Investing―the commitment of resources to achieve a return―affects individuals; families; companies; and nations; and has done so throughout history. Yet until the sixteenth century; investing was a privilege of only the elite classes. The story behind the democratization of investing is bound up with some of history's most epic events. It is also a tale rich with lessons for professional and everyday investors who hope to make wiser choices.This entertaining history doubles as a sophisticated account of the opportunities and challenges facing the modern investor. It follows the rise of funded retirement; the evolution of investment vehicles and techniques; investment misdeeds and regulatory reform; government economic policy; the development of investment theory; and the emergence of new investment structures. Norton Reamer and Jesse Downing map these trends and profile the battle between low cost index and exchange-traded funds; on the one hand; and the higher-fee hedge funds and private equity; on the other. By helping us understand this history and its legacy of risk; Reamer and Downing hope to better educate readers about the individual and societal impact of investing and ultimately level the playing field.
#214285 in Books Columbia University Press 2011-03-02Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.20 x .40 x 5.50l; .45 #File Name: 0231156464128 pagesColumbia University Press
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Excellent Perspectives from Leading TheoristsBy leah andersonWhen I received this in the mail; I was a little put-off by how small the book was. But the quality of the content won me over: Not only are the essays themselves important and thought provoking; but the editing is amazing. Each pair of essays is situated with a transcript of a debate between the two authors. This encouraged me to think of each essay in relation to the other essays in the book--to compare each take on the role of religion and the purview of the public sphere.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Very good; broad-minded and deep in generalBy Jose VargasVery good; broad-minded and deep in general. I can point as jewels: Cornel West descripion af a poet in pag. 93 (complemented in p.98) and its dissection of prophetic religión in pag. 99; tough I do not agree with his opinión that President Obama is mesmerized by the braininess of technocratic elites.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Some good information but densely writtenBy StephenNot a light read. Some good information but densely written.
