As we rapidly approach the 8th Birthday of Odds On: The Making of an Evidence-Based Investor, the book (in all its formats) remains as relevant now as it did when it first launched in 2016. This is a testament to the timelessness of the Taking the Long View investment strategy.

Thousands of people have been exposed to a “new” way of investing, while many others have reaffirmed their beliefs in evidence-based investing. It is the best investment strategy when you take the long view and don’t try to gamble your life savings by timing the market, hitching yourself to a “guru,” or thinking that the “Magnificent 7” is an entertaining cocktail party topic but not the way to build and maintain wealth.

Many clients and friends of the firm, as well as our team members, have gifted Odds On in both its traditional hardback format as well as the audio version that Matt Hall reads to his listeners; however, some folks continue to ask for an “Executive Summary” or a shortcut to taking the long view. Here, we answer that wish with a two-page summary with key takeaways that we hope propels readers to read or listen to the entire “real thing.”

Virtually everyone who gifts Odds On is simply trying to help a friend or family member invest to maximize the odds of success. It’s great to pass on to younger family members, friends, and others who are curious about the path you’ve chosen as an investor and provides a fast and simple way for you to help those close to you.

Obviously, we’re ready to send each of these folks the book or audiobook, too, but this can satisfy an immediate need. For those who are ready, let’s schedule a time to talk by clicking this link.

WSJ columnist Jason Zweig elegantly analyzes and answers a current phenomenon: “It’s a stock picker’s market. So why aren’t more stock pickers doing better?”

Would you consider your own portfolio “diversified” if only three stocks accounted for more than 20% of the value of the portfolio? You might be excited at a cocktail party, but how well would you sleep if only one stock (Nvidia) accounted for more than 30% of the year-to-date return of the S&P 500?

Read on to learn more about how correlation and concentration are confounding stockpickers while following an evidence-based, long-view approach ignores the noise and chugs along.

Hill Investment Group is a registered investment adviser. Registration of an Investment Advisor does not imply any level of skill or training.  This information is educational and does not intend to make an offer for the sale of any specific securities, investments, or strategies.  Investments involve risk and, past performance is not indicative of future performance. Return will be reduced by advisory fees and any other expenses incurred in the management of a client’s account. Consult with a qualified financial adviser before implementing any investment strategy.

During the summer months, we often recommend books we are reading in the offices of Hill Investment Group. This year, we decided to steer you to a podcast we enjoy; some episodes are almost as long as an audiobook. If you’re reading this, you, like us, believe in the power of a long-term perspective, continuous learning, and evidence-based decision-making. These core principles guide our investment strategies and resonate with the themes explored in the extraordinary podcast “Acquired.”

What is “Acquired”?

“Acquired” is a highly regarded podcast that dives into the stories behind some of history’s most significant companies and acquisitions. Hosts Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal provide in-depth analyses of how these companies were built, the strategic decisions they made, and the challenges they overcame. Each episode offers valuable insights into the entrepreneurial and business world, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of successful companies.

Themes from “Acquired” that Resonate with Hill Investment Group

• Long-Term Perspective:

Episode Highlight: In the episode covering Amazon, “Acquired” explores Jeff Bezos’ long-term vision and his relentless focus on customer experience, illustrating how patience and strategic planning can lead to enduring success.

Hill’s Approach: Similarly, we at Hill Investment Group emphasize the importance of taking the long view. We believe patient, disciplined investing, guided by enduring principles rather than short-term market trends, is key to building sustainable wealth.

• Evidence-Based Decisions:

Episode Highlight: The episode on Whole Foods’ acquisition by Amazon underscores the significance of data-driven decisions. Bezos’ use of extensive market research and analytics to guide Amazon’s strategies reflects the power of evidence-based decision-making.

Hill’s Approach: Our investment strategies are grounded in Nobel Prize-winning academic research, ensuring our clients benefit from the most reliable financial principles.

• Resilience and Adaptability:

Episode Highlight: The story of Apple’s turnaround under Steve Jobs, as discussed on “Acquired,” showcases the company’s ability to innovate and adapt in the face of adversity.

Hill’s Approach: We prepare our clients to navigate market volatility through diversified portfolios and robust financial planning, helping them stay resilient and focused on their long-term goals.

• Continuous Learning:

Episode Highlight: Each “Acquired” episode is a business history and strategy masterclass that provides listeners with knowledge and insights.

Hill’s Approach: We believe in lifelong learning and continuous improvement. Our team regularly engages with the latest industry developments to ensure we provide our clients with the best possible advice and service.

We encourage you to explore the “Acquired” podcast to gain deeper insights into the principles that drive successful businesses. Let’s continue to embrace the long view, grounded in evidence-based principles and enriched by continuous learning.

Take the long view,

The Hill Investment Group Team

Our favorite episodes include Starbucks, Hermes, Porsche, Costco, and Nike.

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Feel free to listen to “Acquired” and join us in exploring the fascinating stories behind the world’s most successful companies.