The 'buy and hold' strategy is often touted for share market investing. Does it work or doesnt it? If so, when in each case, and is it possible to know ahead of time? By looking at the stock market history there are many lessons to be learned. There are many ways to view the markets and there are many strategies an investor can use. This course takes a look at a range of approaches.

Your Tutor is Dennis Keillor

Dennis Keillor BAppSci (Physics), DipEd has been teaching at WEA since 2007. 

As a ‘Cycologist’ Dennis has been a successful financial market forecaster, trader and educator since 1997.

As a ‘Fizzacist’ Dennis has been producing homemade brew since Adam was a boy!

Course Description

The “buy and hold” strategy has long been promoted as a smart, hands-off way to grow wealth in the share market – but does it always work? 

This course explores the strengths and weaknesses of buy-and-hold investing, looking at when it’s effective, when it’s not, and how investors can improve upon it. 

By examining market history, key economic events, and investor psychology, you’ll gain a balanced understanding of this common approach and discover other strategies that may offer better outcomes. 

Delivered in an easy-to-follow lecture format, this course combines market history, practical strategy, and behavioural insights. 

You’ll learn how to evaluate different investment approaches, identify market cycles, and use technical tools to time your decisions more effectively. 

The course also touches on risk management, automated systems, and the value of developing your own investment plan. 

Whether you're managing your own portfolio or just getting started, this course empowers you to make smarter, more informed investment decisions. 

No prior investing experience is required, making this course suitable for beginners and curious investors alike. Notes will be provided.

Course Structure

This course is delivered in a structured lecture format, broken down into key topic areas that build foundational knowledge while allowing for real-time questions and interactive discussion. 

• Introduction to "Buy and Hold": what it is and why it's popular
• Historical review of successes and failures of the strategy
• Comparison of passive vs active investing styles
• Understanding market psychology and investor behaviour
• Risks, limitations, and when "Buy and Hold" might not work
• Exploring alternative strategies like trend following and asset rotation
• Introduction to technical indicators and market cycle analysis
• Creating a personal investment plan
• Basics of automated trading systems
• Final review and guidance for ongoing learning and improvement.

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain the "Buy and Hold" strategy and its historical effectiveness
• Understand when and why the strategy may succeed or fail
• Evaluate passive and active investing approaches
• Recognise emotional and psychological challenges in investing
• Identify and assess market cycles and trends
• Explore alternative strategies for market entry and exit
• Use basic technical tools to inform investment decisions
• Develop a written investment plan with risk management in mind
• Understand how automated trading systems work at a basic level
• Continue researching and refining strategies with confidence and independence