Limit turnover to boost results

Article Excerpt

Many investors wonder how often they should sell investments they own and buy new ones. The answer is simple: Do it as rarely as possible. That’s because portfolio turnover cuts into your profits. You face three main costs every time you buy and sell a stock: 1. Brokerage commissions: Every transaction you make in your portfolio involves brokerage commissions or similar costs, even if these costs are hidden or built into the price you pay or receive. 2. Taxes: If you sell at a profit in your taxable account (outside your RRSP or tax-free savings account), you are liable for capital-gains taxes. 3. Human error. You won’t sell at the top, nor buy back at the bottom. But you may do the reverse. reverse…