Knowledge is power. So, if you want to start buying and selling stocks, you need to learn from the best in the industry. These top stock trading books will give you the information you need to develop a successful investment strategy and avoid common pitfalls.
Before diving in, figure out whether you’re an investor or trader—different strategies exist for each. Investors like Warren Buffett approach trades with a long-term perspective, while traders typically approach the market looking for short-term opportunities.
Note that the prices and ratings below are current as of May 24, 2021.
How to Make Money in Stocks
This bestseller by William O’Neil—founder of Investor’s Business Daily—is an easy-to-read primer on both fundamental and technical stock analysis.
Learn how to minimize risks, maximize gains, identify trends, pick winning stocks before prices rise and avoid common trading mistakes.
- Approx. price: $28
- Bestseller with over 2,000,000 copies sold
- Rated 4.5 out of 5 based on 2,481 Amazon reviews
Market Wizards: Interviews With Top Traders
Market Wizards is based on interviews with dozens of top stock trading professionals from the 1970s and 1980s. Dive into this collection of fascinating and informative stories as investors recount their mistakes and the lessons learned.
For more condensed reading, check out The Little Book of Market Wizards which contains key lessons from 50 of Schwager’s interviews.
- Approx. price: $32
- Contains insights from dozens of successful traders
- Rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 1,249 Amazon reviews
The Disciplined Trader or Trading in the Zone
In these two books, Mark Douglas walks you through a critical factor in becoming a successful stock investor—mastering your emotions
Douglas was one of the first people to introduce the idea of “trading psychology” in his book, The Disciplined Trader, which covers obstacles to overcome and how to develop the right mindset for success.
In his popular follow-up book, Trading in the Zone, Douglas digs deeper into common trading pitfalls and market myths.
- The Disciplined Trader costs approximately $49 and is rated 4.6 out of 5 based on 571 reviews
- Trading in the Zone costs approximately $44 and is rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 2,374 reviews
- Must-read books for learning about trading psychology
Trade Your Way to Financial Freedom
Many people are hoping to find the “holy grail” of stock trading—i.e. the secrets behind the most lucrative trading strategies. In this guide, bestselling author Van Tharp lays out 17 steps for developing a winning trading strategy that’s tailored to your individual beliefs and goals.
Trade Your Way to Financial Freedom is packed with lots of handy examples, charts, interviews and tips for finding the right balance between risk and reward.
- Approx. price: $35
- Bestselling “go-to” source of trading tips
- Rated 4.4 out of 5 based on 412 Amazon reviews
Trading Secrets
The stock trading world can be very confusing for novices. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience as a trading mentor, Louise Bedford breaks down complex topics, making them much easier for newbies to understand.
If you’re looking for secrets to finding a successful trading strategy and a refreshingly entertaining writing style, look no further than Trading Secrets.
- Approx. price: $48
- Easy to understand and packed with useful tips
- Rated 4.6 out of 5 based on 7 Amazon reviews
Compare stock trading platforms
Bottom line
Reading about the experiences of some of the world’s best investors and traders—including both their successes and mistakes—can provide key insights and give you an edge in the stock market. When you’re ready to begin buying and selling stocks, compare stock trading platforms to find the best one for your preferences and goals.
Frequently asked questions
More on investing
How do ETFs work?
Your guide to how ETFs work and whether this type of investment is right for you.
Read more…How to read stock charts
Learning how to read stock charts and recognize chart patterns can unlock your success as a trader.
Read more…What are stocks?
Owning a stock means you own part of a company and can potentially grow your wealth. But there is a risk of loss.
Read more…How to analyze a stock
Learn how to research stocks and find the right investment opportunities in 4 steps.
Read more…3 strategies for investing in volatile markets
Market volatility can be nerve-wracking. Discover 3 trading strategies plus the pros, cons and risks of investing in volatile markets.
Read more…Dow Jones vs S&P 500
Find out the key differences between the Dow Jones and S&P 500 plus key points to consider before investing.
Read more…More guides on Finder
-
How to buy Yoshitsu Co. stock in Canada
Steps to owning and managing Yoshitsu Co. stocks, with 24-hour and historical pricing before you buy.
-
How to buy Cerberus Cyber Sentinel stock in Canada
Steps to owning and managing Cerberus Cyber Sentinel stocks, with 24-hour and historical pricing before you buy.
-
How to buy Fresh Grapes LLC stock in Canada
Steps to owning and managing Fresh Vine Wine, Inc stocks, with 24-hour and historical pricing before you buy.
-
How to buy Quest Diagnostics Incorporated stock in Canada
Steps to owning and managing DGX with 24-hour and historical pricing before you buy.
-
How to buy Nuvectis Pharma (NVCT) stock in Canada when it goes public
Everything we know about the Nuvectis Pharma IPO plus information on how to buy in.
-
How to buy BuzzFeed stock in Canada
Steps to owning and managing BuzzFeed, Inc stocks, with 24-hour and historical pricing before you buy.
-
Best renewable energy stocks
These are the best renewable energy stocks to buy now in Canada.
-
Can I buy AeroFarms stock?
A failed SPAC deal pulled the plug on this vertical farming company’s plans to go public. But you can buy stock in other sustainable farming companies.
-
How to buy Reddit stock in Canada when it goes public
Everything we know about the Reddit IPO plus information on how to buy in.
-
How to buy international stocks in Canada
Find out how to buy international stocks in Canada in three easy steps.