The psychology of investing
James, I don’t usually write empty praises, just to win favours or encourage you, but reading your reply to “The psychology of investing” almost perfectly described me. After about 40 years of trading/investing on the ASX, at the age of 88, I still find it difficult to except a losing decision, and crystallize the loss, by selling it. Consequently, I hold some stock, like WTC, with large losses. I tell myself, management private behavior, should not influence the share price. The market says otherwise. I know about fighting the tape, but… When I do sell a stock, even for a very small profit, I do feel elated. My other problem area is selling high dividend paying shares. I suspect, many other subscriber feels the same. The best example is GQG. Its price is falling since 2024, but it pays nearly ~11% dividend! … and it pays it 4 times a year. I suspect, they paying it that frequently, to remind everyone “I am high yielding”. I keep asking myself “if I sell GQG, where can I invest this money, showing better than 10%?”. I do ask myself your suggested question “If I did not already own this stock, would I buy it today at the current price?”, but unfortunately, I come up with the wrong answer! Best regards, John G
