What Successful Investors Do Differently
Standard Chartered Private Bank
Standard Chartered Private Bank is a financial services company headquartered in the United Kingdom, and one of EO’s newest partners. To learn more, visit www.privatebank.standardchartered.com.
For a variety of reasons, many affluent business investors fall short of achieving their desired investment goals. Selecting an inappropriate mix of assets, trying to “time” the market, or losing sight of long-term objectives are among the most common investment mistakes. Based on our experience serving high-net-worth clients, a disciplined and well-planned strategy is essential to successful investing. Such an approach is based on the following principles:
Know Yourself
No matter how great your intelligence, energy level or success in the business world may be, there are only 24 hours in a day. If your priorities are running a business, traveling frequently or focusing on family issues, you need to look realistically at the amount of time available to personally manage your investments. Limit advisory relationships by working with a limited number of money managers. Many investors seek to diversify their portfolio with a multitude of advisory relationships. In most cases, the same benefits of diversification can be achieved—at a much lower cost—by engaging just two or three money managers.
Learn the Basics
Educate yourself about the basics of investment, including the constant trade-offs between risk and reward and the benefits of asset allocation. Many studies have shown that the assets in your portfolio can be optimized for the highest potential returns, while being consistent with your overall tolerance for risk. In other words, a well-constructed, diverse portfolio can move you closer to your goals. In addition, consider a two-tiered approach to investing. If you want to play an active management role, consider creating two portfolios: one with your core assets for retirement or your estate under the direction of a professional manager, and a second portfolio under your personal control.
Establish Realistic Goals
Set clear and reasonable objectives that align with the current investment climate. Despite the desires of mostinvestors, achieving a 15-percent return on assets with virtually no risk is simply not a reasonable expectation in today’s financial markets. Review the performance of your money managers on a quarterly or annual basis. This allows you to review your portfolio’s performance and make any necessary adjustments while allowing for market cycles.
Become a Disciplined Investor
It’s important to follow a focused investment strategy throughout the ups and downs of market cycles. Emotions like fear and greed can trigger short-term decisions that may reduce your portfolio’s long term performance. Keep in mind the adage: “Time in the market is more important than timing the market.”
By following a disciplined and rational approach to investment decisions, you can build a solid foundation for achieving your personal or professional financial goals.
