10 True Statements About Investing

  • 7 minute read

Money, money, money. We all want more of it, right? One way to build wealth over time is through investing. But investing can be tricky, and there are many myths and misconceptions that can lead to bad decisions. That’s why we’re here to set the record straight. In this article, we’ll take a look at ten common statements about investing and why they are true:

  • Investing is a long-term strategy for building wealth.
  • Diversification is an important aspect of investing.
  • Low-cost index funds are a great investment option.
  • High-risk investments carry a higher risk of loss.
  • Time in the market is more important than timing the market.
  • Investing in quality companies with strong fundamentals is a sound investment strategy.
  • Investing is for everyone, regardless of income level.
  • Investing requires patience and discipline.
  • The past performance of an investment is not a guarantee of future returns.
  • It is better to invest than put money in a savings account.

1. Investing is a long-term strategy for building wealth

True. Investing is not a get-rich-quick scheme, and it requires time, patience, and discipline. Successful investors understand that building wealth through investing takes time, and they are willing to stay invested for the long-term to realize the benefits of compounding returns.

Using the average annual returns of the S&P 500 (10%) as an example, if $10,000 is invested, it may grow to $26,000 over 10 years. While 10 years feels like a long time to wait for returns, it is the best approach to long-term growth.

Investors who take a long-term approach to invest have historically been rewarded with higher returns. The historical performance of the stock market, for example, has shown that over long periods, it tends to deliver positive returns. Investors that get scared by short-term volatility in the market and make gut decisions to withdraw funds realize significantly lower gains than disciplined long-term investors. 

2. Diversification is an important aspect of investing

True. Diversification is a key strategy for managing risk in your investment portfolio. By investing in a variety of asset classes, sectors, and regions, you can reduce the impact of any one investment on your overall portfolio.

For example, if you only invest in one stock and that company experiences a significant drop in stock price, your entire investment portfolio will be negatively impacted. However, by diversifying your investments across multiple stocks, bonds, and other asset classes, you can mitigate this risk and potentially offset any losses with gains in other investments. 

Diversification also helps to balance your investment portfolio and ensure that you are not overly exposed to any one sector or asset class. This can help to reduce the overall risk of your portfolio and increase your chances of achieving your long-term financial goals.

3. Low-cost index funds are a great investment option

True. Low-cost index funds are a great option for investors who want to build a diversified portfolio with minimal time and effort. By investing in a broad market index, you can capture the returns of the overall market at a low cost.

There are many low-cost index funds available to investors. Here are some examples:

  • Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSMX)
  • Schwab Total Stock Market Index Fund (SWTSX)
  • Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX)
  • iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV)
  • SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY)

One of the primary advantages of low-cost index funds is their low expense ratios. Compared to actively managed funds, index funds have lower fees and expenses, which can help increase overall returns. In addition, index funds provide broad market exposure, which can help reduce the impact of any one stock or sector on your overall portfolio.

4. High-risk investments carry a higher risk of loss

True. While high-risk investments may offer the potential for higher returns, they also carry a higher risk of loss. Successful investors understand the importance of balancing risk and return and invest in a diversified portfolio that matches their risk tolerance.

High-risk investments are those that have a greater potential for volatility and price swings compared to more conservative investments. For example, stocks of small companies, emerging markets, or speculative investments like cryptocurrencies are typically considered high-risk investments. While these investments may offer the potential for high returns, they also carry a higher risk of loss.

Here are some examples of investments that carry higher risk:

  • Stocks of start-up companies or small-cap stocks – These stocks are generally considered to be riskier than larger, more established companies, as they may not have a proven track record of success and may be more susceptible to market volatility.
  • Cryptocurrencies – Digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum have seen significant fluctuations in value and can be volatile investments.
  • Penny stocks – These are stocks that are generally considered to be low-priced and traded on over-the-counter markets. They can be high-risk investments due to their low liquidity and limited information available to investors.

5. Time in the market is more important than timing the market

True. Trying to time the market is a risky strategy that is unlikely to lead to long-term success. Successful investors understand that time in the market is more important than timing the market and staying invested for the long term to realize the benefits of compounding returns.

Time in the market is a crucial factor in successful investing. In fact, studies have shown that time in the market is more important than timing the market when it comes to achieving long-term investment success.

Don’t get caught up in the excitement of day trading and the potential for quick profits. Day trading is a high-risk, high-reward activity that requires significant skill, experience, and discipline. The results of a few successful day traders are not representative of the overall success rate of day trading as a whole.

6. Investing in quality companies with strong fundamentals is a sound investment strategy

True. Investing in quality companies with strong fundamentals, such as a solid financial position, competitive advantages, and growth potential, is a sound investment strategy. By investing in companies with a proven track record of success, you can increase the likelihood of long-term returns.

Investing in quality companies with strong fundamentals is a popular investment strategy for many successful investors. This approach involves investing in companies that have a solid financial position, competitive advantages, and growth potential. Some of the factors that investors look for when evaluating a company’s fundamentals include:

  • Strong financials – Investors look for companies that have a strong balance sheet, low debt levels, and consistent revenue and earnings growth.
  • Competitive advantages – Companies with competitive advantages, such as a strong brand, unique technology, or a large and loyal customer base, are more likely to maintain their market position and deliver strong returns over time.
  • Growth potential – Companies with strong growth potential, such as those in emerging markets or with innovative products or services, can provide opportunities for long-term growth and capital appreciation.

Investors who follow this approach typically look for companies that have a proven track record of success and a competitive advantage in their industry. They also pay attention to the company’s management team and their ability to execute their business plan.

7. Investing is for everyone, regardless of income level.

True. Anyone can invest, regardless of income level. There are many different investment options available that cater to a wide range of budgets, including low-cost index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Another way that anyone can invest is through a workplace retirement plan, such as a 401(k) or 403(b). These plans allow employees to save a portion of their income for retirement and often offer employer-matching contributions, which can help maximize investment returns.

Additionally, individual stocks can be purchased for as little as a few dollars per share, making them an accessible investment option for those with limited budgets. While investing in individual stocks can be riskier than investing in index funds, it can also be rewarding for those who are willing to do the research and understand the potential risks.

8. Investing requires patience and discipline.

True. Successful investing requires patience and discipline. It is important to stay invested for the long term, avoid emotional decisions, and stick to your investment strategy even during market downturns.

Investors who lack patience and discipline are more likely to fall into the trap of trying to time the market or making impulsive decisions based on emotions, both of which can lead to significant losses. On the other hand, investors who remain patient and disciplined are more likely to see positive long-term returns, even if there are some short-term bumps along the way.

9. The past performance of an investment is not a guarantee of future returns.

True. The past performance of an investment is not a guarantee of future returns. Successful investors understand the importance of diversification, balancing risk and return, and doing their own research before making investment decisions.

Investors should avoid relying solely on past performance as a predictor of future returns. While historical performance may offer some insight into an investment’s potential, it’s essential to consider other factors, such as market conditions, economic trends, and political events that may impact the investment’s performance in the future.

Here are several examples of investments that had a strong past performance but experienced dramatic drops in value:

  • Dot-com stocks in the early 2000s – During the late 1990s and early 2000s, many technology stocks experienced a massive boom due to the growth of the internet. However, the dot-com bubble eventually burst, leading to a significant decline in the value of many of these stocks. Companies such as Pets.com, Webvan, and eToys were among the most high-profile casualties of this period.
  • Enron stock in the early 2000s – Enron was once one of the largest and most successful energy companies in the world. However, after it was discovered that the company had engaged in accounting fraud, its stock price quickly collapsed, leading to significant losses for investors.

10. It is better to invest than put money in a savings account.

True. While savings accounts can provide a safe place to store your cash and earn a small amount of interest, the interest rates on savings accounts are often lower than the rate of inflation. This means that over time, the value of your savings may actually decrease in real terms.

Savings accounts can serve as a safety net for your finances, but they are not an ideal means to build wealth. It’s recommended that investors first save up an emergency fund that covers at least 3-6 months of living expenses. This strategy can help to protect against unexpected expenses or income disruptions. Any additional funds should then be funneled into the stock market. 

A well-diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds has historically yielded an average annual return of around 7-8%, while the average interest rate on a savings account is currently less than 1%. This means that by investing in a diversified portfolio, you have the potential to earn a much higher return on your money than you would with a savings account.