The Financial Times guide to investing : the definitive companion to investment and the financial markets

This guide serves as a comprehensive introduction to successful stock market investing. It starts with the fundamentals of why companies seek investors and outlines the roles of investors. The author walks you through the practical aspects of buying and selling shares, detailing various investment vehicles and offering strategies for selecting companies, analyzing accounts, managing a portfolio, and measuring performance and risk. The thoroughly updated second edition covers how financial markets operate and encourages readers to act on their own judgments. New sections address online investing, tools, and resources, including screenshots and virtual portfolios, along with updates on tax rates, ISA allowances, and capital gains tax. A jargon-busting glossary clarifies investment terminology, while recent articles and statistics provide context and examples. The guide demystifies the investment process, illustrating how to buy shares and explore diverse financial securities like bonds and ETFs. It challenges the notion that only the wealthy can invest successfully, empowering individuals to build profitable portfolios independently. Key topics include understanding stock markets, analyzing companies, managing portfolios, and investor protection, making this an essential resource for anyone looking to navigate the world of investing.