The most recommended stock trading books

Who picked these books? Meet our 12 experts.

12 authors created a book list connected to stock trading, and here are their favorite stock trading books.
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Book cover of Trades about to Happen: A Modern Adaptation of the Wyckoff Method

Rubén Villahermosa Author Of The Wyckoff Methodology in Depth

From my list on stock market price and volume analysis.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am Rubén Villahermosa, independent trader and author. My logical and rational mind led me to question the why of market movements, which allowed me to learn the principles of the Wyckoff method. I have deepened in the study of the interaction between supply and demand through high-level Technical Analysis tools such as Wyckoff, VSA, Price Action, Volume Profile, and Order Flow; knowledge that I share through my books from principles of honesty, transparency, and responsibility.

Rubén's book list on stock market price and volume analysis

Rubén Villahermosa Why did Rubén love this book?

In his book, David Weis explains the principles of the Wyckoff method from a more modern approach, adapted to today's markets.

Using simple but very powerful concepts (supports and resistance, Springs and Upthrust, effort vs. result), he gives us the necessary ideas to build our own winning trading system.

David also created his own indicator (Weis Wave), which is a great contribution to the trading community.

By David H. Weis,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Trades about to Happen as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The definitive book on adapting the classic work of Richard Wyckoff to today's markets Price and volume analysis is one of the most effective approaches to market analysis. It was pioneered by Richard Wyckoff, who worked on Wall Street during the golden age of technical analysis. In Trades About to Happen, veteran trader David Weis explains how to utilize the principles behind Wyckoff's work and make effective trades with this method. Page by page, Weis clearly demonstrates how to construct intraday wave charts similar to Wyckoff's originals, draw support/resistance lines, interpret the struggle for dominance in trading ranges, and recognize…


Book cover of Trade Like a Stock Market Wizard: How to Achieve Superperformance in Stocks in Any Market

T. Livingston Author Of Swing Into It: A Simple System For Trading Pullbacks to the 50-Day Moving Average

From my list on learning stock market trading.

Why am I passionate about this?

The stock market has been a passion of mine for over 15 years. These books have helped me learn how to spot trends and manage my risk while trading in stocks and cryptocurrencies through bull and bear markets. 

T.'s book list on learning stock market trading

T. Livingston Why did T. love this book?

Mark Minervini is undoubtedly one of the greatest traders to ever live. This book is an absolute gem, building on what O’Neil wrote in his book. Minervini has gotten his trading down to absolute precision, from when to buy, when to sell, and how to screen for stocks. It’s all in here. A must-read for anyone looking to learn about trading.

By Mark Minervini,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Trade Like a Stock Market Wizard as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Minervini has run circles around most PhDs tryingto design systems to beat the market." -- JACK SCHWAGER, bestselling author of Stock Market Wizards

"Mark's book has to be on every investor's bookshelf. It is about the most comprehensive work I have ever read on investing in growth stocks." -- DAVID RYAN, three-time U.S. Investing Champion

"[Minervini is] one of the most highly respected independent traders of our generation. His experience and past history of savvy market calls is legendary." -- CHARLES KIRK, The Kirk Report

"One of Wall Street's most remarkable success stories." -- BEN POWER, Your Trading Edge

THE…


Book cover of Trade Your Way to Financial Freedom

Kevin J. Davey Author Of Entry and Exit Confessions of a Champion Trader: 52 Ways A Professional Speculator Gets In And Out Of The Stock, Futures And Forex Markets

From my list on that help to become a champion trader.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been trading for over 30 years now, and I was lucky to be one of the part-time “hobby” traders to be successful enough to trade full time. Along the way, I was a 3-time trophy winner in the world’s premier real time, real money futures trading contest. My passion is trading, both for my personal accounts and in assisting my students with their trading. While I always say “trading is the hardest way to make easy money” this field is my lifelong passion.

Kevin's book list on that help to become a champion trader

Kevin J. Davey Why did Kevin love this book?

Good trading does not always involve just buying and selling decisions. If it was, trading would be much easier! To be a successful trader, you must have your psychological “house” in order. And that is what this book is superb for. Trade Your Way To Financial Freedom assists you in navigating the turbulent mental, emotional and psychological waters all traders face.

By Van Tharp,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Trade Your Way to Financial Freedom as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The bestselling holy grail of trading information-now brought completely up to date to give traders an edge in the marketplace

"Sound trading advice and lots of ideas you can use to develop your own trading methodology."-Jack Schwager, author of Market Wizards and The New Market Wizards

This trading masterpiece has been fully updated to address all the concerns of today's market environment. With substantial new material, this second edition features Tharp's new 17-step trading model. Trade Your Way to Financial Freedom also addresses reward to risk multiples, as well as insightful new interviews with top traders, and features updated examples…


Book cover of The Logical Trader

Perry J. Kaufman Author Of Kaufman Constructs Trading Systems

From my list on trading the markets.

Why am I passionate about this?

Perry has spent his career developing trading systems for both investors and institutions. His well-known Trading Systems and Methods includes hundreds of strategies, but Kaufman Constructs Trading Systems shows how to select and use the most practical of those trading methods. He develops a range of strategies from the bottom us, including rules, testing, and implementation. He explains why these features are important and how they work together. If you have any interest in developing your own trading system, or a desire to understand what goes into a successful system, you will want to read this.

Perry's book list on trading the markets

Perry J. Kaufman Why did Perry love this book?

Mark Fisher was a landmark on NYMEX, the owner of its largest clearing operation. A veteran intraday trader, he explains his own trading method. It is a valuable look at how a floor trading and professional extracts short-term profits from the market. There are few professionals that share their methods.

By Mark B. Fisher,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Logical Trader as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

An in-depth look at the trading system that anyone can use The Logical Trader presents a highly effective, yet simple trading methodology that any trader anywhere can use to trade almost anything. The "ACD Method" developed and refined by Mark Fisher after many years of successful trading, provides price points at which to buy and sell as determined by the opening range of virtually any stock or commodity. This comprehensive guide details a widely used system that is profitably implemented by many computer and floor traders at major New York exchanges. The author's highly accessible teaching style provides readers of…


Book cover of Candlestick Charting for Dummies

Ann C. Logue Author Of Day Trading for Dummies

From my list on for beginning traders.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always been fascinated with money and investing. Trading is but one segment of the market, but it’s one that creates a lot of drama and excitement that draws people in—and that creates great stories. I also want people to do their research before they trade, because so many people lose money. Preparation, discipline, and strategy improve the odds of success. I’m a long-time financial author and consulting analyst. I have an MBA and am a CFA charter holder, the whole bit, and want to make financial information more accessible. There are a lot of people with a vested interest in making things more complicated than they need to be.

Ann's book list on for beginning traders

Ann C. Logue Why did Ann love this book?

Great trades come from market analysis, not hot tips on Reddit. Candlestick charts contain an enormous amount of information about market trends and activity. Learning charting takes some time, and this book is a great start. Whatever system you decide to follow, make notes of your trades. Plan them out, then note what worked and what didn’t. 

By Russell Rhoads,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Candlestick Charting for Dummies as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Want to gain a trading edge with candlestick charts? Find them a little confusing? No worries! Candlestick Charting For Dummies sheds light on this time-tested method for finding the perfect moment to buy or sell. It demystifies technical and chart analysis and gives you the tools you need to identify trading patterns - and pounce! This friendly, practical, guide explains candlestick charting and technical analysis in plain English. In no time, you'll be working with common candlestick patterns, analyzing trading patterns, predicting market behavior, and making your smartest trades ever. You'll discover the advantages candlestick has over other charting methods…


Book cover of Investing for Growth: How to Make Money by Only Buying the Best Companies in the World - An Anthology of Investment Writing, 2010-20

Gautam Baid Author Of The Joys of Compounding: The Passionate Pursuit of Lifelong Learning

From my list on value investing from a longtime investor.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am the Founder of Stellar Wealth Partners, a SEBI-registered Research Analyst firm and small case manager for investors in the Indian stock market. I am the author of the international best-seller on value investing, The Joys of Compounding. Once a strong foundation is created for a business, owners don’t work for money. Rather, money works for them. As an investor, your money is working for you 24/7. You are becoming wealthier with each passing second, alongside the increasing intrinsic value of your businesses. An investor builds earnings power through a business ownership mindset. 

Gautam's book list on value investing from a longtime investor

Gautam Baid Why did Gautam love this book?

Some people love to make successful investing seem more complicated than it really is. In this anthology of essays and letters written between 2010–20, Terry Smith makes the case for simply buying the best companies in the world. These are businesses that generate large amounts of cash and know what to do with it in the form of sound capital allocation. The result is a powerful compounding of returns for the long term.

This book serves as a good reiteration of the thinking and principles underpinning Smith’s investing approach, including his three-step investment mantra: “Buy good companies. Don’t overpay. Do nothing.” It also highlights the nuances of the process, including why Smith favors return on capital employed (ROCE) and free cash flow (FCF) yield as metrics for assessing companies and why Smith is less enamored of measures such as earnings per share (EPS).

By Terry Smith,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Investing for Growth as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Buy good companies. Don't overpay. Do nothing.

Some people love to make successful investing seem more complicated than it really is. In this anthology of essays and letters written between 2010-20, leading fund manager Terry Smith delights in debunking the many myths of investing - and making the case for simply buying the best companies in the world.

These are businesses that generate serious amounts of cash and know what to do with it. The result is a powerful compounding of returns that is almost impossible to beat. Even better, they aren't going anywhere. Most have survived the Great Depression…


Book cover of Encyclopedia of Candlestick Charts

Perry J. Kaufman Author Of Kaufman Constructs Trading Systems

From my list on trading the markets.

Why am I passionate about this?

Perry has spent his career developing trading systems for both investors and institutions. His well-known Trading Systems and Methods includes hundreds of strategies, but Kaufman Constructs Trading Systems shows how to select and use the most practical of those trading methods. He develops a range of strategies from the bottom us, including rules, testing, and implementation. He explains why these features are important and how they work together. If you have any interest in developing your own trading system, or a desire to understand what goes into a successful system, you will want to read this.

Perry's book list on trading the markets

Perry J. Kaufman Why did Perry love this book?

This book explains every candlestick pattern you can think of, and more. The best part is that Bulkowski has tested each pattern and summarized the results. He puts the best patterns at the front of the book, so you do not need to read everything to find what you are really looking for. I use it as a reference quite often.

By Thomas N. Bulkowski,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Encyclopedia of Candlestick Charts as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Following in the footsteps of author Thomas Bulkowski's bestselling Encyclopedia of Chart Patterns -and structured in the same way-this easy-to-read and -use resource takes an in-depth look at 103 candlestick formations, from identification guidelines and statistical analysis of their behavior to detailed trading tactics. Encyclopedia of Candlestick Charts also includes chapters that contain important discoveries and statistical summaries, as well as a glossary of relevant terms and a visual index to make candlestick identification easy.


Book cover of Profitable Candlestick Trading: Pinpointing Market Opportunities to Maximize Profits

Barbara Rockefeller Author Of Technical Analysis For Dummies

From my list on for traders using technical analysis.

Why am I passionate about this?

Economics isn't really a good starting point for financial market analysis for the simple reason that its models are wildly inaccurate. As behaviorial economists like Daniel Kahneman have been showing, irrationality and the inability to measure risk properly are a very big component of the investment and trading decisions. But statistical risk management is also sloppy when applied to human behavior because people are not objects that reliably behave the same way under similar circumstances. So when you read an economist about markets or an engineer about risk management, you're missing a lot of the story. In the end, technical analysis is fascinating because how and why humans behave is an enduring mystery.

Barbara's book list on for traders using technical analysis

Barbara Rockefeller Why did Barbara love this book?

You may have noticed that hardly anyone uses simple lines on a chart anymore—everyone uses candlesticks. When I was revising my own book, the technical advisor recommended just deleting the part about different types of standard bars and presenting only candlesticks. What’s so likable about Bigalow’s work is his total clarity, in the book and also on his website. He identifies the candles you need the most, shows you what they look like, applies them in real cases, and tells you the outcomes. Not only are the charts as clear as can be, so is his prose.

By Stephen W. Bigalow,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Profitable Candlestick Trading as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The updated edition to one of the most popular books on technical analysis Japanese candlestick charting and analysis is one of the most profitable yet underutilized ways to trade the market. Signals created by this unique method of technical analysis-represented in the form of graphic "candlestick" formations-identify the immediate direction and effects of investor sentiment through price movements, allowing traders to profit by spotting trend reversals before other investors. This updated version of Profitable Candlestick Trading: Pinpointing Market Opportunities to Maximize Profits makes learning the method fast and easy by introducing specific patterns, as well as the psychology behind them.…


Book cover of Irrational Exuberance

Robert Isaak Author Of Brave New World Economy: Global Finance Threatens Our Future

From my list on the world economy, finance trends, and options.

Why am I passionate about this?

Since completing my PhD in political economy (dissertation: ‘International Integration and Foreign Policy Decision-making’) I have gone deeper into economic origins of change (eg. Modern Inflation, coauthored with well-known economist Wilhelm Hankel in Bologna, Italy at Johns Hopkins SAIS) and find the interactions between economic, politics, and psychology fascinating—presenting an infinite number of ‘Sherlock Holmes-like puzzles’. We are all now confronted with political, economic, and psychological uncertainties, put on high speed due to the war in Ukraine and great power tensions. So it is time to learn about the origins of our problems and their trends in order to better cope and find a basis for individual, if not collective, peace.

Robert's book list on the world economy, finance trends, and options

Robert Isaak Why did Robert love this book?

Shiller predicted both the dot-com crisis (2001) and the financial crisis stemming from real estate (2008) in advance in two editions of this book.

Since receiving the Nobel prize in economics he published his book Narrative Economics: How Stories Go Viral which together with the book recommended will help the reader predict the timing of coming economic trends.

By Robert J. Shiller,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Irrational Exuberance as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In this revised, updated, and expanded edition of his New York Times bestseller, Nobel Prize-winning economist Robert Shiller, who warned of both the tech and housing bubbles, cautions that signs of irrational exuberance among investors have only increased since the 2008-9 financial crisis. With high stock and bond prices and the rising cost of housing, the post-subprime boom may well turn out to be another illustration of Shiller's influential argument that psychologically driven volatility is an inherent characteristic of all asset markets. In other words, Irrational Exuberance is as relevant as ever. Previous editions covered the stock and housing markets--and…


Book cover of Trades about to Happen: A Modern Adaptation of the Wyckoff Method
Book cover of Trade Like a Stock Market Wizard: How to Achieve Superperformance in Stocks in Any Market
Book cover of Trade Your Way to Financial Freedom

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