Five basic investment concepts that you should know (2024)

Five basic investment concepts that you should know

You don’t need to take an economics or finance course to learn how to invest, but it is important to...

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01/04/2016

You don't need to take an economics or finance course to learn how to invest, but it is important to understand these basic investment concepts.

Risk and return

Five basic investment concepts that you should know (1)

Return and risk always go together. The higher the potential return, the higher the risk. You should never blindly pursue high-return investments. Bear in mind your investment goal, investment period and risk tolerance. Always choose an investment that is suitable for you.

Risk diversification

Five basic investment concepts that you should know (2)

Any investment involves risk. You cannot avoid it, but you can manage your risk exposure with the right strategy to reduce the chances of major losses. The simplest and best way is to diversify your investments and spread your risk. An effective way is to diversify your investment to different asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, deposits etc.

Dollar-cost averaging

Five basic investment concepts that you should know (3)

This is a long-term strategy. You regularly (e.g. monthly) invest a fixed amount, whatever the share price. In the long run this balances out the cost of buying shares and lessens the effect of short-term market fluctuation.

Compound Interest

Five basic investment concepts that you should know (4)

Your principal (original money paid in) grows because of the interest earned, so you get a higher return. It’s a snowball effect – the longer you invest, the more you benefit from compound interest. Therefore, it is important to start saving and investing early.

Inflation

Five basic investment concepts that you should know (5)

For the past few decades, there has usually been inflation in Hong Kong. Your investment needs a return rate that matches or beats inflation. If not, then your money will be worth less.

Find out more from our animation series to help you better understand the basics of investing.

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Five basic investment concepts that you should know (2024)

FAQs

What are the five basic investment considerations? ›

Five basic investment concepts that you should know
  • Risk and return. Return and risk always go together. ...
  • Risk diversification. Any investment involves risk. ...
  • Dollar-cost averaging. This is a long-term strategy. ...
  • Compound Interest. ...
  • Inflation.

What are the 5 things you need to know before you invest? ›

Here are five things you should know before picking stocks:
  • Nothing is guaranteed.
  • Know you're betting on yourself.
  • Know your goals, timeframe and risk tolerance.
  • Research, research, research.
  • Keep your emotions in check.
Feb 26, 2024

What are the 5 rules of investing? ›

The golden rules of investing
  • If you can't afford to invest yet, don't. It's true that starting to invest early can give your investments more time to grow over the long term. ...
  • Set your investment expectations. ...
  • Understand your investment. ...
  • Diversify. ...
  • Take a long-term view. ...
  • Keep on top of your investments.

What is the basic concept of investment? ›

An investment is an asset or item acquired with the goal of generating income or appreciation. Appreciation refers to an increase in the value of an asset over time. When an individual purchases a good as an investment, the intent is not to consume the good but rather to use it in the future to create wealth.

What are 3 things every investor should know? ›

Three Things Every Investor Should Know
  • There's No Such Thing as Average.
  • Volatility Is the Toll We Pay to Invest.
  • All About Time in the Market.
Nov 17, 2023

What is the 4 rule in investing? ›

The 4% rule entails withdrawing up to 4% of your retirement in the first year, and subsequently withdrawing based on inflation. Some risks of the 4% rule include whims of the market, life expectancy, and changing tax rates. The rule may not hold up today, and other withdrawal strategies may work better for your needs.

What are the 4 factors to consider when investing? ›

Focus on the things you can control
  • Goals. Create clear, appropriate investment goals. An investment goal is essentially any plan investors have for their money. ...
  • Balance. Keep a balanced and diversified mix of investments. ...
  • Cost. Minimize costs. ...
  • Discipline. Maintain perspective and long-term discipline.

What are the 5 rules of money Warren Buffett? ›

Warren Buffett's 5 Golden Rules:
  • Invest in What You Understand: Action: Before diving into any investment, take the time to research and understand the business or industry thoroughly. ...
  • Value Investing: Action: Look for undervalued assets with strong fundamentals and long-term growth potential.
Apr 11, 2024

What is the #1 rule of investing? ›

1 – Never lose money. Let's kick it off with some timeless advice from legendary investor Warren Buffett, who said “Rule No. 1 is never lose money.

What is the golden rule of investment? ›

Hold your investments long-term. Like adding to your investment over time, holding your investment long-term is really important to building your wealth, generating more profit. Your money needs years to grow, and with time, it can grow exponentially and generate higher returns.

What are the basic concepts of investment portfolio? ›

A portfolio investment is ownership of a stock, bond, or other financial asset with the expectation that it will earn a return or grow in value over time, or both. It entails passive or hands-off ownership of assets as opposed to direct investment, which would involve an active management role.

How should a beginner start investing? ›

Let's break it all down—no nonsense.
  1. Step 1: Figure out what you're investing for. ...
  2. Step 2: Choose an account type. ...
  3. Step 3: Open the account and put money in it. ...
  4. Step 4: Pick investments. ...
  5. Step 5: Buy the investments. ...
  6. Step 6: Relax (but also keep tabs on your investments)

What is the concept of investment with example? ›

The meaning of investment is putting your money into an asset that can grow in value or produce income or both. For example, you can buy equity stock of a listed company in the hopes of receiving regular dividends and capital appreciation in the form of the share price.

What are the 4 basic investment considerations? ›

More specifically, consider these four factors, and how they might need to be altered for optimal success throughout your time as an investor.
  • Goals. ...
  • Time Frames. ...
  • Risk Management Strategies. ...
  • Tax Considerations.
Mar 10, 2016

What are the considerations of investment policy? ›

When creating an investment portfolio, you must consider return objectives, risk tolerance, time horizon, taxes, liquidity, legal/regulatory requirements, responsible investing, and unique circ*mstances. Spell out these factors and define and share them with the managers of the investment programme.

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