There are a number of different investment strategies that investors can choose from. The simplest and arguably one of the most effective strategies is traditional buy and hold investing.
Buy and hold investors are in good company. One of its biggest advocates is legendary investor Warren Buffett, who has built up a fortune of over US$64 billion using the strategy.
By buying and holding quality companies you can let the power of compound interest do the work for you. A good example of this would be pizza chain operator Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd. (ASX: DMP).
In the last 10 years its shares have provided investors with an average annual total return of 40.7%. This means that an investor that bought $20,000 worth of Domino's shares in 2006 would have seen their investment grow in value to be worth a staggering $608,000 today.
Finding another Domino's may be an almost impossible task. But by investing in companies with strong businesses and even stronger growth prospects I believe sets up investors for potentially lucrative returns in the future.
Three shares which I believe are great buy and hold investments today are as follows:
Appen Ltd (ASX: APX)
Technological advances have made it easier than ever for businesses to reach global markets. But with countless different languages across the world, businesses must adapt their products to make them look and feel native. Leading language services and technology company Appen is on hand to solve these problems. Currently it counts the United Nations, Facebook, and Microsoft amongst its growing client base.
Mayne Pharma Group Ltd (ASX: MYX)
I believe the pipeline of generic drugs that this growing pharmaceutical business has makes it a must buy. However as it is one of a number of pharmaceutical companies being investigated by the US Department of Justice regarding price-fixing, investors may want to wait for that matter to be resolved before jumping in. Though it is worth pointing out that management doesn't believe any penalties imposed will be material to earnings.
Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB)
Although in the short term travel agencies are faced with a tough operating environment due to heavily discounted airfares, I believe in the long term things will balance out. So with Webjet's shares down by around 22% in the last month, now could be an opportune time to make a buy and hold investment in this fast-growing company.
