And if you have the confidence and the patience to hold your shares for at least a decade , if you choose to be an investor and not a speculator, you will put the odds very much in your favor. Predictable long-term growth might be the key, but it's not as easy to find as you might think. Successful companies attract competition. That hurts profitability and growth. The wants and needs of consumers change over time.
Innovation makes certain products or industries obsolete.
To enjoy predictable growth over many decades, a company needs to have a competitive advantage that is sustainable . For such companies, the stock market is an attractive place. If the logic of predictable growth seems obvious, you are already a long way toward becoming a successful investor. Go to Intro to Stocks outline or continue to Stocks article. If you prefer some feedback on your personal finances, go to My Financial Plan .