Want to build billionaire habits? Here’s what Canada’s wealthiest are buying — and how you can invest like them

What billionaires invest in

Peeking into the investment portfolios of billionaires isn't always straightforward as exact holdings remain private.

However, we can glean information from various sources.

When examining successful investment firms, you can gain valuable insights into their strategies by reviewing their SEC filings for U.S. stock holdings. This is particularly true for notable investors like Prem Watsa of Fairfax Financial, who has earned the nickname "Canada's Warren Buffett," and the investment approach of Jarislowsky Fraser, founded by the late Stephen Jarislowsky.

For others, their investment focus is often closely tied to the companies they founded or back. David Cheriton’s long-standing investment in Google (now Alphabet), Chip Wilson’s continued connection to Lululemon and Tobi Lütke’s leadership stake in Shopify are prime examples. Public moves, such as significant share buybacks in their own companies or notable asset shifts can also provide clues.

Some common investment patterns emerge among Canadian billionaires. The technology sector is a recurring theme. Real estate is another popular asset class. Private equity, offering access to potentially high-growth businesses before they go public, also features prominently. Plus, some billionaires also utilize Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) for diversification. While some may have allocations to more speculative assets like cryptocurrencies, a significant portion of their wealth tends to be anchored in more traditional and established asset classes.

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How to invest like a billionaire — on a regular budget

The good news is that you don’t need a nine-figure net worth to mirror a billionaire’s investment strategy. Here’s how:

• Gain tech exposure: You can mirror the tech focus of many billionaires by investing in broad-based technology ETFs. Consider options like the Invesco QQQ (QQQ), the Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT), or the iShares S&P/TSX Capped Information Technology Index ETF (XIT). All of which give investors tech exposure to companies such as Shopify and Google.
• Explore real estate: While owning commercial real estate might be out of reach, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) offer a more accessible entry point. REITs like Granite REIT, which focuses on industrial properties, or Crombie REIT, with a portfolio of retail and mixed-use properties, allow you to invest in real estate and earn regular income through dividends without the complexities of direct ownership.
• Consider private equity alternatives: Traditionally exclusive, the private equity space is becoming more accessible. Platforms like Wealthsimple Private Credit or Addy allow everyday Canadians to invest smaller amounts in private credit or real estate projects.

Related read: Best Canadian tech stocks

Beyond specific asset classes, a key takeaway from billionaire investing is the emphasis on the long term. Billionaires typically aren't day traders glued to market fluctuations. Using tools offered by platforms such as Questrade and Wealthsimple, you can automate your investments through regular contributions, fostering a disciplined, long-term approach.

The mindset that matters most

Ultimately, the billionaire approach to investing isn't just about what they buy, but how they think about wealth. Their focus is on owning assets that appreciate over time, generating wealth through equity and ownership in businesses and real estate, rather than solely relying on earned income.

Several timeless principles underpin this mindset:

• "Time in the market beats timing the market": Billionaires understand the power of long-term compounding and avoid trying to predict short-term market swings.
• “Be greedy when others are fearful, and fearful when others are greedy,”: Many successful investors, such as Warren Buffett, adopt a contrarian approach, identifying opportunities when others are fearful and exercising caution during periods of excessive buying.
• Invest in what you know: While they diversify, billionaires such as Peter Lynch often have significant holdings in sectors or companies they deeply understand, sometimes stemming from their own business ventures.

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You don’t need billions to build wealth

The scale at which billionaires operate is vastly different, certainly. Yet the fundamental principles and strategies are accessible. By focusing on long-term growth, diversifying strategically (even with ETFs), and adopting a mindset of ownership, you can begin to build wealth regardless of your current net worth.

You may not be on the Forbes list (yet), but you can start thinking, and investing, like someone who is.

Sources

1. Forbes: World’s Billionaires List