Many people believe that timing is everything when it comes to investing–worrying about the perfect moment to buy and stressing over whether the market is going to go up or down. But according to renowned stock analyst Keith Fitz-Gerald, the idea that investing success depends on the specific day you buy is a myth.
Fitz-Gerald recently made a guest appearance on Suze Orman's "Women & Money" podcast to answer listeners' questions about investing, and the timing of investments is one they kept coming back to.
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Consistency Is Key To Investing
During the podcast, Orman read questions out from her listeners. The first question: "Doesn’t everything depend on the day that you invest your money and where the stock is on that particular day?"
Fitz-Gerald said the question was interesting and has a very simple answer: no. He explained that the actual day or time of day that you buy stocks doesn't matter. He even added that the method–like value cost averaging or dollar cost averaging–doesn't matter. What matters is consistency.
"If you’re consistent, you are getting around market timing risk," Fitz-Gerald said. "You are harnessing volatility that others fear, so it doesn’t matter whether you pick your birthday, whether you do it on Christmas, whether you pick another holiday, whether you do it even every Monday morning as long as you do it consistently."
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The Market Has Changed—And So Should Investors' Thinking
Fitz-Gerald also reflected on how market dynamics have evolved. Decades ago, traders could take advantage of specific times of day—like mid-morning or late afternoon—when trading activity dipped.
"In the morning, the donut truck would show up and everybody ran off the floor to go get donuts," Fitz-Gerald commented. "In the afternoon, the hot dog truck would show up and everybody ran off the floor to get hot dogs."
But with the rise of computer algorithms and automated trading, those slight advantages have disappeared. Today's stock exchanges are largely run by machines, making it virtually impossible for individual investors to outmaneuver market fluctuations.
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While some investors still attempt to time their trades within certain windows, Fitz-Gerald said that this approach can lead to unnecessary stress. The market's first and last 30 minutes of the trading day tend to be the most volatile, but he advised against using this as a guideline for making investments. Instead, he emphasized the importance of taking a long-term perspective.
How Often Should You Invest?
Another common concern among investors is how frequently they should contribute to their portfolio. Fitz-Gerald reassured listeners that investing monthly is a perfectly sound strategy for most people. While some may wonder if investing weekly or biweekly is more effective, he explained that doing so can lead to a mindset of market timing, which carries risks.
By sticking to a monthly schedule, investors can avoid unnecessary stress while still harnessing market volatility to their advantage. Fitz-Gerald also reminded listeners that their investment strategy should be flexible. Financial situations change, and investors shouldn't feel locked into a rigid plan. If income fluctuates or unexpected expenses arise, adjustments can be made without derailing long-term goals.
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Investing for the Future
The conversation between Orman and Fitz-Gerald reinforced a valuable lesson: investing isn't about pinpointing the perfect moment—it's about maintaining discipline and consistency. The market will always experience ups and downs, but those who stay the course are more likely to achieve long-term success.
Rather than focusing on minor details, investors should take a step back, keep a long-term perspective, and trust in the process. As Fitz-Gerald put it, "Investing is a game of being close enough."
By adopting this mindset, investors can build their wealth steadily, avoid unnecessary stress, and focus on what truly matters—financial security and peace of mind.
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