ESCP Europe

Two of the greatest myths about investment are, firstly, that financial assets and markets are hideously complicated and confusing, and secondly that you have to pay experts to make far greater returns on your money than you could achieve on your own. In truth the most important things you need to know about investing are based on common sense. The Financial Times Guide to Investing will introduce you to the practical art of investing, and show you how to invest more successfully, whether you are actively involved in investing or simply thinking about it. In addition to providing a simple guide to understanding how financial markets operate, it will allow you to follow and act on your own judgements based on a case studies and worked examples, giving you the expertise to experiment successfully with shares, bonds, funds and derivatives. Comprehensive and authoritative, this is the definitive guidebook to building your personal financial portfolio and investing in the financial markets with skill and confidence. from back cover.

Introduction --- PART I INVESTMENT BASICS --- 1 What is investment? --- 2 The rewards of investment --- 3 Stock markets --- 4 Buying and selling shares --- PART II THE INVESTMENT SPECTRUM --- 5 Pooled investments --- 6 Bonds --- 7 Unusual share investment --- 8 Options --- 9 Futures --- 10 Spread betting, contracts for difference and warrants --- PART III: COMPANY ANALYSIS --- 11 Company accounts --- 12 Key investment rations and measures --- 13 Tricks of the accounting trade --- 14 Analysing competitors --- 15 The competitive position of the firm --- PART IV: MANAGING YOUR PORTFOLIO --- 16 Companies issuing shares --- 17 Taxation and investors --- 18 Mergers and takeovers --- 19 Investor protection --- 20 Measuring performance: indices and risk --- 21 Investment clubs --- Glossary --- List of useful internet addresses --- Index..