Robert Arnott: Biography, Career, and Business Insights

Robert Arnott’s Profile Summary

Company	Research Affiliates
Position	Founder and Chairman of the Board at Research Affiliates.
Source of wealth	Arnott's wealth primarily stems from management and performance fees associated with Research Affiliates' investment strategies, including tactical asset allocation and the Fundamental Index approach
Also known as	Financial writer, Award-winning researcher
Age	71
Education	University of California, Santa Barbara – BS in Economics, Applied Mathematics, and Computer Science (summa cum laude)
Citizenship	United States
Residence	Miami Beach, Florida, USA
Family	Robert Arnott is married and has three children
Website, Social Media	https://www.researchaffiliates.com/

Robert Arnott’s biography

Robert D. Arnott, born in 1954, is a highly regarded investor, financial analyst, and entrepreneur. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with a degree in economics, applied mathematics, and computer science. Arnott's career began with roles at major financial firms, including Salomon Brothers and First Quadrant. In 2002, he founded Research Affiliates, a firm focused on pioneering innovative investment strategies, particularly in the areas of tactical asset allocation and alternative indexing. Arnott is widely known for his contributions to the development of the "Fundamental Index" strategy, a method of portfolio construction that weights securities based on economic metrics rather than market capitalization. He has published over 130 research papers and is recognized as a thought leader in the investment community. His work has earned him numerous awards, including the prestigious William F. Sharpe Indexing Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. Additionally, Arnott has co-managed several investment funds, including PIMCO’s All Asset strategies, and continues to contribute to the global financial discourse through his ongoing research

How did Robert Arnott make money?

Robert Arnott makes money in the following areas:

Arnott's wealth primarily stems from management and performance fees associated with Research Affiliates' investment strategies, including tactical asset allocation and the Fundamental Index approach
What is Robert Arnott net worth?

As of 2025, there is no publicly available and reliable information regarding Robert Arnott’s net worth.

What is Robert Arnott also known as?

Robert Arnott is well-known for his prolific contributions to financial literature and research. He has published more than 130 academic papers on topics such as tactical asset allocation and alternative index investing in top-tier journals like the Journal of Portfolio Management and Financial Analysts Journal. Arnott is the co-author of The Fundamental Index: A Better Way to Invest, a highly regarded book on the Fundamental Index strategy. His writing and research have earned him numerous awards, including the Graham and Dodd Scrolls and the Bernstein Fabozzi/Jacobs Levy awards, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in financial research

Prominent achievements of Robert Arnott

Founder of Research Affiliates, co-author of The Fundamental Index: A Better Way to Invest, winner of eight Graham and Dodd Scrolls, four Bernstein Fabozzi/Jacobs Levy awards, recipient of the William F. Sharpe Indexing Lifetime Achievement Award, influenced over $171 billion in assets under management

What are Robert Arnott’s key insights?

Robert Arnott is known for his contrarian approach to investment. He challenges conventional financial wisdom and emphasizes long-term value creation over short-term speculation. His philosophy revolves around systematic and research-driven strategies, particularly favoring the Fundamental Index approach, which moves away from market-capitalization weighting. Arnott is also a proponent of diversifying portfolios beyond traditional stocks and bonds, including investments in alternative asset classes

Robert Arnott’s personal life

Robert Arnott's family includes his spouse and three children. They reside together in Miami Beach, Florida. While Arnott keeps his family life relatively private, it's known that he has focused on maintaining a balance between his professional life and family commitments

Useful insights

Understanding market forces

In my experience, to truly succeed as an investor, it’s essential to understand the driving forces behind market behavior. Market movements aren’t random—they’re influenced by a range of economic theories and dynamics. The following books provide valuable insights into these forces, offering a deeper understanding of how global financial markets operate and what shapes their trends.

Nassim Nicholas Taleb – "The Black Swan"
- Summary:
  
  Taleb explores the concept of rare, unpredictable events—so-called "Black Swans"—that can have massive impacts on markets and society. These events are often overlooked by traditional risk management models, leading to devastating consequences when they occur. Taleb illustrates how these unpredictable shocks shape our world, often more than gradual, expected changes.
- Why read it:
  
  This book challenges conventional thinking about risk and uncertainty, showing that many major historical and financial events were "Black Swans." It's a vital read for investors who want to build resilience in the face of market volatility.
John Maynard Keynes – "The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money"
- Summary:
  
  Keynes revolutionized economics by focusing on total demand within an economy and its effect on output and inflation. His theory suggested that government intervention could stabilize economic cycles through fiscal and monetary policy. The book also explains the consequences of under-consumption and the role of interest rates in managing economic stability.
- Why read it:
  
  For investors interested in macroeconomic trends and policy impacts, Keynes’ work is essential. Understanding the Keynesian framework can help investors predict how government actions might influence market performance.