The Disappointing Reality of Computers and Quants

In my brain, I'm a quant. So I'm a qualitative, active stock picker, but my head's with the quant. It's a disappointing reality to realize that computers and quants probably are better at this than me. Part of it I want to see if my current ideas work out. And part of it, too, is, I don't know, gives me a sense of purpose.

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ValueStockGeek (“VSG”) stops by The Business Brew to discuss his evolution as an investor. VSG can be found on Twitter at @valuestockgeek, his portfolio can be found at https://portfoliocharts.com/portfolio/weird-portfolio/, and his blog is at https://www.securityanalysis.org/

We hope you enjoy the conversation.

The Business Brew will be off for a few weeks after this episode. We shall return.

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Detailed Show Notes

4:40 – VSG’s Background

12:00 – Is value a macro bet?

17:00 – Are computers better suited to exploit the value factor than humans?

24:30 – Thoughts on dividends and whether they mitigate some bad management incentives

30:00 – Are quants bound to win and will computers take over the world?

32:22 – What VSG’s goals are for his substack

40:00 – The realization that “high multiple” doesn’t necessarily mean overpriced

43:45 – A potential blindspot that “value” might create

47:00 – Asset allocation discussion

54:00 – How Bill and VSG got into investing and some thoughts on trading

1:00:00 – The types of companies VSG owns