Why stocks are riskier than bonds?

@alan 

Stocks are generally considered riskier than bonds due to several factors:

1. Volatility: Stocks are subject to greater price volatility compared to bonds. Stock prices can fluctuate widely in response to market conditions, company performance, and investor sentiment. Bond prices, on the other hand, are relatively more stable and predictable.
2. Lack of fixed income: Bonds provide regular coupon payments, which represent a fixed income stream for the bondholder. In contrast, stockholders have no guaranteed income. Dividends are discretionary, and companies may even suspend or cut dividends based on their financial performance.
3. Priority of payments: In case of bankruptcy or liquidation, bondholders have a higher claim on a company's assets compared to stockholders. This means bondholders are more likely to have their principal and interest payments honored before stockholders receive any payout.
4. Limited liability: Bondholders have a limited liability, meaning the risk to their investment is restricted to the value of the bond. Stockholders, however, have unlimited liability, as they can potentially lose more than their initial investment if the company fails.
5. Influence of macroeconomic factors: Stock prices are influenced by macroeconomic factors such as interest rates, inflation, geopolitical events, and economic indicators. Bonds, especially high-quality government bonds, are considered more insulated from these factors. They tend to perform well during periods of economic uncertainty or market turbulence, as investors seek safe-haven assets.
6. Diversification: Bonds provide a means of diversification within a portfolio. Adding bonds to a portfolio of stocks can potentially reduce overall risk by offsetting the volatility of stocks. This is known as the diversification benefit, which can help mitigate the risk associated with investing solely in stocks.

It's important to note that while stocks tend to be riskier than bonds, they also offer the potential for higher returns over the long term. The decision to invest in stocks or bonds ultimately depends on an individual's financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon.