Strategies

Portfolio Construction

The process of selecting and weighting various assets to create a balanced portfolio that meets an investor's risk and return objectives.

Reviewed by DivAgent Research Team
Updated Jan 2026

Portfolio Construction — At a Glance

Definition

Building your income engine. Balancing yield, growth, and stability using the DivAgent Risk Spectrum.

Risk Level
Medium
Commonly Seen In
Strategic asset allocation
Warning Sign
Over-concentrating in one sector or risk tier (e.g., all Tier 4/5) leaves you vulnerable to specific market shocks.
Key Metric
Weighted Average Risk Tier
Pro Tip

Build from the bottom up. Start with T1-T2 foundation, add T3 for yield, and use T4-T5 sparingly as "yield boosters".

Portfolio construction for income investors involves more than just picking high-yielding stocks. It requires a disciplined approach to diversification, risk management, and cash flow planning.

The DivAgent Pyramid

A sustainable income portfolio is often built like a pyramid: 1. The Base (Tiers 1 & 2): Cash equivalents and stable dividend growers (50-60% of portfolio). 2. The Core (Tier 3): REITs and BDCs for reliable high yield (20-30% of portfolio). 3. The Booster (Tiers 4 & 5): Options-based income and synthetic ETFs for extra yield (5-15% max).

Rebalancing Routine

Effective construction includes periodic rebalancing to ensure your risk tiers haven't shifted due to price changes. Selling high-performing but high-risk assets to buy steady growers helps maintain your long-term target risk profile.

DivAgent Educational Standards

This definition is part of the DivAgent Income Academy curriculum. Our glossary is designed to bridge the gap between institutional jargon and retail investor understanding. Each term is reviewed by our Research Team for accuracy, specifically in the context of:

  • Tax implications (Ordinary vs. Qualified)
  • Impact on Total Return calculations
  • Relevance to Option-Income strategies
  • Risk assessment in a retirement portfolio

*While we strive for precision, financial terminology can evolve. Always verify definitions with official regulatory sources (SEC, IRS) when making tax or legal decisions.

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