HarperCollins Mastering the Market Cycle: Getting the Odds on Your Side

Inordinately long, self-referential and staggeringly repetitious, the 315 pages could’ve and should’ve been boiled down to a few paragraphs. And Marks, whilst clearly a great investor, really isn’t much of a writer, much as he very much thinks he’s both. He is really exceedingly pleased with himself. Like other very rich investors, he obviously believes that all his wealth must mean something, that he must be imbued with more generalised wisdom, that he’s some sort of philosopher king. It doesn’t and he isn’t. Don’t bother with this, total waste of time.

Marks’ new book is thoroughly compelling. Along with his previous book and memos, this book lays the timeless fundamentals for investment success. The debate around market timing and cycles is an important and timely one and his choice to dive deep into this subject in his second book is more than welcomed.One of the most important things needed to achieve investment success is to clearly define your investment philosophy and diligently act upon that philosophy. Writings by Marks and a select few other investment masterminds serve not only for learning but more importantly as a practical grounding tool to help you stay the course. His books and memos should be reread periodically especially at the later stages of a cycle. His coherent writing and logic provide a sounding board while you are in the markets.His encouragement to set aside emotions, diligently ‘take the temperature’ of the market, and act upon it, is what can set you apart as a successful investor.Despite being one of the most accomplished investors of our age, Marks has risen above the ranks by following seemingly simple rules, detailed in this book with his usual proficiency, unique insight and, eminently, in plain English.Coming in late 2018, Mastering the Market Cycle addresses some of the most topical questions for investors, providing not just insightful thoughts that relate to our current times, but a conclusive framework that could have been valid at any point in history, empowering readers with the tools they need to find the right balance between risk and opportunity and between prudence and aggressiveness. This book is simply a must-read for all investment professionals, short-time traders or long-term savers alike. And one of the few books to be always held at hand for all of us who are inevitably presented with great abundance of investment decisions throughout our lives.I’m already looking forward to his next book.

Coming from the financial sector, I find this book very repetitive and missing crucial elements to analyse cycles.Marks' writing style is very good but lacks content to keep the reader curious and engaged.It's a good intro for beginners but nowhere near enriching. No details, very little technicals and super general statements about everything and anything.Would recommend to a first year undergrad.

‘Mastering the Market Cycles’ is an absorbing, authoritative investment book from a highly respected investor. The author’s polished, precise English and long experience combine to leave you in no doubt about the message; cycles matter and woe unto you if you don’t take them seriously.The only downside is that it does all get a bit repetitive after a bit. Of course, repeating key points can help you remember them but there is a limit and, in my opinion, Mr Marks crosses it. It could have been two thirds as long and twice as good.That said, the book is bound to make you re-evaluate your investment portfolio and ask yourself whether you’re thinking for yourself or following the herd. We all love to imagine ourselves to be independent-minded and maybe a little bit contrarian but truth is, with a few rare exceptions, almost everyone is guilty of joining in with all the other bulls and bears.Maybe this book will make us all reflect before joining the stampede. Certainly, nobody could accuse Mr Marks of not doing his level best to make us think.

As many other reviews already mentioned, the book is very general and repetitive. In essence: buy when markets are bad, returns are high and everyone is cautious, sell when markets are optimistic and extrapolating good environments. There is very little detail and/or technicals in the book and having worked in the financial industry for a while I have not learned anything new.