Growth Stocks: Riding the Speedboat Wave

As we set sail, let’s start with growth stocks, the speedboats of the market. Picture them as fast and exhilarating, yet occasionally unstable – quite distinct from the following stocks we’ll explore. These stocks may lack price stability, but their value remains undeniable.

Like a speedy boat offering an adrenaline rush, growth stocks can deliver excitement, even when profitability isn’t constant. Growth stocks tend to get banged around when there is market volatility but most are great companies despite their lack of price stability, especially when they are speeding to new highs.

Momentum Stocks: Navigating the Sailboat Challenge

In many ways, momentum stocks are the same as sailboats, in my opinion. Momentum stocks generally have a low float, which means that there’s only a small amount of shares available for public trading, and much like a sailboat, their movement is largely reliant on a catalyst (wind, news, guidance).

Momentum stocks also suffer from liquidity issues that make it hard to get in and out of, much like the added skill needed to pilot a sailboat when compared to other boats, which can be a barrier to ownership. As far as difficulty goes, an inexperienced boater would probably find canoeing or yachting slightly easier and a less physically demanding skill to acquire.

When used correctly, momentum stocks and sailboats can be as fun, stable, and exciting as blue-chip/yacht ownership, but generally speaking, some expertise or mastery may be required.

Affordable Stocks: The Canoes

As we continue our journey, consider the appeal of affordable stocks, such as penny and small-cap stocks, like the allure of canoes. But, just like canoes tipping over with ease, micro-cap, and penny stocks are vulnerable to manipulation, and sudden crashes are a stark contrast to the prior stock types we explored.

These cheap stocks are attractive to beginners, mostly because of their price and accessibility. As someone who has learned how to canoe, I do not recommend taking canoes anywhere other than a small lake. As an investor, I do not suggest making these the bulk of your holdings unless you are an enthusiast or adrenaline junkie.

Canoes are fun, but they tend to tip over very often. “Tend to tip over” is an understatement when it comes to micro-cap stocks and penny stocks, these stocks are frequently the play toy of the pump-and-dump scammers who purposely crash stocks after tricking people into investing in them.

Yachts – Blue-Chip Stocks

Let’s now venture into the world of blue-chip stocks, the financial equivalent of luxurious yachts. Imagine them as grand, opulent vessels, equipped with every imaginable amenity. These stocks, like yachts, boast substantial market capitalization, large, stable interiors, and the ability to navigate even the stormiest market seas with grace.

Similar to these luxury yachts, blue-chip stocks are big, expensive, and simply look impressive in your investment portfolio. They represent the pinnacle of corporate success. While they may sway with the market tides or encounter some turbulence, they are generally less affected by market conditions because they represent the biggest and brightest companies.

Investing in blue-chip stocks can offer you stability in volatile markets and safety during downturns. They tend to have lower risk compared to smaller, less-established companies, making them a dependable choice for many investors.

But, much like a yacht charter, these stocks can also generate passive income through dividends if chartered or rented to other investors through stock lending. However, it’s important to note that the yield on blue-chip stocks may not be as high as that of some other high-yield stocks. Their historical consistency and stability make them an attractive choice for some, but their high price may not justify the cost for others or the opportunity cost of holding onto them.

In summary, blue-chip stocks, much like yachts, symbolize prestige, stability, and luxury in the world of investments. They are a versatile asset class that can complement your investment portfolio.

The Rising Tide Analogy

We’re now halfway through our expedition. Think of a rising tide lifting all boats, just as a market upswing benefits all investors. However, many enter the market blindly, assuming, “This boat floats, so it can’t be bad.” This lack of research can lead to losses when the market eventually falls, and their investments suffer.

If a rising tide lifts all boats, then common sense would tell you that it’s easier to make long-term money when the whole market is down simply by waiting for the tide to rise once again.

Far too often, I see investors pouring money into the market at high tide while not knowing what kind of boat they are riding in. Not knowing what condition the boat is in, all they know is “this boat floats” so it can’t be that bad.

Similar to how some investors buy stocks without doing any research, they foolishly buy the boat because it looks good. They don’t hop into the neck-deep water and inspect its bow, stern, or hull. Because they failed to inspect their ship (investment), when the tide (market) eventually falls, as it always does. All of the newly purchased boats no longer look as attractive now that they are dragging against the river bottom and being beat up by the tide.

Now that their boats (stocks) are exposed, the boaters begin to complain about how rough the waves are. Some are happy with their purchases and decide to wait for high tide to return, while other boaters slowly realize that the boats they purchased were damaged even before they purchased them! Nobody can set sail in this climate, so everyone is ready to sell their boat!