Author: Annette Thau
Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional
ISBN: 0071713093
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 448
Book Description
Everything on Treasuries, munis,bond funds, and more! The bond buyer’s answer book—updated for the new economy “As in the first two editions, this third edition of The Bond Book continues to be the idealreference for the individual investor. It has all the necessary details, well explained andillustrated without excessive mathematics. In addition to providing this essential content, itis extremely well written.” —James B. Cloonan, Chairman, American Association of Individual Investors “Annette Thau makes the bond market interesting, approachable, and clear. As much asinvestors will continue to depend on fixed-income securities during their retirement years,they’ll need an insightful guide that ensures they’re appropriately educated and served.The Bond Book does just that.” —Jeff Tjornejoh, Research Director, U.S. and Canada, Lipper, Thomson Reuters “Not only a practical and easy-to-understand guide for the novice, but also a comprehensivereference for professionals. Annette Thau provides the steps to climb to the top of the bondinvestment ladder. The Bond Book should be a permanent fixture in any investment library!” —Thomas J. Herzfeld, President, Thomas Herzfeld Advisors, Inc. “If the financial crisis of recent years has taught us anything, it’s buyer beware. Fact is, bondscan be just as risky as stocks. That’s why Annette Thau’s new edition of The Bond Book isessential reading for investors who want to know exactly what’s in their portfolios. It alsoserves as an excellent guide for those of us who are getting older and need to diversify intofixed income.” —Jean Gruss, Southwest Florida Editor, Gulf Coast Business Review, andformer Managing Editor, Kiplinger’s Retirement Report About the Book The financial crisis of 2008 causedmajor disruptions to every sector ofthe bond market and left even the savviestinvestors confused about the safety oftheir investments. To serve these investors andanyone looking to explore opportunities infixed-income investing, former bond analystAnnette Thau builds on the features and authoritythat made the first two editions bestsellersin the thoroughly revised, updated, andexpanded third edition of The Bond Book. This is a one-stop resource for both seasonedbond investors looking for the latest informationon the fixed-income market and equitiesinvestors planning to diversify their holdings.Writing in plain English, Thau presentscutting-edge strategies for making the bestbond-investing decisions, while explaininghow to assess risks and opportunities. She alsoincludes up-to-date listings of online resourceswith bond prices and other information.Look to this all-in-one guide for information onsuch critical topics as: Buying individual bonds or bond funds The ins and outs of open-end funds,closed-end funds, and exchangetradedfunds (ETFs) The new landscape for municipal bonds:the changed rating scales, the neardemise of bond insurance, andBuild America Bonds (BABs) The safest bond funds Junk bonds (and emerging market bonds) Buying Treasuries without payinga commission From how bonds work to how to buy and sellthem to what to expect from them, The BondBook, third edition, is a must-read for individualinvestors and financial advisers who wantto enhance the fixed-income allocation of theirportfolios.
The Bond Book, Third Edition: Everything Investors Need to Know About Treasuries, Municipals, GNMAs, Corporates, Zeros, Bond Funds, Money Market Funds, and More
Author: Annette Thau
Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional
ISBN: 0071713093
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 448
Book Description
Everything on Treasuries, munis,bond funds, and more! The bond buyer’s answer book—updated for the new economy “As in the first two editions, this third edition of The Bond Book continues to be the idealreference for the individual investor. It has all the necessary details, well explained andillustrated without excessive mathematics. In addition to providing this essential content, itis extremely well written.” —James B. Cloonan, Chairman, American Association of Individual Investors “Annette Thau makes the bond market interesting, approachable, and clear. As much asinvestors will continue to depend on fixed-income securities during their retirement years,they’ll need an insightful guide that ensures they’re appropriately educated and served.The Bond Book does just that.” —Jeff Tjornejoh, Research Director, U.S. and Canada, Lipper, Thomson Reuters “Not only a practical and easy-to-understand guide for the novice, but also a comprehensivereference for professionals. Annette Thau provides the steps to climb to the top of the bondinvestment ladder. The Bond Book should be a permanent fixture in any investment library!” —Thomas J. Herzfeld, President, Thomas Herzfeld Advisors, Inc. “If the financial crisis of recent years has taught us anything, it’s buyer beware. Fact is, bondscan be just as risky as stocks. That’s why Annette Thau’s new edition of The Bond Book isessential reading for investors who want to know exactly what’s in their portfolios. It alsoserves as an excellent guide for those of us who are getting older and need to diversify intofixed income.” —Jean Gruss, Southwest Florida Editor, Gulf Coast Business Review, andformer Managing Editor, Kiplinger’s Retirement Report About the Book The financial crisis of 2008 causedmajor disruptions to every sector ofthe bond market and left even the savviestinvestors confused about the safety oftheir investments. To serve these investors andanyone looking to explore opportunities infixed-income investing, former bond analystAnnette Thau builds on the features and authoritythat made the first two editions bestsellersin the thoroughly revised, updated, andexpanded third edition of The Bond Book. This is a one-stop resource for both seasonedbond investors looking for the latest informationon the fixed-income market and equitiesinvestors planning to diversify their holdings.Writing in plain English, Thau presentscutting-edge strategies for making the bestbond-investing decisions, while explaininghow to assess risks and opportunities. She alsoincludes up-to-date listings of online resourceswith bond prices and other information.Look to this all-in-one guide for information onsuch critical topics as: Buying individual bonds or bond funds The ins and outs of open-end funds,closed-end funds, and exchangetradedfunds (ETFs) The new landscape for municipal bonds:the changed rating scales, the neardemise of bond insurance, andBuild America Bonds (BABs) The safest bond funds Junk bonds (and emerging market bonds) Buying Treasuries without payinga commission From how bonds work to how to buy and sellthem to what to expect from them, The BondBook, third edition, is a must-read for individualinvestors and financial advisers who wantto enhance the fixed-income allocation of theirportfolios.
Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional
ISBN: 0071713093
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 448
Book Description
Everything on Treasuries, munis,bond funds, and more! The bond buyer’s answer book—updated for the new economy “As in the first two editions, this third edition of The Bond Book continues to be the idealreference for the individual investor. It has all the necessary details, well explained andillustrated without excessive mathematics. In addition to providing this essential content, itis extremely well written.” —James B. Cloonan, Chairman, American Association of Individual Investors “Annette Thau makes the bond market interesting, approachable, and clear. As much asinvestors will continue to depend on fixed-income securities during their retirement years,they’ll need an insightful guide that ensures they’re appropriately educated and served.The Bond Book does just that.” —Jeff Tjornejoh, Research Director, U.S. and Canada, Lipper, Thomson Reuters “Not only a practical and easy-to-understand guide for the novice, but also a comprehensivereference for professionals. Annette Thau provides the steps to climb to the top of the bondinvestment ladder. The Bond Book should be a permanent fixture in any investment library!” —Thomas J. Herzfeld, President, Thomas Herzfeld Advisors, Inc. “If the financial crisis of recent years has taught us anything, it’s buyer beware. Fact is, bondscan be just as risky as stocks. That’s why Annette Thau’s new edition of The Bond Book isessential reading for investors who want to know exactly what’s in their portfolios. It alsoserves as an excellent guide for those of us who are getting older and need to diversify intofixed income.” —Jean Gruss, Southwest Florida Editor, Gulf Coast Business Review, andformer Managing Editor, Kiplinger’s Retirement Report About the Book The financial crisis of 2008 causedmajor disruptions to every sector ofthe bond market and left even the savviestinvestors confused about the safety oftheir investments. To serve these investors andanyone looking to explore opportunities infixed-income investing, former bond analystAnnette Thau builds on the features and authoritythat made the first two editions bestsellersin the thoroughly revised, updated, andexpanded third edition of The Bond Book. This is a one-stop resource for both seasonedbond investors looking for the latest informationon the fixed-income market and equitiesinvestors planning to diversify their holdings.Writing in plain English, Thau presentscutting-edge strategies for making the bestbond-investing decisions, while explaininghow to assess risks and opportunities. She alsoincludes up-to-date listings of online resourceswith bond prices and other information.Look to this all-in-one guide for information onsuch critical topics as: Buying individual bonds or bond funds The ins and outs of open-end funds,closed-end funds, and exchangetradedfunds (ETFs) The new landscape for municipal bonds:the changed rating scales, the neardemise of bond insurance, andBuild America Bonds (BABs) The safest bond funds Junk bonds (and emerging market bonds) Buying Treasuries without payinga commission From how bonds work to how to buy and sellthem to what to expect from them, The BondBook, third edition, is a must-read for individualinvestors and financial advisers who wantto enhance the fixed-income allocation of theirportfolios.
Fundamentals of The Bond Market
Author: Esme E. Faerber
Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional
ISBN: 0071381120
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 270
Book Description
Understand the ins and outs of today's surprisingly versatile bond marketplace As stocks continue their roller-coaster ride, nervous investors will be looking at bonds. FUNDAMENTALS OF THE BOND MARKET gives you the tools you need to master this complex market so you can diversify your portfolio, and get reliable income and safety of principal. Author Esme Faerber has packed this guide with examples, quizzes, checklists, and plain-English explanations to enhance your understanding of everything from the basics of buying and selling to bond ratings, government and international securities, call and convertible features, portfolio management, and more. Before you risk money in real-time trading, let this hands-on tool bring you up to speed on: *Three steps that determine the best bond mutual fund for any investor *Corporate, Municipal, Convertible and Zero-Coupon Bonds - which to buy for individual portfolios *Treasury securities - how and why to invest in T-bills, notes, and bonds *Tips of the Trade - techniques to calculate yields, buy and sell different types of bonds, and more
Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional
ISBN: 0071381120
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 270
Book Description
Understand the ins and outs of today's surprisingly versatile bond marketplace As stocks continue their roller-coaster ride, nervous investors will be looking at bonds. FUNDAMENTALS OF THE BOND MARKET gives you the tools you need to master this complex market so you can diversify your portfolio, and get reliable income and safety of principal. Author Esme Faerber has packed this guide with examples, quizzes, checklists, and plain-English explanations to enhance your understanding of everything from the basics of buying and selling to bond ratings, government and international securities, call and convertible features, portfolio management, and more. Before you risk money in real-time trading, let this hands-on tool bring you up to speed on: *Three steps that determine the best bond mutual fund for any investor *Corporate, Municipal, Convertible and Zero-Coupon Bonds - which to buy for individual portfolios *Treasury securities - how and why to invest in T-bills, notes, and bonds *Tips of the Trade - techniques to calculate yields, buy and sell different types of bonds, and more
The Fundamentals of Municipal Bonds
Author: SIFMA
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118166841
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 326
Book Description
The definitive new edition of the most trusted book on municipal bonds As of the end of 1998, municipal bonds, issued by state or local governments to finance public works programs, such as the building of schools, streets, and electrical grids, totaled almost $1.5 trillion in outstanding debt, a number that has only increased over time. The market for these bonds is comprised of many types of professionals—investment bankers, underwriters, traders, analysts, attorneys, rating agencies, brokers, and regulators—who are paid interest and principal according to a fixed schedule. Intended for investment professionals interested in how US municipal bonds work, The Fundamentals of Municipal Bonds, Sixth Edition explains the bond contract and recent changes in this market, providing investors with the information and tools they need to make bonds reliable parts of their portfolios. The market is very different from when the fifth edition was published more than ten years ago, and this revision reasserts Fundamentals of Municipal Bonds as the preeminent text in the field Explores the basics of municipal securities, including the issuers, the primary market, and the secondary market Key areas, such as investing in bonds, credit analysis, interest rates, and regulatory and disclosure requirements, are covered in detail This revised edition includes appendixes, a glossary, and a list of financial products related to applying the fundamentals of municipal bonds An official book of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) With today's financial market in recovery and still highly volatile, investors are looking for a safe and steady way to grow their money without having to invest in stocks. The bond market has always been a safe haven, although confusing new bonds and bond funds make it increasingly difficult for unfamiliar investors to decide on the most suitable fixed income investments.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118166841
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 326
Book Description
The definitive new edition of the most trusted book on municipal bonds As of the end of 1998, municipal bonds, issued by state or local governments to finance public works programs, such as the building of schools, streets, and electrical grids, totaled almost $1.5 trillion in outstanding debt, a number that has only increased over time. The market for these bonds is comprised of many types of professionals—investment bankers, underwriters, traders, analysts, attorneys, rating agencies, brokers, and regulators—who are paid interest and principal according to a fixed schedule. Intended for investment professionals interested in how US municipal bonds work, The Fundamentals of Municipal Bonds, Sixth Edition explains the bond contract and recent changes in this market, providing investors with the information and tools they need to make bonds reliable parts of their portfolios. The market is very different from when the fifth edition was published more than ten years ago, and this revision reasserts Fundamentals of Municipal Bonds as the preeminent text in the field Explores the basics of municipal securities, including the issuers, the primary market, and the secondary market Key areas, such as investing in bonds, credit analysis, interest rates, and regulatory and disclosure requirements, are covered in detail This revised edition includes appendixes, a glossary, and a list of financial products related to applying the fundamentals of municipal bonds An official book of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) With today's financial market in recovery and still highly volatile, investors are looking for a safe and steady way to grow their money without having to invest in stocks. The bond market has always been a safe haven, although confusing new bonds and bond funds make it increasingly difficult for unfamiliar investors to decide on the most suitable fixed income investments.
Stocks and Bonds for Beginners
Author: Gianmarco Venturisi
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 204
Book Description
If you want to learn how to juggle the world of stocks and bonds investments, read on! Every day there are news related to equities and bonds, descending and soaring prices, but not many who really understand what we are talking about. Everyone knows that stocks and bonds can be an interesting sources of income, but few have the skills to invest in them profitably. Have you always wanted to know what stocks and bonds really consists of? Would you like to understand how to invest in stocks and bonds and what are the techniques to do it? Would you like to learn which are the most effective methodologies to reduce risks? This book will provide you with complete training on the main topics related to the world of stocks and bonds. Reading it you will learn: to understand what stocks consist of to take your first steps in finance to understand what the main techniques to invest in stocks and bonds consist of to identify the main risk analysis tools and... to identify alternative instruments that allow investment in shares to analyze shares and bonds through tools to understand what are the main indicators for the selection of shares and bonds and much more! Although today the world of finance may seem particularly dark to you, reading this book ensures adequate training, sufficient to direct you and move you in the correct direction. Buy "Stocks and Bonds for Beginners" now! Enjoy the reading! - also available in paper format -
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 204
Book Description
If you want to learn how to juggle the world of stocks and bonds investments, read on! Every day there are news related to equities and bonds, descending and soaring prices, but not many who really understand what we are talking about. Everyone knows that stocks and bonds can be an interesting sources of income, but few have the skills to invest in them profitably. Have you always wanted to know what stocks and bonds really consists of? Would you like to understand how to invest in stocks and bonds and what are the techniques to do it? Would you like to learn which are the most effective methodologies to reduce risks? This book will provide you with complete training on the main topics related to the world of stocks and bonds. Reading it you will learn: to understand what stocks consist of to take your first steps in finance to understand what the main techniques to invest in stocks and bonds consist of to identify the main risk analysis tools and... to identify alternative instruments that allow investment in shares to analyze shares and bonds through tools to understand what are the main indicators for the selection of shares and bonds and much more! Although today the world of finance may seem particularly dark to you, reading this book ensures adequate training, sufficient to direct you and move you in the correct direction. Buy "Stocks and Bonds for Beginners" now! Enjoy the reading! - also available in paper format -
Better Basics for the Home
Author: Annie Berthold-Bond
Publisher: Potter Style
ISBN: 9780609803257
Category : House & Home
Languages : en
Pages : 356
Book Description
A compendium of practical information--recipes, tips, and guidelines--for building a simple, comfortable, healthy, environmentally safer lifestyle.
Publisher: Potter Style
ISBN: 9780609803257
Category : House & Home
Languages : en
Pages : 356
Book Description
A compendium of practical information--recipes, tips, and guidelines--for building a simple, comfortable, healthy, environmentally safer lifestyle.
The Complete Practitioner's Guide to the Bond Market (PB)
Author: Steven Dym
Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional
ISBN: 0071713727
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 466
Book Description
A comprehensive, practical guidebook to bonds and the bond market Speaking directly to the practitioner, this thorough guide covers everything there is to know about bonds—from basic concepts to more advanced bond topics. The Complete Practitioner’s Guide to the Bond Market addresses the principles of the bond market and offers the tools to apply them in the real world. By tying the concepts of fixed-income products to big-picture aspects of the economy, this book prepares readers to apply specific tools and methods that will help them glean profits from the bond market.
Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional
ISBN: 0071713727
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 466
Book Description
A comprehensive, practical guidebook to bonds and the bond market Speaking directly to the practitioner, this thorough guide covers everything there is to know about bonds—from basic concepts to more advanced bond topics. The Complete Practitioner’s Guide to the Bond Market addresses the principles of the bond market and offers the tools to apply them in the real world. By tying the concepts of fixed-income products to big-picture aspects of the economy, this book prepares readers to apply specific tools and methods that will help them glean profits from the bond market.
Bond Investing For Dummies
Author: Russell Wild
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118274431
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 371
Book Description
Your friendly guide to trading the bond and bond fund market Bonds and bond funds are among the safest and most reliable investments you can make to ensure an ample and dependable retirement income—if you do it right! Bond Investing For Dummies helps you do just that, with clear explanations of everything you need to know to build a diversified bond portfolio that will be there when you need it no matter what happens in the stock market. This plain-English guide clearly explains the pros and cons of investing in bonds, how they differ from stocks, and the best (and worst!) ways to select and purchase bonds for your needs. You'll get up to speed on the different bond varieties and see how to get the best prices when you sell. Covers the ups and downs of today's market, which reinforces the importance of bonds in a portfolio Explains how a radical fall in interest rates make bond investing trickier than ever Explores the historic downgrade of U.S. Treasuries and its possible effects on government bonds If you're an investor looking for a resource that helps you understand, evaluate, and incorporate bonds into your portfolio, Bond Investing For Dummies has you covered.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118274431
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 371
Book Description
Your friendly guide to trading the bond and bond fund market Bonds and bond funds are among the safest and most reliable investments you can make to ensure an ample and dependable retirement income—if you do it right! Bond Investing For Dummies helps you do just that, with clear explanations of everything you need to know to build a diversified bond portfolio that will be there when you need it no matter what happens in the stock market. This plain-English guide clearly explains the pros and cons of investing in bonds, how they differ from stocks, and the best (and worst!) ways to select and purchase bonds for your needs. You'll get up to speed on the different bond varieties and see how to get the best prices when you sell. Covers the ups and downs of today's market, which reinforces the importance of bonds in a portfolio Explains how a radical fall in interest rates make bond investing trickier than ever Explores the historic downgrade of U.S. Treasuries and its possible effects on government bonds If you're an investor looking for a resource that helps you understand, evaluate, and incorporate bonds into your portfolio, Bond Investing For Dummies has you covered.
Step by Step Bond Investing
Author: Joseph Hogue
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780997111217
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :
Book Description
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780997111217
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :
Book Description
Bond Math
Author: Donald J. Smith
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118103165
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 288
Book Description
A guide to the theory behind bond math formulas Bond Math explores the ideas and assumptions behind commonly used statistics on risk and return for individual bonds and on fixed income portfolios. But this book is much more than a series of formulas and calculations; the emphasis is on how to think about and use bond math. Author Donald J. Smith, a professor at Boston University and an experienced executive trainer, covers in detail money market rates, periodicity conversions, bond yields to maturity and horizon yields, the implied probability of default, after-tax rates of return, implied forward and spot rates, and duration and convexity. These calculations are used on traditional fixed-rate and zero-coupon bonds, as well as floating-rate notes, inflation-indexed securities, and interest rate swaps. Puts bond math in perspective through discussions of bond portfolios and investment strategies. Critiques the Bloomberg Yield Analysis (YA) page, indicating which numbers provide reliable information for making decisions about bonds, which are meaningless data, and which can be very misleading to investors Filled with thought-provoking insights and practical advice, this book puts the intricacies of bond math into a clear and logical order.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118103165
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 288
Book Description
A guide to the theory behind bond math formulas Bond Math explores the ideas and assumptions behind commonly used statistics on risk and return for individual bonds and on fixed income portfolios. But this book is much more than a series of formulas and calculations; the emphasis is on how to think about and use bond math. Author Donald J. Smith, a professor at Boston University and an experienced executive trainer, covers in detail money market rates, periodicity conversions, bond yields to maturity and horizon yields, the implied probability of default, after-tax rates of return, implied forward and spot rates, and duration and convexity. These calculations are used on traditional fixed-rate and zero-coupon bonds, as well as floating-rate notes, inflation-indexed securities, and interest rate swaps. Puts bond math in perspective through discussions of bond portfolios and investment strategies. Critiques the Bloomberg Yield Analysis (YA) page, indicating which numbers provide reliable information for making decisions about bonds, which are meaningless data, and which can be very misleading to investors Filled with thought-provoking insights and practical advice, this book puts the intricacies of bond math into a clear and logical order.
Naked Guide to Bonds
Author: Michael V. Brandes
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118039912
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 258
Book Description
Professional investors have long understood the importance of bonds in a successful portfolio strategy. Now you can too. That's because Wall Street bond expert Michael Brandes takes a unique approach to this complex subject—he makes it simple. In Naked Guide to Bonds: What You Need to Know, Stripped Down to the Bare Essentials, technical jargon and complicated subject matter are translated into a straightforward, easy-to-read style with plenty of examples. What's more, rather than writing an all-inclusive book on the bond market, Brandes uses his expertise to eliminate the information that is not relevant to individual investors. The result is a practical and succinct guide that empowers you to make informed investment decisions. Naked Guide to Bonds is written so that each chapter builds upon the information that precedes it. That way you'll never be thrown for a loop. It begins with basic questions such as: Who issues bonds, and why? And how are bonds bought and sold? Then you'll learn about the structure of these securities and the characteristics that distinguish them from stocks. Once you're armed with the fundamentals, you'll discover how inflation, interest rates, and changes in the economy impact bond prices. Naked Guide to Bonds also provides insights about different types of bonds, including those issued by the U.S. government and its agencies, municipalities, corporations, and international issuers. Most importantly, you'll understand how to identify the bonds that are most appropriate for you. In the final sections, you'll determine how to: Assess your risk profile and set goals Construct a portfolio to meet your objectives Implement a customized strategy Evaluate individual bonds and mutual funds Monitor and maintain your portfolio Avoid the most common mistakes Filled with helpful charts and informative "Bare Essentials" summary points at the beginning of each chapter, Naked Guide to Bonds provides an effective way to become a smart and successful bond investor. Take a look for yourself and you'll see how enjoyable and rewarding learning about bonds can be.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118039912
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 258
Book Description
Professional investors have long understood the importance of bonds in a successful portfolio strategy. Now you can too. That's because Wall Street bond expert Michael Brandes takes a unique approach to this complex subject—he makes it simple. In Naked Guide to Bonds: What You Need to Know, Stripped Down to the Bare Essentials, technical jargon and complicated subject matter are translated into a straightforward, easy-to-read style with plenty of examples. What's more, rather than writing an all-inclusive book on the bond market, Brandes uses his expertise to eliminate the information that is not relevant to individual investors. The result is a practical and succinct guide that empowers you to make informed investment decisions. Naked Guide to Bonds is written so that each chapter builds upon the information that precedes it. That way you'll never be thrown for a loop. It begins with basic questions such as: Who issues bonds, and why? And how are bonds bought and sold? Then you'll learn about the structure of these securities and the characteristics that distinguish them from stocks. Once you're armed with the fundamentals, you'll discover how inflation, interest rates, and changes in the economy impact bond prices. Naked Guide to Bonds also provides insights about different types of bonds, including those issued by the U.S. government and its agencies, municipalities, corporations, and international issuers. Most importantly, you'll understand how to identify the bonds that are most appropriate for you. In the final sections, you'll determine how to: Assess your risk profile and set goals Construct a portfolio to meet your objectives Implement a customized strategy Evaluate individual bonds and mutual funds Monitor and maintain your portfolio Avoid the most common mistakes Filled with helpful charts and informative "Bare Essentials" summary points at the beginning of each chapter, Naked Guide to Bonds provides an effective way to become a smart and successful bond investor. Take a look for yourself and you'll see how enjoyable and rewarding learning about bonds can be.