December 17, 2024
I stopped managing accounts at the end of May to prioritize my health. For the remainder of the year, I didn’t reach out to my former clients—a decision that, while difficult, was necessary for my well-being.
Today, an old client called to catch up. As we talked, he admitted he hadn’t traded anything for months or even checked his portfolio. This struck me as a broader reminder about investors: many rely on others to make decisions for them.
The conversation brought me back to something I had shared earlier on the website: after market crashes when brokers are forced to sell out client positions due to margin calls, those same clients often call to thank them. This illustrates how deeply people depend on external guidance when it comes to investing. Most people simply cannot or do not want to make these decisions themselves. They look to Wall Street brokers, fund managers, or even the crowd on social media for reassurance and psychological comfort.
There seems to be safety in following the herd. People feel more secure when they win or lose as part of a group. One associate, a fellow investment professional with decades of experience, offered this insight:
“It’s an interesting observation. Many investors have little to no knowledge about managing a portfolio. It’s not their fault—they were never taught. Learning how to invest requires years of education and experience, often accompanied by painful lessons along the way.”
We likened this behavior to animals herding together for protection from predators. Humans do the same, seeking safety in numbers. But just as in nature, some in the herd inevitably fall prey. Similarly, people who invest and trade stick together and follow leaders like Wall Street mutual fund managers or take advice from sales brokers without fully understanding the implications for their portfolios and personal financial plans.
Another colleague expanded on this idea, emphasizing how guidance from the financial services industry and the government too often amounts to public manipulation. Spotting these patterns can be difficult, but he offered advice inspired by famed investor Jim Rogers:
“Using the ‘question everything’ approach can protect investors from deception and even help them find opportunities where others see despair. Wall Street and governments rarely push narratives without reason. When they do, it often serves a larger agenda. These narratives are often deliberate, and there are three potential motives: (1) Distraction, (2) Fear as a tool, and (3) Emotional manipulation.
To avoid being misled by hype or fear:
- Stay critical and question why certain stories dominate the conversation.
- Investigate who benefits from these narratives.
- Educate yourself about historical precedents to remain grounded.”
My associates and I have 125 years of combined experience with some of the world’s most reputable firms. We’ve seen the best and worst of public manipulation and investor behavior. Our common desire is simple: to empower the average investor to think independently, seek a real education, and stop letting Mr. Market or government agendas dictate their financial decisions.
Investing shouldn’t be about blindly following the herd. It’s about understanding, independence, and making informed, thoughtful choices. That’s the mindset we need to inspire in the public.