In most industrial settings, health-and-safety rules demand that appropriate protective gear be worn, including the donning of ear defenders in high decibel environments. Yet, when it comes to our investing health and safety, we have little by the way of regulatory guidance except the obligatory phrase ‘Past performance is no guide to future performance’ to protect ourselves from the noise of market outcomes, particularly when investing without the guidance of an advisor.
Read MoreGood things come to those who wait. This was the strapline once used by Guinness to refer to the 119.5 seconds it takes to pour a ‘perfect’ pint of their iconic stout. In investing, the time periods we are concerned about are measured in years, rather than seconds. Looking at your investment portfolio too often only increases the chance that you will be disappointed. This of course can be challenging at times, particularly during tumultuous markets.
Read MoreMarkets will move again – down or up – based on the release of new information, which in itself is random. Second guessing random events is futile.
Read MoreWe’ve all heard the saying, “patience is a virtue”, and it’s one especially applicable to investors. Resisting the urge to constantly change and fiddle with your portfolio can allow your assets to grow over time.
Read MoreIt’s very tempting to try to second-guess the market. But successful market timing is often down to luck rather than skill, and doing it consistently is almost impossible. So what are the alternatives?
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