Topic: How To Invest

What is Pat’s commentary for the week of February 2, 2016

Article Excerpt

I recently exchanged investment ideas with an acquaintance who has worked in the investment business for the past several decades. After I explained how we choose stocks to recommend and how we manage client portfolios, he said, “I completely agree! I diversify for each one of my clients. My view is that if you buy a bunch of different stocks, one of them is bound to pop.” Many investors would no doubt agree. However, it takes more to succeed in diversifying your portfolio. If you just buy a bunch of different stocks, you may wind up with a grab bag of duds. But even if you stick with high-quality stocks, you may find that many of them respond to or are vulnerable to one particular type of risk. If this one factor moves against you, your entire portfolio can suffer. The second rule in our three-part Successful Investor strategy takes a much more disciplined approach. It tells you to spread your money…