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> start thinking about diversification

Buying an index fund composed of 500 large U.S.-listed companies is pretty diversified. I suppose you could diversify internationally, but no need to stray from index funds if you're not managing your money full-time.

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Stocks aren't the only asset available for investment, regardless of geographical location. They're also fairly volatile, so retail investment often consists of blending that with more stable fixed income assets.

I meant in different countries and sectors I did very well with a commercial property trust a few years back when the sector was out of favour.

You can use an international stock index fund like VT. That will include some real estate companies like EQR, but if you want extra real estate exposure, there are index funds like VNQ for that. Or if you want bonds, there are index funds like BND.

Closed end funds (investment trusts etc) are much better for property for technical reasons a fund or OIEC has to retain cash.

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