When dealing with investors I have heard a number of questions. The most frequently asked is; what will the market do next? Every one of them believes someone knows what will happen next. Investors are in constant search of the ‘expert’ that will give them the answers and ‘beat’ the market. Unfortunately, there are no answers to the question; what will happen next? While investors are searching for the right answer they lose money unnecessarily.
This is evidenced by the Dalbar research study which looks at individual investor performance over a 30 year period. The latest study revealed that the 30 years ending December 31, 2013 the S&P500 earned 11.10% while the individual investor earned 3.59%.
Why the difference? It can partially be explained by the investors search for the ‘best’ manager. This is called track record investing and it doesn’t work.
The invisible hand of the market sets prices more efficiently than any other process known to man. Is it perfect? Indeed, No. There is no perfect price; only what a willing buyer and seller negotiate. The market instantly incorporates the collective mind of every market participants. Markets work. Unfortunately, most investors never tap their real power.
Stop trying to beat the market and let the market forces work for you. This will be accomplished by following these three simple rules of investing.
- Own equities and high quality short term fixed income.
- Globally diversify.
- Rebalance.
These 3 simple rules will lead to a successful investing experience. Although these are very simple rules most if not all investors will fail to follow all three. In most cases this failure comes at the worst time possible.
Without the help of an investor coach/fiduciary adviser investors will panic during market downturns and sell. Conversely, they will buy into the media hype when an asset class is soaring. Only to be disappointed and devastated when the ‘bubble’ bursts.
Stop empowering the Wall Street bullies and hire an investor coach/fiduciary adviser and learn how to invest with less anxiety and better long term results.
