David Ricardo: the world’s greatest investors

David Ricardo’s status was made during the Battle of Waterloo, spreading false rumours to manipulate the market.

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David Ricardo spread false rumours after the Battle of Waterloo

Ricardo was a political economist and, along with the likes of Adam Smith, one of the first major economic thinkers. He was a staunch opponent of the Corn Laws, which imposed restrictions and tariffs on imported grain and hence kept prices high. His theory of comparative advantage is still taught to economics students as one of the key reasons why free trade is good for society. Ricardo was also a successful investor.

What was his strategy?

Did this work?

What was his best investment?

What lessons can Ricardo teach us?

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Dr Matthew Partridge
MoneyWeek Shares editor