The Quest for Alpha The Holy Grail of Investing [Hardcover]

The debate on active investing-stock picking and market timing-versus passive investing-markets are highly efficient and almost impossible to outperform-has raged for decades. Which side is right? In The Quest for Alpha: The Holy Grail of Investing, author Larry E. Swedroe puts an end to the debate, proving once and for all that active investing is likely to prove futile as the associated expenses-costs, fees, and time spent analyzing individual stocks and the overall market-are likely to exceed any benefits gained. The book

• Presents research, data, and quotations that reveal it's extremely difficult to outperform the market
• Explains why investors should focus on asset allocation, fund construction, costs, tax efficiency, and the building of a globally diversified portfolio that minimizes, if not eliminates, the taking of idiosyncratic, uncompensated risks
• Other titles by Swedroe: The Only Guide to Alternative Investments You'll Ever Need and The Only Guide You'll Ever Need for the Right Financial Plan

Investors are on a never-ending search for a money manager who will deliver returns above the appropriate risk-adjusted benchmark, aka the Holy Grail of Investing. The Quest for Alpha demonstrates that it's a loser's game-while it's possible to win, it's so unlikely that you shouldn't try.

Acknowledgments xi

Introduction xiii

The Holy Grail xiv

The Quest Begins xvi

Chapter 1 Mutual Funds: The Evidence 1

When You Wish upon a Morningstar 2

Focus Funds 4

Active Management of Bond Funds 6

Skill versus Luck 8

Who Cares about the AveralÃ-