10 Must Read Books for Investors and Traders
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your knowledge, the following books have stood the test of time and offer invaluable insights into how markets work, how successful investors think, and how to build long-term wealth or trade with skill.
1. The Intelligent Investor – by Benjamin Graham
Often called the bible of value investing, this classic teaches how to analyze companies, avoid speculation, and think long-term. Graham’s concept of a “margin of safety” is still central to sound investing today.
Best for: Long-term, fundamentals-focused investors
2. Reminiscences of a Stock Operator – by Edwin Lefèvre
A partly fictionalized biography of legendary trader Jesse Livermore, filled with timeless lessons on market psychology, discipline, and the highs and lows of speculation.
Best for: Understanding trader mindset and market cycles
3. Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits – by Philip Fisher
Introduces growth investing and the idea of investing in companies with long-term potential. Fisher emphasizes deep research, especially on management quality and innovation.
Best for: Investors looking beyond the numbers to find quality businesses
4. Market Wizards – by Jack D. Schwager
Interviews with some of the world’s top traders, each with very different strategies — from technical trading to macro. Learn what separates successful traders from the rest.
Best for: Gaining perspective on different trading styles and habits
5. How I Made $2,000,000 in the Stock Market – by Nicolas Darvas
A professional dancer turned stock trader, Darvas shares how he used a simple system (the Darvas Box) and strict discipline to grow his wealth.
Best for: Understanding how a disciplined strategy and psychology lead to success
6. The Way of the Turtle – by Curtis Faith
Reveals the true story of the famous Turtle Traders, who were trained to follow a mechanical trend-following system. This book breaks down the rules, psychology, and outcomes of the experiment.
Best for: System traders and those interested in rule-based strategies
7. Technical Analysis of the Financial Markets – by John J. Murphy
Often referred to as the go-to reference for technical analysis, this book covers chart patterns, indicators, volume, trendlines, and more.
Best for: Those serious about chart-based analysis and trading tools
8. One Up On Wall Street – by Peter Lynch
Legendary Fidelity manager Peter Lynch explains how average investors can beat professionals by investing in what they know and spotting opportunities in everyday life.
Best for: Everyday investors who want a practical and optimistic approach
9. A Beginner’s Guide to the Stock Market – by Matthew R. Kratter
A simple and accessible entry point into stocks, ETFs, dividends, and trading. Great for readers who are new to finance and want to build a strong foundation.
Best for: Absolute beginners looking for clear, jargon-free explanations
10. Thinking, Fast and Slow – by Daniel Kahneman
Though not about investing directly, this book explains how the mind makes decisions, often irrationally — a crucial insight for anyone managing money or risk.
Best for: Understanding your own biases and improving decision-making
Tip for Learners:
Start with The Intelligent Investor and One Up On Wall Street if you’re focused on long-term investing.
If you’re more interested in trading, check out Market Wizards, Way of the Turtle, or Reminiscences of a Stock Operator.