Friday, February 19, 2016

Odds On: The Making of an Evidence-Based Investor

The book Odds On: The Making of an Evidence-Based Investorby Matt Hall,, covers the incredible journey of the author who started out working for a major brokerage firm which had as its only goal to make money for the company (not the clients) and ended up starting his own firm which puts the clients needs first and uses evidence-based investing.


 Evidence-based investing is a strategy that involves investing in a globally diversified portfolio of index funds with low management fees, using appropriate asset allocation. But the book isn't so much about evidence-based investing as it is about the journey to get there.

The author's discussion about being hired by a large stock brokerage firm when he first begins his career is fascinating. (Some of it reminds me of my days as a stockbroker years ago.)

He basically discovers that the brokers use any means possible to generate as many commissions as possible to make as much money as possible for themselves, and the clients be damned.

 One interesting tidbit in the book is how one of the top brokers in the firm would yell and scream at any client who would ask questions about a proposed stock recommendation, and would keep yelling at the client until they agree to buy the stock.

Hall eventually sees the light and finds company that really does put the customers first, utilizing evidence-based investing. He later starts his own firm, and is able to survive many substantial obstacles, such as a market crash and a very significant medical issue.

 I highly recommend that you read about Hall's incredible journey and order Odds On: The Making of an Evidence-Based Investor.

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