Skip to content

Predicting the stock market is really predicting how other…

“Predicting the stock market is really predicting how other investors will change estimates they are now making with all their best efforts. This means that, for a market forecaster to be right, the consensus of all others must be wrong and the forecaster must determine in which direction-up or…” quote by Burton G. Malkiel
Download Open image
““Predicting the stock market is really predicting how other investors will change estimates they are now making with all their best efforts. This means that, for a market forecaster to be right, the consensus of all others must be wrong and the forecaster must determine in which direction-up or down-the market will be moved by changes in the consensus of those same active investors.””

Burton G. Malkiel

About This Quote

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

Market forecasts succeed by anticipating shifts in collective investor expectations, not by matching current consensus.

In simple terms: Predict markets by spotting changes in what others think.

Key Takeaway

Watch for consensus shifts.

Themes

finance prediction behavioral economics

Mood

analytical skeptical

Type

advisory strategic

When to use this quote

  • investment strategy
  • portfolio management
  • trading decisions
  • risk assessment

Key Concepts

Efficient market hypothesis herding expectations

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you detect early signs of investor sentiment change?
  • What tools help track consensus shifts?
A Different Perspective

If consensus is truly efficient, anticipating its change may be impossible.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Burton G. Malkiel

Explore all 9 Burton G. Malkiel quotes

More Change quotes

Browse all 33,920 Change quotes