A few weeks back, I referenced Robert Shiller’s book Narrative Economics. The idea is that stories—to a surprising degree—often drive markets. The investment world is also driven by a good number of sayings and aphorisms. Many of these are entertaining, and some are even useful. But they can also be [...]
Single Stories
In 2009 author Chimamanda Adichie coined the term “single story.” A native of Nigeria, Adichie first came to the U.S. to attend college. Almost immediately, she was struck by the one-dimensional lens through which many saw her. It started with her roommate. Knowing that Adichie had just arrived [...]
Five “strategies”
The tricky thing about investing is that there is no single “right” approach. A little while back, I talked about the “five minds” of the investor—the optimist, the pessimist, the analyst, the economist and the psychologist. But why these five? There are, in fact, many ways to be successful: You [...]
Bear Market Field Guide, Part I
Amid the stock market downturn this week, many people are asking two questions: “How bad will it get?” “How long will it last?” While no one can answer these questions, I do have an answer to a third question: “What should I do?” Below are seven observations and recommendations to consider [...]
Five “truths”
A few days ago, my family visited an amusement park, and almost everyone had fun. Almost everyone—except my nine-year-old, who is still complaining about the injustice of the rigged “Down the Clown” game. You’ve probably seen this sort of thing: You’re given a handful of baseballs. Then, standing [...]
