The Portfolio Management Revolution: Why “Set and Forget” ETFs Just Cost You Money
Cara Portfolio’s Stunning First Day, Our Roadmap for Subscribers, and Why Real Investing Isn’t Entertainment
The first trading day of the year is often seen as a bellwether. For the new Cara Portfolio service, it wasn’t just a signal—it was a resounding confirmation. Of the 48 positions across our managed portfolios, 35 surged into the green to start 2026. The momentum was decisive: sixteen positions (33.3%) soared more than +3.0% in a single session. Our top performers led the charge with gains of +14.92%, +8.39%, +7.54%, +6.51%, +5.57%, and +5.21%.
Today, we begin analyze, adjust, and prepare for what comes next among both winners and losers in 2026.
This week, my focus is dual: organizing a robust pipeline of exclusive research for Cara Portfolio paid subscribers and establishing our tactical rhythm in the wake of Saturday’s stunning geopolitical news. If Friday’s performance is any indicator—where our Aerospace & Defense portfolio gained +2.18% while holding 27.62% in cash—this portfolio is poised for further strength.
For our broader community: A new performance review section will be featured in the free weekly Navigator report you all receive. However, the core engine of the Cara Portfolio service—the detailed analysis, the real-time decision rationale, and the actionable trade guidance—will be published exclusively for Cara Portfolio subscribers.
Your Questions, Answered
The launch sparked excellent questions. Here are the key details:
Scope: We currently manage five distinct portfolios, each comprising only US-headquartered stocks. This aligns with our partnership with Ziggma.com, our analytics platform, which currently tracks American equities.
Expansion: The moment Ziggma incorporates Canadian stocks, we will add new portfolios. I anticipate holding a suite of ten portfolios by April 1. Growth beyond that will be driven by the needs and encouragement of our paid community.
Subscriber Use of Ziggma: Cara Portfolio subscribers are not required to subscribe to Ziggma; however, it’s a wonderful service that is not expensive, and my reports and articles will be using links to key information there so that I am not required to duplicate the effort.
Subscription: The founding annual rate is $200/year (monthly plans are not offered). This price will increase to $500/year on March 1, 2026.
Subscriber Value: Paid members receive for every position:
Continuous analysis of corporate fundamentals and proprietary INSTAT scores.
Full reporting and rationale for all entry, exit, and allocation decisions.
Ongoing guidance for managing each position. We presently hold 48 and by April we anticipate that figure will be close to 100.
Direct instruction on leveraging the INSTAT and Ziggma systems to protect and build your capital.
The Philosophy: Management Over Entertainment
Ultimately, the most valuable investment service isn’t about ringing a bell or picking a “hot stock.” It’s about portfolio management—the disciplined, continuous process of risk assessment, allocation, and adjustment. This is the true service investment advisers provide.
The alternative universe of stock-picking tips, hyperbolic market commentary, and fear/greed cycles has largely devolved into a form of entertainment—a spectacle that conveniently sidesteps the essential, unglamorous work of risk management.
As the publisher of this service, I acknowledge a fundamental truth: every investor brings a unique set of resources, experience, risk tolerance, and personal goals, which underlie your decision to use a trusted advisor. I do not pretend to replace your personal investment advisor or stockbroker. Instead, I provide the transparent, institutional-grade portfolio management process that is so often missing. I welcome and encourage you to use professional advisors; my goal is to give you the tools and insights to engage with them from a position of strength and understanding. As a former personal advisor to clients from all parts of the world, I couldn’t ask for more than a well-informed client. I’ll even work with professional advisors to bridge communication problems.
In closing, I am very much encouraged by our start on Friday, but this is just the opening bell. A significant amount of work lies ahead to organize, refine, and elevate the Cara Portfolio service to its full potential. The journey—a disciplined, managed journey—has begun.
Stay focused,
Bill Cara
Founder, Cara Portfolio
Ready to move beyond entertainment? Subscribe soon at the founding rate before the March 1 price increase. I will provide the sign-up link here on Tuesday. I have set up CaraPortfolio.Substack.com, but will have to organize the sign-up procedure since sign-ups will likely only be done via a link provided by billcara.com.