Investing for Dummies - UK (4^th Ed., 4th UK Edition)

The easy way to demystify the intimidating world of investing in the UK market

Think investing is only for the super-rich? Think again! Packed with tons of expert advice, Investing For Dummies UK 4^th edition shows you step-by-step how to make sound, sensible investment choices?whatever your budget. All the major investment categories are covered for the smart beginner, while more advanced and alternative investments are presented for the more adventurous and experienced. Wherever you fall on the investing spectrum, there's something for you!

This new UKeditionof Investing For Dummies has been updated with the latest financial information, including all the new trends and developments that have affected the world of investment, with an emphasis on the new pensions legislations and changes to Individual Savings Accounts. Whether you're interested in assessing your financial means, gauging risks and returns or increasing your personal wealth, with the help of this friendly guide, you no longer need to work in finance to make sense of the facts and figures behind your investments!

•  Offers tips on how to minimize the risk of investment gambles
• Covers the FCA's more stringent risk analysis for investors using advisers
• Contains new sections on pensions, ISAs, the DIY/self-directed investor, and ultra-low interest rates
• Includes new online templates to help simplify the investing process

If you want to go it alone in the investment arena, but need the support of a straightforward, reassuring guide to help you make the best decisions?and get the highest returns from your investments?this is the book for you.

Introduction  1

Part I: Getting Started with Investing 5

Chapter 1: First Steps on the Money Trail  7

Chapter 2: Checking Your Personal Life Before You Invest  23

Chapter 3: Recognising What Makes an Investor Tick  33

Chapter 4: Squaring Risks with Returns  45

Chapter 5: Being Aware of Small Print – and of Print that Isn’t There  59

Part II: Shares, Bonds and Other Investibles  71

Chapter 6: Comprehending How Stock Markets Work  73

Chapter 7: Taking the Cat walk Route to Investment Success  93

Chapter 8: Investing in Markets  109

Chapter 9: Analysing Stock-Market-Quoted Companies  125

Chapter 10: Banking on Bonds  145

Chapter 11: Conquering Commodities and Getting into Gold 161

Part III: Collective Investments and Pension Funds 173

Chapter 12: Looking at Fund Management  175

Chapter 13: Investing with a Trust  191

Chapter 14: Saving Up for Your Retirement  213

Chapter 15: Disinvesting During Your Retirement  229

Chapter 16: Selecting a Stockbroker or Financial Adviser  241

Chapter 17: Hedging Your Fund Bets  257

Chapter 18: Investing at Random and with the Intellectuals  267

Part IV: Property and Alternatives  277

Chapter 19: Investing in Bricks and Mortar  279

Chapter 20: Delving into Derivative Investments  297

Part V: The Part of Tens  311

Chapter 21: Ten Tips for Fact-Finding  313

Chapter 22: Ten Helpful Hints for You  323

Index  327

Tony Levene writes on issues ranging from investments to tax to consumer rights and financial fraud. He has been a financial journalist for national newspapers for nearly 40 years, including 12 years at The Guardian. He has also contributed to magazines and investment websites, and commented on financial matters for BBC TV, BBC Radio and other radio stations.