The internet has given us access to more information than ever before, yet it can still be difficult to find reliable sources – making it harder than it needs to be to get started in a new domain or learn a new skill. This is particularly true in trading, where the difference between good and bad information can determine whether you make a profit or loss.

Enter IG’s top 10 trading books, an expertly curated guide to the English language’s best financial resources. The books cover everything from share dealing and technical analysis to financial crises and trading psychology, making it easier than ever for traders and investors to find what they need. You can view the guide here.

The site includes a synopsis of each title, podcasts with various authors, quotes from IG analysts, and video interviews with some of the experts that chose the books.

What are IG’s top 10 trading books?

1. Reminiscences of a Stock Operator by Edwin Lefèvre

Overview: A thinly veiled biography of Jesse Livermore, a famous 20th century trader, who went from trading in small ‘bucket shops’ to making and losing millions on Wall Street several times over.

Why you should read it: It takes an honest look at the protagonist’s successes and failures, and highlights the lessons he learnt along the way – lessons that remain relevant to this day.

Quote: ‘A masterclass revealing the mind, motives and mechanics of a lifetime speculator.’ – David Joseph, head of DailyFX USA

2. The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham

Overview: The key text on value investing – an investment approach favoured by giants including Warren Buffett.

Why you should read it: It explains how to find and buy stocks that are trading below their ‘intrinsic value’.

Quote: ‘Graham’s discussion of how to profit from the whims of “Mr Market” contains many lessons for all market participants.’ – Chris Beauchamp, IG chief market analyst

3. Technical Analysis of the Financial Markets by John J. Murphy

Overview: Covers everything from basic technical analysis through to advanced indicators, and includes more than 400 charts to bring the topic to life.

Why you should read it: It includes sections to help traders put what they’ve learnt into practice, including a checklist and guide to coordinating technical and fundamental analysis.

Quote: ‘Widely referred to as “the bible of technical analysis”, this book is essential for beginners and experienced chartists alike.’ – Richard Snow, Daily FX financial writer

4. The Big Short by Michael Lewis

Overview: Tells the story of the biggest housing bubble in history and the people who ended up profiting from the financial crisis of 2007 to 2008.

Why you should read it: It explores what it takes to be a successful trader, the intricacies of the financial system and the ways in which its weaknesses can be exploited.

Quote: ‘“The Big Short” helps to identify some of the tell-tale signs of exuberant greed and the scenario that generally follows.’ – James Stanley, DailyFX currency analyst

5. Trading in the Zone by Mark Douglas

Overview: A complete guide to psychological attributes required to become a successful trader, and how you can develop them.

Why you should read it: It explains the techniques traders use to control their emotions and how to assess the probabilities of market movements.

Quote: ‘It hits on the very core and important elements of psychology and probability, and stands as one of the best practical guides to becoming a better trader.’ – James Stanley, DailyFX currency analyst

6. Market Wizards by Jack D. Schwager

Overview: An anthology of interviews with the world’s best traders, in which they reveal what it is that separates them from the masses and tell the stories behind their biggest trading coups.

Why you should read it: It shows that success isn’t determined by luck, but instead depends on one’s ability to develop a solid methodology and the right mental attitude.

Quote: ‘The interviews with a variety of legendary investors reveal the characteristics and internal drive required to execute a host of investment strategies, across a variety of asset classes.’ – David Joseph, head of DailyFX USA

7. When Genius Failed by Roger Lowenstein

Overview: Charts the rise and fall of Long-Term Capital Management (LTCM) – a hedge fund that had more than $120 billion under management before it collapsed in 1998.

Why you should read it: It foreshadowed the 2008 financial crash and continues to serve as a reminder of what can happen if complacency sets in.

Quote: ‘The story is very compelling. It draws many parallels to so many tipping points in the global financial system. It is a timely financial history book.’ – John Kicklighter, DailyFX chief strategist

8. Investment Biker: Around the World with Jim Rogers by Jim Rogers

Overview: Follows Wall Street legend Jim Rogers on a motorcycle ride through 52 countries, as he analyses the market value of each nation and the state of the global economy.

Why you should read it: It provides an interesting take on the future of international economies and gives advice on the opportunities that can be found in foreign markets.

Quote: ‘This is one of those rare books that combines investment advice with adventure, written by one of the towering figures in the financial industry.’ – Martin Essex, DailyFX content manager

9. One Up On Wall Street by Peter Lynch

Overview: Explains the advantages that an average investor has over Wall Street experts, and how to make investment decisions.

Why you should read it: It shows how investment opportunities can be hidden in plain sight, and explains why financial experts might not be aware of them yet.

Quote: ‘An honest account from one of the most successful fund managers in the world. It is written simply and highlights small changes to everyday thinking which could aid better stock selection.’ – Andreas Vassiliou, IG dealer

10. Pit Bull: Lessons from Wall Street’s Champion Day Trader by Martin Schwartz

Overview: The true story of how Schwartz became one of the best traders in the world – earning the nickname ‘Pit Bull’ – and the tricks and techniques he used along the way.

Why you should read it: It provides fascinating lessons on the attitude, styles and strategies required to become a winner, as well as the lifestyle required to be a professional trader.

Quote: ‘A revealing dissection of the mind of a floor trader, money manager and investment legend.’ – David Joseph, head of DailyFX USA

About the author

IG is an award-winning, multi-platform trading company, the world’s No.1 provider of spread betting and CFD trading and a global leader in forex. It provides leveraged trading products with negative balance protection and an execution-only share dealing service.