Before joining Hill Investment Group, I spent part of my career at Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA)—a firm whose investment philosophy has helped shape our own. DFA, like Hill, was founded on a simple but powerful belief: markets work. That foundational idea continues to shape how I view the world and reinforces my deep confidence in evidence-based investing.

It’s easy to think of “the market” as a complex or distant system. But in reality, we all interact with markets more often than we realize. Whether you’re selling a used couch on Facebook Marketplace, comparing mortgage rates, or negotiating with a contractor, you’re participating in a market—exchanging value based on available information, competing options, and mutual agreement. This same principle drives how trillions of dollars are traded globally every day.

What makes markets remarkable is their ability to reflect the collective wisdom, emotion, and activity of millions of participants. In the short term, markets can be unpredictable, reacting to headlines, global conflicts, elections, or economic data. But over time, they’ve proven to reward long-term thinking, discipline, and optimism.

Of course, that doesn’t mean every moment in the market feels good. Volatility can be unnerving, especially when headlines are loud and uncertainty is high. But as our co-founder Matt Hall recently reminded us, “sometimes you need to duck.” In other words, short-term turbulence is a natural part of investing. It’s the price we pay for the opportunity to pursue long-term growth.

If you take a step back, the broader trend is compelling. As David Booth, co-founder of DFA, noted in a recent commentary, markets delivered strong returns in early 2024, even amid geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty. That’s not magic. That’s markets doing what they do best: translating risk, effort, innovation, and information into forward motion. It’s a reflection of human ingenuity—entrepreneurs solving problems, companies adapting, and people continuing to build and invest in the future.

At Hill, we believe that investing is ultimately an act of faith in global progress. When you invest in a broadly diversified portfolio, you’re investing in the belief that economies will continue to grow, that people will continue to innovate, and that the world will continue to move forward—not just in the U.S., but around the globe.

Yes, markets do go down. Historically, downturns have occurred roughly every six or seven years. But staying invested—despite those temporary declines—has historically been a reliable way to participate in long-term growth. On the other hand, trying to time the market or avoid short-term dips can carry a different risk: missing out on the recoveries that often follow.

There’s also a hidden cost to stepping away from the market: the mental load. The stress of trying to guess when to get in or out, or constantly second-guessing your plan, can be draining. Many investors eventually come to see the value of having a trusted advisor, not just to manage investments, but to help them focus on what matters most in their lives.

If you’re reading this, you’ve likely already embraced that philosophy. You’ve chosen to Take the Long View with us. Our encouragement now is simple: lean into that mindset. Let the markets do their job, while you focus on yours—being present with your family, pursuing your passions, and building a life filled with meaning and intention.

That’s the real return—and the heart of why we Take the Long View.

Disclosures:
This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment advice or a guarantee of future results. Hill Investment Group does not provide legal or tax advice. Please consult your legal or tax professional regarding your individual circumstances. References to third-party firms or individuals do not constitute endorsements or affiliations unless explicitly stated.

Hill Investment Group, Longview Research Partners, and our CIO Matt Zenz were recently featured in a Citywire story exploring how top RIA gatekeepers evaluate which investment strategies earn their attention.

In our industry, gatekeepers are professionals who screen and vet investment strategies, deciding which ones deserve attention. The article highlights the kind of thoughtful, research-driven work we aim to deliver across Hill, Longview, and The Longview Advantage ETF.

We’re honored to be mentioned alongside firms like Dimensional Fund Advisors and Avantis Investors—leaders in the evidence-based space.

If you’re curious about how gatekeepers think (and what gets their attention), this is a worthwhile read.

Citywire is an independent publication. No compensation was provided for inclusion in the article.

We’re thrilled to welcome Ryan Clinton to Hill Investment Group and Longview Research Partners as our new Portfolio Manager, starting June 2nd, 2025.

Ryan brings deep experience in portfolio management and investment research, and he shares our passion for evidence-based investing. His thoughtful, research-driven approach and attention to detail will strengthen our ability to serve clients with care and conviction.

It’s always exciting to grow our team with people who align so clearly with our mission and values. We can’t wait for you to get to know Ryan—we think you’ll be just as impressed as we are.

Ryan joins us from Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA), where he spent nearly six years in various investment roles, including managing DFA’s flagship core ETFs. His expertise includes:

• Portfolio implementation and trading strategy
• Deep knowledge of systematic, evidence-based investing
• Communicating complex strategies with clarity

Ryan’s dual role will span both firms: helping guide client portfolios at Hill and playing a strategic part in the growth of our ETF, The Longview Advantage (EBI). Since its February 2025 launch, EBI has garnered significant attention in the industry, and Ryan’s addition signals our continued momentum and commitment to excellence.

“Ryan’s arrival marks an important next chapter for our firm and the ETF,” said Matt Hall, co-founder and CEO of Hill Investment Group. “His background and values are a strong match for our culture. This is just the beginning.”

Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Ryan earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a minor in Information Systems from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Ryan will be making an impact quickly, and we’re excited for clients and colleagues alike to benefit from his presence. If you haven’t met him yet, you will soon. Please join us in welcoming Ryan to the team!

Want the Full Details?

You can read the full press release here for a deeper look at Ryan’s background and his new role.