Midwest Book Review, Vol. 6, No. 8, August 2007

Small Press Bookwatch

The Astute Speculator
Eric L. Prentis
Prentis Business
361 N. Post Oak Lane, Suite 332, Houston, TX 77024-5950
9780975966020, $55.00 www.theastuteinvestor.net

Stock market expert and registered investment advisor Eric L. Prentis presents The Astute Speculator, an in-depth guide to the art and science of stock market speculation for money. Chapters cover basic principles of speculation, short selling and why most speculators trade long instead, buying common stock, momentum speculating, solid speculative bylaws (such as "Have a plan and schedule, do the analysis, do not trade impulsively" and "Do not trade on the margin"), and much more. A glossary, bibliography, and index round out this robust, down-to-earth guide ideal for would-be stock market investors of all backgrounds and experience levels. "An astute speculator has neither the product or industry knowledge of the company trader or the low transaction costs nor the transaction speed of the floor trader, but has one overwhelming advantage - he or she does not have to speculate unless all the probabilities are in his or her favor - the power to "say no" is an invaluable asset. Speculators keep a cash reserve in order to take advantage of extraordinarily rare market conditions when they occur." Enthusiastically recommended.