Friday, June 28, 2024

Philip A. Fisher's investment approach


Philip A. Fisher, a renowned investor, left an indelible mark on the world of finance with his unique investment strategy. Let's delve into the key aspects of his approach:


1. Qualitative Insights:

Fisher prioritized qualitative insights over quantitative metrics. Unlike many investors who diversify extensively, he believed in investing in a few exceptional companies and holding onto them for the long term.


2. Buy and Hold: 

His strategy can be summarized as "buy and hold." He emphasized thorough due diligence and a concentrated portfolio of high-quality companies.


3. Scuttlebutt Method:

Fisher's due diligence went beyond financial statements. He advocated the "scuttlebutt" approach, which involves gathering holistic information from various sources (competitors, suppliers, customers) to understand a company's business model, industry trends, and potential risks.


4. Influential Writings: 

Fisher authored several books, with "Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits" being his most renowned. These books provide deep insights into his investment philosophy, emphasizing understanding businesses in-depth and prioritizing quality investments.


His legacy lives on, influencing notable investors like Warren Buffett and shaping the way we approach investing. 

Monday, June 24, 2024

Time Management with 86,400 seconds

The concept of 86400 seconds emphasizes the importance of time management. Here’s the key idea: everyone has exactly 86,400 seconds in a day. How we use those seconds determines our path to success or failure. To make the most of your time, consider these steps:

  1. Set Goals: Be specific about what you want to achieve and break down your goals into actionable steps.
  2. Prioritize: Focus on the most important goals and those with closer deadlines.
  3. Create a Schedule: Use calendars or planners to allocate time efficiently for work, exercise, self-care, and other activities.
  4. Eliminate Distractions: Limit time spent on distractions like social media or TV.
  5. Learn to Say No: Avoid tasks that don’t align with your goals.
  6. Review Progress Regularly: Celebrate wins and identify areas for improvement.

Friday, June 14, 2024

Inflation is friend or enemy?

 Inflation can be both a friend and an enemy, depending on the context. Let’s explore both sides:

  1. Friend:

    • Stable Inflation: Mild inflation can be beneficial for economies. It encourages spending and investment because people expect prices to rise gradually. Central banks often target a low and stable inflation rate (around 2% per year) to promote economic growth.
    • Debt Relief: Inflation erodes the real value of debt. Borrowers benefit because they repay loans with money that is worth less than when they borrowed it.
  2. Enemy:

    • Fixed Incomes: For people on fixed incomes (like pensioners), inflation erodes their purchasing power over time. Their money buys less as prices rise.
    • Savings Erosion: High inflation erodes the value of savings. Savers lose purchasing power, especially if interest rates don’t keep up with inflation.
    • Distortions: Inflation distorts economic decisions, making it harder to plan for the future.

In summary, moderate inflation can be a friend, but high or unpredictable inflation becomes an enemy. Central banks play a crucial role in managing inflation through interest rate adjustments. 

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Donald Trump's investment approach


Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, has been involved in various business ventures throughout his career. While I can provide a general overview of his investment approach based on public information available up until September 2021, please note that investment strategies and approaches can evolve over time and may be subject to personal preferences and changing market conditions.


Real Estate: Trump is widely recognized for his involvement in real estate development. His investment approach often involved acquiring properties, particularly in high-profile locations, and developing them into luxury hotels, resorts, residential buildings, and golf courses. He focused on branding and marketing to enhance the value of his properties.

Branding and Licensing: Trump has built a significant portion of his wealth by licensing his name and brand to various products and businesses. This approach allowed him to generate income without directly owning or managing those ventures. Trump's brand has been associated with a range of products, including clothing, accessories, and home furnishings.

Acquisitions and Investments: Trump has engaged in acquisitions and investments across multiple industries, including entertainment, hospitality, and casinos. His approach often involved identifying undervalued assets or distressed properties and negotiating deals to acquire them at favorable terms.

Television and Media: Trump gained significant visibility through his role as the host of the reality TV show "The Apprentice." This exposure helped him further promote his brand and increase the value of his business ventures. Media appearances and public relations played a crucial role in his investment strategy.

Equity Investments: While real estate has been a primary focus for Trump, he has also invested in stocks and other financial instruments. However, public information about his specific equity investments and strategies has been relatively limited compared to his real estate ventures.

It's important to note that investment strategies can vary significantly depending on an individual's goals, risk tolerance, and market conditions. The information provided here is a general overview and may not capture the entirety of Donald Trump's investment approach.