Avoiding Investment Mistakes
Nobody wants to make investment mistakes. And yet, we’re human; mistakes happen. Here’s how to minimize the ones that matter the most, and make the most of the ones that remain. Bad Decisions vs. Bad Outcomes First, let’s define what we’re talking about: Investment mistakes happen when you make bad decisions, regardless of whether the outcome is good or bad. Bad decisions are the ones a rational investor would not make. For example: Failing to spread your risks around: Concentrating in too few securities, instead of diversifying across many, and many types of investments. Confusing speculating with investing: Chasing or …
The Stock Market vs. Stocks in the Market
By David Booth, Chairman and Founder of Dimensional Fund Advisors The collapse of First Republic Bank is a harsh reminder that any stock can go to zero, no matter how established a company is, or how loyal and wealthy its customers are. The failure of what many considered to be a rock-solid regional bank should serve as powerful evidence of the importance of diversification, what I consider to be one of the first principles of investing. If your wealth is highly concentrated in any one individual stock, take this opportunity to learn an important lesson: While many people think …
Midterm Elections – What Do They Mean for Markets?
We are pleased to share commentary and research by Dimensional Fund Advisors about the impact of the upcoming Midterm Elections on markets. It’s almost Election Day in the US once again. For those who need a brief civics refresher, every two years the full US House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate are up for reelection. While the outcomes of the elections are uncertain, one thing we can count on is that plenty of opinions and prognostications will be floated in the days to come. In financial circles, this will almost assuredly include any potential for perceived impact …
Worried About Stocks? Why Long-Term Investing Is Crucial
By David Booth, Executive Chairman and Founder of Dimensional Fund Advisors We are living in a time of extreme uncertainty and the anxiety that comes along with it. Against the backdrop of war, humanitarian crisis, and economic hardship, it’s natural to wonder what effect these world events will have on our long-term investment performance. While these challenges certainly warrant our attention and deep concern, they don’t have to be a reason to panic about markets when you’re focused on long-term investing. Imagine it’s 25 years ago, 1997: J.K. Rowling just published the first Harry Potter book. General Motors is releasing …
ShankerValleau 360°- Investing through Good Times and Tough Times
In the last few weeks, we’ve witnessed the heartbreaking human toll of Russia’s military assault on Ukraine. We’ve also experienced the deluge of financial and economic analyses on its effects on global markets. As The Wall Street Journal’s executive Washington editor Gerald F. Seib reflected, “Russia’s military incursion deeper into Ukraine is one of those rare events that won’t merely affect the world. It will change the world.” We do not know what the future may hold but, as Dimensional Fund Advisors explored in its timely piece, “Navigating Geopolitical Events,” ample historical precedent illustrates what can happen during times of …
