An investor is a word we are all familiar with as most of us have invested in one shade or form. Often times people view investment only in terms of asset classes or financial instruments. However, anyone that has ever given up anything for a greater return can be termed an investor with regard to that action. While most people are accidental investors or not conscious of their actions, that doesn’t change the fact that they are investors.
Think about the farmer in the village that planted seeds to reap a bountiful harvest or the student that went through school to earn a degree that enhances his earning power to get that dream job. We all have invested in something over time, however, to be a great investor, one must live, and breathe investing.
A characteristic of great investors is their ability to consistently outperform the market. Their investment philosophy is usually based on a long-term, disciplined approach focusing on companies with strong fundamentals. They are prolific in spotting good investment opportunities at the right time.
While there are so many great investors, some people stand heads and shoulders above others as their works have shaped the investment landscape. If I was to have a hall of fame for investors; Benjamin Graham, George Soros, and Warren Buffet will lead the list.
Benjamin Graham is recognized as the father of Value investing and security analysis. The essence of Graham’s value investing is that any investment should be worth substantially more than an investor has to pay for it. As an investor, George Soros was a short-term speculator, making huge bets on the direction of financial markets. It is believed he made up to $1 billion in a single day on a trade when he bet against the British pound
Referred to as the “Oracle of Omaha,”Warren Buffett is regarded as one of the most successful investors in history. He is a disciple of Benjamin Graham as he follows his principle and has led the Fortune’s Richest Man list in the world for several years. He is skillful in identifying undervalued stocks and has created a multibillion-dollar fortune through his company – Berkshire Hathaway.
While there are many great human investors, non compares to God Almighty. Although, most people see him as God the father but don’t see him as God the investor. The creation and redemption story reveals God as an investor. The birds, fishes, and animals were multiplied due to God’s investment prowess. He is almighty and could have actually just created the harvest but an investor takes into cognizance the time factor. God always plants a seed to get a harvest.
God has never lost any investment or venture he is involved with. He gave his son to have many sons. God does not value investment the way men do. He never looks at the outward appearance. In fact, he picks the downtrodden, the hopeless, and the forsaken and brings out beauty from ashes.
God is a wealth manager and has successfully planned His estate and transferred wealth to his heirs. So, understanding that God is an investor will help our walk with Him and in achieving financial freedom. In Investment, men say past performance is not a guarantee of future returns. God says ‘my past performance is the guarantee of your future performance. We are God’s Return on Investment (ROI) and all we need is a Beta Strategy with His word.
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