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A SMART LOOK AT INVESTING
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Letter to the 20-year-old investor

Give your investments the time they deserve, and give yourself the life you deserve

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    • In the long term, if you pick the right stock and the business improves, you can expect the stock price to follow, says the writer.
    • In the long term, if you pick the right stock and the business improves, you can expect the stock price to follow, says the writer. PHOTO: FREEPIK

    DeeperDive is a beta AI feature. Refer to full articles for the facts.

    Chin Hui Leong

    Published Tue, Apr 14, 2026 · 04:28 PM

    I BOUGHT my first stock when I was 29. If you started earlier than me, let me congratulate you first. You’ll find out why before the end of this article.

    I’ve been investing for 21 years now. Think of this as a letter to my younger self on the lessons I wish someone had told me when I was starting out.

    Whether you are 20 or 60, these lessons apply. But if you are closer to 20, you have an edge that no amount of money can buy. More on that later.

    Decoding Asia newsletter: your guide to navigating Asia in a new global order. Sign up here to get Decoding Asia newsletter. Delivered to your inbox. Free.

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