Larry Swedroe

stocks or mutual funds out of the decision process. Their goal was to help investors build robust, sensible financial portfolios rather than sell them investment “products.” What became clear, after extensive research, was that their criteria could be accomplished if they adopted an investment approach centered on Modern Portfolio Theory and passive investing. With a small corner suite in the St. Louis business district and one support associate, the four principals embarked on helping investors realize their financial goals. Over the years, Buckingham has expanded beyond the four co-founders to a larger team of principals and associates, and today counsels individuals and institutional investors nationwide from its headquarters in St. Louis. While the company has grown, what has stayed constant is Buckingham’s commitment to passive investing. Through the use of Dimensional Fund Advisors funds and Buckingham’s proprietary fixed income portfolio approach, the firm manages more than $3.0 billion in client assets (as of February 28, 2011). The Buckingham Family of Financial Services (which includes Buckingham Asset Management) has grown to be one of the largest investment services companies in the country. Buckingham was acquired in January 2007 by Focus Financial Partners in New York, but continues to operate independently. Buckingham is poised to meet the diverse needs of its clients. The company recognizes that investors have unique financial goals, sometimes in need of counsel that goes beyond investment advice. Through Buckingham’s proprietary discovery process, clients are provided with wealth management strategies to ensure that their financial goals are met.

Wall Street.

presents research, data and advice from some legendary market gurus to show that it is extremely difficult to outperform the market. Examining the evidence from academic studies on mutual funds, pension plans, hedge funds, private equity/venture capital, individual investors and behavioral finance, he demonstrates that the markets are indeed highly efficient. Swedroe then explains why investors should instead 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. “In a world where many investment books promise sure-fire techniques to earn extraordinary returns, it is refreshing to have Larry Swedroe remind us that there are no such techniques — in short, there is no holy grail,” said Burton Malkiel, author of A Random Walk Down Wall Street. “This delightful book will help investors win by teaching them how to avoid losing.”