Investing Portfolio Updates

2023 Year in Review – Portfolio Grew 74% to $306K from $176K

Calvin Lo

After dropping 20% in 2023, the S&P 500 index surged 25% in 2024 and finishing 2023 at all-time highs almost exactly 2 years since the last peak around the end of 2021. Markets really move fast and every year is different, which can make investing exciting and nerve-wrecking at the same time.

However, with a solid plan and a disciplined approach to investing, I’m confident that over the long-term, investors will be handsomely rewarded. Indeed in 2023 bull market, we got a taste of the fruits of steady and consistent investing, made ever sweeter after the bitter taste of the 2022 bear market.

Our combined portfolio made up of the Family Portfolio and Personal Portfolio increased in assets by $130k or 74% to $306k from 176k over the year 2023. This increase includes our net capital contributions as well. Excluding contributions of $52k, net investment gains was $78k. I’ll provide the details in my usual monthly portfolio updates for my next post.

Although 2023 was a good year, it was made greater because of the capital invested during the bear market in 2022. Over the course of 2022 bear market, I actually pumped in $107k which is more than double the $52k invested in 2023. Granted, the lower contributions was also because of higher travel expenses and renovation costs which took out a large chunk of investable cash.

I think as investors, we should feel privileged to go through a bear market which at the time felt so horrible. It was indeed a great time to really test our risk tolerance, our emotional responses, and our investing strategy. I felt that I learnt so much more as an investor in 2022 rather the past year in 2023.

Going into 2024, I’ll continue to stick to my investment plan. After going through down and up markets, I’ve gained much confidence in my strategy, after many painful lessons and subsequent tweaks. It may not be an exciting strategy and I’m anticipating I might miss out on quite a bit of upside should the markets continue to surge. However, I’d rather sacrifice some upside if that means I’ll have more confidence to endure the pain on the downside should things turn south.

So regardless what 2024 can throw at us, I’ll continue to learn and adapt the portfolio accordingly. So far, I don’t foresee major overhauls but at most minor adjustments. I don’t expect the portfolio to grow as much this year, since contributions will become a smaller proportion and market returns might not be as good (but hopefully still positive).

More importantly, I remind myself to enjoy the journey and life, to be more in the present, and to allow these investments to supplement our life, not dictate it.

Wishing you a happy new year and a fulfilling year ahead!

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Disclaimer: This is not financial advice. I am not professional financial advisor nor do I work in the finance industry. Anything I write here is purely my personal opinion. Please do your own research and due diligence before investing into anything. All investments come with associated risks. Best to consult a financial advisor if you’re still unsure.

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One thought on “2023 Year in Review – Portfolio Grew 74% to $306K from $176K”

  1. Pingback: Portfolio Update December 2023 – Ending the Year on a Portfolio High | Finance Gnome

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