We’re halfway through 2025, and it’s been a wild ride.
With liberation day tensions and escalating US involvement in Middle East conflicts, many have been predicting a market crash. The concerns are understandable – these are serious global events.
Yet the market has continued its upward march, reaching new all-time highs.
It’s been an incredibly tough period for those who’ve been exiting the market with each piece of bad news. They’ve experienced firsthand how short-term market predictions are usually a fool’s game.
The truth is, any bet on near-term market movements is essentially a coin toss. The only wealth-building strategies that consistently reward investors are those built on a long-term foundation.
Which brings me to the most important principle of all: Whatever strategy you deploy, you must always survive.
The $100k Stock Market Shopping List
This volatile period actually presented an opportunity for patient investors.
During the drawdown, I was able to add to positions and upgrade my portfolio. For Steady Compounding Insider Stocks members, I shared a detailed “$100k Stock Market Shopping List” – a curated selection of quality businesses available at attractive prices.
These are the moments when preparation meets opportunity.
But here’s what might surprise you: The best thing to do after buying great businesses is usually… nothing.
I know. In a world of constant notifications and market updates, inactivity feels wrong. Some of you might be craving action right now. The market moves, your app pings, and that itch to “do something” grows stronger.
Here’s the truth: Most time in the stock market should be spent studying businesses, not fondling portfolio positions.
It’s the studying that builds wealth. The waiting. The patience.
Only taking action when opportunities arise.
The Stock Market Is Not an Entertainment Center
We have no control over when opportunities arrive.
We only control our readiness.
So while the urge for action is understandable, remember that sometimes the most productive thing is doing nothing. The stock market shouldn’t be treated as a source of entertainment or constant activity.
Till then, I hope you have the discipline to avoid getting wrapped up in unnecessary actions.
Back to researching businesses. Getting ready for the next opportunistic moment.
Because it’s never a matter of whether it’ll come.
But when.
Compound steadily,
Thomas