When it comes to building a strong investment portfolio, there are a variety of financial instruments to consider. Stocks, bonds, cash, annuities, real estate, emerging markets, foreign and domestic investments, hedge funds, ETFs, options, and mutual funds are all popular options among investors.

Stocks are shares of ownership in a company and offer potential long-term growth and dividends. Bonds, on the other hand, are fixed income securities that offer a predictable stream of income.

Cash and annuities are both low-risk options, with cash providing easy accessibility and annuities offering guaranteed income for a set period of time.

Real estate and emerging markets can provide higher returns, but also increased risk. Diversifying across foreign and domestic markets can offer further risk mitigation.

Hedge funds and ETFs offer more specialized investment options, while options provide the chance to profit from market volatility. Mutual funds, where investors pool their money to invest in a diversified portfolio, remain a popular choice for ease and diversification.

Overall, smart investors diversify their portfolio across a range of these financial instruments to minimize risk and maximize potential returns.