Review: Investing on Autopilot by Robert S. Cable

Robert S. Cable has worked in the investment industry for close to thirty years. In his latest book he brings a world of experience to his writing. None of the advice in this book is name specific so it is always timely advice. Some investment books tout the latest technology stock or high flyer of the moment only to have that advice be dated in a very short time. His best advice, to my mind anyway, is to know yourself as an investor. Know how much risk you are willing to accept. In order to do this, the investor must understand his/her own personal fears. Your portfolio should reflect the right balance for you. Do not rely on gut instinct or intuition. Although this is hard to do, it is worth it. If you can not do it yourself, get a professional to help.


In discussing the seasonality of the market in both the USA and Canada , Cable shows how this can profit any investor. This seasonality theory is backed up by years of back testing and numerous illustrated charts. He also discusses the benefits of bonds versus stocks and how to build a laddered portfolio along with ideas on how to choose stocks with high relative strength or value stocks that are ready to make a move. The autopilot part of the book tells how to get a mechanical system working and advocates strongly that the investor stick to it.

Cable concludes his book with putting it all together and creating a portfolio that should see you through if you stay the course. I own numerous investment books and they could probably be condensed into this one book. Included is a terrific bibliography for further study. An insightful read for anyone, whether you are a novice or a seasoned investor. 4****