Final answer:
Considering Ashley's retirement concerns, diversified mutual funds are the best choice to balance the need for growth and the risk of market volatility.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ashley is concerned about both growing her investment and preserving the value of her "nest egg" as she approaches retirement. Given Ashley's need for security and the potential for targeted growth, a balanced approach using diversified mutual funds may be the best choice.
Mutual funds can offer a mix of stocks and bonds that allow investors to participate in the equity markets with a more managed risk level compared to individual stock investments. Diversification in mutual funds can help reduce transaction costs and manage risk, making them a suitable option for an investor like Ashley, who is nearing retirement and concerned about market volatility. While stocks alone offer high returns over long periods, for someone close to retirement, the short-term fluctuations associated with stocks could be too risky and could jeopardize Ashley's financial security. Therefore, considering her stage of life and risk tolerance, mutual funds that balance growth and security could provide the stability and potential income Ashley seeks for her retirement years.