Naked Guide to Bonds (PDF)

Professional investors have long understood the importance of bondsin a successful portfolio strategy. Now you can too.

That's because Wall Street bond expert Michael Brandes takes aunique approach to this complex subject--he makes itsimple. In Naked Guide to Bonds: What You Need to Know,Stripped Down to the Bare Essentials, technical jargon andcomplicated subject matter are translated into a straightforward,easy-to-read style with plenty of examples. What's more, ratherthan writing an all-inclusive book on the bond market, Brandes useshis expertise to eliminate the information that is not relevant toindividual investors. The result is a practical and succinct guidethat empowers you to make informed investment decisions.

Naked Guide to Bonds is written so that each chapterbuilds upon the information that precedes it. That way you'll neverbe thrown for a loop. It begins with basic questions such as:Who issues bonds, and why? And how are bonds bought andsold? Then you'll learn about the structure of these securitiesand the characteristics that distinguish them from stocks.

Once you're armed with the fundamentals, you'll discover howinflation, interest rates, and changes in the economy impact bondprices. Naked Guide to Bonds also provides insights aboutdifferent types of bonds, including those issued by the U.S.government and its agencies, municipalities, corporations, andinternational issuers. Most importantly, you'll understand how toidentify 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 toBonds provides an effective way to become a smart andsuccessful bond investor. Take a look for yourself and you'll seehow enjoyable and rewarding learning about bonds can be.