At the core of an analytical edge is an ability to systematically distinguish between fundamentals and expectations. Fundamentals are a well thought out distribution of outcomes, and expectations are what's priced into an asset. A power metaphor is the [pari-mutuel] racetrack. The fundamentals are how fast a given horse will run and the expectations are the odds on the tote board. As any serious handicapper knows, you make money only by finding a mispricing between the performance of the horse and the odds. There are no 'good' or 'bad' horses, just correctly or incorrectly priced ones.
Michael MauboussinEmphasising what's in your control allows you to adopt an attitude of equanimity toward luck. You've done what you can, and from there you have to live with the results - good or bad
Michael MauboussinHumans have a strong desire to be part of a group. That desire makes us susceptible to fads, fashions, and idea contagions.
Michael MauboussinOnlookers frequently confuse edge with style...Edge means generating excess returns because of mispricing. Style suggests being in the right place at the right time. Sometimes edge and style overlap, sometimes they don't.
Michael MauboussinPeople are, by and large, quite poor at judging correct absolute values but are astute about determining relative values. Psychologists call this coherent arbitrariness, which suggests that individuals are coherent when they compare prices on a relative basis but arbitrary when those prices are considered versus fundamental value.
Michael Mauboussin