Hi there,
We seem to get asked these types of questions quite a bit - what should I do if i am down by xx%? Sell or average down? The answer is typically the same.
Investors who are sitting on these paper losses have a choice to make and a couple of questions can help guide them. Ask yourself:
- Why did you buy them in the first place?
- Has your investment thesis changed?
Answering these two questions will put you on the right path. My approach is simple - once i understand why I invested, which is essentially the investment thesis, I ensure it hasn't changed. If it hasn't, then I will likely hold my position.
Will I average down? That depends on many factors including my portfolio weighting, investment goals, and other opportunities. As you can see, there are many factors that go into this decision. The only time I will average down is if I am underweight, it fits within my investment goals, and i see no better/equal opportunities out there that fit within the context of my plan.
When do I sell? I will sell if my investment thesis has changed for the worse and I see no path to returning to my original thesis. I then cut my losses and move on. I might also sell if my investment thesis hasn't changed, but I see a better opportunity to put that cash to use. I would then sell, swallow my losses and put that into another opportunity. All of this however, is in the context of my overall investment plan and portfolio goals.
As you can see, there is no easy answer here but circling back to why you bought it in the first place, and understanding if something has materially changed can help you make an informed decision.
Mat
(Of note, I am long PPL)