This translation has been automatically generated and has not been verified for accuracy.When I present a perspective on markets for readers to consider it doesn’t mean I agree with it. The reason for that preamble is that I’m about to describe the views of a man who believes index investing is basically one big Ponzi scheme.
With this reading, market distortions from index funds are compounded by the fact that investors have been trained to never attempt to time the market by selling stocks to reduce risk. This stabilizes equity prices at high levels, which again attracts more flows. In Mr. Green’s words, “if nobody sells, markets can only go up.”
The valuation differences between stocks excluded by indexes and benchmark member stocks is cited in the podcast. Academic research has shown a ‘permanent shift in valuation’ with index constituents trading at far more expensive multiples than similar companies not included. In this case it does appear that the market’s role in capital allocation – moving investments towards more profitable companies with better management teams – has been at least partially short circuited by passive investing.