Common Stock Values and Yields
A Study of Common Stocks as Long-Term Investments with Particular Emphasis on Investment Yields
Description
Common Stock Values and Yields explores the evolution of common stock investment from a perceived risk akin to gambling to a widely respected financial strategy. Over the past century, investor interest has been driven by the long-term upward trend in stock prices, as illustrated by the Dow-Jones Averages. This book not only charts this historical growth but also delves into the critical problems faced by investors: what and when to buy. It examines three principal investment methods: security analysis (a method based on intelligent stock selection and timing), formula plans (mechanical rules for market entry and exit), and dollar averaging (consistent investment amounts at regular intervals). Focusing on dollar averaging, the study demonstrates the intrinsic merits of common stocks, showing that even in periods where market gains are neutral, a mechanical investment strategy can yield surprisingly high annual returns. With rigorous statistical analysis, this book underscores the long-term value of common stocks, making it an essential resource for both novice and experienced investors.