The Eightfold Path to Stock Market Nirvana: Wisdom from Francois Rochon
If you think the stock market is all about high-speed trades and screaming at screens like in those Wall Street movies, think again. Francois Rochon, the low-profile yet high-performing investment genius behind Giverny Capital, has proven you don’t need to shout to succeed. His fund, the Rochon Global Portfolio, has outperformed the Canadian stock market by a mile, delivering 15% annualized returns since 1993. How did he do it? By following his eight golden principles—a roadmap to stock market nirvana. Let’s break them down.
Tue Jan 7, 2025

It’s a Business, Not a Ticker

Stop treating stocks like lottery tickets. Seriously, if you’re buying shares, think of yourself as part-owner of that business. Would you buy a coffee shop just because it has a cool name? No? Then don’t do it with stocks. As Rochon says, “Investors who behave like business owners and not gamblers stand the test of time.
Pro Tip: If you wouldn’t be comfortable running the business yourself, maybe don’t invest in it.

The Best Time to Invest Is Now

Waiting for the “perfect moment” to invest is like waiting for your dog to give you financial advice—it’s not going to happen. Markets are unpredictable, and trying to time them perfectly is a fool’s game. Rochon puts it bluntly: “Most investors underperform because they try to time the market.
Pro Tip: Start investing now, even if it’s with baby steps. Time in the market beats timing the market.

Volatility Is Your Frenemy

Market swings are scary, right? Wrong! Volatility is like that unpredictable friend who throws surprise parties—it might freak you out, but it’s where the fun (and profit) is. As Rochon reminds us, volatility creates opportunities.
Pro Tip: When markets dip, think “sale on great businesses” rather than “end of the world.”

Stay in Your Lane (or Circle of Competence)

Imagine trying to fix a spaceship if you’ve only ever changed a bike tire. Disaster, right? The same goes for investing. Focus on businesses you understand. “If you know more about a company than the market, you’ll have the edge,” says Rochon.
Pro Tip: Love tech? Research tech stocks. Obsessed with coffee? Maybe look into Starbucks. Stick to what you know.

Always Keep a Margin of Safety

Investing without a margin of safety is like driving without a seatbelt. Even the best companies can be bad investments if you pay too much for them. Rochon’s rule? “Buy at a price below intrinsic value to protect yourself from mistakes.
Pro Tip: Aim for a discount. Think of yourself as a bargain hunter at a stock market garage sale.

Know When to Sell

Hanging on to a stock forever sounds romantic, but sometimes it’s just not practical. Maybe the business has changed, or maybe you found a better opportunity. Rochon advises, “Sell when your reasons for buying are no longer valid.
Pro Tip: If the story changes, don’t be afraid to exit. No one likes a bad sequel.

Learn from Your Mistakes

Newsflash: You’re going to mess up. But that’s okay—mistakes are just expensive lessons. Rochon says there are two types: mistakes of commission (buying the wrong stock) and omission (not buying the right stock). Fun fact? The ones you don’t buy can cost you more in the long run.
Pro Tip: Keep a journal of your investments and review what went right or wrong. Every mistake is a stepping stone to better decisions.

Stay Rational, Stay Calm

In a market full of hype, panic, and drama, the coolest head wins. Rochon emphasizes the importance of rationality: “Success in investing is less about IQ and more about keeping your emotions in check.
Pro Tip: Before making a move, ask yourself, “Am I acting on logic or emotions?” If it’s the latter, take a deep breath and step back.

Final Thoughts: Invest Like a Zen Master

Rochon’s eight principles aren’t just about buying and selling stocks—they’re about adopting a mindset. Be patient, stay rational, and treat investing as a long-term journey, not a get-rich-quick scheme. Follow his path, and who knows? You might just achieve stock market nirvana. Now go forth, stay curious, and may your investments grow like a well-tended garden! 🌱
Ready to transform your financial journey? The best time to start is now!

start your journey with us

Rajasekar