What is a Lazy Portfolio?
If you’ve ever looked at the share market and thought, “I don’t have time for this,” you’re not alone. That’s exactly where the idea of a lazy portfolio comes in. A simple, stress-free investment strategy built for people who want long-term results without spending their weekends reading stock reports.
The Core Idea
A lazy portfolio is all about keeping it simple. Instead of trying to outsmart the market or pick the next big stock, you build a diversified mix of broad-based ETFs — and then… you do almost nothing.
You don’t trade daily. You don’t time the market. You just set and forget.
The goal? To capture the average market return (which, historically, has beaten most active investors anyway) with minimal effort and maximum peace of mind. This is a long-term investment play, not something that happens overnight.
How It Works
A typical lazy portfolio is made up of just a few ETFs that cover the entire market.
For example:
Australian Shares ETF (VAS) for local exposure
International Shares ETF (VGS or IVV) for global diversification
Bond ETF (IAF or VGB) for stability
Thematic ETF allowing you to introduce some risk or perhaps pursue something you’re interested in (AI, Renewable Energy etc.)
Each ETF plays a role (shares for growth, bonds for balance) and together, they form a well-diversified foundation.
Rebalancing once or twice a year keeps your allocations on track. That’s it.
Why “Lazy” Works
The name might sound like a joke, but being lazy with your investments can actually be the smartest move you make.
Here’s why:
No guesswork: You’re not chasing trends or reacting to headlines.
Low cost: ETFs have tiny fees compared to managed funds.
Emotion-free: You avoid panic buying and selling during market swings.
Time-efficient: You can check your portfolio once a month — or even less.
Over time, this approach compounds quietly in the background, freeing up your energy for work, family, and life — not market noise.
Who It’s For
Lazy portfolios are perfect for anyone who:
Wants to grow wealth passively
Doesn’t have time (or interest) in daily trading
Values consistency over excitement
Prefers sleeping well at night to checking stock alerts
The Lazy Trader Take
For The Lazy Trader, this approach isn’t about being hands-off — it’s about being smartly hands-off. It’s about designing a portfolio that runs on autopilot, quietly building wealth while you focus on living.
Because investing doesn’t need to be loud, risky, or stressful. Sometimes, the smartest strategy… is to stay lazy.
