How to Build An Investment Portfolio in 2026

Understand What a Portfolio Is

An investment portfolio is a collection of assets you own. These assets may include:

• Stocks (shares of companies)
• Bonds (loans to governments or corporations)
• Mutual funds or ETFs (bundles of stocks and/or bonds)
• Other assets like forex or commodities

The purpose of a portfolio is diversification spreading your money across different assets to reduce risk while aiming for growth.

Set Clear Financial Goals

Before investing a single pound, define why you’re investing. Your goals will guide every decision you make.

Ask yourself:

• What am I investing for? (retirement, buying a home, emergency fund, wealth building)
• When will I need this money? (short-term, medium-term, long-term)
• How much risk am I comfortable with?

Examples of goals:

• Short-term (1-3 years): Saving for travel or a car
• Medium-term (3 -10 years): Buying a home
• Long-term (10+ years): Retirement or financial independence

Longer timelines generally allow for more risk, while short-term goals require more stability.

Assess Your Risk Tolerance

Risk tolerance is your ability and emotional comfort with market ups and downs.

• Conservative investors prefer stability and lower volatility
• Moderate investors accept some risk for balanced growth
• Aggressive investors prioritise growth and accept larger swings

A simple rule for beginners: if market drops would cause you panic and sell, you may be taking too much risk.

 Learn the Core Asset Classes

Stocks

• Higher growth potential
• More volatile in the short term
• Best for long-term goals

XTB offers commission-free trading on real stocks up to a monthly turnover of €100,000

Below are 10 well-known stocks that are commonly available and often held by investors.

• Apple (AAPL) - One of the world’s most valuable companies and a staple in many portfolios.
• Microsoft (MSFT) - Tech giant known for Windows, Azure cloud services, and strong enterprise business.
• Amazon (AMZN) - Leader in global e-commerce and cloud computing via AWS.
• Alphabet (GOOGL) - Google’s parent company with dominance in search, YouTube, and advertising.
• Meta Platforms (META) - Operates Facebook, Instagram and builds metaverse-related technologies. 
• Tesla (TSLA) - Electric vehicle and clean energy company with strong retail investor interest. 
• Nvidia (NVDA) - Major chip maker powering AI, data centers, and gaming platforms.
• Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B) - Conglomerate led by Warren Buffett with diversified holdings.
• Broadcom (AVGO) - Semiconductor and infrastructure software company often held for tech exposure.
• UnitedHealth Group (UNH) - Large healthcare and insurance company included among top S&P 500 stocks. 

Please note, the stocks mentioned above are provided for educational and informational purposes only. This is not a recommendation, suggestion, or financial advice. Always conduct your own research or before making any investment decisions.

Bonds

• Lower risk than stocks
• Provide steady income
• Help stabilise a portfolio

Even though XTB doesn’t offer direct individual bonds, you can invest in bond markets by buying bond-focused ETFs that hold baskets of bonds. Here are a few bond ETFs available on XTB that you might consider for fixed-income exposure. 

• Invesco US Treasury Bond 0-1 Year UCITS ETF (T1EU.DE) - Focuses on short-term U.S. government bonds, which can offer lower volatility and interest rate sensitivity.
• Xtrackers II ESG Eurozone Government Bond UCITS ETF (XZEB.DE) - Gives exposure to euro-area government bonds with an ESG focus. 
• iShares Global Corporate Bond UCITS ETF (IS0X.DE) - Focuses on a diversified mix of corporate bonds worldwide. 
• Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND) - Tracks a broad range of U.S. investment-grade bonds (government and corporate).  Very diversified and commonly used as a core bond holding for beginners. 
• Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) - Offers exposure to global investment-grade bonds outside the U.S., often currency-hedged. Good option if you want international diversification in your bond sleeve.
• iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF (IEI) - Focuses on intermediate-term U.S. Treasury bonds, which are usually less volatile than long-term bonds. A gentler entry point for new investors.

Please note, the ETFs mentioned above are provided for educational and informational purposes only. This is not a recommendation, suggestion, or financial advice. Always conduct your own research or before making any investment decisions.

ETFs & Mutual Funds

• Offer instant diversification
• Ideal for beginners
• Often track entire markets or sectors

For most beginners, ETFs and index funds are an excellent starting point.

Here are some of the most popular ETFs that investors commonly trade or hold through XTB. These are widely known, broadly diversified funds that many users choose for long-term investing and passive exposure to major markets

• iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF (EUNL.DE) - Tracks large- and mid-cap companies in developed markets globally. Great core holding for broad equity exposure.
• iShares S&P 500 UCITS ETF (SXR8.DE) - Tracks the S&P 500 index -  exposure to 500 of the largest U.S. companies. A very common choice for long-term U.S. equity investing. 
• iShares Nasdaq 100 UCITS ETF (SXRV.DE) - Focuses on the largest non-financial companies listed on Nasdaq (tech heavy). Popular among investors targeting tech sector growth.
• iShares MSCI World SRI UCITS ETF (2B7K.DE) - ESG-focused global developed markets equity fund. Appeals to socially responsible and sustainability-focused investors.
• iShares Core MSCI Europe UCITS ETF (IMAE.NL) - Offers diversified exposure to major European companies. Good option for investors wanting broader Europe coverage.
• iShares Core MSCI World EM IMI UCITS ETF (IS3N.DE) -  Adds emerging markets equities to a global portfolio. Useful for diversification beyond developed markets.
• iShares MSCI Asia EM UCITS ETF (CEBL.DE) - Focuses on emerging Asian markets including China, India, and more. Higher growth potential (with correspondingly higher risk).
• Vanguard FTSE All-World ETF (e.g., VWCE / VWRA) - Tracks a very broad global index across developed and emerging markets.Frequently chosen as an “all-in-one” equity ETF.
• SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) - One of the oldest and most liquid ETFs tracking the S&P 500. Widely traded globally.
• iShares MSCI ACWI ETF (ACWI) - Global equity ETF covering both developed and emerging markets. Offers broad diversification in one fund. 

Please note, the ETFs mentioned above are provided for educational and informational purposes only. This is not a recommendation, suggestion, or financial advice. Always conduct your own research or before making any investment decisions.

Commodities

Here’s a list of 10 of the most popular commodities you can trade through XTB, based on what the platform offers and what tends to be most actively traded by users. Most commodity trading on XTB is done via CFDs (Contracts for Difference), which allow you to speculate on price movements without owning the physical commodity. 

XTB provides access to over 20 commodity instruments across energy, metals, and agricultural markets and the ones below are among the most commonly traded and watched. 

• Crude Oil (WTI) - One of the most liquid and actively traded energy commodities in the world.
• Crude Oil (Brent) - A global benchmark for oil prices, often traded alongside WTI.
• Natural Gas - A major energy commodity with strong seasonal price moves and volatility.
• Gold - A precious metal widely used as a safe-haven asset in uncertain markets.
• Silver - Another precious metal with both industrial and store-of-value demand. 
• Copper - A key industrial metal linked to economic growth and manufacturing.
• Coffee - A soft commodity popular among traders due to weather and supply-driven price swings.
• Corn - A core agricultural commodity influenced by crop yields and global demand.
• Soybeans - Another major agricultural market that often sees strong seasonal moves. 
• Sugar - A widely-traded soft commodity that can be volatile around crop reports and weather events.

Please note, the commodities mentioned above are provided for educational and informational purposes only. This is not a recommendation, suggestion, or financial advice. Always conduct your own research or before making any investment decisions.

Forex 

XTB supports trading 60+ currency pairs via CFDs, including majors, minors, and exotics, giving you flexibility no matter your strategy. Most forex trading on XTB is through Contracts for Difference (CFDs), meaning you speculate on price movements without owning the actual currencies. The forex market is open 24 hours a day, five days a week, allowing traders to respond to global events nearly around the clock. XTB offers competitive spreads and leverage options, which can amplify gains and losses so risk management is key.

Here are the 10 most popular forex currency pairs you can trade through XTB.

1. EUR/USD (Euro / US Dollar) - The most traded and liquid pair in the world, tight spreads and deep markets make it ideal for beginners and experienced traders alike.
2. USD/JPY (US Dollar / Japanese Yen) - A highly liquid pair with generally low spreads, often used as a safe-haven during market stress.
3. GBP/USD (British Pound / US Dollar) -Known as “The Cable”, this pair tends to be more volatile offering bigger price moves and opportunities.
4. USD/CHF (US Dollar / Swiss Franc) - A popular safe-haven cross, especially during uncertain markets.
5. AUD/USD (Australian Dollar / US Dollar) - Influenced by commodity prices (like gold & iron ore) and interest rates, this is a favourite for both short-term and longer-term trades.
6. USD/CAD (US Dollar / Canadian Dollar) - Canada’s currency tends to correlate with oil prices, making this pair popular for traders who watch energy markets. 
7. NZD/USD (New Zealand Dollar / US Dollar) - A pair tied to agricultural and trade data. It’s well-liked for its unique price movements relative to majors.
8. EUR/GBP (Euro / British Pound) - A major cross-currency pair (no USD involved) that sees volume based on European economic and political data.
9. EUR/JPY (Euro / Japanese Yen) -  A major cross pair combining two liquid global currencies known for broader price swings. 
10. GBP/JPY (British Pound / Japanese Yen) - Typically more volatile with wider ranges, this pair appeals to traders seeking larger moves and technical setups. 

Please note, the Forex pairs mentioned above are provided for educational and informational purposes only. This is not a recommendation, suggestion, or financial advice. Always conduct your own research or before making any investment decisions.

Choose a Simple Asset Allocation

Asset allocation is how you divide your money among asset classes. A beginner-friendly approach keeps things simple.

Different investors have different risk tolerances, time horizons, and goals. Below are example allocations that include stocks, ETFs, commodities, and forex, offering broader diversification across asset classes.

Conservative Allocation

• 30% Stocks
• 50% ETFs
• 10% Commodities
• 10% Forex

This allocation focuses on stability and capital preservation. ETFs provide broad market exposure, while small allocations to commodities and forex can help hedge against inflation and currency risk.

Moderate Allocation

• 50% Stocks
• 30% ETFs
• 10% Commodities
• 10% Forex

A balanced approach aimed at steady growth with manageable risk. Stocks drive long-term returns, ETFs add diversification, and commodities and forex offer exposure beyond traditional equity markets.

Aggressive Allocation

• 70% Stocks
• 15% ETFs
• 10% Commodities
• 5% Forex

Designed for investors seeking higher growth and willing to accept greater volatility. A higher stock allocation increases return potential, while commodities and forex provide diversification and opportunities in different market conditions.

You can adjust these percentages over time as your financial goals, market outlook, or risk tolerance change. Adding multiple asset classes can help smooth returns and reduce reliance on any single market. Please note, the above examples are provided for educational and informational purposes only. This is not a recommendation, suggestion, or financial advice.

Start With Low-Cost Investments

Fees matter especially over time. High fees can quietly eat into your returns.

Look for:

• Low expense ratios
• Broad-market index funds
• ETFs that track major indexes

Avoid overly complex products until you have more experience.

Decide How Much to Invest

You don’t need a large sum to begin. Many platforms allow you to start with small amounts.

Tips:

• Invest only after covering essential expenses
• Build an emergency fund first (3-6 months of expenses)
• Start with what you can afford and increase gradually

Consistency matters more than the amount you start with.

Automate Your Investments

One of the best habits you can build is automation.

Benefits of automatic investing:

• Removes emotional decision-making
• Encourages consistency
• Takes advantage of dollar-cost averaging

Set up recurring contributions monthly or biweekly to stay on track throughout the year.

Review and Rebalance Periodically

Your portfolio will shift over time as markets move. Reviewing it once or twice a year is usually enough.

Rebalancing means:

• Selling assets that have grown beyond your target allocation
• Buying assets that are underrepresented

This keeps your risk level aligned with your goals.

Avoid Common Beginner Mistakes

• Trying to time the market
• Chasing trends or hype
• Investing money you’ll need soon
• Ignoring fees and taxes
• Constantly changing strategies

A calm, long-term approach almost always beats impulsive decisions.

Keep Learning and Stay Patient

Investing is a long-term journey, not a quick win. Markets will rise and fall, but disciplined investors tend to be rewarded over time.

Make learning a habit:

• Read books or articles
• Follow reputable financial educators
• Review your progress annually

Building your portfolio for 2026 doesn’t require perfection, just a thoughtful start. Focus on clear goals, simple diversification, low costs, and consistency. As your knowledge and confidence grow, your portfolio can evolve with you.

The most important step? Starting. The earlier you begin, the more time your money has to work for you.