The Portable Private Banker

Given my overall lack of knowledge in the investment world, I found the book extremely useful and reasonably easy to read. Concepts were explained quite clearly throughout the book. For example, a variety of term sheets & investment banks/companies were clearly defined insofar as what markets they pursued, cost/fee structures etc. Additionally, for someone like me, who knew nothing of the ETF world (exchange traded funds), this "new" type of investment vehicle was a particular eye-opener, specifically as it relates to fees (when compared to traditional fund fees), and how these funds mimic their benchmarks, versus attempting to beat them.It is likely I may continue to build a personal portfolio based on traditional funds, however having read this book (digital & hard copy), I can now see a definite benefit to introducing ETF's into my portfolio, albeit perhaps over time.While this review is attached to the e-book version, I did in fact purchase both the textbook as well as the e-book (given its very low digital price). The primary reason for the e-book purchase was to be able to better search for terms within the book, vis-a-vis my research, rather than re-reading entire passages after I had initially read the hard copy version. Personally, I prefer the hard copy version since I do not own a tablet and was not comfortable reading the entire book from my desktop.I wholeheartedly recommend this book/e-book to any MBA student who may be studying investments/finance as part of their studies and perhaps even those who may just be interested in understanding the world of ETF investment.

The Portable Private Banker (PPB) by Dr. David Costa was shipped to me in Kazakhstan where I live and work. I was initially reluctant reading it but once I made up my mind to spend some time to go through the book, it became very difficult to stop.I was not previously exposed to actively managed funds and exchange traded funds, but Dr. Costa made it so easy and simple to comprehend. He has included practical examples and several references to follow-up on personal asset allocation and portfolio management.I appreciate the passion and hope for the future presented by Dr. Costa. It is evident that Dr. Costa wants to see people make the best financial decisions and be financially free.This book is a must-read and I strongly recommend it both to those who already have good knowledge of investments and those who are struggling with managing their money.Dr. Costa through the PPB has put in my hands the key to unlocking great financial treasures. I can only wish that this book would soon be marketed in Nigeria to help several people who have their monies under 'mattresses and pillows' for fear of losing their hard-earned funds.Very well done Dr. Costa.Otonye Daka

Thank you Dr Costa for producing a book that unpacks the so-called complex world of investing, so that the aspects of the different investment vehicles and funds become clear and within reach of the non-professional investor. The research and recommendations about the different funds, their pro's and cons, are clear and written in easy-to-read English. I like the concise way in which the different investment vehicles are evaluated and presented. The book lends itself very strongly toward a predominantly European and North American audience of investors.On the negative, I found the format of the book unstructured, e.g. inconsistent use of indenting, headings and the numbering system. An index at the end of the book would make searching for specific information easier.Overall, a worthwhile read for any aspiring investor. It teaches a person to understand the investment frameworks and assists in asking the relevant questions.I intend reading it again.

I bought this book for my MBA studies during the Money Management module. Investing and understanding the variety of trading instruments and ETFs was something entirely new to me and yet Dr Costa manages to explain every element of functionality, whilst still keeping it light and interesting enough to want to turn to the next page. Suffice to say that I finished the book in record time (according to my standards) and even made great use of the additional online trading practice tutorials and live sample portfolios. It may not be the latest in publishing terms; however everything is covered to such an extent that I believe even the seasoned trader could learn, refresh and revise a thing or two. I am grateful for the teachings in this book.

Recommend to all wannabe tradersThe Ice will be thicker if you implement some or all of the tips in this book. You do not have to learn it the hard way by loosing substantially at first; stick to the principles and do not gamble.

For someone with no real knowledge of investments and the investment opportunities in today's markets, The Portable Private Banker is a good place to start. The author assumes readers have little to no experience in investing and opens the door to a variety of options for everyday investors. Of critical importance, the book also takes the reader through the process of deciding what your investment profile is and how you can go about building an appropriate portfolio. For those who want to manage their own financial future, as well as those who are used to simply taking the advice of a 'trusted adviser', this book is a must. Filled with real-world examples, any person wanting to control their financial investments more efficiently would do well to have this book in their library.

Il libro é assolutamente obiettivo e dritto al punto, senza fronzoli: spiega dettagliatamente come poter investire ed i principi dai quali partire per poter migliorare il proprio asset. Per poterlo migliorare (ovvero, in termini di appeal), sicuramente una diagrammazione piú professionale risulta necessaria (qualitá della pagina, distribuzione testo, font, etc.). Nel complesso, utile.

This book is targeted mainly at people interested in investing/investments. I got the book for a course I am doing. Meets my needs well.

Good book, it came on time from when I ordered it.

Bin sehr zu Frieden, danke.

Das Buch ist auch für Menschen mit keinem Hintergrund aus der Banken oder Börsenszene leicht verständlich und nachvollziehbar geschrieben und erklärt, wie auch weniger kapitalstarke Menschen ihr Geld richtig anlegen können.