1 The analytical investor

 

This chapter covers

  • An overview of securities and the market
  • Investment strategies for managing risk and maximizing gains
  • Tools and techniques for the data-driven investor
  • Programmers’ traits that can be an advantage

A tough work environment often marks the beginning of the journey to financial independence. Formal education rarely prepares people for the sometimes harsh realities of the workplace: the micromanaging boss, a difficult coworker, a cutthroat culture, or the client who secretly rewrites your code and blames you if things go wrong. At some point, many programmers dream of escaping—maybe as a sheep herder in a remote forest or the captain of a starship in galaxies far, far away.

Finding a new job often proves to be a temporary fix. Starting your own company often means trading a 40-hour week for an 80-hour one, with less pay and only a slim chance of long-term success. If the startup fails, you can land right back where you started, only to find that the toxic former colleague who had teased you got promoted and is now your boss.

1.1 Your investment journey

1.2 Assets

1.2.1 Stocks

1.2.2 Bonds

1.2.3 ETFs

1.2.4 Other funds

1.2.5 Forex

1.2.6 Crypto

1.2.7 Derivatives

1.2.8 Private equity

1.2.9 Other assets

1.2.10 Choosing assets

1.3 Investment approaches

1.3.1 Quantitative research

1.3.2 Qualitative research

1.3.3 Algorithmic trading and asset monitors

1.3.4 Portfolios and investing strategies

1.4 Risks and rewards

1.5 A programmer’s unfair advantage

1.6 Summary