In investing, three truths are held to be self-evident:

• Investors should buy low and sell high.
• Investors should not be propelled by panic.
• Investors should not assume past performance guarantees future results.

Or at least that's what everybody says. What fund investors actually do is another matter entirely. They are often fickle, buying funds that have done well (or buying high) and selling in a panic when they stall (that is, selling low). In doing so, investors sabotage their own results. Here's what not to do.

Next: The Tale of CGM Focus >>