I find investing in the stock market unappealing even during good times. Currently, the markets are thriving, corporate earnings are recovering, and economies are opening up again. Yet, despite these gains, the pain of potential losses always seems to loom larger.
The stock market feels like a gamble where every decision comes with regrets—selling too soon or buying too early. Every trade seems to favor the other party, not me. For instance, selling a stock at what seems like a peak often leads to frustration when its value climbs even higher right after the sale.
Furthermore, my daily routine of digesting pre-market news and speculating on market movements often ends in disappointment when unforeseen events cause stocks to move against my predictions.
The inherent irrationality of the stock market exacerbates this, where stock values can plunge based on factors outside any logical financial analysis. For example, large institutional orders can drastically alter stock prices, putting smaller investors like myself at a disadvantage.
Additionally, managing a significant investment portfolio has brought more stress than satisfaction. Despite some successful trades, like the fictional “Samurai Fund” I started, which outperformed the S&P 500, the constant reminders of missed opportunities can be maddening.
One of the biggest drawbacks of stock investing is its impersonal nature. Unlike creating something tangible or directly impacting people’s lives, moving money around often feels hollow, despite the financial gains.
This disconnection from the tangible results of my efforts is why I advocate for real estate investment as an alternative. Real estate provides a physical asset that tends to be less volatile and can generate steady rental income, aligning more with my investment philosophy.
To those who feel similarly disillusioned by the stock market’s roller-coaster nature, exploring real estate or other more tangible investments might offer a more fulfilling path to financial independence.
