Want to Invest in the Stock Market? The Smartest Investors Avoid These 3 Mistakes.

In the past decade, the S&P 500 index (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) has produced a total return of 207% (as of April 15). So, for a $10,000 initial investment, the end result would have been $30,700 sitting in your portfolio today. That's an outcome most people would be pleased to have.Of course, the volatility can be scary. Times like now, for example, when the closely watched benchmark is trading 13% below its record, can test any investor from a psychological perspective. But there are ways to stay on course.In fact, perhaps the best thing investors can do is to protect the downside. And by that, I mean to avoid costly mistakes. Here are three things to keep in mind.Continue reading

Apr 20, 2025 - 12:55

Want to Invest in the Stock Market? The Smartest Investors Avoid These 3 Mistakes.

In the past decade, the S&P 500 index (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) has produced a total return of 207% (as of April 15). So, for a $10,000 initial investment, the end result would have been $30,700 sitting in your portfolio today. That's an outcome most people would be pleased to have.

Of course, the volatility can be scary. Times like now, for example, when the closely watched benchmark is trading 13% below its record, can test any investor from a psychological perspective. But there are ways to stay on course.

In fact, perhaps the best thing investors can do is to protect the downside. And by that, I mean to avoid costly mistakes. Here are three things to keep in mind.