It’s no secret that the stock market can be a great place to grow your money. Over time, stocks have outperformed most other types of investments. However, simply buying and holding stocks is not the only way to invest in the stock market. Active investing, or trading stocks regularly, can also be a profitable strategy. In this blog post, William Schantz lists the pros and cons of active investing so you can decide if it’s right for you or not.
List of Benefits of Active Investing
One of the key benefits of active investing is that it allows investors to take advantage of opportunities as they arise in the market. Active investors are constantly monitoring the market and looking for any potential opportunities to buy or sell securities. This type of investing can be advantageous for those who are able to identify these opportunities and act on them quickly.
Another benefit, according to William Schantz, of active investing is that it gives investors more control over their portfolios. Active investors can make decisions about when to buy and sell securities based on their own analysis and research. This type of investing can be more hands-on than passive investing, which relies heavily on index funds or other pre-determined investment strategies.
Drawbacks of Active Investing
1. Active investors incur higher transaction costs.
Every time an active investor buys or sells a stock, they incur commissions and other fees. Over time, these transaction costs can add up and eat into profits.
2. Active investors are more likely to make mistakes.
Because they are constantly buying and selling stocks, active investors are more likely to make mistakes such as overpaying for stock or selling too soon. These mistakes can have a negative impact on investment returns.
3. Active investing takes time and effort.
In order to be successful, active investors need to spend a lot of time researching stocks and monitoring the market. This can be a full-time job in itself and is not for everyone.
4. Active investors are more likely to experience psychological stress.
The constant buying and selling of stocks can lead to psychological stress, as investors worry about whether they are making the right decisions. This stress can impact an investor’s health and well-being.
5. Active investing is a zero-sum game.
For every winner in the stock market, there is a loser. This means that active investors must constantly strive to beat the market in order to make money.
Despite these drawbacks, active investing can still be a profitable strategy for some investors, says William Schantz. It is important to understand the risks and rewards before making any decisions.
The Concluding Thoughts
The bottom line is that there are pros as well as cons to active investing. What is important, according to William Schantz, is to understand what they are so you can make the best decision for your unique financial situation. If you decide that active investing is right for you, be sure to do your homework and choose a qualified investment advisor who has your best interests at heart.