Although some Americans believe that certain investments provide more income potential than others they are still likely to diversify their investments anyway, according to a new nationwide survey from TheStreet, conducted by GfK North America¹.

Of those surveyed:

• More than half (52%) think precious metals provide income to a portfolio but only 18% currently invest in them
• More than half (52%) think their preferred stocks provide income but only a quarter currently invest in them
• 38% of those polled think international bonds can provide income to a portfolio but only 11% currently invest in them

"Our survey shows that while people are quick to say that certain investments will yield results, in practice, they prefer a well-balanced portfolio with investments spread across many asset classes," said Joe Deaux, TheStreet's Economics Analyst. "The diverse nature of respondents' portfolios reveals that despite huge losses across asset classes triggered by the financial crisis, investors still see diversification as the best way to endure the choppy economic recovery. Respondents' heaviest asset weighting is in preferred equity shares in publicly traded companies."

The study also examined when Americans think the Federal Reserve will begin raising interest rates:

• 72% of those surveyed don't expect the Federal Reserve to begin raising interest rates before the end of the year
• 46% of 18-34 year olds expect the Federal Reserve to begin raising interest rates after 2014 but only 34% of 50-64 years olds expect it after 2014
• 39% of 50-64 year olds expect the Federal Reserve to begin raising interest sometime during 2014 but only 28% of 18-34 year olds expect it sometime during 2014

"The majority of respondents expect no change to interest rates until 2014 or after. This suggests that investors are keeping a close ear on the Federal Reserve's guidance, and expect the central bank will hold to its current policy stance," added Deaux.

Hi-res version available online

The full story from TheStreet is available online.