profit; rather, fundamental analysis appeals mainly to those seeking long-term
and sound investments [7].
3.3. Random Walk Theory
Random Walk Theory is not, in reality, a market analysis strategy; in fact,
it is a theory based on the belief that market analysis is futile. Put forth in a 1973
book by Burton Malkiel entitled A Random Walk Down Wall Street, random walk
theory rests on the sole premise that market movements are entirely random and
that trying to predict them is entirely a waste of time. For a stock market system
that is largely based on analysis and measured decisions, random walk theory
poses a threat to most established beliefs about the stock market [8].
Random walk theory best allies itself with the semi-strong form of market
efficiency. A semi-strong market reacts instantaneously to any news or
information concerning the market. Market movements, then, appear random
and render any attempt to use new knowledge to gain an advantage in the
market virtually impossible [5]. Random walk theory contends that buy-and-hold
investments are the only useful investments and that trying to play the market
based on predictions and timing is an entirely useless exercise [8].
As it turns out, random walk theory is, in fact, looked upon with a sort of
disdain in the Wall Street community. Attempting to debunk the established
beliefs of market analysis and prediction can be a daunting task. Statistically,
Dow Theory outperforms the buy-and-hold practice by 2% each year, as
concluded in 1998 by Stephen Brown, Alok Kumar and William Goetzmann in the 9
Journal of Finance [8]. While never a certainty, the two practices of market
analysis are used often and frequently produce results. Random walk theory
“appears to be a bit dated and does not accurately reflect the current investment
climate” [8]. Random walk theory may prove to be viable and useful in practice,
but for investors who wish to retain a feeling of control over their investments,
one of the strategies of actual market analysis is probably a better fit