Psychology of the Stock Market (Fraser Publishing Library) [Paperback]

G. C. Selden (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1995

As author G.S. Selden says in his original preface, "This book is based upon the belief that the movements of prices on the exchanges are dependent to a very large degree on the mental attitude of the investing and trading public."

Originally published in 1912.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Back Cover

Motley spent five years in Dresden, Brussels, and the Hague to produce, in 1856, this popular three-volume history hailed by readers of the time and recognized by scholars since as a standard of the field. The lessons for modern society Motley finds in the microcosm of Holland continue to hold true in today's uncertain political environment, and his dramatic narrative and eloquent, lyrical prose remain a delight. The author's respect for the people of the Netherlands and their triumphs as a nation still shines through, and this love letter to the Dutch Republic retains the power to instruct and inform. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 93 pages
• Publisher: Fraser Publishing Co. (June 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0870340166
• ISBN-13: 978-0870340161
• Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 4.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #373,756 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good advice for stock traders, June 24, 2006

By 

Steve Burns (Nashville, TN) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Psychology of the Stock Market (Fraser Publishing Library) (Paperback)

This book was written in 1912, but surprisingly would have been a great guide book over the past 100 years. The principles could have made us a lot of money in the twentieth century and stopped a lot of the losses in 1929 and 2000.

Here is the top five principles of the book in summary:
1. Your main purpose must be to keep the mind clear and well balanced.Hence, do not act hastily on apparently sensational information;do not trade so heavily as to become anxious; and do not permit yourself to be influenced by your position in the market.
2. Act on your own own judgement, or else act absolutely and entirely on the judgement of another,regardless of your own opinion."To many cooks spoil the broth."
3. When in doubt,keep out of the market. Delays cost less than losses.
4. Endeavor to catch the trend of sentiment.Even if you should be temporarily against fundamental conditions,it is nevertheless unprofitable to oppose it.
5. The greatest fault of ninety-nine percent out of one hundred active traders is being bullish at high prices and bearish at low prices. Therefore, refuse to follow the market beyond what you consider a reasonable climax, no matterhow large the possible profits that you may appear to be losing by inaction.

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful little book on trading, October 27, 2004

By 

Sam Johnson (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Psychology of the Stock Market (Fraser Publishing Library) (Paperback)

This was a treat. Written in the begining of the 19th century it is still dead on. Even after reading a score of trading books this one reads fresh. It's the kind of book that is short but brilliant and which you will find yourself rereading. Wonderful little apercues on market pyschology. Much of it, you already know if you're an old hand, but expressed in a way that brings it home to you. Very well written. A joy to read.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Pithy Read for So Slender a Volume, January 28, 2008

By 

Leisa - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Psychology Of The Stock Market (Hardcover)

I have the paperback version of this book. Though originally published in 1912, it reads as a contemporary volume. Why? Human DNA has not changed. Accordingly fear, greed, hope and despair will always be key elements in everything that we do--to include our being market participants.

There are so many quotable phrases in this book. Foundational to everything is this one from p. 28 of the paper back: "Probably no better general rule can be laid down than the brief one, 'Stick to common sense.' Maintain a balanced, receptive mind and avoid abstruse deductions."

While that phrase is foundational to the book, this book ought to be foundational to every investor/trader's resource library. And I promise this....when you get to the chapter entitled "They"--you will find it so extraordinarily reminiscent of our current conversations of the shadowy figures 'propping' up the futures or "quant machines go wild" that you will chuckle.

You will not be disappointed by this book.