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.
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
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
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.
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.
To make comparing even easier we came up with the Finder Score. Trading costs, account fees and features across 10+ stock trading platforms and apps are all weighted and scaled to produce a score out of 10. The higher the score the better the platform - simple.
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
No. You are the only person who can decide which stocks to buy. However, trading books can provide handy advice on strategies, how the stock market works and how to analyze companies and investment opportunities.
No, but neither will reading 50 stock trading books. While reading about trading stocks is vital to help you make better trades, there is no way you can learn everything there is to know about stock trading simply by reading books. First hand experience is key as is learning how to carefully research stocks and market conditions.
Disclaimer: This information should not be interpreted as an endorsement of futures, stocks, ETFs, options or any specific provider, service or offering. It should not be relied upon as investment advice or construed as providing recommendations of any kind. Futures, stocks, ETFs and options trading involves substantial risk of loss and therefore are not appropriate for all investors. Trading forex on leverage comes with a higher risk of losing money rapidly. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Consider your own circumstances, and obtain your own advice, before making any trades.
Tim Falk is a freelance writer for Finder. Over the course of his 15-year writing career, he has reported on a wide range of personal finance topics. Whether you're investing in stocks and ETFs, comparing savings accounts or choosing a credit card, Tim wants to make it easier for you to understand. When he’s not staring at his computer, you can usually find him exploring the great outdoors. See full bio
Ryan Brinks is a former editor and publisher at Finder, specializing in investments. He holds a journalism degree from University of Wisconsin–River Falls. See full bio
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