Comparing 48 vs 49 investment principles across 16 common topics
Use this page to compare Joel Greenblatt and John Neff by decision process, not by performance claims. Start with each investor’s style summary, then scan the 16 shared topics to see where their principles overlap. If you are new, begin with the common topics; if you have a specific problem, jump to the topic table and open the related rule pages. Next, use the unique-topic lists to choose a framework that fits your current question (risk control, valuation discipline, thesis review, or behavior). Open 2–3 linked principle pages and write one “what would change my mind?” trigger in your journal. Educational only.
Investment Style: Value Investing, Special Situations, Quantitative Value, Systematic Approach
Joel Greenblatt (born December 13, 1957) is an American investor, hedge fund manager, and author. He is the founder of Gotham Capital, which achieved annualized returns of approximately 40% from 1985 ...
Investment Style: Value Investing, Low P/E, Dividend Focus, Contrarian
John B. Neff (September 19, 1931 – June 4, 2019) was an American investor and mutual fund manager. He managed the Vanguard Windsor Fund from 1964 to 1995, achieving an average annual return of 13.7%, ...
Both Joel Greenblatt and John Neff share principles on these topics.
| Topic | Joel Greenblatt | John Neff |
|---|---|---|
| Value Assessment | 3 principles | 4 principles |
| Margin of Safety | 3 principles | 3 principles |
| Long-Term Investing | 3 principles | 3 principles |
| Circle of Competence | 3 principles | 3 principles |
| Mental Models | 3 principles | 3 principles |
| Life Wisdom | 3 principles | 3 principles |
| Business Judgment | 3 principles | 3 principles |
| Risk Management | 3 principles | 3 principles |
| Market Psychology | 3 principles | 3 principles |
| Investment Psychology | 3 principles | 3 principles |
| Buying Principles | 3 principles | 3 principles |
| Business Quality | 3 principles | 3 principles |
| Selling & Review | 3 principles | 3 principles |
| Investment Philosophy | 3 principles | 3 principles |
| Stock Picking | 3 principles | 3 principles |
| Thinking Methods | 3 principles | 3 principles |
Joel Greenblatt has 48 investment principles and John Neff has 49. They share insights on 16 common topics, yet each brings unique perspectives and methodologies that complement each other.
Joel Greenblatt and John Neff share principles across 16 investment topics. These common themes represent the most fundamental ideas in investing, approached from different but complementary angles.
Both masters offer invaluable wisdom. Joel Greenblatt with 48 principles and John Neff with 49 principles cover complementary aspects of investing. Studying both provides a more complete investment framework.