In today’s always-on digital world, we are drowning in information. News articles, podcasts, tweets, posts, videos – the volume is relentless. Nowhere is this more pronounced than in the financial world, where analysis, opinion and speculation arrive by the minute.
Ben Carlson’s article, "Financial Voices I Ignore", offers a timely reminder of the need to cut through the noise. It prompted me to reflect on two critical points:
- Our limited bandwidth
- The motivations behind financial voices
1. Limited Bandwidth: Choose Your Inputs Wisely
We each have a finite mental capacity. With endless updates on markets, inflation, interest rates and geopolitics, it’s crucial to prioritise quality over quantity.
Not every commentator is worth your time. Many produce content designed for clicks, not clarity – the financial equivalent of junk food. These inputs can distort how we see the markets and ultimately lead to poor investment decisions.
That’s why I’ve developed a personal “filter system.” I regularly scan a blend of trusted sources like The Financial Times, The Economist, Bloomberg, The Spectator and The New Statesman. These give me a broader, more nuanced view – and most importantly, they’re built on journalism, not hot takes.
Avoiding a single source is essential. It reduces the risk of confirmation bias and helps me stay grounded.
2. Motivations Matter: Know the Agenda
Equally important is understanding why people say what they do. Commentators can be permanently bullish or eternally gloomy. Others gravitate toward conspiracy theories or the next big panic. Their personal brands or business models often influence their tone and focus.
Officials and regulators are different – their messaging is shaped by their mandates: maintaining market confidence, protecting investors and managing systemic risk. But even here, statements may be guided by political or institutional pressures.
Recognising these motivations gives us a clearer lens through which to assess financial information. Not all voices are equal and knowing the “why” behind the “what” is vital to forming a balanced view.
Final Thought
In a world where everyone is shouting, the real skill is knowing who to listen to – and who to ignore.