Why is time in market more important than timing the market?

There can be no doubt that when it comes to investment, investing for the long term is the better way. So how do I do it?

For my long term investments, I tend to pick a basket of stocks rather than single stocks. I go for themes. For example Banking, Technology, Manufacturing. I have some investments in unit trust that are upwards of 20 years. Recently, I've also purchased ETFs. These investments have reaped great returns without me having to make constant adjustments to my portfolio.

On the contrary, shares that I've purchased over the years have not performed quite so well. Plus, I have had to constantly monitor them and make adjustments every now and then.

I'm conclusion, it is important that you select a theme that you have conviction in. Then you just let time do it's magic by holding on for the ride. Over the years, if your conviction does not change, you may add more money into the investment, as a way of dollar cost averaging.