Finanz Wissen und News

Structured Products. Flexibility for Every Market Environment

Chess pieces on a chessboard
July 8, 2026
Markus Schmidig
"Structured products are never an objective in themselves. Their true value lies in being used strategically to optimise the balance between risk and return within a portfolio."
— Markus Schmidig, Deputy Managing Director, Wenzinger & Tschan Finanz AG

Not every market environment is the same. Sometimes markets rise strongly, sometimes they fall, and at other times they move sideways for extended periods. Structured products can provide a valuable complement to a well-designed investment strategy in exactly these situations.

They are among the most versatile instruments in modern asset management. When used appropriately, they expand the opportunities within a portfolio while helping investors balance risk and return more effectively.

What Are Structured Products?

Structured products combine different financial instruments into a tailored investment solution. This makes it possible to implement strategies that cannot easily be achieved through equities or bonds alone.

Depending on their design, they can generate regular income, improve the balance between risk and return, or create attractive return opportunities even when markets neither rise nor fall significantly.

It is important to understand that structured products are not a separate asset class. Rather, they are investment instruments designed to adapt a portfolio to different market environments.

Why Are Structured Products Used?

Their greatest strength lies in their flexibility. Key features such as maturity, coupon, barriers and redemption conditions are defined at issuance. Investors therefore know from the outset under which conditions returns can be achieved and which risks they are taking.

For professional asset managers, structured products are never an objective in themselves. They are selected only when they provide a clear strategic advantage over a traditional direct investment.

When Do They Make Sense?

Structured products are typically used as a complement to equities and bonds. They can be particularly effective when markets move sideways, volatility increases, or an individual company appears attractive but a direct investment would involve greater risk.

In these situations, structured products can provide additional sources of return while helping to manage overall portfolio risk.

The key is ensuring that every product matches the investor's objectives, risk profile and overall investment strategy.

Conclusion: Strategy Before Product

Structured products broaden the possibilities of modern investing. When used correctly, they help investors seize opportunities while managing risks in a disciplined way.

As with every investment, success does not depend on the product itself, but on a clear strategy and its appropriate role within the overall portfolio.

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