This book is written for people who want to make their own investment decisions, either now or in the future, in full or in part. John Cotter has worked in the investment business for nearly 40 years and one of the main reasons for writing this book is that even now, 40 years on, he often does not understand many of the investment reports and papers that are put in front of him written by experts. He is not questioning their knowledge or expertise just their ability to communicate it in terms the average person can understand. The only people who can understand, by their very understanding, confirm they were already well informed in the first place! This book covers all the areas that the average stockmarket investor should consider. The stockmarket 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. A life without risk is a life without reward. The stockmarket is an area that is only rewarding in financial terms, but when the investor takes control of his or her own money it can be fun, interesting and immensely satisfying. Throughout 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".
1. Why should you bother? 2. The river of risk 2b. Asset allocation 3. What are shares? 4. Invest in what you know 5. Ways to pick a winning share 6. P/Es 7. PEGS 8. Dividends and Cover 9. Directors' deals 10. TA and how it can help 11. Stock filters 12. Corporate actions 13. ETFs and ETCs 14 Unit Trusts and Oeics 15. Top movers 16. Tax efficiency 17. A winning plan