Olympics Meet Investing – What’s the Connection?

Peak Performance in Sports, Top Returns in Investing

The Winter Olympics stand for excellence, teamwork, and respect – values that are just as vital in the world of investing. In sports, athletes push their limits and strive to outperform their competitors. Similarly, in the financial world, asset managers and portfolio management teams work with precision and determination to surpass the market and their peers. Success is not just about short-term wins but about achieving sustainable top performance through well-founded analysis and strategic planning. 

Teamwork Drives Victory and Returns

In sports, it’s often the team that makes the difference. The same applies to investing, where collaboration is key. In a complex and dynamic environment, success rarely comes from a lone individual. Instead, it’s the synergy of well-coordinated teams, sharing knowledge and ideas, that leads to success. A strong team is the foundation for achieving excellence, whether on the slopes or in the financial markets. 

Pride Comes Before a Fall

Respect is another parallel between sports and investing. In sports, respect is shown through adherence to rules and fair play. In investing, it means understanding the complexity of markets, carefully analysing information, and recognising one’s own limitations. Humility is essential. “Humility is a crucial prerequisite for long-term success, both in sports and investing. No one can know everything at all times, and this realisation helps in making smarter decisions,” says René Nicolodi in the show Geld & Vorsorge. 

Disciplines in Sports Are Like Asset Classes in Investing

Just as athletes compete in various disciplines for medals, the financial world offers different asset classes that need to be carefully selected and balanced. The right investment strategy is key. Investments should align with one’s personal risk profile. Within the chosen asset classes, it’s important to identify the best instruments and combine them optimally to create a well-diversified portfolio.

Practice Makes Perfect

To qualify for the Olympics, athletes must train systematically and with discipline for years. Similarly, successful investing requires time, patience, and a methodical approach. Setbacks are inevitable – both in sports and in financial markets. The crucial factor is how one deals with them: don’t give up, stick to the strategy, and continuously work on improvement. 

Injuries and Market Corrections

Whether it’s sports injuries or market corrections, setbacks are unavoidable in investing. The key is to stay focused and adhere to your “training plan” – your investment strategy. If uncertainty arises, seek advice – whether from a coach or a professional financial advisor. This support can help you get back on track and take the next step forward. 

Who Are the Favourites?

Just as there are favourites at the Olympic Games, there are also frontrunners in the financial markets. For 2026, technology stocks are considered promising, according to René Nicolodi. At the same time, there’s a growing focus on quality and solid financial metrics. Another potential favourite: emerging market equities, which could benefit from increasing growth and declining inflation. And gold remains a safe haven, particularly sought after by central banks and driven by a weakening US dollar. 

Conclusion: Sports and Investing – A Shared Path to Success

Those who are ready to think long-term, overcome setbacks, and continuously work on themselves have a strong chance of achieving success – both in sports and in investing. 

You can watch the full interview with René Nicolodi here (available only in Swiss German).