FAQ
How does copy trading work?
It's a great innovation from eToro and anyone with an eToro account is able to invest exactly as I do. Click Copy against my name and enter an amount you'd like to copy me with. That amount will then invest in exactly the same way as I invest. For example, if I have 5% of my portfolio in Domino's Pizza then 5% of the amount you copy me with is now invested in Domino's Pizza. If I have 3% of my portfolio in Apple, now you have 3% of your copy amount in Apple too. What's more, when I decide to sell a company that is no longer worth holding in the portfolio, your holding is automatically sold too. When I research and invest in an excellent company, so do you. Your investment will mirror mine and you don't have to lift a finger!
What is your investment strategy?
I invest for the long term using fundamental analysis. I identify strong companies and I conduct rigorous research to ascertain whether or not there is an investment opportunity. I draw upon the skills I have developed during my education and I look at company accounts under a microscope. I identify if, how and why a company has grown. In addition, I assess how optimal their balance sheet is and how reliable their earnings reports are. I know how to spot if their earnings are genuine or whether they're a modern day Enron. In addition to annual reports I listen to earnings calls, read analyst recommendations and compare companies to others in their industry. I only invest in what I perceive to be the best in class.
If I am fully satisfied in what I see then I will invest. I invest my own money on eToro as well as that of other people so rest assured that I do not take these decisions lightly. My interests are aligned with yours and I reject more companies than I invest in.
You say you invest for the long term. Does that mean I have to too?
Not at all. You should invest for a period of time that suits you. We all have different time horizons so the amount of time you wish to invest for will be unique to you. You are able to stop your investment at any time by closing your copy. Your investments will then automatically close when the relevant stock market is open. Having said that I'd recommend one year as minimum amount of time to invest in my portfolio.
Will I receive dividends?
Absolutely. Your copy investment mirrors my portfolio so when I receive a dividend you will too. The dividend will remain in your copy portfolio and will be automatically reinvested for you.
How much do I need in order to copy you?
$500 is the minimum amount to copy me. You are able to invest larger amounts but please only invest an amount you're comfortable with.
What assets do you invest in?
I invest in individual companies and equity based exchange traded funds (ETFs) listed on the major stock markets. I have invested in the stock market since 2003 and this is where my expertise lies. I do not use leverage.
Do you invest in currencies or cryptocurrencies?
No. On the MSc Investments program at The University of Birmingham, I scored very highly in the Foreign Exchange and International Money Markets module. However, my focus has always been on stock market investing. I feel that my area of expertise lies strongly in the stock market and so that is where you'll get the greatest benefit from my skills.
On eToro you can invest in stocks, ETFs, crypto, indicies, commodities and currencies. I will only ever be invested in stocks and ETFs but you don't have to invest all your money on me. You can invest elsewhere too.
How much will you make for me in a year?
It is not possible to answer this question. The stock market fluctuates and returns are different from one year to the next. You will not earn the exact same return each year you're in the stock market. I aim to continuously beat the returns of the S&P 500 over three to five year periods.
You're already up 30% on Nike & so if I copy I'll pay 30% more than you did. Does it still represent value to you?
Any company I add to the portfolio is added because I believe it is under priced. If the price subsequently moves too high in relation to its intrinsic value then I will sell. Any companies still in my portfolio are there because I think they still have room to go higher. Don't be put off because I have already made a strong return on it. I first bought Nike in 2006 with a different broker for $12.09 per share. If you could have avoided my portfolio back when I made 30% on that purchase then you would've avoided buying Nike for $15.72. On 6th October 2020 they finished the day at $127.65 per share and I've also collected dividends for the past 14 years.
I would like to start copying you. What are the fees?
It's free. There are no management fees or hidden costs to pay.
Your capital is at risk. Other fees may apply.
How do I begin to copy you?
Click the 'Join eToro Today' button below and join today. Deposit a minimum of $500. Click 'Copy' against my name, William Bishop, enter the amount you would like to copy me with and begin copying me straightaway.
67% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
Do you have a Twitter account I can message you on?
Yes. Click on the button below to go to my Twitter page.