Contrarian Investing
Definition
A strategy of going against prevailing market sentiment by buying when others are selling and selling when others are buying. Contrarian investors believe markets overreact to news and that undervalued opportunities arise during periods of pessimism.
Related terms
- Value InvestingA strategy of buying stocks that appear undervalued relative to their intrinsic worth based on fundamental analysis. Pioneered by Benjamin Graham and Warren Buffett, it focuses on companies trading below their book value or with low P/E ratios.
- Bear MarketA market condition where prices are falling or expected to fall by 20% or more from recent highs, typically accompanied by widespread pessimism and negative investor sentiment.
- Market VolatilityThe degree of price fluctuation in financial markets. High volatility means large price swings, indicating uncertainty or risk. Measured by the VIX (Volatility Index).
By the numbers
What the data says
- 1928 to 2024
~10% a year
Long-run average annual return of the S&P 500 including dividends
Before inflation, 1928 to 2024, with wide swings year to year
Source: NYU Stern, Aswath Damodaran historical returns dataset - Year-end 2024
$38,176
Median 401(k) balance among Vanguard plan participants
The average is $148,153, skewed by large accounts
Source: Vanguard, How America Saves 2025 - 2025 guidance
10x income
Retirement savings target by age 67
Milestones: 1x by 30, 3x by 40, 6x by 50, 8x by 60
Source: Fidelity Investments, retirement savings guidelines
National figures from the sources shown, as of the period on each card. They are context, not a forecast or advice for your situation.
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