Fifteen months ago, on July 1, 2024, I embarked on an ambitious financial endeavor by launching an investment portfolio with an initial capital of €50,000. Managed by the experts at Plutos AG, this portfolio sits at the heart of my one-million-euro challenge, a two-decade-long goal aimed at transforming this sum into a seven-figure wealth.
For those interested in similar growth strategies, clients of Plutos can align their investments with this high-growth portfolio.
Every quarter, I will share insights regarding the performance of this investment portfolio, reflecting on its progress and the market dynamics that influence its growth.
Performance overview and market dynamics
To revisit some key highlights, the HGI portfolio witnessed a remarkable surge of over 27% in the latter half of 2024, setting a strong foundation for the journey ahead. However, the first quarter of 2025 proved to be challenging. Following the inauguration of US President Trump, the portfolio, along with the broader U.S. stock market, experienced significant pressure, resulting in a nearly 15% decline by the end of March.
The second quarter offered a brief respite with a modest recovery of 4%, but the third quarter of 2025 rebounded spectacularly, boasting a 14% increase. This swing in performance turned the overall year-to-date results slightly positive, marking a 2% growth despite a notably weak dollar.
Impact of currency fluctuations
It’s crucial to note that the U.S. dollar has experienced an 11% slump against the euro since the beginning of 2025, marking the steepest decline for the world’s dominant currency since 1973. This fluctuation has considerable implications for investors in the eurozone, particularly those like my portfolio that focus on U.S. equities. As a result, the adjusted performance, accounting for currency effects, is significantly more favorable.
Current status of the investment portfolio
As of early, my HGI portfolio has achieved a growth rate of approximately 30% since its inception. The current value stands close to €76,000. It’s important to mention that after the initial investment of €50,000, I injected an annual contribution of €10,000 during the second quarter of 2025, adhering to my strategy of consistent investment.
The asset allocation within the portfolio is as follows:
- Stocks: €56,500.39 (74.5%)
- ETFs: €4,379.76 (5.8%)
- Cryptocurrencies: €3,615.56 (4.8%)
- Cash: €11,335.93 (15%)
This cash reserve, now at 15%, is at its highest level in a while, serving as a fundamental aspect of my risk management strategy. It provides a buffer as I brace for potential volatility in the stock markets this autumn.
Key contributors to portfolio performance
The remarkable double-digit performance in the third quarter can be attributed mainly to three stocks that underwent significant revaluation during this period. For instance, Vimeo experienced a staggering 90% increase in September after agreeing to a buyout, leading to its impending exit from the stock market. This was quite a turnaround for a company that had been underperforming earlier in 2025.
Warner Bros. Discovery also saw its stock rise nearly 75% between July and September, largely due to speculation surrounding a potential acquisition by Paramount’s Skydance. Just six months ago, this stock was trading below $8, making its current trajectory even more impressive.
Lyft’s stock jumped by 60% in a matter of weeks, dispelling doubts about its prospects. This uptick followed a strategic partnership with Waymo, the leading provider of robotaxi services. Even after this surge, Lyft remains one of the most undervalued stocks in my portfolio when assessed by cash flow metrics.
Challenges and opportunities in the tech sector
Conversely, monday.com faced a significant setback, plummeting 30% in a single trading session due to fears of being left behind in the AI revolution. This illustrates the volatility inherent in tech investments, which can present opportunities for astute investors who can navigate such fluctuations.
Additionally, I’ve added UiPath to my portfolio, a SaaS company poised for a comeback after experiencing an 80% drop in its stock price. This addition supports my ongoing strategy of seeking out undervalued assets within the tech sector.
Comparative performance analysis
When evaluating the performance of my HGI portfolio, it’s essential to establish a suitable benchmark. Many investors compare their growth-oriented portfolios to the Nasdaq 100 Index, which is a logical choice given its focus on technology. However, to reflect the composition of my portfolio more accurately, I prefer to compare its performance with the Russell 2000 Index, as a significant portion of my investments aligns with smaller-cap stocks.
For those seeking Euro-denominated options, ETFs tracking the Russell 2000 are available, which have shown around a 10% increase over the last 15 months, primarily attributed to the dollar’s decline.
In the interest of transparency, I have chosen to keep specific details regarding positions and transactions within the HGI portfolio private, allowing me greater flexibility in my investment decisions. However, my long-term portfolios remain fully transparent, and you can track my investment strategies and actions through the respective platforms.