A portfolio is a collection of investments or financial assets such as stocks, bonds, and cash). It can be held by individual investors or managed by financial professionals, hedge funds, banks, and other financial institutions). The monetary value of each asset may influence the risk/reward ratio of the portfolio). Portfolios can also refer to collections of other items, such as an artists portfolio that showcases their artwork or a students portfolio that highlights their academic achievements.

In the context of education and career development, a portfolio is a compilation of academic and professional materials that exemplifies an individuals beliefs, skills, qualifications, education, training, and experiences. It provides insight into an individuals personality and work ethic and can be used to demonstrate organizational, communication, and tangible career-related skills to potential employers. Work samples, works in progress, and reflection sheets are some of the top items to include in a portfolio.

Overall, a portfolio is a cornerstone of investing in the markets and can be constructed to achieve various strategies, from index replication to aggressive, equities-focused portfolios. It is also a valuable tool for individuals to showcase their skills and achievements to potential employers.