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Sequels often disappoint when compared to their predecessors, but author Robert Shiller has proved the exception to the rule with his second edition of Irrational Exuberance. When the original book released in 2000, Shiller's prescient analysis of bubble-like market behavior provided perspective on the painful meltdown of stock-price valuations that subsequently occurred. Five years later, the Yale professor's bearish predictions about real-estate valuations are enough to give any savvy investor or homebuyer pause.

Shiller is one of several well-known economists and pundits who've begun a running dialogue in the last few years around the drawbacks of unchecked free markets. Few writers, though, dissect the phenomenon of bubble behavior as clearly and thoroughly as Shiller does. As with the first edition of his book, Shiller begins this one with reams of quantitative data around the late 1990s stock-market runup. This new edition adds data on real-estate price trends in the early 2000s, and points out the striking parallels between the earlier stock-market boom and bust, and current trends with housing prices in the United States. Shiller actually believes the two phenomena are related; as investors lost confidence in the stock market and moved their money into real estate, one asset class fell while the other rose. According to Shiller's analysis, the pattern is destined to repeat itself.

Aside from the initial data, the real strength of Irrational Exuberance is the straightforward, almost clinical way in which it explains why things happen as they do. The book walks readers through structural reasons for market bubbles, then ventures into "softer" analyses which professional economists less confident than Shiller would be scared to touch. It examines cultural factors behind market bubbles, such as hype-mongering news media, and psychological factors, such as herd behavior.

Another improvement in this latest edition of Shiller's book is his inclusion of more personal commentary, and he mentions the influence that his wife, herself a clinical psychologist, has had on his intellectual development and his view of psychological impacts on economic behavior. Other personal insights from Shiller center on experiences he had while touring and lecturing around the first book, and some of the most interesting passages are those in which he describes common questions or feedback from his audience, and what he thought in reaction--but didn't voice while on his tour.

In the end, Shiller closes his book with an intriguing set of policy proposals. He argues for a revamping of the U.S. social security system, a new system of house-price insurance for homeowners, and risk reduction through portfolio diversification. Fans of the brainy academic will note with approval that Shiller practices what he preaches: he has begun trying to implement some of his ideas in the real world through two private consulting firms he has founded, Macro Securities Research and Macro Financial. The hope is if Shiller's as correct with this second book as he was with his first, readers will all learn something from these new companies. --Peter Han ... Read more

Reviews (62)

Antidote to Stocks for the Long Run
Shiller explains why the incredible 225% increase in the Dow Jones Industrial Average from the beginning of 1994 through the end of 1999 was unsustainable: "as a rule and on average, years with low price-earnings ratios have been followed by high returns, and years with high price-earnings ratios have been followed by low or negative returns." Writing in 2000 when the price-earnings ratio on the S&P500 was nearly 45, compared to a long-run average of about 20, Shiller was preparing us for a bursting of the stock-price bubble. His message was sobering and prescient then as well as good education now. Caution: the reader will have to whack through thickets of details in Chapter 1 such as "The average real return in the stock market (including dividends) was -2.6% a year for the five years following January 1966, -1.8% a year for the next ten years, -0.5% a year for the next fifteen years, and 1.9% a year for the next twenty years."
In Part 3: Psychological Factors, Shiller outlines principles of behavioral finance. For example, past prices and stories help form people's views of the stock market. He reviews classic experiments in psychology, which documented the significance of peer pressure and trust in experts. Shiller's interpretation is that people take uncritically what experts on the stock market offer, presumably that stock prices will continue to rise, which encourages them to be overconfident.
The author puts forth a good explanation of efficient markets theory but applies much criticism. He proclaims: "I see no reason to doubt the thesis that smarter people will, in the long run, tend to do better at investing." Reading and understanding Irrational Exuberance will help put the individual investor in the company of those "smarter people."

I'm puzzled by the y-axis choices in Figure 1.1 (page 6).
I work in statistical data analysis, and I opened this book with high expectations.But then on page 6 I encountered Figure 1.1, titled "Stock Prices and Earnings, 1871-2000", which has a visual design that troubles me.Both lines on the graph are plotted with the same x axis (the years from 1860 to 2020), and I have no problem with that.The Stock Price line is plotted against a y axis that is labeled along the left-hand edge of the graph, and the range chosen for this axis (0 to 1600) seems quite appropriate for the data plotted, which range from about 70 to about 1450.The Stock Earnings line is plotted against its own y axis that is labeled along the right-hand edge of the graph, and I have no problem with the existence of the second y axis.But what troubles me is that the range of this second y axis has been chosen so that the entire range of the data plotted in the earnings line (about 5 to about 40) has been squished into the very bottom of the graph, using a vertical distance that corresponds roughly to the range from 2 to 190 on the y axis for Stock Price.This apparently arbitrary visual juxtaposition of two unrelated y-axis scales leaves me unable to trust any visual trend comparisons I might be tempted to make between the two lines.Can someone explain to me why one of these three alternatives that make more sense to me wasn't chosen?(1) Plot both the Stock Price and the Stock Earnings on the same y-axis scale (from 0 to 1600), or (2) plot the Stock Price on its own y axis as shown but plot the Earnings Price on a y axis that runs from 0 at the bottom of the graph's right-hand edge to about 45 on the graph's right-hand edge, or (3) normalize both graphs to percentages of their values for some year (1871, perhaps).Thanks.Any comments from Edward Tufte ("The Visual Display of Quantitative Information") would be most welcome indeed.

decent, but somewhat disappointing
For those haven't read other behavioral econ articles / books, this is probably worthwhile.However, though the first two articles are well written and informative, the remainder of the book is mostly ponderous unsupported assertions and innuendo.It's nothing new to those who've read a bit about this stuff before.

Regarding the "updated for the real estate bubble" claims:The real estate information is not very well integrated - it looks like it was opportunistically inserted.Ironically, it looks like Shiller and his publishers are trying to "time the market" - rushing a book to market hoping to "catch the top" of another asset class cycle and thus get two data points showing him to be a guru of bubbles.(In addition, his mention of Prop 13 in California is superficial and not informative.)

It also appears at many places that writing has not been updated at all since the first edition.It can make for some confusing reading at times.

Maybe he doesn't want to give away lots of data he's accumulated, but it would be helpful to evaluate his assertions.Without it most of the book does not rise above well informed discussion over a few beers.

indepth analysis on market behavior
In a welcome second edition of the book, Shiller sets up his main theses using the real estate "bubble" (or if you prefer, "boom") example.The first part of the book focuses on a historical analysis of the "bubble" scenarios and uses the recent real estate phenomenon to explain the context of his arguments. He systematically argues against all the reasons cited for the real estate boom (population, construction costs, etc.) In the second part, he focuses on causes for these speculative behaviors of investors and their changing perceptions on risk. His classification of factors into precipitating and amplifying groups is an interesting approach.He then proceeds to explain cultural, political and psychological factors to reason why he thinks investors behave in a "speculative" mode. His attack on the cable TV news media and their "noisy" coverage of business news is an amusing and thought-provoking read.

Any serious investor for the long term (and short term) will find the insights on market behavior very useful in analysing his/her own behavior. The efficient market theory, "greater fool" theory, etc. will also need a more critical look after reading Shiller's comments.

This thought provoking book is an excellent read along with Jeremy Siegel's (one of the authors friends/advisors) book which takes a much more positive perspective on market trends and more importantly, market behavior.

While the strength of the arguments will keep the reader interested, the book is no easy week-end read. It needs to be read in a slow pace to absorb the gravity of the arguments. But that shouldnt deter a serious investor. A must have.

Market psychology with a political ending
This is a chronicle of inverstor perceptions and expectations of themarket both in the late '90s and in other periods, particularly the roaring '20s.Pretty boring stuff.More psychology than finance.

The reason I gave this book one star is that in the final part of the book Shiller makes an political statement that is unrelated to the book's thesis.He campaigns against investing even part of Social Security funds in the stock market.He urges us to reaffirm our group responsibility to the elderly instead.It sounds like something the AARP would have said.

In other parts of the book he talks about what demographic or generational trends may mean for the market or the public perception of the market.When he turns to social security he doesn't mention demographics, however.Of course, demographic trends portend bankruptcy for Social Security as it is currently structured.It's intellectually dishonest to talk about demographics and generational differences in other contexts but omit those factors when it comes to social security.

If he had left out this political lobbying he would have a boring but well researched book.He pulled a bait and switch at the end that detracts from the rest of the book. ... Read more

Download Description

"In this book, one of the world's most respected technical analysts presents a complete course in forecasting future market behavior through cyclical, trend, momentum, and volume signals. Unlike most technical analysis books, Gerald Appel's Technical Analysis offers step-by-step instructions virtually any investor can use to achieve breakthrough market success.

Appel illuminates a wide range of strategies and timing models, demystifying even advanced technical analysis for the first time. He presents technical analysis solutions for short-, intermediate-, and long-term investors, and even for mutual fund investors. Many of the strategies and models he presents have never before been published. Several are based on MACD, a tool that revolutionized technical analysis¿and one that he created.

This book distills over thirty years of trading experience into a practical guide you can start profiting from right now.

Learn technical analysis from one of the world's top experts.

Hands-on guidance from Gerald Appel, publisher of Systems and Forecasts

Coping with today's unprecedented market volatility

Indispensable techniques for profiting in uncertain markets

Winning techniques that take just 10 minutes a week

Better results than ""buy and hold""¿with far less risk

Riding the tides of market wave movement

How to recognize crucial political, seasonal, and time-based cycles

MACD: The ultimate market timing indicator invented by the author himself

Includes new, advanced breakthrough techniques that revolutionize technical analysis

How you can profit from technical analysis... step-by-step!

• By Gerald Appel, inventor of the MACD technique used by virtually every serious technical analyst
• How to uncover the hidden clues that reveal when markets are about to shift
• For short-term, medium-term, and long-term investors¿including those new to technical analysis

Reviews (2)

Best Technical Book Ever -
Since reading George A book, I was able to fine tune my system/charts.
I trade equities, and Futures.

I use stochastics and Mcds + OBV.
I was able to fine tune the settings from the information on this book.
I added Envelops (Moving averages 21 days) - a lot better than Bollinger Bands.
This is a must book to completely research if you are serious about trading.

Thanks - George

Anthony Ferrari

It's the author
If Gerald Appel wrote it, I will read it.It is just that simple.Greg Morris ... Read more

Book Description

Deal Terms is the first ever in-depth look at valuations, preferred stock, stock options and other variables that affect deal structure, written by Alex Wilmerding (a venture capitalist at Boston Capital Ventures and best selling author of Term Sheets & Valuations). Written from a venture capital perspective, however applicable for all types of financings, Deal Terms includes actual term sheets, valuation methodology and analysis, assessment of stock option programs and their impact on valuations and capital structures and other real world documents used by leading venture capitalists and lawyers analyzed from multiple perspectives. A must have book for any executive, entrepreneur, or financial professional, this timeless classic is an unprecedented resource that will help you avoid costly mistakes, understand various structures and terms, and understand wording and language from other deal sheets to help you get deals done.

According to Graham Anderson, General Partner at Euclid SR Partners, "Deal Terms provides critical, in-depth, first-hand perspective on the crucial terms and factors which influence financing decisions."Clifford Schorer, Entrepreneur in Residence, Columbia Business School remarks, "Deal Terms is an indispensable reference for entrepreneurs and finance professionals." And Andrew McKee, General Partner at Webster Capital notes, "Deal Terms is a really important resource." ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Helpful, practical, and brilliant!
I recently finished your book "Deal Terms" and found it extremely
helpful as we are looking into our first round of financing.

This book showed me numerous issues that I would have definitely overlooked or simply not thought of.
 
Thanks for writing Deal Terms. Definitely an invaluable
reference for anyone in business!

Direct to the Deal Terms
This book has a few sample drafts of term sheets and other legal documents. That is not the primary focus of this book. You can hire that kind of talent (legal drafting) on a per hour basis. This book helps the owners make the BUSINESS decisions necessary to avoid hamstring their new venture during this difficult passage. Included is information about what to pay your independent directors, advisory board members and senior management. Also included is what percentage of the company the founders should expect to keep, how to avoid excessive dilution during an unfortunate down round and how to present your opportunity to potential investors. All of these BUSINESS decisions are beyond the discretion of attorneys in this area, they typically instruct the entrepreneur to reflect upon the topic and then the attorney will draft it to suit.

Wilmerding interviews individuals that are representative of players an entrepreneur will encounter in getting his business funded. These real world examples of how business (strategy) items are handled or viewed by third parties are the best part of his book.

Very Useful Reference Guide
As a corporate attorney specializing in the area of venture capital and private equity I just completed reading "Deal Terms." I found the book to be insightful and a good resource, particularly in areas that are outside of my traditional bailiwick as a lawyer. A recommend this book for those new to the venture capital area as well as experienced investors, entrepreneurs and professionals.

Very Insightful...Read Before Your Next Deal
Mr. Wilmerding's book is a great reference for every venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and investment banker. I was very impressed with the analysis of actual deal sheets, and the recommendations on specific points within a deal.

Also of particular value is the focus on the preferred and convertible stocks. The in-depth analysis of both the simple and complex types of offerrings brings to light a lot on the topic, and what to watch out for with new laws and regulations regarding these documents.

This book is a must read for anyone doing financial deals of any type. Although I have been doing deals for over 20 years, there were a couple of points in particular that I took away from this book that I now use in all the deals I do. We also had one of our portfolio entrepreneurs read it, who took away a lot and now uses this book as their "standard" for the types of deals they do.

Want to know what venture capitalists really think about deals and how they structure them? It's in this book.

Passable guide, but certainly not a reference book
A very brief and concise view of venture capital structures, but also somewhat basic in content. Examples could use more details (e.g., the sample weighted average anti-dilution calculations).

Disappointed that the author does not address more complicated security structures other than common and straight convertible preferred. Also, I was surprised given the recent publication date that there was not a comparison on how deal terms have changed from the dot-com boom and bust.

Certainly not a must have book for my bookshelf.

Sahlman's Entrepreneurial Venture is a much better "reference" book and cheaper too. ... Read more

Book Description

For 30 years, one trading strategy has consistently delivered extraordinary profits in bull and bear markets alike: Trend Following. This is first book to reveal the little-known strategy used by the world's most consistently successful traders! In this book, you'll meet them...and you'll discover how to use Trend Following in your own portfolio. Trend Following is the only long-term trading strategy proven to profit consistently in bull and bear markets alike. Now, Michael Covel demystifies this little-known strategy, using hard performance data to prove its extraordinary value. Covel introduces you to great traders who've built enormous fortunes with Trend Following.

How did trader, John W. Henry, start out as a farmer and end up a billionaire and owner of, first the Florida Marlins and now, the Boston Red Sox? How do traders like Bill Dunn, Ed Seykota and Keith Campbell continually pull profits in the hundreds of millions from both bull and bear markets? The answer is that they are trend followers. Trend following is the only strategy to consistently make money in the markets. Leading expert Michael Covel reveals the underground network of these little-known traders and hedge fund managers who have practiced trend following for years. He pulls back the veil on their strategies by introducing the basic concepts/techniques of trend following such as why the market price contains all the information a trader needs. Covel rigorously reviews and analyzes years of detailed performance data to prove without question that trend following works.

He breaks down trend following strategies including how to make volatility work; how to control risk; and how to make successful trading decisions "from the gut." Covel shows why trend following is ideal for individual traders who self-manage their portfolios or for the individual investor searching for a new type of investment advisor. Along the way he debunks an immense amount of mis-information/failed advice from pros that ought to know better. This timely book capitalizes on today's massive move back into the markets and investors' renewed determination to find strategies that really work. The proof is in the results - hard performance data over decades from professional money managers. All the information you need is in one number - why a stock's price tells you all you need to know to trade.

Michael W. Covel is President of Trend Following. A researcher of the most successful Trend Following investment managers, he has been consulting on Trend Following to individual traders, hedge funds and banks for nearly ten years. Teaching and sharing unique insights about Trend Following trading and alternative investments has earned Covel respect as a rational and logical voice in uncertain times. He is a frequent guest on national radio talk shows advising listeners on financial decision-making, trading and Trend Following. ... Read more

Reviews (48)

Great read for all types of traders
As a student of the market for decades I was blown away by this book. It is one of the top five investment books of all time. The author describes what trend following is and who the players are. It simplifies the issue of how to profit in the market. How can anyone argue with the cold hard performance numbers.

It does not give you the save all formula for trading. It does not provide the secret forumulas on how to make money. They don't exist. It does provide valuable information from existing trend followers who have been using the method for years - decades.

Its easy to read and quick to comprehend. Should be on every traders bookcase.

Well worth the money.

Acceptance with Traders
I found the following endorsements helpful:

"Michael Covel's Trend Following is a breakthrough book that captures the essence of what really makes markets tick. Diligently researched and comprehensive in scope, it will replace Market Wizards as the must-read bible for a new generation of traders."
Jonathan Hoenig
Portfolio Manager, Capitalistpig Hedge Fund LLC
Fox News Contributor

"Michael Covel's Trend Following: Essential."
Ed Seykota
Trend Follower for 35 years and Original Market Wizard
The Trading Tribe

"Trend Following by Michael Covel? I'm long this book."
Bob Spear
Developer of Trading Recipes Software

"Michael Covel has written the definitive book on trend following. With careful research and clear insight he has captured the essence of the most successful of all trading strategies. Michael knows his subject matter and he writes about it with passion, conviction and enthusiasm. This enjoyable and well written book is destined to become a classic."
Charles LeBeau
Technical Traders Guide to Computer Analysis of the Futures Markets

"Trend Following is an engrossing and educational journey through the principles, pitfalls, players and psychology of aggressive technical trading of the investment markets. Rich in its wisdom and historical study."
Gerald Appel
President, Signalert Corporation

Nothing fancy. No crazy promises. Just the facts. If you are a gambler, you won't like it.

Trend Following Controversy
This book sure has had generated some controversy! Tried to read it with an open mind. However, I was influenced by the large number of market pros and traders that endorsed it at the author's web site for the book. My conclusion? If you want someone to promise you the world with loads of instant riches, Covel is not your guy. But if you want a down to earth, incredibly well researched work, that explains Trend Following from top to bottom -- buy this book. A great quote from Ayn Rand mentioned in the book sums up the mindset you need:

"What objectivity and the study of philosophy requires is not an 'open mind,' but an active mind-a mind able and eagerly willing to examine ideas, but to examine them critically."

Gotta Read it
I've always been intrigued by what makes top traders tick like the ones in Market Wizards. Because like most people what I do is just keep on investing in the same mutual funds I've invested in for years. This book made me think that there actually is an alternative to buy and hold.

Big Events causes disasters and profits
Good overview book. The information presented is substantial and meaty. Trading biographies, reviews of major events in the markets and trading psychology are all covered.

The author's use of baseball is particularly impressive. Linking a hobby to finance took some skill. But trading is a lot like baseball. Aim for the fences and swing hard. Similar to trend following. Look for the biggest and best opportunities to profit - trends. ... Read more

Book Description

This investment book uses extensive full-color graphics to explain the fundamentals of the markets-an essential resource before reading how-to books or engaging investment advice.It is a unique combination of investment art and investment science that enables the reader to differentiate between irrational hope and a rational view of current market conditions. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Only Half the Story
The book does provide useful insights about the markets, their past performance, and likely prospects for the future.It explains many concepts in relatively simple terms that a non-professional can readily understand.I was expecting the book to provide some guidance on how to use the concepts provided in the book; however, it offered nothing more than an investment strategy and did not describe the techniques that are available to and used by hedge funds and others.

Best Book on the Markets
Unexpected Returns is the best book on investing I have ever read.It's a must for all market junkies, for sure.It's a must for those professionals who work with clents.It's a big plus for investors/traders with intermediate to long term horizons (weeks to months, to 5, 10, 20 years).One of the key practical ideas is that investors need to act differently in a secular bear market than they do in a secular bull market.It's a big picture book with practical applications.Trust me, you will love it!If you want some more information, see Easterling's website at:http://www.crestmontresearch.com. You will get a good idea of what Easterling is all about.I have read the book three times.Then I highlighted the important parts.Then I underlined the most important parts.I am still enjoying it and learning.The price is more than fair; you won't be satisfied with a library copy.

P/E Expansion
Ed Easterling has penned one of the most insightful "big picture" books about the stock market ever written, in the same esteemed category as "Triumph of the Optimists" and Jeremy Siegel's "Stocks for the Long Run." Easterling uses a wealth of data to show that the critical component of long-term excess returns is not earnings growth, dividend yield, or luck, but expansion of the price/earnings ratio. Typically, P/E expansion happens in a slowly falling interest rate environment with mild inflation (2-3%) and stable economic conditions. Remind you of the 1990s?

By contrast, P/E contraction happens during times of econonomic instability, unexpected deflationary or inflationary pressures, or rising interest rates. Remind you of today?

If you invest most of your money at a time when P/E ratios are well above the long-term historical average (as they are now), the best you can hope for is an average long-term return (7%-10%), assuming P/E ratios do not decline over your lifetime. The odds are, however, that the market P/E will revert to its long-term mean over your investing lifetime because interest rates are likely to move higher and inflation is not likely to remain benign forever. While this point seems intuitive, few market participants acknowledge the simple interrelation between interest rates, inflation, uncertainty, P/E ratios, and long-term stock market returns -- a mistake that has huge ramifications, and has a high probability of causing disappointment with the stock market in coming years.

The book isn't just a bearish tome, however -- Easterling presents realistic strategies for overcoming the problem of declining P/E ratios. He lays out the problems using data to back up his case, then presents solutions. Investors would do well to heed his advice.

Understanding Market Cycles and What to Do About Them
The stock market's phenomenal rise from 1982-1999 and equally impressive fall beginning in 2000 naturally led many to question the buy-and-hold, "stocks for the long run" conventional investing wisdom of the 1990's. Among the questions: do secular bull and bear markets really exist, and how long do they last? Can we know what causes them? Are they predictable? Can we know which market phase we are experiencing now? If so, what practical benefit does that provide us in forming an investment strategy and making investment decisions?

These are all timely and important questions, and a new book, Unexpected Returns by Ed Easterling, is the most elegantly structured treatment of the subject that I've seen to date, presented with clear historical data to back up the arguments. The surprising thing is how much the average investor experience depends upon stock prices relative to earnings or dividends, and whether these multiples expand or contract duringa given investment period. There is a wonderful chart on page 80 of Unexpected Returns that shows just how much investors are dependent upon changes in P/E ratios, not earnings growth, over time for their returns. Easterling shows clearly that the best environment for P/E ratios is when inflation is low and stable and approaches price stability. The further conditions stray from this low-inflation, price stability environment, the greater the downward pressure on P/E ratios. Historically, the highest levels of inflation (such as those experienced in the 1970's) and the most extreme examples of deflation (such as that in the early part of the 20th century in the U.S.) correspond with historically low P/E ratios.

One of the strongest points emphasized by the book is that interest rates and inflation have never been stable for long, and the recent condition of low inflation price stability is a historical anomaly. As long as the current benevolent inflation / interest rate environment lasts, stocks can support P/E ratios in the low 20's; the sooner it changes, and the more drastically, the farther P/E ratios will have to fall. The evidence, as Easterling lays it out, makes it far more likely that the stock market's nice performances in 2003 and 2004 represent nothing more than a typical bear market rally than the beginning of a new bull market. Stock prices and interest rates similar to those prevailing today have historically marked the ends of bull markets, not their beginnings. The recognition of the conditions of a secular bear market requires a different investment strategy than does a bull market - as Easterling would say, row, don't sail.

Unexpected Returns is compact, highly readable, and offers compelling historical evidence for the inevitability of secular bull and bear markets, what drives them, and the clear signals that can be used by enlightened investors to determine the prevailing market cycle in order to improve results in any market environment.
(The review above is a shorter version of one originally published in Value Investor Insight (www.valueinvestorinsight.com) and appears here in this format with permission.)

Must Read for Investors!
Ed Easterling has written a truly special book.He frames the historical market trends, current situation, and likely future in a straightforward way that draws insightful conclusions for investors. ... Read more

Book Description

The classic source for the technical analysis discipline now brings readers up to date in techniques and technology
Now, in this second edition of the classic text, expert Thomas Dorsey shows, step-by-step, how to create, maintain, and interpret your own point and figure charts. He explains how you can use your findings to track and forecast market prices and develop an overall investment strategy. Perhaps most importantly, he helps you develop confidence in the market and take decisive action at the appropriate time, rather than reacting after the fact. Dorsey also highlights new developments in the field and incorporates the use of recently developed software to track any market using point and figure methods. Written for both new and experienced P & F chartists, this updated edition of a technical analysis classic brings point and figure charting into the Internet age.
Thomas J. Dorsey (Richmond, VA) is President of Dorsey, Wright & Associates, a registered investment advisory firm that uses point and figure charting as its main source of technical analysis. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

A vital addition to your library.
Some people find a good thing early on and are smart enough to stick with it. I am not one of those people, but Tom Dorsey is. I've read about every TA book ever written, I've studied everything from stochastic to voodoo and back, and if someone asked me to recommend one single book for learning and successfully applying Technical Analysis in order to make money, it would be this book. The methods described are powerful yet simple, (which usually is the best), concise, (no filler), and include a strategy for any plan to make money in the market and avoid giving it all back.

From the overall concepts of Point and Figure Charting to the specific rules for managing your trades, your portfolio, and your money, you'll be happy you took the time learn what Tom Dorsey has shared about those little Xs and Os.

Too Hard to Read, Concepts Available Elsewhere
Mr. Dorsey is a talented financial analyst and amateur weightlifter when he was younger BUT, he is not a good writer (this has been confirmed in my personal correspondence with Mr. Dorsey) and this book cries out for thorough editing. One can learn Point and Figure charting for free at the dorseywright dot com web site (just look for the point n figure university link at the bottom of the home page). Dorsey knows his stuff but the more easily bored one is, the more one will find this book aimless and boring. Point and Figure is superior to bar and candlestick charts because it records meaningful market movement while ignoring the small stuff. Another Point and Figure book, published in the 1930s by de Viller (?), is also very hard to read and not worthy of buying. Let's hope Mr Dorsey, a great guy and always terrific on CNBC, will get this book re-edited and whittled down to about 175 pages. Learn it for free at his website and order "Chart Reading Made Easy" by John Murphy to quickly and economically learn technical analysis.

Dow's Theory Rightly Attributed to Charles Dow
"indeed, Dow Theory, while credited to Charles Dow, was actually first put together by S.A. Nelson in the book The ABCs of Stock Speculation."

This reviewer's comment above is a bit misleading. The Dow Theory, as explicated in chapter's IV thru XX of Nelson's book, are actually abridged editorials written by Charles Dow (that orignally appeared between Dec 14, 1900 and July 31, 1902). Nelson in his book accurately attributes Dow Theory to Charles Dow, who was editor of the Wall St. Journal at the time.

Nelson's contribution to Dow Theory was the act of compiling Dow's editorials; William Hamilton (Stock Market Barometer, 1922) and Robert Rhea (The Dow Theory, 1932) were so impressed by Dow's ideas about how markets work that they were keenly interested in documenting his ideas in print, as well as extending those ideas.

Provides a Solid Market Snapshot
One of the toughest jobs every trader faces is accurately identifying solid support and resistance. This book clearly solves the problem of identifying reliable buy and sell signals that represent the big picture of longer term trend rather than short term noise.

one of the best books available on top down investing
This is first and foremost a specific methodology for a top-down approach. This is a style of investing where you look first at the market, then the sector, and finally the stock itself. This answers the question of when to buy, whereas fundamental analysis answers the question of what to buy.

It's true that much of this information is available elsewhere, a good deal of it on the dorseywright web page, but not all of it. This book is a great book for putting the pieces together in a sensible way.

This is a book for longer term investors, not day traders or swing traders who like to be in and out of a stock in a few days or a week.

This book goes very well with Pring's how to select stocks using technical analysis; this method is easier to use, and more sensible in my opinion, but elements of both fit very well together.

Note: This book has nothing to do with dow theory, which is concerned with identifying the primary trend of the market as represented by the DJIA. In this theory, the DJTA is used for confirmation. This has nothing to do with point & figure charting; indeed, Dow Theory, while credited to Charles Dow, was actually first put together by S.A. Nelson in the book The ABCs of Stock Speculation. Robert Rhea and William Hamilton further refined the theory. ... Read more

Reviews (148)

A must-read, if you are thinking of working on Wall St
I worked for CSFB for three years, and am still in investment banking for a smaller firm. So I have seen a part of the world that is described here. I'm not saying that this is an exact description of what I saw, because Lewis picks the most exotic creatures that he met, but the atmosphere is perfectly conveyed. This book will tell you all the stuff that they don't teach you in an interview or recruitment visit - the pecking order, the politics, and how to get paid.

The other reason to read this is that Lewis is a brilliant writer, with a real talent for describing people and their situations. Lots of other people have written boring books with the same raw material. For a non-specialist like my mother, the technicalities were hard work, but you don't need a lot of special knowledge to like this book. My mother certainly did.

Probably the best way to look at this book is like a travel book - you're not visiting a country, you're visiting a world. Great travel books are not word-perfect descriptions of a place, they are representations of what the author felt like when he was there, and they give the reader a feeling of what it was like to be there. If you read this book, you will understand what it feels like to work inside a big bank, and you'll enjoy the ride, even if you have no interest in actually working there.

Obvious Cry Baby
I want you to realize that Michael Lewis is only one perspective albeit a very biased and skewed one at that. If you speak to any one who worked at Salomon they will bluntly tell you that the book is not completely factual. Michael Lewis has an agenda, and it is very obvious that he has it in for the Salomon and Wall Street traders. And, he is willing to bend the truth and exagerate things to make the people look like monsters. Using the endearing term of Human Pirhana speaks to this point. I loved the book, because it gives you somewhat of a perspective on the life of traders, but I don't think you truly know what it is you're up against until you go and do actual trading. I wouldn't believe everything you read in Liar's Poker, and I would weigh each word carefully, because Meriweather isn't the only playing Liar's Poker here. Enjoy, and don't let the book discourage you from hedge funds and investment banking, especially if you really love finance.

An insider's view of Solly
'Liar's Poker' is worth a read if you want an insider's account of life on Wall Street. The book doesn't pretend to glorify the easy money that Lewis and his ilk made during the bond schlepping go-go days of the 1980s. Rather, Lewis is disillusioned by the greedy culture and hypocritical short-sightedness at Salomon Brothers, but not enough that he doesn't enjoy the ride for a few oh-so-profitable years. Like his other books, 'Liar's Poker' is fun to read. His anecdotes about the training program and the trading floor, albeit surely embellished, read like a day at the amusement park. The key shortcoming is an oozy 20-something self-righteousness that pervades many of the book's chapters, and reaches a crescendo in the final pages. But hey, arrogance begets credibility. And when it comes to describing Wall Street in the 80s, Lewis is as credible a spokesman as anyone.

Excelent insight into the world of wallstreet
Michael Lewis is obviously an excellent writer. The words simply flow from him. He speaks from experience so his perspective is insightful, and entertaining.

I have always been mesmerized by wallstreet, as well as silicon valley, simply because we it allows us, if even for just a few hours, to imagine the possibility of attaining great wealth legitimately thru our talent and hard work.

He reminds me of Kurt Vonnegut. But Kurt speaks of the old wrld, the one our fathers lived in. Lewis in more today. Somewhat ike Po Bronson

Good read for a finance novice too!
I picked up this book as it is highly popular among investment bankers. I am not an investment banker and do not intend to be one but I was keen to find out what makes Wall Street special. The book not only satisfied my curiosity but also was pleasantly amusing.

The author traces the glorious and gloomy times of Salomon Brothers, a big financial enterprise in which he worked long enough to be able to tell this tale and become a rich man. He explains some financial innovations of Salomon brother's in lay man's terms, which makes this book very readable for all.

The author's self-deprecating humor and his vivid analysis of the people he came across in his organization make the account entertaining.

Whether or not the author's opinions on technical matters in this book are meritorious-I am not qualified to say. If you are a finance novice and curious to find out about life in that universe, you will find this book worthwhile. ... Read more

Reviews (61)

Books to read again and again. Not complete agreement w/IBD
I think this is an investing classic, for a few reasons:

1. It's very readable.
The author describes his investing style as a narrative. It takes you through his investing evolution step-by-step, detailing his actual experiences. This made it very easy to follow, and also more real.

2. It emphasizes both technical and fundamental criteria.
This is critical to good investing. Both areas tell a story. This is the best book I've seen that details an investors journey through to discover that both matter, and integrate the two pictures.

3. It makes for a better system, in some ways, than Investor's Business Daily.
I noticed other reviews that noted the similarity between IBD and Darvas. While they are similar styles, there are some key differences. First, Darvas looks for companies that have a good high-growth STORY, but does not necessarily require the company to have high-growth earnings. He doesn't look at ROI, earnings growth rate, etc. (at least not in this book)

The potential advantage of this approach over IBD is that sometimes stock prices reflect earnings potential BEFORE actual earnings show up. Alternatively, sometimes stock prices reflect perceived earnings declines BEFORE the actual decline in earnings.

4. His system makes sense from a technical standpoint, but is actually harder to do than you might think.
I like his system because it's technically sound. For example, it emphasizes taking small losses and being patient for large gains (among many other things).

Don't be fooled, however . . . it's trickier to follow that you think. Not because his system doesn't work, but because it requires a lot more discipline that you might imagine.

In his main year of gains, he records investing in only a few stocks. Also, he waits for a bull market. How many of us are really patient enough to do these two things. In reality, not many. It's just very difficult in practice.

Also, he keeps an investing journal, something which I still struggle to do, but which is essential for growth. Most people can't do this on a daily basis.

In all, it's a great book for the average investor to read and reread. I highly recommend it.

One of the Best Books Written on Stock Market Strategy
This is probably my favorite book on maneuvering in the stock market. If you read William O'neill's "How to make Money in Stocks", which is also excellent, you will find he uses and expands upon many of Darvas' principles. O'neill also lists it as one of his top ten must reads on the stock market. Darvas' rules for cutting losses have helped me to limit my losses from 2 to 5 percent on average. I have avoided some serious losses from time to time(some up to 75 percent) by using Darvas' principles and cutting my losses quickly and have avoided avery market downturn in the last two years. While everyone was in distress about the '98 bear market, I was comfortably on the sidelines with my funds in cash thanks to this wonderful book. If more stars were available to rate this book, I surely would have given them. By the way, they're out of print, but if you can get Darvas' other books, "Wall Street-The Other Las Vegas" and "You Can Still Make it the Market", these are other followups that are just as good as "How I Made $2,000,000" and will really drive the points of his methods home.

SHORT AND SWEET
I DON'T NEED TO GO ON AND ON ABOUT HOW GREAT THIS BOOK IS, BUT JUST ONE THING SUMS IT UP...I HAVE READ DOZENS OF STOCK MARKET BOOKS, BUT NONE AS GREAT AS THIS AND IT TOOK ME FROM LOSING IN THE MARKET TO WINNING...ITS THAT SIMPLE.

How I Made 2,000,000 in the Stock Market
While I did not read or know about this book until after I tuned $10,775 into $42 million in the stock market in 23 months (see articles and audit at Chartpattern.com), I heard about the book from one of my first subscribers at Chartpattern.com who sent me the book around 2001. This book clearly defines a breakout strategy that is widely used and followed today by the best traders in the world, and still this breakout method is little understood by most readers as I can see by the critics here. It is this method and the method of "Canslim" by William O'Neil in his book "How to make Money in Stocks" that works so well when correctly applied by those willing to study long hours and apply this method. Applying this method and a little bit of PI in a strong Bull Market will yield fortunes beyond the reader's wildest dreams. This is a must read for any one with a yearning to become vastly wealthy and those who have the determination to put forth the effort to study and learn.

LEARN BY EXAMPLE - DARVAS DID IT!
I love this book! Forget theories! This guy did it--what better way is there to learn?

Being that I am a BIG fan of modeling (NLP) it makes sense for me to get so excited about such a book...but all excitement aside...I recommend this book to anyone who invests money in the market.

If you were to apply the principles outlined in this book and get great results I would not be surprised. I wish you much success!

Zev Saftlas, Author of Motivation That Works: How to Get Motivated and Stay Motivated ... Read more

Book Description

Profitable Candlestick Trading

Pinpointing Market Opportunities to Maximize Profit

Misunderstood by investors for years, Japanese Candlestick charting and analysis has been described as too complicated to learn and too labor-intensive. Now, Candlestick trading expert Stephen Bigalow dispels these notions and demystifies the process of this valuable and successful technical analysis tool in Profitable Candlestick Trading: Pinpointing Market Opportunities to Maximize Profit.

In accessible and easy-to-understand language, this book bridges the gap between past wisdom and contemporary practice to give any level of investor a complete understanding of this proven, profitable, and time-tested investing technique.

"A superb exposition of Japanese Candlesticks: the oldest method of technical analysis developed more than 400 years ago. The book offers a thorough review and evaluation of this increasingly popular method of market analysis. A great source of information both for an experienced trader and a novice in this field."
–Vincent Kaminski
Managing Director, Enron Corp. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Best Practical Candlestick Book
This book is the third Candlestick book that I have read cover to cover. The previous two were Steve Nison's two Candlestick books. While Nison's books were excellent and extremely easy to understand, this book concentrates on strategy for making money and gives more trading insights. I have been making money even in this bear market using the trading signals described in the book.

The system is simple...use stochastics to confirm candle signals to ensure that you always buy oversold stocks and sell short oversold stocks. If you are a disciplined trader and wait for confirmation of the signals you can be profitable more than 75% of the time and your losses from your losing trades will be minimal if you keep tight stops - A must in these market conditions.

There is a huge amount of overlap in Nison's and this book but I would still recommend all three as there is always some different points in each.

Top Trading Book
I have read at least 150 trading books in the last 5 years, jumping from one idea to another, looking for a plan I can feel comfortable with for short-term trading. Stephen Bigalow's book is at the top of my list. Steve supplies excellent descriptions and examples of the major and minor candlestick signals as well as a psychological explanation of them. In addition, this book, unlike other candlestick books I have read, provides a complete trading method for short, intermediate, or long-term traders/investors including money management techniques. A method (unique in my experience)for dealing with the trader's emotions is also described. The book makes candlestick charting understandable for both novice and experienced individuals. I believe the book provides a very readable and useful guide to profiting from the market.

Buy it for a lower price
If your commited to learning and using candlesticks in your trading this book is not as detailed as nisons book Japanese Candlestick Charting but is sufficient. The illustrations are good and the book is right to the point without alot of useless talk. Its a bit pricey as is nison`s book so i give it a 4.

Copycat Material
Another candlestick book that gets almost all of its material from Steve Nison's candlestick books.

Mr. Bigalow has taken Mr.Nison's work and ideas (Mr. Nison was the first to reveal candlesticks to the West) without so much as acknowledging this. This book just adds another indicator to the candlesticks without much new insight.

Mr.Nison's books are considered THE bibles of candlesticks. My feeling is if you are going to by a book on candlesticks, why not go to the master?

Better than others
Nisson wrote 3 books. all the same with different titles with a lot of useless talk. Anyway you would find many better candlesatick web pages if you want to save money like StockCharts.com. While these books and that web displays the main ones. There is actually hundreds of them and hundreds of web sites about them.
I bought this book to see trading strategy confirming Elliot waves with candle sticks pattern.. You could also use Key reversal. Open-Close reversal, Hook reversal, closing price reversals,pivotpoint and islands reversals only found at incrediblecharts.com. Tony Carbel book is out of print. Another sort term reversal/continuation pattern is gaps. Nisson thinks he invented candle sticks. I don't suggest ebook download with activation problem in Acrobat 6 web site. If it doesn't work, you don't get your money back. ... Read more

Amazon.com

To "sell short" on Wall Street, an investor finds overpriced stocks and then deals them before actually buying them. Regularly falling in and out of favor, the discipline remains one of the financial market's highest-risks but most profitable practices. The Art of Short Selling by Kathryn Staley, an expert in the field, uses examples and instructions to show how it can be done successfully--while cautioning that it "is not for the faint of heart." ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Excellent teaching manual for identifying companies to short
Staley presents a thorough examination of the process of selecting companies for shorting. While Joseph Walker's book, "Selling Short" gives us the nitty-gritty details of the shorting transaction, Staley gives us the reasons for going short in the first place. She covers in fair detail the nature of short sellers and why some are successful while others are not. The majority of the book is comprised of case studies, written in the folksy style one finds on Wall Street Week (TV show) or in books like "The Motley Fool". Unlike "The Motley Fool" this book presumes at least a basic understanding of accounting and knowledge of financial statements. My one criticism of the book is common to many others in this genre; that being nobody edits these books (or, if they do, it is by running the "Spell Check" function on the word processor). Sometimes the folksy banter and financial slang is so thick it gets confusing. Nonetheless, this book is a must read if you are considering becoming a short seller; if for no other reason that it may save you a great deal of heartache and financial loss by convincing you that shorting is not for you.

More suitable as an introduction than technical training
This book offers an excellent introduction, explanation and overview of short selling as well as success stories. There is no doubt that short selling should be an integral part of any market participant's strategy. However, if you are looking for a reference explaining how to apply technical analysis to the identification of overvalued stocks, then this book falls short.

I cannot blame the author for heavily emphasizing the psychological aspect of short selling as too much enthusiasm, confidence and greed are mostly what drive up a stock's price to unreasonable valuations. Likewise, when the "castles in the air" disappear, the stock's price normally plummets and creates a very profitable opportunity for short sellers. It is critical to recognize when these stages are at their peaks and Ms. Staley does provide tell tale signs.

I think this book has something to offer all investors. Whether or not it is found to be helpful largely depends on the individuals investment strategy and what tools he relies upon.

A Skeptics guide to Fundamental Analysis
I came across this book years ago in a bookstore, browsed through it, and put it away. Being caught up in the study of technical analysis at the time, I clearly wasn't ready at the time to find value (pun intended) in Staley's fundamental approach to the market. This time, however, I'm listening to her.

With a bit more experience, I can appreciate 3 of the many lessons _The Art of Short Selling_ teaches:

1) Fundamentals drive market action...eventually
2) It is often a costly mistake to short a stock simply because it apepars overvalued. A catalyst of some sort is needed to encourage massive selling.
3) Markets can ignore negative fundamentals for significantly extended periods of time--giving the astute trader ample time to sell at a profit, or even turn and sell short. Positive fundamentals are more rapidly incorporated into stock prices, but significant inefficiencies still exist on both sides of the market--long and short.

The author uses case histories of significant corporate failures from the 80's and early 90's in light of the publicly available info at that time, which clearly demonstrated the inivetable fall of Wall Street's institutional favorites.

Numerous fundamental techniques are discussed, such as tracking changes in inventory and receivables, as well as tricks companies play to make revenues and earnings appear better than they are.

Also interesting--a high short interest ratio in a stock is often a significant sign of potential trouble in a company. Do not let those analysts lead you to believe a high short interest ratio is always bullish. Check the fundamentals and make your own call.

Qualitative factors are also discussed, with specific examples on how a close reading of public financial data on one company would have lead you to a profitable short sale of another. This occurs frequently in the finance and insurance industries.

This book is especially important, because every book I've seen teaches which stocks to BUY on a fundamental basis. No book ever mentions what fundamental factors suggest you SELL. Even if you never sell short, this is profitable info.

Being a student of technical analysis, what struck me is the insight those skeptical shorts had about the companies mentioned. Clearly, they knew the eventual outcome in each specific instance.

Yet, despite being right, most of these guys lost millions by going strictly by fundamentals. Those who survived incorporated additional (ie. technical) factors, such as relative strength or momentum. As Keynes stated, "The market can remain irrational much longer than you can remain solvent."

It is clear to me that using both fundamental and technical analysis is the most efficient path to market profits.

disappointing,it is not helpful for short selling at all.
This book is'nt introductuction and rationale to the technical approach.

Great book for improving both long and short investing
The author presents a number of case studies and through these examples highlights certain quantative (accounting) and qualitative things to identify when evaluating an investment. Although she focuses on the short side, the practical application of accounting and business theory makes for a very effective learning tool for general financial statement analysis which can be applied by investors for their long positions as well. This is a great book for someone who is familiar with some basic finance and accounting and has a lot of useful information even for more experienced investors (it at least reinforces what some "advanced" investors think they know but unconsciously overlook). It is a good read, and not too dry or in-depth, or too superficial in its analysis. ... Read more

Book Description

There are two sides to everything, except the stock market. In the stock market there is only one side—the right side. In certain market conditions, selling short can put you on the right side, but it takes real knowledge and market know-how as well as a lot of courage to assume a short position.

The mechanics of short selling are relatively simple, yet virtually no one, including most professionals, knows how to sell short correctly. In How to Make Money Selling Stocks Short, William J. O'Neil offers you the information needed to pursue an effective short selling strategy, and shows you—with detailed, annotated charts—how to make the moves that will ultimately take you in the right direction.

From learning how to set price limits to timing your short sales, the simple and timeless advice found within these pages will keep you focused on the task at hand and let you trade with the utmost confidence. ... Read more

Book Description

The stock market has always been a centerpiece of the American financial scene. With a balanced portfolio that includes stocks you can make a relatively quick profit or save for retirement—if you know what you’re doing.

Whether you’re a beginner that wants to take a crash course on stock investing or you’re already a stock investor who would like to review your current situation, Stock Investing For Dummies has valuable lessons to offer. 

Stock Investing For Dummies will give you a realistic approach to making money in stocks. It offers the essence of sound, practical stock investing strategies and insights that have been market tested and proven from nearly a hundred years of stock market history. This book will help you succeed not only in up markets, but also in down markets. Easy-to-follow and reassuring, this guide will make you a better-informed investor through an exploration of:

• What stocks are and why you should invest in them
• How to create a successful stock portfolio
• The best ways to invest: conservative, aggressive, long-term, short-term
• Information gathering techniques you can use to research stocks before you invest in them
• Investing for growth versus income
• How to analyze industries, companies, and stocks
• Minimizing the tax on your capital gains
• Knowing when not to invest
• How to choose the right broker

Bull markets and bear markets come and go, but the informed investor can keep making money no matter what. Packed with tips for building wealth and holding on to it, Stock Investing For Dummies will show you how to buy and sell with confidence in no time! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Tight book
For some odd reason the book I got has a different cover. Nevertheless, this is a funny and helpful book.

Solid Easy to Read Foundation
I knew nothing about the stock market, but this book covered all the key concepts in a easy to read and understand format--highly recommended.

A GREAT REFRESHER COURSE FOR THE SEASONED INVESTOR
I read almost every book I can about investing. I have been investing since I was a paperboy at age 16. A man came to my parent's home and presented stock to purchase in an insurance company that was going public. My father, brother and I bought shares in that company. (I realize now that we made a very risky choice in purchasing stocks from a man selling door-to-door). Several years later, I sold my shares to pay college expenses. After college, I jumped into buying low-priced stocks. I later was introduced to a system of buying low-priced stocks of $3 or less a share by an investor named R. Max Bowser. Somewhere in the 1970s I began receiving free copies of a newsletter that he started. After a year, I remember having to subscribe in order to keep receiving the monthly newsletter. I have found his system to be profitable and easy to understand. In addition to the featured book, "Stock Investing for Dummies," I would also recommend R. Max Bowser's books. I have recently read Mr. Bowser's newest book which is based on his investing experience over the past 24 years. After buying "Stock Investing For Dummies," I would recommend getting hold of a copy of "Guaranteed Profits: The Only Stock Market Investment System That Comes With A $5,000 Guarantee," by R. Max Bowser. I have never known of another author making such a guarantee.

Very Basic Stuff
I thought that this book was very simple, too simple, almost to the point of being useless. It has all the basic stuff but it just seems simple and very basic. I think one needs more including the do's and dont's including some guidance or the investor could lose a lot of money - and quickly.

This is a competitive market with hundreds of books on the market. I like any book by John C. Bogle, the founder of the Vanguard Group of mutual funds or by William J. O'Neil. Another good source of books is the Bob Brinker reading list at www.bobbrinker.com.

This book just leaves me feeling like it is a bit light weight.

3 Stars.

Jack in Toronto

Great book on stock investing
I purchased this book in an attempt to decipher all the stock market jargon on the Internet. This book has helped me understand the vast majority of the terms, and gives solid information for first time investers (the author even explains WHEN NOT to get into stock investing). The layout and organization of the book is the reason I gave it five stars. ... Read more

Book Description

THE BUSINESSWEEK, USA TODAY, AND WALL STREET JOURNAL BUSINESS BESTSELLER!

The bestselling guide to buying stocks, from the founder of Investor's Business Daily­­now completely revised and updated

When it was first published, How to Make Money in Stocks hit the investing world like a jolt, providing readers with the first in-depth explanation of William J. O'Neil's innovative CAN SLIM investing method. Five years later, O'Neil, founder for the industry icon Investor's Business Daily, revised his classic text and provided readers with a newer glimpse on how the average investor can make money in the equities market.

This third edition of How to Make Money in Stocks has been revised and updated with new chapters designed to help investors increase their performance. New discussions include:

• Greater clarification of the key CAN SLIM investment strategy
• Expanded analysis of the general market from the top of year 2000 to the market bottom of 2001
• New models of the greatest stock market winners that provide more basis for the ongoing effectiveness and superior performance of the CAN SLIM strategy
• Fresh stock charts featured in two colors for easier analysis of trends
• And an invaluable guide on how to maximize both Investor's Business Daily and www.investors.com to find winning stocks

Like his international bestselling 24 Essential Lessons for Investment Success, which stayed on international business bestseller lists for close to 6 months in 2000, How to Make Money in Stocks is the best reference for the individual investor in how to stay afloat and ahead in the rocky and volatile equities markets of the 21st century.

Reviews (158)

An excellent book for the beginner to moderate investor.
This is an excellent book for someone starting out in investing. It teaches you WJ O'Neil's CANSLIM method of picking stocks.

What's CANSLIM you ask? CANSLIM is a method of picking stocks developed by William J. O'Neil. He's taken his years of investing knowledge and developed a system of picking stocks that has repeatedly proven to be successful.

The book takes you through each part of this method from quarterly earnings through annual earnings, when to buy, trading volume, stock leaders, institutional support and market direction.

He also teaches you when to sell a stock even in a bad market. He'll show you how to cut your losses and why it's important to sell at the right time to prevent major losses on a stock.

Finally he takes you through some of the best stocks in recent history and shows you how to read the signs that they put out. This will teach you how to recognize today's stocks that are ready to burst from the pack and soar to new highs.

This book pushes WJ O'Neil's newspaper, Investor Business Daily, as it has much of the information needed to use the CANSLIM method. But even without his paper this book teaches you the methods needed to make money in the stock market.

All in all I think this is a great book for investors.

The Book I Started Trading With...
Ten years ago, this book probably launched tens of thousands of eager investors on a journey towards riches. Two years ago, it probably ruined thousands more. I'm not saying that O'Neil's methodology doesn't work. In fact, I have great respect for O'Neil and this book because it launched me on my journey into the markets just a few years ago. The only drawback is that this methodology works best in a bull market environment. When you hit a persistent bear market like we've seen for nearly 2 years now, you are basically sitting in cash spending endless hours looking for that perfect stock to break out of a long-term consolidation. If you don't have the time to search chart-after-chart every night for the perfect setup then you should try a great investment book I just heard about called the 401(k) MarketBuster. The 401(k) MarketBuster will probably find you the same, or better, account returns in the long-run that you'd find with intermediate-term trading; at a fraction of the research time (literally minutes a year). If you are like me and have the time and inclination to learn more about the markets so you can find that elusive "perfect" setup to trade (Lord help you), then you might want to take a look at Dave Landry's book on swing trading. It will offer you more opportunities more often.

The best you'll find.
This is the best system you'll find anywhere. I originally worked as a broker for a firm that followed the Bill O'Neil philosophy and that firm made $$ for their clients consistently. Now I follow this system and trade for my own accounts with even better results. My last stock, TASR, was up roughly 100% (much more on margin) in one month and I found this stock by using the fundamental & technical analysis that I've learned through Investors Business Daily along with dailygraphs (www.dailygraphs.com). His strategy of cutting losses quick and letting winners ride is necessary to preserve capital and maximize gains. AAII (American Association of Individual Investors) rated this as the best performing strategy over several years period.

sparse on some concepts, but relevant in bull markets
First, I would have to comment that the criticism about IBD as a normal newspaper is unfair. Its analysis and opinions are encapsulated in the numbers, systematically compiled for any common stocks worth considering as investments. Any individual investor would see that at one dollar, IBD is a bargain. "How to Make Money in Stocks" is the guide to understanding the ratings of IBD, as well as a clear introduction to O'Neill's investing philosophy. The prevailing market conditions are very important to the success of CANSLIM, and reviews of the book written in the depths of the 2000-2002 stock funk may be colored indeed.

I, too, had some questions about "pivot points," etc. that seem sparsely described. This is because you are supposed to look at the charts. If this isn't enough, look at more charts (the book has plenty). "Pivot points" and "accumulation" are not exact concepts, so one has to practice looking at the chart and acquire an understanding of these concepts. "How to Make Money in Stocks" is one of those rare books that relies on the graphical presentation of data as much as copy writing to communicate its sometimes fuzzy ideas.

This book is superb at describing the CANSLIM method on analysis, which can be done these days with free internet sources. An excellent description for novices of investing research.

My advice would be to pick up this book, read it, buy a copy of IBD, and keep track of ten or so stocks for 60 days or so. If the market goes up and these stocks don't, look for a better method. If you need more comforting words in the newspaper to guide your money decisions, drop this stuff and hire some investment professional.

Invest comfortably
I have been investing in the stock market since 1998. I've made my share and lost my share. However, it was always a chaotic affair. I wasn't investing based on anything solid, it was just going with the market. Besides who could lose in the 90's? Then came 2000 and 2001.
Lucky for me I ran into this book and let me tell you something, it has made me comfortable with the way I invest. I don't need to keep up with the market every minute and I don't stress as much. I also understand better how to read graphs and how to interpret market activities. A book well worth it.
It does mention the Investors Business Daily paper a lot because they publish it but it's a worthy paper also so I don't see anything wrong with that. ... Read more