bonds, and thus a lower percentage in stocks.