5 comments about The Complete Guide to Currency Trading & Investing: How to Earn High Rates of Return Safely and Take Control of Your Investments.

1. I have heard about currency trading and investing but was not well-versed in this market. Who knew that the Euro may someday replace the United States dollar as the "currency kept in reserve by the world"? I certainly did not. Of course, you see, most of what Jamaine Burrell talks about in his book, "The Complete Guide to Currency Trading and Investing," is stuff many of us do not know about until after years of experience in the market of Foreign Exchange (or Forex). This book is especially good for novice investors, who need to have complicated investing concepts explained. The great thing about Burrell's tone is that he is not condescending, or "dumbs down" the material. He clearly covers most every complexity about Forex and does so with a professionally instructive voice.
   
   I was particularly interested in this book, especially as our nation is facing a weakening dollar, because I hear so much nowadays about the foreign markets and how many are investing in and trading currency. Apparently, the Forex market really is an accessible investment that can pay the investor quite well if he or she knows how to get involved in the Forex market and understands how it works.
   
   That is why I felt Burrell's book was so helpful for me. It explains how the Forex market works, why the United States is such an important player in the world market, how to get involved, and does a great job illustrating the many indexes, factors, and issues that contribute to currency-value fluctuation and the overall global economy.
   
   For anybody who fears getting lost in a book about a complex investment market like Forex never fear. Though Burrell quickly dives into terminology, acronyms, and details at length some topics, he clearly was aiming the book toward novice folks like myself and does a good job at clarifying complicated matters and never introduces an acronym (like GDP) without telling the reader what the full term is (Gross Domestic Product) and how it relates to the topic at hand ("The GDP is the yearly total value of all goods and services produced," as he explains on page 157). That is yet another great thing about this book---Burrell's tone is not condescending, nor does he "dumb down" the material. He clearly covers most every complexity about Forex and does so with a professionally instructive voice. If you are looking for a book that introduces and explains some of the basics (and details) about foreign currency trading, I feel "The Complete Guide to Currency Trading and Investing" makes for an ideal guide indeed.



2. Jamaine Burrell's "The Complete Guide to Currency Trading and Investing" is an excellent reference manual which offers a well-rounded background to foreign currency markets. There are extensive descriptions of each major central bank and their relationships with one another and the global economy as it pertains to currency trading. Someone unfamiliar with trading foreign currencies and the unique language associated with it should have a firm grasp of the fundamentals once reading through this book. As a seasoned stock and options trader, it was refreshing to get a different view of trading from the Forex side of things. The fundamental analysis was very complete and covered many economic indicators for all the major countries. There could have been more detail in the technical analysis portion and it would have been nice to see examples of charts for easier understanding. However, the information provided in the appendices completes the book nicely and makes this book a great tool to keep in any trader's collection.



3. For a novice, I found The Complete Guide to Currency Trading & Investing a good reference book. I would like to have seen a few illustrations to support some of the prose that was a little difficult to follow. For example, illustrations would have helped to better comprehend the descriptions on the symmetrical triangle pattern, flags and pennants pattern.



4. While I liked the general information in the book, I found it very basic regarding Forex. [...] A fair to good basic discussion of Forex, but lacking in usable information to actually trade with. The discussions of technical indicators is very weak. On page 167 it discusses the "Head and Shoulders Pattern." It defines the left shoulder, the right shoulder, and the Head, but does not say what the pattern means or what a trader could use the pattern for. I would not recommend the book to anyone who is seriously trading the Forex market.



5. If your looking for a very basic book on trading the FX market and your just starting out, this may be an above average book for you. If you have been trading the FX market do not make an investment in this book. I found it to be average at best.

5 comments about The Intelligent Asset Allocator: How to Build Your Portfolio to Maximize Returns and Minimize Risk.

1. I maintain my own investments and am pretty familiar with different types of investments, but wanted a refresher on how to properly determine a good portfolio allocation for me. This is a solid guide to the basics of what to consider, and does a great job of backing up its teachings and providing the reader with the tools necessary to make their allocation decisions. The only complaint I would have would be for an updated version.



2. My broker never told me what an "efficient frontier" was. Maybe he didn't know. Or maybe he thought I was too dull to know what it was. In any case, the author of this book does a good job of explaining how to set up a portfolio of different asset classes in index funds, and makes it understandable to a liberal-arts major like me. I especially like the analogy of the uncle's coin-toss retirement plan in the first chapter. Very engaging. I learned a lot of statistics theory from that simple yet profound example. Don't be intimidated by this book's title. It's a wonderful book for anyone interested in minimizing risk while maximizing return.



3. This book is great from the perspective that it gives you a detailed look at historical returns using different investing methods and different asset classes. It takes you on a walk using statistics that leads you to the conclusion that getting into the market, staying in the market with a low cost (Trading fees and other cost associated with maintaining a portfolio) and properly allocated portfolio is the only time tested way to maximize your returns over the long term. While " A Random Walk Down Wall Street" is a great book and I recommend it as well, this book is better written with detailed reviews and supporting data.
   
   I would say that some Excel and statistical knowledge is very helpful, but not required to understand, appreciate and utilize this book.
   
   I bought this book two years ago and read it several times (As the writer suggest). As a result I re-allocated my portfolios and the results are great in two respects. I have smooth out volatility by using beta / Standard Deviation and improved my returns on average with proper allocation methods. Even in this crazy market of 2007 / 2008 I'm up 13%, 25% and 33% is various portfolios that I have. The methods and thought perspectives really work for the long-term investors. Highly recommended for the serious long term investor.



4. From the title "How to Build Your Portfolio to Maximize Returns and Minimize Risk". The book fell short, by quite a large margin.
   
   The book is a quick read and that was a bad thing. I was looking for an in depth explanation on how to build a good asset allocation. The math for pick two asset classes is explained and how those asset classes, when picked correctly, can actually decrease risk and increase performance to better either one held individually. This all makes sense and was nothing too to me, but a topic that must be covered in a book on this topic.
   
   The problem is, there is not a systematic way to calculate the optimal risk reward profile for an entire basket of asset classes explained in the book. When the book get into explaining multiple asset classes, the explanation on how to arrive at which asset classes and what percentages of each gets wishy washy. They do provide templates asset classes you can use, but so does everyone free on the internet.
   
   I finished this book sorely disappointed that I did not learn anything new to help build an intelligently allocated portfolio.



5. He tries to simplify the math. Result: Unclear explanations.
   He mentions Markowitz allocation and says that the portfolio projected using historical parameters did poorly. Then what do you do? His equal part allocation?
   
   He apparently strongly support indexing based on poor mutual fund performance. Later he says the title of the book is in honor of Benjamin Graham. Graham taught how to choose stocks based on fundamentals.
   So what? Indexing or stock picking?
   
   Frankly, I found the book a bit confuse because of he did not clearly answer the above questions.

5 comments about The Complete Guide to Day Trading: A Practical Manual From a Professional Day Trading Coach.

1. I never felt comfortable with day trading until I read Markus Heitkoetter's book. I have gone from the mindset of "cannot be done" to "let's give it a try." The approach shown in this book with the info on how to test your strategy and how to develop a trading plan is easy to understand and straightforward.
   
   He keeps everything simple in his book - I can understand it and follow the examples. Now, do not confuse "Can be done" with "Everyone can do it." You still have to learn and not everyone can be successful.
   
   I especially like the help on keeping my emotions out of trading and sticking to my plan. An exit strategy is included to help you get out and avoid panicking and losing money. The 7 steps to developing a strategy are helpful, yet in my eyes, a bit too simple and not deep enough. I wish that there would be some more info in this chapter.
   
   Some more basic info for a complete beginner might be helpful as well so that you can learn even more.
   
   All in all, though, I would have to recommend the book as it covers just about everything needed.



2. The Complete Guide to Day Trading is the book you should buy if you are interested in learning about Day Trading. Markus Heitkoetter's book leads by example and shows you everything needed from the beginning to the end. He also lets you know straight up that there is no magic way of succeeding as a day trader.
   
   The book shows you how to create a plan and execute it. He makes it clear that you should not trade with your emotions but rather with a clear head; you need to stick to your plan if you want to make money.
   
   Heitkoetter explains how important it is to create a timetable as well as an entry and exit strategy. The most important thing I learned in his book is that you have to create a plan and then stay with it and focus on the plan, not on your emotions or scares. Keep to your plan and use your strategy based on your plan (not on your fear) and you can succeed.



3. I've been studying day-trading for about a year but still found this book to be a good read. It doesn't get too heavy into trading strategies or a lot of market internals but it does give you a good place to start if you're new. It discusses some essential things like having the right mindset about trading (which is one of the most important things). There are two things that the author states that I disagree with and they are:
   
   1. You need multiple strategies for when the markets are going up, down, or sideways.
   
   2. You should be trading different markets.
   
   I don't know about you, but I would rather find ONE good strategy that works most of the time (nothing works 100% of the time). I don't want to have to worry about trying to change my strategy every day, I would have have my strategy be flexible enough to adjust to the market.
   
   I also don't want to have to switch between markets to try to make money, this seems counter productive. Why try to be a master of all markets when you can follow one market closely and learn how it moves and behaves.
   
   Other than these 2 things, I think this book is a good place to start.I would recommend it to those looking to get into day-trading.



4. I bought this book for one reason, and one reason only - to see what the author had to say about trading strategies. I appreciated the sections on what it takes to become a day trader - mindset, funds, goals - and the chapters that dealt with info for newbies, like finding a broker and picking a market, but I've been a trader for awhile. It was nice refresher material, but not the main reason I bought the book.
   
   Since I first began trading, I've been trying to find the ideal strategy for me. I've found a lot of elements from different trading strategies that I like, but I haven't found any one strategy that seems to fit me perfectly. Because of that, I've thought a lot about what it takes to create a well-tested, reliable strategy. What do you need? How much depends on numbers and how much depends on your personal preferences? And how do you go about creating a new strategy that's successful in the markets and also works for your trading style?
   
   When I read the back cover of this book, I finally found something that might be able to answer my questions. One of the main elements of the book is that it lays out a seven-step approach to creating your own trading strategy, and I was hooked. I bought my copy right then and there. And I'm really glad I did.
   
   These are the seven steps outlined in The Complete Guide to Day Trading for creating your own strategy:
   
   Step 1: Selecting a Market
   Step 2: Selecting a Timeframe
   Step 3: Selecting a Trading Approach
   Step 4: Defining Entry Points
   Step 5: Defining Exit Points
   Step 6: Evaluating Your Strategy
   Step 7: Improving Your Strategy
   
   I can't really go into detail on each step, even though I'd like to, but the ones that were really essential to me were Steps 3-7, especially 6 and 7. I finally feel like I have a good idea of what a reliable trading strategy needs to be. And I have the knowledge to test my strategy, revise it, improve it, and use it in a way that complements my trading preferences and style.
   
   I'm a satisfied reader, and if anyone else out there is interested in the same thing as me, then I would say this book is exactly what you're looking for.



5. Day trading is a potentially rewarding but also quite risky profession. Many day traders jump into their new career role with both feet, but they don't succeed and often quit as quickly as they started. They either end up losing money or they make so little that they cannot leave their day job and work exclusively as a day trader.
   
   Lack of education, lack of discipline, and other factors are among the reasons many people don't succeed when they attempt to make a living as a day trader and this is where The Complete Guide to Day Trading can help. This book explains the do's and don'ts of the profession and it includes graphic illustrations that help explain how to spot trends, how to know the right timing for buying and selling, and how to realize when the time is right to get out of a specific investment and move on to the next.
   
   Day Trading requires discipline, education, timing, and planning. These areas, and others like them, are emphasized over and over again in this book because anyone who is lacking in any of these areas is almost certain to fail. For example, one of the most common mistakes made in day trading is not having the discipline to quit while you're ahead. A person will be trading away and will have made a decent amount of money for the day. But because market conditions are favorable and the money is looking good, the day trader will suddenly feel a surge of greed and want to continue trading. Sometimes, more money will be made but more often than not, the gains from earlier in the day will be wiped out, resulting in no positive cash flow for the day. On the opposite end, the same occurrence is commonplace. A day trader might be having a bad day with losses of a few hundred dollars. Instead of quitting for the day and hoping for a better tomorrow, the day trader will suddenly increase the amount of his/her investments in an effort to gain back what was lost. Panic can then result, leading to even greater losses. This is why discipline and planning are so important. The day trader needs to set a goal for daily earnings and then stick to that goal, resisting the temptation to continue trading.
   
   Besides the advice on attitude, education, and the like, The Complete Guide to Day Trading is also very practical about the science of day trading and it includes many graphic illustrations to help day traders learn how markets work. This is very valuable information and these graphs and the accompanying text rank amount the most helpful parts of the entire guide. Many individuals may have sufficient education, discipline, and planning strategies, but they may have little knowledge about the actual tracking of stock options, futures contracts, foreign currency, etc. This book offers a quick overview of these different investments and how they work, followed by actual graphic illustrations that indicate the pricing trends for a specific commodity or financial security on a given day. Using these illustrations, the book indicates precise ways to spot trends and the exact moment to buy and sell.
   
   Day trading should never be viewed as a get rich quick scheme and I like that the author doesn't promote day trading in this manner. I also like the way he includes evaluations of different software products for tracking pricing changes throughout the day and I like his lists of helpful hints and principles for day trading. Some of the educational material on stock options, futures contracts, etc., isn't as thorough as it could be, but the approach of this book is very practical and hands- on, and it serves as an effective resource for someone considering day trading as a full or part time profession.

5 comments about The Intelligent Portfolio: Practical Wisdom on Personal Investing from Financial Engines.

1. This is a great book for anyone who wants to gain confidence in making their own investment decisions or anyone who just wants to be able to have a smarter discussion with their financial planner.
   
   Jones very effectively demystifies the rules of investing and stays focused on "what you need to know" to manage a retirement account or other personal investment account for the long term. He avoids chapters full of finance terms and discussion of investments that most of us shouldn't be investing in anyway. Instead, you get an engaging, smart book that you can read in a weekend that almost feels like sitting across the table and getting advice. He covers the subjects in just the right amount of depth-- you won't be left scratching your head, or feeling like you've once again been told "the rules" about things like diversification, but still don't know exactly what to do.
   
   You'll finish this book and feel a lot more confident about your money and have a much better perspective on market headlines. Would highly recommend this read.



2. In the crowded space of personal investment books, this one distinguishes itself with some unconventional and intriguing advice. Here are some highlights I found eye-opening:
   
   - Rebalancing is a bad idea! Rebalancing back to your 'target allocations' is effectively making a contrarian 'bet' that some assets have become overvalued and others undervalued. Such a bet against the market doesn't fit with the EMH.
   - Small/value tilt isn't worth it; Midcap growth may be better! This was a shocker, as almost every asset allocation book out there advises tilting toward small/value, in keeping with the Fama/French research. But if you believe that overall market risk is the only kind worth taking, then the only 'tilt' worth making is toward asset classes with high correlation to the market and higher volatility than the market (e.g., higher 'beta'). Which, as it turns out, is Midcap growth! (and smallcap growth too, to a lesser extent)
   - REITS, emerging markets, commodities -- not worth it. Again, some surprising advice. Emerging markets aren't well correlated with the overall market, so why bother with higher expenses when you can get your beta elsewhere? Ditto for REITs, which are really 1) a sector bet 2) a sector which is implicitly included in equities (all companies own real estate) and 3) a sector you're already overexposed to if you own a home. Finally, commodities -- I hardly need convincing there -- they're not a return-generating asset class at all.
   
   So what should you focus on? Expenses, for one! The author makes a powerful case for choosing your asset classes with full awareness of the expenses of each. Again, get your beta the cheapest way you can, even if it means dropping an asset class. The foregone diversification benefit pales in comparison to the difference in expenses, in most cases. The author demonstrates this numerically.
   
   Bottom line: this is probably the smartest book I've read in personal investing space. Although it's left me with plenty of questions to ponder, the final advice given is hard to beat.



3. We have used Financial Engines for tracking and planning since the initial article about it in Wall Street Journal many years ago. This book explains very clearly about how their data-based system actually works and the statistical information they use to make their recommendations. Very clear writing style and easy to read in several gulps. I have bought extra copies for my kids to use.



4. This book was well written and easy to read.
   
   The author makes the case that we would need about 1500 years of stock market return data to be able to predict stock market returns within +/- 1% with high confidence. Since we only have about 100 years of reliable data, we can predict within +/- 4% of the long term historical average. Over long 25 year time periods, stock market returns can vary by a factor of 6X or 6 times.
   
   The author discusses the current world asset allocation of about 63:37 stocks:bonds. Interestingly enough, this is not far from the age old pension plan asset allocation of 60:40. The ratio of U.S. to foreign stocks is also about 60:40.
   
   This author has a different opinion about periodically rebalancing a portfolio. He says rebalancing is really a market timing bet.........because you are betting against the consensus of market participants when the market asset allocation changes. He recommends rebalancing to changes in the over-all market allocation versus to a fixed stock:bond asset allocation ratio.
   
   While conducting research for Financial Engines, they found that investors preferred having risk expressed in dollars versus percentages or sigma.
   
   The author correctly focuses on using funds with low expenses, and he says most mutual funds have total expenses over 2% per year. He recommends adjusting your asset allocation around low expense funds...........if you are in a 401K with very limited choices. His work suggests that not investing in an asset class only costs you about 0.5% in return. If it costs you more than 1% in additional fees to get into a new asset class, then skip this asset class.
   
   The author suggests having a maximum of 10% invested in REITs. He argues that if you own your home, you probably have no need for REITs as a separate investment.
   
   The author also argues that commodities have a 0% expected return, so skip this asset class.
   
   Over-all, this book is easy to read with very sound advice for investors.
   
   
   Index Mutual Funds: How to Simplify Your Financial Life and Beat the Pro's
   The Richest Man in Babylon
   Bogle on Mutual Funds: New Perspectives for the Intelligent Investor
   The Millionaire Next Door
   The Four Pillars of Investing: Lessons for Building a Winning Portfolio
   A Random Walk Down Wall Street: The Time-Tested Strategy for Successful Investing, Ninth Edition
   The Coffeehouse Investor: How to Build Wealth, Ignore Wall Street, and Get On With Your Life
   The Bogleheads' Guide to Investing



5. This book does a number of things well.
   
   1) it offers a great overview of the basics of personal investing (historical and future market performance factors, the roles of risk attitudes and time horizon when determining one's asset allocation, the value of diversification, tax issues, etc.)
   
   2) it shows, mathematically, the perils of individual stock picking, and the negative impact this will likely have on your portfolio
   
   3) most importantly, in my view, is the detailed examination of how and why a passive indexed approach will likely beat an active managed approach, unless the managers get lucky. No wonder John Bogle likes this book!
   
   The book is heavy on concepts and examples, light on tough math. Not a super-light read, but far from a technical manual. Good for most readers, I would think.
   
   In conclusion, if you implement what this author suggests, you can't go wrong.

5 comments about The Little Book That Builds Wealth: The Knockout Formula for Finding Great Investments (Little Books. Big Profits).

1. Reviewing a book like this today is like joining a weight-loss program and concluding on the first day whether or not you got your money's worth. Too early to tell. Ask me again after I've put the lessons in this book to work. Like a year from now. (Gave it a one-star rating because this system wouldn't take my submission unless it included a rating.)



2. Have not finished reading book as yet, but thus far I am picking up good, useful investment information and insights. The only omission I sense, so far, is that there may not be enough "actionable" information (i.e, much theory, but lack of specific recommendations based on that theory). But I will not know that for sure until I finish the book.



3. Becoming an investor who can quite regularly beat a broad based index (e.g. S&P 500) is near impossible. Just ask two of the most famous investors ever: John Bogle of Vanguard (who wrote his own "Little Book" warning investors to stay away from anything but low cost index funds) and Warren Buffett (of Berkshire Hathaway who also recommends index funds for the average investor). They point out that numerous studies show professional money managers (mutual funds) fail to beat the index funds they set out to beat time and time again--and trying to find the few mutual funds that will beat the index is close to a fool's errand. And when regular folks try to pick individual stocks, the results are even worse. Unfortunately, there is one problem with index fund investing: it's boring. Very boring. Moreover, we, for better or worse (worse in the case of investing in capital markets), don't like to be "average" and index fund investing by definition will only yield "average" results.
   
   So investors try very hard to be more than average. And they start by buying books like this one.
   
   This is where Dorsey comes in. He borrows Warren Buffett's now famous concept of 'moats', which is just another term for a structural competitive advantage of a business, and shows his readers how to find them, evaluate them, and then use them to make a profit by investing in individual stocks. Dorsey's game plan is straightforward: find a great business with a moat and buy it only you can get it for less than it's intrinsically worth. The book is well-organized, uses plain-written language and is easily understandable; Dorsey's categories of different moats are well thought out and he provides multiple examples in each moat category.
   
   Here's my problem with this book: Dorsey has you believe that if you can master the concept of moats then you, little you, should spend some time trying to "beat the market." To do this right, however, requires more time than almost any investor (even those who are retired or fanatical) has. First, you have to find a great business with a moat (not as easy as it sounds and it entails both qualitative and quantitative analysis). Then you have to value it (also not easy). Then you have to figure out how much of your portfolio to invest in that company (this step Dorsey conspicuously leaves out which is critical and often overlooked - I would recommend the Kelly Formula outlined in the book "Fortune's Formula"). Then you have to stay up-to-date with the corporation (and its competitors) by reading news stories, press releases, and quarterly reports. Finally you have to watch the stock price: if the stock goes down a lot but the moat and intrinsic value hasn't shrunk, you should buy more of the stock (this is hard for most investors to do) and if the price goes up and the moat or intrinsic value hasn't grown as fast as the stock price, you should sell some of the stock. Get any of these steps wrong along the way and you are sunk. Oh, and you will likely be following multiple companies in your portfolio. Are we still having fun?
   
   As you can now start to tell, applying this "little book" will take a lot of your time. Of course, you could beat the market, but chances are you will make a few mistakes that could cost you a lot of money. My recommendation is to use the book instead in two counterintuitive ways. First, use it to understand what make a great business "great" and if you are thinking about opening your own business, figure out how you can create a moat for it, no matter how small. Second, if you are working in corporate America use the concept of moats to make your company better.
   
   But if you use the book for what and who it is intended for, be forewarned.



4. This is a quick, easily comprehensible, read to understand the philosophy of Morningstar's analysis approach and fundamental investment thesis. Well worth the money.



5. Pat Dorsey's Little Book That Builds Wealth really is a big book that contributes volumes to the investment universe. Overlaying Pat's explanation of the different types of moats on Warren Buffett's portfolio helps the professional and the private investor understand the very important investment moat principles. Coke is a brand or intangible asset moat. Wells Fargo is a switching cost moat. American Express is a network effect moat. And although no longer publicly traded and now a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, GEICO is a cost advantage moat. This little book is a must read for every participant of the stock market."
   -- Robert P. Miles, author The Warren Buffett CEO

5 comments about Stocks for the Long Run, 4th Edition.

1. This is much improved from the first and second editions. (I didn't read the third edition and may not have read all of the second.) The book contains a lot of useful information, presented, for the most part, clearly, and Siegel's commentary on the factual material he has compiled incorporates up to date research. The book can be read as a (slightly to moderately advanced) investment guide rather than just a compendium of reasons to chose stocks over other investments (or at least over fixed income investments). To his credit, Siegel has learned a lot about investing since the first edition.
   
   Although this point is not made in the book, market indexes definitely can be beaten through the careful selection of actively managed mutual funds -- requiring only (first) reading a broad selection of books on investing, subscribing to and reading Morningstar, and reading fund prospectuses and reports. (This may seem like a lot of work, but most of the time is spent upfront and at your own pace; and considering how long your money will be invested, the lifetime effort is minimal. A corollary to this approach is that a nonprofessional investor should never buy individual stocks. This not only will take more time than most people can afford, but for almost everyone will result in at best (assuming infrequent trading) the market return with a lot more risk.) Those, including many prominent economists, who believe it is impossible to identify funds that will outperform the market in the future are just wrong. Past performance can predict future success in investing as in most other endeavors. Admittedly, there is a theoretical basis -- the efficient markets hypothesis -- for contending that stock market investing is qualitatively different from, say, chess playing, but ascribing the results of the many long-term successful investors to luck or excess (and lucky) risk taking seems to me more an act of faith than reason. Finally, the beauty of investing through open-ended mutual funds is that unlike stocks, which generally are priced efficiently, a fund's price is not affected by its demand. Thus, you can buy the best at the same price as the worst -- i.e., the current market value of the stocks the fund owns. (It is true that as the better performing funds accumulate more assets their ability to execute their strategies can be affected, but responsible funds attempt to mitigate this situation by closing, sometimes even to current investors.)



2. Jeremy Siegel is the Russell E. Palmer Professor of Finance at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He appears regularly on networks like CNN, CNBC and NPR, and is a frequent contributor to financial periodicals.
   
   "Stocks for the Long Run" is the best known book by Siegel, and widely cited. There are more than 100 books that cite "Stocks for the Long Run".
   
   Most of the book takes a long-term view of the financial markets. Siegel takes an empirical perspective to answer some major investing questions. Even though the book has been termed "the buy and hold Bible", the author occasionally concedes that there can be some market inefficiencies that can be exploited. The book is very easy to comprehend and is targeted to wide audience.
   
   If you like the idea of scrutinizing major investing questions, popular beliefs and conventional wisdoms, I would recommend "The Only Three Questions That Count" by Kenneth L. Fisher, which is much deeper than "Stocks for the Long Run".



3. Recently published (end of 2007) very helpful to give an overall view of the world stock markets, with enphasis on the american market of course. In my opinion it gives a helicopter view of the economy and the stock market movements and in doing so it provides you with a map of the "territory" you are moving in (as it were). Great statistic amount of information.



4. Siegel's masterpiece is a must buy for anyone who wants to stop wasting money on mutual fund fees and start accumulating wealth. I give this book and Professor Siegel an A+.
   
   Andrew Nissenbaum



5. Dr. Siegel, one of the top academics in finance, has provided a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of investing in stocks. His book is based on data going back 200 years and is fact based, rather than just opinions or theories. I have been involved in investing for over 30 years and found much new, useful information. This book is a great read for anyone interested in stock investing, whether a rookie or a veteran.

5 comments about Foreclosure Investing For Dummies (For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance)).

1. With the struggles in the real estate market and the misleading lending practices, foreclosures are rampant. Wise investors can take advantage of the enormous opportunity in the real estate market. This book will lead them to the promissary notes. Outstanding book! The kind you read, then use as a reference for the rest of your investing life.
   
   Michael J. Maher



2. FORECLOSURE FOR DUMMIES - Informative, with no wasted text, very concise and full of useful facts. Especially readable, moves along and warns of related problems that must be considered when investing. Excellent book



3. Great book. This is the time to read this. It saved me $1000.00's before I wasted money on an informational product.



4. Par for Dummies series -- very informative, useful, clear and easy to read. Lays out upside potential as well as downside risks. As an adjunct, I've been using a beta service at realquest dot com which lets me search for pre-foreclosure, foreclosured and bank-owned homes in my local area. Perfect combo.



5. this book is very easy to read. it gives you step by step info on all apects of investing.

5 comments about The Five Rules for Successful Stock Investing: Morningstar's Guide to Building Wealth and Winning in the Market.

1. This is the first book which demonstrates how to calculate the intrinsic value of a stock. I read through many famous books like The intelligent investor, How to make money in stocks, Only 3 questions that count, How to beat the street, Technical Analysis of Financial Markets etc etc, but non explained me this most basic fact of how to calculate the intrinsic value.
   This book do require basic mathematical knowledge(+ - * / %) but nothing fancy. If you practice the value calculation twice you will get it how to do it for life. Putting it in excel just makes things far easier.



2. This book gives everything you need about fundamental analysis, including how to see in detail company business. Sangat layak dibeli,tapi tidak banyak menyediakan strategi trading. Not much trading strategies in this book



3. I have been looking for someone to help me better understand how to fundamentally analyze a stock. Mr. Dorsey's book does exactly that. It requires prior basic knowledge, but it leads you to a more complete understanding of how to really know a company. As an individual, I try to invest my small capital as wisely as possible. This book helps me eliminate guestwork. I will read more of his material. THANKS



4. I really really like this book and keep going back to it. Mr. Dorsey has a knack for presenting what could be very confusing obtuse financial information and definitions into concise and simple manner without dumbing down the reader. The book has some simple rules that could be incorporated into a stock picking stategy. Combined with other books from william O'Neill and Peter Lynch, it just adds to what goes into picking a great stock. Isn't it wonderful that most of the information is available free on the net? I don't invest in stock recommendation services for the simple fact that I want to learn how to pick good stocks for myself without having to fall back on the crutch of someone else's opinion, cuz that's basically all it is, an opinion.



5. The book, "Five Rules for Successful Stock Investing," is an outstanding read.
   
   It covers ALL aspects of choosing equity investments (though stocks are the focus). Best of all, it takes a fairly complex subject and breaks it into digestible chunks. For example, the author goes through the process of reading financial statements (annual report and 10k), showing where the money appears and disappears without requiring a bachelor degree in accounting.
   
   Digestible chapters simple means that there is one idea which is developed for each section and not so much detail that it becomes a textbook exercise. (One does not lose the point of the discussion.)
   
   It is illustrated with examples of well known companies, with an explanation of why the best answer is not always the obvious answer.
   
   Finally, it is written in a style that is thoroughly readable.

5 comments about Theory U: Leading from the Future as it Emerges.

1. I was at a conference where Otto spoke just a few weeks ago and hearing him speak about Theory U and seeing his passion for the field was inspiring. I would say that this was not a book that I read, I studied it. Presence was an extraordinary conversation and this work helped me understand the depth and the power of the U framework in creating our future drawn from insights from the future.
   
   This is not one of those fad books or consumer business books based on here is what I did so you should do it to. Understanding the U process is a journey and not something you read and go "do". I have a lot of learning and trying to do to start to realize the power of this framework. And there in lies the beauty of this work. I can revisit over and over again and I will never stop learning from the nuances contained within the book.
   
   I highly recommend this book and Otto's other works if you are looking to help create sustainable changes in our world.



2. A clear and concise view about leadership. A scientist who dares to incorporate spirtuality in his findings. It builds bridges between the businese world and the spiritual world. This is the way of the future and gives you the possibilty of really understanding the way to enrich your life in a corporate jungle. Every one, especially leaders should read this book.



3. As CEO Coach, Poet and author of a book that helps leaders unleash their genius and the genius of their teams and coroprations, I find this book very helpful. It breaks down what is often an intutive process that great leaders unconsciously use. Read this one. Paul David Walker Unleashing Genius: Leading Yourself, Teams and Corporations



4. Having completed my own reading of "Theory U" by Easter '08, I gladly lent it to my boss 'three floors' above myself. I now understand why a professor of management in DK last year claimed this book the most important book of leadership in this decade.
   
   To a non-professional like myself, the completeness of the social theory of the U field seems to be somewhat comparable to Darwin's theory of Evolution, Maxwell's equations of electrodynamics, or Einstein's theory of general relativity just to mention some well know (by name :). The common characteristics that I have in mind is the connection of studies by different scientists, explaining all earlier observations in one whole theory and bringing our understanding to a higher level.
   
   Once having understood Scharmer's numerous new ideas of social technology, I realized that for many modern (Western?) companies, mastering the difficulties of empathy is one important next step towards true innovation. That is innovation comprehended as creating what is needed, which is not necessarily what is wanted.
   
   This book applies to managers, but not being a manager myself I still had more benefit from this treasury of thaughts than from many other books that I've ever read.
   
   Leading is not just a question of management. It is also a question of leading your life in the direction, which is meant for you. You find that direction by listening to and acting from the source of your true self that needs to develop. Your motivation to do so is the wonderful idea that what is truly good for you is good for your local environment, for your society, and for the world.
   
   I whish you a pleasant journey through the U field.



5. If you are considering whether or not to buy this book- just do it!!! Its easy to read. It presents ideas using multiple methods- tables, visual maps, stories, interviews, explanations and so on. A nice blend of practical and theoretical. Always thought provoking- a good book to continually go back to re-read sections as the need arises. Very very well researched.

5 comments about The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Unabridged Audio Program).

1. This is not a listen once, quick fix, instant success miracle audio series. However, it contains great information and "Habits" that, if you can integrate into your life, will vastly improve your effectiveness as a human being. I have listened to this set only a couple of times...I plan on hearing it again, and again, and again. You should do the same.



2. While this is good, it was so wordy with quite a bit of monotone so it was difficult to stay with the audio. I would try the abridged version next time.



3. "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" is the most famous title of Stephen R. Covey, a professor of Brigham Young University where he taught prior to the publication of this best-selling work. The audio version became the first non-fiction audio-book in U.S. publishing history to sell more than one million copies. Covey holds a BS degree in Business Administration from University of Utah in Salt Lake City, an MBA from Harvard University, and a Doctorate of Religious Education (DRE) in Mormon Church History and Doctrine from Brigham Young University. He also holds membership of the Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity.
   
   This audio program is mainly about the time management (chapters 1, 2, 3, 7) and interpersonal relationships (chapters 4, 5, 6). The time-management books like "Getting Things Done" by David Allen and "Time Drive" by Gleb Arkhangelsky frequently overlook the importance of interpersonal relationships in the time management.
   
   Many of the ideas and much of the language of "The 7 Habits..." recast the content of the classic 1966 Peter F. Drucker book "The Effective Executive", wherein Drucker wrote: "Effectiveness, in other words, is a habit", and which includes a chapter called "First Things First".
   
   Covey consistently opposes "quick-fix" solutions to life or business problems and insists that changes in paradigm or mindset to align with natural principles provide the "true" source of solutions. The author points out, for example, that the paradigm that produces short-term results in business inevitably leads to an inability to produce results for the long term. He calls this "killing the golden goose". Covey advocates balancing short- and long-term productive capacities as the most effective mindset for the businessperson.



4. If you are looking for what my opinion is (because, of course, this morning you woke up and the first thing you thought was... what is the opinion of Alana Renfro?) the best motivational CDs out there- then stop your Amazon search and purchase the UNABRIDGED Audio Program of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
   
   Working on the creative side of agencies, corporate businesses and boutique clients, you discover that many creative people do not know how to prioritize what is truly important vs. urgent, begin with the end in mind, or follow-through on set commitments with a trustworthy set of principles and ethics. After all, advertising and marketing can be known for the opposite! Just youtube "ad agency spoof", like "The Truth in Ad Sales" video from the UK or "Truth in Advertising".
   
   My husband is in finances, I am in the creative industry, yet we both are incredibly inspired by this series of CDs. It is applicable to anyone in any industry- you just basically need the interest to better yourself, your business or your personal life. I had read the book previously, my husband had not, yet we both have these CDs in our cars as we drive to and from work and are able to not only learn from Mr. Covey's calming and informative audio, but implement the practices into our personal and professional lives. Also being parents, we've found his insights into families, mission statements, the power of thought and his personal family examples hugely helpful for our children and our perspectives.
   
   As a professional, a wife, a mother, and simply someone who has a drive to better myself and succeed, these Unabridged CDs have changed my life. My husband and I both use the planners, but most importantly- the Unabridged Audio Program of 13 CDs I highly recommend.



5. I have listend to the 3 disc set and now listening to the unabridged set. Do not waste your time and money on the 3 disc set for an initial training. The unabridged set has more information and examples and well worth the extra $. The 3 disc would be good for a reminder, but not for the initial training.