Začínáme s investováním
What NOT to do as a beginning investor
Key takeaways
- Timing the market doesn't work even for professionals — time spent in the market matters more than the moment of entry.
- Panic-selling during a downturn is the most common and most costly beginner mistake.
- The more you trade, the more you pay in fees and taxes — fewer moves equals better results.
- Diversifying through one global ETF is simpler and safer than picking individual stocks.
Bad decisions cost more than a bad choice of funds — that's why learning what not to do is so important.
Don't wait for the "right time"
Almost every beginner thinks: "I'll wait until markets fall and then buy cheap." The problem is that nobody knows when that will happen. Research repeatedly shows that even professional fund managers cannot reliably time the market. The best strategy is simply to start and invest regularly — regardless of what's happening. Read more about regular investing (DCA).
Don't sell out of fear
Markets will fall by 20, 30 or even more percent from time to time. That's a normal part of investing. Anyone who sells at such a moment permanently locks in a loss. Anyone who holds on will see a recovery and further growth. A decline is not a loss — it only becomes a loss the moment you sell.
Don't trade too often
Every buy and sell means a fee and a potential tax liability. Active trading works great for brokers who earn on every transaction. For the investor, the outcome is statistically worse. Buy, hold, and give the market time.
Don't pick individual stocks right from the start
Picking individual company stocks is tempting but risky. A single company can go bankrupt; the entire market cannot. As a beginner, reach for a global ETF — diversification is built in automatically and you don't need to watch anything.
FAQ
Why is selling during a market downturn a bad idea?
Because a decline is temporary but a sale is permanent. Historically, markets have always recovered and reached new highs. Those who sold during a downturn missed the recovery. Those who held on came out ahead.
Is it bad to watch my portfolio go up and down?
Checking your portfolio once a month or once a quarter is fine. Daily checking leads to emotional decisions that harm your results. You set your strategy — trust it.
Isn't it better to pick stocks of companies I know and like?
Familiar companies are not the same as good investments. A stock's price depends on many factors that are hard for a non-expert to assess. A global ETF gives you exposure to hundreds of companies at once without having to pick.