Common Sense on Mutual Funds: New Imperatives for the Intelligent Investor , authored by Vanguard founder , is a foundational text in investment literature that champions simplicity, discipline, and cost-efficiency. Originally published in 1999, it advocates for a shift from actively managed funds to low-cost index funds as the most reliable path to long-term wealth. Core Philosophy: The "Boglehead" Approach
Bogle highlights that while investment returns compound over time, so do costs. A seemingly small 1–2% annual fee can erode more than half of an investor's potential wealth over several decades. Key Investment Principles Common Sense on Mutual Funds
The book’s central thesis is that . Bogle argues that because the market is largely efficient, attempting to "beat" it through active stock selection and frequent trading is often a losing game once fees and taxes are accounted for. Common Sense on Mutual Funds: New Imperatives for