The vacation test for investments

The recent saga of a determined investor who travelled from Madrid to Italy amid the power collapse in Spain and Portugal just to make some trades has sparked both admiration and bewilderment on social media. While his dedication earned sympathy, it inadvertently reveals a troubling truth about modern investing habits - one that deserves serious scrutiny. Consider this simple question: If your investment portfolio cannot survive a few days or weeks without your constant attention, is it truly an investment or a disguised gambling operation? Suggested read: How long is long term? In an age where financial markets are accessible 24/7 through smartphones, the investment industry has masterfully created the perception that successful investing requires constant vigilance. Trading platforms send notifications for every minor price movement, and financial news channels breathlessly report each market fluctuation as if it were a turning point in world history. The implicit message? Look away at your own risk. This message serves the industry well, generating transaction fees and advertising revenue, but it fundamentally misunderstands what genuine investing entails. As I've no