It's a Sure Thing: A Wry Look at Investing, Investors, and the World of Wall Street

Former New York Times financial columnist Metz ( CBS: Reflections in a Bloodshot Eye ) and venture capital-expert Stasen give good advice in this guide, illustrated by Martin's hilarious cartoons, that may make Wall Street pundits wince. Wary of ``sure bets,'' leverages and forecasts based on charts and ``technical analysis,'' Metz and Stasen ably demonstrate how, by using ``disciplined thinking and well controlled emotions'' to advance personal financial goals, an investor can correlate business and economic trends with opposing market projects. Data--annual reports, ratings, etc.--are useful in selecting elements of a balanced, diversified, minimum-risk portfolio, along with a final checkoff list designed by the authors to help spot a winner. 20,000 first printing. (May)