If the risk produces losses, you'll have plenty of time to recover. Short term investors need to put more emphasis on asset protection. If you have other savings, such as a brokerage account or a 401k account, consider whether your IRA can be invested in a way that provides more balance to your overall portfolio. Another consideration is the allocation of assets between taxable accounts and non-taxable accounts. Your Investing Style Choose an investment you're comfortable with.
Some investors are willing to risk losses in order to have a shot at higher gains.
Others are willing to accept a lower return to get a greater feeling of security. Investing style affects your choice in another way. Some types of investments do quite well if you ignore them for extended periods. Others need frequent attention. It's easy enough to find an IRA provider.