Colombo Stock Exchange - Dividend History 14 + Years

CSE Dividend History 14 + Years

20 Golden Rules of Investing to Live By

Author: Francesco Casarella

1. If it sounds too good to be true, it's definitely not true!

2. Anyone promising returns over 15% per year should be asked why they're not counted among the greatest investors like Warren Buffett, Peter Lynch, or Ray Dalio.

3. To gain more, you often have to risk more, but sometimes your risk tolerance is zero (and you might not realize it).

4. Only invest in what you can explain to a 5-year-old or even a German Shepherd. In investing, complex thinking isn't necessary.

5. Minimize costs – if you're overpaying, someone else is cashing in.

6. When everyone agrees, everyone's likely mistaken.

7. Investing is like snagging a pair of top-notch shoes – it's a real deal when they're on sale.

8. Those who can, do it – those who can't just talk.

9. A great book is worth more than an expensive course.

10. Doing the right thing might make you feel foolish at times, but it eventually pays off.

11. Time is on your side: Use it as much as you can.

12. You're not your neighbor or coworker; everyone charts their own path and outcomes.

13. Diversify – remember, you're not Warren Buffett!

14. All extremes tend to balance out in the end.

15. Invest because you comprehend the business, not because you like the name or have a connection.

16. Evaluate results across years, not days.

17. Every invested dollar should have a purpose; never invest without understanding why.

18. Develop a clear strategy before committing your money.

19. Compounding is a marvel, but you have to leverage it for it to matter.

20. Speculation isn't investing – it's the price paid by those who rush in without thinking.

Source: investing.com

Manage Your Money Like A Pro With The 50/30/20 Method

By Steve Burns

Managing your money can feel overwhelming, but with the right budgeting strategy, you can take control of your finances and achieve your goals. One popular and practical approach is the 50/30/20 method, a simple yet powerful budgeting rule that helps you allocate your income into three main categories: needs, wants, and savings/debt repayment.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the 50/30/20 method, explore its benefits, and guide you through implementing it in your own life.

What Is The 50/30/20 Rule For Managing Money?

The 50/30/20 budgeting rule was popularized by Senator Elizabeth Warren and her daughter, Amelia Warren Tyagi, in their book All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan. This method simplifies budgeting by dividing after-tax income into three main categories: 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings and debt repayment.

By following this formula, you can ensure that you’re covering your essential expenses, enjoying your life, and building a solid financial foundation for the future.

The beauty of the 50/30/20 method lies in its simplicity and adaptability. It provides a clear framework for managing money while allowing flexibility based on your unique circumstances and goals.

Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or looking to optimize your existing budget, the 50/30/20 method can help you manage your finances and maximize your income.

Breaking Down The 50/30/20 Method

To fully understand how the 50/30/20 method works, let’s break down each category and explore what expenses fall under each one.

50% Needs

The “needs” category encompasses all the essential expenses you can’t live without. These bills and costs are necessary for your basic survival and well-being. Some examples of needs include:

• Housing (rent/mortgage)
• Utilities (electricity, water, gas)
• Groceries
• Transportation (car payments, fuel, public transit)
• Insurance (health, car, home/renters)
• Minimum debt payments (credit cards, student loans)

When allocating 50% of your after-tax income to needs, it’s essential to be mindful of your spending and look for ways to reduce costs where possible. For example, you might consider downsizing to a more affordable home or lower rent, negotiating better interest rates on your debt, or finding cheaper alternatives for groceries and transportation.

Increasing your income is also a solution to most money problems as long as you don’t keep spending at the pace of your wage growth and avoid lifestyle inflation. A frugal lifestyle helps bring your numbers into the correct percentages for this method.

30% Wants

The “wants” category covers all the non-essential expenses that enhance your lifestyle and bring you joy. These are the things you can live without but choose to spend money on for your satisfaction. Examples of wants include:

• Dining out
• Entertainment (movies, concerts, streaming services)
• Hobbies
• Vacations
• Shopping for clothes, gadgets, or home decor
• Gym memberships or fitness classes

When allocating 30% of your income to wants, it’s essential to prioritize what matters most to you and be mindful of your spending habits. Consider setting a budget for each type of discretionary expense and tracking your spending to ensure you’re staying within the 30% limit.

20% Savings And Debt Repayment

The remaining 20% of your income should be dedicated to savings and debt repayment. This category includes:

• Emergency fund savings
• Retirement contributions 
• Other long-term savings goals (down payment for a house, college fund)
• Extra payments towards high-interest debt (credit cards, personal loans)

Building a solid savings foundation and aggressively paying down debt will help you achieve financial security and freedom in the long run. Aim to have at least 3-6 months’ worth of expenses saved in an emergency fund and prioritize paying off high-interest debt to save on interest charges.

Implementing The 50/30/20 Method In Your Life

Now that you understand the basics of the 50/30/20 method, let’s walk through the steps to implement it in your own life.

Step 1: Calculate Your After-Tax Income

Start by determining your monthly take-home pay after taxes and deductions. This is the total amount you have available for budgeting. If your income is irregular, calculate your average monthly income over the past few months.

Step 2: Identify Your Needs

List all your essential expenses and categorize them as needed. Review your spending and ensure that your needs don’t exceed 50% of your after-tax income. If they do, look for ways to reduce these costs, such as finding a more affordable living situation or even moving to a lower-cost area.

Step 3: Track Your Wants

Keep track of your discretionary spending to ensure you stay within the 30% limit for wants. Use a budgeting app or spreadsheet to categorize your expenses and monitor your progress. Be honest about what brings you joy, and prioritize your spending accordingly.

Step 4: Automate Savings

Set up automatic transfers to your savings and retirement accounts to ensure you consistently save 20% of your income. This will help you build a solid financial foundation and make progress towards your long-term goals. If you have high-interest debt, consider allocating more funds towards debt repayment to save on interest charges in the long run.

Tips For Successfully Using The 50/30/20 Method

To make the most of the 50/30/20 method, keep these tips in mind:

Be Flexible And Adjust As Needed

Your financial situation and goals may change over time, so be prepared to adjust your budget accordingly. If you experience a significant change in income or expenses, revisit your budget and make necessary adjustments to ensure you follow the 50/30/20 rule.

Leverage Budgeting Tools

Take advantage of the many budgeting apps and tools available to help you track your spending and stay on top of your finances. Apps like Mint and Everydollar can automatically categorize your expenses, provide insights into your spending habits, and help you stay accountable to your budget.

Regularly Review And Reassess

Make a habit of reviewing your budget regularly, ideally every month. This will help you stay on track, identify areas where you may be overspending, and adjust as needed. As you review your budget, also take time to reassess your financial goals and make sure your budget aligns with your priorities.

Take Control Of Your Finances With The 50/30/20 Method.

The 50/30/20 method is a simple yet effective budgeting approach that can help you manage your money with confidence and clarity. By allocating your income into needs, wants, and savings/debt repayment categories, you can cover your essential expenses, enjoy your life, and build a solid financial foundation for the future.

Conclusion

Budgeting is a process, and finding the right balance for your unique situation may take some time. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your progress, and keep working towards your financial goals. With the 50/30/20 method as your guide, you can take control of your finances and create a life of economic security and freedom. This method gives you quantifiable parameters to aim for with your money.

Source: www.newtraderu.com

100 Brilliant Business Minds and What They Said

You Source: Visualistan

Powerful Buddha Quotes That Will Change Your Life

By Julianna Summers

The teachings of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, have resonated through thousands of years, containing timeless wisdom that can help people transform their lives. By reflecting on his insights and integrating them into our daily practices, we can shift our perspectives in impactful ways.

This article looks at thought-provoking Buddha quotes and how implementing their lessons can lead to more inner peace, purpose, and mindfulness.

On Taking Responsibility For Your Enlightenment

“No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.”

This quote emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and taking responsibility for your growth or enlightenment; instead of waiting for someone to “save” you, work on your spiritual development through mindful meditation, reading, and other practices. Commit to your journey.

For example, Sandra was stuck in a job she disliked and struggling with anxiety and depression. Instead of waiting for a partner, friend, or therapist to fix her problems, she practiced daily meditation. She also made changes to her routine and diet to manage stress. Over time, Sandra gained more clarity and control over her mental health.

On The Power Of Perspective

“The mind is everything. What you think you become.”

This profound quote points to our thoughts and perspectives critical role in shaping our realities. By cultivating positivity and rejecting negative mindsets, we can improve our lives.

Mark illustrates this. He tended to focus on failure and doubt his abilities. Mark gained confidence by consciously retraining his mind to think, encouraging thoughts, and affirming his strengths. His grades and performance improved dramatically at school and work.

On Living In The Present

“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”

Buddha teaches that being fully engaged in the present is vital to inner peace. Letting go of past regrets and future worries brings clarity. Each moment is an opportunity to practice mindfulness.

Liz found herself constantly overanalyzing the past and worrying about the future. She started doing 10 minutes of mindful breathing every morning to anchor herself in the present. Liz also tried to catch her mind wandering and gently bring it back to the now. Her stress levels decreased significantly.

On Persistence And Commitment

“There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth: not going all the way and not starting.”

This inspirational quote emphasizes the importance of starting your spiritual path immediately while sticking with it. The journey requires commitment and persistence.

For years, Jamal thought about meditating and living more mindfully, but never began. Once he finally started a simple mindfulness routine, he gained tremendous benefits. Jamal wishes he had started sooner but is glad he found the courage to begin.

On Embodying Your Path

“You cannot travel the path until you have become the path itself.”

Buddha suggests that understanding virtues like compassion is not just intellectually enough. We must fully embody and live them to progress spiritually.

Julia took this quote to heart. Instead of occasionally donating to charity when it was convenient, she made volunteering a regular part of her schedule. This shifted her perspective profoundly, helping her develop genuine empathy and selflessness.

On Anger Hurting You Most

“Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.”

This analogy emphasizes how anger and resentment are ultimately self-destructive. Letting go leads to inner peace and harmony with others.

When Amit’s business partner betrayed him, he was outraged and wanted revenge. But after reflecting on this quote, he realized that nurturing grudges would only hurt himself, not the other person. Amit forgave his partner and moved forward.

On What Truly Matters Most

“Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.”

This wise quote helps provide perspective on what matters most in life. The key to balance is prioritizing your health, finding inner fulfillment, and nurturing good relationships.

Emma worked long hours chasing professional success and accolades. Eventually, she became burned out and unfulfilled. Reflecting on this Buddha quote helped her realize that she needed to focus more on self-care, contentment, and spending time with family.

On The Present Being A Gift

“Every morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.”

Start each day with this positive mindset. Let go of the past, which you cannot change, and focus on making the present count through good deeds, mindfulness, and gratitude.

Manuel applied this lesson by setting a daily morning intention to live with purpose and appreciation. He also did a nightly review to improve the next day. His attitude gradually became more optimistic.

On Making Your Thoughts Constructive

“The trouble is, you think you have time.”

This quote is a profound reminder not to procrastinate and to appreciate each moment. It encourages you to make the most of your thoughts and time here.

After pondering this insight, Nina decided to stop delaying activities that brought her joy. She asked herself – if today was her last day, what would she do? Nina started writing again, reconnecting with old friends, and traveling more.

On Finding Inner Peace

“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”

True happiness and fulfillment come from nurturing inner qualities like compassion, wisdom, and mindfulness. It cannot be found in external circumstances alone.

James believed a high-paying job and a lovely house would bring happiness. In reality, his busy lifestyle left him drained. After reading this quote, James cut back on work to free up time and energy for the people and activities he loved most. His contentment increased significantly.

Conclusion

Implementing Buddha’s teachings on self-responsibility, living in the present, letting go of anger, and nurturing inner peace can help transform your life. You can achieve greater wisdom, purpose, and serenity by regularly reflecting on his quotes as guides and integrating their lessons into your daily practices.

What quote resonated most with you? Find one to return to any time you need inspiration or perspective. With an open mind and commitment, your path to positive change can unfold one mindful step at a time.

Source:www.newtraderu.com

Top 5 Mistakes Beginners In The Stock Market Make

 By Steve Burns

Navigating the vast landscape of the stock market can be both exhilarating and overwhelming, especially for those just starting their investment journey. Tales of overnight fortunes can be enticing, but they often overshadow the pitfalls that can trap the unprepared. Equipping yourself with knowledge is the first step towards avoiding these common traps. This article will shed light on five prevalent mistakes new investors often fall victim to and provide insights on how to avoid them. By understanding these errors and the principles behind sound investing, you’ll be better positioned to safeguard your investment capital and thrive in the dynamic world of stocks. Keep reading to fortify your foundation and become a more informed investor.

5 Common mistakes made by beginners while investing:

1. Lack of a defined investment strategy or plan.
2. Chasing small gains or getting into trends too late.
3. Letting your emotions drive investment decisions.
4. Failing to diversify.
5. Insufficient research or relying solely on tips and rumors.

1. Lack Of A Defined Investment Strategy Or Plan.

For many beginners, the stock market appears as a tempting opportunity to grow wealth quickly. New investors become enthralled by stories of overnight successes or individuals turning small investments into fortunes. Many dive in without a well-defined plan. However, successful investing is less about luck and more about strategy. Let’s explore why not having a clear investment plan can be a critical misstep:

1. Flying Blind: Without a strategy, you’re essentially gambling. While some bets might pay off, the odds are not in your favor over the long run. Investors with a plan have clear objectives and milestones, enabling them to measure their performance and adjust accordingly.

2. Reactivity Over Proactivity: Without a plan, you become vulnerable to market volatility. The ebbs and flows of the stock market can be unsettling. Without a strategy, an investor will likely react impulsively to short-term events, potentially selling low and buying high, which is the opposite of a profitable approach.

3. Lack of Clear Goals: A strategy clarifies financial goals. Are you investing for retirement, to buy a home, or for your child’s education? Each goal may require a different approach and timeline. Without defining these, it’s easy to lose sight of why you began investing in the first place.

4. Difficulty in Assessing Performance: How do you know if you’re on the right track without a plan? Regularly reviewing and comparing your portfolio’s performance against your objectives is essential. Without set benchmarks or goals, such evaluations become challenging. You can improve what you measure.

5. Increased Risk of Loss: A structured investment plan often considers risk tolerance and time horizon factors. Jumping into investments without assessing these factors can expose one to undue risk, potentially leading to significant losses.

Think of entering the stock market as setting out on a journey. Would you venture into unknown territory without a map, compass, or destination? Similarly, diving into the vast world of stocks without a strategy or plan is precarious. A well-defined investment plan not only offers direction but also provides a safety net against the inherent uncertainties of the market.

2. Chasing Small Gains Or Getting Into Trends Too Late

When you’re new to the stock market, the allure of quick profits can be hard to resist. However, this can often lead to a trap of chasing minuscule gains or jumping on the bandwagon of a trend when it’s already at its peak. Let’s delve into why these strategies can be detrimental to novice investors:

1. Short-term vs. Long-term Vision: The stock market is inherently volatile. Aiming for small gains might work in the short term, but it’s not sustainable. Constantly trying to time the market for minor profits can lead to frequent trading, higher transaction costs, and added stress. A longer-term vision with a focus on value can provide more stable returns.
2. Risk of Late Entries: Hearing stories of stocks that have skyrocketed can be tempting. But when a trend becomes mainstream news, it might have already peaked. Buying into stock at its all-time high is risky, as there’s often limited room for growth and a higher potential for decline.
3. Emotional Trading: Reacting to market movements and media buzz can lead to emotional decisions rather than ones based on sound research. Emotions like FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) can push beginners to make hasty investments without proper analysis.
4. Lack of Diversification: When chasing after a specific trend or stock, beginners might neglect the fundamental principle of diversification. Investing all resources in one trend can expose one’s portfolio to unnecessary risks.
5. Ignoring Fundamentals: Trends come and go, but a company’s fundamentals – earnings, liabilities, and growth prospects – remain crucial. Instead of just following the crowd, it’s imperative to understand the company you’re investing in.

While wanting quick returns or being part of the latest stock market trend is natural, beginners should be cautious. Investing requires patience, research, and a well-thought-out strategy. Instead of chasing the wind, build a solid foundation for your investment journey.

3. Letting Your Emotions Drive Investment Decisions

The stock market is a complex interplay of numbers, trends, and predictions. But one factor that can unpredictably skew all three is emotion. For beginners especially, the emotional rollercoaster of investing can be overwhelming. Understanding why letting your feelings drive your investments can be problematic is essential. Here’s why:

1. Fear and Panic: The most immediate emotion new investors often grapple with is fear. The immediate reaction might be to sell everything, whether it’s a sudden market downturn or bad news regarding a particular stock. However, market volatility is natural, and panicking can lead to locking in losses unnecessarily.
2. Overconfidence: On the flip side of fear is overconfidence. A few initial successful trades can give beginners a sense of invulnerability, leading them to make reckless decisions or over-leverage their positions.
3. Attachment to Specific Stocks: Sometimes, beginners buy shares in a company they have a personal affinity for, whether a favorite tech brand or a local business. While loyalty is commendable, an emotional attachment can blind investors to red flags, preventing them from selling a consistently underperforming stock.
4. Chasing Past Performance: It’s easy to get emotionally tied to the success stories of yesteryear. Just because a stock performed well in the past doesn’t guarantee future success. Basing decisions on historical performance without considering the current context can be misleading.
5. Avoidance of Loss Acceptance: No one likes to admit they made a mistake. But in investing, refusing to accept and cut a loss can be detrimental. Holding onto a plummeting stock in the hopes it will bounce back, driven by pride or hope, can lead to even more significant losses.

The stock market isn’t a place for emotional decisions. It demands research, understanding, and a rational approach. Beginners should always take a step back, evaluate their motives, and ensure they make decisions based on data and strategy rather than feelings. Developing a habit of objective decision-making early on can set the stage for long-term investing success.

4. Failing To Diversify

“Diversification” is a term that seasoned investors swear by, but beginners often overlook its significance. Legendary investor Ray Dalio says it is the holy grail of investing. Diversification involves spreading your investments across various assets to reduce the risk of a poor-performing investment. However, beginners sometimes pour their resources into just one or two stocks, believing they’ve found the next “big thing.” Let’s delve into the dangers of this approach and the advantages of a diversified portfolio:

1. All Eggs in One Basket: Investing heavily in a single stock or sector is high-risk. If that particular stock or sector underperforms, it can substantially impact the entire investment. Diversification ensures that even if one asset underperforms, others can offset the losses.
2. Overexposure to Specific Risks: Different sectors have their own risks. By concentrating investments in one area, beginners expose themselves to the unique risks associated with that sector, whether they’re regulatory changes, technological shifts, or market demand dynamics.
3. Missing Out on Growth Opportunities: The stock market is vast, with numerous sectors showing growth potential. By not diversifying, beginners might miss out on opportunities in areas they haven’t explored or considered.
4. Increased Volatility: A non-diversified portfolio is often more volatile. This means its value can fluctuate dramatically over a short period, leading to potential panic and poor decision-making in response to these fluctuations.
5. Compromised Long-Term Returns: Historically, a well-diversified portfolio has been shown to offer more stable and consistent returns over the long term. By not diversifying, beginners might jeopardize their long-term investment goals and returns.

In investing, there’s no way to predict the future with absolute certainty. Diversification acts as a safety net, ensuring that the impact of unforeseen adverse events is minimized. As the adage goes, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” By spreading investments across different assets and sectors, beginners can navigate the unpredictable waters of the stock market with a bit more stability and confidence.

5. Insufficient Research Or Relying Solely On Tips And Rumors

In an age where information is readily available, it’s surprisingly common for stock market beginners to take shortcuts in their research or, worse, base decisions on unsubstantiated tips and rumors. While acting on a “hot tip” might sound enticing, it’s a dangerous financial path that lacks the depth and understanding required for sustainable investing. Let’s explore the pitfalls of this approach:

1. The Danger of Herd Mentality: Acting on tips often means following the crowd. But who’s left to keep buying and driving prices higher if everyone has already bought in? When you act on a tip, the price may reflect the rumor, leaving limited potential for gains.
2. Unverified Information: Rumors are just that – unverified pieces of information. Basing investment decisions on unconfirmed news can lead to significant financial setbacks if the rumor is false. Also, even if the rumor is true, that is when the market sells off when it’s confirmed. The rumor was already priced in. 
3. Overlooking Fundamentals: Stock tips rarely comprehensively assess a company’s financial health. By neglecting proper research, beginners miss out on evaluating crucial factors like a company’s earnings, debt levels, growth prospects, and competitive positioning.
4. Susceptibility to Pump and Dump Schemes: Some unscrupulous traders spread positive rumors about a stock to inflate its price artificially (“pump”) and then sell off their shares for a profit (“dump”), leaving unsuspecting investors with losses.
5. Missed Learning Opportunities: Relying solely on tips denies beginners the opportunity to understand the market dynamics and hone their analytical skills. Over time, this lack of experience can hinder their ability to make informed decisions independently.

In investing, knowledge truly is power. While shortcuts might offer temporary gains, they’re no substitute for thorough research and a deeper understanding of market mechanisms. Beginners would remember there’s no substitute for hard work and due diligence. By cultivating a habit of comprehensive research and skepticism towards unverified information, new investors can pave the way for long-term success in the stock market.

Key Takeaways

• Short-term Temptations: Avoid the lure of quick, minor profits and late trend entries.
• The Power of Planning: Navigate the stock market confidently with a well-defined strategy.
• Emotional Detachment: Base decisions on data, not feelings, to prevent rash choices.
• Spread Your Assets: Protect your investments by diversifying across sectors and stocks.
• Validate Before Investing: Be skeptical of tips and prioritize in-depth research.

Conclusion

Venturing into the stock market without a roadmap is a recipe for pitfalls. By resisting immediate gratifications, crafting a well-structured investment blueprint, keeping emotions at bay, diversifying holdings, and prioritizing thorough due diligence over hearsay, beginners can position themselves for a successful and informed journey in the world of stocks. The market rewards patience, strategy, and knowledge; it’s essential to cultivate these traits for long-term success.

Source: www.newtraderu.com

Warren Buffett: On How To Pick Stocks And Invest Properly

By Steve Burns

In investing, few voices carry as much weight and wisdom as that of the Oracle of Omaha himself, Warren Buffett. With a storied career and unrivaled success in the fields of investing, business, and as a CEO, his insights form the bedrock of many investment strategies around the globe. Known for his profound understanding of business and the marketplace, his approach to stock selection and investment has consistently proven successful.

This blog post distills his thoughts and advice in his own words, presenting them in an accessible and practical way. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting, these pearls of wisdom will guide you toward a more informed and strategic investment pathway.

Warren Buffett On The Stock Market

This transcript is from an interview Warren Buffett gave in 1985. 

“The first rule in investment is ‘don’t lose.’ And the second rule in investment is ‘don’t forget the first rule.’ And that’s all the rules there are. I mean, if you buy things for far below what they’re worth and you buy a group of them, you basically don’t lose money.” – Warren Buffett

The interviewer asked, “What do you consider the most important quality for an investment manager?”

Buffett replied, “It’s the temperamental quality, not an intellectual one. You don’t need tons of IQ in this business. I mean, you have to have enough IQ to get from here to downtown Omaha, but you do not have to be able to play three-dimensional chess or be in the top leagues in terms of bridge playing or something of the sort. You need a stable personality; you need a temperament that neither derives great pleasure from being with the crowd or against the crowd. Because this is not a business where you take polls, it’s a business where you think. And Ben Graham would say that you’re not right or wrong because a thousand people agree with you, and you’re not right or wrong because a thousand people disagree with you. You’re right because your facts and your reasoning are right.”

The interviewer’s next question was, “Warren, what do you do that’s different than 90% of the many managers who are in the market?”

Buffett went on to explain his stock investing strategy, “Certainly, most of the professional investors focus on what the stock is likely to do in the next year. They avail all kinds of arcane methods of approaching that, but they do not really think of themselves as owning a piece of a business. The real test of whether you’re investing from a value standpoint or not is whether you care whether the stock market is open tomorrow. If you’re making a good investment in a security, it shouldn’t bother you if they close down the stock market for five years.”

“All the ticker tells me is the price, and I can look at the price occasionally to see whether the price is outlandishly cheap or outlandishly high. But prices don’t tell me anything about a business. Business figures themselves tell me something about the business, but the price of the stock doesn’t tell me anything about a business. I would rather value a stock or a business first, and not even know the price so that I’m not influenced by the price in establishing my valuation, and then look at the price later to see whether it’s way out of line with what my value is.”

The narrator explains, “So, Buffett chose to stay in Omaha, Nebraska – this world where corn grows just minutes from downtown. Now, Omaha is a nice town, but nobody claims it’s a world financial center. Here, the only thundering heard is actually on four feet, off the beaten track.”

The interviewer continues with his next question, “Don’t you find Omaha a little bit off the beaten track for the investment world?”

Buffett explains his location doesn’t matter, “Well, believe it or not, we get mail here, and we get periodicals, and we get all the facts needed to make decisions. And unlike Wall Street, you’ll notice we don’t have 50 people coming up and whispering in our ears that we should be doing this or that this afternoon.”

“You appreciate the lack of stimulation here?” the interviewer asks. 

“I like the lack of stimulation; we get facts, not stimulation, here,” replies Buffett. 

“How can you stay away from Wall Street?” The interviewer questions. 

Buffett explains, “Well if I were in Wall Street, I’d probably be a lot poorer. You get overstimulated in Wall Street, and you hear lots of things, and you may shorten your focus. And a short focus is not conducive to long profits. And here I can just focus on what businesses are worth, and I don’t need to be in Washington to figure out what the Washington Post newspaper is worth, and I don’t need to be in New York to figure out what some other company is worth. It’s simply an intellectual process. The less static there is in that intellectual process, the better off you are.”

“What is the intellectual process?” the interviewer asked curiously. 

Buffett explains, “The intellectual process is defining your level, defining your area of competence, and valuing businesses. Then within that area of competence, find whatever sells at the cheapest price in relation to value. There are all kinds of things I’m not competent to value, but there are a few that I am competent to value.”

“Have you ever bought a technology company?” the interviewer asks. 

“No, I really haven’t,” Buffett assures. 

“In 30 years of investing, not one?” the interviewer asks again.

“I haven’t understood any of them,” Buffett answers. 

“So you haven’t ever owned, for example, IBM? We’ve never owned IBM.” The interviewer asks for a third time, puzzled. 

“It’s a sensational company, but I haven’t known IBM.” Buffett confirms. 

“And so, here is this technological revolution going on, and you’re not going to be a participant,” asks the interviewer. 

“Going right past me,” Buffett admits without caring. 

“Is that alright with you?” questions the interviewer. 

Buffett gives a detailed response, “It’s okay with me. I don’t have to make money in every game. I mean, I don’t know what cocoa beans are going to do. There are all kinds of things I don’t know about, and that may be too bad, but why should I know all about them? I haven’t worked that hard on them. In securities business, you literally, every day, you have thousands of the major American corporations offered to you at a price and a price that changes daily. You don’t have to make any decisions; nothing is forced upon you. There are no called strikes in this business.”

“The pitcher just stands there and throws balls at you. If you’re playing real baseball, and it’s between the knees and the shoulders, you either swing or you get a strike called. If you get too many called on you, you’re out. In the securities business, you sit there, and they throw US Steel at 25, and they throw General Motors at 16. You don’t have to swing at any of them. They may be wonderful pitches to swing at, but if you don’t know enough, you don’t have to swing. You can sit there and watch thousands of pitches, and finally, get one right there where you want it, something that you understand. Then you swing.”

“So, you might not swing for six months,” asks the interviewer.

“I might not swing for two years,” Buffett explains.

“Isn’t that boring?” wonders the interviewer. 

Buffett explains, “It would bore most people. And certainly, boredom is a problem with most professional money managers. If they sit out an inning or two, not only do they get somewhat antsy, but their clients start yelling, ‘Swing, you bum!’ from the stands. And that’s very tough for people to do.”

“Warren your approach seems so simple. Why doesn’t everybody do it?” asks the interviewer.

Buffett explains his investing edge, “Well, I think partly because it is so simple. The academics, for example, focus on all kinds of variables. Because the data is there, they focus on whether if you buy stocks on Tuesday and sell them on Friday, you’re better off. Or if you buy them in election years and sell them in other years, you’re better off. Or if you buy small company stocks. All these variables because the data is there. They’ve learned how to manipulate data. As a friend of mine says, to a man with a hammer, everything looks like a nail. Once you have these skills, you’re just dying to utilize them in some way. But they aren’t important.”

“If I were being asked to participate in a business opportunity, would it make any difference to me whether I bought it on a Tuesday or Saturday or in an election year? That’s not what a businessman thinks about when buying businesses. So, I why think about it when buying stocks because stocks are just pieces of a business,” Buffett concludes. 

Key Takeaways

• The two fundamental rules of investing, according to Buffett, are: to avoid loss and remember this rule always.
• Investing in success is not necessarily correlated with IQ; temperament plays a crucial role.
• Stock picking should be grounded in rationality and careful analysis, not influenced by market hype or noise.
• Buffett emphasizes the importance of investing within your “circle of competence,” understanding the business you’re investing in.
• It’s perfectly fine not to participate in every market trend or sector, especially if you don’t fully understand it.
• Patience is a virtue in investing; it’s not necessary to constantly swing at every investment opportunity.
• Investing isn’t about finding complex strategies or systems. The simplicity of the process can be its greatest strength.
• The value of a business and its stock are often disconnected; as an investor, focus on the business’s intrinsic value rather than its stock price.

Conclusion

Warren Buffett’s investing philosophy is simplicity, patience, and knowledge. It’s essential to understand that investing is not about reacting to every market trend or making constant transactions. Instead, it’s about knowing what you’re investing in, waiting patiently for the right opportunity, and focusing on preserving your capital. Remember that stocks represent partial ownership in a business; thus, understanding the business is vital to making informed investment decisions. Lastly, a calm and stable temperament is crucial for long-term investing success, emphasizing the significance of emotional intelligence in this sphere. You can approach investing more grounded, focused, and profitable through these principles.

Source:www.newtraderu.com