If you’re are an active investor with a goal to outperform, history says the biggest company in the world is not a good bet.
Why?
Because the #1 stock in the world has always—I repeat always—gone on to underperform.
Maybe not right away. But eventually it happens.
Howard Schultz is the pied-piper of modern coffee. A pioneer who brought a fringe coffeehouse culture to the masses, convincing people the world over to pay a premium price for a premium experience. On his watch, the Starbucks franchise grew from just 11 stores to over 28,000.
Fewer people have run a four-minute mile than have scaled Mount Everest. The first runner to do it was Roger Bannister.
Bannister was a strong runner, but not the most physically gifted athlete. His edge was his strategy. “It is the brain, not the heart or lungs, that is the critical organ,” he once said.
We live in a world where good news travels fast and bad news travels even faster.
Case in point: over the course of just a few hours, Roseanne Barr sent out a racial slur via tweet, and effectively flushed her hit TV show and resurgent career down the toilet.
Did you hear “Yanny or Laurel?”
Uncertainty over the trade relationship between China and the U.S. has periodically roiled markets this year. This week, the topic is again front and center as top Chinese economic officials make their way to Washington to convene talks.
“Apparently, now I’m a verb,” the billionaire founder of Greenlight Capital told the audience at the Value Investing Congress in 2013. He flashed an article with the word “Einhorned” in the headline.
“Let’s talk about time. I’m not sure how much I’ve got left, ok? I’m 70. Longevity does not run in my family. So, how much should a guy like me have in the stock market?”
That’s what a client asked during a recent meeting. Great question.
Danny Hurley knows about tough comparisons.
Before becoming the starting point guard at Seton Hall University, Danny grew up in the shadow of an older brother named Bobby. Bobby Hurley led the Duke Blue Devils to consecutive national championships and is the NCAA’s all-time assist leader.
"I’ve had the great pleasure of having Michael as my investment manager for the past several years. In fact, he is way more than that. He is a trusted guide who coaches his clients to look first at life’s bigger picture and then align their financial decisions to support where they want to go. Michael and his firm take a unique and personal coaching approach that has really resonated for me and helped me to reflect upon my core values and aspirations throughout my investment journey.
Michael’s focus on guiding the "why" behind my financial decisions has been invaluable to me in helping to create a meaningful strategy that has supported both my short-term goals and my long-term dreams. He listens deeply, responds thoughtfully, and engages in a way that has made my investment decisions intentional and personally empowering. With Michael, it’s not just about numbers—it’s about crafting a story of financial growth that has truly supports the life I want to live."
-Karen W.
"As a long-term client of Silverlight, I’ve experienced not only market-beating returns but also invaluable coaching and support. Their guidance goes beyond finances—helping me grow, make smarter decisions, and build a life I truly love. Silverlight isn’t just about wealth management; they’re invested in helping me secure my success & future legacy!"
-Chris B.
“You likely can’t run a four-minute mile but Michael’s new book parses all you need know to win the workaday retirement race. Readable, authoritative, and thorough, you’ll want to spend a lot more than four minutes with it.”
-Ken Fisher
Founder, Executive Chairman and Co-CIO, Fisher Investments
New York Times Bestselling Author and Global Columnist.
“The sooner you embark on The Four-Minute Retirement Plan, the sooner you’ll start heading in the right direction. This fun, practical, and thoughtful book is packed with investment wisdom; investors of all ages should read it now.”
-Joel Greenblatt
Managing Principal, Gotham Asset Management;
New York Times bestselling author, The Little Book That Beats the Market
“In order to preserve and protect your pile of hard-earned capital, you need to be coached by pros like Michael. He has both the experience and performance in The Game to prove it. This is a great Full Cycle Investing #process book!”
-Keith McCullough
Chief Executive Officer, Hedgeye Risk Management
Author, Diary of a Hedge Fund Manager
“The Four-Minute Retirement Plan masterfully distills the wisdom and experience Michael acquired through years of highly successful wealth management into a concise and actionable plan that can be implemented by everyone. With its clear guidance, hands-on approach, and empowering message, this book is essential reading for anyone who wants to take control of their finances and secure a prosperous future.”
-Vincent Deluard
Director of Global Macro Strategy, StoneX
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