Panorama

The start of a new year can provide an opportunity to review our investments. During this process, it is normal to feel a mix of emotions. Sergio Pedrosa, Executive Director of Private Banking at BBVA Switzerland, talks about cognitive errors in investing and shares some strategies to avoid succumbing to bias.

How long, with what objective, and what level of risk are we willing to take. These are the first three questions we need to consider before investing. After that, we need to decide on a portfolio and remember the importance of psychological factors.

Deposits, funds, ETFs, pension plans... There are different investment methods and products for all tastes. However, they all have a common goal: to generate a return on our money. It is important to consider the level of risk and seek the advice of an expert financial adviser.

Investment planning always starts with a budget. By organizing your income and expenses over time, you can better control your personal finances, save more, and manage payments more effectively. There are guidelines to help you refine your budget.

The main impact of investing is the economic growth of companies, individuals, and countries. However, investment today also serves to generate social welfare and accelerate the energy transition.

Patience, courage, organization, and tenacity are often highlighted as key qualities of investment mentality. However, the first essential element is to have information and financial literacy to understand the risks... and the opportunities.

Understanding in detail what investing is and how it works reduces fear and uncertainty. Stocks, Treasury bills, government bonds, venture capital, real estate purchases, commodities, or cryptocurrencies... There are many ways for our money to generate returns.