Are You Losing Sleep Over One Of These Investment Trends?
Every now and then we like to provide an update on some of the latest "hot" trends in finance and investing. They don’t fit our time-tested Value Added IndexingTM approach that utilizes low-cost diversified funds that track the markets, so we’ll avoid them.
But it may be interesting to see what your neighbor or co-worker is losing sleep over…
Cryptocurrencies
Digital or virtual currencies, stored on a decentralized technology platform called blockchain that manages and records transactions. While Bitcoin is the most well-known “crypto”, several thousand are in existence. Enthusiasts view Bitcoin as the currency of the future, with no central bank that can manage the amount in circulation. Pessimists point out buying Bitcoin is simply a form of speculation, as it doesn’t produce any cash flow, and investors are simply hoping someone will pay more for Bitcoin than they did.
ICOs
Initial Coin Offerings. An ICO is the cryptocurrency industry’s equivalent of a stock initial public offering (IPO). A company looking to raise money to create a new coin, app, or service may launch an ICO to raise funds.
Yield Farming
A process to increase returns on cryptocurrency buy lending digital coins to an “LP”, a crypto liquidity provider, who then can enable trading in the currency. You earn “interest” or “rewards” on the coins you have lent. You also risk having your digital wealth stolen or reduced by price volatility.
NFTs
Non-fungible tokens. A digital asset that represents a “real-world” object, such as an artwork or video. An NFT lets the buyer own the original item with a digital “signature” – even though digital assets can be easily recreated.
SPACs
Special Purpose Acquisition Companies. A SPAC is essentially a shell company set up to raise money through an IPO (initial public offering). The IPO proceeds are then used to buy a “real” company with existing operations. Investors in SPACs typically do not know what the eventual acquisition target will be.
Meme stocks
Stocks such as GameStop or AMC Theatres that have seen rapid growth and attention on social media outlets such as Reddit and Twitter. Meme stocks can see rapid price spikes and declines based on frenzied trading.
While we are avoiding these "hot" trends, here's what we are doing— sticking to our long-term disciplined philosophy of building diversified, low-cost portfolios tailored to our clients' individual needs! In the long run, that's the most effective strategy to meet their goals. And to not lose sleep over the latest investing fads!
David Rappaport, CFP®
David is the Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Rappaport Reiches Capital Management. He acts as personal CFO to entrepreneurs and corporate executives, providing organization and clarity in their finances. Please connect with David below. He loves to talk about investing, financial planning, and Aspiritech, a non-profit hiring individuals on the autism spectrum.
The author does not intend to provide investment, legal or tax advice as these materials are for general educational purposes only. Please consult your legal, tax or investment professional for advice on your particular situation. This material is derived from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy and the opinions based thereon are not guaranteed. It is not intended to be a solicitation, offer or recommendation to acquire or dispose of any investment or to engage in any other transaction. Investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Please refer to RRCM’s Form ADV Part 2 for additional disclosures regarding RRCM and its practices.