This story appears in the June 29, 2014 issue of Forbes. Subscribe
Nathan Mayer Rothschild | 1777-1836 | Founder, N.M. Rothschild & Sons
Indispensable Wisdon: Information is money
Crystal Ball Cred: Thanks to his extensive network of carrier pigeons Rothschild knew that England had defeated France at Waterloo before anyone else in London. As other traders on the stock exchange braced for a British loss, he went long.
Fundamentals: Rothschild's father planted the seeds for the 19th century's greatest banking empire by stationing each of his five sons in different European cities. Nathan got London, but throughout his career he was able to profit from the insights of his brothers in Frankfurt, Paris, Naples and Vienna.
Invest Like Rothschild: Tap into groups with their fingers on the pulse. Consider shares in high-yielding private equity firms like Blackstone Group, Apollo Global Management, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and Carlyle Group.
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