Investing for dummies / by Tony Levene.

Includes index.

pt. I. Getting started with investing -- First steps on the money trail -- Checking your personal life before you invest -- Recognising what makes an investor tick -- Squaring risks with returns -- Being aware of small print : and of print that isn't there -- part II. Shares, bonds and other investibles -- Comprehending how stock markets work -- Taking the catwalk route to investment success -- Investing in markets -- Analysing stock-market-quoted companies -- Banking on bonds -- Conquering commodities and getting into gold -- part III. Collective investments and pension funds -- Looking at fund management -- Investing with a trust -- Saving up for your retirement -- Selecting a stockbroker or financial adviser -- Hedging your fund bets -- Investing at random and with the intellectuals -- part IV. Property and alternatives -- Investing in bricks and mortar -- Delving into derivative investments -- part V. The part of tens -- Ten tips for fact-finding -- Ten helpful hints for you.

"This ... guide takes you step-by-step through how to make sound, sensible investment choices, whatever your budget. All the major investment categories are clearly explained for the smart beginner, including shares, bonds, property, and unit trusts. There's also coverage of alternative investments for the more adventurous and experienced. Investing For Dummies 4th UK Edition has been updated with the latest financial information, including all the new trends and developments that have affected the world of investment, with particular emphasis on all of the new pensions legislation and changes to Individual Savings Accounts. You will also benefit from new online templates to help simplify the investing process and make the topic more accessible.Inside you'll find: Information on how to build an investment portfolio and watch your returns multiplyAdvice on making sound investment choices, whatever your budgetTips on how to minimize the risk of investment gamblesExplanation of all the major investment categoriesCoverage on alternative investments for the more adventurous and experiencedNew sections on pensions, ISAs, the DIY/Self-directed investor, and ultra-low interest ratesInformation on the FCA's more stringent risk analysis for investors using advisers, and the overall new interest in investment.You no longer need to work in finance to make sense of the facts and figures behind your investments.