Australian Investors Podcast Mitch Sneddon’s worst investments & what they taught him
Apr 23, 2025
Mitch Sneddon shares his harrowing tale of losing 80% on Fleetwood, shedding light on the risks of mining investments. The conversation highlights the critical importance of diversification and the dangers of overconfidence in investing. Key concepts like identifying 'price takers' vs. 'price makers' emerge, along with modern portfolio strategies focused on ETFs. Personal anecdotes illustrate the impact of past mistakes, emphasizing the need for a solid financial foundation and preparing for retirement while managing risk.
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Fleetwood Mining Services Loss
- Mitch Sneddon's worst investment was Fleetwood, losing about 80% from his buy price of $10 to $2.
- This loss was due to the company's heavy reliance on the mining boom and failure to diversify and invest in other segments.
Retirees: Balance Risk and Engagement
- Retirees should carve out a small portion of their portfolio for active investing to keep their minds engaged.
- Managing the majority with a solid risk framework prevents major financial mistakes in retirement.
Invest in What You Know
- Mitch learned to invest only in what he knows and to diversify greatly.
- He now employs a core-satellite strategy using broad diversified ETFs and small-cap funds focused on Australia.