What to track after buying a stock

Published 2026-05-07 - Updated 2026-05-18

Buying a stock is the start of the evidence cycle. The next job is to track the few facts that can change the thesis.

Short answer

Track the original thesis, the assumptions behind it, new confirming and disconfirming evidence, position sizing, and the next review trigger.

Days 1 to 30: lock the baseline

Write down the reason for the buy before price movement edits the story.

Days 31 to 60: classify evidence

Save sources as confirming, neutral, or disconfirming. Most updates should not force action.

Days 61 to 90: run a decision review

Compare current evidence with the original thesis and decide whether to hold, add, trim, exit, or watch.

Practical checklist

• Original thesis and entry reason.
• Assumptions and disconfirming signals.
• Evidence log with saved sources.
• Position size and max size rule.
• Next review date and event trigger.

Example 90-day tracking note

Fictional sample only: a position initiated for improving enterprise mix.

• 30 days: baseline thesis and three assumptions recorded.
• 60 days: new source confirms enterprise growth, but pricing is unresolved.
• 90 days: hold; no add until pricing commentary improves.

Mistakes to avoid

• Tracking every headline instead of thesis-relevant evidence.
• Skipping review dates because the position feels fine.
• Adding to a position without checking whether confidence actually changed.