Mr. Market - Using Volatility Graham's Way

Graham's parable

"You are neither right nor wrong because the crowd disagrees with you. You are right because your data and reasoning are right." - The Intelligent Investor, Ch. 8
"The true investor scarcely ever is forced to sell his shares, and at all other times he is free to disregard the current price quotation." - The Intelligent Investor, Ch. 8

Mr. Market shows up daily with a bid and ask. Your job is to buy only when his price is attractive and to ignore him otherwise.

How to use Mr. Market

• Anchor to intrinsic value; treat quotes as offers.
• Pre-set buy ranges at discounts and sell ranges at premiums.
• Do nothing between those ranges; inaction is a valid decision.
• Keep cash ready so you can act when Mr. Market is depressed.

Behaviors to avoid

• Selling just because price fell without value deterioration.
• Chasing price rises without updated value work.
• Letting volatility dictate thesis changes.
• Using leverage that can force sales when prices swing.

Simple playbook

• Maintain your own value estimates and update with filings.
• Post limit orders where margin of safety exists.
• Ignore daily price noise; focus on fundamentals cadence (quarters, filings, catalysts).
• Track why you bought; exit when value closes to price or thesis breaks.

Takeaways

• Mr. Market is a servant, not a guide.
• Volatility is a source of opportunity, not fear, when you have your own value.
• Patience and cash are key tools for using Mr. Market intelligently.