Investment Philosophy

Evidence-Based Investing for Long-Term Success

Our investment philosophy is built upon thousands of hours of education, study and research followed by extensive scrutiny.

Investment Philosophy

Evidence-Based Investing for Long-Term Success

Our investment philosophy is built upon thousands of hours of education, study and research followed by extensive scrutiny.

Investment Philosophy

Evidence-Based Investing for Long-Term Success

Our investment philosophy is built upon thousands of hours of education, study and research followed by extensive scrutiny.

Our Foundation

Our investment philosophy emerges from extensive education, study, and research. This rigorous approach has led us to embrace evidence-based investing over market speculation.

The investment landscape

The investment landscape

Two primary investment methods

1

Active management - Stock picking

Professional fund managers attempt to beat the market through careful stock selection, market timing, and economic analysis. While appealing in theory, this approach typically involves higher fees and inconsistent results.

2

Passive investing - Index investing

A systematic approach that mirrors market performance by investing in diversified index funds. This method offers lower costs, broader diversification, and more predictable long-term results.

The reality of active management

Research consistently demonstrates that very few active managers can consistently add value over their benchmarks, especially after accounting for fees. Even managers who achieve top-quartile performance over five years rarely maintain this position in subsequent periods.

The reality of active management

Research consistently demonstrates that very few active managers can consistently add value over their benchmarks, especially after accounting for fees. Even managers who achieve top-quartile performance over five years rarely maintain this position in subsequent periods.

The Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH)

The Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH)

The Efficient Market Hypothesis, or EMH, is a financial theory that suggests all available information about investments such as company news, economic data, or trends is already reflected in the prices of stocks and other assets.

The Efficient Market Hypothesis, or EMH, is a financial theory that suggests all available information about investments such as company news, economic data, or trends is already reflected in the prices of stocks and other assets.

In simple terms: the market is always one step ahead. By the time you or anyone else hears good or bad news, it's likely already been factored into the price of the investment. This means it’s incredibly challenging, if not impossible, to consistently ‘beat the market’ by picking individual stocks or timing when to buy or sell. Many professional fund managers try to do this (active management), but research shows that most don't outperform the market over the long term, especially after fees (as shown above).

Why this matters to you

If markets are generally efficient, attempting to time investments or select individual "winning" stocks becomes a costly gamble. Over time, the odds tend to favour investors who take a disciplined, evidence-based approach - rather than trying to outsmart the market.

This is why Obsidian's default recommendation is systematic investing.

This is why Obsidian's default recommendation is systematic investing.

Mr Paul G

Entrepreneur

Exceptional professional guidance & integrity. The Obsidian services provide a clearly defined investment strategy, transparent & competitive fee structure plus holistic support for our estate needs; Tax, Wills, LPA’s, etc.

Mr Paul G

Entrepreneur

Exceptional professional guidance & integrity. The Obsidian services provide a clearly defined investment strategy, transparent & competitive fee structure plus holistic support for our estate needs; Tax, Wills, LPA’s, etc.

Mr Paul G

Entrepreneur

Exceptional professional guidance & integrity. The Obsidian services provide a clearly defined investment strategy, transparent & competitive fee structure plus holistic support for our estate needs; Tax, Wills, LPA’s, etc.

Systematic, evidence-based investing

Our preferred strategy

Our preferred strategy

Built on decades of academic research and real-world data, systematic investing focuses on capturing market returns through:

Diversification

Spreading investments across thousands of companies, sectors, and countries

Strategic Asset Allocation

Optimizing investment mix based on your goals and risk tolerance

Long-Term Focus

Maintaining discipline through market cycles

Low Costs

Utilizing efficient index funds and evidence-based portfolios

Evidence-Led Decisions

Relying on research, not predictions

Diversification
Diversification

Spreading investments across thousands of companies, sectors, and countries

Strategic Asset Allocation
Strategic Asset Allocation

Optimizing investment mix based on your goals and risk tolerance

Long-Term Focus
Long-Term Focus

Maintaining discipline through market cycles

Low Costs
Low Costs

Utilizing efficient index funds and evidence-based portfolios

Evidence-Led Decisions
Evidence-Led Decisions

Relying on research, not predictions

Why we choose this approach

Why we choose this approach

1

Higher long-term success rates

Systematic investing benefits from overall market growth rather than attempting to predict winners, delivering more consistent results over time.

2

Lower investment costs

Reduced fees mean more of your money remains invested and working toward your goals.

3

Emotional Discipline

A systematic approach reduces the temptation to make poor decisions during market volatility.

4

Transparency

Clear, consistent rules ensure you always understand how and why your money is invested.

5

Goal alignment

We focus on what matters most: helping you achieve your personal financial objectives with confidence.

Financial Planning services

Comprehensive financial planning and cross-border tax guidance to investment management and protection strategies. Whether you're building wealth, planning retirement, or preparing for repatriation, our specialised approach ensures every aspect of your financial life works together seamlessly.

Mrs Berenice H

Retired

I have been a client of Sam Barrie of Obsidian for some years. I have always found him to be a highly skilled and dedicated professional. I value his probity, efficiency and exceptional attention to detail.

Mrs Berenice H

Retired

I have been a client of Sam Barrie of Obsidian for some years. I have always found him to be a highly skilled and dedicated professional. I value his probity, efficiency and exceptional attention to detail.

Mrs Berenice H

Retired

I have been a client of Sam Barrie of Obsidian for some years. I have always found him to be a highly skilled and dedicated professional. I value his probity, efficiency and exceptional attention to detail.

Get in touch

Once you submit, we'll be in touch within one working day to arrange a convenient time to speak — either by call or in person at our Centennial Tower office. There's no obligation.

By clicking “Start the conversation today”, you acknowledge that we collect your personal details to respond to your enquiries and provide you with information about our products and services in accordance to our Privacy Policy. We take data protection seriously and place great importance on management, protection and handling of personal data Personal Data Protection Policy (PDPA).

Get in touch

Once you submit, we'll be in touch within one working day to arrange a convenient time to speak — either by call or in person at our Centennial Tower office. There's no obligation.

By clicking “Start the conversation today”, you acknowledge that we collect your personal details to respond to your enquiries and provide you with information about our products and services in accordance to our Privacy Policy. We take data protection seriously and place great importance on management, protection and handling of personal data Personal Data Protection Policy (PDPA).

Get in touch

Once you submit, we'll be in touch within one working day to arrange a convenient time to speak — either by call or in person at our Centennial Tower office. There's no obligation.

By clicking “Start the conversation today”, you acknowledge that we collect your personal details to respond to your enquiries and provide you with information about our products and services in accordance to our Privacy Policy. We take data protection seriously and place great importance on management, protection and handling of personal data Personal Data Protection Policy (PDPA).

Appointed Representative of Synergy Financial Advisers.

Obsidian Financial Planning, a team representing Synergy Financial Advisers Ltd - UEN: 201217738K | FA Licence No. FA100050; Barrie Samuel George, RNF No.: BSG300134621, is an authorised representative of Synergy Financial Advisers Ltd.

The information contained on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, recommendation, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial product. The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not represent the opinions of any financial institution or regulatory authority. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, no warranty is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information provided. You should not rely solely on the content herein for making financial decisions and are strongly advised to seek independent, qualified financial advice tailored to your individual circumstances. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Appointed Representative of Synergy Financial Advisers.

Obsidian Financial Planning, a team representing Synergy Financial Advisers Ltd - UEN: 201217738K | FA Licence No. FA100050; Barrie Samuel George, RNF No.: BSG300134621, is an authorised representative of Synergy Financial Advisers Ltd.

The information contained on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, recommendation, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial product. The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not represent the opinions of any financial institution or regulatory authority. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, no warranty is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information provided. You should not rely solely on the content herein for making financial decisions and are strongly advised to seek independent, qualified financial advice tailored to your individual circumstances. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Appointed Representative of Synergy Financial Advisers.

Obsidian Financial Planning, a team representing Synergy Financial Advisers Ltd - UEN: 201217738K | FA Licence No. FA100050; Barrie Samuel George, RNF No.: BSG300134621, is an authorised representative of Synergy Financial Advisers Ltd.

The information contained on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, recommendation, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial product. The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not represent the opinions of any financial institution or regulatory authority. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, no warranty is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information provided. You should not rely solely on the content herein for making financial decisions and are strongly advised to seek independent, qualified financial advice tailored to your individual circumstances. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.