The Sharesies Reality Check: Why My Portfolio is Underperforming the Market

Money correspondent Susan Edmunds analyzes her 26% lifetime Sharesies return, revealing the risks of home bias, individual stock picking, and transaction fee drag.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 15, 2026, 6:16 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

The Pitfalls of "Familiarity Bias"

Edmunds' portfolio highlights a common trap for retail investors: Home Bias. By heavily investing in New Zealand brands she knew and liked, she inadvertently exposed herself to a localized economic downturn and stagnant stock prices.

Portfolio Performance Highlights:

Winners: ANZ (+134%), Intel (+197%), Smart Australia Financials ETF (+100%).

Losers: Air NZ (-40%), Ryman Healthcare (-57.66%), Me Today (-94%), Fletcher Building (-10%).

The Verdict: Only 6 out of 13 individual stocks were in profit.