When exploring the world of investing, it is important to gain a broad perspective of the available investment options in order to gain an understanding of how each of them can work toward achieving your objectives.  Each has its own investment characteristics.  Which, when applied individually, may not be appropriate for your financial profile.  However, when they are strategically combined in a portfolio, they can work in concert to meet your investment objectives within your risk parameters.  It is, therefore, important to consider all investments in light of your specific objectives and risk tolerance.