In the investment world, it is very hard to push above the status quo. With the great amount of competition that exists, making a living out of the business can sometimes be a seemingly impossible struggle. For this reason, anyone who has risen above the pack and distinguished themselves as a master in their trade is usually looked upon with awe, and sometimes a sort of adulation. People look to them as archetypes, as patterns to emulate in order to achieve success. A few of these investment giants will be discussed below.
Let us first take a look at Jack Bogle. Born in New Jersey in 1929, Bogle was one of the most influential investors of the mid-20th century. After graduating magna cum laude from Princeton University, he set out to create a name for himself in the investment world. This goal he certainly achieved. Along with his monumentally successful investment management company, The Vanguard Group, Bogle left his mark on the investment world through his new and stunningly effective business policy. He advocated several methods, including:
• The minimisation of all expenses related to the investment process;
• Planning an economic strategy based on long term goals;
• Emphasising a rational course of action over an emotional one when deciding on investments.
Another great investor of the 20th century was Ben Graham. Though seen by some as overly cautious and almost timid, it is unquestionably true that his investment style is extremely effective. Graham put great emphasis on a few key things when searching for a potential investment. For example, he advocated only investing in companies which had a good profit margin and little to no debt. Graham was also of the opinion that the investment return should far exceed the initial investment. This principle can be used to sum up his entire business and investment strategy.