1/05/2026

Reseña de libro - El inversor inteligente, de Benjamin Graham

Reseña de libro - El inversor inteligente, de Benjamin Graham Mi valoración - 4/5 (Cualitativa - “Me ha gustado mucho”) “El inversor inteligente es un realista que vende al optimista y compra al pesimista.” He leído este libro porque me ha sido recomendado por diversos amigos, conocidos, autores y publicaciones que leo habitualmente. Confieso que mis expectativas eran altas y que una pregunta importante subyacía en mi mente antes de empezar: ¿Qué puede aportarme un libro sobre inversión que vaya más allá de lo que ya he estudiado y aprendido en mi Master in Science in Finance o en la preparación de los distintos niveles del CFA Institute? Tras terminarlo (más de 850 páginas), puedo asegurar que ha sido una muy buena inversión —en este caso, de tiempo— y estoy convencido de que he aprendido mucho. No tanto en términos técnicos (es un libro bastante accesible para un lector medianamente informado en finanzas e inversiones), sino en cómo abordar la lógica y la filosofía de la inversión desde una perspectiva holística, apoyándose en principios fundamentales (first principles) que todo inversor debería interiorizar si aspira a tener éxito en ese arte que es invertir en los mercados financieros. No encontrarás soluciones ni fórmulas mágicas, pero sí principios orientadores clave que, aplicados a tus conocimientos de finanzas, negocio, estrategia y gestión de recursos, te permitirán desarrollar una estructura sólida para la toma de decisiones. Principales premisas que me llevo del libro 1 .Distinción clara entre inversor y especulador. El inversor realiza un análisis exhaustivo ex ante del activo que va a comprar y, basándose en dicho análisis, considera que existe una alta probabilidad de preservar el capital y obtener un rendimiento adecuado al riesgo asumido. 2 .El inversor debe limitarse a activos de empresas relevantes, con un historial prolongado de resultados positivos y una situación financiera sólida. 3 .Para obtener de forma consistente resultados superiores a la media del mercado (alpha), es necesario seguir políticas que inviertan en valores sólidos y prometedores que no gocen de gran popularidad en el momento de la inversión. 4 . La inflación es una variable clave, tanto por su impacto en la valoración de los títulos como por su efecto en la rentabilidad de la actividad de la empresa analizada. 5 .Un inversor inteligente jamás debe prever el futuro basándose exclusivamente en la extrapolación del pasado. 6 .El valor de cualquier inversión es —y siempre será— una función del precio al que se adquiere. 7 .El rendimiento del mercado de valores depende de tres factores: a) Crecimiento real (beneficios y dividendos) b) Crecimiento nominal derivado de la inflación c) Crecimiento de la especulación 8 .Es fundamental vigilar métricas globales de valoración del mercado (PER, CAPE, etc.). PER superiores a 15 y valoraciones por encima de 1,5 veces el valor contable neto son señales de alerta. 9 .El rendimiento alcanzado está directamente relacionado con la cantidad de esfuerzo que el inversor está dispuesto —y es capaz— de dedicar a la inversión (diferencia entre inversor pasivo y “emprendedor”). 10 .Un inversor no debería tener más del 50 % de su cartera en acciones. Solo en casos muy excepcionales, y con una convicción profunda basada en datos y análisis rigurosos, esta regla debería incumplirse. 11 .Cinco reglas para invertir en acciones: a) Diversificación adecuada, pero no excesiva b) Invertir únicamente en empresas de gran tamaño y con financiación conservadora c) Priorizar empresas con historial de pago de dividendos d) Imponer reglas ex ante sobre el precio máximo de compra e) Limitar la exposición a empresas de alto crecimiento (o incluso excluirlas) 12 .El inversor trabaja siempre con una mentalidad de largo plazo. 13 .Es imprescindible tener en cuenta los costes de transacción, lo que favorece carteras más estables. 14 .El inversor debe centrar su atención en grandes empresas que, por razones coyunturales, atraviesan periodos de impopularidad. 15 .Un inversor debe tener muy claro qué puede controlar y qué no. Entre las variables controlables están: a) Precio de compra b) Costes de intermediación c) Costes de cartera d) Expectativas sobre los resultados e) Optimización fiscal f) Su propio comportamiento en el mercado 16 .Aprovechar y analizar toda la información disponible: leer memorias anuales, prestar atención a lo que se dice off the record y, sobre todo, a las notas a los estados financieros. 17 .Factores clave para valorar un título: a) Perspectivas de largo plazo (económicas, políticas, sociales, demográficas, etc.) b) Equipo directivo c) Fortaleza financiera y estructura de capital d) Historial de dividendos e) Pay-out 18 .Antes de invertir, realizar una simulación aplicando la estrategia de forma virtual y validar los resultados potenciales. En definitiva, El inversor inteligente no es solo un libro sobre inversión, sino un tratado sobre disciplina, paciencia y pensamiento independiente. En un entorno dominado por el ruido, la inmediatez y la búsqueda constante de rendimientos rápidos, Graham nos recuerda que invertir con éxito es, ante todo, un ejercicio de carácter. Su mensaje sigue plenamente vigente: quien sea capaz de controlar su comportamiento, respetar los principios fundamentales y aceptar que el mercado no siempre es racional, tendrá una ventaja estructural a largo plazo. Por ello, más que una lectura puntual, este libro es una referencia a la que merece la pena volver periódicamente. (texto revisado por un LLM) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5847484850

- Pedro

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10/20/2025

Book Review – The 10 Rules of Highly Effective Pricing: How to Transform Your Price Management to Boost Profits | Rating 2/5 | Qualitative: It is OK

Book Review – The 10 Rules of Highly Effective Pricing: How to Transform Your Price Management to Boost Profits | Rating 2/5 | Qualitative: It is OK “Yo soy yo y mi circunstancia…” | “I am myself and my circumstances” Ortega y Gasset, 1914 This famous phrase by Ortega y Gasset came to mind as I began writing this review—it also helps explain the somewhat surprising rating I gave the book. The book, a bestseller by pricing literature standards, is an easy and engaging read. I would definitely recommend it to anyone starting their journey into pricing or to those seeking a light introduction or a broad overview of the pricing domain. However, for a pricing expert, although it remains a pleasant and smooth reading experience, the book essentially aggregates and consolidates ten well-known pricing truisms—concepts that every pricing professional learns early in their career. The ten principles (not quoted verbatim) can be summarized as follows: 1.Pricing is a C-suite domain. 2.Strive for a pro-profit mindset (avoid leakages). 3.Understand and sell value. 4.Promote and implement price segmentation. 5.Carefully define your price structure, price variation drivers, and price adjusters to maximize profit. 6.Avoid price wars. 7.Create and communicate a price image or perception to your customers. 8.Use data, technology, and models to define your prices (embrace the body of knowledge). 9.Define and uphold pricing governance rules. 10.Avoid preconceived pricing myths that negatively impact decision-making, such as: a) Market share and profit are positively correlated. b) My product is a commodity, so price is my only lever. c) Small price concessions have little impact on the P&L. d) Dynamic pricing is always a black box. e) Pricing is purely cost-based. f) Pricing management is only about increasing or decreasing prices. g) Customers are solely driven by low prices. In a nutshell, depending on your starting point and objectives, I can either highly recommend this book—or simply consider it a “nice to have” if you have nothing else on your reading list. For the latter group, I could recommend several other books that would provide far greater value for your time investment. (text revised by a llm)

- Pedro

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10/13/2025

Leadership Lessons from a Maestro

A good friend recently recommended this TED Talk by Benjamin Zander on The Transformative Power of Classical Music. It’s an absolute gem. In just 20 minutes, Zander reveals not only the profound and universal appeal of classical music but also offers remarkable insights into leadership, management, and the art of inspiring others. Take a short break from your day and watch it — those 20 minutes will be exceptionally well spent. (text revised by a LLM) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9LCwI5iErE&t=33s

- Pedro

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7/31/2025

Taking Advantage of Summer: A Deep Dive into “Next Year in Moscow”

Taking Advantage of Summer: A Deep Dive into “Next Year in Moscow” This summer, I finally had the chance to listen to Next Year in Moscow, the powerful podcast series by Arkady Ostrovsky, produced by The Economist. Though released in 2023/2024, this series is nothing short of a small masterpiece. I strongly encourage everyone to listen to it—not just to learn, but to reflect. It offers rare and valuable insight into the Russia-Ukraine conflict, framed through a Russian lens. My hope is that it captures the voice of the silent majority within Russian society—those whose stories often go unheard. Each episode is brilliantly narrated, contextualized, and constructed with care and precision. Arkady Ostrovsky deserves full credit for this remarkable work. I can’t recommend Next Year in Moscow enough. Make time for it. Let yourself absorb the stories, the perspectives, and the underlying complexity of a nation in turmoil. This is also my tribute—to those still fighting an uphill battle from within, and to those forced into exile who carry with them their integrity, their values, and their vision of freedom. And who knows—maybe next year, you’ll be able to celebrate in Moscow once again: “Boy, bring us some vodka… we are coming home.” (text revised by a LLM) https://www.economist.com/audio/podcasts/next-year-in-moscow

- Pedro

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6/15/2025

Book Review – The Sorrow of War, by Bảo Ninh | Rating 4/5 | Qualitative: I really liked it

Book Review – The Sorrow of War, by Bảo Ninh | Rating 4/5 | Qualitative: I really liked it A Stark, Unflinching Portrait of War This book offers a profoundly different perspective on the Vietnam War—one I was not accustomed to—told with striking clarity, raw emotion, and elegant simplicity by a North Vietnamese veteran. Through the eyes of the protagonist, Kien, we are guided into the heart of the sorrow that war inflicts on everyone it touches. His story is not just personal, but emblematic of an entire generation forced to confront loss, disillusionment, and the psychological ruins left behind. The narrative exposes the painful journey endured by every soldier and the society that bears the weight of conflict. From shattered dreams to the erosion of personal aspirations, and for those who survive, the enduring scars—memories, trauma, and the haunting presence of ghosts from a bygone era. This is a book that compels reflection—not just on the Vietnam War, but on all wars being fought even as these words are read. It reminds us that the sorrow, disfigurement, and long-lasting consequences of war are not bound by geography or time. They repeat, decade after decade. I strongly recommend this book for its brutal honesty, emotional depth, and powerful storytelling. It is a stark, unfiltered meditation on war—not only on what it does to individuals, but to the soul of a society. Happy reading. (text revised by a LLM)

- Pedro

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6/14/2025

The 40 best books published so far this year (06’25)| From The Economist

The 40 best books published so far this year https://www.economist.com/culture/2025/06/05/the-40-best-books-published-so-far-this-year From The Economist Biography and memoir 1- Buckley: The Life and the Revolution That Changed America. BySam Tanenhaus 2-Careless People. By Sarah Wynn-Williams 3-The Optimist: Sam Altman, OpenAI and the Race to Invent the Future. By Keach Hagey. 4-Source Code: My Beginnings. By Bill Gates 5-The Thinking Machine: Jensen Huang, Nvidia and the World’s Most Coveted Microchip. By Stephen Witt Business, economics and technology 6-Apple in China: The Capture of the World’s Greatest Company. By Patrick McGee. Scribner 7-The Art of Uncertainty: How to Navigate Chance, Ignorance, Risk and Luck. By David Spiegelhalter 8-Chokepoints. By Edward Fishman 9-The Corporation in the 21st Century: Why (Almost) Everything We Are Told About Business Is Wrong. By John Kay 10-Empire ofai. By Karen Hao 11-House of Huawei. By Eva Dou Culture and arts 12-Adventures in the Louvre: How to Fall in Love with the World’s Greatest Museum. By Elaine Sciolino 13-Bye Bye I Love You: The Story of Our First and Last Words. By Michael Erard 14-Fatherhood: A History of Love and Power. By Augustine Sedgewick 15-John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs. By Ian Leslie 16-Pronoun Trouble: The Story of Us in Seven Little Words. By John McWhorter 17-Raising Hare. By Chloe Dalton Fiction 18-Among Friends. By Hal Ebbott 19-Beartooth. By Callan Wink 20-The Dream Hotel. By Laila Lalami. 21-Flesh. By David Szalay 22-Let Me Go Mad in My Own Way. By Elaine Feeney 23-Ripeness. By Sarah Moss 24-Theft. By Abdulrazak Gurnah. 25-Twist. By Colum McCann 26-We Do Not Part. By Han Kang History 27-38 Londres Street: On Impunity, Pinochet in England and a Nazi in Patagonia. By Philippe Sands 28-The cia Book Club: The Best-Kept Secret of the Cold War. By Charlie English 29-The Einstein Vendetta: Hitler, Mussolini and a Murder That Haunts History. By Thomas Harding 30-Jesus Wept: Seven Popes and the Battle for the Soul of the Catholic Church. By Philip Shenon 31-The Last Days of Budapest. By Adam LeBor 32-Peak Human. By Johan Norberg 33-Strangers and Intimates: The Rise and Fall of Private Life. By Tiffany Jenkins 34-The Third Reich of Dreams: The Nightmares of a Nation. By Charlotte Beradt Politics and current affairs 35-The Party’s Interests Come First: The Life of Xi Zhongxun, Father of Xi Jinping. By Joseph Torigian 36-Righting Wrongs: Three Decades on the Front Lines Battling Abusive Governments. By Kenneth Roth 37-Russia’s Man of War: The Extraordinary Viktor Bout. By Cathy Scott-Clark Science and health 38-Doctored: Fraud, Arrogance and Tragedy in the Quest to Cure Alzheimer’s. By Charles Piller 39-Is a River Alive? By Robert Macfarlane 40-More and More and More: An All-Consuming History of Energy. By Jean-Baptiste Fressoz 41-Waste Wars. By Alexander Clapp.

- Pedro

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5/31/2025

A Fresh Perspective on Perfectionism, Inspired by HBR Ideacast

A Fresh Perspective on Perfectionism, Inspired by HBR Ideacast I recently listened to a thought-provoking episode of HBR Ideacast featuring Dr. Ellen Hendriksen, which explores how to understand and manage perfectionism. The episode draws on insights from her book How to Be Enough—a read I highly recommend. For me, the conversation was eye-opening. It prompted a fundamental shift in how I approach perfectionism. Why? Because it led me to revisit the first principles behind this often misunderstood mindset. Here are a few key takeaways: -Perfectionism isn’t about wanting everything to be flawless. Rather, it stems from overvaluing performance—viewing outcomes in binary terms (success or failure) and tying one’s self-worth to results. -It’s often driven by a positive trait: conscientiousness. This includes a strong sense of responsibility, diligence, a desire for excellence—all admirable qualities. However, when unchecked, they can push us beyond the point of diminishing returns. In essence, perfectionism arises when our conscientiousness compels us to keep refining or reworking something—whether it’s a report, decision, or assessment—even when further effort no longer adds value. In other words, when we ignore the “good enough” principle. Reflecting on my own habits through this lens, I recognize that I often struggle to draw that line. More than once, I’ve spent excessive time on tasks that, in hindsight, didn’t warrant it. To address this, I’m adopting a simple rule: Before continuing to improve a piece of work, I’ll ask myself—Is this already good enough for the purpose it serves? Lastly, if a recruiter asks me about my biggest weakness, I may still say "perfectionism"—but now, I can explain it with a deeper, more nuanced understanding of what that means and how I’m working to manage it constructively. https://podcasts.apple.com/es/podcast/hbr-ideacast/id152022135?i=1000683028403

- Pedro

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