what is a plain vanilla strategy 
a plain vanilla strategy is an investment strategy that is straightforward without any complex additions a plain vanilla strategy might be holding a bond till maturity or purchasing a stock with a long term view it may also include passive investing the bottom lineplain vanilla refers to the most simple standard and basic financial instruments and strategies these instruments or strategies are straightforward and generally less risky when compared with their exotic counterparts instruments or strategies that have been altered in a way that is intended to bring higher returns 