Finance Final Frontier: Are you a Kirk, Spock or McCoy Investor?
Red alert! We’re about to warp speed into the fascinating universe of personal finance by examining the hypothetical — and very diverse — investing styles of three intrepid space explorers: James T. Kirk, Science Officer Spock and Dr. Leonard McCoy.
Kirk: A Daring and Dangerous Approach
Captain Kirk, known for the daredevil risks he took all across the final frontier, would likely apply the same kind of brashness and bravado to his investment strategy (that is, if they still actually used money in the 23rd century). Throwing caution and the investment prime investment of diversification to the wind, he’d boldly go headfirst and all-in into the latest high-risk, high-reward ventures, like highly-volatile Klingon crypto. Kirk wouldn’t shy away from diving into emerging Delta Quadrant markets either. He didn’t hesitate to issue the self destruct order on board the Enterprise — and he probably wouldn’t mind gambling his entire stock portfolio on dilithium futures either.
Spock: From Mind Melder to Money Manager
Spock, on the other hand, intends to live long and prosper — and he’d bring his laser-sharp Vulcan logic and pointy-eared analytical prowess to bear on his investment selection strategy. Favoring rationality and AI, data-driven decision-making, This green-blooded first officer would meticulously research every available investment option, conducting a thorough analyses of market trends, historical performance, and alternative universe risk factors. Anything but impulsive, Spock’s practical nature would tend to favor low-cost index funds, reliable blue-chip stocks and high-yield bonds. His investment approach is all about the long-term (after all, Vulcans can live a couple hundred of years), and he’d pursue steady returns with minimal investment loss probabilities calculated out to the n-teenth decimal point. He’d also keep a Vulcan death grip on any fees that could eat away at his returns.
McCoy: Doctor’s Orders for Responsible Investing
Ever the foil to Spock’s “damned Vulcan logic,” Dr. Leonard McCoy would bring a more heartfelt, humanistic and ethics-forward approach to investment selection. Bones would likely focus on socially responsible funds and the latest healthcare technology — like the Apple biobed with Siri diagnostic suite and built-in iHeart charging station. McCoy’s would also favor green and alternative transporter technology companies. He’d look to mitigate investing risk when possible and seek out businesses with strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, wanting his investments to make a positive intergalactic impact. For example, despite his personal habits, he’d probably be the last one to invest in a profitable Romulan Ale distillery. After all, he’d be the first to remind you, “I’m a doctor not a stock picker.”
In the Star Trek universe, it was always our three heros working together that ultimately saved the galaxy time and time again. Similarly, extreme single-minded approaches to investing your money is an imprudent way for most Terran investors to go. Rather, a strategy with a little bit of instinct, a healthy dose of rationality combined with a touch of heart may help you come out a winner at Wolf 359 — and on Wall Street.
Well, our slingshot around the sun is over and it’s time to beam you back into your own timeline. We hope you appreciated our lighthearted exploration of the contrasting investment styles of these three legendary Star Trek explorers. But you don’t have to thank us — it was really no tribble at all.
