The shotgun approach to investing

A recent study into the psychology of investing reveals a glaring oversight in our approach to assessing opportunities. Bengt Saelensminde explains why sometimes it's better to use a different strategy.

Recently, we had a long and boozy French lunch. A wonderful argument erupted, and it's one that probably affects you.

My old mate Simon was explaining how "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" to his neighbour, Thierry. I don't know if it was a language or a philosophical problem, but Thierry wasn't having any of it.

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Bengt graduated from Reading University in 1994 and followed up with a master's degree in business economics.

 

He started stock market investing at the age of 13, and this eventually led to a job in the City of London in 1995. He started on a bond desk at Cantor Fitzgerald and ended up running a desk at stockbroker's Cazenove.

 

Bengt left the City in 2000 to start up his own import and beauty products business which he still runs today.