John C. Bogle

The Little Book of Common Sense Investing: The Only Way to Guarantee Your Fair Share of Stock Market Returns

#1 Best Seller
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Last updated Nov 7, 2026 at 7:45am
John C. Bogle

About this product

The best-selling investing "bible" offers new information, new insights, and new perspectives The Little Book of Common Sense Investing is the classic guide to getting smart about the market. Legendary mutual fund pioneer John C. Bogle reveals his key to getting more out of investing: low-cost index funds. Bogle describes the simplest and most effective investment strategy for building wealth over the long term: buy and hold, at very low cost, a mutual fund that tracks a broad stock market Index such as the S&P 500. While the stock market has tumbled and then soared since the first edition of Little Book of Common Sense was published in April 2007, Bogle's investment principles have endured and served investors well. This tenth anniversary edition includes updated data and new information but maintains the same long-term perspective as in its predecessor. Bogle has also added two new chapters designed to provide further guidance to investors: one on asset allocation, the other on retirement investing. A portfolio focused on index funds is the only investment that effectively guarantees your fair share of stock market returns. This strategy is favored by Warren Buffett, who said this about Bogle: "If a statue is ever erected to honor the person who has done the most for American investors, the hands-down choice should be Jack Bogle. For decades, Jack has urged investors to invest in ultra-low-cost index funds. . . . Today, however, he has the satisfaction of knowing that he helped millions of investors realize far better returns on their savings than they otherwise would have earned. He is a hero to them and to me." Bogle shows you how to make index investing work for you and help you achieve your financial goals, and finds support from some of the world's best financial minds: not only Warren Buffett, but Benjamin Graham, Paul Samuelson, Burton Malkiel, Yale’s David Swensen, Cliff Asness of AQR, and many others. This new edition of The Little Book of Common Sense Investing offers you the same solid strategy as its predecessor for building your financial future.Build a broadly diversified, low-cost portfolio without the risks of individual stocks, manager selection, or sector rotation.
Forget the fads and marketing hype, and focus on what works in the real world.
Understand that stock returns are generated by three sources (dividend yield, earnings growth, and change in market valuation) in order to establish rational expectations for stock returns over the coming decade.
Recognize that in the long run, business reality trumps market expectations.
Learn how to harness the magic of compounding returns while avoiding the tyranny of compounding costs.
While index investing allows you to sit back and let the market do the work for you, too many investors trade frantically, turning a winner's game into a loser's game. The Little Book of Common Sense Investing is a solid guidebook to your financial future. Read more

Editor's Take

Amazon reviewers say this John C. Bogle title is widely valued for its clear, simple case for index investing, calling it solid, invaluable, and highly recommended for beginners. Reviewers also praise its short, straightforward style and practical reminders about low costs, buy-and-hold discipline, and broad market index funds.

Other readers note some drawbacks: the book can feel repetitive, especially if they already believe in passive investing, and opinions are mixed on whether it is worth the price. Review blogs generally describe it as a strong beginner-friendly investing book, with a few saying it offers less new information for readers already committed to index funds. Goodreads and StoryGraph reviewers echo the same pattern, with many positive ratings alongside comments that it repeats its core point several times.

On Reddit and forums, the general sentiment is consistent with the broader reviews: readers often recommend it as a concise introduction to index investing, while experienced investors are more likely to find it familiar rather than revelatory.

Price History

Specifications

Topic Investing

Product Details

Publisher Wiley
Publication date October 16, 2017
Edition Updated and Revised
Language English
Print length 304 pages
ISBN-10 1119404509
ISBN-13 978-1119404507
Item Weight 11.2 ounces
Dimensions 5.3 x 1.2 x 7.1 inches
Part of series Little Books. Big Profits
Best Sellers Rank #1,446 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #1 in Economics (Books) #1 in Mutual Funds Investing (Books) #1 in Business Finance
Customer Reviews 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (11,551)

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