Many of the World’s Best Investors Made Their Fortunes This Way… And You Can, Too

by Doug Casey, Casey Research:

Justin Spittler, editor of Casey Daily Dispatch: Nick, your advisory is called Crisis Investing. Could you explain what “crisis investing” is?

Nick Giambruno: Crisis investing is basically buying elite companies in beaten-up countries or industries. When there’s a crisis, most people only see danger. But it’s actually an opportunity. A crisis often allows you to buy a dollar’s worth of assets for a dime…or less.

Many of the world’s greatest investors have made their fortunes this way…but anyone can do it. You don’t need to be rich or well connected. You don’t even need to travel to do it.

In fact, if you have a regular brokerage account—and the courage to buy when others are fearful—you’re all set.

The courage part is key. You can’t be a successful crisis investor if you’re not willing to go against the crowd.

Baron Rothschild was correct when he said, “the time to buy is when there’s blood in the streets.”

Warren Buffett struck a similar tone when he said, “you want to be greedy when others are fearful and fearful when others are greedy.”

Likewise for legendary investor John Templeton: “The time of maximum pessimism is the best time to buy.”

These statements perfectly capture the essence of crisis investing.

Crisis investing is how these investors became some of the richest men to ever walk the Earth.

J.S.: Fascinating. What drew you to this unconventional strategy?

Nick Giambruno: I’m a contrarian by nature. I zig when others zag.

So, naturally, I buy assets most people hate. Some of my close friends and family think I’m crazy for doing this…but that usually means I’m onto something. After all, it wouldn’t be crisis investing if I was going with the crowd.

I was also inspired by Doug Casey.

Doug is one of the world’s most successful crisis investors. He literally wrote the book on it. His book, Crisis Investing, was a New York Times bestseller for 34 weeks. He has also hit numerous “home runs” investing in crisis markets.

Doug is my friend and mentor. Over the years, he’s helped me hone this profitable investing strategy.

The name of my advisory, Crisis Investing, is a nod to Doug and the roots of Casey Research.

J.S.: It pays to learn from the best. You often call crisis investing “the most powerful wealth-building secret in investing.” Can you explain why?

Nick Giambruno: Because crisis investing can allow you to make five or 10 times your money on safe investments.

It’s somewhat counterintuitive. Most folks think you need to take big risks to make big returns.

I see things differently. I think risk is largely a function of price. The higher the price, the riskier the asset.

Right now, U.S. stocks are trading near all-time highs. I consider them very risky. Bonds are even riskier. And real estate in places like Vancouver and London are in a super bubble.

If an asset is really expensive, it usually means you’re late to the party. You should avoid expensive stuff if you want big gains.

I prefer situations where everyone else has thrown in the towel…where the sellers are begging for a buyer.

That’s when you can buy high-quality companies for dirt-cheap. It’s low risk, high reward. What could be better?

The best investors in the world understand you make a lot of money buying cheap assets, not expensive ones.

Take John Templeton. Templeton is considered one of the greatest stock pickers of the last century.

In 1939, he made a fortune betting against the crowd.

At the time, millions of Americans were in poverty due to the Great Depression. Nazi Germany had just invaded Poland to kick off World War II.

There was an incredible amount of fear in the world. Templeton, then just a recent college grad, saw an opportunity. He invested $10,000, the equivalent of $167,000 today, in U.S. stocks.

Four years later, Templeton sold his portfolio for a 300% gain.

J.S.: That’s a great example. Let’s turn to the things you look for in a good crisis investment. Anything in particular?

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