17. The Little Book That Beats the Market - Joel Greenblatt

In this episode of **Compounding Interest**, we review Joel Greenblatt’s investment classic, *The Little Book That Beats the Market*. Greenblatt, a successful hedge fund manager and professor, outlines a **"magic formula"** designed to help individual investors achieve market-beating returns with low risk. The strategy is centered on two key metrics: **earnings yield** and **return on capital**. By ranking companies based on these factors, the formula identifies high-quality businesses selling at bargain prices. We explore the logic behind these concepts and examine the formula’s historical performance, which averaged a **30.8 percent annual return** over a 17-year test period. However, successful implementation requires more than just following a list; it demands the discipline to maintain a **long-term perspective**. Greenblatt emphasizes that the formula often underperforms for months or even years at a time, which is exactly why it remains effective for those with the patience to stick to the plan. This review provides practical insights into how you can apply these timeless principles to your portfolio. Buy it on Amazon. (Disclaimer: I may receive a small commission from purchases made through this link, at no extra cost to you) This episode includes AI-generated content.