Lessons on Investing, Market Crises, and the Power of Staying Calm With CNBC’s Bob Pisani (EP.208)

Jun 11, 2025

Bob Pisani, Senior Markets Correspondent at CNBC, shares his 25+ years of experience on the NYSE floor. He discusses how electronic trading and ETFs have transformed investing and reveals why most investors struggle with market forecasting. Bob recounts personal tales from significant market crises like 9/11 and the 2008 crash, emphasizing the need for calm during volatility. He also sheds light on common investment pitfalls, the importance of curiosity, and the value of ongoing education in navigating financial challenges.

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INSIGHT

Market Evolution: Trading & ETFs

Electronic trading revolutionized stock markets by replacing open outcry with computer order matching.
ETFs and passive investing made it easy and low-cost for investors to own broad market exposure.

INSIGHT

Why Predictive Mistakes Persist

Humans have an innate need to predict the future driven by survival instincts.
This explains why stock picking and market timing mistakes persist even among professionals.

ADVICE

Stay Calm and Plan Ahead

Pay attention to headlines but avoid impulsive responses; keep a long-term plan.
Understand your age, risk tolerance, and investment horizon to guide decisions.

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CNBC’s Senior Markets Correspondent Bob Pisani has spent over 25 years reporting from the New York Stock Exchange floor. In this episode, Bob shares vivid stories from the heart of Wall Street, key lessons learned from decades of covering financial markets, and timeless advice for long-term investors.

Listen now and learn:

► How electronic trading and ETFs revolutionized investing

► Why most investors struggle with forecasting markets accurately

► Bob’s firsthand experiences from major market crises, including 9.11 and the 2008 crash

► Essential tips for staying cal, during periods of market volatility

This insightful conversation offers valuable perspectives for investors of all experience levels.

Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.

[02:45] How Electronic Trading and ETFs Transformed Investing [05:56] Why the Complexity of Markets Remains Behind the Curtain [07:30] Common Investor Mistakes and the Challenges of Predicting Markets [14:36] Navigating Headlines and Staying Calm During Market Volatility [17:19] Reflections from Major Market Crises: Dot-Com, 9/11, and 2008 [26:29] Storytelling, Communication, and Memorable Interactions on Wall Street [35:35] The Ongoing Importance of Curiosity and Investor Education

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