Contrarian: Channelling your inner cockroach

CONTRARIAN

clock

Back in the spring of 1980 my school tuck shop underwent a revolution. For many years we lowly eighth and ninth graders were brazenly swindled by the year 11 tuck shop manager Alex and his complicated pricing packages.

I always felt his combination of Curly Wurlies and Flying Saucers into one ‘enticing’ single-priced package was a con. We were right to be suspicious, as I discovered in 1980 when I took over the aforementioned retail emporium. I then instituted the insight of my friend Rajit: “Keep it simple, don’t try to predict anything, and give them what they want.” Alex had been using complexity to hide a monstrous fraud that went towards paying for the BMX Club. You will not be surprised to hear Alex went on to a glittering career, first in fractal mathematics and then hedge funds, running all sor...

To continue reading this article...

Join Investment Week for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, analysis and opinion from the investment industry, including the Sustainable Hub covering fund news from the ESG space
  • Get ahead of regulatory and technological changes affecting fund management
  • Important and breaking news stories selected by the editors delivered straight to your inbox each day
  • Weekly members-only newsletter with exclusive opinion pieces from leading industry experts
  • Be the first to hear about our extensive events schedule and awards programmes

Join now

 

Already an Investment Week
member?

Login

More on Investment

Charles Schwab UK's Richard Flynn: Young UK investors leading thematic investing charge

Charles Schwab UK's Richard Flynn: Young UK investors leading thematic investing charge

At a 'tipping point'

Richard Flynn
clock 17 June 2025 • 3 min read
Event Voice: Your questions answered by Polar Capital at the Emerging Markets Conference

Event Voice: Your questions answered by Polar Capital at the Emerging Markets Conference

Volatility is opening up attractive entry points into emerging markets

Jorry Nøddekær, Lead Fund Manager, Polar Capital Emerging Market Stars Fund
clock 17 June 2025 • 10 min read
Majority of UK financial institutions expect growth over next 12 months

Majority of UK financial institutions expect growth over next 12 months

UK expected to remain a financial hub

Patrick Brusnahan
clock 16 June 2025 • 2 min read
Trustpilot