Financial expert David Scott is widely acknowledged as one of the pioneers of modern investment theory, and his philosophies continue to be regarded as gospel by today's investors. One of his best selling finance guides is the financial dictionary Investing in Common Stocks. The classic investment book that enables readers to discern the origins of some of today's most popular investment philosophies is now available as a mobile application.

Common stock is an investment vehicle that has achieved wide popularity among individuals and institutions.The public issuance and subsequent trading of shares of common stocks allow an individual investor such as you to become an owner of a business without enduring the headaches of actually operating the business or being held personally accountable for more than the amount of money you invest. You can become a part owner of thousands of companies that issues shares of ownership in small companies whose business it is to mine gold, manufacture computer components, or drill for oil. Individual investors in the United States are even able to purchase units of ownership in BP (formerly British Petroleum), Sony, Volkswagen and hundreds of other foreign corporations. Likewise, investors overseas can purchase ownership in General Electric, Home Depot, and Wall- Mart.

Evidence of business ownership is generally in the form of an engraved certificate, although the majority of investors request that their brokerage firm retain the certificates for safekeeping.

Investing in Common Stocks discusses everything about starting a program of stock investments, money management, financial portfolio management and monitoring that program to maximize profit. It explains all the basic concepts such as buying and selling common stock, balancing risks for rewards, predicting and profiting from market cycles, developing solid strategies for superior performance and choosing a brokerage firm. It does not cover every detail of the market in exhausting detail; instead it concentrates on showing new investors exactly how to begin investing in stocks and how to craft a portfolio that will grow and prosper. In addition to learning the basics about stocks -- what they represent and how they are valued and traded-- how to select a broker and a brokerage firm, you will find tips on what to look for and what to avoid; the importance of establishing investment goals before investing in the stock market; tips on where to find information on the stock market and specific stocks, and the risks of owning common stocks and how to judge them.