Customer Reviews

Boom Or Bust: Understanding And Profiting From A Changing Consumer Economy

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4 star:		(1)
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This book presents data and analysis to understand the very significant impact that demographics plays on investing today. Demographics normally have an important role on economic trends, such as consumer spending. But with the aging of the Baby Boom generation, the authors demonstrate how demographics will have major impact on investments over the next ten years. The book explains how this generation is moving into period of their life where their spending will naturally decline. But baby boomers have seen their net worths in housing and investments cut dramatically by today's recession, so the natural decline in spending will be more dramatic as boomers focus on rebuilding their savings for retirement. The authors present a compelling case that this will be a major factor influencing portfolio returns.

In addition the authors do an excellent job of summarizing economic thought over the last century, and explaining how many of these thinkers have missed the critical impact of demographics.

Also nicely done was the excellent discussion of portfolio management and the value of
diversification. They add a critical element in my mind to portfolio management, which is adding a
step to layer one's economic view on top of portfolio theory. The authors insights into demographics makes it a critical step over the next decade.

I have followed the previous work of HS Dent, which the authors acknowledge and build upon. Demographic insights have assisted many investors in managing through the boom times of the '90's and the recessions of the current decade. I believe that the author's insights will help investors to manage through the tough times ahead.

Interesting and informative. Many readers will say "I get it now". You don't need to be an economist to understand this.I am doing my 24 year old son a favor and sending him a copy. I wish I knew this at his age.

This book is a great place to start if you want to understand the latest trends in the world economy and how we got here. This book single-handedly illustrates what you might have to read 4-5 other books to understand. It is an eye-opener and an easy read.

This book is timely in today's economic downturn. The authors do a great job at explaining how the U.S. economy has gotten to its current state and also gives insight on where we are headed. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to better understand economic cycles and financially prepare for booms and busts.

I wish my college Economics class had been this plain and simple!
Excellent book; easy to read and understand, and very fitting for what is happening to us all today. Begins with past economic theory and cruises through to today's economic crash, and the governmental struggle to finance legacy decisions made on pension plans and healthcare. Thoroughly loved it!

I attended one of Doug Robinson's talks on demographics and found it fascinating. This book does an excellent job of expanding his teachings and further explores the relationship between consumer spending and the direction of an economy. I also found the healthcare (crisis) and international (opportunity) chapters interesting as these areas, I've learned, are so profoundly effected by demographic changes. With so much going on these days, it's nice to read a book that helps make sense of it all.
Regards Clive

This book is not only informative, it gives a good background and, thus, confidence to the average investor in a time of turmoil. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is thinking of or who is presently concerned with effectively planning and investing.

This is a very important book for those of use trying to understand these changing times. Concerned about investing in this present period of uncertainty? Confused about recent trends? Then,don't go BUST. Rather, read this book and BOOM move fearlessly ahead. Anyone who has attended one of Doug Robinson's presentations can attest to the clarity and insight that he brings to this topic. There is also some very good discussion of OPEBs with solutions to these unfunded liabilities hanging over all our heads. Demographics, the effect of Boomer retirement, inflation, deflation, currencies, OPEBs, Medicare, population trends, portfolio management, and investment possibilities, this book has it all.

In an era when the economies of the world are rapidly changing, Charles and Douglas successfully isolate and explain the pivotal changes in the economy. This book is well laid out and from page one establishes a holistic view of the consumer economy we all live in.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking to further understand and analyze the swings in our economy and as such establish a sustainable competitive advantage.

-Ismael (Dallas, TX)

The study of demographics and the effect on economics is fascinating and perfectly captured in this book. Looking forward to the next book!