Many investors are lured by taking “big bets” in a single stock to hit it big. However, this approach can be risky and often ignores potential losses. It is crucial to remain vigilant and know when to sell to avoid falling into drastic situations.

Seeing Through the Noise

Success stories often dominate the media, leading investors to believe that concentrated bets can result in massive wins. Unfortunately, the missed opportunities receive less attention. Wealthy investors can afford to make several concentrated bets, knowing that one big winner can quickly compensate for losses incurred by several big losers.

Mitigate Losses

One strategy to mitigate the possibility of significant losses is to adhere to a strict sell discipline, such as selling a stock if its price drops by 50%. Another tactic could be selling a portion of their position each time the stock increases by 50% or 100% to lock in profits while maintaining a substantial stake. The more conservative approach for individual investors is to build a diversified portfolio featuring low-cost index funds. By investing in index funds, investors can achieve exposure to tomorrow’s winners without having to pick a winner, which can be incredibly challenging. According to research cited by The Wall Street Journal, less than half of all stocks generate positive returns over their publicly traded lifespan, and only a tiny proportion of stocks create all the net gains in the US market. With that in mind, investors should exercise caution and thoroughly evaluate their investment strategy.

Key Takeaways

• The “big bets” approach can be risky and glorifies success while ignoring potential losses.
• Strict sell discipline and profit-locking strategies can be employed to mitigate the possibility of significant losses.
• Wealthy investors can afford concentrated bets, while individual investors should consider building diversified portfolios anchored by low-cost index funds.
• Investing in index funds can provide exposure to tomorrow’s winners without having to pick a winner, which can be challenging and comes with more significant risks.