Irrational Exuberance: Second Edition (Hardcover)

Robert Shiller begins his look at irrational exuberance in financial markets by outlining the evidence, which he finds convincing, that the current level of stock markets (even allowing for the poor performance during the year 2000) is far above that which is reasonable or rational.

He argues that this behaviour can be explained by 12 factors which are examined in the subsequent chapters. These are a mixture of common perceptions which drive markets higher than the underlying facts justify (role of internet, baby boom, expansion of defined contribution pension schemes, decline of economic rivals, cultural change favouring business, Republican congress, growth of mutual funds), cultural and psychological factors which have affected investor behaviour (expanded media reporting, optimistic forecasts of analysts, rise of gambling opportunities) and feedback mechanisms. The detailed analysis which follows explains convincingly how bubbles emerge through feedback effects (feeding upon themselves driving markets upwards or down). It also discusses the role of the media (which ultimatley Shiller regards as having at best a short-term influence on market behaviour), the psychology of the investor (for me the least convincing part of the book) and an interesting chapter discussing the arguments of efficient market theorists and their attempts to justify current stock market levels with reference to dividend values (since they are so clearly at variance with price earnings ratios).

Finally Shiller concludes with his recommendations to overcome the irrationality of markets. Paradoxically, these mean an expansion of the role of the market through the commodification of more risks and the action of investors to spread their risks beyond the stock market.

Robert J. Shiller's book is a great introduction for those interested in the history and causes of financial exuberance. While you may not agree with his conculsions and proposals, the preceding examination of the various causes seems comprehensive and is lucidly explained. Of particular interest are the chapters discussing feedback mechanisms and how financial bubbles are inflated What this section lacks, perhaps because no one has found the answer, is a description of what causes the feedback loop to breakdown and the bubble to deflate. In summary I consider this to be a worthwhile addition to the literature on financial markets and how they can go wrong.

I can see why people didn't like hearing what he was saying at the time but in retrospect it is hard to challenge much of what he says. P/E ratios were wildly out of line with historical precedent with no clear reason why (seemingly sometimes just because the companies had websites!). I never really bought the US productivity miracle story anyhow but it seems increasingly clear that the reason for higher productivity in US firms is predominantly that employees work significantly more hours than European equivalents, not because of a techological revolution.

It makes interesting reading that there was very similar talk of "new eras" during previous bubbles, and of small investors only just realising that equities were a better investment over the long-run (how many times will this one be trotted out I wonder). Also having spoken to quite a few people who made and then lost a few grand in TMT stocks I find it very hard to dismiss the central idea that in such cases bubbles are really just naturally-forming pyramid schemes.

finally personally I'm gob-smacked that anyone actually bothers to seriously listen to fund managers anymore. They were no better at avoiding the collapse of the bubble than the day-traders as our staff pension fund has learnt to its cost. The only big investor to arguably call it right was Tony Dye at PDFM but he was two years or so too early.

I'm only giving it four stars because a) it's now of historical interest and not that practical for the future and b) because I found it too easy to understand. I'm not an investment expert and I'm wary of simplistic explanations in areas I don't know very well.

Having said that I do think there is a great deal of sense in what he says, and it is well worth a read if only to puncture any lingering illusions you may have about efficient markets.