Is Investing a Science?

Abstract

Although investors seek greater certainty in their results, investment returns can fluctuate dramatically. To help increase investors’ confidence that their strategy will achieve their goals, investors should consider utilizing the scientific method. We first describe the scientific method and then discuss its applications to investing, providing an explicit example with value investing. Finally, we discuss how to reduce uncertainty, giving similarities and differences between science and investing.

TOPICS: Fundamental equity analysis, portfolio theory, portfolio construction