Sometimes, timing and conviction align perfectly. Back in May 2024, when I invested in the Global X MSCI Argentina ETF (ARGT), I wasn’t just betting on a country – I was betting on the possibility of radical change. Little did I know that Javier Milei, Argentina’s new president dubbed “El Loco” (the Crazy One), would help turn this into one of my most satisfying “free shares” wins yet.

The Famous 40% Free Stock Strategy (Now with Extra Liberty)

For those new here, here’s my monthly investment strategy:

1. Every month, I invest approximately $1,500 in one stock or ETF
2. Wait patiently for a 40% gain
3. Sell enough shares to recover my initial investment
4. Keep the remaining shares forever as “free shares”

The ARGT Trade Breakdown – By The Numbers

The Entry (May 2024):

• Buy Date: May 15, 2024
• Shares Purchased: 24 units
• Purchase Price: $62.15 per share
• Total Investment: $1,491.68

The Exit (December 2024):

• Sell Date: December 20, 2024
• Shares Sold: 19 units
• Selling Price: $80.5309 per share
• Amount Recovered: $1,530.04
• Remaining “Free” Shares: 5 units (my favorite free shares yet!)

Performance Metrics:

• Price Appreciation: 29.6%
• Hold Period: 219 days
• Return Achieved: Enough to trigger our strategy

Why ARGT Became My May Pick: The Milei Factor

When I chose ARGT in May, Argentina was in its usual economic chaos:

1. Triple-digit inflation
2. Strict currency controls
3. Widespread poverty
4. A century of decline from being one of the world’s richest nations

But there was something different this time – a rising political figure named Javier Milei, an economist who:

• Campaigned with a chainsaw (literally) to cut government spending
• Advocated for free market reforms
• Challenged the established political order

Why These Are My Favorite Free Shares

While I’ve gotten “free shares” from various trades, these ARGT shares hold a special place in my portfolio because they represent more than just a successful trade – they represent hope for a nation’s economic revival. Milei’s victory and early actions (like his 1,000-article emergency decree to deregulate the economy) suggest Argentina might finally be ready to embrace free-market reforms after decades of populist policies.

How It Played Out

The trade didn’t quite hit our usual 40% target, but with a 29.6% gain and Milei’s historic victory, I decided to trigger the strategy anyway. By selling 19 shares at $80.53, I recovered my initial investment, leaving me with 5 “free” shares that represent:

• A stake in Argentina’s potential economic renaissance
• Exposure to one of the most interesting economic experiments of our time
• A reminder that sometimes the craziest-sounding ideas (like campaigning with a chainsaw) can be exactly what’s needed

The Uncomfortable Truth

While many dismiss Milei as too radical, history shows that desperate times often require desperate measures. Argentina’s century-long decline from one of the world’s wealthiest nations to its current state didn’t happen overnight, and the solution might require exactly the kind of dramatic reforms Milei proposes.

Lessons Learned

1. Sometimes the best investments come from markets others consider too risky
2. Political change can create enormous investment opportunities
3. Having conviction in your analysis helps you hold through volatility
4. The most profitable trades often start with the scariest headlines

What’s Next?

While my initial investment is safely back in my pocket, these 5 “free” ARGT shares will serve as my front-row seat to what could be one of the most interesting economic turnaround stories of our time. Will Milei succeed in his radical reforms? Only time will tell, but I’m excited to have some skin in the game at zero risk.

Meanwhile, I’m hunting for next month’s opportunity, though it’ll be hard to match the excitement and conviction I feel about this ARGT position.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for entertainment purposes only. If you’re taking investment advice from someone who gets excited about chainsaw-wielding presidents and Austrian economics, you might want to reconsider your life choices. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor who probably won’t recommend betting on national economic transformations. And yes, I really do make a new $1,500 investment every month, because sometimes the craziest strategies work.