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The history of the past fifty years, and longer, indicates…

“The history of the past fifty years, and longer, indicates that a diversified holding of representative common stocks will prove more profitable over a stretch of years than a bond portfolio, with one important provisio that the shares must be purchased at reasonable market levels, that is, levels…” quote by Benjamin Graham
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“The history of the past fifty years, and longer, indicates that a diversified holding of representative common stocks will prove more profitable over a stretch of years than a bond portfolio, with one important provisio that the shares must be purchased at reasonable market levels, that is, levels that are reasonable in the light of fairly well-defined standards derived from past experience.”

Benjamin Graham

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Advocates diversified stock holdings bought at reasonable prices for long‑term profit, noting bonds underperform over time

In simple terms: Buy varied stocks at fair value for better returns than bonds

Key Takeaway

Invest in diversified equities at reasonable valuations

Themes

investment value investing risk diversification

Mood

analytical prudent

Type

financial educational

When to use this quote

  • retirement planning
  • wealth building
  • financial advising
  • asset allocation

Key Concepts

stock market cycles valuation metrics portfolio theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • What criteria define a “reasonable” stock price?
  • How will you adjust allocation as markets change?
A Different Perspective

Market timing and valuation judgments can be difficult

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