Luke Bruni is 25, a coating inspector* and a former professional triathlete. He started as a day trader in 2019, quit because of the stress, and now buys great companies when everyone else is scared of them. Since March he has gained 12,000 followers on X by posting the research behind his trades.
*A coating inspector checks industrial paint and protective coatings on steel, tanks, and pipelines.
Why did you stop day trading?
I was profitable, but I was also training more than 30 hours a week. Doing both was too much for my head. Switching to long-term investing changed my life: less stress, and I make more money than I did trading.
How would you describe your style?
Long term and contrarian. I buy companies I know when they're far off their highs for reasons I think are wrong. Alphabet in 2025 is the best example. Everyone said ChatGPT would kill Google Search. I thought that was nonsense, so I bought it.
How do you decide what to buy?
First I work out why the stock is down. If the reason doesn't hold up, I check the fundamentals: revenue, EPS, margins and free cash flow. Then I set a five-year price target. If that works out to at least 15% a year, I buy.
And when do you sell?
When it gets there too fast. If I expect a $100 stock to reach $200 in five years and it hits $180 in 18 months, I already have most of the return. So I trim or sell, depending on the risk.
What does the portfolio look like?
23 stocks, nothing above 10% when I buy, and about 20% cash right now because I expect a pullback. I add every week, and I go in heavy when I see a real opportunity. Over the last few years I've compounded at about 35% a year.
Your biggest mistake?
Duolingo. I expected faster growth and didn't see the valuation coming down. I'm still bullish on the company. I just bought at the wrong price.
Where are you buying now?
Consumer discretionary, names like Netflix and RH. High rates and fuel costs are hurting them, but that's today's problem. Nobody will remember it in a few years, and that's where the opportunity is.
What would you tell yourself in 2019?
Focus on the long term. Buy great companies at reasonable prices, and just chill.