The Central Theme: The Barbell Strategy
The article outlines the author’s personal investment strategy for 2026, which focuses on the “Barbell Investment Strategy.” This approach contrasts with traditional asset allocation, where investors gradually increase risk as their wealth grows. Instead, the Barbell strategy allocates capital to two extremes: very safe assets and very risky assets, completely bypassing medium-risk investments to maximize efficiency and simplicity.
Key Portfolio Components
- Safe Assets (The Anchor): The author minimizes cash holdings to avoid inflation. Instead, the “safe” portion consists primarily of housing needs, REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) for foreign commercial property exposure, and 10-year inflation-indexed treasury bonds.
- Risky Assets (The Growth Engine): The high-risk portion is dominated by equities, specifically global ETFs like Vanguard S&P 500 (VUAA) and FTSE All-World (VWRA). The author also holds a selection of individual technology stocks and a dividend portfolio intended to fund future living expenses.
- Currency Diversification: A major focus is placed on reducing exposure to the local currency (Polish Złoty). The author actively invests in assets denominated in foreign currencies (USD, etc.) to mitigate local currency risk.
Strategic Philosophy and Takeaways
- Simplicity over Complexity: The author argues against seeking “hidden gems” or obscure companies. The goal is to invest in proven global winners and automate the process as much as possible, utilizing AI to save time.
- Customizable Allocation: There is no fixed ratio (e.g., 50/50). Investors must determine their own split between safe and risky assets based on age, risk tolerance, and financial goals. Younger investors generally have a higher tolerance for risk.
- Benefits of the Barbell: This method simplifies portfolio management, cushions the blow during market downturns (via the safe portion), and allows for significant gains during bull markets (via the concentrated risky portion).
Personal and Market Observations
The article concludes with a personal note on purchasing a new vehicle due to safety concerns (aging headlights and lack of 4×4 capability). The author notes that the automotive market is currently favorable for buyers due to price wars and falling interest rates, suggesting it is a good time to upgrade assets outside of the stock market as well.
Mentoring question
Does your current portfolio concentrate heavily on ‘medium-risk’ assets that offer neither the security of bonds nor the growth potential of equities, and how might a polarized ‘barbell’ approach clarify your long-term financial goals?
Source: https://52notatki.substack.com/p/jak-i-w-co-bede-inwestowa-w-2026