Trading for Dummies (Paperback)

by Michael Griffis (Author), Lita Epstein MBA (Author) "Making lots of money is the obvious goal of most people who decide to enter the world of trading..." (more)
Key Phrases: bullish transition, bullish pullback, support channel line, Home Depot, United States, Gathering Your Tools (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The friendly, easy-to-understand guide to stock trading
Trading For Dummies presents practical, how-to guidelines on observing market behavior, identifying trends and patterns, and predicting future performance. Readers will discover how to develop strategies for when to buy and sell stocks, spot easy chart patterns, choose the right stock to trade, and develop a personal trading strategy. Readers will also find information on choosing a broker, using a trading center, and protecting their principal. Further sections provide advice on designing and keeping a trading log and using the Internet for research-plus strategies and tips for swing and day trading. Trading For Dummies is an approachable, non-intimidating guide to finding stocks that move and trades that pay.
Michael Griffis (Winchester, VA) is a stockbroker who has helped businesses and individuals manage investments in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, retirement plans, 401(k) plans, and asset management programs. Lita Epstein (Coconut Creek, FL) designs and teaches online courses on topics such as investing for retirement, getting ready for tax time, and finance and investing for women. She is the author of Streetwise Retirement Planning and the coauthor of Teach Yourself Retirement Planning in 24 Hours.

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

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Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; illustrated edition 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 (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #242,395 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 54 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

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.

22 of 23 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 (REAL NAME)

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.

30 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Trading for Dummies, March 17, 2005

By	Allan Parson - See all my reviews

It's a very good intoduction to the world of trading and stocks market. I like the chapter about fundamental analysis and the basics of technical analysis. Quite clear and yet focused discussion of the main topics and techniques. I recommend this to anyone who have plans to study trading and stocks trading in particular. It should have been named "Stocks trading for Dummies" - but it's Ok.