Publisher's Synopsis
Throughout history, markets have been subject to various forms of government interference-from direct taxation and regulation to more subtle manipulations of the monetary system. In recent decades, centralization and unprecedented monetary intervention have dramatically distorted financial markets.
Mainstream lessons on saving and investing often fall short in this warped environment. This book offers a fast-track approach for beginners. Written in a style accessible to general readers, it delivers clear explanations and real-world examples, illuminating how money has been corrupted and the profound impact these distortions have on markets. As an outsider to the academic world of economics and finance, Pavlovic observed firsthand, while living in various European countries, that the same fundamental distortions occur regardless of a nation's overall wealth. After years of self-education and firsthand experience working in the financial sector, he realized that many essential lessons are either never taught or have been deliberately buried by economic theories designed to serve governments rather than their citizens. In response, he has compiled these essential insights and financial principles into one comprehensive guide, taking readers on a rollercoaster ride through timeless truths of economic growth and exchange, the mechanisms of money corruption, and the ways in which wealth can be openly confiscated. From there, you will learn how monetary distortions spawn cyclical booms and recessions-according to the Austrian School of Economics, and how these interventions are justified through Keynesian thought. You'll explore the destructive potential of debt, which can drive ever-larger debt cycles that threaten both individuals and nations. Finally, the closing chapters connect these seemingly disparate concepts by explaining major financial crises of the past three decades and presenting an investment framework for navigating a world distorted by central banks' "money printer." Through insights from some of the greatest investors, you'll discover the behavior of basic asset classes and key strategies for managing your portfolio in this cyclical environment. By the end, you'll have the knowledge to recognize market distortions, avoid common pitfalls, and move forward with renewed clarity. If you didn't know where to begin, you've come to the right place.
