5 comments about A Bull in China: Investing Profitably in the World's Greatest Market.

1. Here is a very very far fetched scenario..A professor and his University department and his entire staff works for 10 years using US taxpayer supplied grant money to do research into...lets say GeoSpatial Satellite sytems, its not directly military, no, there is nothing really secret about it, no sir..but it cost the US taxpayer hundreds of millions of dollars. And lo and behold many of his research assistants..just so happen to be Chinese...in fact they were sent to the USA by the Chinese
   Communist (there that word is again) Government to the USA precisely to take classes with this professor and to work ever so diligently, almost facelessly until they are in the good professors good graces, standing right at his elbow...taking notes so diligently on GeoSpatial Satellite
   technology. Then..lets pretend that they finally graduate and well just seem to disappear. Some time passes and what do you know there is a
   miraculously advanced Chinese space program underway. Gosh they are just
   advancing leaps and bounds. Jim Rogers and his gang is right there applauding at the marvelous hi tech super power China is becoming and pours his Billions in encouraging others to do the same... the profits are fantastic. Then on page 137 of 2012 Janes Defense Intelligence Yearbook..there is a article on Chinas new GPS guided weapons systems including their nuclear missle guidance systems. It seems the USA is now involved in a new crushingly expensive arms race. But what does this have to do with the good ol'boy from Demopolis Alabama who is such a nice guy? And when in the far distant future..say 2016 some working class American kids who enlisted to escape the America Jim Rogers and gang plundered are
   finally incinerated by a GPS guided cruise missle launced by terrorists using Chinese technology bought on the black market...again what does that have to do with good ol Jim?



2. As a professional in the investment business I highly recommend this book. I will sum it up in a few words. A book that all CEOs, World Leaders and anyone serious about understanding the positioning of the United States in the decades to come. A fascinating book written by an intriguing person, the combination equals a must read.



3. I agree with Jim Rogers. China is way too important for investors to ignore. China is growing fast and they are here to stay and perhaps are on their way to become the next great world power. But I found Rogers' book very flimsy. If you are unfamiliar with the changes in China, there are many other better books that can help you to better understand the changes. If you already know about these changes, then this book adds hardly anything. Book is also poorly organized. One minute he can be talking about the different dynasties or the cultural revolution, the next minute he talks about the newest companies in different industries.
   
   From an investor's perspective, it gives you some information about various companies and types of shares (ie: A shares, H shares, etc.). There is no depth though. There are lists of companies in various industries, but Rogers provides hardly any information. He also does not teach you how to find out more about these companies and regulations that might affect investors. For example there are no answers to important questions like: Does China have anything analogous to SEC, GAAP? Where can we get financial statements on companies listed in Shanghai stock exchange? What is executive compensation like? Etc.
   
   If you are thinking about investing in China then it is important to understand their culture, politics and recent business environment and Rogers tries to provide readers with some basic material here, but the lack of depth or new insights make this book not worthwhile. Here are some other books that I recommend:
   
   China Wakes (a little outdated but still very important)
   China Road
   Wild Swans



4. 1. The Chinese saving and investment rate exceeds 35 percent among its 1.3 billion people.
   
   2. There is room for upward growth in Chinese industry, including power and energy, tourism and media, agriculture, infrastructure, and high tech.
   
   3. American Depositary Receipts is a way for Americans to invest in China.
   
   4. Changes in regulation, reduction of tariffs, and the promise of greater market access for foreign first are beginning to shape competition in fields like banking, media, and telecommunications.
   
   5. Commodities will be a way to profit from China's expansion. Owing a piece of the things that china's hot economy simply can't do without guarantees less need to worry about governments, management, or pension funds.
   
   6. In 2006, China attracted $70 billion in foreign investment and brought their foreign currency reserves about $1.3 trillion.
   
   7. Do you want to profit from increased purchasing power of the biggest middle class the world has ever seen?
   
   8. Huawei Technologies sold 1.5 million notebooks in 2006.
   
   9. Lenovo Group (LNVGY) caters to 160 countries and 2006 revenues reached $1.3 billion
   
   10. China Spacesat (SHA) has increased orders for smaller satellites.
   
   11. Shanghai Aerospace Automobile Electromechanical engages in military and civilian work, makes satellite-data-receiving equipment, auto parts, battery panels, and solar battery panels.
   
   12. 2006, there are 137 million internet user in China and 76% have high speed internet. There are eighty million bloggers. Shanda Interactive Entertainment (SNDA) claims 2.29 million active accounts.
   
   13. China has a baseball league, the CBL, Basketball (CBA), football (CSL).
   
   14. 2006, China had sixty million credit card owners. 2009, the banks break even and by 2013, they are $1.3 billion in the black.
   
   15. 2006, there were 440 million mobile phone services and another 48 million expect to join by 2007. China Mobile is the largest cell phone operator with 300 million subscribers.
   
   16. Keeping holdings in the Chinese Yuan, or renminbi, may be a relatively safe way to hitch an upward ride on China's growth.
   
   17. It is reasonable to expect a 300 to 500 percent rise against the debt ridden US dollar over the next twenty years.
   
   18. In 2005, there were an estimated 510,000 public disputes across China, a sign that some forms of protests are being allowed. Will the turmoil rise to the point where it would seriously affect the business and investment climate?
   
   19. Three reason why China's economy will flourish: a. rural dwellers replenishing aging labor b. corruption is comparable to Asian tigers c. foreign companies will invest to solve China's environmental problems.
   
   20. There are 110 million Chinese carriers of hepatitis B and C.
   
   21. Will China float its currency freely. The yuan levels against the dollar are increasingly strong. Will the higher valuations on the yuan cripple Chinese exports? Foreign investment and Chinese innovation should sustain demand for higher quality Chinese products, a similar cycle that the Japanese import/export cycle experienced in the 70s/80s/90s.
   
   22. Is China heading for a "hard landing" as the Chinese government struggles to control growth. China's growth may not be strongly tied to US economics. In 1997, during the Asian financial crisis, China's market soared 38 percent. In 2000, as the US internet bubble burst, China's economy surged forward 49 percent. The US imports are not the only influence in China. Much of China's growth has been internal and stimulated by domestic demand. Because China is a country with high savings, a stock crash won't have the same impact on capital for expansion. Chinese companies have plenty of places other than the stock market for cash.
   
   23. 2006, sixty-five million investment accounts or 10 percent of the population of China, grow from nothing.
   
   24. What are the biggest challenges facing China? Excess liquidity, balooning credit, an asset boom and over-investment in loss-making heavy industries. All factors in Japan's downturn through the 80s.
   
   25. In 2006, China produced 50 percent of the cameras, 30 percent of the worlds air conditioners, and 40 percent of the microwaves sold in Europe.
   
   26. In 2005, 98 percent of villages were electrified and the second largest consumer of electricity in the world. By the end of the 1990s, the Chinese central government controlled less than 50 percent of the power production. The Big five include China Datang Corp, China Power Investment Corp, China Huaneng Group, China Guodian Corp, and China Huadian Corp.
   
   27. China needs $2 trillion in electricity infrastructure between 2001 and 2030. In China, coal accounts for 70% of the electricity capacity. In 2007, China became a net importer of Coal.
   
   28. China will reach US oil consumption of 20 million barrels a day within twenty years. China imports 3.5 million barrel/day of oil. Chinese oil refineries are among the best-managed enterprises. Due to price control, China ranks with the US among the countries with the lowest gas prices. The Chinese governments have been will to let gas prices rise to regulate use and allow Chinese oil companies to stay profitable. Chinese oil companies boost exports of diesel to take advantage of better prices on the world market.
   
   29. The Chinese government plans on spending $200 billion on renewable energy.
   
   30. China ranks number one in world farm output. China has a rural population of 940 million. China's farm production remains relatively unproductive. A single US farm hand works 140 acres and is 200 times more productive than his Chinese counterpart, who works one acre. China plans on a $42 billion investment in agrarian infrastructure: more efficient irrigation systems, retail markets, and e-commerce.
   
   31. Between 2000 and 2004, China jumped from nineth to fourth in world agricultural exports by emphasizing products they have a comparative advantage: a half pound peach, fuji apples, Chinese Walnuts, mushrooms, garlic, Christmas trees, Mandrin Oranges, and strawberries.



5. As a big Jim Rogers fan, I am amazed to find myself giving his book a 1 star rating. While his first 3 books were excellent, this book should never have been published.
   
   The book gives a cursory rehash of the "China is the next great super power" argument (which I believe is true) and then just gives long lists of random Chinese stocks with short and shallow rambles in between stock lists.
   
   The book makes it clear that the listed stocks are not recommended stocks, just a long list of all the Chinese stocks that the author could come up with. It's obvious that no research was done on the stocks listed and most have no more than 1 paragraph on them describing what they do.

5 comments about One Up On Wall Street : How To Use What You Already Know To Make Money In The Market.

1. i was expecting the full book, not the miniature edition. note: this is an abridged, pocket size version of the book.



2. Very nice book for everyone who is interested in the financial markets. Highly recommended. Rich and detailed content.



3. It's a small book with no depth. Might be relevant for people who are clueless about stocks but definitely not for people with general idea about stocks.



4. I thought this book was an abreviated version of the full book, however this book is actually a miniture ~2inch micro-pocket version of the full book. Text is full size, thus it only contains a very few high-level comments. I was hoping for a boiled-down version, but got mini-me.



5. I was going to do some online trading and bought this book too learn more about selecting stocks. Mr. Lynchs' statement that he considered himself successful if 6 out 10 stocks he selected increased in value changed my mind. I want to thank him for waking me up. I will stick to index funds and wish all the online traders the best of luck.

5 comments about How To Make Money In Stocks: A Winning System in Good Times or Bad, 3rd Edition.

1. Its complicated. I'm not going to paint a rosy picture here; it takes time to digest AND understand the powerful concepts that William O'neil has gathered, with arguably years of research. But once you get past the heavy technicalities of understanding stocks, you will sail through them without fear and an edge.



2. Do not listen to the negative opinions or reviews. They will not make you a dime. This book will teach a way of thinking to begin to make money in stocks. There are no books that you can buy that I know of that hand you a winning secret that will make you money, and I've read about 150 investment books. This book is your introduction to the world of Bill O'Neil, an investing giant who has made enough of a fortune in the market so that he has no need to A)sell books or
   B)sell newspapers to make money as others here have suggested. Those of you that are old enough may understand that in a certain point in your career you want to leave a legacy, and it appears that this is O'Neils motivation. As a successful non-financial professional, I can tell you that you can make much more in the market than you can ever make in any other job, and this is even more true for a trader such as O'Neil, and he has no need to scam anyone as some other posters have suggested.
   The book is really a detailed outline of what you need to do to make big money in the market. The theory is really a continuation of previous authors extending back to jesse Livermore. Yes, O'Neil pushes the paper, Investors Business Daily (IBD), but the paper really is essential to your investing success. There is no comparison to the entertaining but useless (for making money trading)Wall Street Journal. IBD is really like having a personal research department -it's that good. You cannot superficially approach the book or the paper and expect to make money. What you are getting is the only available entre that I know of for non-wall street professionals into the world of making money trading stocks. Do not pass the opportunity to begin this journey.



3. I haven't traded one share of stock in the Market...yet. With that having been said, I figured, if you're going to get advice about how to be successful in the Market, you may as well go to someone who knows. William J. O'Neil has been trading since the early 1960's. He bought a seat on the Exchange in 1963. William J. is also the founder of Investor's Business Daily (IBD). If you are interested in the Market and you haven't read an IBD, I would suggest that you at least try it. Information is the key to making sound decisions.
   As a whole, the book is basically an advertisment for IBD. But don't let that get in the way of the information, guidance, logic, and strategies that are offered within the book. Before reading this book, I didn't have a clue about trading stocks. Now, I'm confident that I can pick a potential winner, take a position at the right time under he right conditions, take profits at the right time and, if necessary, bail out with minimum losses.
   I definately recommend this book.



4. William O'Neil, who started a successful financial paper known as Investors Business Daily, wrote How to Make Money in Stocks. Decade of research, critical thinking and common sense has helped O'Neil to create some very powerful ways of investing successfully.
   
   This book isn't about getting rich quick. It takes time, study diligence and patience coupled with controlling ones emotions to become an excellent investor.
   
   I have read many books, magazines and articles on investing in stocks, bonds, mutual funds and more over the years. O'Neil's ideas are some of the most solid and consistent I have found to apply to the stock market.
   
   In the book he teaches his CAN SLIM method of investing. Looking at these indicators are powerful ways to find the right stocks. CAN SLIM stands for:
   
   C = Current Quarterly Earnings per share: The Higher the Better
   A = Annual Earnings Increases: Look for Growth
   N = New Products, New Management, New Highs
   S = Supply and Demand
   L = Leader or Laggard
   I = Institutional Sponsorship
   M = Market Direction
   
   There are other great ideas in the book such as: Nineteen Common Mistakes Most Investors Make, How to Cut Your Losses, When to Sell and Take Your Profit and much more. How to Make Money in Stocks is a gold mine of ideas!
   
   The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide to: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking



5. Pros:
   
   * I know nothing about the stock market until I read this book.
   * Very well explain on how to tackle the market during good times or bad.
   * Even you know nothing about stock, you can have better understanding on this industry once you have read this book.
   
   Cons:
   
   * This book is good for gaining more knowledge but does not provide any plan or action that we need to take in order to succeed in this business. Overall, it is still ok.

5 comments about Reminiscences of a Stock Operator (Wiley Investment Classics).

1. A Wall Street Classic and it does not disappoint. Published in 1923 the book continues to be one of the most heavily references books on trading and speculation. You'll learn about the early days and the history of the markets, some basic trading strategies, and most importantly: the human psychology of ups and downs of trading and how Larry Livingston (pseudonym for Jesse Livermore) dealt with it all.
   
   I'm not a trader, nor am I aspiring to become one, but this was a fascinating read and I'll recommend it to everyone without hesitation.



2. This book really brings to life an era of finance that is long gone. And the lessons of the book are still very relevant today. It is part biography and part tutorial for aspiring traders. Everyone should be required to read this book before being allowed to play the markets. If even half of the people on Wall Street had read this, the USA would be in much better shape today financially. It is a very engaging and entertaining read.



3. This vintage tomb from a bygone era ... is simply one of the best financial texts you could ever hope to lay your hands on. One of the strongest realizations that emerge from the author's engaging style of writing, is that the lessons learned a century ago, are as relevant and useful today as they were back then. The examples and analysis peppered throughout this book, are some of the most insightful examples available to the average reader. There are no mathematical formulas or detailed charts (one of this book's strong points) yet there is plenty of meat on the bone here, for anyone that is searching for clear and practical advice on successfully navigating the rough waters of the financial markets. Many lessons learned and dissected in clear detail. Highly recommended reading.



4. Never before had I so much fun reading and learning about the psychology of buying and shorting stocks. This is an extraordinarily written piece of work that eases into explanations of the power of the subconscious as well as the power of emotions on the conscious decisions made during those uncertain moments of trading. Great book!



5. 
   
   over 85 years old and still going strong, read it and find out why

5 comments about Trading in the Zone: Master the Market with Confidence, Discipline and a Winning Attitude.

1. The many reviews posted are pretty accurate, in my opinion. This is an excellent book. Enough said.



2. This book changed the way I think and act when trading. If you are an experienced trader or a new trader, this book is a must. It's one of the only sources that focuses on the mental aspect of trading. There are piles of technical, fundamental and system trading books, but this author will introduce you to the most important part of trading - your mind and how to control emotion when putting on a trade!



3. This is a super book.
   The focus is on improving yourself as a trader, but the material can be applied to any aspect of yourself that you wish to understand or improve.
   
   The explanation about how the our minds create, maintain and use our beliefs is very clear and simple. The explanation of how are minds function with exiting beliefs is followed by methods for overcoming limiting behaviors and instilling new beliefs.
   
   A quote that I think we have all been told in some form or another has much clearer personal meaning after reading this book.
   "When it comes to personal transformation, the most important ingredients are your willingness to change, the clarity of your intent, and the strength of your desire."
   
   If you're willing to work on yourself, this book is a fantastic guide.



4. And, it doesn't hurt to read this essential book again every couple of years either as your trading develops and matures.
   
   Some reviewers are critical of the style of writing (psycho babble, motivational, etc) and some are critical of the quality of the writing. Some even think the book is over rated. Don't be swayed by the critics -- just get the book and read it.
   
   You'll find that the message (regardless of the delivery or the style of the writing) is all that matters. If at first the message seems redundant or unfamiliar or a bit uncomfortable, keep an open mind. Remember, repetition of a message enables you to integrate it more effectively. And, if the ideas are a little "out there" for you, it is the revolutionary ideas that are often the ones that inspire true discovery (in trading and life).
   
   Mastering our trading psychology and self awareness is the key to pulling all the other elements together. A terrific system plus great fundamentals won't add up to consistent profitability unless we can master our mind.



5. If you are a new trader, you probably won't "get" this book. It takes some time and pain to realize there's a problem beyond market knowledge. The author says as much.
   
   I read the three star review and I agree with it---there's a lot of words in this book. BUT, as that reviewer said, the gems are there and worth every penny I spent on this book. I'd have paid a thousand dollars for them. I actually bought it because another reviewer said it was the best book he'd read on trading. I'd have to agree.
   
   I have fabulous trading days only to have them followed by disaster days. I thought this was just me, but this book says one thing that will hit home to those who trade: euphoria leads to reckless trading. That's exactly the thought I couldn't put into words and hearing him I realized I'm not alone.
   
   I wasn't going to review the book because I don't need the competition, but then I realized what he says is true---there are few great traders.

5 comments about Jim Cramer's Real Money: Sane Investing in an Insane World.

1. Very easy to understand book. The author knows the audience very well and the strong and weak points about them. He has tried honestly hard to make sure the amateur stock investors learn the tricks of the game and equip themselves with knowledge they need before venturing into a brutal game of stock investment.



2. Jim Cramer's books and tv programs provide expert help to every investor; however, as a small investor on a fixed income with small investment money available at 77 woman, I have to be very cautious with my money. I am confidence in anything that he says. If he makes a mistake, he steps up to the plate and says,"I called it wrong, let's do something about it."
   His writing and TV program are not only an inspiration to me, but have given me the confidence to influence my grandchildren to learn from Jim as I have done.
   Thanks a million,
   Love ya, Jim,
   Peggy Wildman
   Dallas,Texas 75205



3. Before reading this book I knew nothing about stock market investing. This book has so much info that I feel it is not a one time read but rather a reference book. Many terms are clearly defined and many situations in the market are clearly explained. For the first time in my life, I understand how basic options work. There is far too much for me to cover in a review. If you want to learn about the stock market, this is the book for you.



4. Really, I figured what could it hurt to read & listen. Tried all his ideas, watched his picks on TV etc. Set up HIS ideal portfolios on my trading page where I trade stocks. After 2 years what are the results? Cramer's picks as well as Vectorvest picks got CREAMED compared to MY own idiotic attempts at making money long term as well as short term.
   So, do what you like, but if ever in San Diego & you want this book? You can have mine for FREE. Do however pay attention to his common sense "get out of debt" strategy.



5. After reviewing "Cramer's Real Money" my wife and I started to put this trader's guidebook method to work.
   
   I am happy to report that from last January until April we had a twenty four percent gain. We researched and searched and purchased and sold stocks that we felt comfortable with. Not bad for beginners. We now call Cramer a stock guru.
   
   After gaining our trust in Cramer we started watching Mad Money on MSNBC. We watched and learned. Every now and again Cramer would make stock pick suggestions. Saying things like boy if you can get this stock for under xxx amount then "that is a gift". Buy Buy Buy.
   
   So we thought this stock trading guru has helped us make money with his trading guidebook why not take his advice from Mad Money and trade those "gift stocks" that he gets so excited about.
   
   Well I can say that the stock guru is our leader no more. Since Cramer's guidebook clearly states "tips are for waiters" we feel foolish. The twenty four percent we gained is now less than one percent. If we would have not believed the tips from the stock guru himself and we would have just continued with the traders guidebook methods we would have been much better off.
   
   It is hard for us to believe that this man's reckless "GIFT" stock picks are from the same person that wrote the book. From what I have been reading online there are many that consider Cramer very reckless with total disregard for his own books methodology.
   
   So buy the book but do not take TIPS even if the TIPS come down from the stock guru himself.

5 comments about The Little Book of Common Sense Investing: The Only Way to Guarantee Your Fair Share of Stock Market Returns (Little Books. Big Profits).

1. I'm 29-going-on-30 and wishing that I had absorbed the wisdom imparted in this book when I first signed up for a 401k. But here I am, seven years later, finally having a real understanding of where I should stash my retirement nest egg.
   
   The premise behind this book is simple - index funds have proven to be the wisest vehicle to throw your money in to achieve long-term profits. Bogle does an excellent job of explaining why this is, utilizing the "humble arithmetic" behind his thesis. For those who are like my old self and unsure of the best way to invest your retirement savings, look into low-cost index funds. And don't just throw your money in there...purchase this book and understand WHY you should.



2. I have been reading about investing since the current market down turn began, including several other books by John Bogle, founder and ex-CEO of the Vanguard Group. This slim volume makes the case once again for investing in low cost indexed mutual funds rather than trying to beat the market, which most of the professionals fail to do. This book is perfect as a refresher course, or for your significant other who is too busy (or too intimidated) to read more detailed books on investing.



3. Jack Bogle has written a book for the ages...in simple language with illustrations that are easily understood, he makes a compelling case for index investing. This is the single critical volume of knowledge that the typical investor will ever need.



4. The Little Book of Common Sense Investing: The Only Way to Guarantee Your Fair Share of Stock Market Returns (Little Books. Big Profits)I thought this book was very clearly written, and its advise quite compelling. It hammers home the long-term advantages of investing in index funds. Of course, the author sells them for Vanguard, but none-the-less, his advise makes sense. He points out how difficult it is to select a mutual fund which consitently beats the market average over a long time period. According to the book, the odds are stacked heavily against it. So I think his point is for me to let go of my ego, and admit how extraordinarily difficult it is to beat the averages, and just invest in index funds and let it ride. Piled with fact after fact, lots of statistics, and bare logic, the book makes its case superbly. I recoommend it to all who own or plan to own stocks or bonds.



5. I love this book. Gave it to my nephew who was content to lose money for 20 years and get into sector funds to make his riches later.

5 comments about Jim Cramer's Stay Mad for Life: Get Rich, Stay Rich (Make Your Kids Even Richer).

1. Marketspath is considered by some-as the masters of market timing. Since March 20, 2008-when we started tracking our etf pro-share trading system (we have been in business since 2004) we have made 43 etf pro-share trades and have recorded only 2 losing trades..with an unbelievable 95.63% accumulative profits.
   
   If you want to make consistant profits each and every week-the esy way..check out www.marketspath.com



2. A great book by Jim Cramer to explain some basics of how you can use some simple rules and ideas to invest in the stock market. Cramer explains in simple terms how to understand the market and use the ideas he used at his hedge fund for your benefit. It's not a "get rich quick" book, and explains that this isn't for people who have no time and little interest in stocks, companies, and business. But for those that have time and interest, this book is a great resource. My only real negative would be that there isn't a lot of in depth information about what he means by "homework" for your investments... but for that, you can read his next book "Mad Money," which does cover that topic in detail. If you have time and interest in doing your own investing, read this book and then follow it up with Mad Money.



3. I love the third book. The section of the new rules are fascinating. I have learned a lot.



4. Wow Great book!!! Learning a lot about investing and managing money. Newly retired and happy to have time to read this interesting book. It's got lot's of good advise and it's easy to understand. Good investing is like many things in life. You have to do the homework Pete



5. Good and informative book . It could have been written in a better structured way . Overall I would recomend it .

5 comments about The Neatest Little Guide to Stock Market Investing.

1. What a wonderful job Jason Kelly did. The examples are in plain English, the formatting clear, the content well structured and appropriate. Great for beginners and probably good for investors with bad habits!The Neatest Little Guide to Stock Market Investing



2. This is a great little book for a beginning investor. I've purchased it for friends who've expressed an interest in learning about the process. It gives all the basics so that a person can further explore areas and methods of investing that fit their personal requirements from investments.
   
   It is not comprehensive. For instance, it doesn't talk about GARP (Growth at a Reasonable Price) methods. If it were it would be a much larger and more complex book, however. It serves its purpose quite well and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to get started in investing with stocks.



3. This book is good for people who are not familiar with the stock market and the terminology behind it.



4. This is the second investing book that I've actually read. I've purchased many. I actually read The Millionaire Next Door and this one.
   
   This book was simple, easy to follow and easy to understand. I read it in two days while traveling, and I'm going to return to it over and over again as I venture on into the world of investing.
   
   I also ordered Jason's Mutual Fund guide as I am always overwhelmed with decisions when picking investments for my 401k.
   
   I would highly recommend this book to anyone who doesn't know much about stock investing, wants to seek larger returns and is overwhelmed by all the information out there.
   
   Jason cuts to the chase, speaks to both kinds of investors (value/growth), introduces you to the masters, then synthesizes in a way that actually make sense.
   
   I'm impressed, Thanks!



5. this was a good book to get your feet wet in the world of investing.

5 comments about The Intelligent Investor: The Definitive Book on Value Investing. A Book of Practical Counsel (Revised Edition).

1. I have been reading the intelligent investor for a couple of days now and just finished chapter 4. The book can seem a bit long but it is not. The arguments are easy to understand and comprehend. Graham argues that investment, as great as it could be, also contains significant risks and for long periods of times have not outperformed bonds when considering inflation. He thinks every intelligent person should have no more that 75% in equities in best of times and should have up to 75% in bonds in bad times. It is definitely a book worth reading not only because he reaches sensible conclusions and warns you not to blindly follow pundits but simply because it gives you overview on market performance by analyzing the historical data that should be mandatory knowledge for everyone serious about investing.



2. Having being for some time a small investor with mixed results I was trying to learn more about the dynamics of the stock market. Benjamim Graham makes an excellent case for value investing which distinguishes true investors from speculators. It is as actual today (if not more then) as it was first written several decades ago. If you only read one book about stocks, be sure you pick this one. Highly recommended!



3. Whether you are an investor or speculator, this book provides more detailed information than any book I have read. To get the most from this book, one must be willing to devote time to absorb what the author is writing about. As it is a rather large book, it is easy to put aside; however if one is serious about the "market" the vital information is available in this book. I firmly believe if one will read and understand this information, your financial program will benefit. Sam Harris



4. Simple like that: if you are a layman investor and don't want to lose a dime, stop your investment actions right now and start reading this book immediately.
   
   I've started composing my stock portfolio a couple of months, before reading this book. At that time, I didn't know any of the Graham's wise lessons and took many decisions, some Graham-complying ones and some not. After six months, all bets on companies in a strong financial position, with a dividend payment history of more than 20 years, offering shares with a discount as consequence of the market fluctuation, and so on, proved to be right, even during crisis time.
   
   A must read book for anyone aspiring to be a fraction of what a true investor is.



5. The Intelligent Investor has helped me focus on the long term, to really internalize what sort of returns I should expect from my stock and bond investments and to temper my enthusiasm when the market gets exciting. Graham writes clearly, uses examples that are easily understood, and makes his points in an understated style. Though a bit dated -- Ben Graham met his greater reward more than thirty years ago and Jason Zweig focuses his commentary on the internet bubble and its aftermath -- the lessons set forth remain critical to value investing today. Just buy and read (and re-read) this book!