An investment in the foreign exchange portfolio suits both private and institutional investors who are looking for a diversification or alternative investments. A currency investment should, however, not be more than 10% of the total assets of the investor. This means that even in a balanced shares portfolio the fluctuations inevitably encountered can be offset. Experience in share and interest rate investments is an advantage when investing in foreign exchange. This would presuppose knowledge, and an acceptance, of possible value fluctuations in an investment, so preventing the disappointment in such short-term fluctuations. A currency investment should be held for a time frame of at least 12 months.