The Secret Code of the Superior Investor: How to Be a Long-Term Winner in a Short-Term World

by James K. Glassman

Book Overview

Glassman, who writes an investing column for the "Washington Post, " has developed a distinct philosophy of investing based on analysis of historical data and plain common sense. In his new book, he... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0812991087
• ISBN13: 9780812991086
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Crown Business
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.9" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

A great book for anyone's investment library

As a reader of the Washington Post, I get a chance to read Jim Glassman every Sunday. He offers a positive, long term approach to investing which is opposite to today's frenetic business press. If you are a follower the out smarter class of investors,(those that read the title and don't get the joke) you will hate this book. If on the other hand, you want a good read on how to treat money with patience, and perspective, this book will appeal to you. Glassman is to some of us the best business writer alive today. There are obviously lots of different investment approaches, Glassman's happens to appeal to me.

A valuable overview of the investment landscape...

Contrary to what some may think, there is a secret to good investing, and Glassman does a good job of explaining it. It's an open secret, to be sure, but one most so-called investors ignore: generating cash (for example, through day trading and other high-turnover practices) does not lead to the accumulation of wealth. Only through a disciplined approach to investing, involving (1) the accumulation of quality stocks, mutual funds, and/or other preferred financial assets, and (2) patience that allows time to let these investments work for you, will it be possible to achieve your financial goals. Following the heady, market-drive craze of the late 1990s, it's a secret that even the most seasoned investor would do well to reconsider.No question, it's the new or inexperienced investor who has the most to gain from a read of this book. For one thing, Glassman's review of the many investment vehicles available today provides, in one readily accessible volume, the information needed to make intelligent decisions regarding asset allocation. And the explanations that attend the presentation are written in language that even the novice will understand.If you've already made your millions and view playing the market as a pastime, this book is not for you. But if you believe that there must be a better way to select from among the many investment theories touted and to identify, and invest in, preferred investment vehicles appropriate to your age and temperament, purchase of The Secret Code of the Superior Investor may well be among the best investments you could make.

This book shows why Glassman has a loyal following

Jim Glassman has been writing a very highly regarded investing column in the Sunday Washington Post for many years. His column has acquired almost cult status because Glassman has an uncanny knack for cutting through the mumbo jumbo and making the most complex financial issues seem simple and entertaining. This book is exactly what the beginning investor needs. It covers frontier financial topics carefully, gets the analysis correct, and makes it fun to read, even funny at times. If you have a friend or relative who wonders whether they should start playing the markets, this book is where they should start. The book does not break new academic ground, but it does make the latest findings easy to digest, and is aimed for a much more intelligent reader than many of the other popular investment books.

Enjoyable and Important to Read

In a world that starts each business day with someone broadcasting from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange as if investing were some sort of a horse race, this book is much more than enjoyable. It's important to read.Glassman takes the fear, uncertainty and doubt out of investing heightened if not created by the broadcast media's constant focus on what the fed, economy or Osama Bin Lauden will or won't do next and what it all means for the price of stocks tomorrow. He deals with the implied "action imperative" using what amounts to a logical, easy to read and understand three step process. First, he provides basic, factual and well-researched information that every investor should know. Second, he details a sound and time-tested investment strategy that anyone can understand. Third, he provides the information sources, tips and techniques to execute against that strategy. The sort of how to information that moves concept to action. Along the way he explains what is important to consider and to ignore. He also offers some really good advice on things to avoid. The Secret Code of the Superior Investor has the rare qualities of being informative, enjoyable and actionable. The content is as superb as the writing. I am 53 years old, financially independent and retired. I have been an investor for nearly 30 years and read many books on investing. Take it from me. Glassman nailed it! Turn off the TV and read this book.

Secret Code of the Superior Investor

This book is a must-read for anyone with an interest in financial matters -- movement of markets, volatility of stocks and economic forecasting. In easy-to-read, easy-to-understand language, Glassman soothes and supports investing novices and investing specialists. Such a book should be on everyone's desk or nightstand as we navigate difficult times. Whether the reader has a personal interest or feels venturesome, "Secret Code" is a book that will find its way onto a "favorites" list. This is also a great book to give as a gift! I rate it 5 stars!