A striking chart from Bar Chart highlights the performance of the Euro Stoxx 50 Index. This index, which tracks 50 leading European companies, is now at the same level it was in the year 2000. That means for 25 years, it has essentially gone nowhere. This kind of long-term stagnation is rare, but not impossible. It reminds investors that just because an asset is part of a big economy or index, it doesn’t mean it will always grow.
The Euro Stoxx 50 isn’t a small or unknown index. It represents major European firms and is widely tracked. Yet it has taken a quarter of a century to recover its previous highs. Now, it’s even facing the risk of forming a double top—a chart pattern that suggests a potential fall again. This situation shows how even widely followed markets can lead to long-term underperformance, testing the patience and conviction of investors.
Think about what it would feel like if an important Indian sector index—like auto, IT, or defense—stayed flat for 25 years. The opportunity cost would be massive. While some stocks or sectors in the portfolio don’t perform, other areas of the market may continue to deliver strong returns. Staying invested in the wrong place for too long can seriously hurt long-term portfolio performance.
Every investor should give their investments a fair chance. But it’s also important to set a timeline. If a stock or sector hasn’t moved in one, two, or three years, it’s time to revisit the thesis. Maybe the broader market is seeing something that you’ve missed. Blind hope without market confirmation can lead to years of wasted opportunity.
The key message is this—investing should not cause long-term frustration. There are always sectors and stocks that are moving up, and it is important to shift your focus and capital there. Holding onto poor performers just because of earlier beliefs does more harm than good. Pain in investing can often be avoided by staying flexible, reviewing regularly, and being open to change.
Momentum Podcast
He sold at the bottom of the 2020 crash… but what happened next changed everything.
Mr. Thomas shares his raw and relatable investing journey with @alokjain in a powerful episode of the Momentum Podcast.
✅ From panic-selling to finding peace in rule-based momentum
✅ Balancing risk with real-life responsibilities
✅ Insights every retail investor needs to hear
