We’ve been saying it for years, and it’s always nice to hear others—especially respected voices like Jason Zweig—reinforce the message.

In a recent Wall Street Journal column, Zweig highlights a subtle but costly mistake many investors are making right now: chasing what’s worked recently and ignoring timeless principles like diversification, discipline, and rebalancing.

He writes:

“You’re making predictions without even realizing it. And most of those predictions are probably wrong.”

Sound familiar?

Zweig’s advice mirrors the core of our evidence-based approach:

• Avoid making emotional or speculative moves
• Stick with a globally diversified plan
• Rebalance with purpose, not panic

This article is another reminder that resisting the urge to act on headlines is often the most powerful move an investor can make.

Read the full piece here.

One of our all-time favorite columnists, whose insights we’ve shared here before, is Jason Zweig of The Wall Street Journal. Jason authors “The Intelligent Investor,” a column named after Benjamin Graham’s classic book—often referred to as the ultimate guide on investing. (Warren Buffett calls it “the best book about investing ever written!”)

Jason’s opening line in his latest article sums up a core message you’ve seen here for years and in our client letters:

“Investing isn’t about mastering the markets; it’s about mastering yourself.”

Put simply, your behavior as an investor has a greater impact on your long-term returns than any market movement. This is where we come in—to help you stay calm and fully invested, whether markets are booming or turbulent.

As Benjamin Graham said in 1949:  

“The investor’s chief problem—and even his worst enemy—is likely to be himself.”

In today’s environment, staying steady is harder than ever with social media, trading apps, and online distractions. For more on why, we highly recommend Jason’s full article here, which includes links to further resources. And of course, we’re always here to talk through any of these topics—just give us a call or schedule a time here.

WSJ columnist Jason Zweig elegantly analyzes and answers a current phenomenon: “It’s a stock picker’s market. So why aren’t more stock pickers doing better?”

Would you consider your own portfolio “diversified” if only three stocks accounted for more than 20% of the value of the portfolio? You might be excited at a cocktail party, but how well would you sleep if only one stock (Nvidia) accounted for more than 30% of the year-to-date return of the S&P 500?

Read on to learn more about how correlation and concentration are confounding stockpickers while following an evidence-based, long-view approach ignores the noise and chugs along.

Hill Investment Group is a registered investment adviser. Registration of an Investment Advisor does not imply any level of skill or training.  This information is educational and does not intend to make an offer for the sale of any specific securities, investments, or strategies.  Investments involve risk and, past performance is not indicative of future performance. Return will be reduced by advisory fees and any other expenses incurred in the management of a client’s account. Consult with a qualified financial adviser before implementing any investment strategy.