How to Read Stocks (and Beat the Market Average?)
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The author discusses how to read and pick good stocks, emphasizing that beating the market average is not always possible. They suggest that a low-cost index fund, such as Vanguard 500, may be a better option for many investors. The author shares their own investment strategy, preferring to invest in index funds and ETFs rather than individual stocks. They use the rule of 72 to estimate how long it takes for money to double, and point out that a 10% annual return would result in a 7.2-year doubling period.
The author also shares their approach to evaluating individual stocks, looking at metrics such as dividend yield, price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, and market capitalization. They provide examples of growth stocks, such as Amazon, and dividend stocks, such as ExxonMobil, highlighting their characteristics. The author cautions against overpaying for a stock based on past performance and suggests being wary of companies with a history of poor performance, such as Intel and Citigroup. Ultimately, the author concludes that beating the market average may not be possible for most individuals and recommends a low-cost index fund approach.