17-Year-Old Israeli Investor Achieves 30% Return with Balanced US and Israeli Portfolio
Noam Tamir, a 17-and-a-half-year-old high school student from Modiin, Israel, has been investing in the stock market since he was 13. Balancing his studies with a small software development business and a bachelor's degree in computer science at the Open University, Tamir has built an investment portfolio split evenly between US indices, primarily the S&P 500, and Israeli investments including the Tel Aviv 125 and insurance and banking indices. Over three years, his portfolio has yielded a cumulative return of approximately 30%.
Tamir’s interest in finance began after a conversation with his father about money market funds, which led him to independently study investment strategies, company analysis, and market trends through books and online content. Despite early setbacks, including a significant loss in a Nasdaq investment not hedged for currency risk, he persevered and refined his approach, favoring index funds over individual stocks for their stability and long-term security.
He opened his first investment account at age 14 with parental approval and currently uses a bank account suitable for minors, planning to switch to an investment house once eligible. Tamir also dedicates time to financial education for peers, managing a youth entrepreneurship club with over 200 members through the LEAD leadership program, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy from a young age.
His investment philosophy rejects assets without intrinsic value, such as cryptocurrencies, and he prefers investments backed by real company performance. Among his notable successes was a leveraged energy and oil fund investment during the recent conflict with Lebanon, which gained 80% in about a week. Tamir continues to expand his knowledge, aiming to learn more about real estate and commodities like copper, especially given its relevance to AI applications.
Looking ahead, he hopes to approach a million shekels in assets within a decade, emphasizing disciplined saving and strategic investing. He recommends following companies like Waste Management, a leading North American waste management firm, as promising investment opportunities.