## Why You Shouldn’t Invest in Big Companies
When it comes to investing, there are two main schools of thought: investing in large, established companies (large caps) or investing in smaller, growing companies (small caps). Both approaches have their own advantages and disadvantages, but there are some important reasons why investors should consider avoiding large caps.
### 1. Lower Return Potential
One of the biggest reasons to avoid investing in large companies is their lower return potential. Over the long term, small caps have consistently outperformed large caps. According to a study by the Center for Research in Security Prices (CRSP), small caps have returned an average of 12.1% per year since 1926, compared to 9.8% for large caps.
There are a few reasons why small caps tend to outperform large caps. First, small caps are more likely to be in the early stages of their growth cycle, which means they have more room to grow. Second, small caps are often more nimble and innovative than large caps, which allows them to adapt more quickly to changing market conditions.
### 2. Higher Volatility
Another reason to avoid investing in large companies is their higher volatility. Large caps are more likely to be affected by economic downturns and other market events, which can lead to significant losses for investors. Small caps, on the other hand, are often less volatile, which can help to protect investors’ portfolios during market downturns.
### 3. Less Growth Potential
Large companies are already well-established, which means they have less growth potential than small caps. As a result, investors who invest in large caps are less likely to see significant returns over the long term.
### 4. Less Diversification
When you invest in a large company, you are essentially putting all of your eggs in one basket. If the company’s stock price falls, you could lose a significant amount of money. Small caps, on the other hand, offer more diversification, which can help to reduce your risk of loss.
### 5. More Regulation
Large companies are subject to more regulation than small caps. This can make it more difficult for large companies to operate and grow, which can negatively impact their stock prices.
### 6. More Competition
Large companies face more competition than small caps. This can make it difficult for large companies to maintain their market share, which can also negatively impact their stock prices.
### 7. Less Transparency
Large companies are often less transparent than small caps. This can make it difficult for investors to get a clear picture of the company’s financial health, which can lead to poor investment decisions.
### 8. More Insider Trading
Insider trading is the illegal practice of buying or selling a company’s stock based on non-public information. Insider trading is more common in large companies than in small caps, which can give insiders an unfair advantage over other investors.
### 9. More Accounting Shenanigans
Large companies are more likely to engage in accounting shenanigans to make their financial statements look better than they actually are. This can mislead investors and lead to poor investment decisions.
### 10. Less Social Responsibility
Large companies are often less socially responsible than small caps. This can be a turnoff for investors who are looking to invest in companies that are making a positive impact on the world.
### Conclusion
While there are some advantages to investing in large companies, there are also a number of reasons why investors should consider avoiding them. Small caps offer a number of advantages over large caps, including higher return potential, lower volatility, greater growth potential, and less regulation. As a result, investors who are looking for long-term growth should consider investing in small caps instead of large caps.