The Intelligent Fund Investor: Practical steps for better results in active and passive funds

by Joe Wiggins

Investing in funds is not straightforward. We are faced with a countless range of options and constantly distracted by meaningless noise and turbulent markets. To make matters worse, our flawed beliefs and behavioural biases lead to repeated and costly mistakes, such as a damaging obsession with past performance and a dangerous attraction to thematic funds.

There is a solution―a more intelligent way to invest in funds.

In The Intelligent Fund Investor, experienced portfolio manager and behavioural finance expert Joe Wiggins brings simplicity and clarity to fund investing. Each chapter of this fascinating and highly readable book focuses on a vital element of investing in funds―exploring how and why investors can get it badly wrong, and providing direct, actionable steps for better results.

Joe why we should avoid investing with star managers; how to decide between active and passive funds; why we should beware of smooth performance and captivating stories; why risk is far more than just volatility; the importance of a long time horizon; and much, much more.

Using a combination of stories, empirical evidence and experience, Joe gives all fund investors―active and passive―what they need to reassess their beliefs, understand their biases, and make better investment decisions.

Genres: Finance, Nonfiction

232 pages, Paperback

Published November 29, 2022

Reviews

[Alex HD · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing groundbreaking but a worthwhile read for professional and personal fund investor alike. I thought the bit on active v passive was particularly useful. Overuse of the word “panacea”.

[David Mathias · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Joe Wiggins states in the book, most of us are fund investors. In my view, every fund investor should purchase and read this book. It cuts to the heart of many problems fund investors face but does so in an easy to read and understand way. You don’t have to be a professional to gain valuable insights and knowledge from this book. At the same time, professional investors and advisors absolutely should add this to the top of their required reading list.

The Intelligent Fund Investor is an instant and timeless classic in my view. Investors would be well served to revisit and re-read its wise pages whenever they are thinking to make changes to their portfolios and are spurred by emotional decision making.

[Hardeep Manic · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for fund investors. Period.

[Wilhelm Hertzog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Invaluable lessons for all investors

Whilst the author writes about investing in funds, the guidance and advice applies to all investors, whether in funds or directly in asset markets. An incredibly useful roadmap for all investors.