Investors should adopt a flexible and diversified asset allocation strategy

“In addition, investors should adopt a flexible and diversified asset allocation strategy that allows them to re-allocate between asset classes and geographies.”

Amid a more cautious sentiment, the Attitudes Survey showed that Asia-Pacific’s UHNWIs are expected to allocate more of their wealth to cash and less cyclical assets such as bonds and gold.

“Gold is hugely popular as an investment given it is typically viewed as a safe haven asset. With the US Fed ending its current rising interest rate cycle, at least for the time being, there is renewed confidence in gold,” Choo said.

“However, it is important to note that like other markets, the gold market can be subject to speculation and volatility. As such, at UOB Malaysia, we advise investors to follow the three essential aspects of portfolio management: diversification of risk, seeking undervalued opportunities and taking a long-term view.”

Meanwhile, Knight Frank Malaysia executive director of Capital Markets James Buckley said that there is a lower correlation between real estate and the public markets so property is well positioned to weather downturns and is an opportunity to diversify and reduce volatility in your overall portfolio.

“We see Malaysians continuing to invest in real estate in 2019, particularly diversifying abroad where there is a wider amount of investment grade property available,” Buckley added.