Mean Markets and Lizard Brains applies a new science of irrationality to personal finance. Conventional financial advice is based on the assumption that both people and markets are rational. New research is uncovering the reasons that real people and actual markets are often crazy. This new work leads to novel insights into how and where to invest.
This book combines two of my passions: financial markets and the scientific study of human nature. I had my first taste of speculation back in the early 1980s. Because of asbestos litigation, the price of Johns Manville Corporation’s stock approached zero. I thought the low price was irrational so I bought some shares. The stock went up over 20% the day after I bought it; I sold my shares and pocketed several weeks’worth of my salary.
This trade had two effects. First, I acquired a taste for financial markets. I have been actively involved for more than 20 years, and have broadened my scope beyond buying stocks to include options, bonds, gold, currencies, and more. Second, I was puzzled by a market that produced opportunities like Manville almost for free (Warren Buffett also recognized the value and eventually bought the firm).
