I’m still pretty new to investing and learning a lot. One thing I don’t get is why some people hold more than 15 stocks. Anywhere from 10 to maybe 20 seems okay, but once you’re over 20, why not just stick with an ETF? It feels impossible to pick more than 15 stocks that can collectively beat the market. Maybe 5-10, but 15+? I’d love to hear your thoughts and see what stocks helped you meet your goals. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve outpaced the S&P500 in my Roth since 2009 by around 2%, usually holding 3-8 stocks at a time. That said, I fell behind by 12% last year and 6% the year before.
Yan said:
I’ve outpaced the S&P500 in my Roth since 2009 by around 2%, usually holding 3-8 stocks at a time. That said, I fell behind by 12% last year and 6% the year before.
Respect for sticking with it through the ups and downs.
Yan said:
I’ve outpaced the S&P500 in my Roth since 2009 by around 2%, usually holding 3-8 stocks at a time. That said, I fell behind by 12% last year and 6% the year before.
Your long-term results are solid, even with those tough years. Beating the S&P over a decade is no small feat.
Yan said:
I’ve outpaced the S&P500 in my Roth since 2009 by around 2%, usually holding 3-8 stocks at a time. That said, I fell behind by 12% last year and 6% the year before.
Do you factor in the time you spend managing your portfolio?
@Asher
Most people don’t count their time when calculating investment returns.
Olin said:
@Asher
Most people don’t count their time when calculating investment returns.
Shouldn’t they? Time is a cost. Passive investing requires almost no effort compared to active trading, which can take hours.
@Asher
I think of it as an investment in myself. My time is cheaper than paying someone else to manage my money.
Yan said:
I’ve outpaced the S&P500 in my Roth since 2009 by around 2%, usually holding 3-8 stocks at a time. That said, I fell behind by 12% last year and 6% the year before.
It’s easy to criticize, but long-term focus is impressive. Even a bad year doesn’t erase that.
I’m new too and agree that holding 10-15 stocks is a sweet spot—enough diversity without overdoing it. But concentrated portfolios (5-10 stocks) are high-risk. If you pick wrong, the losses hit hard. Once you go beyond 20 stocks, it’s hard to outperform the market.
@Corey
Keeping track of more than 10 stocks sounds exhausting.
Tory said:
@Corey
Keeping track of more than 10 stocks sounds exhausting.
Google alerts and AI summaries help, but it’s still a job.
Why not just stick to FXAIX or VOO and relax?
Scout said:
Why not just stick to FXAIX or VOO and relax?
Some people enjoy the challenge.
Scout said:
Why not just stick to FXAIX or VOO and relax?
It’s a mix of hobbies, gambling, and the thrill of beating the market.
Scout said:
Why not just stick to FXAIX or VOO and relax?
It’s a mix of hobbies, gambling, and the thrill of beating the market.
True, but claiming to consistently beat the S&P attracts skeptics fast.
I’ve outperformed the market during downturns by losing less. My strategy includes buying gold during corrections since its price rebounds strongly afterward. I also invest more when the market is down, sticking mostly to index funds.
I’ve done well with Nvidia since 2014 and made big profits by selling calls. Most of those gains went to pay off my mortgage. Now I hold BTC and some high-conviction plays like GME. I focus on just a few stocks or assets at a time.
@Raleigh
That’s one of the more interesting strategies I’ve seen.
Fallon said:
@Raleigh
That’s one of the more interesting strategies I’ve seen.
Selling calls can work well, but it’s not without risks. It’s great you’ve made it work for you.