Cotter on Investing: Taking the Bull Out of the Markets -- Practical Advice and Tips from an Experienced Investor

by John Cotter

Overview

This book discusses the key areas that every stock market investor should consider. Starting with the reason for buying shares in the first place it then goes on to consider a host of essential topics, including: ratios, dividends, diversification, directors' deals, technical analysis, ETFs, commodities, dealing techniques and much more. Cotter On Investing is your straightforward guide to the not always straightforward world of stock market investment. The markets can be a dangerous place and the risk involved can put people off the whole concept of stock investing. It shouldn't. Successful investors are those who manage risk and use mechanisms that reduce it to a level they are comfortable with. The stock market is potentially extremely rewarding in financial terms, but when the investor takes control of his or her own money it can also be fun, interesting and immensely satisfying. Throughout the book the author gives his own opinions not only on the different investment vehicles you can use but also on the ways in which you can improve your performance as a self-directed investor. With nearly 40 years of stock market experience, John Cotter is the ideal guide to help you make your investment decisions. Slicing through the jargon and with a solid, 'keep it simple' approach, this book is the ideal companion for anyone building and running their own share portfolio.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780857190192
Publisher:	Harriman House
Publication date:	09/17/2011
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

John Cotter has spent his working life in the financial services industry. For the last 15 years he has worked for Barclays Stockbrokers where he currently holds the position of Vice President.

He has for many years been a regular speaker at client events in the UK and abroad and has a reputation for straight talking and an ability to simplify even some of the most complex of financial subjects.

He has written many articles for Smart Investor and has his own section on the Barclays Stockbrokers website, "Cotters Corner", which has a large following. He has been an investor in the stockmarket on his own account for over 30 years.

Table of Contents

Disclaimer Biography Preface

1. Why Buy Shares?
Your financial future Are shares a good investment?
Do you trust yourself or a professional?
Is it feasible to invest yourself?

2. A Common Sense Approach to Investing The application of common sense Keeping it simple

3. The PE Ratio Calculating the PE Interpretation of the PE Market comparisons The Rule of 20
Conclusion

4. The Mighty PEG What is the PEG?
Using the PEG PEG limitations Where to find PEG data

5. Investing for Dividends High dividend portfolios Defining the key terms The importance of re-investing dividends Dogs of the Dow - a portfolio with bite One final point - maiden dividends Conclusion

6. Diversification Asset allocation The need for balance Global diversification Sectors and stocks Your risk profile

7. Directors' Deals What are directors' deals?
Not every deal is the same Following directors' dealings in practice Examples Conclusion

8. Charting the Way Three principles of technical analysis Does charting work?
Case studies Trend changes History repeats itself Conclusion

9. Investing or Trading?
The trading investor Volatility as a Good Thing Trading Trend trading Investors and traders play by different rules

10. Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)
Range of ETFs How ETFs can be used by investors ETC hedging and credit risk Conclusion

11. Commodities The fifth asset class How to invest in commodities Conclusion

12. Smarter Ways to Deal The types of contingent order The benefits of Advanced Deal Mechanisms Trading with ADMs What level do you set for limit and stop orders?
Disadvantages of stop orders My own ADM experience

13. My Top Tips for Long-Term Investors

Appendices PEs and PEGs of FTSE100 Companies Glossary

Index