Evidence-Based Investing: How Academic Research Transformed Investing (Larry Swedroe)
In this compelling episode of the ETFatlas podcast, host Jack Lempart sits down with Larry Swedroe, one of the most influential voices in evidence-based investing and author of 18 groundbreaking books on finance.Larry shares his remarkable journey from aspiring security analyst during the 1973-74 market crash to principal and director of research at Buckingham Strategic Wealth, where he spent nearly three decades revolutionizing how investors think about portfolio construction. Throughout the conversation, Larry explains how academic research has systematically converted what was once considered alpha into beta, revealing that strategies employed by legendary investors like Warren Buffett can now be replicated through low-cost systematic approaches.He discusses the dramatic decline in active managers generating statistically significant alpha—from 20% in 1998 to just 2% by 2011—and explores why the shrinking pool of uninformed investors has made markets increasingly efficient.Larry passionately advocates for his “big rocks” philosophy of life, emphasizing that the pursuit of marginal outperformance often comes at the expense of what truly matters: time with family, personal relationships, and living a well-balanced life. This episode offers invaluable insights for both novice and experienced investors seeking to understand the science of investing while maintaining perspective on life’s priorities.powered by ETFatlas.com
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1:19:45
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1:19:45
The biggest mistakes beginner investors make—and how to avoid them (Paul Merriman)
In this practical and inspiring ETFatlas podcast episode, host Jack Lempart welcomes Paul Merriman for a return conversation focused on the biggest mistakes beginner investors make—and how to avoid them.The discussion reveals why most investing errors are emotional, not technical. Paul emphasizes that successful investing is usually simple, though almost never easy.Paul Merriman draws on decades of experience as an educator, advisor, and founder of the Merriman Financial Education Foundation to spotlight key pitfalls:Trusting the wrong adviceStarting too late with investingLetting emotions drive decisionsChasing recent performancePaul’s conversation goes further, sharing actionable tips:How defensive investing and diversification protect you from major mistakesPractical ways to automate good habits and avoid behavioral biasesInsights from both US and European market examplesYou’ll also hear why academic research has shaped today’s best investment practices. Paul strongly advocates:Automating decisions wherever possibleBroad diversificationMaintaining discipline during market turbulenceListeners receive clear advice on keeping investing simple, avoiding high fees, and building portfolios designed to withstand uncertainty.The episode closes with tips for further reading—including free educational resources and helpful links—to support every investor’s learning journey.AgendaPaul Merriman’s journey from stockbroker to financial educator and foundation founderIntroduction to the most costly mistakes for beginners and how they can affect lifetime wealthWhy trusting the wrong advice is potentially the biggest error investors makeThe importance of choosing academically sound, evidence-based sources over industry “experts” or neighborsAnalysis of how starting too late in investing can dramatically reduce future wealthThe emotional traps beginners face and the impact of behavioral biases on decision-makingThe problem of performance chasing and recency bias in investment choicesAutomating investments and the value of regular, disciplined contributionsWhy diversification is considered “the only free lunch” in investing by expertsAdvantages of keeping portfolios simple with solutions like target-date funds and low-cost ETFsExamples illustrating the massive impact of investment fees over decadesThe difference between defensive and offensive strategies in long-term market successReal-world lessons from market history, including US, Europe, and JapanHow to avoid paralysis from choice overwhelm in a landscape of thousands of ETFspowered by ETFatlas.com
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1:46:56
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1:46:56
Boring Portfolio vs Trading: What Every Investor Must Know (Rob Carver)
In this enlightening conversation, Jack Lempart welcomes Robert Carver—a former portfolio manager at AHL, one of the world's largest systematic hedge funds. Rob managed multi-billiondollar portfolios before transitioning to independent trading and authorship, bringing deep industry insights to individual investors.The interview tackles one of the biggest questions facing everyday investors: Should people try active trading, or is building a simple, sensible portfolio the smarter way? Carver shares honest, actionable advice rooted in his own professional experience and investment research, explaining why most individuals struggle to beat the market as traders and how ETFs can simplify long-term financial success. Topics include concrete approaches for building diversified portfolios, managing risk in turbulent times, practical tips for rebalancing, and ways to avoid costly mistakes.Listeners also learn how to spot hidden fees and marketing pitfalls, diversify globally, and decide when "simple" might need to evolve into something more sophisticated.AgendaWhy most individual investors should avoid active trading The three deadly mistakes that destroy trading performance: overconfidence, over-trading, and excessive leverageRobert's three essential questions framework: what to invest in, how much to invest, and when to make changesPractical ETF portfolio construction strategies for different investment amountsBeyond stocks and bonds: incorporating commodities, real estate, and international markets through ETFsSimple rebalancing strategies that minimize costs while maintaining discipline during market volatilityInternational diversification: managing currency risk and global exposureHidden costs in ETF investing and red flags to avoid when selecting fundsWhen simple portfolios might not be enough: graduation criteria for more sophisticated approachesFinal advice for building habits that protect against emotional investing mistakespowered by ETFatlas.com
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51:55
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51:55
Play Dead: Why Simplicity Beats Complexity in Investing (Ramin Nakisa)
Episode AgendaGuest Introduction: Ramin, founder of PensionCraftOverview of current investment environmentKey market trends and sources of uncertaintyAnalysis of global diversification—benefits and pitfallsETF selection: criteria and practical tipsRisks associated with concentration in thematic or sector ETFsPerspectives on long-term investing mindsetAsset allocation strategies in periods of volatilityPersonal anecdotes on navigating difficult marketsCommon listener questions addressedConcluding thoughts on building robust portfoliosEpisode SummaryIn this episode, the host interviews Ramin from PensionCraft, who shares practical insights on investing amid market uncertainty and changing trends. The discussion opens with a review of recent global economic developments and focuses on how diversification can help mitigate risk, but also why it is important to avoid concentrations in popular themes or sectors. Ramin illustrates the use of ETFs for efficient asset allocation and highlights criteria for choosing funds that suit different investor profiles. Throughout the conversation, he underscores the value of maintaining a long-term perspective, especially during periods of heightened volatility. Personal experiences and listener questions enrich the dialogue, offering actionable guidance for building resilient investment strategies. The episode closes with recommendations for thoughtful portfolio construction and continuous learning.powered by ETFatlas.compowered by ETFatlas.com
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1:06:49
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1:06:49
Play Dead: Why Simplicity Beats Complexity in Investing (Ramin Nakisa)
Episode AgendaGuest Introduction: Ramin, founder of PensionCraftOverview of current investment environmentKey market trends and sources of uncertaintyAnalysis of global diversification—benefits and pitfallsETF selection: criteria and practical tipsRisks associated with concentration in thematic or sector ETFsPerspectives on long-term investing mindsetAsset allocation strategies in periods of volatilityPersonal anecdotes on navigating difficult marketsCommon listener questions addressedConcluding thoughts on building robust portfoliosEpisode SummaryIn this episode, the host interviews Ramin from PensionCraft, who shares practical insights on investing amid market uncertainty and changing trends. The discussion opens with a review of recent global economic developments and focuses on how diversification can help mitigate risk, but also why it is important to avoid concentrations in popular themes or sectors. Ramin illustrates the use of ETFs for efficient asset allocation and highlights criteria for choosing funds that suit different investor profiles. Throughout the conversation, he underscores the value of maintaining a long-term perspective, especially during periods of heightened volatility. Personal experiences and listener questions enrich the dialogue, offering actionable guidance for building resilient investment strategies. The episode closes with recommendations for thoughtful portfolio construction and continuous learning.powered by ETFatlas.com
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