The American Association of Individual Investors is a non profit organization who's purpose is to arm investors with the tools and knowledge to manage their finances effectively and profitably. Style refers to the investment style or philosophy to which a company is most likely to appeal. International stocks should be a part of everyone's portfolio, with the possible exception of the elderly. One source recommends no exposure for those who are 75 or older. Young investors should put more emphasis on international stocks, small stocks, and growth stocks while older investors should put more emphasis on large-cap stocks, especially value stocks.
Investors can avoid the emerging international stock markets.
Emerging stock markets promise a wild and bumpy rise. Of course, dramatic gains are also possible. Only one source mentions emerging markets, and that source does not advocate an exposure to emerging markets for investors who are in their late 30s or older. Bond prices become more stable as maturity shortens. Thus the advice to shorten bond maturity as one ages is consistent with the other advice to move toward assets with more stable prices.