Stock investing is not for the faint of heart because the only thing constant is volatility. However, seasoned market players can attest that a longer holding period pays off. Short-term trades, which often involve emotional decision-making, tend to curtail investor returns.
Long-term investing is a disciplined and time-tested strategy you can adopt to ride out market fluctuations and through market cycles. Maintaining a long-term view, rather than trading in and out of the market, brings long-term success regardless of the investment amount. You can play it smart and even invest $5,000 for the long haul.
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1. Choose wisely
The most crucial part of smart investing is stock selection. Remember, if you have limited investible funds, avoid speculative investments, as losing money should not be an option. Established companies with strong industry positions, competitive advantages, and proven financial stability during economic downturns are safe and logical choices.
Moreover, your choice must be a company with a strong or lengthy dividend track record. The recurring income stream is a cushion against heightened volatility. It also compensates for market pullbacks or price drops. A dividend grower is a bonus.
2. Buy, hold, and never sell
After making an investment decision, buy, hold, and never sell the stock. Add or accumulate more shares moving forward if finances allow. The important thing is that you don’t need to stress out and actively trade in response to sudden market disruptions. Your capital will still increase in value over time, notwithstanding short-term fluctuations.
3. Let your money compound
If you’re staying in the market for the long run and not seeking instant income, reinvest the dividends in your stock. Allow the dividend income, plus the original $5,000 investment, to grow through the power of compounding. You’ll maximize or generate much higher overall returns.
Resilient business
Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (TSX: BIP.UN) has held steady over the last 12 months amid tariff-induced headwinds The $20.8 billion company owns and operates critical global infrastructure networks. The premier assets generate stable cash flows, boast high margins, and have strong growth prospects.
At $45 per share, the trailing one-year price return is 25.5%-plus, better than the TSX’s 22.8%-plus. Besides the hefty 5.3% yield, the infrastructure stock has raised dividends for 18 consecutive years. Management’s long-term dividend growth guidance is 5% to 9% annually. Today, your $5,000 can purchase around 111 shares. Assuming the holding period is 20 years, your capital will compound to $14,191, including reinvestment of quarterly dividends (183.8% overall growth).
In Q1 2025, net income fell -35.4% year-over-year to US$526 million. Nonetheless, Sam Pollock, CEO of Brookfield Infrastructure, said, “We entered the year with considerable optimism around the operating environment. With respect to tariffs, our business is largely insulated from the direct effects, as we are not a manufacturer and have minimal involvement in cross-border trade.”
Key takeaway
The base business of Brookfield Infrastructure remains resilient, if not more resilient, in today’s turbulent economic landscape. Pollock assures, “A hallmark of our business has always been our ability to cut through the headlines and market noise.” He added that some of the company’s best investments have been made in periods of dislocation.
