TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Investing can be an effective way to build long-term wealth. While the potential returns are undeniably attractive, it may not be for everyone since it requires sharp analytical skills, time, and good judgment, making it a challenging task.
Citing Investopedia and Britannica, let’s discover some of the best investors of all time and learn about how they became the financial icons they are today.
1. Benjamin Graham
Benjamin Graham is a prominent figure in the world of investment, particularly for his fundamental investment disciplines, notably value investing and security analysis. Beyond that, the so-called “Father of Value Investing” was a capable financial educator, publishing numerous books including The Intelligent Investor which fellow investing giant Warren Buffet called “the best book about investing ever written.”
2. Sir John Templeton
A pioneer in philanthropy and financial investment, John Templeton was recognized for his bold strategy to purchase undervalued or abandoned stocks, viewing troubled businesses as opportunities for growth. This strategy made him a pioneer of value investing, often going against the movements of the market.
His accomplishments later earned him a knighthood from the late Queen Elizabeth II and once named “arguably the greatest global stock picker of the century” by Money magazine, further cementing his legacy as one of the best investors of all time.
3. Thomas Rowe Price Jr.
Thomas Rowe Price Jr., often called the “Father of Growth Investing,” emphasized the importance of focusing on individual stock picking for the long term. His journey also teaches that consistency, discipline, and fundamental research are essential components of successful long-term investing.
4. John Neff
John Neff was notable for his investing preferences in indirect paths, low-price-to-earnings (P/E) stocks, and strong dividend yields. During his tenure overseeing the Windsor Fund, spanning 31 years, Neff successfully achieved a return that exceeded the initial investment by 53 times.
5. Jesse Livermore
Despite being short of stock-trading experience and formal education, Jesse Livermore was an influential stock trader in the early 20th century. His ability to predict market drops was remarkable, hence nicknamed “the Bear of Wall Street”. Livermore was famous for trading only with his own funds, never with other’s capital.
6. Peter Lynch
Peter Lynch managed Fidelity’s Magellan Fund from 1977 to 1990, achieving an average annual return of approximately 26.66 percent. Lynch’s adaptability to a multitude of investment styles was admirable, which was a key factor in his success in the field. Lynch was so successful that he retired at the age of 46 and now serves as vice chairman of Fidelity and remains an active philanthropist.
7. George Soros
Philanthropist, author, activist, and investor, George Soros is fearless when it comes to making huge bets on the direction of the financial markets. The Hungarian-born investor’s bold approach was instrumental in driving significant growth for his Soros Fund, though not all of his strategic decisions were successful. At 94 years of age, Soros is believed to be worth US$7.2 billion, having donated more than US$32 billion to charitable causes.
8. Warren Buffett
When it comes to the best investors of all time, Warren Buffett is a household name. Known as the “Oracle of Omaha,” Buffett’s approach to investment is largely inspired by Benjamin Graham’s principles, says Investopedia. At the age of 94, his holding company, Berkshire Hathaway, continues to dominate the investing world, making him the eighth richest person in the world, with a net worth of US$147 billion.
9. John ‘Jack’ Bogle
John Bogle revolutionized investing by founding the Vanguard Group and introducing the first index fund in 1976. His philosophy revolves around capturing market returns by investing in broad-based index mutual funds.
10. Carl Icahn
Carl Icahn is often labeled as an activist investor, using his stakes in companies to push for changes that maximize shareholder value. He was so influential that whenever he bought “poorly managed” stocks, the company’s stock price experienced an upward bounce, which Wall Street termed the “Icahn lift”.
Aris Schuler Shah contributed to the editing of this article.
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