So, what are the best investment strategies if you are looking to retire in around five years' time? This calls for a much higher exposure to riskier assets like stocks, says Stevenson. Stock/bond/cash split When deciding how to plan assets across stocks, bonds and cash, the pros say an appropriate balance between short-term stability and long-term growth potential is key. For someone in their 50s looking to retire soon, Ward suggests allocating 65%-85% of their assets to stocks and the remaining 15%-35% in bonds. Bullish on Japan, tech plays Within each asset allocation, the importance of diversification should not be overlooked, according to the pros.

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Persons: Tom Stevenson, Stevenson, Thomas Poullaouec, Rowe Price, Laith Khalaf, AJ Bell, Fidelity's Stevenson, Fidelity's Stevenson reckons, Judith Ward, Ward, Poullaouec Organizations: Fidelity International Locations: Bullish, Japan, China, Europe