Better than Alpha

The concept of beating markets is just a lot of hype. Successful investors don't find "alpha," they find value—and that's what this book helps you do. Chris Schelling explains why strategies based on "beating the markets" are doomed to failure and provides a simple three-step framework for making better investment decisions: Behavior (smart thinking), Process (smart habits), Organization (smart governance). He explains why the search for alpha is destined to fail, the major role behavioral finance plays in so much wasted time, effort, and money, and, most important, how to avoid common mistakes and maximize your efforts. You'll gain a deeper understanding of what drives investment returns, how superstar investment managers generated excess returns in the past, and why strategies that worked in the past don't necessarily make sense today. Whether you're responsible for generating revenue streams for pensions, endowments, or foundations; mitigating insurance losses; serving as an investment consultant; or any other institutional-level investing, Better Than Alpha walks you through the process of minimizing the impacts of behavioral biases and making decisions that create a higher probability of meeting your objectives—whatever they may be.