5 comments about Investing in Real Estate With Lease Options and "Subject-To" Deals : Powerful Strategies for Getting More When You Sell, and Paying Less When You Buy.

1. As a Realtor, I get a little nervous when my investor clients come to me and want to try things they read about or saw on the web or on tv. Most of those things are illegal in the state I practice in.
   However, this is a good primer for beginners in Lease Options and Subject-to deals, both Realtors and investors can profit from this read.
   I do have clients who use variations of these strategies, but it is very important that you fully understand how these work and what can happen if they don't work. This book is a good addition to every investor and Realtor's reference library.
   A word of caution: Before you attempt any of these proceedures discuss it with a very knowledgable real estate attorney, preferrably one who is also a real estate investor.



2. As Real Estate Investors, when we hear of different ways to make money in this business, usually the first question always is "Will this work for me?" or "Will this work in my area?" or even better, will it work now "in this type of market?" Well, I say that Wendy has techniques that will answer YES to all three questions. My eyes really lit up when I learned how to combine methods--such as buying "Subject-To (getting the deed) and then Lease Optioning!!! Boy talk about a million dollar idea!! And these methods work -NO MATTER WHAT YOUR MARKET IS DOING!!! It was once said by a very popular and wealthy individual that we should "Own nothing and CONTROL everything"--well you got it right here!!! CONTROL WITHOUT OWNERSHIP!!! And you can get wealthy doing it. How would you like to own (control) over 100 homes at one time and have THREE sources of income from EACH house!!!! How many checks can you handle? That is what this book will do for you!!! GO GET IT NOW!!! RIGHT NOW!!!



3. This book is very well written. Excellent. Three months after reading her "Lease Option/Subject To" book I was able to do a lease option deal with a motivated seller. Now that I am ready to exercise my option, I was having problems finding a mortgage broker that can refinance a lease option deal. I emailed Wendy Patton and she responded in less than 24 hours with 5 mortgage brokers that can do the refinance. Bottom line, this is a Great Book! and a Great Author!



4. Fight The Good Fight I've been to a Wendy Patton seminar. She is a great teacher. Her material on lease options and subject to's are excellent resources. With her it's not all about selling you a $5,000 course. She actually provides valuabe information for the price of the book. I can't say the same about some of the other real estate guru's.



5. After investing in real estate for the last 8 years using lease options and subject to deals, i was pleasantly surprised by this book. Wendy Patton packs this book full of great ideas and techniques for both the beginner as well as the advanced investor. Anyone wanting to buy real estate with little or no money down, must read this book. Byron Walker UltimateResultsNow.com

5 comments about The Options Playbook.

1. I bought this book hoping to find all my favorite volatility plays neatly arranged for ease of reference. But the double-ended spread orders featured are practically all stability plays, wherein the trader profits when the underlying stock holds steady. Nice book but I'll wing it for now.



2. This book is an excellent reference and I find I refer to it often. The author spares the theory and gets right to the point of each "play." The trades and positions are explained very well and categorized for you. The book also provides insight and recommendations of the skill level needed to manage the various trades. You can lose all your money when trading derivatives such as options, all you control is how much you risk. The book also provides tips on setting up the trade, risk management, margin requirements and recommendations on the types of securities suitable for the trade discussed. It rates each play to the skill level required and if you are new, I would not start out with Veteran or All-Star plays. The diagrams really help you visualize what you are trading and how to see your position play out. For studying topics like being delta-neutral or negative gamma, I'd recommend Jeff Augen's book.



3. The "Option's Playbook" is straightforward in explaining the basics of options and options trading. It also lines out the different strategies and what their purpose is.



4. Brian Overby is an extremely helpful teacher of the science of options. The videos that he does with the Chicago exchange make this very clear. In addition, his material at TradeKing addresses almost any question you could raise and in a clear and cogent manner.
   
   In this book, you will see laid out in the simplest possible manner all of the major option strategies. It is a very effective introduction to a very complex topic, which is often made more complex by the proliferation of words and superfluous information given in many other books.
   
   I was disappointed for 3 reasons.
   1. There was a coupon with the book which would have put money in a TradeKing account for me but I couldn't use it because I already had one. So don't open your account first if you are thinking of it.
   2. Although it's great to be simple, it would have been nice to have a little bit more text in this book. Perhaps a FAQ or some very basic chapters on things like money management, etc.
   3. For what I got, I felt it was too much. This book should sell for $15. At that price it's really a gem. At $35, it's a bit of an overpriced reference.



5. I purchased this book as a possible resource for a client who wanted to learn about the options market, and, after reading it, I began to recommend it to everyone I know who's into or has investments. This book explains, in 'plain' language, how to use options to protect the value of the stock you own, and make money with anxiety-free options trading. The presentation of the material is clear and straightforward, as it should be, because it is designed to be a working manual for the TradeKing service. It was a stroke of genius to call this a playbook, because work it is not. The convenient format makes it possible to lay it out flat - the book is very well designed.
   
   This book may be too simple for those, who like me, are skilled at predictive methods and the math behind the markets, but, for new investors and those who want to make more out of their current investments, it has plenty to offer. This playbook is a much better investment than one of the courses sold on TV or the internet that cost more than 10 times as much, and is one of the best first steps on the path of options trading that I've ever seen.

5 comments about Options as a Strategic Investment.

1. I actually ended up finishing this FAT book, even though I felt I was reading the same rhetoric again and again all along the book. This book could have been a lot SLIMMER. Although not a bad book to have in the library. I use it every now and then for reference (like margin requirements, prospective gamma changes, etc.).
   Considering there are very few books on options trading out there that has good substance (although, there are decent amount of articles and research papers on options out there), it's a must have for your library, whether you are seasoned options trader or an intermediate options trader.



2. Well written with lots of examples to help you understand the concepts. I've used it as a reference many times as I've constructed trades. It's a big book but it's value will pay off for you handsomely.
   
   One cautionary note on this book is that it was written when trading costs were substantially higher. There are examples in the book where it will discuss trading 500 shares and paying $300 in commissions which clearly doesn't apply anymore. As you read through the book, you may need to alter your strategies accordingly.



3. I worked at Larry's office for over 3 years and anyone who would rank this book a 1 or 2 simply doesn't have the mental capacity to be a true options trader. First of all, I left his office only because I wanted to get out of sales. I still trade options and the lessons I learned from him and his books are used daily. I read people's review about his presentation style and it makes me laugh at how people want to be sold. They want to be duped by a con artist guru so bad and don't even realize it. Larry is a former mathematical programmer turned Wall Street trader - not broker. What do you expect from someone like that? Believe it or not, Larry likes to sell him seminars, books etc. simply for exposure and to get out of his office to have a beer with like minds. Anyone who likes an option book because it's an easy read is a schmuck!
   
   Nate - Nashville



4. Don't get me wrong, I do like the book but the author has an annoying habit of providing an example to illustrate every point that he makes. The book has 962 pages of main text including the appendix but there is really only about 100 - 200 pages of commentary - the remainder is constituted by the authors examples. You can read the book to the exclusion of the examples.
   The author, McMillan,is an experienced arbitrageur and therefore does not focus on directional trading. The first 410 pages concerns option strategies. EXAMPLE: buying and selling calls and puts, 3 advanced strategies for professionals, calenders and butterflies.
   He describes each strategy then suggests follow-up action to apply if the trade goes right or wrong EXAMPLE: leg out, roll down, roll up, roll out, adjust the delta neutral ratio, close the trade.
   He then states how to select the best option for the strategy EXAMPLE: " stock nearing striking price initially, 2 to 4 months remaining until near term expiration, near term straddle price at least two - thirds of long term straddle price" (page 354)
   He then applies the option strategies to different markets EXAMPLE: futures, structured products, stock indexes.
   The author also discusses pricing models however Sheldon Natenberg's book "Option Volatility & Pricing" provides a superior discussion to that of McMillan.
   I recommend the book.Options as a Strategic Investment



5. I am only 100 pages into this book and it has already made me money. (My review is based on the hardcover not the workbook) I have been investing my own retirement funds for years and have dabbled in options from time to time.
   
   I was focused on one strategy and didn't think of all the others. Mr. McMillan provides good examples of all the strategies and refers back to previous charts to reinforce his points. My options trading is now more focused because of the discussion on the discipline and psychology of trading.
   
   At first I was hesitant about paying $50 for a book but it made me 8 times that much in one day. I would recommend this book to anyone who already knows what an option is. While the book starts with the basics it quickly moves on to strategies. Mr. McMillan I may be retiring a bit earlier than I thought. Great book!!!!

5 comments about Come Into My Trading Room: A Complete Guide to Trading.

1. Dr. Elder is probably a successful trader who makes a lot of money selling his books about trading. I have no real negative comments about any of Dr. Elder's book except for his comments when it comes to daytrading. He seems to think that no one makes a living daytrading and that simply is not true. Dr. Elder, did you read Market Wizards? Are were those profiles not real? Yes, most traders probably shouldn't be daytrading or haven't been trading long enough to just dive in, but traders like Marty Schwartz, Paul Tudor Jones, Mark Cook, etc., etc. daytrade and make lots of money. In fact, millions. I'm sure there are many daytraders out there that no one knows about that do quite well. I just wonder why you don't even acknowledge that it's even possible to succeed, especially when it's done everyday. I like Dr. Elder's way of trading and use it in some of my trading, but it's not the only way. All traders and all methods are not equal and they all can't be judged by Dr. Elder's methods alone. His way is just another way of trading. Having said all this, I strongly recommend Dr. Elder's books because they are very good for all traders no matter the experience.



2. Extremely well written even a beginning trader will understand. I highly recommend this book especially for traders who've been trading actively but seem to be getting nowhere. A book worth keeping.



3. Not only I enjoyed a lot reading the book, but also learned a lot. The most important thing I learned is that to make money in the markets it is much more important your mental approach to trading rather than your technical knoledge. Essencial reading.



4. I think that it is very difficult to give the right information for such a matter, but dr. Elder has succeeded in saying the right thinks in the right way, even to a person like me that is almost a beginner in the trading affair. Really great.



5. Simply the finest book on trading I have read to date. I credit this book with being a large part of why I went from consistently losing on trades, to consistently making profits. I think that traders in any market would benefit from this book, and if you don't learn valuable lessons from this book you simply aren't trying. The sections on triple screen trading are worth the price of admission alone. I've read a lot of lousy trading books, so I though it was worth posting my very first review for the best.

1 comments about Trading Options For Dummies (For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance)).

1. What this book lacks in detail, it makes in subject completeness.
   
   There are dozens and dozens of great websites out there describing options and trading strategies in far better depth and completeness than this book. So, if you're looking for complex spreads or techniques, this book will not satisfy you.
   
   However, online searches are so saturated in trading strategies that it's actually difficult to become aware of real world transactional details (like, "who are the market makers? how does assignment work?"). this book nicely wraps up those "loose ends" that are hardly ever mentioned on your favorite search engine.

5 comments about Trading for a Living: Psychology, Trading Tactics, Money Management.

1. "Trading For A Living" is basically divided in two main parts. Part one is focused on the psychology of the trader. It is pointed out that people come into this endeavor full of irrationalities. And some, even after they're wiped out, remain irrational about trading, and come back to lose all over again; this book states that most traders lose and wash out and this certainly is an understatement.
   
   The second part deals with the technical aspects of trading. Strategies and money management are covered. You won't find the pot of gold here, but it raises a few good critical points that you might develop further with lots of hard work and research. The book is missing the very important topics of win ratio, profit margin and sample size on trading systems. If you want to study and learn technical analysis you better go somewhere else because this book lacks some important details. On the positive side, technical indicators are given ample coverage. This book makes no guarantees to anyone of producing profits. I saw no proof in this book that the author could make a living off of trading.



2. A very good book or tape to listen too if you are new to the stock market. Brutally honest and pulls no punches as he explains that the market is a minus sum game designed to take no prisoners. If you are a novice trader than you will benefit from his sage advice.



3. This is a very good book. There is lots of bright ideas in it. You want to read it many times to take advantage of it completely. After you read this book. Read " What I Learned Losing a Million Dollars"What I Learned Losing a Million Dollars. This is also a great book that you can't afford missing it. You will be able to get prepared for trading successfully after finish reading both books. Best luck trading to everyone.



4. This is a great book. Elder covers the psychology of trading and crowd behavior, risk management, and technical analysis. Written for the novice and intermidiate level trader, its all in this book.



5. This is definitely a classic for all time.I wished I had read this book 10 years ago...

5 comments about The Volatility Edge in Options Trading: New Technical Strategies for Investing in Unstable Markets.

1. One of the few trading books that instructs the reader on when, where, why, and how to place an option trade that has an excellent statistical probability of success. His Standard Deviation Spike Graphs are useful in that they can help to identify (by scanning), and capitalize (complete trading plan)on profitable opportunities. There are many more useful bits of info. The author is a professional trader using the techniques he writes about; many of which I (20+ yr option student/vet) use, and can confirm that they work. He is also correct in stating that successful options trading is darn near a full time job. For new traders beware, his advice is geared towards bloodied experienced traders, so practice for a while. Micheal Jordan telling us his secrets on how he drove the lane against Jabbar, Worthy, and Rambus is useful but be careful during practice (a pull-up perimeter jumper might be lower risk at first). As always, any advice on trading without a complete trading plan will fail to help any trader. If you are close to making it, continue to learn all that you can while knowing that this book will definitely help push you over the edge into long term trading success. This book is a must for any trading shelf, and is a steal at this price.



2. Certainly worth the money paid. If you trade options on a regular basis, you will appreciate the fine points that the author has tried to highlight. Although, I must say, its not an easy read; certainly not for people who do not trade options regularly or do not understand options mysterious behaviors. You will find "meeting of minds" between the author and a seasoned option traders.



3. This is an excellent resource for those who want to really understand more complex option positions and trade management. He explains the theory and mathematics very well. I've been able to replicate his "spike" analysis in MS Excel and have back tested many of his examples. Jeff is top notch as far as applying his background from life sciences and technology to trading financial markets. One key thing I learned was to manage the option trade itself and not the underlying or holding until expiration. Also there are several examples of market behavior that are inexplicable with Black-Scholes theory and he shows you how to spot those opportunities. You'll find good suggestions for trading the earnings and expiration cycle too. Volatility and Time are what you are trading with options. One caution, some of the trades involve short positions and he explains delta-neutral tips from professional hedgers. You just have to manage your own risk and work with what you are comfortable with. I've found this book very useful in setting up option income trades like Long Iron Condors and selling Put or Call spreads. You'll need to go through the book a few times. It makes much more sense as you apply these principles to real trades.



4. A well-written book with clear explanations. Not enough to make money on a consistent basis.



5. Definitely worth the price. I have been trading options for only one year and I believe that with enough study, it is easy to understand the power of Augen's methods for trading around earnings and expiration. His analysis on standard deviation spikes alone opened up my eyes to how you can gain that edge around those two important times in an options life. He definitely opened my eyes to how volatility truly plays into options. I would highly recommend if you want that true edge in options.

5 comments about The Complete Guide to Investing in Short Term Trading: How to Earn High Rates of Returns Safely.

1. I wish I had read this book years ago -- I may have been able to react more appropriately (ie: I wouldn't have tuned out, or my eyes wouldn't have crossed) when my husband raved about a stock that he had just sold at a profit, or another one that he was watching as CNBC pundits argued in the background. I'd go into the "huh? zone" because I didn't understand what he was talking about when he referred to futures, options, puts and calls. All I vaguely knew was that a stock going up in price was a good thing, and you buy low and sell high. So, while I'm not planning to do any short term trading, this book gave me a better understanding of trading in terms that I could understand.
   
   I sailed through the first several chapters in which Northcott went over the basics: supply and demand, global influences, the mindset of a trader, the differences between the markets and exchanges, placing orders, the types of traders, economic indicators and the tools that are needed to be a trader. Northcott's cheat sheet at the end of each chapter offers a quick look at the chapter in the form of "success bullets" and "words to know" that I found helpful and invaluable to someone using this as a reference book. I did start to get into the "huh? zone" around Chapter 8 when Northcott went into the nitty-gritty world of charting, and I found my reading slowing down as I stumbled over candlestick charts and support, resistance and continuation patterns. His lesson on indicators (ie. Moving Average Convergence/Divergence indicator and the Stochastic Oscillator) go into a detail that should make this book required reading for the beginning trader.
   
   The next several chapters aren't a quick read - in fact, they'll take several re-readings and a highlighter. But they're basic tools for anyone wanting to research and trade on the markets.
   
   I closed the book with new knowledge and a better understanding of just how risky and exhilarating short term trading can be. This book doesn't offer a get-rich-quick plan, but it does provide a look at the basics of what it takes to do this kind of trading. Throughout the book, Northcott stresses that short term trading is a business, so the novice needs to think of it that way. Don't let emotions like greed and fear get in your way. Come up with a business plan and stick with it: do research to get in or out of the markets, and know the point when you've got to fold and get out.
   
   I'd give this book five stars and recommend it as a required reference book on the shelf of anyone who dabbles in buying or selling on the markets to those who want to make it a career.



2. Just reading through the table of contents may seem daunting for this incredibly detailed and well broken-down text. But don't put it back on the shelves simply because of information overload! This book claims to be a complete guide to investing, and it takes that claim seriously. The strength of this book, in my opinion, is its variety of voice. Technically, it has one author. But between the covers are numerous interviews and personal stories on success and failure of stock market trades- not fictional scenarios, but real anecdotes from real (and often well known) `expert' traders. There is also the layman's approach to it all, with a glossary of terms and handy information `bullets' in the back of each chapter (in case the words were making your head spin). The author also does not cushion us readers with false hope or any sugar-coated lies about ease and success- which, as a beginning stock trader, I greatly appreciate. So, although it may take you weeks to fully comprehend the mass of information here, stick with it. Because, as we all know, playing the market is based on education, not luck, and so if you're a beginner in short term trading you should do your best to educate yourself fully. And this book should be a part of that education.



3. This book is a full-on crash course in short term trading. Although it's designed to educate beginners there's a ton of advanced material in here. Luckily, Alan Northcott breaks down this dense subject matter into clearly-defined subsections and tackles each piece individually. It made me feel like I had a good understanding of concepts that I previously had no knowledge of, like how to place different types of orders and buying stocks on margin. Before I picked up this book my eyes would just glaze over when I looked at a price chart, but by the time I got through the chapter "Caught on the Technicalities" I was actually excited to watch CNBC!
   
   Throughout the text there are short "Success Stories" that are enjoyable to read and that help put the high volume of technical information into a more personal context. Overall, it's a well-presented introduction to an intimidating subject. Of course, there were several sections I had to read a few times (as well as others that were much quicker to read through). I found it very useful that bullet points and lists of key words to know are provided at the end of each chapter. The glossary in the back of the book is also great for quick reference.
   
   I really appreciated Northcott's blunt approach and constant cautions not to get carried away. While I've read other books on investing that emphasize how much can be gained from the markets, Northcott rarely goes a few pages without reminding the reader that thrilling highs can easily turn into devastating lows. (This point hits home especially hard when he discusses the current state of the economy.)
   
   This is easily one of the most useful books I've read in a long time and one I'll return to when making potentially expensive decisions. Hands down, any book that could help me feel confident about tracking indicators and questioning an analyst deserves a full five stars.



4. The Complete Guide to Investing In Short Term Trading by Alan Northcott is a great tool for the novice and seasoned trader alike. It gives real life examples of how traders have won big, lost their shirt and everything in between. The author is much like a personal business consultant. He shows you how to get started and build your business into a long-term, profitable entity. The strategies in this book are priceless. Industry experts convey the same information at seminars and workshops for enormous sums of money.
   
   So whether you are trying to decide if trading is for you or you're reaching for the stars. The Complete Guide to Investing In Short Term Trading is sure to launch you to new levels of success.



5. I've read quite a few books on investing stocks and bonds and this is the first one that addresses the motive behind it all; Emotions. I particularly liked the "Success Stories," a brief yet in depth look at those who have prospered from using this book. As the chapters proceed, stock market buzz words and other important terms are explained in easy to understand, layman's terms. This book provides an entertaining and practical read.

5 comments about Sell and Sell Short (Wiley Trading).

1. His book and workbook is helping me to get to the next level. I am using both of his first books to make money and his latest book to help clarify where I went wrong. The chapters on Trading Psychology/Risk Management and keeping records are right on target to help traders make money.



2. I've read most of Elder's excellent books. I was disappointed to find that this book contains, I believe, only one chapter on short trading. Most of what is in the book is contained in Elder's previous books. Of course, Elder's masterpiece "Trading for a Living" is a difficult act to follow. For me, Elder's "Trading for a Living" or Bill Cara's terrific new book "Lessons From the Trading Wizard" are superior to this book.



3. S&SS was a distinct pleasure for me to read. I have read all of Elder's works, and in many ways started my career as a trader in his footsteps with Trading for a Living in the early 90's. However, having finished S&SS, I feel, as do no doubt many people who have a similar relationship with him, that he has opened himself up to us as he never has previously.
   
   S&SS is Elder's best work to date. He is more direct, more focused in his approach and in the advice he gives. Firmer, less equivocal in his method and the tools it employs, and in his attitude to discipline and follow through. The book was a rich learning experience and pleasure to read and mark up.
   
   For beginners this is the best of Alex Elder's works with which to become initiated to his methodology. While the title focuses on selling, and the subject is indeed covered thoroughly, all of his approach is contained in S&SS.
   
   For the seasoned trader, whether a practitioner of Elder's methods or not, the refinements to his approach (inclusive of all of his work) that are presented in S&SS are well worth the time to read them. S&SS adds new and improved nuance and substance to the corpus of the Elder school.



4. This book is a must have for a trader. It even explains shorting in detail, which can be hard to find info on. The book is actually fun to read, it is not dry and boring. I have enjoyed reading this book, and learned some new things. I will definitly keep this book handy for a reference. I also recomend Elder's other books, "Come Into My Trading Room" (which is great for beginners), and "Entries and Exits". Another book that is great is "Timing the Trade" by Tom Obrien.



5. I have read all of Dr. Elder's books with a great deal of respect until I came across his political reference on page 24, paragraph 4.
   
   I was enthusiastic about this book until this point and it was very hard for me to continue reading. I still believe that Dr. Elder's books are some of the best ever written on the subject but injecting political references in a book about trading definitely leaves a bad taste in the mouth.
   
   Dr. Elder, KEEP YOUR POLICTICAL OPINIONS TO YOURSELF and stick to what you do best. Your book is 230+ pages long and in just 63 words I lost a great deal of respect for you.

5 comments about Hot Commodities: How Anyone Can Invest Profitably in the World's Best Market.

1. as always, Jim Rogers did it.
   I am writing down all the tips in this book. It is very useful for investment purpose. Thank you, Jim.



2. As a successful fundamentalist retired at 37 and traveled the world, Jim Rogers gives a solid recapitulation of commodities with enough facts to practically turn speculation into prescience. With charts and graphs he translates price movements through time and turns them ahead in the future with sense. The bullish rises and bearish declines are nicely justified in terms of supply and demand without neglecting China, Brazil and other large powers. Jim Rogers offers fresh economonic insight that cannot be passed.



3. An interesting read giving insight of a master investor in the domain he understands best. Many logical reasons for his argument for several commodities mentioned that has been a guide for my investments in the Indonesian stock market. Though not many mortals would have access nor capacity to have direct investment in the minerals and commodities mines and plantations as he advocates.



4. I almost gave this book 5 stars for the mere fact that Rogers' predictions have come true since the time the book was published. For example, gas and gold prices have increased dramatically, as predicted, since 2004. S&P has been mostly going sideways and Rogers' prediction of the housing meltdown was right on. From an investment standpoint, the book would have been more helpful 4 years ago than today. Nevertheless there is still a lot of value here. First, Rogers' writing is engaging and interesting. Second, he offers readers a different way of looking at the world which is valuable regardless of your investments. Finally, he claims that his ideas and predictions of rising commodity prices will continue at least to 2015, so there is plenty of time left to profit from his wisdom.
   
   This book is an introduction and individual investors will have to do a lot more research and thinking before they can actually implement Rogers' ideas. The author admits that point, himself. Furthermore he does not really tell readers a logical way of even trying to profit from rising commodities. He claims the best way is to buy commodities directly, but after reading the book I have little idea how to go about buying commodities for the long term. Futures allow investors to profit in the short term but if you believe that lead prices will peak in 2015 or so, how can you profit from that prediction? After all, prices are not predictable in the short term and an investor can get burned badly speculating in the commodities' futures. Oil has been rising in value steadily since the Iraq invasion but an investor could have still managed to lose money investing in oil futures. Need to research and read a lot more on the topic if your goal is to actually invest in commodities.



5. When Jim Rogers speaks, I listen; when he writes something, I read it. If you go back years and years and check out what Rogers anticipated and predicted, he's been consistently accurate. His perceptions, opinions, and predictions in the 1980s and 90s, were spot-on. With "Hot Commodities" he does it again in many areas: geopolitics, equities, bonds, current and future international political trends, commodities, and more. We are seeing what he's saying in this latest book unfold in front of our eyes, right now.
   
   "Hot Commodities" is a continuation of Roger's past works, obviously focusing on commodities. Chapters are organized well and categorized by topic, so you don't have to read the book from start to finish but can jump around from chapter to chapter to your liking.
   
   Hot Commodities starts off with the basics and eventually tells you how to find and choose a licensed trader and invest in commodities. The important questions are answered: what are commodities? Is investing in commodities right for you? Why is there a market for them? What variables (questions) do you ask about a commodity (e.g. sugar)? What questions do you need to ask yourself and a broker who's licensed in them. What kinds of accounts can you have? What is the commodity lingo (words) you should know? How do you learn to read the symbols on the ticker tape? All the answers for the beginner and more are in this book. He has a knack for explaining commodities to the layperson.
   
   You'll know what GH 355.5, WU 369, SN 725, and HOX 101 mean when you see them.
   
   Although past performance is not an adequate way to predict future behavior of a group of funds, the historical trends of commodities are noted.
   
   Also noted are some misconceptions about investing in commodities, and bad investor stories. Many people who got burned did so using margin, according to Rogers. Supply and demand are straightforward indicators. But he does note, an investor should know what they're doing and know if commodities are appropriate for one's personality and investing style.
   
   
   OIL:
   
   Now, talking about oil is the new fad on the mainstream media. Only because, gasoline prices are currently high enough for the public to whine about it. The possibility of rising gasoline/diesel/fuel prices has always existed and Rogers noted it years ago. The author believes that world oil production has peaked and the numbers on worldwide output of MBP (millions of barrels per day) reinforces this. The "new finds" and offshore drilling will only put drops of oil in the worldwide demand bucket.
   
   Rogers noted his own Commodity Index Fund only a couple of times and didn't push it, nor provide contact info for his fund. He doesn't try to sell it. (He doesn't need to.) He also listed other Commodity Index funds. This was professional and reinforces his credibility.
   
   
   
   CHINA IS ON THE UP-AND-UP, AND THE USA IS SLIDING DOWN:
   
   This is Roger's opinion and I agree with it. Rogers is still bullish on China for the short and long-term. In addition to rapid growth and hard-work he notes that before the Communist revolution in 1949 the Chinese had a merchant class that operated for centuries, unlike that of feudal Russia. Therefore, the merchant and trade knowledge base is already in China, obviously. The Chinese save on average 40% of their income, while Americans save an average of only 2%, and often spend more than they make. (American per capita savings was -2% recently.)
   
   China is the number #1 consumer of copper, steel, iron ore, soybeans and number #2 in oil and energy products. China is rising fast.
   
   The United States on the other hand, seems to be moving in the opposite direction. The US is the world's number #1 debtor with $9 Trillion in international IOUs. The US is living off of other people's money. Is anyone talking about this in the mainstream media? Politicians? Only a few are. Tying the Oil Bourse to the US dollar has propped the dollar up. The US dollar is now a declining currency holding little confidence of the world. Remember, when the American government borrows all of this money (via T-bills) it's backed by "faith in the American government." Not if the Fed has the Treasury Department keep printing money and providing Helicopter Bailouts. The M3 Money Supply is now secret. Economists can only guess how much money the US government prints.
   
   The Chapters:
   
   1. The Next New Thing Is - Things
   2. "But...."
   3. Stepping Up To Commodities
   4. Stepping Into The Commodities Markets
   5. Notes From the Wild, Wild, East
   6. Goodbye, Cheap Oil
   7. Gold - Mystique Vs. Fundamentals
   8. A Heavey Metal With Potential To Be A High Flyer (lead)
   9. Searching For The Next Suguar High
   10 Can Coffee Perk Up?
   
   Rogers is and has been one of the most successful investors in the world. He's often made successful personal and fund-managed investment decisions when digressing from the myopic tramped path of the sheep. As usual, the sheep that follow the herd discount and scrutinize Rogers when he just answers the questions they ask him. He makes hiw own decisions. And he proves to be right, time after time. Sheep follow fads and trends, with the most sheep piling on top of a bubble right at the top of it right before it bursts, as all bubbles do. The equity tech-stock bust, shifted the sheep into housing and REI. Now that the RE bubble has burst, some sheep are gravitating (although slowly) to what Rogers has been saying for years. Commodities is in a cyclical bull phase. He cites statistics, historical trends, and the current and future world climate to reinforce his points.
   
   Attention sheep: he's right again.