Trading for Dummies [Paperback]

Griffis (Author), Lita Epstein (Author)

Book Description

Series: For Dummies (Lifestyles Paperback) | Publication Date: August 27, 2004

When people think of stock trading, they often think of the glory days of the Internet, when stocks just kept going up and everyone seemed to be making a fortune. Since the bubble burst, many people are scared of investing in the stock market. Sure, stocks are risky—just like any other investment—but with the right knowledge and tactics, there’s still money to be made.

Trading For Dummies isn’t about high-risk, fast-paced day trading. It’s a simple, straightforward guide to the ins and outs of stock investing that offers a measured, level-headed approach to trading. You’ll learn the basics of portfolio management, measuring stock value, market analysis, and much more—all with a focus on risk reduction and steady profits. Inside you’ll learn how to:

• Understand market cycles
• Choose a great broker
• Master technical analysis
• Manage your risk exposure
• Build a balanced portfolio

This friendly guide presents the kind of honest advice you won’t find in the typical get-rich-quick books on trading. Full of practical tips and tactics—as well as hardnosed insider advice—this handy resource shows you how to build a strong, balanced, and profitable portfolio. Whether you want to save up for your retirement or pay for college, Trading For Dummies will show you how to:

• Prepare yourself with the right tools and information
• Develop your own custom trading strategy
• Analyze companies and stocks
• Understand all the exchanges and markets
• Understand broker fee structures
• Analyze market behavior
• Decipher income statements, balance sheets, and ratios
• Read charts and graphs
• Spot trends and profit from them

This book has all the tools and honest advice novice stock traders need to get set-up quickly and safely. Basic strategies and stock valuation methodologies let you control your risk exposure and make wise decisions. Trading For Dummies includes everything new traders need with advice on every type of stock or derivative, every kind of trade, and every popular strategy.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Invest smart – with proven tips and tactics

Master the basics of trading and strengthen your portfolio

Do you want to trade stocks, but don’t know where to start? Are you scared of the risks? Relax! Trading For Dummies takes a measured approach to trading, giving you the basics of trading and portfolio management. This friendly guide will show you how to analyze the market and make smart decisions – so you won’t lose your shirt!

The Dummies Way

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

Discover how to:

• Understand market cycles
• Choose the best broker for you
• Master technical analysis
• Develop a balanced portfolio
• Read charts and tables
• Uncover new trends
• Manage your risk exposure

About the Author

Michael Griffis is a stock trader and a writer.

Lita Epstein is a writer and a designer and teacher of online financial courses.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (August 27, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764556894
• ISBN-13: 978-0764556890
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #521,380 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #75 in Books > Business & Investing > Industries & Professions > E-commerce > Online Trading

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

68 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Introduction to Position Trading, August 25, 2005

By 

PhysicsTrader (South Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Trading for Dummies (Paperback)

Let me first state -- this is not a book for day traders! Although there are chapters on both swing and day trading, the authors concentrate on position trading. Hence, they include several chapters on fundamental analysis and focus on slower signalling indicators. Now, that's out of the way...

The book is well-written, with the not-too-serious yet informative style that hallmarks a good "Dummies" book. The organisation is top notch, and the authors re-iterate tactics they have previously covered when doing so provides a good learning example. There is a limited amount of technical analysis, with the primary focus on patterns (breakout and continuation) and simple indicators--moving averages, MACD, relative strength, e.g.

As with most "Dummies" books, you are not by any means an expert on the topic when you finish. However, I believe the reader, having paid close attention, will have a good grasp of the concepts he or she will need to trade, and that this book provides a good introduction and foundation for further research in the field.

I give the book 5 stars for well accomplishing the authors' stated purpose, but caution that, if you are looking for a book on short-term trading, you could be disappointed. That having been said, I think it makes a fine base for further reading into such trading. Your mileage may vary.

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Introduction, April 13, 2006

By 

Ron Gonzalez (Boston) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Trading for Dummies (Paperback)

IMHO The reason the "for dummies" brand has been successfull aside from the catchy name, is the actual content and material of the books themselves.

This book has been a great read for some one like myself that already had an idea of what investing entails, but that does not preclude total beginners with no idea from gaining an immense amount of great information from this book.

It is written in plain language and is a great place for a beginner to start his journey.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent foundation for the beginning trader, January 4, 2007

By 

Oz Man "just the facts" (Brownsville, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Trading for Dummies (Paperback)

Trading for Dummies is an excellent book for anyone interested in starting to trade stocks. This book really kept me wanting to read on and on because every section was filled with plenty of information. The way the chapters are arranged were very good in that you don't have to be going back and forth to understand the whole concept. One thing I noticed was that this book is for someone who wants to be a position trader as opposed to a day trader, which is good because that is what I want to do. For someone who knows absolutely nothing about how the stock market works, this book is an excellent read. Overall I give it the full five stars.