GYC Insights
Articles on real-life financial issues written to educate and enlighten.
Our Investing Beliefs — Pt 2
The period of time that constitutes ‘long-term investing’ can vary depending on which definition you look at. For us it’s about riding through market cycles to generate sufficient returns for your needs.
Can You Make Money If You Knew The Future?
It’s 2023. With the the global pandemic and with Pfizer being the leading vaccine manufacturer, you’d think it’d be a metaphorical gold mine if you had this information in 2019. However, the numbers tell a different story.
Do Changes in Interest Rates Affect Stocks?
Despite what multiple news sources suggests, more than half a century of data have not found a discernible relationship between bond yields and stock returns. It would be wise not to make changes based on short-term speculation.
Should You Invest in Outperforming Managers?
Over the past 15 years, a staggering 92.19% of funds underperformed the S&P 500 index, but while performance numbers are important, over-fixating on them to make decisions might mean missing the big picture.
Our Investing Beliefs — Pt 1
Principles and values are a steadying force in life, and the same goes for investing. They help to establish your investing philosophy, and can help steady you during market sell-offs or times of volatility.
Just a Minor Bump Ahead
Although no one can conclusively prove why, Aug and Sep have traditionally been the weakest months in the year for markets for decades, but even with the current minor sell-off, global stocks (e.g. the United G Strategic Fund — one of our core funds) is up over +11% this year.
Investing in Equities Can be Less Risky Than Investing in Bonds
It can be said generally, that investing in bonds is less risky than stocks — few would disagree. After all, a bond is a contractual agreement while company shares come with guarantees. However, surprisingly, this isn’t always the case.
Bond Investors, Don't Fret
2022 was one of the worst years for bonds in over 40 years but you’re holding good quality and diversified bond investment, the recent volatility means little in the long-run, it could even lead to net positive gains.
How do I Invest in Today's Market?
The top 8 high growth stocks make up more than a quarter of the S&P 500. A near record high capitalisation. What does this mean for the investing landscape?
Maximising Your Cash
Money market instruments have no required duration unlike other traditional fixed income instruments and as of this September this year, provide one of, if not the most, favourable returns for you cash holdings.
It is OK to be Average
Getting a good investment outcome is not about getting a leg up on the competition. Superior skill or intellect (measured in IQ) does not lead to superior investment outcomes (quite the opposite in fact).
Embrace Market Weakness
Recent market weakness has many investors worried about what it could mean for their returns, but in the long run, sell-offs and the volatility that globally diversified investors face are just small speed bumps in your goal.
What Happens after Stocks Run Up in Price?
With AI as the new kid on the block , prices of technology stocks have reached new heights. However, is it wise to rely only on companies with very high growth expectations to accumulate longterm wealth?
Seasonality
Seasonality is by no means a perfect forecasting tool as markets do not follow a script.
Why is Pessimism Popular?
The quick 20-month turnaround has many strategists changing their doomsday tune, and many new products that claim to offer capital protection while enjoying equity returns are popping up in the market.
Commodity Protection
With the creation of commodity funds and ETFs, investors of today do not need to own the physical commodity to have access to it. There are a few important things to note when holding them in your portfolio.
Use Your Intuition Wisely
Going to the safety of cash when uncertainty is in the air might seem like an intuitive response, but studies show that trusting your intuition may not be the best way to make decisions in investments
Is it Important to Beat the Market?
For one, investing during the right cycle is important, but the key here is not to give up market returns in an effort to chase performance.