SuperCycles: The New Economic Force Transforming Global Markets and Investment Strategy: Amazon.co.uk: Arun Motianey: Books

Product Description

A brilliantly original assessment of what caused the global crash—and a practical plan for investing accordingly

Supercycles, according to international economist and strategist, Arun Motianey, are the continuous, long waves of boom and bust that undulate through the global economic and financial systems. More often than not, they are the result of policymakers' well-intentioned but misguided attempts to achieve price stability. In Supercycles, Motianey surpasses the traditional business cycle model ("Boom and Bust"), to provide a detailed, objective, and at times surprising explanation of global economics.

Drawing heavily on history and informed by cautious readings of a wide range of economic thought, Motianey critiques the way macroeconomics has been practiced by the major powers' central banks through the years.

Specifically, it was the banks' intervention, ostensibly in the quest for price stability that actually served to entrench price instability. Further, he makes a compelling case for the new tools we'll be using to manage the post-meltdown global economy, and even advises on investor portfolios to protect us from the likeliest scenarios that occur when a supercycle enters its terminal phase.

A cogent and impossible-to-ignore mixture of economics, finance, policy, risk management, and investment advice from a global perspective, Supercycles is certain to inform and inspire debate among investors, academics, and casual readers alike.

Reviews:

"Motianey is an engaging writer and Supercycles should be considered a must read for economic junkies. His ideas are fresh and innovative and he attempts to avoid the dogma that frequently leads those in the profession astray. I highly recommend it for those who want to gain greater perspective on the Credit Crisis and where we might be heading in its aftermath. --SeekingAlpha.com

"Highly readable. The pitch-perfect blend of the best economic thinking informed by the lessons from the past and the investment savvy of a veteran investment advisor at the top of his game." -- Thomas J. Trebat, Executive Director, Institute of Latin American Studies & Center for Brazilian Studies, Columbia University

"A provocative way of looking at the global economy. This book will make you stop and think." -- Peter Scaturro, Private Bank Executive

"This lively volume not only examines the big picture, but also provides practical advice for investors who are trying to prosper in this complex and challenging economic environment." -- Harvey S. Rosen, John L. Weinberg Professor of Economics and Business Policy, Princeton University

"Arun Motianey sheds light on some of the more ludicrous propositions of modern equilibrium economics. He describes how investment bankers and economists got it all wrong—and the world is experiencing the disastrous consequences." -- Dr. Terry O’Shaughnessy, Fellow in Economics, St. Anne’s College, Oxford University

"Not all readers will agree with Motianey's savage criticism of the finance-driven modern economy, but few can read SuperCycles without having at least some of their preconceived notions challenged. A must-read for policymakers and investors." -- Dr. Kevin Hebner, Global Investment Strategist, Third Wave Global Investors

“Required reading for those who do not want to get lulled into the conventional thinking” -- David Martin, Chief Risk Officer, AllianceBernstein

About the Author

Arun Motianey worked for Citigroup from 1987- 2008. His positions included managing director and head of macro research and strategy in the company’s Global Wealth Management division.

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

Heavy work & rather too much pre-amble. But brilliant nonetheless ! 24 Mar 2010

By Small Scale TOP 1000 REVIEWER VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

Let's cut to the chase. Unless you work in the financial services industry or have some knowledge greater than an Economics A-level, this book is going to be rather a tough read over 170 pages. It does require the reader to have a working understanding of global demand & supply models, monetary standards (Gold, Bretton Woods, & New Fiat), and fiscal & monetary policy levers. It's also laced with a fair amount of econo-metrics language. In a few words, you really have to WANT to read this book, because it's not for a lay reader looking for a convenient or easy soundbite !

Despite all that, it is a fantastic read if you can keep up with it ! The author does spend rather too long I think (75% of the book in fact) guiding you through major global economic shocks since the 1860s onwards. This, as a means of justifying his central economic model ("The SuperCycle") where he examines how the developed world's preference for price stability (pursued by governments and central banks as there overriding strategy) inevitably leads to points of economic shock in the global supply chain. Whilst this is terrific stuff and very compelling, only 25% of the book is then dedicated to how this theory might help us exit our current global credit (or rather debt) crunch, and how it might guide investment decisions in the future.

So it's far more of a "journey rather than a destination" with this book. One of the better ones I've read though, without doubt.

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Intellectually stimulating 10 Mar 2010

By maximus TOP 100 REVIEWER VINE™ VOICE

I think anyone who's interested in current Global Economics and it's history too, would find this book very stimulating intellectually. It's also well written and although some terminologies might require prior knowledge, it doesn't take long to look up on Google to research some further background. The theories are interesting and might challenge some common accepted norms in the subject, but that's the point of it I think. As with all theories however, we'll have to wait to see if history proves them right, since we would need several decades or even a couple more centuries to prove some of the assertions on supercycles will be confirmed at least one or two more times. Read it... you'll see what I mean.

Not for the average reader 23 Feb 2010

By PureSymmetry VINE™ VOICE

I enjoyed this book, it flows well and the ideas seem well thought out, but as with many of the other reviewers I found supercycles to be heavy going and to require a degree of understanding regarding the financial markets. For those who have a keen interest in banking and perhaps trading, this may be a riveting read.