Against the Herd

CNBC's Fast Money Commentator Steve Cortes shows how to buck the trend and become a well-informed investor The public needs to think independently and not be duped, particularly because those who are selling their messages or promoting their ideas have a plethora of powerful media through which to do so. Against the Herd presents six contrarian views of major events that will shape the future. Steve Cortes of CNBC pulls no punches in explaining these trends. Many will find his views counterintuitive and even controversial. Some will find his forecasts alarming. But open-minded readers who are willing to heed his well-informed advice will find it illuminating, beneficial, and profitable. Steve Cortes presents six contrarian views of major events that will shape the future for investors including the fall of China and the end of the golden era of free trade The contrarian stances are presented because they are actionable Reveals how these events will affect global markets and specific investments, and how and when to take advantage of these key moves Against the Herd shows you how to profit by bucking conventional wisdom and what to do to get ready when situations call for contrarian investing.

Introduction 1 Chapter 1 The Corleones Meet Confucius 7 The Chinese Mirage of Miracle Expansion Chapter 2 Dolls Are Meant for Children 33 Japan Stares into the Abyss of a Death Spiral Chapter 3 Can’t Touch This 57 Resist the Allure of Gold Chapter 4 House of Pain 81 Housing Does Not Recover Anytime Soon Chapter 5 You Can’t Handle the Truth, or the Volatility 123 Don’t Own Stocks (or at Least Not So Many) Chapter 6 Still the One 151 Get Long-Term Bullish on America Conclusion 175 Notes 177 Acknowledgments 185 About the Author 187 Index 189