Investing doesn't have to be exciting.
In fact, it shouldn't be.
I can't think of anything worse.
For years, I've championed the benefits of evidence-based, systematic investing.
It's not flashy, but it works.
While the world chases 'what's hot' trends like NFTs or AI, the so-called 'boring' approach quietly builds wealth.
Here's why it's worth celebrating.
The quiet power of 'boring'
I've been told many times I'm boring.
But I've never minded. In fact, I take it as a compliment.
Being boring in life—and in investing—offers surprising rewards:
- Peace of mind: A steady approach leads to fewer sleepless nights. Consistency over chaos.
- Enhanced creativity: Time to reflect helps with problem-solving, goal-setting, and staying grounded.
- Improved health: Less stress can enhance physical and emotional health.
- Resilience: Adopting disciplined routines builds the grit needed for long-term success.
Think about the most successful long-term investors you know.
Chances are, they're not the ones posting screenshots of their trading wins on social media. They're quietly, systematically and consistently building huge wealth, over time.
The case for a boring portfolio
The annualised USD return of systematic portfolio of global equities since 1985 is 11.24% pa. These returns can drive profound certainty when it comes to life planning.
Evidence-based, systematic investing relies on data, not emotions. It's methodical, cost-efficient, massively diversified and focuses on reliable, long-term growth rather than quick wins.
Here's what it delivers:
- Predictability: Regular, evidence-backed strategies minimise emotional mistakes.
- Cost savings: Avoid the allure of high fees from active management—low-cost, systematic investing in the great companies of the world does the job better.
- Stronger returns: Decades of research show that consistent, patient investing outperforms high-risk, trendy gambles.
Consider this: If you had invested $100,000 in a systematic portfolio of global stocks in 1972 and just left it alone—the most boring strategy possible—you'd have around $39 million today.
No day trading.
No stock picking.
Just time, patience and discipline.
The hidden benefits of boring investing
What many miss about boring investing is its hidden advantages:
- Mental bandwidth: When you're not constantly checking prices or chasing trends, you free up mental space for what truly matters.
- Better decisions: A systematic approach removes emotional bias from your investment choices.
- Time freedom: "Set and forget" investing gives you back countless hours to focus on family, career, or personal interests.
- Sustainable wealth: Boring investing builds wealth that tends to last, unlike the boom-and-bust cycle of trend chasing.
Why many don't accept 'boring'
Many seasoned investors struggle with the concept.
Why?
- Chasing novelty: Shiny objects like NFTs feel new and revolutionary. Social media doesn't help.
- Instant gratification: The appeal of immediate results can overshadow the value of patience.
- Trust issues: Events like the 2008 crash left many wary of traditional financial systems.
- Active vs. passive debate: Some still believe in high-cost funds despite the data showing their pitfalls.
The financial media doesn't help either.
Headlines about meme stocks and cryptocurrency millionaires create a false narrative about what successful investing looks like. It's like focusing on lottery winners while ignoring the millions who lost money buying tickets.
Making 'boring' the new exciting
So, what can I and other fiduciaries do to make the boring approach more appealing?
To embrace the 'boring' mindset, we need to shift perceptions. To change the metric.
Imagine a dinner party where the real bragging rights go to the most uneventful portfolio. That's the kind of appeal we need.
Because here's what real investing success looks like:
- Not checking your portfolio for weeks at a time
- Having no exciting stories about huge wins (or losses)
- Being able to sleep soundly during market volatility
- Spending more time planning your next holiday than analysing stocks
The power of 'boring' in action
Consider real-world examples of boring success, like Warren Buffett who lived in the same house he bought in 1958, or Ronald Read, the unassuming janitor from Vermont, USA, who lived a life of modesty but was a secret millionaire thanks to smart investing and spending habits.
Even Mark Zuckerberg takes out mortgages as he understands the difference between good and bad debt, and prudent ways to manage his wealth.
These aren't exciting stories, but they're successful ones.
Because in the end, time, patience, and quiet discipline win.
So, here's the challenge: can you make your investing as unremarkable—and successful—as possible?
Start by:
- Automating your investments
- Reducing how often you check your portfolio
- Ignoring market news and predictions
- Celebrating the boring wins
The best investment strategy should be as predictable as a Swiss train schedule - and just as reliable.
