Portfolio Update. First 10 Days of 2026
A steady start, with growth and income working together
The first 10 days of 2026 are behind us, and the portfolio is off to a solid start. Year-to-date performance stands at +1.32%, driven by a mix of upside in growth tech and the continued stability of dividend compounders .
After the volatility we saw late last year, this kind of balanced progress is exactly what I aim for. Not every leg of the portfolio needs to outperform at the same time for the overall structure to work.
What drove performance
Growth tech provided some upside as sentiment improved modestly, while dividend-focused holdings remained relatively steady. Crypto exposure was mixed but did not materially impact overall portfolio stability. This combination reinforces an important point: when different assets contribute at different times, the portfolio doesn’t need perfect conditions to move forward.
Income continues to compound
Even in a short time frame, income played its role again. This week’s dividends added fresh cash flow:
$TSM (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd - ADR) : $0.83 / share
$MRK (Merck & Co.) : $0.85 / share
$MO (Altria Group Inc) : $1.06 / share
These payments matter more than many realize. They support compounding, provide flexibility, and reduce the emotional pressure to react to short-term price movements.
Positioning & mindset
No changes were made. My focus remains on:
Letting growth and income complement each other
Avoiding overtrading
Staying consistent with risk management
A +1.32% start doesn’t mean anything is “solved,” but it’s a healthy reminder that discipline works across different market conditions.
What I’m watching next
Macro conditions will remain key. Inflation trends, rate expectations and how growth assets respond will shape sentiment. If volatility picks up again, income and balance should continue to provide stability.
The objective remains unchanged: steady progress over time, not chasing performance week to week.
Thank you to everyone following along.
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Sat Feb 14 2026 03:56:17 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
