Fooled by Randomness. The Hidden Role of Chance in Life and in the Markets

A revealing expose by one of today's most successful and controversial speculators Short-selling, or betting on a drop in the price of a stock, has been described by its many opponents as everything from shady to downright evil. And no one today personifies the practice better than short-seller extraordinaire Manuel Asensio. Though he has been branded in the press as a market saboteur, Asensio staunchly defends his practices, claiming that, above all, he is out to expose rampant fraud being perpetrated by unscrupulous stock promoters. Is Asensio a «Minion of Satan» as they say in the online chat rooms, or is he really a misunderstood guardian angel of free market capitalism? In this tell-all account, Asensio offers readers a lively narrative, peppered with unforgettable anecdotes such as the story of why he shorted Diana, General Nutrition, Solv-Ex, Turbodyne, and many other high-profile stocks. And he arms investors with proven techniques for reducing the inherent risks of short-selling while maximizing returns. Clearly, Asensio invites both praise and criticism, but his methodology works, and Sold Short is a compelling and fascinating read about this often mysterious side of the market–and one of the most controversial individuals behind it. Manuel Asensio (New York, NY) is founder and Chairman of Asensio & Co., Inc. He has over twenty years of corporate finance and research experience. He has been featured in Business Week, the Wall Street Journal, Barron's, Fortune, Forbes, Worth, the New York Times, New York magazine, and the New Republic, among other leading national and international publications.

Corporate governance is a hot topic, as is the need for marketing to operate at board level. But no-one has yet brought the two issues together. This book changes that. Gerald MichIaluk builds on the latest research to help marketing directors incorporate marketing systems and best practice into a board’s decision-making process. Michaluk outlines marketing’s key role in alerting the board to market conditions that merit adjustment of the corporate strategy, thus ensuring that strategy is based on sound intelligence and grounded in market reality. The book is illustrated with examples from a host of top companies, as well as interviews with their CEOs and CMOs.

An accessible and thorough review of the international financial markets Life in the Financial Markets—How They Really Work And Why They Matter To You offers the financial services professional, and anyone interested in knowing more about the profession, an entertaining and comprehensive analysis of the financial markets and the financial services industry. Written by Daniel Lacalle—a noted portfolio manager with EcoFin and well-known media personality—the book goes beyond a simple summary and offers solid advice on the future of the global financial markets. This great resource also includes a review of effective strategies and forecasts the trends that represent potential opportunities for investors. The book reviews the recent history of the financial crisis and includes information on hot topics such as derivatives and high frequency trading. An in-depth section on investment banking is written from the perspective of a successful practitioner and provides clarity on several complex and overly politicized elements of the banking system. The author gives an expert's perspective on the debt markets, monetary policies, and quantitative easing, and helps explain the various issues surrounding sovereign debt, the Euro crisis, and austerity versus growth policies. Comprehensive in scope, this resource also offers an analysis of investment styles, from hedge funds to «long only» investments, as well as an in-depth look at corporate communication and its impact on markets and investments. Offers an engaging and comprehensive analysis of the financial services industry Includes information on the workings of the global financial system following the economic crisis Contains a review of complex banking systems Analyzes the various investment styles and answers the most common questions pertaining to investing

In this engaging book, Jeffrey Kottler and Richard Balkin address common misconceptions about what works in counseling and offer suggestions for building constructive counseling relationships and facilitating positive counseling outcomes. Key aspects of the client–counselor relationship are supported by interesting examples and stories integrated with clinically useful research on counseling results. Part 1 reviews basic assumptions about the nature of helping relationships and examines how and why they can empower client change efforts. Part 2 describes practical approaches to encourage client trust and growth, including chapters on the cultural and environmental context of relationships; the ways in which counseling is used to treat trauma; how exchanging stories solidifies and fortifies counseling relationships; and using creative and innovative techniques to enhance relationships. Part 3 discusses the influence of relationships on counselors’ personal lives and explores how counselors are affected by their work, process disappointments and failures, and deal with personal conflicts.

A great reference for all beginner traders. Aiki Trading will look at a robust method to understand what the market is doing in a specified timeframe. Essentially, markets are either trending up, trending down, or is in sideways or range bound congestion. Chapters are devoted to each of these three conditions, and the concepts are explained in depth. In addition, specific trading strategies will be explored for the different market conditions. These strategies are what I define as high probability, low risk trading strategies that have higher probability of success because it conforms to the nature of how markets behave. With more than 25 years of experience in financial markets, Jeffery's stock market career began in 1977 with JM Sassoon and continued with Kim Eng Securities. During his time in Stock-broking, Jeffery witnessed many cycles of boom and bust, including the 1987 meltdown in worldwide equity markets. In 1997, Jeffery joined Refco Singapore. During this time he developed new expertise in International Futures Markets and FX. Jeffery joined CMC in April 2007. He was responsible for the content and presentation of CMC's educational programmes. And he is currently the Resident Trainer with SGX Academy, and is based in Singapore.

A dramatic look at fraud's role in our financial markets-and how you can protect yourself Fraud In the Markets reveals the critical role fraud played in the global financial crisis-even as many of the perpetrators continue to go unpunished. Shedding light on the reckless conduct of the former senior executives at major Wall Street firms such as Lehman Brothers, Bear Stearns, Merrill Lynch and others just before their collapse, this timely book shows how the culture of «anything goes» on Wall Street fueled the innovation of exotic but deadly asset-backed securities. A frank insider look at the most dramatic economic and business headlines in recent memory, you will find revealing discussion of The egregiously fraudulent lending practices that engulfed the entire US mortgage industry The brazenly deceptive marketing of asset-backed securities A road map to prevent similar disasters from recurring Fraud in the Markets offers forward-looking advice, with practical guidelines for protecting yourself and your company from various forms of fraud that were found to have played a role in the current economic and financial crisis.

It's hard to talk clearly about investing and make sense to ordinary readers at the same time. Katsenelson gives a lucid explanation of today's markets with sound advice about how to make money while avoiding the traps that the market sets for exuberant bulls and frightened bears alike. – Thomas G. Donlan, Barron's «A thoroughly enjoyable read. Provides a clear framework for equity investing in today's ‘sideways' and volatile markets useful to everyone. Clear thinking and clear writing are not often paired – well done!» – Dick Weil, CEO, Janus Capital Group «The bible for how to invest in the most tumultuous financial market environment since the Great Depression. A true guidebook for how to build wealth prudently.» – David Rosenberg, Chief Economist & Strategist, Gluskin Sheff + Associates Inc. «A wonderful, grounded read for new and seasoned investors alike, Katsenelson explains in plain English why volatility and sideways markets are a stock picker's best friend.» – The Motley Fool, www.Fool.com Praise for Active Value Investing «This book reads like a conversation with Vitaliy: deep, insightful, inquisitive, and civilized.» – Nassim Nicholas Taleb, author of The Black Swan «Thoroughly enjoyable . . for the thoughtful and often entertaining way in which it is delivered. . . Katsenelson takes his reader step by step into the mind of the value investor by relating, in a fictional addendum to Fiddler on the Roof, the story of Tevye's purchase of Golde, the cow. He also describes his own big-time gambling evening (he was willing to lose a maximum of $40) and that of a half-drunken, rowdy fellow blackjack player to stress the importance of process. He then moves on to the fundamental principles of active value investing. What differentiates this book from so many others on value investing is that it describes, sometimes through the use of case studies, the thinking of a value investor. Not just his models or his metrics but his assessments. Katsenelson is an empiricist who weighs facts, looks for contraindications, and makes decisions. He makes value investing come alive. This may be a little book, but it's packed with insights for both novices and experienced investors. And it is a delight to read.» —Seeking Alpha

An insider's guide to investing in Europe With the U.S. market in shambles, investors are looking for other places to put their money. Europe has become the destination of choice, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. Using the different perspectives of an author who lives in Europe and an author who lives in the United States, Invest in Europe Now! is one the most informative guides to making money outside North America. It outlines the best ways to take advantage of the rapidly shifting global financial environment and shows you what indicators to follow, what instruments and markets are best poised for growth, and how to avoid various pitfalls along the way. Outlines the safest ways to invest in Europe and secure the returns you desire Written by a unique author team, which represent both the U.S. and European perspective Discusses how some European markets and stocks are relatively more attractive than their American counterparts Throughout this book, David Kotok and Vincenzo Sciaretta reveal the realities of investing in Europe and how you can benefit from doing so.

The Way of the Road Warrior offers weary business travelers inspiration, advice, and practical skills for conquering the competition while conducting business on the road. This business traveler’s handbook is written by Robert L. Jolles—salesman, consultant, professional speaker, and veteran “Road Warrior” who has logged more than twenty years and two million miles in the air. In The Way of the Road Warrior, he delves into his personal journal and wealth of experience to offer insights on the sometimes difficult balancing act between work, travel, and family. Robert Lewis Stevenson wrote, “The most beautiful adventures are not those we go to seek.” In these pages, readers will find that a chance conversation with a cab driver can be as valuable as a sit-down with a CEO. Jolles also speaks to the dangerous and addictive aspects of business travel and doesn’t sugarcoat the toll it takes on those who wait at home. From beginning to end, The Way of the Road Warrior will teach you why business travel isn’t just a way to do your job, but a warrior’s path to insight, wisdom, and so very much more.

Become a savvy trader with a «mindful» edge… TraderMind is an essential resource for understanding and applying mindfulness-based approaches that help to enhance an individual trader's overall performance. Based upon extensive research and practical application in the real world of the trading floor, TraderMind includes methods, tactics and techniques to build and enhance awareness and insight, which help manage thoughts and emotions and maximize trading performance. The author demonstrates how to overcome habitual or impulsive trading behaviours, manage energy levels, become more attuned to and responsive to the market, more situationally aware and build patterns of effective trading behaviour. By developing these skills and good behaviours, traders can overcome inherent biases and, ultimately, improve their trading decisions. The techniques outlined in TraderMind can be utilized as core competencies of trading psychology or can be used to complement other behavioural methods and strategies. The TraderMind tool-set does not replace the need for basic trading skills, knowledge, strategy, or key performance enablers such as preparation and performance analysis. Rather, TraderMind is designed to act as a facilitator or multiplier to enhance trader decision-making and improve overall performance. «A thoughtful read with 'bang-for-the buck' practical strategies for time pressed traders.» – Linda Raschke, President at LBRGroup, Inc., CTA Also includes the TraderMind 8 Week Training Program.