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How Many Stocks Should You Own?

How concentrated should your portfolio be? Consider the pros and cons of owning more stocks.

By Rachel WarrenUpdated Aug 11, 2025 at 6:14 PM | Fact-checked by Parker Hicks

Key Points

  • A well-diversified stock portfolio, averaging 20-30 stocks, minimizes risk by spreading exposure.
  • Adding to existing stocks or buying new ones depends on your portfolio's current diversification.
  • Consider ETFs for instant diversification, especially when investing smaller amounts like $1K.

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