Build Wealth with Stocks — by Leo Vian

Invest with a System—Not Guesswork
 

Written for beginners, experienced investors, and those disappointed by past results, this updated edition of the U.S. and Canadian bestseller Beat the Inefficient Market offers practical, evidence-based methods for investing with greater confidence.
 

This distinctive investment guide presents 7 stock investment systems, progressing from simple, rules-based formulas to more advanced and flexible strategies. 

Systems 1–4
• Simple, rules-based formulas
• No investment judgment required
• Historical returns: 7%–15% annually

Systems 5–7
• More advanced, flexible strategies
• Greater use of judgment
• Historical returns: 17% to over 20% annually

Find the system that fits your level—and start building wealth. 

“I avoided stocks because I didn’t understand what I was doing. Vian’s step-by-step explanations finally helped the subject make sense to me, and I appreciated how the systems progress from simple to more complex. For me, that newfound understanding made this book a keeper.”

— Karen Marie Shelton, CEO, HairBoutique

“Vian connects clear explanations of market inefficiencies with real-world case studies and practical strategies. From index funds to identifying undervalued stocks, this guide gives readers a broad view of their options and the knowledge to make more informed investment decisions.”

— Jeff Groudan, Managing Partner, Ancon Real Estate Ventures

“The progression from four formula-based strategies to three that draw more heavily on individual skills is particularly useful. Vian gives readers a structured way to explore investing at different levels of complexity, with detailed explanations backed by facts.”

— Kieran G. Murphy, Investment expert and educator

“As a seasoned investor, I found Vian’s emphasis on independent research especially valuable. His guidance on analyzing stocks and building a diversified portfolio helped me refine my approach and make better-informed investment decisions.”

— Harvey Stills, Investor

“Whether you want to keep things simple or dig into stock research, Vian offers an approach to match. His seven systems and straightforward explanations make this an inviting guide for everyday readers who want to put their money to work.”

— Sean Dollwet, Entrepreneur and investor

“The experiments supporting Vian’s market theories were a highlight for me. As someone with an intermediate knowledge of investing, I found the book well organized and relatable, with practical tactics that helped me connect new ideas to more informed stock choices.”

— Canaan John, Award-winning actor, artist, and designer; SAG-AFTRA member

“The helpful resources and links make this a book readers can return to as they develop their investment approach. Vian keeps the emphasis on practical application, supporting his methods with empirical evidence and real examples.”

— Michael Rose, Former Chief of Communications, Interpol

“Patience is the lesson that matters most to me in this book. The simple index-fund approach encourages a sustained commitment, making this a useful layman’s guide for readers who want to invest without letting every market swing dictate their next move.”

— Moody Van, Motivational speaker and pastor

1. Index Funds
2. Beating Index Funds with Index Funds
3. Simple Formula
4. Advanced Formula
5. Formula + Non-financial Statements Analysis
6. Deep Financial Statements Analysis
7. Technical + Fundamental Analysis

System One: 

The  rule that investors should invest in an index fund over a defined  minimum period and at a defined frequency, unless they can determine the  relative value of the overall stock market. 

System Two: 

A  formula for calculating the investment amount for any given year based  on the relative value of the overall stock market, which cannot be  determined by price alone. 

System Three: 

• A simple investment formula.
• The  principle of using a random algorithm (combined with a minimum number  of stocks), rather than trying to identify the best company to invest in  without sufficient knowledge (addressed in more advanced systems).

System Four: 

• An advanced investment formula.
• A definition of a stable company based on five ratios.
• The finding that reasonably priced, stable companies tend to significantly outperform the stock market.
• The finding that “stable bargain companies” can be further screened to identify even more profitable investments.

System Five: 

Use of the formula combined with “non-financial statement analysis” in a prescribed manner. 

System Six: 

Shortlisting known, meaningful fundamental strategies, clearly  explaining them, and combining them into one methodology with additional  inputs. 

System Seven: 

Like System Six, but with the addition of technical analysis.