Francois Rochon: Navigating Market Crashes

Francois Rochon, CIO of Giverny Capital, recently shared his approach to navigating market crashes on the Meb Faber Podcast. His perspective emphasizes acceptance, preparation, and strategic action rather than panic or futile attempts at market timing.

Here are the key takeaways:

  • Francois stresses that bear markets are inevitable and unpredictable; trying to forecast them is pointless, so investors should simply accept their occurrence.
  • He uses Charlie Munger’s analogy: setting low expectations – knowing your portfolio may be halved at some point – helps investors remain calm and philosophical during downturns.
  • Bear markets typically occur every seven to eight years, so readiness is more important than avoidance.
  • Even when fully invested, investors can profit from crashes by reallocating funds from less undervalued stocks to those that have become significantly more undervalued, thereby upgrading their portfolio’s quality.
  • Francois’s approach is rooted in patience and mental preparedness: don’t fear market crashes but use them as opportunities to acquire great businesses at bargain prices.

In addition to this video (embedded below), Francois also recently visited The Investor’s Podcast which is also worth a watch (here)

Share the news

Disclaimer of liability

The above has been prepared by Børsgade ApS for information purposes and cannot be regarded as a solicitation or recommendation to buy or sell any security. Nor can the information etc. be regarded as recommendations or advice of a legal, accounting or tax nature. Børsgade cannot be held liable for losses caused by customers’/users’ actions – or lack thereof – based on the information in the above. We have made every effort to ensure that the information in the above is complete and accurate, but cannot guarantee this and accept no liability for errors or omissions.

Readers are advised that investing may involve a risk of loss that cannot be determined in advance, and that past performance and price development cannot be used as a reliable indicator of future performance and price development. For further information please contact info@borsgade.dk

You might also find this interesting:

Karen Karniol-Tambour: Today’s Radically Different Market Environment

In this Bridgewater Associates interview, Co-CIO Karen Karniol-Tambour discusses the firm’s latest outlook on the global economy, the investment landscape, and the urgent threats facing portfolios. The conversation centers on the shift to a new era of “modern mercantilism,” the implications for US assets and the dollar, the rising risk of recession, and the role of technological disruption, particularly artificial intelligence (AI).

Warren Buffett: Its Time To Pass The Torch

Warren Buffett, legendary investor and longtime leader of Berkshire Hathaway, has announced he will step down as CEO at the end of the year, with Greg Abel set to succeed him. Buffett, who will remain as chairman, made this announcement in a surprise move at the conclusion of the Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholders meeting, marking a significant transition for the company he has shaped for decades.

Counterpoint Global: Investing in Second-Order Effects of AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are rapidly transforming the business landscape, with profound implications for companies, workers, and investors. In their April 2025 report, Morgan Stanley’s Counterpoint Global explores how the adoption of these technologies is driving efficiency, reshaping workforces, and creating new investment opportunities-especially through “second-order effects.”

Aswath Damodaran: Dangers of Contrarian Investing

In his recent blog post NYU professor Aswath Damodaran examines the popular investment advice to “buy the dip” – that is, to purchase stocks or markets after sharp declines. He explores the various forms of contrarian investing, the historical evidence supporting and challenging these strategies, and the psychological demands required to succeed as a contrarian investor. Aswath urges investors to approach contrarian strategies with caution, discipline, and self-awareness, rather than simply following the crowd or relying on historical averages.