Before investing became a science, it was closer to guesswork, dominated by stock tips, instincts, and gut reactions. But in the mid-20th century, a group of academic outsiders at the University of Chicago began asking bigger questions. What if markets weren’t just chaotic? What if there were patterns backed by data that could lead to better outcomes for investors?
Tune Out the Noise, a documentary directed by Academy Award-winner Errol Morris, explores how this unlikely group of thinkers, including Robert Merton, Eugene Fama, Myron Scholes, Merton Miller, and others, helped flip Wall Street on its head. Their research laid the groundwork for index funds, evidence-based investing, and eventually, the founding of Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA), a firm that changed the way people think about building wealth.
For us at Grunden Financial Advisory, Inc., Dimensional’s approach isn’t just theoretical, but practical, and it’s the foundation of how we manage client portfolios today. Their data-driven philosophy has helped generations of investors stay focused, tune out distractions, and build long-term strategies rooted in logic, not hype. This film offers more than a simple history lesson. It’s a reminder that thoughtful, disciplined investing, grounded in research and designed with real people in mind, can change lives.
We know today’s financial landscape can feel uncertain, from the markets to politics, and everything in between. But uncertainty isn’t a reason to retreat. As David Booth, Dimensional Founder and Chairman, puts it, “What investing is about is dealing with uncertainty. People want to shrink away from uncertainty—and it’s uncertainty that really creates opportunity.” That mindset is what sets evidence-based investing apart. It’s not about knee-jerk reactions to the unknown but preparing for it with a plan.
We invite you to watch Tune Out the Noise and reflect on what truly matters when it comes to growing and protecting your wealth. And if you’re curious how these principles apply to your own financial plan, we’d love to start that conversation with you. Reach out to our team today to see how we can work together to help you achieve your financial goals—all while tuning out the noise.
