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If You're So Smart, Why Aren't You Rich? A Guide to Investing Fundamentals
Ben S. Branch
Book Code: C9028
ISBN: 0-275-99028-1
ISBN-13: 978-0-275-99028-2
296 pages
Praeger Publishers
Publication: 5/30/2006
List Price: $49.95 (UK Sterling Price: £27.95)
Availability: In Stock
Media Type: Hardcover
Also Available: Ebook
Trim Size: 6 1/8 x 9 1/4
Subjects: Reviews:
  • Branch explains the fundamental principles of successful investing for individuals. Using non-technical language, he reviews the basics of compound interest and introduces readers to stocks, bonds, options, mutual funds, real estate, futures, and other types of investments. He also covers lesser-known opportunities such as bankruptcies and takeovers. An extensive and detailed glossary of terms is found at the back of the volume.
    —Reference & Research Book News     August 2006
  • Endorsement From Henry F. Owsley
    CEO and President
    Gordian Group, LLC:     Ben Branch is an extremely knowledgeable and respected player in his field. I think his investment philosophy of "three yards and a cloud of dust" is the right approach for most individual investors.
  • Endorsement From Edward I. Altman
    Director, Credit & Debt Markets Research Program
    Max L. Heine Professor of Finance
    New York University, Salomon Center:     This is an excellent primer on investing which covers an enormous breadth of topics, instruments, and markets. I especially like the rules and guidelines on how to avoid losing serious money while investing. Ben Branch writes in a no-nonsense manner that is easy and fun to read.
Description: Football is often described as a "game of inches." First downs, scoring, and in/out of bound decisions that can determine the outcome of the game can come down to fractions of an inch. Investing is similar: the difference between outperforming or underperforming the market may be a few fractions of a percentage point. Drawing from over thirty years in teaching, researching, and practicing investment fundamentals, Ben Branch succinctly states, "successful investing, define as outperforming the market averages, is not easy. And yet it is very much a game worth playing, particularly if you win." The key to being on the winning side is to understand the basic principles of investing--what it is and how it works--before making any decisions. In this highly practical, non-technical guide, Branch provides the building blocks of a multi-dimensional investing approach. First, he reviews the principle of compound interest, the foundation of all investment strategy and performance. Then, arguing that successful investing is a function of three types of activities--selection, timing, and execution--he introduces the reader to stocks, bonds, options, mutual funds, real estate, futures, and all of the other elements of the market. In addition to covering well-known investments in detail, he explains lesser-known opportunities, such as bankruptcies and takeovers. Special topics include the effects of macroeconomic trends and the subtleties of timing for maximum advantage. He debunks popular myths and misconceptions about investing and shows you how to avoid mistakes in order to invest wisely. An extensive glossary, definitions and examples, and lists of "dos" and "don'ts" will make this book a handy resource for the novice, as well as for seasoned investors looking to take their game to the next level.
Table of Contents:
  • Introduction
  • Investment Mechanics
  • Securities
  • Options: Puts and Calls
  • Sources of Credit
  • Tax Sheltered Accounts
  • nvestment Selection
  • General Investment Selection
  • Mutual Funds, Closed End Funds, and Other Types of Investment Funds
  • Investing in the Debt Market
  • Bankruptcy Investing
  • Takeovers and Risk Arbitrage
  • Rights Offerings and Share Buybacks
  • Investing in Real Estate
  • Market Timing
  • Macroeconomic Trends
  • Timing Strategies That Don't Work
  • Potentially Useful Timing Rules
  • Rules for Short Selling
  • Rules for the Futures Market
  • Conclusion
  • Glossary
  • Resources and Suggested Readings
  • Index
LC Card Number: 2006004345
LCC Class: HG4521
Dewey Class: 332
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