I disagree with portman. Investment is a function of one input - risk OR return. If you follow the diversification strategy of portfolio theory, then you will generally be choosing a multiple of the market beta http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta_(finance) Your risk tolerance dictates an expected rate of return OR your desired rate of return dictates a variance of return. Of course these are averages and YMMV, but over a 30 year period there IS something approaching "steady".

I think your question is perfectly stated, and gives an investment advisor all the information they need to choose an asset allocation.