Currency Trading For Dummies (For Dummies (Lifestyles Paperback)) Review

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(More customer reviews)Let me be honest here:
This book provides some really good advice about trading the forex market. Which currencies have what tendencies, which times and reports to look out for, how to manage trades and money, etc. It provides the basics for any beginner. But, if you are a beginner, you will NOT notice something EXTREMELY important that the authors of this book did not mention ON PURPOSE. The authors, in full disclosure, state they are associated with [...](i.e. Gain Capital). And while in the book they make it seem that since [...] is part of/is a(n) FCM/CFTC/NFA (basically throwing out terms to a beginner to make it seem safe and legit), the author's on purpose do not mention that [...]is NOT an ECN broker, and hence you'd think that with all those acronyms they'd be credible, but think otherwise. In real short, what this means is that if you are not an ECN broker, you are allowed to, and most disclose in very fine print hidden among pages of other details they know few will read, take on purpose trades opposite of yours (hedge), in order to make more profits and ensure that begineers get wiped out and even good traders don't last for the long term. There are many more terrible practices these bucketshops use like fishing for stops, spread manipulation, etc, and [...]has the "white gloves" implied in this book very much dirty. Just google it if you don't believe me.
Just thought I'd throw this out there for any beginners. Choose your books wisely, but don't trust everything they say, and make sure you know what they failed to say and why.
EDIT: I don't mean to pick on Gain Capital specifically. All I am saying is when you do go to choose ANY forex broker, keep my information in mind since it wasn't outlined in the book.
Edit#2: Just in case, another point that wasn't mentioned: rememmber that if your broker is not FDIC insured, and they go under, all your money with them will almost certainly never be seen again (don't fall for their sales/marketing ploys of "we're the biggest ones" or we have a safe and positive balance sheet; if you never heard of Enron, GM, WAMU, then you'd need to read a bit about them). The only FDIC insured FX broker I know of is CITIFxPro, which, if you read in fine print, is managed by Saxo Bank, not CitiBank.

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Your plain-English guide to currency trading
Forex markets can be one of the fastest and most volatile financial markets to trade. Money can be lost or made in a matter of seconds, and forex markets are always moving. So how do you keep up? This hands-on, friendly guide shows you how the forex market really works, what moves it, and how you can actively trade in it — without losing your head!

All the world's a stage — get an easy-to-follow introduction to the global forex market and understand its size, scope, and players

Show me the money — take a look at the major fundamental and economic drivers that influence currency values and get the know-how to interpret data and events like a pro

Prepare for battle — discover different types of trading styles and make a concrete strategy and game plan before you act on anything

Pull the trigger — establish a position in the market, manage the trade while it's open, and close out on the most advantageous terms

Open the book and find:

Currency trading conventions and tools

Key characteristics of successful traders

Trading pitfalls to avoid and risk management rules to live by

How major currencies typically trade

Why it's important to be organized and prepared

The 411 on buying and selling simultaneously

Tips for understanding rollovers and interest rates

Learn to:

Grasp currency quotes

Capitalize on the foreign exchange market

Manage risk and reward

Use the forces that drive currency movements

Identify key traits of individual currency pairs

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The Harriman House Book of Investing Rules: Collected Wisdom from the World's Top 150 Investors Review

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(More customer reviews)"The Global-Investor Book of Investing Rules" is like going to a cocktail party with 150 prominent investment authors and analysts and pumping them for information. We get to hear from Bob Prechter, Marc Faber (a/k/a "Dr. Doom"), Paul Wilmott, and many others. The multiplicity of approaches is excellent: some of the subjects are stock investors, others concentrate on commodities; some use technical analysis, others are fundamentalists. Dr. Faber's one point of advice is one of the best that I have ever read in a financial book: he suggests that consumption of wealth is always an option--buy a good book, go out to dinner with family and friends. It is a shame that such a wonderful book is already out of print, but luckily you can buy a used copy very cheap. It's a bargain!

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For the first time, the tactics, strategies and insights relied on by 150 of the world's most respected financial experts are revealed in a concise, digestible form. Learn how you really make money in the markets from: fund managers of billion-pound equity funds; traders in the options and futures markets; industry-rated analysts; economists from top business schools; and, writers on leading financial newspapers. Each provides focused and practical rules on how to succeed in the market. Often counter-intuitive, their rules tell you exactly what to do and what not to do. No padding; just a rock-hard list of do's and don'ts. The contributors to this book are the elite of investing. They consistently beat the market because they know which shares to buy, at what price, and when. And, just as importantly, they know when to sell. Never before has so much quality advice been packed into a single book. If you want to increase your wealth through investing, this is an unmissable opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills from the best in the world.

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Conquer the Crash: You Can Survive and Prosper in a Deflationary Depression Review

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(More customer reviews)Robert Prechter Jr. is well-known in stock market circles for his Elliott Wave predictions over the years have had their success and failures. This is Prechter's third and latest book (At the Crest of the Tidal Wave (1995) and The Elliott Wave Principle (1978)). His current book is really two books in one printed on different colored paper! Even if you do not agree with Prechter's view of the world, you should certainly understand his arguments and make your own decisions.
Part I (135 pp.) focuses on why he believes a stock market crash will occur in the near term, as well why deflation and economic depression are high probability scenarios. Although deflation and depression are rare occurrences, Prechter believes that they are at the brink. His goal is writing the book is to provide insight into defining both events and make you believe that they can happen, and eventually make you believe that they are likely to happen.
Prechter compares the period 1942-1966 (called Wave III) with the economic expansion of 1974-2000 (Wave V). He points out that the most recent period had much weaker economic fundamentals and performance than the prior period, although by stock market standards Wave V had an increase of 1930% on the DJIA compared to 971% during Wave III. In his analysis he provides comprehensive statistics on GDP, Industrial Production, Capacity Utilization, Unemployment rate, household's liquid assets, federal and consumer debt, prime rate, federal budget deficit, personal savings among others. Prechter then defines depression and its relationship to the stock market. One of his key observations is that 'major stock market declines lead directly to depressions'.
Prechter depicts the five waves evident in the stock market using four charts. He points out that the five-wave pattern occurs even taking into account major news events such as Hitler's rise to power and the end of the Vietnam war. Prechter provides four signs of a market top and explains the Elliott Wave characteristics of each of the five waves.
Prechter presents his case for the existing stock market precarious situation (as of March 2002) by covering Wave V in great detail. He spends considerable time examining the fifth wave from 1974 to 2000 compared to previous waves. The case for the historically high stock evaluation is made by focusing on the low dividend yield, outrageously high book value, and high P/E ratio. Prechter then covers how psychology plays a major role in a stock market advance and decline. He reviews the psychology of he economists, brokerage strategists, money managers, public, and the media.
Prechter believes that the upcoming bear market will be the most devastating since the great depression and perhaps since 1720-1784. If this occurs, he indicates that the U.S. will experience another depression. He forecasts that the DJI will plummet to 777, the August 1982 low, if that average follows the pattern of the prior manias (e.g., Nikkei; DJI 1929-32; Gouda tulip bulbs (1634-1722); and the South Sea Company (1719-1722)). Lastly, he makes the case for deflation, and discusses the Fed and banking system.
Book Two provided Prechter's advice for protecting yourself and profiting from the upcoming depression. His recommendations include:
1. Have safety of principal by being in cash or high-quality short-term U.S. Government treasuries (T-bills) or money market mutual funds that invest in these types of instruments.
2. Sell your home (if you have a large mortgage) and rent instead.
3. Find a safe bank (using Weiss Ratings, Inc., for example) and keep your money there.
4. Do not own or invest in stocks, options or futures.
5. Consider buying inverse mutual funds (such as Rydex Tempest that double short the S&P 500) and Rydex Venture (double short NASDAQ 100). ProFunds also offers bear funds. To invest in any of these funds, Prechter cautions that you must be a short-term timer to be successful.
6. Buy physical gold and silver metals.
7. Cash out your whole life insurance policies and convert to term insurance from the safest firms (based on Weiss Ratings, Inc., for example)
Prechter provides a very sobering view of the future that few individuals will heed because of its negative and extreme consequences. But if this book makes you think about the safety of your financial nest eggs, retirement funds, insurance policies, etc; then at least you can decide to take some steps to protect yourself. If the stock market can manage to rally 20-40% from the lows of July 2002, then perhaps you should consider cashing in your remaining equity and mutual funds positions before the 'real' bear market takes hold as Prechter envisions. I know I will be doing that and then using my charts and technical indicators to tell me when to get back in. It's shame that Prechter did not publish this book in March 2000 when the market was at its peak. He would have saved most investors, who believed his work, a great deal of money if they had followed his recommendations.
Whether you agree with Prechter's view of the world, you will certainly agree with this quote:
'To be successful in life, or at least learn something along the way, you have to think for yourself.'

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Today's financial and economic tribulations were a long time in the making. Many people ask, "Why didn't someone see it coming?" A New York Times bestselling book did see it coming. Over 100,000 people read it in time to protect their wealth. The book foresaw and explained the collapse in home prices, plunge in stocks, subprime debacle, liquidity crisis, the demise of Fannie and Freddie, the Federal Reserve's failure to turn the trend, and lots more. The book was Robert Prechter?s Conquer the Crash, published in early 2002, when the Dow was above 10,000 and the financial world was partying around-the-clock.
Fast forward to today: the average U.S. homeowner has suffered a decline of 30% to 40% in property value. Stocks and commodities had their biggest fall since 1929-1932. Fannie Mae is a zombie corporation under the government?s protection. The Fed has pushed every button at its disposal (and then some), to no avail. If Prechter thought a whole new book would help, he'd have written one. But Conquer the Crash is a book-length forecast that's still coming true -- only some of the future has caught up with the specific predictions he published back then. There is much more to come. That means more danger, but also great opportunity. Conquer the Crash, 2nd edition offers you 188 new pages of vital information (480 pages total) plus all the original forecasts and recommendations that make the book more compelling and relevant than the day it published.
In every disaster, only a very few people prepare themselves beforehand. Think about investor enthusiasm in 2005-2008, and you'll realize it's true. Even fewer people will be ready for the soon-approaching, next leg down of the unfolding depression. In this 2nd edition, Prechter gives a warning he's never had to include in 30 years of publishing -- namely, that the doors to financial safety are closing all over the world. In other words, prudent people need to act while they can. Conquer the Crash, 2nd Edition readers will receive exclusive online access to the Conquer the Crash Readers Page, where Prechter continually updates the book's recommended services and institutions.

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The Tao of Warren Buffett: Warren Buffett's Words of Wisdom: Quotations and Interpretations to Help Guide You to Billionaire Wealth and Enlightened Business Management Review

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(More customer reviews)
This book is in a class by itself, almost without equal. There are several reasons. Most of the time you have to read a whole book to find that one gem that made the book worthwhile. Sometimes it's one page you are looking for, once in a while, it's a paragraph. I have read many books for that one sentence that provides inspiration. When you say to yourself, "Why didn't someone write this book before," then you know you have a winner.

But this book, WOW - every page was a work of art. I have been studying Warren Buffett since 1968, about four decades of observing the master, and I have met him on several occasions when he sojourned down to Wall Street. When you read this book, this is what you will find.The Tao of Warren Buffet is a short book with 125 different major thoughts in it. Each thought is a direct Buffett quote. In the back of the book is a bibliography, which will give you the attribution for each thought. For most of the 125 thoughts listed, the bibliography will also furnish an Internet web address to find the original source for the quote, whether it's an annual report, magazine article, or public speech, you will find the source. In addition to the 125 thoughts, you will find about a page of narrative furnished by the authors, Marry Buffett (Warren's former daughter in law) and David Clark who is himself a Buffett watcher. They will be giving you clarification, and illustrations of the Buffett quote in action. I'll found both the original quotes, and the author's narrative to be ABSOLUTELY FASICINATING. If you are involved in the stock market it is more than fascinating, it is COMPELLING. Here's the deal, there's no nonsense here. There's no filler. Mary Buffett's book is short in length, small in your hand, easy to carry, and loaded down with WISDOM. Here are a few of the pearls of wisdom you will find in this book, and then you decide if you should read it. I have indicated the number of the rule from the book. Rule # 4"You Can't Make a GOOD DEAL with a BAD PERSON."
This is spot on brilliant. You can't put enough energy into watching a thief, because a thief is busy being a thief 24 hours a day, and you might only have an hour to watch him. In addition, you can't install enough internal controls to safeguard against a dishonorable person. Just don't deal with those kinds of people.Rule # 9"Wall Street is the only place that people ride to in a Rolls Royce to get advice from those who take the subway."
Having spent 35 years involved with Wall Street, and currently being a Managing Partner of a national prominent investment-banking firm, I can't tell you how true this is. I have seen people barely competent, advising self-made billionaires on what to do with their money. The same is true for the firms themselves. Many of the billionaire clients are worth more than the firms arranging the financing. "Empty suits" is the expression we like to use. Rule # 49"It's only when the tide goes out, that you learn who's been swimming naked."
Enron is a perfect example of this witticism. The CPA's came in from Arthur Andersen, saw all this wealth. They saw helicopters landing on the top of the Enron building. They saw guys with $40 million paychecks, and they accepted whatever was handed to them as bona fide, as long as the $50 million check for the audit fee cleared the bank. Rule # 57"Never ask a barber if you need a haircut."
Is this brilliant or what? He's talking about Wall Street, brokers, investment advisors, financial planners, surgeons, and everybody with a private agenda. Brokers make their money by doing transactions, investment bankers by forcing the deal to happen, good, bad, or indifferent. Rule # 68You only have to do a very few things right in your life, so long as you don't do too many things wrong."
Buffett's net worth is in excess of $50 billion. My understanding is that 90% of that net worth has come from only 10 investment decisions, and you think you want to DAY TRADE. Rule 74"I buy expensive suits. They just look cheap on me."
Buffett did not buy an expensive suit until he was 60 years old. He figured out that $25,000 at 20% compounded growth for 20 years, was almost a million dollars. Who needs suits?Rule# 112"What we learn from history is that people don't learn from history."
Whether it's Viet Nam, Iraq, or investments, this is from the brain of a genius. If each of us could only understand the emotional truth of this statement and take it to heart, we would be so much better off, and so would our portfolios. CONCLUSIONIf you are an investor, I implore you to read "The Tao of Warren Buffett". It's short, easy to read, and will change your investing life. You will not have to go through the work of reading all of Buffett's public statements to find the gems. The sum total of his investment wisdom is in this book.There is something to be said for going through the work yourself. I would rather see you read this book, if you will absorb the contents. I would pay my children to read it, and do give it to your investment advisors. If they say, "What's this," then it's time for NEW ADVISORS. Good luck to youRichard Stoyeck


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A collection of pithy and inspiring sayings from America's favorite businessman that reveal his secrets of success Like the sayings of the ancient Chinese philospher Lao-tzu, Warren Buffett's worldly wisdom is deceptively simple and enormously powerful in application. In The Tao of Warren Buffett, Mary Buffett -- author of three books on Warren Buffett's investment methods -- joins noted Buffettologist and international lecturer David Clark to bring you Warren Buffett's smartest, funniest, and most memorable sayings with an eye toward revealing the life philosophy and the investment strategies that have made Warren Buffett, and the shareholders of Berkshire Hathaway, so enormously wealthy. Warren Buffett's investment achievements are unparalleled. He owes his success to hard work, integrity, and that most elusive commodity of all, common sense. The quotations in this book exemplify Warren's practical strategies and provide useful illustrations for every investor -- large or small -- and models everyone can follow. The quotes are culled from a variety of sources, including personal conversations, corporate reports, profiles, and interviews. The authors provide short explanations for each quote and use examples from Buffett's own business transactions whenever possible to illustrate his words at work. As Warren says: "You should invest in a business that even a fool can run, because someday a fool will." "With enough inside information and a million dollars, you can go broke in a year." "No matter how great the talent or effort, some things just take time: You can't produce a baby in one month by getting nine women pregnant." "Our method is very simple. We just try to buy businesses with good-to-superb underlying economics run by honest and able people and buy them at sensible prices. That's all I'm trying to do." The Tao of Warren Buffett inspires, amuses, sharpens the mind, and offers priceless investment savvy that anyone can take to the bank. This irresistibly browsable and entertaining book is destined to become a classic.

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The Winning Investment Habits of Warren Buffett & George Soros Review

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(More customer reviews)I am surprised that this book doesn't get the attention that it so rightly deserved. This is indeed a hidden gem! I have read dozens of investment books over the years and this book definitely belongs to my all-time top 5 must read. The writing is simply amazing with investment advices that are clear, succint and easily applicable to our own investment situations.
The book caters to a broad audience with investment advices that will prove beneficial to even the most seasoned investors. Beginners will love the book's approach detailing a step-by-step mental checklist to go through when making investment decisons. I am truly impressed by the author's careful research of coming out with 23 winning habits employed by the world's most successful investors including Warren Buffett and George Soros. I always thought that Warren is a true long-term investor and business owner whereas George is a amazing speculator taking advantages of current market conditions. Their investment philosophies must be worlds apart. Boy, was I wrong. As the author points out, they both have the same 23 winning investment habits as they go thru the same mental checklist when making investment decisions! This book is indeed a revelation.
I won't spoil the party by telling you what the 23 winning habits are. But I promise that each page is a head-turner and you will learn so much and improve your investment record up a notch for every habit that you acquired and practiced. It is one of those rare investment books that I have read cover-to-cover for a great many times and still find the urge to refer back to it. I am sure you will too!


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Warren Buffett, Carl Icahn, and George Soros all started with nothing---and made billion-dollar fortunes solely by investing. But their investment strategies are so widely divergent, what could they possibly have in common?As Mark Tier demonstrates in this insightful book, the secrets that made Buffet, Icahn, and Soros the world's three richest investors are the same mental habits and strategies they all practice religiously. However, these are mental habits and strategies that fly in the face of Wall Street's conventional mindset. For example:-Buffett, Icahn, and Soros do not diversify. When they buy, they buy as much as they can.-They're not focused on the profits they expect to make. Going in, they're not investing for the money at all.-They don't believe that big profits involve big risks. In fact, they're far more focused on not losing money than making it.-Wall Street research reports? They never read them. They're not interested in what other people think. Indeed, Buffett says he only reads analyst reports when he needs a laugh.In The Winning Investment Habits of Warren Buffett & George Soros you can discover how the mental habits that guided your last investment decision stack up against those of Buffett, Icahn, and Soros. Then learn exactly how you can apply the wealth-building secrets of the world's richest investors to transform your own investment results.

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Ted Turner Speaks: Insights from the World's Greatest Maverick (Speak Series) Review

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(More customer reviews)Janet Lowe has fashioned a fine overview of Ted Turner's life and thoughts. Lowe's style offers effortless reading as the material flows eloquently throughout the book. Ted Turner Speaks is not your typical biography with details of every aspect on its subject; Lowe instead chooses to maintain brevity by focusing on the most fascinating aspects of Turner's life and the elements of his character that she believes to have been the most influential. If you are seeking to discover various captivating elements behind the life of this media titan, you will find this book worthwhile.


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As the brainchild behind the Cable News Network, Ted Turner revolutionized the television industry by introducing a 24-hour news station. Dubbed "Terrible Ted" for his apparent disregard for the rules, he turned sharp business savvy into a global communications empire that has made him one of the wealthiest-and most powerful figures in the business. This unique biography, the latest in the bestselling Speaks series, presents the different shades of this colorful personality by bringing together original Turner quotes from newscasts, interviews, and articles.Janet Lowe (Del Mar, CA) is the author of the bestselling /Ispeaks/N series, including /IWarrenBuffett Speaks, Jack Welch Speaks, Bill Gates Speaks,/N and /IOprah Winfrey Speaks./N Shehas written for /Inewsweek/N, the /ILos Angeles Times/N, and the /IChristian Science Monitor./N

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The Complete Guide to Day Trading: A Practical Manual From a Professional Day Trading Coach Review

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(More customer reviews)I have been actively Day Trading for about 2 months now, and have managed to remain profitable. I have gotten better over time, and I eventually see this as a way to earn a living.
I heard about this book as I attended one of Marcus's free seminars online.
I really struggled on whether to give this book a rating of 2 or 3 stars. And that is based on what I think the book is good for. I think the title is a bit misleading? The title kind of bills this book out as a 'COMPLETE Guide to Day Trading.'
When I read the word 'COMPLETE,' I tend to think that it will cover money management, trader mentality, how to identify trends, and most important, detailed explanations into trade setups. Basically I would think it would cover many things about day trading, but most importantly.....specific trade setups.
This book was a decent, quick read. And it does a pretty good job at explaining the basics to brand new day traders. It also has some good organizational information in there for anyone. But if you're looking for a book to explain specific setups, time of day, etc.....this isn't the one for you. Specific trade setups really are just mentioned as a blurb more or less in the book in one chapter. If you've been trading for a while, I would say that since it IS available in paper back, and is relatively in inexpensive, it's not a bad buy, but there are more useful books in my opinion. 'Mastering the Trade' is still the best book I've read thus far.
If this book were billed as anything BUT the 'COMPLETE' guide to day trading, or if the word 'Beginner' were somewhere in the title, I would have given it 3 stars. But to be billed as the COMPLETE guide is what swayed me to report 2 stars. Even after reading this book, there is no way a new trader will read it and be capable of day trading.
I don't feel bad about purchasing this book at all. Decent read, but I do not think it's going to help most day traders. Happy trading!!!
Forrest

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Do you want to be a day trader?Every day, millions of dollars change hands in the markets, presenting the perfect opportunity for people just like you to make significant money and profits through the art of day trading.But here's the question: is day trading right for you? And, if it is, how do you get started?In his new three-part guide, professional day trading coach Markus Heitkoetter lays out a simple, proven system for trading success. From the basic essentials of trading to the actual process of making money in the markets, he'll cover it all.
What You Need To Get Started: The Tools, The Methods, The Mindset
Finding the Best Market to Trade: Futures, Forex, Stocks, or Options
A 7-Step Approach to Developing Your Own Profitable Trading Strategy
The 10 Power Principles of Successful Trading Strategies
Avoiding The 7 Common Mistakes of Traders
Get Started Without Risking A Single Penny
Ready-To-Use Trading Plan Templates, Checklists, Resource Directories, & More
Loaded with easy-to-use information, proven and reliable strategies and guidelines, and a practical hands-on approach to the industry, The Complete Guide to Day Trading is your own personal manual to success in the markets.

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Invest Like a Dealmaker: Secrets from a Former Banking Insider (Agora Series) Review

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(More customer reviews)When I started this book, I was looking forward to seeing a somewhat contrarian approach to investing; something a little different from the Cramers, Fishers, Buffetts, etc. out there. And Mayer promises as much.
For the first part of the book, Mayer lives up to his promise, clearly contrasting a dealmakers' approach to investing and analyzing a potential purchase and contrasting it to that of the average investor. He makes a few excellent points, such as how a stock price only tells a fraction of the story, looking at whether a company has tangible vs. intangible assets, etc.
After the first few chapters, the author starts to meander. The rest of the book is a hodgepodge of advice gleaned from various greats, such as Joel Greenblatt and Marty Whitman. In one case, Mayer greatly disappoints when he starts discussing one of Greenblatt's theories, leaves a lot of open questions, and tells us to read Greenblatt's book for the rest. Was Mayer paid to plug Greenblatt's book?
As one who has graduated from the CNBC soundbyte approach to investing and was looking for something more substantive, I found the book to be a good starting point in throwing out some ideas and adding a bunch of books to my reading list. But otherwise, I don't see who the audience is: the book is too advanced for the novice investor, and the advanced investor who's read the classics won't find much new here, especially after the first couple of chapters.
Overall, the book has some redeeming value, but I didn't find it to live up to its promise.

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Invest Like a Dealmaker outlines an approach to investing that is far removed from what most investors have been conditioned to believe, but which has produced consistent profits for its practitioners decade after decade. While the concepts covered are not well known by the average investor, they are well appreciated by Wall Street insiders and dealmakers—particularly those who think about stocks as whole companies, as things with real assets, and cash flows that exist in the real world.

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Merger Arbitrage: How to Profit from Event-Driven Arbitrage (Wiley Finance) Review

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(More customer reviews)I just finished reading the Merger Arbitrage book by Thomas Kirchner and I really enjoyed it. Mr. Krichner's book broke down the philosophy and process behind investing in mergers in a simple and concise way so that anyone can understand how merger arbitrage works. The book has detailed examples of past mergers which really help to illustrate how mergers operate and how to take advantage of them. The book also talks about risks involved with mergers and explains how some risks really aren't that bad considering the potential up side for merger arbitrage strategies.
My favorite part of the book was chapter 12 which talked about how merger arbitrage strategies complement traditional investment strategies. Mr. Kirchner pointed out simple benefits such as diversification of risk and return streams as basic reasons to incorporate a merger arbitrage strategy into traditional investment strategies and he backs up his claims with data that shows exactly what he is talking about.
Overall I would recommend this book to any person who wants to learn more about investing. The book caters to any level of investor and it has great examples which really help out!

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A detailed look at an important hedge fund strategy
Written by a fund manager who invests solely in merger arbitrage, also referred to as risk arbitrage, and other event-driven strategies, Merger Arbitrage is the definitive book on how this alternative hedge fund strategy works. Initial chapters are dedicated to the ins and outs of the strategy–cash mergers versus stock for stock mergers, legal aspects of mergers, and pitfalls of the merger process–while later chapters focus on giving the reader sound advice for integrating merger arbitrage into an investment portfolio. Merger Arbitrage helps readers understand leverage and options, shorting stocks, and legal aspects of merger arbitrage, including seeking appraisal or filing lawsuits for inadequate merger consideration. For those looking to gain an edge in the merger arbitrage arena, this book has everything they need to succeed.
Thomas F. Kirchner, CFA (New York, NY), is the founder and portfolio manager of Pennsylvania Avenue Funds (www.pennavefunds.com), which invests in merger arbitrage and other event-driven strategies.

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Higher Returns from Safe Investments: Using Bonds, Stocks, and Options to Generate Lifetime Income Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm a novice in the investment arena. I've been trying to get a handle on the composition of a diversified portfolio and learn about some of the different products available with let's hope, less risk. I've studied finance while in school but nothing can really prepare you for how complicated the actual market is. I picked up this book and found it surprisingly readable. It doesn't read like a textbook as what I've come to expect after years of school. I think that it takes a great understanding of the subject matter in order to simplify it for others. Dr. Appel shares his knowledge and reasons for some of his strategies in income generating investments in a MOST READABLE manner.
NOT JUST ABOUT BONDS
The book is filled with examples and introductions to all areas of income generating investments, from regular bonds, bond ETF's to mutual funds. It touches upon preferred stocks as well.
I think this is a fantastic handbook for the conservative investor and for those that are learning how to diversify their portfolio. Dr. Appel shares some of his investment picks with the reader and explains with clarity the reasons behind his choices.
BE WARY OF HIDDEN FEES AND TAXES
I found Dr. Appel's explanation of the different types of fund shares and hidden sales fees, and commission fees to be quite interesting. He also talks about the effect that Taxes have on certain investments. I always thought that TIPS is a safer way to ride inflation, but I'll think twice now about placing it in a taxable account.
It was an easy read and it really gave some good insights and strategies on investing with income in mind. I'm looking forward to picking up his book on ETF's as well. I found his writing style to be quite understandable. Definitely pick this up to get a good handle on "Safer" Investments.


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"Marvin Appel is a discerning and highly regarded money manager. In this concise but compelling text, he shows how individual investors can use a range of fixed-income strategies to gain superior returns while ably managing risk." --Nelson Freeburg, Editor, Formula Research"This book is agreat source of knowledge. While reading I found myself learning things I didn't know, and I've been in this business forover 20 years. Marvin Appel has done an excellent job; I am truly impressed." --Ike Iossif, President and Chief Investment Officer, Aegean Capital Group, Inc., and Executive Producer of "MarketViews.tv"Today, many risk-averse investors simply can't meet their income needs with conventional bank CDs, money market funds, or bonds. This book reveals how you can earn more, without exposing yourself to excessive risk or the costs of a highly active trading strategy.Dr. Marvin Appel shows how to take advantage of high-yield bond funds and income-producing equity strategies...when to purchase individual bonds, when to use bond mutual funds, and which bond funds are best...how to finally make diversification work again.Step by step, you'll build a master portfolio for the coming years: one that can deliver attractive long-term returns more safely than you ever thought possible!Safer strategies for boosting fixed income returnsSmarter ways to mix bond ladders, investment-grade taxable bonds, municipal bonds, and high-yield bond mutual funds

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Master Traders: Strategies for Superior Returns from Todays Top Traders (Wiley Trading) Review

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(More customer reviews)If you compare this book directly with Market Wizards I & II, you will definitely be very disappointed. However, if the presence of one or two very bright ideas in one single book can already satisfy you well, you may still give it a try. IMHO, the chapter by David Miller (Keys to Biotech Investing) is outstanding, whilst the rest are just so so or even substandard. Sorry to say that there are many better alternatives in the market of the "various authors" genre, like the aforesaid ones and "Inside the House of Money" by Steven Drobny. In short, not recommended.

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CAIA Level I: An Introduction to Core Topics in Alternative Investments (Wiley Finance) Review

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(More customer reviews)While it may seem intimidating at a glance, Anson's book is surprisingly readable for what seems like an academic text. It gives a thorough review of the material needed to pass CAIA Level I, and provides thoughtful examples without getting too detailed. I would recommend this not just to those who are sitting for CAIA Level I, but also those with a general interest in alternative investments. If you are considering taking the test, I would strongly encourage it.

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The official study text for the Level I Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) exam
The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designation is the financial industry's first and only globally recognized program that prepares professionals to deal with the ever-growing field of alternative investments. The CAIA Level I: An Introduction to Core Topics in Alternative Investments contains all material on alternative investments that a potential Level I candidate would need to know as they prepare for the exam.
The information found here will help you build a solid foundation in both traditional and alternative investment markets-for example, the range of statistics that are used to define investment performance as well as the many types of hedge fund strategies. It will also inform CAIA candidates on how to identify and describe aspects of financial markets, develop reasoning skills, and in some cases, make computations necessary to solve business problems.
Contains "need to know" material for Level I candidates and for alternative investment specialists
Addresses all of the unique attributes associated with the alternative investments space
Organized with a study guide outline and learning objectives with key terms, available for free at www.caia.org/program/studyguides
Focuses on alternative investments and quantitative techniques used by investment professionals

This book is a must-have resource for anyone contemplating taking the CAIA Level I exam.

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The Panic of 1907: Lessons Learned from the Market's Perfect Storm Review

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(More customer reviews)Edwin Lefevre's anecdotal account of the cash crunch of October 1907 in his timelessly street smart REMINISCENCES OF A STOCK OPERATOR (1923) has always begged for further commentary. His colorful recollection of how J.P. Morgan "saved" the New York Stock Exchange - "A day I shall never forget, October 24, 1907" - is in this current history placed in the larger context of a more general U.S. monetary crisis. Contributing events included the sudden, unexpected demand for capital following the San Francisco earthquake (1906), a Bank of England decision to slow the flow of gold to the U.S., a recklessly leveraged stock scheme hatched on Wall Street, and the absence of a central banking authority. Plunging asset values, impaired loan collateral values, a general loss of confidence, bank runs, financial ruin, and personal tragedy were the consequences of a "panic" that gripped the markets in that year. Even as one private individual, J.P. Morgan, provided the leadership and liquidity to the banking system, the City of New York, and the New York Stock Exchange, the events of 1907 dramatically underscored the need for a central bank to watch over the monetary needs of the country. The U.S. Federal Reserve as a lender of last resort was created in 1913.
The authors summarize the lessons of 1907 in a final chapter. I'm not sure that new ground is broken here, and the "perfect storm" cliche' is overdone these days, but it can be forgiven in this highly readable account. The point is that multiple contributing causes are in evidence in a financial crisis. Among those causes that stand out are an economy growing strongly where potential risks are marginalized (e.g. the recent mortgage meltdown), financial structures so interlinked or complex that no adequate overview can anticipate the impact of a failure (e.g. the size and opacity of the hedge fund industry), an exogenous shock (e.g. terrorist attacks of 2001), and a financial accident (e.g. a major bank or hedge fund collapse) that crystallizes the risks for the public. Market transparency, coordinated leadership, and adequate regulation are seen as critical elements in slowing the spread of contagion.
The authors don't go out of their way to look for these contemporary parallels, but the links are unavoidable. The strength of this book is that it is a page-turning, 'great read' with the added benefit of providing some useful, cautionary measures to help spot the next financial crisis.


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Warren Buffett Speaks: Wit and Wisdom from the World's Greatest Investor Review

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(More customer reviews)If you are interested in reading about Buffett and his investment approach, this book is useless. This is a very short collection of quotes, most of which you will run into anyway.
If interested in Buffett as an investor, one good book is The Essays of Warren Buffett. If you want to save money even on this one, without missing out on the content, just download the letters to shareholders Buffett has written over the years and posted on Berkshire Hathaway's website, for free of course.

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Get Rich with Options: Four Winning Strategies Straight from the Exchange Floor (Agora Series) Review

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(More customer reviews)I'd give this book 5 stars for its practicality, but there are a few flaws. Many options books present a Chinese menu of exotic strategies, confusing the reader and probably causing him to lose his money quickly. This book distills all of these strategies down to 4 of the ones that are the most practical for investors and traders, and that in my experience work well in real life. I was put off by the awful title, which is not the main point of the material in the book at all, but I guess the publisher wants to attract some of the get-rich-quick crowd. The clarity and emphasis are uneven. The fifth "bonus strategy" would've best been left out, because most traders would consider it extremely dangerous. On balance, the book's emphasis on profiting from option time decay by using stragegies that are safer than stock ownership greatly outweighs these flaws. You can waste thousands of dollars on options classes and end up with less useful material than is contained in this book.

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From Ramen to Riches: Building Wealth in Your 20s: Or Spending, Saving, Investing and Managing Your Money to Get Rich Slowly, but Surely Review

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(More customer reviews)I was skeptical that I would learn much from this book. I have a degree in economics and an MBA. I have invested conservatively over my lifetime and expected no surprises. Boy was I surprised.
There are three reasons to buy this book.
1. It is very readable. Because it is plain-written, non-financial readers will find this a very easy read. No big words or formulas, just straight talk.
2. The breadth of the topic. Woods gives you "The Big Picture" and then does a marvelous job of drilling down to how to buy a car, a house, invest, and manage your finances including credit cards.
3. Clarity of explanations. He provides powerful models that help you understand the concepts and the power of your decisions.
Finally, this book is not just for those of us who have money to invest - it is really for everyone including folks on a very small income trying to stretch every penny.


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Mastering the Trade: Proven Techniques for Profiting from Intraday and Swing Trading Setups (McGraw-Hill Trader's Edge Series) Review

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(More customer reviews)I like John Carter - I like him a lot. But there were some disappointments for me in this book. Namely, several chapters are of little or no use without proprietary indicators and downloads. Repeatedly throughout the book, Carter casually refers the reader to his website but nowhere does he mention that they are very, very expensive. The indicators are typically $400 to $500 each - you can buy a package of them for $1500 to $2000 - and the downloads require you to sign up for an expensive subscription to one of his website trading products. I still like Carter but, in my opinion, his credibility suffered a bit from these omissions.

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Expert tactics to become make the most of every swing trade

In Mastering the Trade, veteran trader and educator John Carter shares his hard-won five-point technique for successful swing trading. In addition, Carter helps you move to the next level of confidence by explaining how markets really work and detailing behind-the-scenes market mechanics.

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