Today’s Chart of the Day from Aperio shows the percentage of individual stocks in the Russell 3000, which represents the 3,000 largest stocks in the US, and how they have performed since 1987. The performance is almost divided into thirds: 34% outperformed the overall index, 27% underperformed but had positive returns, and 39% lost money.
These statistics reinforce the Modern Portfolio Theory, a fundamental tenant of modern finance, by Harry Markowitz.* Quite simply, diversification is the name of the game. Since only 34% stocks outperform, it’s always better to own more stocks than less to make sure you own the right ones.
*I have a picture of both Harry Markowitz and Jack Bogle, founder and chief executive of The Vanguard Group, on my desk.
Samuel serves as Senior Vice President, Chief Investment Officer for the Crews family of banks. He manages the individual investment holdings of his clients, including individuals, families, foundations, and institutions throughout the State of Florida. Samuel has been involved in banking since 1996 and has more than 20 years experience working in wealth management.
Investments are not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by, the bank, are not FDIC insured, not insured by any federal government agency, and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of principal.
