Intelligent Investment Today - The Warren Buffett Way

In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, we analyse The Coca-Cola Company through the lens of value investing.Often regarded as one of the most recognisable and durable businesses in the world, Coca-Cola offers a powerful case study in simplicity, brand strength, and competitive advantage. But as every disciplined investor knows, a great business is not always a great investment.Drawing on principles popularised by Warren Buffett and Benjamin Graham, we explore: Why Coca-Cola is such an understandable business  The true nature of its competitive moat  How brand, distribution, and habit reinforce its dominance  And why valuation remains the most important part of the equation A thoughtful discussion on quality, price, and the discipline required to invest wisely.Support the show

In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, we explore the early life and formative experiences of Warren Buffett — one of the most influential investors in history.From his childhood fascination with numbers and small entrepreneurial ventures in Omaha, to his first lessons in the stock market and the pivotal influence of Benjamin Graham, Buffett’s journey is a masterclass in the development of disciplined, long-term thinking.We examine the investments that shaped his philosophy — including early successes, costly mistakes, and the defining moment of his GEICO investment — as well as the principles that would later underpin the rise of Berkshire Hathaway.This episode is not just a biography. It is an exploration of how great investors are made: through curiosity, patience, and a commitment to continuous learning.Whether you are new to investing or refining your own approach, Buffett’s early story offers timeless lessons in value, discipline, and rational decision-making.Support the show

In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, we explore a subtle but critical question for investors: how much should we trust management?Drawing on the insights of Benjamin Graham, the father of value investing, we examine why even the most disciplined investors must be cautious when evaluating the people running a business.From Graham’s famous “moustache” anecdote to the challenges of assessing leadership from the outside, this episode uncovers the hidden role of bias, perception, and overconfidence in investment decisions. We also explore how Warren Buffett built on Graham’s thinking—emphasising strong businesses that can succeed regardless of who is in charge.You’ll learn: Why judging management is far more difficult than it appears  How unconscious biases influence investment decisions  The importance of margin of safety when uncertainty is high  Why integrity matters more than charisma  How to avoid costly mistakes when evaluating CEOs In an age of constant access to executives through earnings calls, interviews, and social media, it’s easy to believe we understand management better than we do. This episode is a timely reminder that what we see is often incomplete—and sometimes misleading.If you’re serious about long-term investing, this discussion will help you stay grounded, disciplined, and focused on what truly matters.Support the show

In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, we take a deeper dive into one of the most overlooked works by Benjamin Graham — Storage and Stability.While Graham is best known for The Intelligent Investor and Security Analysis, this lesser-known book reveals a broader and more ambitious side of his thinking—one focused not just on investing, but on economic stability itself.We explore Graham’s concept of “storage” as a mechanism for stabilising commodity prices, his proposal for a commodity-backed currency system, and his concern with the damaging effects of price volatility on markets and society.More importantly, we connect these ideas back to modern investing: What does “stability” really mean in today’s markets?  Can volatility ever be reduced—or should it be embraced?  How does instability create both risk and opportunity for value investors?  What can Graham’s economic thinking teach us about portfolio construction and resilience? In an era of rapid market movements, inflation shocks, and global uncertainty, Graham’s insights remain surprisingly relevant. His work reminds us that while we cannot eliminate volatility, we can prepare for it—through discipline, patience, and a margin of safety.Whether you’re a long-term investor or a dedicated student of value investing, this episode offers a unique perspective on how markets function beneath the surface—and how to navigate them more effectively.Support the show

When markets turn volatile, many investors do the same thing: sell, step back, and move into cash. It feels safe. It feels smart.But what if that instinct is quietly working against you?In this episode, we unpack the rush to cash during times of crisis — and reveal the less visible risks that come with it, including inflation, missed opportunities, and long-term wealth erosion.A must-listen for anyone looking to think more clearly and invest more intelligently during uncertain times.Support the show

Why did Charlie Munger say the first $100,000 is the hardest to earn—and what does that mean for your investing journey?In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, we break down one of the most powerful (and often misunderstood) ideas in value investing. Alongside insights from Warren Buffett’s long-time partner, we explore why the early stages of building wealth feel slow—and why that’s completely normal.You’ll learn:The real meaning behind the $100,000 threshold theoryHow compounding transforms small investments into long-term wealthWhy the early years of investing depend more on saving than returnsThe psychological challenges that hold most investors backPractical strategies to accelerate your progress and avoid costly mistakesWhether you’re just starting your investing journey or working toward your first major milestone, this episode will help you understand how wealth is truly built—and why patience is your greatest advantage.Because once compounding takes hold, everything changes.🎧 Subscribe for more insights on value investing, long-term wealth building, and rational decision-making.Support the show

Would the father of value investing ever buy Bitcoin?In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, we explore how the principles of legendary investor Benjamin Graham might apply to the modern world of cryptocurrency.Long before digital assets existed, Graham established the foundations of value investing, teaching investors to focus on intrinsic value, thorough analysis, and the famous concept of the margin of safety. But how would those ideas hold up when applied to assets like Bitcoin and other digital currencies?Using Graham’s famous definition of an investment from The Intelligent Investor, we examine three key questions:• Can cryptocurrency be analysed in the same way as traditional investments? • Does crypto possess measurable intrinsic value? • Can investors realistically expect safety of principal and an adequate return?Along the way, we explore Graham’s distinction between investment and speculation, his famous Mr Market analogy, and why disciplined investors focus on protecting capital above all else.Whether you’re a long-term value investor, curious about Bitcoin, or simply trying to understand the difference between investing and speculation, this episode offers a timeless perspective on one of the most debated assets in modern finance.🎧 In this episode you’ll learn:The three criteria that define a true investmentWhy intrinsic value matters in financial marketsHow cryptocurrencies compare with traditional assetsWhat value investors can learn from Graham’s philosophy todaySubscribe to Intelligent Investment Today for more discussions on value investing, financial history, and the principles that guide disciplined investors through uncertain markets.Support the show

Benjamin Graham is widely known as the father of value investing and the mentor to Warren Buffett. Most investors associate Graham with undervalued stocks, intrinsic value, and the famous concept of the margin of safety.But Graham believed intelligent investing involved much more than stock selection.In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, we explore Benjamin Graham’s views on bonds — a crucial but often overlooked component of a well-balanced portfolio.We discuss:• What bonds actually are and how they work • Why Benjamin Graham believed bonds provided stability and protection • The key advantages and disadvantages of bonds compared with stocks • Graham’s famous asset allocation rule — the 50% to 50% portfolio balance • Why bonds can help investors remain disciplined during market downturnsDrawing on the principles outlined in The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham, this episode explains why bonds were never just an afterthought in Graham’s philosophy — they were a cornerstone of intelligent investing.If you want to build a portfolio designed not only for growth but also resilience, this episode will help you understand why Graham believed balance between stocks and bonds is essential.Support the show

Geopolitical tensions can shake financial markets within hours. Headlines intensify, oil prices surge, and investors often react emotionally.But how should disciplined investors respond?In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, we explore how the timeless principles of value investing — first articulated by the legendary investor and teacher Benjamin Graham — can help investors remain rational during periods of geopolitical uncertainty.Using the current tensions in the Middle East as context, we discuss why markets often overreact to crises, how volatility differs from true investment risk, and why patient investors may find opportunity when fear spreads through the market.From Graham’s famous metaphor of Mr Market to the powerful concept of the margin of safety, this episode examines the behavioural lessons that help long-term investors stay disciplined when the market becomes emotional.Because while crises may change, investor psychology rarely does.If you want to think more clearly when markets become volatile, this episode is for you.Support the show

Even the greatest investors make mistakes.In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, we examine five of the most instructive errors made by Warren Buffett - Graham's most famous student - and explore what they reveal about the true practice of value investing.From the costly acquisition of Dexter Shoe to missed opportunities like Amazon, these moments of misjudgement illuminate principles that matter more than isolated success: durability, cyclicality, adaptability and opportunity cost.We explore:- Why "cheap" isn't always safe.- The hidden risks of cyclical industries like airlines.- The Dangers of delayed reaction.- Why Buffett evolved beyond the "cigar butt" approach.By studying these mistakes, we gain deeper insight into Graham's core teachings: margin of safety, emotional discipline, and the management of risk.Because sometimes the clearest way to understand an investment philosophy is to examine the moments when it was tested.Support the show

Why do so many value investors live modestly, drive unfashionable cars, and get strangely excited about discounted groceries?In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, we explore the surprising connection between frugality and value investing — and why the principles taught by Benjamin Graham often extend far beyond the stock market.From dented tins of beans to £5,000 sports cars, we examine how concepts like margin of safety, intrinsic value, and capital allocation quietly reshape everyday decisions.Why did Warren Buffett remain in a modest home for decades? Why do value investors resist status-driven spending? And what does supermarket discount hunting reveal about investing temperament?This episode explores:The psychology behind frugalityMargin of safety in daily lifeStatus signalling vs intrinsic valueOptionality and financial resilienceHow value investing rewires perceptionBecause investing is not about brilliance in isolated moments — it’s about temperament over time.And once you truly internalise the difference between price and value, you begin to see mispricing everywhere.Including aisle seven of the supermarket.If you’re interested in value investing, behavioural finance, Warren Buffett’s philosophy, or the mindset behind long-term wealth building, this episode is for you.Subscribe for weekly insights into rational investing and disciplined capital allocation.Support the show

In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, we explore one of the most frustrating experiences in investing: watching carefully chosen undervalued stocks underperform for months — or even years — while speculative assets surge.Drawing on the teachings of Benjamin Graham, widely regarded as the father of value investing and mentor to Warren Buffett, we examine why value investing can feel ineffective in the short term — and why that discomfort may actually be part of the strategy’s long-term edge.We revisit Graham’s timeless insights from The Intelligent Investor, including the famous “voting machine vs. weighing machine” analogy, and explore real-world case studies:Buffett’s early investment in GEICOGraham’s experience managing the Graham-Newman Partnership during the Great DepressionThe prolonged value investing slump following the 2008 Financial CrisisWhy do undervalued stocks sometimes keep falling? Why does the market reward speculation over fundamentals? And how can disciplined investors stay the course when value strategies lag behind growth stocks?This episode breaks down the psychological challenges of value investing, the role of patience in long-term returns, and the critical difference between price and intrinsic value.If you’re a long-term investor struggling with underperformance, market volatility, or doubts about your strategy, this episode will reinforce a timeless truth: value investing isn’t broken — but your patience might be tested.Stay disciplined. Stay rational. And let the weighing machine do its work.Support the show

Warren Buffett is widely celebrated as the greatest stock picker of all time. But what if that popular belief misses the real source of his success?In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, David Coombs explores a provocative idea: Buffett’s enduring advantage is not stock selection — it is capital allocation.From his early days applying Benjamin Graham’s value investing principles to the transformation of Berkshire Hathaway into a permanent capital allocation machine, we examine how Buffett evolved from elite stock picker to master allocator of capital.You’ll learn:Why capital allocation matters more than stock pickingHow insurance float gives Berkshire a structural advantageThe difference between investing and intelligent capital deploymentWhy doing nothing is often the most rational decisionWhat individual investors can learn from Buffett’s disciplineIn a world obsessed with hot stocks, bold predictions, and constant activity, Buffett’s real edge lies in patience, restraint, and rational capital deployment.If you want to think like a long-term investor — not a market speculator — this episode will change how you view investing.Stock picking can make you rich. Capital allocation determines whether you stay that way.Support the show

In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, we step away from stock prices, market forecasts, and short-term noise to explore how one of history’s greatest investors actually thought.Charlie Munger, long-time partner of Warren Buffett and vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, believed that investment success was not driven by complex formulas or superior intelligence—but by sound judgment, emotional discipline, and the consistent avoidance of obvious mistakes. His influence fundamentally reshaped modern value investing.This episode explores Munger’s most important mental models, including inversion, circle of competence, incentives, second-order thinking, opportunity cost, and the psychological biases that cause investors to make repeated errors. Rather than focusing on what to buy, Munger focused on how to think when uncertainty is unavoidable and emotions run high.You’ll learn why Munger emphasized temperament over intellect, why avoiding stupidity can be more powerful than seeking brilliance, and how clear thinking—not prediction—can become a durable edge in investing. These principles aren’t about constant activity or clever trades. They’re about patience, discipline, and positioning yourself to benefit from long-term compounding.Whether you’re a long-term investor, student of value investing, or simply interested in better decision-making, this episode offers timeless insights into how great investors approach risk, uncertainty, and opportunity.Support the show

What does it take for a company to survive—and thrive—for the next 100 years?In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, David Coombs introduces the 100-Year Stock Test, a long-term value investing framework inspired by the principles of Benjamin Graham and enduring business fundamentals. Instead of chasing short-term market trends, this episode challenges investors to think like long-term owners and focus on resilience, durability, and structural strength.You’ll learn why most companies fail within decades—and what sets the rare survivors apart. We explore the key traits shared by century-long businesses, including durable demand, economic moats, financial discipline, risk management, and adaptability without abandoning core principles.From consumer staples and healthcare to utilities and essential infrastructure, this episode explains which industries are most likely to endure—and why businesses built on hype, excessive debt, or fragile models often fail. You’ll also discover how corporate culture, conservative balance sheets, and thoughtful innovation contribute to long-term survival.Whether you’re a value investor, long-term shareholder, or simply looking to reduce risk and invest more intelligently, the 100-Year Stock Test offers a powerful mental framework for evaluating business quality beyond price charts and short-term performance.If you believe investing is about preserving capital, compounding wealth, and owning strong businesses, this episode will help you sharpen your decision-making and avoid common investing mistakes.Support the show

In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, we explore the dark side of finance by examining some of the worst balance sheets in modern corporate history. Instead of celebrating great businesses, we analyse how Enron, Lehman Brothers, and WeWork—once admired, widely owned, and highly praised—were ultimately destroyed by weak financial foundations.Each of these companies appeared successful on the surface, but beneath the headlines and hype were excessive leverage, hidden liabilities, poor cash flow, and dangerous balance sheet structures. Drawing inspiration from the timeless principles of Benjamin Graham and value investing, this episode explains why the balance sheet reveals truths that income statements and growth stories often conceal.You’ll learn:Why complex balance sheets and off-balance-sheet liabilities are major red flagsHow excessive debt and leverage turn small problems into catastrophic failuresWhy great stories and rapid growth can’t compensate for weak financial disciplineWhat value investors should look for when analysing balance sheets todayFrom Enron’s accounting deception, to Lehman Brothers’ extreme leverage, to WeWork’s cash-burning business model, these case studies offer powerful lessons on risk, survival, and long-term investing success.Markets may reward hype in the short term, but history shows that financial reality always wins. For investors who care about capital preservation, resilience, and intelligent decision-making, the balance sheet remains the most important financial statement of all.Support the show

Are net-net stocks—Benjamin Graham’s most extreme value-investing strategy—still alive in today’s hyper-efficient markets?In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, David Coombs revisits the legendary net-net investing strategy, a deep-value approach made famous by Benjamin Graham, and examines whether it still works in 2026. Once considered the purest form of margin of safety, net-net investing involves buying stocks for less than their net current asset value, often paying less than liquidation value for an entire business.You’ll learn:What net-net investing really is (and why it’s so misunderstood)Why net-nets nearly disappeared from public marketsWhere net-net stocks still exist today—including microcaps and foreign marketsHow modern investors can apply Graham’s logic in 2026The real risks of net-net investing, including value traps and zombie companiesWhy human psychology still creates deep value opportunitiesWe explore real-world examples from U.S. microcaps, Japanese equities, and distressed industries, showing how fear, neglect, and boredom continue to produce statistically cheap investments—just as Graham predicted decades ago.If you’re interested in value investing, Benjamin Graham principles, deep value stocks, or finding opportunities where others refuse to look, this episode will challenge how you think about risk, patience, and intelligent investing.🎧 Subscribe to Intelligent Investment Today for more timeless investing lessons inspired by Benjamin Graham—applied to modern markets.Support the show

What would happen if the stock market shut down for an entire year — no trading, no price quotes, no daily volatility?In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, we explore a powerful thought experiment inspired by Benjamin Graham, the father of value investing and mentor to Warren Buffett. By imagining a world without market prices, we strip investing back to its essentials and confront the timeless distinction between price and value, speculation and investment, and activity and intelligence.With markets silent, which assets would still make sense to own? Which businesses would continue to generate real value? And how many modern investment strategies rely more on liquidity, psychology, and constant repricing than on fundamental worth?This episode examines:Why cash flow matters more when markets are closedHow liquidity can be a luxury rather than a guaranteeThe psychological impact of investing without price feedbackWhat a true margin of safety looks like in practiceWhy patient ownership, not constant action, lies at the heart of intelligent investingRather than predicting crises or market shutdowns, this discussion sharpens your understanding of long-term ownership, discipline, and clarity — exactly as Benjamin Graham intended.If you want to invest with confidence even when markets are quiet, this episode is for you.Support the show

Are financial markets truly efficient, or are they driven by emotion, fear, and human error?In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, we take a deep but accessible look at the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH) and place it head-to-head with the philosophy of Benjamin Graham, the father of value investing. We explain what EMH really means, why it appears convincing in theory, and why it often falls apart in the real world.Drawing on Graham’s famous concept of Mr. Market, we explore how psychology, crowd behavior, and emotional decision-making lead to mispriced assets — and why this creates long-term opportunities for disciplined value investors. We also examine bubbles, market inefficiencies, and where modern investing giants like Warren Buffett fit into the debate.Whether you’re new to investing or looking for a clear refresher, this episode will help you understand:What the Efficient Market Hypothesis claimsWhy markets are efficient most of the time — but not all of the timeHow human behavior creates opportunityWhy value investing still works, and likely always willSit back, tune in, and gain a clearer understanding of why patience, discipline, and emotional control remain the value investor’s greatest edge.Support the show

Most investors associate value investing with stock markets, balance sheets, and ticker symbols. But Benjamin Graham never said value investing was about stocks — he said it was about the intelligent allocation of capital.In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, we explore how the core principles of value investing apply just as powerfully to private businesses as they do to listed companies. Using the example of a small, independent grocery store, we ask how a value investor — in the tradition of Benjamin Graham and Warren Buffett — would evaluate risk, cash flow, assets, management dependence, and margin of safety.We strip away market noise, adjusted earnings, and modern financial jargon to focus on what truly matters: what a business earns, what it owns, and how resilient it is in the face of competition and change. From downside risk and owner dependence to debt, durability, and conservative valuation, this episode is a reminder that a business is a business — whether it turns over thousands or billions.If you want to think like a true business owner, avoid speculative thinking, and apply Graham’s timeless principles beyond the stock market, this episode is for you.Support the show

In this special episode of Intelligent Investment Today, we explore value investing through the lens of the Seven Deadly Sins — revealing how Pride, Greed, Envy, Wrath, Sloth, Gluttony, and Lust quietly sabotage investor decisions every day. Drawing on the timeless wisdom of Benjamin Graham, we examine how emotional impulses, market hype, and behavioral biases can derail even the smartest investors.Each sin takes the stage as we uncover:How Pride fuels overconfidence and destroys disciplineWhy Greed pushes investors toward speculation, hype, and AI-driven maniasHow Envy turns investing into a competition instead of a strategyWhy Wrath leads to panic selling and revenge-trading during downturnsHow Sloth encourages shortcuts, tips, and ignorance over researchWhy Gluttony creates bloated portfolios with no directionHow Lust seduces investors into speculative “story stocks” and bubblesGrounded in Graham’s principles of intrinsic value, margin of safety, and emotional control, this episode reveals why investing is as much a moral discipline as a financial one — and how mastering your temperament is the real key to long-term success.If you’ve ever felt the pull of market hype or emotional temptation, this episode will help you recognise the whisper of each “sin” and choose the rational, disciplined path that Graham championed.Support the show

In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, David Coombs dives into a real-life investing experience following a shocking 30% drop in his holding of Card Factory. Using Benjamin Graham's timeless value investing principles, he explains how to separate market noise from genuine changes in intrinsic value, stay rational under pressure, and spot opportunities in market overreactions.   Support the show

In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, host David Coombs takes listeners on a deep-dive into a fictional company - North West Widgets - to explore how Benjamin Graham and Warren Buffett might each evaluate the same investment opportunity.If you have ever wondered how value investors think - or how to apply classic value-investing principles to real-world companies - this episode offers a clear, entertaining walkthrough. #valueinvesting #BenjaminGraham #WarrenBuffett #intrinsicvalue #marginofsafety #investingpodcastSupport the show

In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, host David Coombs breaks down one of the most essential - and most misunderstood - principles in all of investing: the true difference between investment and speculation.Drawing from the timeless wisdom of Benjamin Graham, mentor to Warren Buffett and father of value investing, David explains why so many market participants think they are investing when really they are speculating - and why that confusion can lead to dangerous, unintended riaks.Support the show

In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, host David Coombs revisits one of Benjamin Graham's most enduring and influential ideas: Mr Market. First introduced by Graham and later championed by Warren Buffett, the Mr Market metaphor remains one of the most effective tools for understanding market psychology, irrational price swings and the core principles behind value investing.Whether you're new to investing or a seasoned student of Graham, this episode offers a timely reminder of the psychological forces driving markets - and how staying rational gives you the edge.Support the show

In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, host David Coombs explores one of the most famous episodes in financial history - Tulip Mania, the 17th century Dutch bubble that turned ordinary flower bulbs into symbols of speculative excess.Through the lens of Benjamin Graham's value investing principles, we unpack what drove the mania, how it collapsed, and why the same psychology of greed and fear still drives markets today - from the dot-com boom to cryptocurrencies and meme stocks.Discover what Tulip Mania teaches modern investors about intrinsic value, market psychology, and the timeless importance of asking one simple question: "How much am I paying for what I'm getting?" Support the show

In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, we take a deep dive into the 2008 Financial Crisis - the most severe market collapse of the modern era - and explore what it teaches us about risk, human behaviour, and investing wisely. Join David Coombs as he breaks down the causes of the crisis, its global impact, and whether value investors are better positioned to weather such storms.Support the show

In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, we explore one of the most overlooked aspects of value investing: the inevitability of mistakes.Guided by the principles of Benjamin Graham - mentor to Warren Buffett - we discuss why even the most careful investors make errors, how to manage them, and why a disciplined approach still offers the best odds of long-term success.Hear real-world examples and insights from Buffett's own missteps, and learn practical strategies to protect your portfolio using margin of safety, diversification and rational decision-making.Whether your a seasoned investor of just starting out, this episode offers a candid and insightful look at embracing mistakes as a key part of the intelligent investment journey.Support the show

Can the stars predict the stock market? A century ago, thousands believed they could. Today, the same impulse drives countless investors toward "get-rich-quick" gurus and online influencers. In this episode, we uncover the psychology behind our hunger for shortcuts - and why the disciplined value investor must resist the siren song of certainty.Support the show

In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, host David Coombs takes a deep dive into one of Warren Buffett's most enduring investment principles - the durable competitive advantage, or what Buffett calls a company's "economic moat."From Coca-Cola's brand loyalty to Amazon's vast logistics empire, we explore what makes certain businesses almost impossible to compete with, and why these moats matter so much to value investors.Support the show

In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, we explore one of the most dramatic cautionary tales in financial history: the collapse of Long-Term Capital Management. Founded by Nobel Prize winners and Wall Street legends, LTCM promised near risk-free profits through sophisticated models and extreme leverage - until it all came crashing down.Host David Coombs breaks down how a portfolio controlling around $1 trillion unravelled in a matter of months, why Warren Buffett briefly considered stepping in, and what value investors can learn from this extraordinary meltdown.Support the show

What does a 1970s psychology experiment involving children and marshmallows have to do with long-term investing? In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, we explore the parallels between delayed gratification and successful value investing, inspired by the teaching of Benjamin Graham. From fancy cars to fast trades, many fail the adult version of the marshmallow test - but is patience a natural trait or can it be cultivated? Host David Coombs unpacks the mindset, strategies, and temperament needed to master the art of waiting - and why doing nothing is sometimes the most intelligent move an investor can make.Support the show

The UK stock market has been underperforming - not just recently, but for years. From Brexit uncertainty to structural investing habits and a lack of flashy tech names, the FTSE has fallen out of favour with both domestic and international investors. But is that negativity justified - or has pessimism gone too far?In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, host David Coombs applies the lens of Benjamin Graham's investing philosophy to examine the UK equity landscape. We'll unpack the reasons behind the market's struggles, from political headwinds to cultural apathy, and explore why the current environment may present a compelling opportunity for disciplined, long term investors.Whether you're a UK based investor or simply looking for overlooked value globally, this episode will challenge prevailing narratives - and perhaps, your portfolio allocation.Support the show

In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, we tackle one of value investing's oldest questions: how much diversification is enough - and when does it become too much? Guided by the wisdom of Benjamin Graham and Warren Buffet, we explore why spreading your investments across too many stocks can dilute your returns and how over-diversification might actually hurt your portfolio. We break down the "Goldilocks Zone" of diversification, influenced by your experience, financial goals, and market conditions. Plus, we discuss when index funds might be the smartest choice for investors who prefer a hands-off approach. Whether you're a defensive investor or a seasoned stock picker, this episode offers timeless insights to help you strike the perfect balance.Support the show

In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, David Coombs dives into a foundational principle of value investing: staying within your circle of competence. Inspiured by the teaching of of Benjamin Graham and the wisdom of Warren Buffett, we explore why it's essential to only invest in businesses you truel understand -and the dangers of pretending you don when you don't.From financial institutions to AI firms, David walks through real-world examples of businesses that may lie beyond the average investor's grasp, and why that's perfectly okay. He shares insights on how to avoid costly mistakes, the importance of intellectual humility, and why sticking to simple, understandable businesses can lead to long-term success.Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started, this episode is a valuable reminder: if you don't get it, don't invest in it.Support the show

Is gold a timeless hedge or just shiny nonsense? In this episode, David Coombs dismantles the glittering myth of gold as a solid investment for value investors. From personal distaste for gaudy accessories to a lack of intrinsic value, nothing escapes scrutiny - not even crypto. But there may be a golden lining: the businesses behind the bling. Tune in for a Graham-inspired reality check.Support the show

In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, we explore one of the most overlooked yet powerful principles in value investing: thinking and acting like a true owner of the business in which we hold stock. Host David Coombs breaks down why adopting an ownership mindset isn't just a philosophical stance, it's a practical strategy that can lead to long-term investment success. Drawing inspiration from the timeless wisdom of Benjamin Graham, we discuss how acting like an owner fosters deeper insight, emotional discipline, and smarter decision-making.Whether you are a seasoned investor or just getting started, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you view your portfolio - and your role in it.Support the show

In this episode of Intelligent Investment Today, host David Coombs steps outside the typical boundaries of value investing to explore a surprising topic: intelligent speculation. While speculation is often seen as the antithesis of value investment—as famously defined by Benjamin Graham—David asks whether there’s ever room for a small, controlled gamble in a disciplined investor’s portfolio.From defining what truly separates investment from speculation, to sharing a personal story about backing a favorite newspaper, this episode examines whether speculation can be reframed as a recreational pursuit rather than a financial strategy. Tune in to hear how to keep speculation fun, affordable, and safely isolated from your serious investment efforts.Support the show

In this edition we re-examine one of the central tenets of value investment - The Margin Of Safety Principle. This principle was put forward by Benjamin Graham to insure against mistakes or errors of judgement in the selection of stock. The principles demands a discount to intrinsic value to create a buffer zone against the risks associated with being wrong. In this episode we shall look in closer detail at the principle and consider what this margin should be in percentage terms.Support the show

In this edition we take a look at dividend policy and the habit that many businesses have fallen into of retaining earnings when it is not always in the shareholders best interest for them to do so. We consider why many businesses and management teams like to retain earnings rather than pay them out as dividends and why many investors instinctively believe that this is in their best interest.Support the show

In this edition we look at some of the common traits shared by the typical value investor. One of the main qualities seems to be our need to obtain value for money whether that be in the purchase of stocks at less than their intrinsic value or when buying a multi pack of Coca-Cola. We will consider some aspects of character that seem to be ingrained in value investor and cannot be taught.Support the show

In this edition we look into a recent report of growing excitement on a certain Reddit forum about a whole new bunch of stocks. What one financial newspaper is tentatively dubbing Gamestop 2.0, we consider if investors have learned their lesson from the previous meme stock craze or we are about to replay the whole thing again.Support the show

In this episode we investigate the pros and cons of investing in smaller listed businesses such as those listed on London's AIM index (Alternative Investments Market). Support the show

In this episode we take the efficient markets hypothesis and consider if it really can stand up to scrutiny. Does the parable of Mr Market offer a better understanding of how the markets work in reality? Support the show

In this edition we take a look at the career highs and lows of The British Value Investor Neil Woodford. After 26 years of Buffett rivalling performance at his Invesco Fund his reputation was heavily tarnished after the investment fund he set up collapsed leaving an estimated 300,000 investors out of pocket. We look at what went wrong and consider if his pariah status is deserved or whether we should really give him a break.Support the show

In this edition we take a look at the Japanese economic miracle. In the four decades that followed the Second World War Japan's economy went on to become the world's third largest. We then look at the lost decades that followed the economic crash of the early nineteen nineties and consider if we could ever see the like again somewhere else in the world. Support the show

In this episode we take a look at the interesting case of Tesla. We consider the reasons why investors continue to prop up the stock price of this business despite a price to earnings ratio of around 160 times.Support the show

In this episode we take a look at the Airline Industry. We consider the attractiveness or otherwise of this exciting and exotic sector as a destination for your capital, exploring the eccentricities and foibles of the industry along the way.  Support the show

In this episode we take a look at one of Buffett's earliest deviations away from the strict value approach as espoused by his mentor, Benjamin Graham. We will discover how the qualities of this Californian candy business would permanently alter Buffett's investment approach and go on to influence many of his future investment decisions.Support the show

In this episode we take a look at the events of Monday October 19, 1987, the day that went on to be known as Black Monday. On this day the Dow Jones Industrial average went on to shed around 23% of its value, and in doing so it looked like, for a time that it might take the whole financial system down with it. We examine how events played out and what lessons the value investor can draw from it.Support the show