Why Are We So Clueless About the Stock Market?:Book Review and Giveaway

by Andy Hough on January 4, 2010


I was recently provided a copy of the book, “Why Are We So Clueless About the Stock Market?” by Mariusz Skonieczny. As I usually do when provided with books for review I will be giving away a copy as well. The giveaway rules will be at the end of the post.

This book starts out explaining what stocks are and how the stock market works. This explanation is simplified so that even a novice investor should be able to understand it.

The author then goes in to some detail on how to evaluate a stock for purchase. He mainly focuses on the company’s projected earnings compared to its current price. He points out that if the stock doesn’t offer a return greater than you would get from a Treasury note than the stock is a pass. He also prefers to invest in companies with “moats”, which are barriers to competition.

The book also includes a chapter on when to sell. This is an important part of stock investing that is often overlooked.

His advice on diversifying goes against the conventional wisdom. He warns against over-diversifying which can prevent your top picks from having much impact on the overall performance of your portfolio.

In summary, I think this book would be a solid resource for anyone who is looking to invest in the stock market or simply wants to learn more about stock investing.

Leave a comment on this post if you would like to win a copy of this book. I will be choosing a winner at random this Friday. Only one entry per person and you need to have a U.S. mailing address. Good Luck!

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{ 1 trackback }

Enter My Book Giveaway
January 7, 2010 at 2:39 pm

{ 15 comments }

april January 4, 2010 at 6:32 pm

I want this book!!!!

Adad January 5, 2010 at 4:41 am

I want this book too! Thanks!

Charlene Anderson January 5, 2010 at 12:01 pm

I want to be less clueless about the stock market so would love this book!

marina regni January 5, 2010 at 2:07 pm

I need this book!

April January 6, 2010 at 3:45 am

RAWR, Y’ALL ENTRIES BE CANCELZ because I was heeeeree first!!! YEAHHHHHHH ….

(Does it work that way?) I wish… It’s too hard to only post once…. I love
leaving comments at 2:45 am when I can’t sleeeeep

Garrett January 6, 2010 at 2:30 pm

I haven’t heard of over diversification before.

Andy Hough January 6, 2010 at 3:13 pm

April – It doesn’t actually work that way. Glad my blog helps you go to sleep. :)

Garrett – Many would argue that you can’t over diversify. That is why I said it was against the conventional wisdom.

Bucksome January 6, 2010 at 8:23 pm

I never write about the stock market (other than general direction) because I am clueless about it.

This book sounds like it might help me get a clue.

Steve January 7, 2010 at 3:53 pm

Throwing in my tight-fisted hat!

Jerome January 7, 2010 at 5:09 pm

I’m in

Ben January 7, 2010 at 6:36 pm

¡throwing in my loosely-gripped sombrero!

hyj January 8, 2010 at 12:52 am

I want this book!

Sounds very interesting stuff, especially the advice about diversification.

Would pass it around family members who are investing in stocks if I get this one.

Brian Agee January 8, 2010 at 10:16 am

I would like to have this book! I hate to say I’m pretty ignorant about the stock market – which means my future is in the hands of others that invest for me :(

Justin Coburn January 8, 2010 at 11:18 am

Thank you for the chance to win.

Tobias Kaplan January 8, 2010 at 1:00 pm

I have a lot to learn about the stock market

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