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Flirting with Stocks: Stock Market Investing for Beginners
Is it more important to buy a good share, or buy it at the right time? To rephrase, should you buy a good share at any time, or buy any share at a good time? Flirting with Stocks introduces the uninitiated to the world of share markets. Acclaimed financial expert Dr Anil Lamba begins with the basics of how the investment cycle works, and builds up to the nitty-gritties of bulls and bears, mutual funds, kerb trading, badla finance and share-price fixing. Included also are case studies on asset bubbles and insider trading, which are lessons for potential investors on how to make money while minimising risks. Written in Dr Lamba’s characteristic lucid style, this book makes stock market investing a non-intimidating, fun activity.
222 pages, Paperback
Published September 25, 2018
300 people are currently reading
819 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
February 18, 2020
This book is meant for absolute beginners and absolute beginners only. For anyone with even a little understanding of the stock market world, this would seem as forced spoon-feeding. Also, it felt more like a reading an academic book, with all the definitions of the various ratios. The author could have kept the tone more narrative instead of being so bland.
The book felt very low-effort to me.
I would not recommend this even to absolute beginners since there are much better books for that out there!
The book felt very low-effort to me.
I would not recommend this even to absolute beginners since there are much better books for that out there!
June 2, 2019
Great information.
Will definitely recommend this book for those who want to get the basic knowledge about stock market.
The author has explained topics which can be easily understood.
Will definitely recommend this book for those who want to get the basic knowledge about stock market.
The author has explained topics which can be easily understood.
September 29, 2019
Great book to start learning about how stock markets work, how to read various financial statements pertaining to the companies and how to assess the health of various companies.
It's a good starting point if you're thinking of investing or even if you don't.
I'd go a step further and say that this book is an essential starting point to your financial education.
It's a good starting point if you're thinking of investing or even if you don't.
I'd go a step further and say that this book is an essential starting point to your financial education.
August 15, 2020
really enjoyed the Anecdotes, otherwise just a regular book on this topic.
March 8, 2021
Only for beginners
March 17, 2021
Very good for beginners in stock market. People interested in stocks should read this book first.
March 22, 2020
Good one
Best book for beginners in stock market. Must read, I should say. Examples are very good and language easy to understand.
Best book for beginners in stock market. Must read, I should say. Examples are very good and language easy to understand.
May 30, 2019
Decent book for a beginner (although I find it a little over priced). It has a nice flow - basic finance, how to assess companies, how to decide which stocks to buy. I liked the anecdotes. The books seems to be written for absolute beginners. It would have been useful to include more information and resources on the Indian stock market in particular.
June 12, 2021
Is a nice refresher course on the basics. Don't buy it if you already know the jargon in the industry.
March 30, 2019
Stumbled upon this book on kindle unlimited and instantly got reading. I thought I could give it a browse, and dump it, after all what new can a book on stocks offer? There are countless books on the art of picking stocks, and no one can assure of any success!
This book turned out to be a surprise. It was not about picking stocks, so much as it was to read the balance sheet of a company and make impressions on the kind of company basis its balance sheet. All of this in a very lucid language.
The book starts off with the stock market basis, explaining the various instruments available in the market ranging from Equities, mutual funds, derivatives, etc.. and also touches upon things like insider trading, how is the share price determined and a little history of Badla trading.
The second part of the book delves on the key question – What to buy? Here, a complete download on the financial statement, reading a balance sheet, the concept of earnings per share, Leverage analysis and different commonly used ratios is explained. There is also a brief note on how to choose a fundamentally strong company which is interesting.
The balance sheet is broken down to a very simple level, where the author indicates that all balance sheets can fundamentally be classified as –
Asset –
1. Fixed Assets
2. Current Asset
Liabilities
1. Share Capital
2. Reserves and Surplus
3. Long-term loans
4. Current Liabilities
Also, the concept of leverage is explained very lucidly, where a scenario is drawn with 10% sales increase, there is a jump of 40% in profit due to the leverage. Both, Operating leverage and Financial leverage are explained briefly delving on the benefit of leverage.
Overall, any financial strategy is based on the cost of capital and tax management. My learning from this particular section is that “ALL BUSINESSES OPERATE ON A NET LEVERAGE PHENOMENA. Raise/Borrow money at a lower cost of capital and deliver better returns”. Simple.
So, 200 from raised capital, and 800 from borrowed capital (10% interest) and the overall investment delivers a 20% Rate of return is fundamentally amazing for the shareholders as they would get the benefit of the balance 10% return that has been delivered on the borrowed capital.
The last part of the book is on the coveted – When to buy? Timing entry and exit in the market is everything, and it is explained in a simple way – “Buying a good stock at a bad time does not help”. Thus, The market ups and downs need to be kept in mind. A couple of investing strategies are also detailed at a very basic level.
The book is interspersed with interesting case studies, ranging from the battle of waterloo, Rajat Gupta to Dhirubhai Ambani who revolutionized the investing culture in India.
Overall, A good read for someone looking to have a basic understanding of the financial jargon, and is new to the secondary markets.
This book turned out to be a surprise. It was not about picking stocks, so much as it was to read the balance sheet of a company and make impressions on the kind of company basis its balance sheet. All of this in a very lucid language.
The book starts off with the stock market basis, explaining the various instruments available in the market ranging from Equities, mutual funds, derivatives, etc.. and also touches upon things like insider trading, how is the share price determined and a little history of Badla trading.
The second part of the book delves on the key question – What to buy? Here, a complete download on the financial statement, reading a balance sheet, the concept of earnings per share, Leverage analysis and different commonly used ratios is explained. There is also a brief note on how to choose a fundamentally strong company which is interesting.
The balance sheet is broken down to a very simple level, where the author indicates that all balance sheets can fundamentally be classified as –
Asset –
1. Fixed Assets
2. Current Asset
Liabilities
1. Share Capital
2. Reserves and Surplus
3. Long-term loans
4. Current Liabilities
Also, the concept of leverage is explained very lucidly, where a scenario is drawn with 10% sales increase, there is a jump of 40% in profit due to the leverage. Both, Operating leverage and Financial leverage are explained briefly delving on the benefit of leverage.
Overall, any financial strategy is based on the cost of capital and tax management. My learning from this particular section is that “ALL BUSINESSES OPERATE ON A NET LEVERAGE PHENOMENA. Raise/Borrow money at a lower cost of capital and deliver better returns”. Simple.
So, 200 from raised capital, and 800 from borrowed capital (10% interest) and the overall investment delivers a 20% Rate of return is fundamentally amazing for the shareholders as they would get the benefit of the balance 10% return that has been delivered on the borrowed capital.
The last part of the book is on the coveted – When to buy? Timing entry and exit in the market is everything, and it is explained in a simple way – “Buying a good stock at a bad time does not help”. Thus, The market ups and downs need to be kept in mind. A couple of investing strategies are also detailed at a very basic level.
The book is interspersed with interesting case studies, ranging from the battle of waterloo, Rajat Gupta to Dhirubhai Ambani who revolutionized the investing culture in India.
Overall, A good read for someone looking to have a basic understanding of the financial jargon, and is new to the secondary markets.
September 8, 2020
Assume that, on one day you decide to go visit a stock exchange/market, with mundane information about stock business. And after reaching the stock exchange, you realize that, you really have no idea about the actual stock business. Suddenly, a kind hearted fellow, who was watching your disappointment, comes to your aid, and explain about the stock market business(in a language that is matching with your existing base knowledge). This book is synonymous with such a situation. As such I recommend this title for anyone who is a beginner in stock based investment. However, this does not vindicate the book from the following shortcomings. 1) The author intentionally/unintentionally promote the concept of loans or cash-borrowing in business. 2) The author inadvertently justifies the stock selection processes based on literal profit or loss; which is a dangerous concept, even for the experienced. 3) Very rarely, certain sections (for example in chapter 10) are explained in a confusing manner.
October 18, 2019
This book gives you a good understanding on how to read a balance sheet. Which parameters to focus on while reading a balance sheet, what are the tell tale signs of a company in trouble. I liked how easily assets and liabilities are explained in this book.
But unfortunately that's it for this book. It will give you a good beginner understanding of a balance sheet but it leaves the reader/trader hanging on what to do next. Once you have identified a good company, when is the right time to enter the stock? at what value? how to calculate the intrinsic value of a stock? Is the stock overvalued? If so, how to calculate the price when it will be a good bet to enter? These are some of the questions that this book fails to answer.
But unfortunately that's it for this book. It will give you a good beginner understanding of a balance sheet but it leaves the reader/trader hanging on what to do next. Once you have identified a good company, when is the right time to enter the stock? at what value? how to calculate the intrinsic value of a stock? Is the stock overvalued? If so, how to calculate the price when it will be a good bet to enter? These are some of the questions that this book fails to answer.
April 13, 2020
I have read two the book of anil lamba simultaneously..first one romancing the balance sheet which is quite good in relation to analysing the balance sheet and various aspects of balance sheet. Then I decided to read this book which to my shock is copy of first book (Few chapter are copied ) and few defination of stock market world are added to make this book bulky which I feel is cheap trick to sell more copies. As much I appreciated the first book, the second is just wastage to time..even for no beginners I will not recommend this book. Better buy the second book and learn from internet about investing.
January 31, 2022
Coming from a Chartered Accountancy background, I found this book to really lack the luster. It’s a very basic read on how the balance sheet works, what are assets/liabilities, what are investment, I found myself reading about ratio analysis, which I get is an important aspect of stock market analysis, but to me, it just felt like my 12th Accountancy textbook in my hands. The book is good for the people who want to get into Fundamental Analysis. It breaks it down step by step, but it also assumes that you have no accounts knowledge. But you won’t find that “extra” factor here. The book barely goes over any Technical Analysis.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2020
A must read for beginners
I am not new to the stock market hence, I know many things abou the market. However, some new terminologies I came to know her the very first time. I recommend every new investor to read the book to get basic idea of stock market. The language of the writer is very explicit and easy to catch. He has covered even Fundamental and Technical A nalysis in avery lucid manner. Thanks Lamba sir for writing the book.
I am not new to the stock market hence, I know many things abou the market. However, some new terminologies I came to know her the very first time. I recommend every new investor to read the book to get basic idea of stock market. The language of the writer is very explicit and easy to catch. He has covered even Fundamental and Technical A nalysis in avery lucid manner. Thanks Lamba sir for writing the book.
February 5, 2021
The book is a great resource to learn about investing. Although the book is written by keeping the beginners in mind, I find that there are certain terms used inside the book which doesn't make complete sense at first.
For some, I believe examples could be included to help to understand the concepts better.
But overall , I really enjoyed the book, and recommend it anyone who wants to begin investing .
For some, I believe examples could be included to help to understand the concepts better.
But overall , I really enjoyed the book, and recommend it anyone who wants to begin investing .
March 7, 2025
This book is a concise and beginner-friendly book that provides a quick introduction to the investing in the stock market. It includes brief references to significant economic events and is an easy, engaging read. Mr. Lamba is an excellent teacher, and his other books also serve as great resources for beginners looking to build their understanding of finance. This book is a good starting point, especially after a reading slump in finance.
October 3, 2019
Teaches investing from first principles
Extremely valuable information and insights on fundamentals of long term investment in stock markets
Despite being taught in corporate finance, I didn't have the fundamental understanding of ratios which this book helped me build. Looking forward to reading more books by the author
Extremely valuable information and insights on fundamentals of long term investment in stock markets
Despite being taught in corporate finance, I didn't have the fundamental understanding of ratios which this book helped me build. Looking forward to reading more books by the author
November 9, 2019
A very brief book on understanding basics of stock market investment including terminology, reading reports, various types of analysis- my favorite being leverages, ratios, identifying good stocks and so on. I wish the various parameters, ratios were also explained with examples. A good book to get started...
January 14, 2020
This is a great book for those who are trying to comprehend and intake the principles of the stock market. It is not the best for people who have background knowledge of the different orders placed in the stock market, but may be a guidebook for intermediate stock-investors or young folks who want to grow money from an early age.
March 17, 2020
The book explains lot of basic concepts required to understand how stock market works. This includes difference between investing and speculative trading, understanding balance sheet, common terms / ratios used in stock market like EPS, P/E , P/BV etc.
This book is good for someone who are into "investing" and not into "speculative trading / intraday trading" . ..
This book is good for someone who are into "investing" and not into "speculative trading / intraday trading" . ..
August 29, 2020
Good book for beginners
Nicely written book for beginners. Anil has explained basics of investment .Very thoroughly and simple explanations to read and understand company balance sheets which i was looking for. Book is must read for beginners and should be in reading list of more experienced investors to get wisdom.
Nicely written book for beginners. Anil has explained basics of investment .Very thoroughly and simple explanations to read and understand company balance sheets which i was looking for. Book is must read for beginners and should be in reading list of more experienced investors to get wisdom.
October 19, 2020
This is a good book covering the basics of investement, even after being so theoretical and analytical in approach, this is not a boring read.
I got a chance to revise and brush up on the principles that I learnt in a course in college so this is exactly what one needs to start with and build upon.
I got a chance to revise and brush up on the principles that I learnt in a course in college so this is exactly what one needs to start with and build upon.
December 2, 2020
Investing in stock market
Good read for new to share market and beginners. Anil has explained all the details about stock market, how to identify good stocks, when to invest and ratio analysis very well. Many of his tips are very good which will definitely help in creating wealthy portfolio.
Good read for new to share market and beginners. Anil has explained all the details about stock market, how to identify good stocks, when to invest and ratio analysis very well. Many of his tips are very good which will definitely help in creating wealthy portfolio.
May 30, 2021
Very succinct explanation of stock market concepts
I feared if this would be another book with very dry description of various stock market concepts. However it turned out to be a very pleasant experience of stock market knowledge! It can be one of the initial books for stock market aspirants to lay their hands on.
I feared if this would be another book with very dry description of various stock market concepts. However it turned out to be a very pleasant experience of stock market knowledge! It can be one of the initial books for stock market aspirants to lay their hands on.
June 14, 2021
A quick read for absolute stock markets/finance noobs. Scratches the surface and covers the essential topics in an easy to understand way, with simple examples. Still has more depth than several "courses" available on YouTube. Read it if you're new to investing and find even the basic concepts mind-boggling.
March 14, 2019
Good Book for a beginner in stock exchange related topic, in my opinion you don't know the basics of stock markets?? then we cannot understand warren buffet intelligent investor books contents. so this book help me to find the basic things in the markets.
January 4, 2020
Good book for beginners to learn about stock market
Good book for beginners to learn about stock market. Balance sheet reading explained in an excellent way. Perhaps ratios too could have been explained with the examples.
Good book for beginners to learn about stock market. Balance sheet reading explained in an excellent way. Perhaps ratios too could have been explained with the examples.
July 25, 2020
Great insights for beginners in the field of investing
I would like to suggest everyone to read this book especially newbies(like me). Knowledge gained from this book is huge. Thank you Anil Lamba Sir for writing such an amazing book.
I would like to suggest everyone to read this book especially newbies(like me). Knowledge gained from this book is huge. Thank you Anil Lamba Sir for writing such an amazing book.
July 30, 2020
Suberb
The section regarding leverage ratios and fundamental analysis was superb.. Must read fire a novice retail investor.. However to be read after reading few other books on the subject
The section regarding leverage ratios and fundamental analysis was superb.. Must read fire a novice retail investor.. However to be read after reading few other books on the subject
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews