Uncertainty and Expectation: Strategies for the Trading of Risk

Trading: it’s easy to explain, but not necessarily easy to do.

In this entertaining and thoughtful book, Gerald Ashley sets out to explain what trading is, and lays out a modus operandi for the investor and trader. He draws upon personal experiences, market anecdotes and examples from the past, seeking to debunk the many myths that surround the financial markets, and tries to help the reader understand the processes, risks and rewards. He provides simple explanations of financial markets and risk assessment, and shows how the reader can assess and learn from market cycles and rhythms.

In particular he explains:

• how individual investor behaviour and market behaviour can intertwine to give unexpected outcomes;
• the basic building blocks of finance;
• the subtle relationships between price , time and volatility;
• how news, opinion and rumours drive the market;
• four simple curves that can help the reader judge and measure risk and reward;
• why there should be healthy scepticism of economic experts, forecasters, performance statistics, benchmarks and market gurus;
• some core characteristics of financial markets that are often overlooked;
• how there is nothing new in finance – and that we ignore market history at out peril;
• strategies for managing investments and trading in today’s financial markets.

“If one adds Gerald Ashley’s innovative thinking to his track record as a successful trader and his wealth of experience in central banking, this book makes compulsive reading!”

David Buik, Cantor Index

 

“I would take issue with some of the author’s comments about economists and technical analysts. But that said, by stripping back the markets to their basic essentials this book does an excellent job in explaining the core elements of investment and its associated risks to the inexperienced investor.”

Deborah Owen, Investment Research of Cambridge

“A bang up-to-date journey through the issues that influence and affect dealing in today’s marketplace. Whether you are searching for the elusive snake oil of investment success, or simply to improve your understanding of markets, Gerald Ashley has produced an insightful, entertaining book that will help develop your knowledge.

Clive Turner, Bullion Banker