My investment journal | Long-term accumulation strategy

1️⃣ Why am I making this trade now?

I recently bought more shares of the Invesco Nasdaq 100 ETF (QQQM) at approximately US$293.64 as part of my regular dollar-cost averaging (DCA) strategy.

My intention is not to make a quick profit from this purchase. Instead, I want to gradually accumulate an investment that gives me exposure to some of the world’s largest and most influential growth companies.

One important reason I like QQQM is that I do not need to choose just one technology company. By buying QQQM, I gain exposure to a basket of leading businesses across technology, consumer services, communication and other sectors.

For example, when I buy QQQM, I am getting exposure to companies such as Nvidia, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Alphabet (Google), Meta, Broadcom and Tesla, subject to their inclusion and changing weights in the index.

These are businesses that play important roles in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, semiconductors, digital advertising, e-commerce and consumer technology.

Instead of putting all my money into one individual stock, I prefer spreading my investment across the Nasdaq 100.

2️⃣ Why I like owning the same stocks through QQQM

One thing I find interesting is that many of the individual stocks I follow and discuss are already included in QQQM.

For example:

* Nvidia (NVDA): A major beneficiary of AI infrastructure and data-centre demand.

* Microsoft (MSFT): Strong exposure to cloud computing, enterprise software and AI.

* Apple (AAPL): A global consumer technology business with a powerful ecosystem.

* Amazon (AMZN): Exposure to e-commerce and cloud computing through AWS.

* Alphabet (GOOGL): A major player in digital advertising, search and AI.

* Meta (META): Benefits from digital advertising and AI-driven recommendations.

* Broadcom (AVGO): Exposure to semiconductor infrastructure and networking.

* Tesla (TSLA): Exposure to electric vehicles, automation and autonomous driving.

* AMD (AMD): Competes in processors and AI computing.

* Palantir (PLTR): Exposure to enterprise data analytics and AI software.

These are familiar companies that I would otherwise have to research and purchase individually.

According to the published October 2026 holdings, QQQM also has exposure to companies such as Micron, Intel, Walmart and Costco. Its holdings and weightings change over time. ETFIQ +1

This is one of the reasons I find ETFs attractive. I can participate in the growth of multiple businesses without having to make a separate investment decision for every single company.

3️⃣ Why I don’t want to put everything into individual stocks

I enjoy trading individual stocks. I follow Nvidia, Palantir, Microsoft, Google and other companies closely. Sometimes I buy shares, sometimes I sell cash-secured puts, and sometimes I sell covered calls to collect premiums.

However, individual stocks come with company-specific risks.

For example, Nvidia might fall because investors become concerned about AI spending. Microsoft could experience pressure if cloud growth disappoints. Tesla might experience volatility because of competition or changes in consumer demand.

Even a good company can experience a significant share-price correction.

By investing in QQQM, I spread my exposure across multiple companies. If one company underperforms, the other holdings may help offset some of the weakness.

Of course, diversification does not eliminate market risk. QQQM can still experience substantial declines, especially when technology and growth stocks are under pressure.

I also understand that QQQM is not equally weighted. Its larger holdings have a greater influence on its performance. Therefore, I am still exposed to the concentration risk of the biggest companies.

4️⃣ My dollar-cost averaging strategy

My approach is simple. I prefer to buy gradually rather than invest all my capital at one price.

For example, if I plan to invest US$3,000 into QQQM, I could divide the investment into smaller purchases over several months.

Month Investment

Month 1 US$500

Month 2 US$500

Month 3 US$500

Month 4 US$500

Month 5 US$500

Month 6 US$500

Total US$3,000

This approach helps me avoid putting all my money into the market at one particular moment.

If the market rises, I already have some exposure.

If the market falls, I can accumulate more shares at lower prices.

If the market moves sideways, I continue following my investment schedule.

The important point is that I am not trying to predict whether tomorrow will be green or red. I am building a position over time.

However, DCA does not guarantee a profit. If the underlying market continues falling, my accumulated position will also lose value.

5️⃣ Why QQQM instead of buying every Nasdaq stock individually?

Imagine trying to buy 100 different companies individually.

I would need to research their financial statements, earnings reports, management, competitive advantages, valuations and future prospects.

It would also require more capital and more time to manage the portfolio.

QQQM simplifies this process.

It tracks the Nasdaq-100 Index, which represents 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on Nasdaq. The fund generally invests at least 90% of its assets in securities comprising the index. Invesco +1

Another attractive feature is its relatively low expense ratio of 0.15% per year. This makes it a cost-conscious way to obtain exposure to the Nasdaq-100. Invesco US

I do not have to keep deciding whether to buy Nvidia, Microsoft or Amazon every month. I can simply accumulate QQQM and maintain exposure to the basket.

6️⃣ What about the risks?

I am bullish on the long-term potential of technology, but I am not blindly bullish on every market valuation.

There are several things I will continue watching:

* Interest rates: Higher interest rates can put pressure on growth-stock valuations.

* AI spending: I want to see companies turn AI investment into actual revenue and profits.

* Corporate earnings: Revenue growth and cash flow matter more than exciting headlines.

* Market valuations: Even excellent companies can become expensive.

* Competition: Technology leadership can change, and today’s winners are not guaranteed to remain tomorrow’s winners.

I also need to remember that QQQM is heavily exposed to growth and technology companies. It is not a complete replacement for a diversified portfolio containing bonds, dividend stocks and other asset classes.

7️⃣ What’s my plan from here?

My plan is to continue accumulating QQQM through regular dollar-cost averaging.

I will not panic just because my latest purchase shows an unrealised loss. I am investing with a longer time horizon, and I understand that short-term corrections are part of equity investing.

If the market experiences a meaningful correction, I may consider increasing my purchases, provided my financial situation and investment thesis remain unchanged.

I will also continue monitoring the major holdings because they are important drivers of QQQM’s performance.

I may still trade individual stocks and options separately, but I want QQQM to serve as part of my longer-term accumulation strategy.

🐶 My final thoughts:

I like individual stocks because they give me opportunities to trade, collect options premiums and take advantage of market movements.

But I also want something that I can accumulate without constantly worrying about every individual company.

QQQM gives me exposure to many of the same businesses I already follow, including Nvidia, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Google, Meta and Palantir.

Rather than trying to find the next winning stock every month, sometimes I think the smarter approach is to own a basket of established growth companies and let time do the work.

Buy gradually, diversify sensibly and stay disciplined. I don’t need to catch every market bottom to build wealth over the long term. 📈🐶

Note: QQQM’s holdings and weightings change periodically. The companies listed above are examples of its holdings, not a guarantee that every company will remain in the index.