In this Australian Investors Podcast episode, Owen Rask sits down with Jess Leung from Global X for episode four of the portfolio construction series, this time focusing on the advanced mechanics that shape how a portfolio actually behaves through time. Jess explains why professional portfolio management is really about managing risk, not chasing returns, and unpacks the key ideas many investors hear but rarely understand clearly: volatility, drawdowns, correlation, Sharpe ratios and the trade-offs that sit behind them. Rather than turning it into a maths lesson, she gives investors a practical framework for thinking about how a portfolio behaves when markets move. The conversation also explores factor investing, including value, quality, momentum, low volatility and yield, and why these tilts can behave very differently across market cycles. Jess explains why factors are cyclical, why diversification is not just about owning more ETFs, and how two investments that sound different can still move together when markets come under stress. They finish by talking through rebalancing, correlation, portfolio drift and a real-world example of how satellite ETF additions changed the risk and return profile of a core portfolio. If you want to move beyond beginner ETF ideas and start thinking more like a portfolio builder, this episode is a strong next step. *Chapters* *Episode resources* - Speak with the Rask Advice team: https://rask.com.au/advice - Ask a question (select the Investors podcast): https://bit.ly/R-quest *Show partner resources* - ETF investor? Go beyond ordinary with Global X: View all funds https://www.globalxetfs.com.au - Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit: https://bit.ly/Pearler - Whatever comes next for your business, power it with Stripe: https://stripe.com *Rask resources* - All services: https://bit.ly/R-services - Financial Planning: https://bit.ly/R-plan - Invest with us: https://bit.ly/R-invest - Access Show Notes: https://bit.ly/R-notes - Ask a question: https://bit.ly/R-quest - We love feedback! https://raskau.typeform.com/to/ZbfHy6IP *Follow us on social media* - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rask.invest - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rask.invest *Disclaimer* This podcast episode was sponsored by Global X The information in this episode is provided by The Rask Group Pty Ltd and contains general financial product advice only. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting, consider whether the information is appropriate for you and consider seeking personal advice from a licensed financial adviser. You can read our Financial Services Guide at www.rask.com.au/fsg. If a financial product is mentioned, consider the relevant PDS and TMD, where applicable, before making any financial decision. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Returns are not guaranteed and capital may be at risk. The Rask Group Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative No. 1280930 of Rask Licensing Pty Ltd, AFSL 563 907.