Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford cover image

Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

Buried by the Wall Street Crash (Classic)

Apr 25, 2025
35:59

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Irving Fisher and John Maynard Keynes both suffered financial ruin due to the unpredictability of economic forecasting and risky investment strategies.
  • Keynes adapted his approach after the crash by focusing on investing in fundamentally strong companies, contrasting with Fisher's rigid adherence to his beliefs.

Deep dives

The Rise and Fall of Irving Fisher and John Maynard Keynes

Irving Fisher and John Maynard Keynes were both prominent economists in the early 20th century, known for their contributions to economic theory and investment strategies. Fisher, celebrated for his exceptional analytical abilities, leveraged borrowed money to invest in rapidly growing industry stocks, notably before the 1929 market crash. In contrast, Keynes was a savvy insider within the British establishment who preferred a more empirical approach to investment, gaining insights through his networks and experiences. Despite their initial successes, both economists faced severe financial setbacks with the market crash, highlighting the unpredictability of economic forecasting and the inherent risks of their investment philosophies.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner