Ultimate Guide To Trading Books Better System Trader
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The Ultimate Guide to Trading Books
Contents
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................... 2
Classics ................................................................................................................................................................. 3
General .............................................................................................................................................................. 12
History ............................................................................................................................................................... 30
Interviews .......................................................................................................................................................... 37
Market Timing ................................................................................................................................................... 52
Money Management ......................................................................................................................................... 57
Seasonality......................................................................................................................................................... 66
Strategies ........................................................................................................................................................... 71
Bonds/Fixed Income ...................................................................................................................................... 72
ETFs ................................................................................................................................................................ 74
Forex .............................................................................................................................................................. 84
Futures ........................................................................................................................................................... 88
Options .......................................................................................................................................................... 94
Stocks............................................................................................................................................................. 96
System Design & Validation............................................................................................................................. 139
Technical Analysis ............................................................................................................................................ 154
Trading Psychology .......................................................................................................................................... 165
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The Ultimate Guide to Trading Books
Introduction
Trading is hard. We’re all in this to make money but such a small percentage of us actually do.
People often approach the markets with very little education or knowledge, spending thousands of dollars
on courses that provide very little true value. An alternative to trading courses is books, with many trading
books written over the years.
Books are an affordable way to absorb knowledge and advice by people who are experts in their field. Being
exposed to new ideas and concepts is incredibly important because even one simple idea or tip can have a
dramatic impact on your trading results. Unfortunately, some books are of poor quality or low content value,
wasting our precious time and money.
To alleviate this problem we’ve scoured the internet, checking hundreds of websites and asking other
trading experts which books they recommend. By only reading books recommended by the experts you have
a better chance of being exposed to quality information and concepts to improve your own trading.
This guide contains a list of books recommended by the experts. Where possible we’ve included the
recommendation source and Amazon ratings and reviews so you can see what others are saying. We’ve even
split the book into sections to make it easier to find and included a link to the book on Amazon if you want to
research it further or purchase it.
We hope you find this guide helpful and it takes your trading to the next level. If so, please click to share:
Regards,
Andrew.
Note: All Amazon links in this guide are affiliate links, which means Amazon shares a small slice of their profits with us
so we can make BetterSystemTrader.com better for you. There is no additional cost to you by using the links we’ve
provided so please support us! Thanks.
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Classics
Timeless classics that still apply today
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Amazon Link
Reminiscences of a Stock Operator - Edwin Lefèvre
Recommendation
http://www.minyanville.com/business-news/editors-pick/articles/trading-book-Reminiscence-of-aStock/1/14/2013/id/47283?page=full
"It's still on my bedside table, and I pick it up every so often to read a few pages," Goelz says of Edwin
Lefèvre's thinly veiled biography of the infamous speculator Jesse Livermore and his time on Wall Street in
the early 1900s. "If you think algorithms and the speed of news have changed the game, then you're
mistaken. Just read this book."
Reminiscences of a Stock Operator traces Livermore's fictional counterpart Lawrence Livingston from the
age of 14 into adulthood, as he cuts his teeth in so-called "New England bucket shops," embraces his
supreme talent for numbers, amasses a million-dollar fortune, and continues to lose and win it back several
times over on Wall Street throughout the first two decades of the 20th century.
Reminiscences is widely considered a timeless compendium of trading wisdom, with generations turning to
tried and true nuggets such as:
"A battle goes on in the stock market and the tape is your telescope."
"I never argue with the tape. Getting sore at the market doesn't get you anywhere."
"Speculation is a hard and trying business, and a speculator must be on the job all the time or he'll soon have
no job to be on."
http://jbmarwood.com/16-best-trading-books-time/
Jesse Livermore, also known as the ‘boy plunger’, is considered to be one of the best traders of all time,
winning and losing many millions of dollars during the Great Depression and surrounding years. This classic
book is both educational and a great read.
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http://decodingwallstreet.blogspot.com/p/best-trading-books.html
Reminiscences of A Stock Operator, by Edwin Lefevre: 10, the best book ever written about speculation.
http://www.forbes.com/2008/01/28/graham-buffett-crescenzi-pf-edu-in_jd_0128soapbox_inl.html
For pure entertainment, this book is hard to beat. It was first published in 1923 as a novel. Lefèvre follows
the life and times of Larry Livingston, a fictitious name for Jesse Livermore, one of Wall Street’s shrewdest
traders.
Hugely entertaining, this is an insider’s view of the stock market in the wild, unregulated days of the late
1800s and early 1900s. Livermore was a speculator who made and lost several fortunes. He never
considered himself an investor and didn’t mind being long or short, so long as he was right. Correctly
assessing that he would never catch the top or bottom, he would wait for a trend to develop and then jump
in. In today’s market he’d be called a momentum investor.
What keeps this book so popular after 84 years? Livermore’s advice on exploiting fear, greed and the herd
mentality are just as relevant today as they were then.
http://www.stocktradingtogo.com/2008/08/08/twenty-must-read-investing-books/
This book is a true page turner. It is a breath-taking recount of how a young boy managed to amass one of
the largest fortunes by speculating despite going broke a few times in his career. He has timeless advice for
investors(“I’ve always made my money from sitting, not thinking”) which will help your trading for years to
come.
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-most-important-finance-books-2013-12?op=1
"First published in 1923, Reminiscences of a Stock Operator is the most widely read, highly recommended
investment book ever. Generations of readers have found that it has more to teach them about markets and
people than years of experience. This is a timeless tale that will enrich your life—and your portfolio."
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Amazon Link
How I Made $2,000,000 in the Stock Market - Nicolas Darvas
Recommendation
http://bclund.com/2012/03/13/20-books-every-trader-should-know/
This book should really be called, “How I Made$18,000,000 (adjusted for inflation) in the stock market,”
because that is how much it would be in today’s dollars. That would be phenomenal for anybody, but for
someone who did it while traveling the globe, in a pre-internet, computer, iPad, Smart phone world……while
working as a professional dancer? Well that is just epic. His “Darvas Box” system, though crude and in need
of adjustment to factor in today’s HFT, is still a foundation of a solid trading style/discipline.
http://decodingwallstreet.blogspot.com/p/best-trading-books.html
How I Made 2,000,000 In The Stock Market, by Nicolas Darvas, very good reading for a book that was written
over 30 years ago; its an investment biography from a Wall Street outsider
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Amazon Link
Extraordinary Popular Delusions and The Madness of Crowds - MacKay, Charles
Recommendation
http://jbmarwood.com/16-best-trading-books-time/
Charles MacKay’s classic book was first published in 1841 but retains its allure for its eloquent portrayal of
bubbles and manias. After reading this you’ll understand how economic bubbles happen and why they really
are nothing new.
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Amazon Link
Jesse Livermore: World's Greatest Stock Trader - Richard Smitten
Recommendation
http://emini-watch.com/free-stuff/top-trading-books/
This is my favorite book about the life of a real trader, Jesse Livermore. Reading the book you get a real feel
for the swings in equity that Livermore went through on his way to achieving massive wealth. The myth that
Livermore committed suicide broke is also finally resolved. I couldn’t put this book down.
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Amazon Link
Money Game - Adam Smith
Recommendation
http://www.forbes.com/2008/01/28/graham-buffett-crescenzi-pf-edu-in_jd_0128soapbox_inl.html
First published in 1967, Smith’s classic is another that has withstood the test of time. It’s set in the late
1960s, and Smith portrays an era that’s darn close to today’s marketplace–markets at all-time highs,
gunslinger portfolio managers and a cavalier attitude toward risk. It’s fast, funny and very entertaining.
Smith covers such topics as mass psychology, fundamental analysis, technical analysis, equity valuations,
mutual funds and more.
In Smith’s game, money is how you keep score, and if you’re making money, you’re winning the game.
History is a great teacher, and Smith’s book provides many lessons that can be applied by each new
generation of investors.
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Amazon Link
The Richest Man in Babylon - George S. Clason
Recommendation
http://einvestingforbeginners.com/2013/07/08/top-investing-books/
This book is an investing classic. A very quick read, entertaining, and informative. The book gives you exactly
the right mindset you need to be a successful investor. You can be the best stock picker in the world, but if
you don’t learn the lessons presented in this book you will never be wealthy.
The lessons from this book are always relevant, as you’ll quickly realize there is no secret to wealth. The
same way people have been getting wealthy during the babylon times is the same way people get rich today.
The Richest Man in Babylon teaches important lessons while keeping the reader entertained with timeless
stories.
I hope you don’t take this recommendation lightly. As an investor, you need 1this book like a tour guide
needs a map. At $6.37, you have no excuse.
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Amazon Link
The Battle for Investment Survival - G.M. Loeb
Recommendation
http://stockcharts.com/articles/journal/2013/10/pivotal-books-in-the-25-year-trading-life-of-a-stockmarket-investor.html
This reading is just as the name implies. It’s a war out there, and my belief is that investors cannot lose their
focus or relax once they’ve taken a position. Gerald Loeb’s book has also stood up through the years and is
worthy of your time.
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The Ultimate Guide to Trading Books
General
All-purpose trading books covering a number of areas
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Amazon Link
The Universal Principles of Successful Trading: Essential Knowledge for All Traders in All Markets - Brent
Penfold
Recommendation
Brent gives you the opportunity to sit down with some really great traders and learn from their good and
bad experiences. This should be an invaluable experience for the reader. --Larry Williams, Trader
Unlike most trading books, The Universal Principles of Successful Trading covers the key principles of trading
success. It even has a money management chapter-a topic which most books neglect. I recommend reading
this book cover to cover several times. It will change your mind about what's important in trading. --Van K.
Tharp, Ph.D., Trading Coach and President, Van Tharp Institute (www.vantharp.com), and Author of The
Definitive Guide to Position Sizing
Brent Penfold has successfully provided readers with a blueprint for trading success. Not only does he cover
such vital topics as trader psychology and effective money management, he also presents interviews with
many successful traders and market researchers and his probing questions and their answers offer insights
into their specific trading styles and psyches…a "how-to" book from start to finish. --Tom DeMark, Founder,
Market Studies, LLC
This is one of the best books on trading to come along in a long time and I predict it will become a classic.
The book covers just about every aspect necessary to become a successful trader. His discussion and
conclusions on the highly promoted Gann and Fibonacci methodologies might indeed surprise you. He made
over 16,000 observations of Fibonacci ratios to derive his conclusions. This section alone is well worth the
price for the "wanna-be" traders who are looking for techniques that work. In summary, read this book. You
will be richly rewarded for your time and effort. -John Hill, President, Futures Truth Co.
Brent has compiled all the ingredients in this book. He has experience, intelligence, and knowledge that he
has tapped from traders all over the world. It is so refreshing to read a book written by a "true trader" such
as Brent. --Mark D. Cook, Pro Trader and Creator of the Cook Cumulative Tick Indicator
In my opinion trading education is delivered in two styles: quantitative and qualitative. The vast majority of
information in the trading universe is quantitative-"hard-coded" information that can be replicated by the
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majority. However, successful trading only comes about by an understanding of qualitative learning-how you
can readily teach someone to learn to lose when it goes against everything we're brought up to believe.
Brent's "Just One Piece of Advice" section is one of the best attempts to get this qualitative message across.
Take it. Read it. Then read it again and again. --Nick Radge, Trader and Adviser (AFSL 288200) and Author of
Adaptive Analysis (www.thechartist.com.au)
This book cries out to be placed in any trader's library. Brent does a superb job of outlining, exploring and
evaluating the current state of position sizing algorithms. As successful traders know, money management is
one of the three pillars of trading success. He also provides a unique trading plan. A great book! --Ray
Barros, Professional Trader and Fund Manager and Author of The Nature of Trends
This book is a "must-read" for anybody approaching the world of trading but also for skilled traders. I've read
many books but this is the one I wished I had found when I was starting this adventure. Brent addresses
exactly what a trader should really focus on. --Andrea Unger, Winner of the World Cup Championship of
Futures Trading® 2008 & 2009
Normally when asked to review a book, I will skim through it and make a few comments. With this book, I
just kept reading-I couldn't stop! Brent has an amazing ability to tell it like it is. His "Just One Piece of
Advice" section is brilliant, and worth the price of the book many times over. If you have a genuine deep
desire to be a consistently profitable trader and want to learn what traders really need to know as opposed
to what most think they need to know, do yourself a favor and read this-please! --Stuart McPhee, Trader
and Author of Trading in a Nut Shell
In my 25 years in the market I have read and seen just about every trading book there is. Very few get to the
crux of trading like Brent has. Get it. Read it. This is not your typical trading book, this is a comprehensive
book written by a real trader for traders, everyday people who are serious about becoming successful
traders. --John (JR) Robertson, Director, I-Deal Financial Group
Crawling in the right direction beats running in the wrong direction every time and Universal Principles of
Successful Trading will definitely get you heading in the right direction. Straight forward language, simple
concepts and emphasis given where emphasis is needed. I wish this book was around when I started out
because to master the markets now all you have to do is master this book. --Alan Hull, Trader and Fund
Manager and Author of Active Investing
When Brent asked me to review his new book The Universal Principles of Successful Trading I was both
excited and curious. Having read his first book and recommended it to many of my clients I knew to expect
something big. Brent is one of the very few authors who actually puts into practice the strategies he
espouses, which lends great credibility to his words. He provides the most comprehensive approach to the
various strategies of money management I've ever seen. A must read for anyone serious about trading. -David Montuoro, Futures Broker and Director, Bellmont Securities
Concise, to the point, and relevant for gaining the trading skills and strategies needed to maneuver in today's
marketplace, Brent provides a clear road map on how to emulate the elite traders who consistently win over
the long-term. Forget the hype you hear about trading and get this book. Read it, read it and read it again.
And then study it until your eyeballs drop out. Brent keeps it real and if you can too then you may just find
yourself in the exclusive 10 percent winner's circle! This book is destined to become a trading classic. --Steve
Mater, CFD Business Development, MF Global
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Amazon Link
Trade Your Way to Financial Freedom - Van K. Tharp
Recommendation
http://bclund.com/2012/03/13/20-books-every-trader-should-know/
Yes the title is cheesy and sounds like something from a late-night infomercial, but this book has one of the
best overviews of the different types of methodologies you can use to make money in the markets. But
more importantly, it shows you how to go about formulating a methodology for trading in the markets. The
information on risk and position sizing alone makes the book worthwhile.
http://www.vantharp.com/Van-Tharps-Favorite-Books.htm
Trade Your Way to Financial Freedom, 2nd Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2007. If you really want to
understand systems and how to approach the markets, then this book is also a must read.
http://en.tradimo.com/help/recommended-reading-top-six-trading-books/
Considered a must have for traders, this book explores the essential elements of developing profitable
strategies and techniques that can be applied to any market. Focussing on risk and reward, this book helps
readers to evaluate their own trading methods to develop an achievable expectation of their trading career.
http://www.stocktradingtogo.com/2008/08/08/twenty-must-read-investing-books/
This is a gem that encompasses investor psychology and system construction. While it may not give you a
“Holy Grail” (an unbeatable method to the markets) for trading, it will give you the basics you need to
construct a winning system. There is something for everyone in this book.
http://www.tradebullet.com/resources/books/
Your own strengths, style, and personality
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Amazon Link
Trading for a Living: Psychology, Trading Tactics, Money Management - Alexander Elder
Recommendation
http://bclund.com/2012/03/13/20-books-every-trader-should-know/
This is the “gateway” book that every new trader seems to come through on the road to trading, but I have
to say, I have never been a fan of Dr. Elder. It stems for my suspicion that he makes (and has always made)
more money from writing about trading and putting on overpriced seminars on trading, than he has from
actually trading. In this book he espouses a multiple time frame method that is rudimentary at best and his
nod to trading psychology is done better and in more depth by Douglas. The only interesting aspect of this
book is his explanation of how trading is NOT a zero sum game, but that is really only worthy of a blog post
at most.
“I have to say after reading Dr. Elders book for the second time, I am even more impressed with the wealth
of knowledge and understanding of what makes the markets move. I prefer the triple screen method that is
presented. This book covers all of the basic knowledge for the beginner as well as the experienced trader. If
you are new to trading you will find this an excellent source to build your dreams on. I believe study is the
key to sucess in any endeavor. This book is easy to read and you will be amazed at the insight you will gain as
to the day to day operation of the markets. I think it is important to decide on what method makes the most
sense to your trading style and then learn all you can about it. The more knowledge you have the better
decisions you make. I find the hardest part being money management. I have to control my urge to follow
my gambling impulse to bet the farm on what looks good in the charts. Even though I know it is a sure way
to loose in the market. This is a game of the most interesting kind that changes on a moment by moment
basis. What a great way to make money. My word of advice on any trade where you have the slightest doubt
of why you are in it is to GET OUT IMEDIATLEY ! . If you do not know why you are in a trade and what you
expect to happen and why, then you are guessing. If guessing is what you like to do go to Las Vegas and have
a great time. Best to you all in trading. If anyone has a real-time quote service they are proud to have please
let me know who they are. Thanks” – Chuck Kelly (Amazon review)
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Amazon Link
Trading Beyond the Matrix: The Red Pill for Traders and Investors - Van Tharp
Recommendation
http://www.vantharp.com/Van-Tharps-Favorite-Books.htm
Trading Beyond the Matrix: The Red Pill for Traders and Investors. Cary, NC: Van Tharp 2013. I can say
without a shadow of a doubt that this is my favorite, individual book that I’ve written. My goals with Trading
Beyond the Matrixwere to write the ultimate psychological book, and to show the key inputs and outputs of
successful traders: what people did and how they did it, then the results were. It’s my belief that if someone
thoroughly studied all of the information in this book and had the discipline to follow through on the actions,
they would be successful in the markets.
“I am amazed that Dr. Tharp was willing to put so much information into a book. He has checklists for all the
critical points in his Tharp Think with examples of how people have applied them. If you want to know how
top traders think, read this book. I has the information in tabular form, so you can get it quickly. Only only
that, Tharp has a complete checklist of everything that you need to put into a business plan for your trading.
The checklists and the last chapter alone are worth more than the price of the book.
More importantly, it is clear that many people can't follow the key principles of trading. So, to help you, Dr.
Tharp has given a step by step program of how you can transform yourself so you can be a great trader from getting rid of conflicting beliefs to releasing charged feelings that keep those beliefs locked in place.
Until now, the only way you could get this information from Tharp was to take one of his expensive
workshops or buy his $800 home study course. Now its all here in this book. I can't believe he did this!
What's amazing is that some people are reading this book and not getting that. It seems they read to the
Internal Guidance part and turn off to the whole book. That just proves a couple of the statements of the
book: 1)that whatever you believe, you are right; and 2) spiritual beliefs are at the top of the belief
hierarchy.
In my opinion, transformation section of the book is the dessert. It really shows clearly how to raise your
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consciousness and become happier. What's that worth? And if you don't think it is worth a lot, look at the
case studies. You can see that when you raise your consciousness you can begin to see the markets exactly
as they are without the biases that Tharp talks about in his other books.
This book is an absolute gem. Buy it now and read it over and over again until you really get it. I would give it
ten stars if I could.” – shiloh8 (Amazon Review)
“This book is worth of reading again and again. It can change your life in a way you only could dream about.”
– Maria (Amazon Review)
“It was quite some time ago since I've read my last Van Tharp book. In my opinion Van Tharp has written 1
good important book and that's Trade Your Way to Financial Freedom. In his later books he's mostly
repeating his earlier material ("the mindset is vital", position sizing is everything, his R-multiples). In this las
book he doesn't add that much new stuff (even the stupid tiger cartoons are present here again).
I guess it depends on what you're looking for. If you're a technical (system) trader this book might be helpful,
but I would suggest going back to Trade Your Way to Financial Freedom and leave his newer books for what
they are.” – Straddle1985 (Amazon Review)
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Amazon Link
Why You Could Be Destined To Fail In Trading and How You Can Avoid It!: The Path of a Champion - Reynaldo
Soriano
Recommendation
http://www.estetrader.com/recommended-books-to-read/
Learn How To Avoid The Major Mistakes Retail Traders Make and Learn How To Become A Consistent,
Profitable Trader!
“If you want to understand what type of trader you are this book will help you do that. It will also give you
the necessary steps in order to shift the way you think in order to mentally be trade the market in any
condition. This book will give you the mental edge you need to in order to successfully execute your trading
plan and to remove the hesitation and indecision that all too many traders experience. Its well written easy
to understand and I highly recommended it to anyone whether you're a beginner or have been trading for
years. I definitely learned a lot and has been one of my best decisions.” – Nathan Morace (Amazon Review)
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Amazon Link
Fooled by Randomness: The Hidden Role of Chance in Life and in the Markets (Incerto) - Nassim Nicholas
Taleb
Recommendation
http://www.stocktradingtogo.com/2008/08/08/twenty-must-read-investing-books/
This book, which would go along well with “The Black Swan”, explains the author’s thoughts about how
randomness plays a larger role in our lives than we expect. For traders, this would imply that risks are usually
larger than we expect. Also, it would mean that some things in the financial world aren’t exactly what they
seem.
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-most-important-finance-books-2013-12?op=1
This book contains musings on random events and its effects on the market (and life in general) by a
professional trader, Nassim Taleb. There are thoughts here which I found quite profound concerning the
nature of inductive logic (reasoning from events to rules), as well as interesting examples and explanations
of how we allow ourselves to be fooled by random phenomena.
Taleb is particularly fascinated by what he describes as the Black Swan Problem. We see lots of swans. All of
them are white. We infer that all swans are white. Unfortunately we have never been to Australia, where
the swans are black as well. If we build our trading systems on such principles will the appearance of a black
swan wipe us out?
The style of writing here is collection of literate musings and digressions which I rather liked but, judging by
Amazon reviews, it appears to irk some readers.
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Amazon Link
Mechanical Trading Systems: Pairing Trader Psychology with Technical Analysis (Wiley Trading) - Richard L.
Weissman
Recommendation
http://www.thinkscripter.com/resources/
Mechanical Trading Systems: Pairing Trader Psychology with Technical Analysis examines the development
process for choosing and using mechanical trading systems in conjunction with trader psychology. This book
discusses the advantages and disadvantages of mechanical trading systems; the dangers in system
development and how to avoid them; the optimal methods for back-testing trading systems; position sizing
and other risk quantification tools; and methods of improving rates of return on investments without
significantly increasing risk. Most importantly, through a detailed examination of various types of
unsuccessful trader personality traits (e.g., fearfulness, greed, and impatience), the book recommends
different types of trading systems for a diverse array of trader types. This is my favorite book on mechanical
trading.
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Amazon Link
12 Habitudes of Highly Successful Traders - Ruth Barrons Roosevelt
Recommendation
https://whatheheckaboom.wordpress.com/2013/10/13/book-review-of-twelve-habitudes-of-highlysuccessful-traders-by-ruth-barrons-roosevelt/
As regular readers of this blog will know, I am a sucker for books published by Traders Press. They always give
me the impression that their books have more substance, less fluff.
This is a trading psychology book. It’s a thin volume, but it goes through 12 keys areas in the psychology makeup of a successful trader. Each of those 12 aspects are what Ruth calls a ‘habitude’. Her definition being: “When
an attitude becomes a habit, we could call it a habitude. An attitude that has become habitual, then, is a
habitude.”
Three things that I like the best from the book are:
Nobody knows the future. That’s why you don’t wait for certainty until you take a position, you
need to take timely entries.
2. Trade what you see. When you hear yourself saying, “I don’t believe this,” you’d better believe it
and act upon it
3. Don’t try, do.
1.
All in all, this book is a pretty good read.
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Amazon Link
Overcoming 7 Deadly Sins of Trading - Ruth Barrons Roosevelt
Recommendation
If you want to be successful in trading you must overcome the desires of the ego and the quest to be right.
You must give up your own endless pursuit to prove you are a trading god and submit to the powers that are
price and volume.
Here are some of the more common "sins" that will cost you money in the market until you learn to
overcome them.
Perfectionism: There is no perfection in trading as far as making money on every trade or having a perfect
system. All you can hope to be perfect at, is following your system, rules, and trading plan. A winning trade
should be measured as one in which you followed all your preset guidelines. Even the best traders only
average about a 50%-60% win rate at best over long periods of time. The key is having bigger winners than
losers, not being perfect. Like in baseball where a .300 hitter can get into the hall of fame. A .500 trader in
the market can become wealthy if his wins are much bigger than his losses.
Fear: Faith in your system is the only way to overcome your fear of trading. You must complete enough back
testing on your system until you know that you have a valid edge over the market in the long term. You must
see opportunity in trading and just accept that there will be possible losses. You must take your systems
trade signals each time and if you can't overcome your fear of loss and failure then perhaps trading is just
not for you. Traders are entrepreneurs not employes they get paid only when successful there is no
guaranteed paycheck.
Pride: We are not our trading account and staring at our profit and loss too much is a major detriment in
one's trading. Traders must cut losses at their predetermined stop, not pridefully hang on trying to prove
they are right. We must separate ourselves from the trading. A person's value is not tied to a trade or
performance record. If we followed our system then we can't view that as a personal loss. The market was
just not conducive to our system that we followed with discipline.
Impatience: Wait, take your entry signal when it is time and not a tick before your system triggers the trade.
It's important to let our profits run as far as they will go and not prematurely take them until the trend has
run it's course. We need to give our trades room to breathe and not cut our loss until the system confirms
we are wrong and it is time.
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Greed: Traders should not chase a trade when it is to late. We must take our profits off the table when it is
time and we should never allow a winner to turn into a loser. If this happens you have nobody else to blame
but your greed. Over trading and trying to make more money when our system does not say it is time is born
of greed and usually ends with a negative p&l statement.
Anger: Do not get mad at yourself. Learn from your mistakes and move on. Every mistake gets you closer to
learning what you need to do to become consistently profitable. Do not get mad at the "market" it is a
voting machine and not an entity. Accept your losses and begin again.
Recklessness: Trading too big of a position size is risky, reckless, and completely unnecessary. Only enter
appropriate sized trades with preplanned stop losses and then trailing stops to lock in profits while they are
there. Follow your system and rules and if you find yourself hoping and wishing the market would stop
moving against you instead of making decisions based on facts, you should exit that trade immediately.
We need to first realize what trading "sins" we are guilty of, then we can decide to repent and no longer
commit them.
The good trader will realize that any single trade is only one in a long string of other trades and will move on
to the next trade knowing that his system will outperform in the long term. He will have complete faith in his
trading methodology and risk management. He walks by faith in his systems edge not by the last trade that
lost, but by the knowing that he's back tested his system enough to know the long term outcome.
The good trader is humble and knows that he cannot outsmart the whole market and that trying to do so is
futile. His system simply gives him one small advantage that he can exploit time and time again if he's
patient and waits for the right entry signal. He is happy with the profits he earns and has no desire to put on
a huge trade and swing for the fences. He does not get angry because he has no one to get angry at. He is
very careful in his trading and follows his trading plan 100%. The stock market giveth and the stock market
taketh away, he loves every minute he gets to participate in the financial system that is the stock market.” Great little psychology trading book we can all relate to, By Steve Burns
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Amazon Link
Long-Term Secrets to Short-Term Trading - Larry Williams
Recommendation
http://stockcharts.com/articles/journal/2013/10/pivotal-books-in-the-25-year-trading-life-of-a-stockmarket-investor.html
Tom Peters was a lecturer when I was in graduate school, and I found that his research on excellence
challenged me on a personal level to be the very best I could be. I know this sounds like a military ad, but it
had an impact. The other book is by Larry Williams who is an extraordinary and well-documented trader,
author, lecturer, politician, and yes, winner of the World Trading Championships multiple times. But the
reason I respect him so much is that he set out to teach his 20-something daughter to trade stocks, and she
herself subsequently won the trading championship. I am now endeavoring to tutor my own 20 year-old son
in a similar fashion and emulate Larry, so I have a special soft spot in my heart for his many achievements.
And for what it’s worth, he’s also an exceptionally nice person as well!
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Amazon Link
High probability trading: take the steps to become a successful trader - Marcel Link
Recommendation
http://www.tradebullet.com/resources/books/
A common denominator among most new traders is that, within six months of launching their new pursuit,
they are out of money and out of trading. High-Probability Trading softens the impact of this "trader's
tuition," detailing a comprehensive program for weathering those perilous first months and becoming a
profitable trader.
This no-nonsense book takes a uniquely blunt look at the realities of trading. Filled with real-life examples
and intended for use by both short- and long-term traders, it explores each aspect of successful trading.
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Amazon Link
Survival Guide for Traders: How to Set Up and Organize Your Trading Business - Bennett A. McDowell
Recommendation
"There is a Japanese proverb, 'He who is well prepared has won half the battle.' To help you fully prepare for
your battles with the market—especially for new traders—I can think of no better resource than my friend
Bennett's latest book Survival Guide for Traders."—Steve Nison, CMT, President, Candlecharts.com; author
of Japanese Candlestick Charting Techniques
"Bennett McDowell is a leader in teaching traders a step-by-step approach to creating a trading business.
Survival Guide for Traders is a must for all traders serious about both part-time and full-time trading. I will be
adding this to my recommended reading list."—Leslie Jouflas, founder of TradingLiveOnline.com
"Survival Guide for Traders is a must-read for anyone who wants to launch a home trading business. Get
great insights into what is needed to achieve real trading success by leveraging Bennett's?many years of
trading wisdom as condensed into this valuable resource."—John Gromala, VP of Sales and Marketing,
NinjaTrader
"Ben is an experienced trader and instructor. In this Survival Guide for Traders, he's included a wealth of tips
to make a trader more profitable, as well as aware of pitfalls to watch for."—Larry McMillan, President,
McMillan Analysis Corp.; author of Options as a Strategic Investment
"This book looks at all the necessary components of a trading business and shows you how you can set up
for success."—Jayanthi Gopalakrishnan, Editor, Technical Analysis of Stocks & Commodities
"Bennett McDowell is an experienced guide through critical subjects like assessing your financial standing,
organizing your trading business, gauging risk, and smoothing the bumps on the road to success."—Stanley
Dash, VP of Applied Technical Analysis, TradeStation
"Survival Guide for Traders shows traders effective ways to build a strong and lasting foundation for their
careers. Read it, re-read it, and take full advantage of the fountain of information in these pages. This book
belongs in every trader's library as a timely and compelling guide to success."—Toni Turner, from the
Foreword
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Amazon Link
Trend Commandments: Trading for Exceptional Returns - Michael W. Covel
Recommendation
http://www.ritholtz.com/blog/2011/08/trend-commandments-trading-for-exceptional-returns/
Michael W. Covel’s latest book, Trend Commandments is the follow up to previous bestsellers, Trend
Following and The Complete TurtleTrader. In Trend Commandments, he introduces a 360-degree view of
real-life traders, their successes and methodologies.
Markets move in trends, and that is how these traders derive their profits. Filled with bite-size concepts and
illustrations, Covel shows how you why you can ignore the nonstop financial crises and instability by applying
the right techniques.
Trend Commandments delivers real insights developed from 15 years of behind-the-scenes research.
“An outstanding book for anyone who wants to become rich by trading markets. Highly recommended!” –
Marc Faber, Managing Director, Marc Faber Ltd., and Editor, “Gloom Boom & Doom Report”
“If you are even thinking of a career in trading, put down all the other books. Buy this one. Read it. Now you
can start your career.” –James Altucher, Managing Director, Formula Capital
“A rapidly moving, non-technical, and outside-the-box effort that smartly captures the essentials of trend
following.” –Peter Borish, Chairman and CEO, Computer Trading Corp
“Covel offers a breezy rumination on what is right about trend following and what is wrong about
conventional trading approaches.” –Jack Schwager, Author of Market Wizards and Schwager on Futures
series
“Trend Commandments is definitely one to add to your financial bookshelf.” –David Stendahl, Signal
Financial Group
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“I’m certain you’ll be a successful trader if you follow the ideas Covel outlines in Trend Commandments.” –
Steve Sjuggerud, DailyWealth
“Trend Commandments is essential reading for those who have the desire to thrive and survive in an era of
fast-paced trending markets.” –Jim Puplava, CEO, Chief Investment Strategist, PFS Group
“Covel challenges readers to…question their beliefs about market ‘truths’ ingrained in them for years.
Forewarned, you just may never see the world the same way again.” –Mebane Faber, Cambria Investment
Management
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History
Learning from past events
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Amazon Link
Devil Take the Hindmost: a History of Financial Speculation - Edward Chancellor
Recommendation
http://emini-watch.com/free-stuff/top-trading-books/
This extraordinary book chronicles the history of market bubbles from Tulip Mania in 1637 to LTCM’s bust in
1998 – putting trading and financial speculation in a historical context. It made me feel that I was part of a
long tradition of speculators.
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Amazon Link
By John Kenneth Galbraith - The Great Crash 1929
Recommendation
http://www.stocktradingtogo.com/2008/08/08/twenty-must-read-investing-books/
A brilliant recount of the events leading up to and after the financial meltdown in 1929.
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Amazon Link
Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds & Confusión de Confusiones (Wiley Investment
Classics) - Charles Mackay
Recommendation
http://www.stocktradingtogo.com/2008/08/08/twenty-must-read-investing-books/
Tulipomania, the South Sea bubble and the Mississippi Land scheme are covered in this book, showing how
herd mentality worked to create bubbles in past eras. It may serve as an interesting read as well as a guide
for dealing with future bubbles.
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Amazon Link
When Genius Failed: The Rise and Fall of Long-Term Capital Management - Roger Lowenstein
Recommendation
http://www.stocktradingtogo.com/2008/08/08/twenty-must-read-investing-books/
A scintillating narrative of how one of the darlings of the hedge fund world rose and how it fell. A reminder
for traders to keep their minds focused on risk and their circle of competence.
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-most-important-finance-books-2013-12?op=1
"In this business classic—now with a new Afterword in which the author draws parallels to the recent
financial crisis—Roger Lowenstein captures the gripping roller-coaster ride of Long-Term Capital
Management. Drawing on confidential internal memos and interviews with dozens of key players,
Lowenstein explains not just how the fund made and lost its money but also how the personalities of LongTerm’s partners, the arrogance of their mathematical certainties, and the culture of Wall Street itself
contributed to both their rise and their fall."
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Amazon Link
Manias, Panics and Crashes: A History of Financial Crises, Sixth Edition - Charles P. Kindleberger, Robert Z.
Aliber
Recommendation
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-most-important-finance-books-2013-12?op=1
"Selected as one of the best investment books of all time by the Financial Times, Manias, Panics and Crashes
puts the turbulence of the financial world in perspective. Here is a vivid and entertaining account of how
reckless decisions and a poor handling of money have led to financial explosions over the centuries. Covering
topics such as the history and anatomy of crises, speculative manias, and the lender of last resort, this book
has been hailed as "a true classic . . . both timely and timeless." In this new, updated sixth edition,
Kindleberger and Aliber expand upon the ideas presented in the previous edition to bring the history of the
financial crisis up-to-date. It now includes two new chapters that provide an in-depth analysis of the causes,
consequences and policy responses to the first global crisis of the 21st century, the Financial Crisis of 20072008. In addition, these new chapters also cover significant crises of the last fifteen years."
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Amazon Link
Too Big to Fail: The Inside Story of How Wall Street and Washington Fought to Save the FinancialSystem--and
Themselves - Andrew Ross Sorkin
Recommendation
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-most-important-finance-books-2013-12?op=1
"In one of the most gripping financial narratives in decades, Andrew Ross Sorkin-a New York Times columnist
and one of the country's most respected financial reporters-delivers the first definitive blow- by-blow
account of the epochal economic crisis that brought the world to the brink. Through unprecedented access
to the players involved, he re-creates all the drama and turmoil of these turbulent days, revealing neverbefore-disclosed details and recounting how, motivated as often by ego and greed as by fear and selfpreservation, the most powerful men and women in finance and politics decided the fate of the world's
economy."
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Interviews
Learn from the experience and knowledge of other traders
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Amazon Link
The New Market Wizards: Conversations with America's Top Traders - Jack D. Schwager
Recommendation
http://bclund.com/2012/03/13/20-books-every-trader-should-know/
The Market Wizards Series - Chances are you will find these books on the shelf of any serious trader. They
are without a doubt the most comprehensive collection of interviews with superstar traders ever published
(Market Wizards, The New Market Wizards, Stock Market Wizards, and Hedge Fund Wizards). However,
their dirty little secret is that although they capture perfectly a moment in time, they are extremely dated
and will give you almost no insight into today’s markets or how to trade them. Their value now is in showing
how even the greatest traders initially struggled and often blew up (repeatedly) before becoming successful.
They are like benign candy, enjoyable to consume, but won’t help or hurt you.
http://www.vantharp.com/Van-Tharps-Favorite-Books.htm
Schwager, Jack. The New Market Wizards. New York: Harper Collins, 1992. There are a lot more than 16
great traders and Schwager presents some more of them in this classic book. I personally think the William
Eckhardt’s interview alone is worth the price of the book.
http://decodingwallstreet.blogspot.com/p/best-trading-books.html
The New Markets Wizards, by Jack Schwager, 9, a good book but not so good as the original; still a must
have in every trader`s bookshelf; Linda Raschke interview is probably my favourite.
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Amazon Link
Stock Market Wizards: Interviews with America's Top Stock Traders - Jack D. Schwager
Recommendation
http://bclund.com/2012/03/13/20-books-every-trader-should-know/
The Market Wizards Series - Chances are you will find these books on the shelf of any serious trader. They
are without a doubt the most comprehensive collection of interviews with superstar traders ever published
(Market Wizards, The New Market Wizards, Stock Market Wizards, and Hedge Fund Wizards). However,
their dirty little secret is that although they capture perfectly a moment in time, they are extremely dated
and will give you almost no insight into today’s markets or how to trade them. Their value now is in showing
how even the greatest traders initially struggled and often blew up (repeatedly) before becoming successful.
They are like benign candy, enjoyable to consume, but won’t help or hurt you.
http://decodingwallstreet.blogspot.com/p/best-trading-books.html
Stock Market Wizards, by Jack Schwager, 5, not so good as the first two; Mark Cook interview is very good
and probably is worth the cover price by itself
http://www.daytradetheworld.com/trading-blog/top-10-stock-market-books-you-should-read
The author only chose to interview the best traders for this book. That’s why it would be such a great buy for
you. It doesn’t contain any strategies, but it does explain in detail what investors are doing in the stock
market. Positive: This latest edition is an improvement because it is much easier to read than the last one.
Great interviews make it worth buying. You will not learn strategies that you can use in your trading because
the people interviewed did not want to give too much away.
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Amazon Link
Market Wizards, Updated: Interviews With Top Traders - Jack D. Schwager
Recommendation
http://www.minyanville.com/business-news/editors-pick/articles/trading-book-Reminiscence-of-aStock/1/14/2013/id/47283?page=full
The original Market Wizards published in 1988 -- and, for that matter, its follow-ups The New Market
Wizards (1992) and Stock Market Wizards (2001) -- offers a glimpse into the minds of dozens of past
decades' most successful traders. Author Jack D. Schwager set out to find the ultimate secret to each
trader's success; through in-depth interviews he learned that each trader operated by a unique method
tailored to suit his or her personality. Again and again, regardless of how these master traders did it,
Schwager found a combination of firm methodology and the right mental attitude yielded the greatest
trading success.
The book drives home that fact that there are as many -- if not more -- ways to make money from trading as
there are markets to trade in, and that the true secret to trading success lies within the individual. Markets
are a collection of individual action, thus, they are a representation of human psychology. Mastering them
not only requires talent and hard work, but also a commitment to a single method of trading, which a trader
must refine and adapt over time.
http://jbmarwood.com/16-best-trading-books-time/
The Market Wizards series by Jack Schwager includes the original Market Wizards, New Market Wizards and
Hedge Fund Wizards. The books contain invaluable interviews with some of the greatest traders of the last
30 years. Schwager is the author of a number of other books, however, his original Market Wizards has
never been bettered.
http://decodingwallstreet.blogspot.com/p/best-trading-books.html
Market Wizards, by Jack Schwager, 10, a short cut to trading mastery; fantastic interviews with the best
traders of the 80`s and early 90`s; a must have to read once a year; Ed Seykota`s and Richard Dennis`s
interviews are probably the best; Gary Bielfeldt interview is my favourite because it underlines a very
important message: we only need one well timed and well sized trade to get wildly rich
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http://www.stocktradingtogo.com/2008/08/08/twenty-must-read-investing-books/
This book is a collection of interviews of a group of successful traders in the 1970s/80s. Their experiences are
interesting to hear and traders may draw useful lessons from them. However, some of them were successful
only because they were in the right place at the right time. The 1970s were a great commodity bull market
and some of them profited from it. Nevertheless this is a classic to read and enjoy. Jack’s latest book, Hedge
Fund Market Wizards, is also a fantastic read.
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Amazon Link
The Little Book of Trading: Trend Following Strategy for Big Winnings - Michael Covel
Recommendation
http://www.newtraderu.com/2015/04/01/little-book-trend-following
One of my favourite trading/investing books out of the couple hundred I have read, a must have for any
serious trader. An excellent addition to your trading library, possibly an instant classic.
“The Little Book of Trading reveals the secrets from trend-following insiders giving you the freedom to trade
all markets: interest rates, copper, currencies, stocks -- you name it! Covel encourages you to take that TV
blaring CNBC and throw it right out the window. Charts cut the noise.” —Addison Wiggin, Best-selling author
ofDemise of the Dollar; Executive Publisher, Agora Financial, LLC
“In The Little Book of Trading, Michael Covel has collected many gems of wisdom from some of the great
traders of our time. After reading this book and piecing together all of the commonalities therein, you’ll
begin to understand what it takes to be successful in the markets. Ignore these key truths and one day you’ll
watch your account disappear.” —Van K. Tharp, Ph.D., President, The Van Tharp Institute.
“Michael Covel’s unique insight into trading is invaluable. Both novice and experienced traders can benefit
from Michael’s thorough knowledge of markets around the globe. The Little Book of Trading is a must read
for serious investors.” —Louis G. Navellier, Chairman and Founder, Navellier & Associates, Inc.
“Imagine being in the circle of trust of some of the greatest traders of all time, knowing what made them
successful and having them share heartfelt advice. Though the eyes of Michael Covel in The Little Book of
Trading, you will truly feel this experience.” —Murray A. Ruggiero Jr., Contributing Editor, Futures Magazine;
VP Research and Development, TradersStudio Inc.
“Michael Covel’s Little Book of Trading is a must-read guide to help you succeed in the shark-infested waters
of the investment world.” —From the Forward, Cullen O. Roche, Founder and CEO, Orsus Investments, LLC;
Proprietor of Pragmatic Capitalism
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Amazon Link
Inside the House of Money: Top Hedge Fund Traders on Profiting in the Global Markets - Steven Drobny
Recommendation
http://decodingwallstreet.blogspot.com/p/best-trading-books.html
Inside The House Of Money, by Drobny, an interesting set of interviews with some top traders.
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Amazon Link
Money Masters of Our Time - John Train
Recommendation
http://www.forbes.com/2008/01/28/graham-buffett-crescenzi-pf-edu-in_jd_0128soapbox_inl.html
In the only compilation book on the list, financial writer Train profiles several notable investors: Warren
Buffett, Paul Cabot, Phil Caret, Ben Graham, Mark Lightbrown, Peter Lynch, John Neff, Richard Rainwater,
Jimmy Rogers, Julian Robertson, George Soros, Michael Steinhardt, John Templeton, Ralph Wanger and
Robert Wilson.
Among this list you’ll find growth investors, value investors, short-sellers, commodity experts and
international players. You’ll gain solid insights and knowledge from the experience of each and learn what
makes them tick.
If you wish to learn more, most have been written about in other works–some included on this list. Train also
provides a nice summary of common practices among the group, which is very useful.
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Amazon Link
The Little Book of Market Wizards: Lessons from the Greatest Traders - Jack D. Schwager
Recommendation
http://www.sharesinv.com/articles/2014/07/09/the-little-book-of-market-wizards-%E2%80%93-lessonsfrom-the-greatest-traders/
Whether you’re an active trader, or simply want a better understanding of how to succeed in today’s markets,
you’ll benefit from the wisdom and insight renowned “Traders’ Hall of Fame” award winner. Now, Jack
Schwager hands you the strategies of the most sought after traders. Through his bestselling Market Wizards
books, Schwager has probed the minds of the world’s most respected investors, studying their personal traits
and learning the secret techniques that have turned them into investment role models. Now a professional
investor and successful fund manager in his own right, Schwager shares his own secrets, along with those of
his prominent “Wizards”.
This book will enable you to master the fine art of trading as you discover and apply the key methods and
traits shared by the world’s most acclaimed traders. Find critical, yet often overlooked factors for
understanding:
* How to avoid losing faith during down markets, and confidently pull profits in any market condition
* The dangers of overtrading – how to react when no position is the right position
* The value of “self-analysis” for finding a trading method that fits your personality and goals
* The real risk in volatility
* How to develop the habit of “disloyalty”
* Why you must learn how to change directions, and how to do it quickly
Plus, the keys to developing discipline, good money management skills, and avoiding the risks inherent in
second-guessing your own system – all learned from the market wizards themselves and revealed here for
you.
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http://www.valuewalk.com/2014/02/little-book-market-wizards-lessons-greatest-traders/
What differentiates the highly successful market practitioners—the Market Wizards—from ordinary traders?
What traits do they share? What lessons can the average trader learn from those who achieved superior
returns for decades while still maintaining strict risk control? Jack Schwager has spent the past 25 years
interviewing the market legends in search of the answers—a quest chronicled in four prior Market Wizards
volumes totaling nearly 2,000 pages.
In The Little Book of Market Wizards, Jack Schwager seeks to distill what he considers the essential lessons
he learned in conducting nearly four dozen interviews with some of the world’s best traders. The book
delves into the mindset and processes of highly successful traders, providing insights that all traders should
find helpful in improving their trading skills and results. Each chapter focuses on a specific theme essential to
market success and describes how all market participants can benefit by incorporating the related traits,
behaviors, and philosophies of the Market Wizards in their own trading. The book is filled with compelling
anecdotes that bring the trading messages to life, and direct quotes from the market greats that resonate
with the wisdom born of experience and skill.
Stepping clearly outside the narrow confines of most investment books, The Little Book of Market Wizards
focuses on the value of understanding one’s self within the context of successful investing. For an in-depth
view of the art of investing and how to adopt the practices of top professionals, Schwager’s Little Book is one
of the best, most entertaining guides out there.
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Amazon Link
Hedge Fund Market Wizards: How Winning Traders Win - Jack D. Schwager
Recommendation
http://bclund.com/2012/03/13/20-books-every-trader-should-know/
The Market Wizards Series - Chances are you will find these books on the shelf of any serious trader. They
are without a doubt the most comprehensive collection of interviews with superstar traders ever published
(Market Wizards, The New Market Wizards, Stock Market Wizards, and Hedge Fund Wizards). However,
their dirty little secret is that although they capture perfectly a moment in time, they are extremely dated
and will give you almost no insight into today’s markets or how to trade them. Their value now is in showing
how even the greatest traders initially struggled and often blew up (repeatedly) before becoming successful.
They are like benign candy, enjoyable to consume, but won’t help or hurt you.
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Amazon Link
The StockTwits Edge: 40 Actionable Trade Set-Ups from Real Market Pros - Howard Lindzon, Philip Pearlman,
Ivaylo Ivanhoff
Recommendation
http://bclund.com/2012/03/13/20-books-every-trader-should-know/
Okay, before you accuse me of trying to kiss the ass of my blog overlords at StockTwits, let me just tell you
that I was recommending this book publicly, way before I ever resurrected this blog, let alone was asked to
join the network. This is the book I wish was written when I started trading 30 years ago. The irony though
is that it could not really have been written until just recently. It is the “Market Wizards” for the retail
trader, and more importantly, each chapter is written by someone who currently has an active presence on
social media. Plus it’s the only place you will ever see @The_Real_Fly write two whole pages without saying
“fuck!”
"Howard Lindzon has tapped into a unique talent pool: He has 'crowd-sourced' the task of figuring out who
the up and coming traders and fund managers are via social media. Unearthing the next Stevie Cohen via
social leverage is a fascinating concept. Kudos to Lindzon for figuring this out long before most of Wall Street
even knew what the hell Twitter was." —Barry Ritholtz, President of Fusion IQ, author, Bailout Nation
"The perfect book for traders, whether new or existing. It is fast, fun, and smart; with something for anyone
who wants to understand how their trading peers can help them secure their financial future." —Paul
Kedrosky, Entrepreneur, editor, Infectious Greed
"I affectionately regard my friend Howard Lindzon as the Larry King of social media. He and his talented
team at StockTwits created an online Grand Central Station for active traders. This book showcases some of
the many talented traders you will find on the 'stream' daily. For those interested in learning a variety of
ideas on how to trade stocks, The StockTwits Edge is a great resource." —Mark Minervini, Stock Market
Wizard, 1997 U.S. Investing Champion
"I wake up, I have coffee, I exercise, I read, I write, I go on StockTwits to get stock ideas, I then make money
with them. I eat. I sleep. Repeat." —James Altucher
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Amazon Link
Way of the Turtle: The Secret Methods that Turned Ordinary People into Legendary Traders - Curtis Faith
Recommendation
http://www.minyanville.com/business-news/editors-pick/articles/trading-book-Reminiscence-of-aStock/1/14/2013/id/47283?page=full
It's an age-old question: Are good traders taught or are they born? In the early 1980s, trading guru Richard
Dennis decided he was going to find out, explaining to his longtime friend and fellow trader William
Eckhardt, "We're going to raise traders just like they raise turtles in Singapore." Thus began one of the most
renowned -- and profitable -- trading experiments of all time.
Way of the Turtle follows the success of a group of 23 people plucked from all walks of life and trained by
Eckhardt and Dennis in a short two weeks, who went on earn an average return of over 80% per year and
profits of over $100 million. Only 19 years old at the time, the littlest "Turtle," Curtis M. Faith, is regarded as
the most successful of this group. In his book he details the entire experiment, including a secret
methodology that has since been exposed. This system combines different breakout techniques tailored
with specific money management rules such as pyramiding, correlation limits, and position size control in
tight markets, to name but a few. But don't be mistaken: Way of the Turtle isn't so much a how-to-trade
guide as it is a meditation on taking risk -- in any market.
http://jbmarwood.com/16-best-trading-books-time/
Not as good as Trend Following in terms of depth but still an informative and educative trend following
book. Curtis Faith’s book deserves its place in the list of best trading books as it details the exploits of the
famous Turtle Traders mentored by Richard Dennis in the 1970’s.
http://en.tradimo.com/help/recommended-reading-top-six-trading-books/
Super trader, Richard Dennis, embarked on an experiment to turn normal people into profitable traders in
an attempt to prove whether great traders are born or made. Nicknamed turtles, these ordinary people
were trained in a system of Dennis's own design in just under two weeks before letting them lose on a real
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live account of Denis's own money. This extraordinary story tells of how one such turtle turned $1m into
over $30m in the space of just four years.
http://www.vantharp.com/Van-Tharps-Favorite-Books.htm
Faith, Curtis: Way of the Turtle. New York : McGraw-Hill, 2007. I was so impressed by it that I asked to
write the foreword and I did. First, it paints a very clear picture of what is necessary for trading success.
Curtis says in very concise terms that it’s not about the trading system. Instead, it’s about the trader’s ability
to execute the trading system. Secondly, it probably has the most lucid description of how some of the
principles of behavior finance apply to and influence trading that I’ve ever read. The third aspect is that I
really like Faith’s emphasis on game theory and using it to explain how a trader should think.
All of this together with a number of stories about Curtis’ experiences as a Turtle make it a very valuable
read.
http://decodingwallstreet.blogspot.com/p/best-trading-books.html
Way Of A Turtle, by Faith, 8, the true story of Richard Dennis`s turtles experiment; very good for systematic
traders.
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Amazon Link
Pit Bull: Lessons from Wall Street's Champion Day Trader - Martin Schwartz
Recommendation
http://bclund.com/2012/03/13/20-books-every-trader-should-know/
Extremely dated, but still the only full auto-biography (I believe) of a “Market Wizard.” It is a look into the
mind and process of an extremely disciplined trader who is still putting up crushing numbers to this day.
And despite the fact that he shares James Altucher’s somewhat dubious scatological advice regarding
“cleaning out the plumbing” before starting the day, it’s a good read.
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Market Timing
Identifying the best times to be in and out of the market
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Amazon Link
Unlocking Wealth: Secret to Market Timing - John Crane
Recommendation
http://emini-watch.com/free-stuff/top-trading-books/
This is the follow up to John Crane’s “Advanced Swing Trading” book. The first book was good but this is
great – clearer explanations of the methodology and more chart examples. This is one of the most elegant
futures trading methodologies I’ve seen.
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Amazon Link
All About Market Timing, Second Edition (All About Series) - Leslie Masonson
Recommendation
“This Book Presents Strategies That Prove That Market Timing Works
I am a long time investor and I found that buy and hold is an approach that has not worked for me and many
of my friends. Markets have their ups and downs, and if one can somehow miss most of the declines, then
overall you can reap the rewards of investing. Although many financial advisors and so-called experts get
upset when I bring up the topic of market timing in investment meetings that I attend, I know that they have
not investigated its usefulness, otherwise they would not have tried to keep me quiet.
I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Masonson first edition of this book published in 2003. I have benefited from its
sound strategies, and have told all my investing friends about that book and bought copies for my family
members. Now, that book has been revised with all the strategies updated through late 2010 I can review
them again and select the ones that meet my needs.
Masonson provides backtesting on number of the strategies using his TradeStation software showing all the
key statistics. He provides two very profitable moving average strategies using the NASDAQ. The original
Value Line 4% is updated with adjustment that produces more consistent results. All these strategies beat
buy and hold with less risk. Masonson also covers in detail the Best Six Months Strategy, the presidential
cycle strategy, and a strategy for the NASDAQ based on a fixed percentage move that triggers buy and sell
signals.
This second edition has a much welcomed and expanded chapter on ETFs, as that is Masonson's
recommended investment option along with low-cost index funds. He also provides market timing resources
such as newsletters and websites that investors can use for guidance in case they do not want to do it
themselves.
If you are an open-minded person who has not been happy with your own investment results or your
financial advisor's performance over the past decades, then I highly recommend that you read this wellwritten, factual and eye-opening book.” - Market Timing Works, By Jerald Douma
“If you are a self-directed investor looking for an alternative to Buy and Hold, look no further than All About
Market Timing. Les Masonson has written the definitive text on market timing that is comprehensive and
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conclusive. Bull and bear markets of the past century are analyzed. Eye-opening proof is given, showing how
difficult it is to achieve a decent return by staying invested 100% of the time, and how simple market timing
strategies would have preserved investors' gains and saved them from huge losses. Six common arguments
in favor of Buy and Hold are dissected and debunked through research. It is proven that market timing not
only reduces risk but is also a more conservative approach than Buy and Hold. After this initial information is
given, Mr. Masonson presents a chapter on how to determine market trend, a prerequisite to investing. Four
easy-to-use indicators are presented and fully explained. Two chapters follow that describe different
investment vehicles - mutual funds and ETFs - and the pros and cons of investing in them. These chapters are
comprehensive, giving the reader ample information on fund types, fund families, leveraged and inverse
funds as well as how to purchase them.
The heart of the book begins in Part II with a comprehensive collection of market timing strategies that have
been fully backtested over long time periods by professional market analysts and Mr. Masonson himself.
Where other research has ended, Mr. Masonson has continued it through 2010, confirming recent success of
these strategies. The timing strategies presented have been done on the Dow, S&P 500 and the Nasdaq with
an enormous amount of variables. The information is so conclusive that one can't ignore its validity. Included
in this part of the book is a chapter on calendar-based investing, including monthly performance, best
consecutive 3 months, winter vs. summer, best 6 months. A chapter on the 4-year presidential cycle follows,
with data regarding predictable patterns the stock market has formed based on it. There are an incredible
number of strategies presented from numerous market professionals with many different variables,
backtested on the major market indices, producing astounding results. This chapter alone is worth its weight
in gold!
The chapter on moving average strategies is fantastic and easy to implement. The three major indices were
tested against a wealth of different moving average lengths over many different time periods. The research
is again encapsulized for the reader in a conclusion at the end of the chapter, highlighting the most valuable
information. Additional chapters follow, presenting the Value Line 4% strategy, based on weekly figures from
the Value Line Composite Index, which is continued through 2010. Mr Masonson also compares it to a 3%
filter. He not only compares them with a long-only investment strategy but also with a long-short strategy.
The last market timing strategy presented in the book is based on the Nasdaq with a 6% filter, using not only
weekly data, but daily data as well. He then compares his findings on the Nasdaq to the Value Line tests and
determines the winning strategies as well as the inferior ones. At the end of the book the reader is given a
chapter of market timing resources. Perhaps the best quality of this amazing book is the conclusion at the
end of each chapter in which Mr. Masonson summarizes the information and reviews the most important
information gained, leaving the reader with a sense of direction.
All About Market Timing is an amazing book. This is a MUST-READ for self-directed investors. The quality and
quantity of research presented is all-encompassing, mind-blowing and totally conclusive. Buy and Hold is
archaic. Do you want some fantastic alternatives? Look no further! THIS is the text to read.” - Mind-Blowing
Book on Market Timing, By Shauna
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Amazon Link
Professional Stock Trading: System Design and Automation - Thomas R. DeMark
Recommendation
http://emini-watch.com/free-stuff/top-trading-books/
Tom DeMark specializes in developing trading indicators and set-up patterns and works for some major
trading houses. His focus on extensive back-testing has enabled him to develop unique methods that you
won’t find anywhere else. There’s almost too much to take in with this book.
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Money
Management
Money management and position sizing strategies to
enhance returns and control risk
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Amazon Link
Van Tharp's Definitive Guide To Position Sizing - Van Tharp
Recommendation
http://www.vantharp.com/Van-Tharps-Favorite-Books.htm
The Definitive Guide to Position Sizing Strategies: How to Evaluate Your System and Use Position Sizing to
Meet Your Objectives. 2nd ed Cary, NC: IITM, 2013. I think this one is a new classic. It includes how to
measure the quality of your system objectively, no matter what style of trading you have or what
instruments you trade. It includes everything you could possibly want to know about how to use position
sizing, depending upon the quality of your system, to meet your objectives. It’s that simple and I’ve very
excited about it.
“At first, I was reluctant to buy this book, due to it's price. But I'm sure glad I did! This is one of the best
books on trading that I've ever read. You'll find insights here that you'll find nowhere else. This is a MUST
READ book for anyone with an interest in trading.” – bmistiaen (Amazon Review)
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Amazon Link
The Mathematics of Money Management: Risk Analysis Techniques for Traders - Ralph Vince
Recommendation
http://stockcharts.com/articles/journal/2013/10/pivotal-books-in-the-25-year-trading-life-of-a-stockmarket-investor.html
Ralph Vince is one of the great minds in the area of optimal bet size, asset allocation, money management
and risk analysis. Having said that, his four books come with two prerequisites. First, you have to be well
along the path as a seasoned investor before you tackle his material. Secondly, you’ll need lots of strong
coffee unless you’re an insomniac. It’s heavy reading but with big payoffs.
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Amazon Link
The New Money Management: A Framework for Asset Allocation - Ralph Vince
Recommendation
http://jbmarwood.com/16-best-trading-books-time/
Money management is possibly the most important component of successful trading. In The New Money
Management, Ralph Vince, gives his own take on the subject including the coverage of ‘optimal f’ and ‘risk of
ruin’. This book is the most comprehensive I have read on the subject of money management. It isn’t cheap,
however.
http://stockcharts.com/articles/journal/2013/10/pivotal-books-in-the-25-year-trading-life-of-a-stockmarket-investor.html
Ralph Vince is one of the great minds in the area of optimal bet size, asset allocation, money management
and risk analysis. Having said that, his four books come with two prerequisites. First, you have to be well
along the path as a seasoned investor before you tackle his material. Secondly, you’ll need lots of strong
coffee unless you’re an insomniac. It’s heavy reading but with big payoffs.
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Amazon Link
The Handbook of Portfolio Mathematics: Formulas for Optimal Allocation & Leverage - Ralph Vince
Recommendation
http://stockcharts.com/articles/journal/2013/10/pivotal-books-in-the-25-year-trading-life-of-a-stockmarket-investor.html
Ralph Vince is one of the great minds in the area of optimal bet size, asset allocation, money management
and risk analysis. Having said that, his four books come with two prerequisites. First, you have to be well
along the path as a seasoned investor before you tackle his material. Secondly, you’ll need lots of strong
coffee unless you’re an insomniac. It’s heavy reading but with big payoffs.
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Amazon Link
Portfolio Management Formulas : Mathematical Trading Methods for the Futures, Options, and Stock
Markets - Ralph Vince
Recommendation
http://stockcharts.com/articles/journal/2013/10/pivotal-books-in-the-25-year-trading-life-of-a-stockmarket-investor.html
Ralph Vince is one of the great minds in the area of optimal bet size, asset allocation, money management
and risk analysis. Having said that, his four books come with two prerequisites. First, you have to be well
along the path as a seasoned investor before you tackle his material. Secondly, you’ll need lots of strong
coffee unless you’re an insomniac. It’s heavy reading but with big payoffs.
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Amazon Link
Calculated Bets: Computers, Gambling, and Mathematical Modeling to Win (Outlooks) - Steven Skiena
Recommendation
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-most-important-finance-books-2013-12?op=1
If you've ever dreamed of creating a computer system to beat the bookies or the stock market (and who
hasn't?) then Steven Skiena's book is for you. Skiena describes his own (and his team's) efforts to create an
automated system which would place winning bets on jai alai, a Basque game which is also played in parts of
France and some cities in North America. The book describes the game itself (a game with similarities to
tennis, squash and rugby fives), the convoluted methods by which tournaments are held (a sort of round
robin) and the pari-mutuel gambling system which is used to place bets on the outcome.
To create the perfect system, Skiena and his team needed to model the tournament structure, the effects of
player skill on match outcomes,and (since this the odds are offered using a pari-mutuel system) the betting
habits of the general public. They then needed to identify bets which would (on average) be profitable.
The team succeeded, the program they developed ultimately succeeding in returning about 500% on its
initial gambling stake in a single year. (The bad news, as Skiena points out, is that it would not be possible to
use such a system to bet large amounts of money on jai alai, since such bets would significantly depress the
odds available).
A must read for anyone seriously interested in "beating the system".
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Amazon Link
Fortune's Formula: The Untold Story of the Scientific Betting System That Beat the Casinos and Wall Street William Poundstone
Recommendation
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-most-important-finance-books-2013-12?op=1
If you can survive reading the title, this book is actually an anecdotal history of the Kelly Criterion — a
formula which identifies how much should be wagered on a risky undertaking. A surprising cast of characters
is involved, from underworld figures to physicists and mathematicians, and from 1738 (not a misprint) to the
present day.
This isn't a mathematical enough treatment for me, but it's well worth reading to find out how people have
tried and succeeded (or failed) in exploiting Kelly's (and Bernoulli's) work.
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Amazon Link
A Mathematician Plays Stock Market by Paulos, John Allen, John Allen [Basic Books,2003] [Hardcover] - John
Allen Paulos
Recommendation
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-most-important-finance-books-2013-12?op=1
Paulos lost money on the WORLDCOM crash, and uses this as a jumping off point for explaining the
mathematics behind the stock market. There are good qualitative explanations of many of the numbers and
theories used in attempting to predict the price of stocks. I especially liked his description of the Efficient
Market Hypothesis Paradox (if everybody believed in it, the Efficient Market Hypothesis would no longer be
true) and its imaginary opposite, the Sluggish Market Hypothesis.
Another good point he makes is that the criteria for success of a trading system is not whether it makes
money. That's only a necessary condition. A successful trading system must make more money than simply
investing in treasury bills, or buying an index fund.
The book covers in outline such subjects such as technical analysis, beta, portfolio theory, etc.
Although there are some excellent nuggets of information here, I found the writing style distracting. I was
also disappointed that another book by the same author (Once upon a number : the hidden mathematical
logic of stories) covered much of the same ground with the same examples.
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Seasonality
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Amazon Link
Stock Trader's Almanac 2014 - Hirsch
Recommendation
http://stockcharts.com/articles/journal/2013/10/pivotal-books-in-the-25-year-trading-life-of-a-stockmarket-investor.html
A successful life as a trader is made up of a series of successful days. I have shared this easy-to-read book,
written by multiple authors, with many students to help instill in them the importance of productive
routines. Along those same lines, the annual Stock Traders Almanac is a calendar, organizational handbook
and statistical marvel that will increase the likelihood that you’ll make more profitable trades.
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Amazon Link
The UK Stock Market Almanac 2014: Seasonality Analysis and Studies of Market Anomalies to Give You an
Edge in the Year Ahead - Stephen Eckett
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Amazon Link
The Little Book of Stock Market Cycles - Jeffrey A. Hirsch and Douglas A. Kass
Recommendation
"The Little Book of Stock Market Cycles is ideally suited for fans of the Hirsch almanacs as well as for those
who have never been exposed to seasonal statistics and who have a hunch that they may have missed
something useful." (SeekingAlpha.com, August 2012)
‘…a nice primer on cycle research and an excellent starting point for further research…he has given us an
insightful collection of market observations and plenty of food for thought. I recommend you add it to your
winter reading list.’ (ForexPros, November 2012)
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Amazon Link
The Right Stock at the Right Time: Prospering in the Coming Good Years - Larry R. Williams
Recommendation
http://www.stocktradingtogo.com/2008/08/08/twenty-must-read-investing-books/
Larry Williams reveals some of his observations of cyclical tendencies in the stock market. It may serve as a
ray of light for investors battered by bear markets.
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Strategies
Strategies for all markets
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Bonds/Fixed Income
Amazon Link
The Strategic Bond Investor - Anthony Crescenzi
Recommendation
http://www.forbes.com/2008/01/28/graham-buffett-crescenzi-pf-edu-in_jd_0128soapbox_inl.html
Crescenzi, a frequent media commentator, has written a fixed-income bible that merits a place on any
serious investor’s bookshelf. He really understands the bond market and in plain language provides
illuminating explanations of different types of bonds and how they perform in different types of markets.
Crescenzi demystifies yield curves and other indicators that can be used to predict the direction of the
economy. Economic reports are examined, including how they can influence bond prices and profit
opportunities. Important topics like risks, credit ratings, liquidity and pricing are also covered.
The book makes liberal use of charts, tables and diagrams and provides investors with the tools they need to
participate in today’s bond markets. Very well organized, the book correctly conveys that bonds can be every
bit as exciting as stocks these days.
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Amazon Link
The Handbook of Fixed Income Securities, Eighth Edition - Frank J. Fabozzi
Recommendation
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-most-important-finance-books-2013-12?op=1
"For decades, The Handbook of Fixed Income Securities has been the most trusted resource in the world for
fixed income investing. Since the publication of the last edition, however, the financial markets have
experienced major upheavals, introducing dramatic new opportunities and risks. This completely revised and
expanded eighth edition contains 31 new chapters that bring you up to date on the latest products,
analytical tools, methodologies, and strategies for identifying and capitalizing on the potential of the fixed
income securities market in order to enhance returns. Among the world’s leading authorities on the subject,
Frank J. Fabozzi, along with Steven V. Mann, has gathered a powerful global team of leading experts to
provide you with the newest and best techniques for taking advantage of this market."
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ETFs
Amazon Link
Truth About ETF Rotation: Fund Your Retirement By Investing In Top Exchange Traded Funds in One Hour
Per Week (Beat The Crash) (Volume 1) - Jackie Ann Patterson
Recommendation
"The book is short but provides internal links to additional material. The overall strategy is near the end of
the book. I suggest reading the strategy first, then reading the rest of the book from the beginning and you
will better appreciate the beginning information. I have read some other information from her on the net as
well as a You Tube presentation and it is all consistent. She suggests using a long period ROC for her ranking
system but a shorter period RSI ranking might be better for the latter stages of a bull market. I suggest
expanding on her universe of ETFs to investment sectors and other geographic regions but I agree with her
choice of core ETFs--apparently I use the same brokerage firm. I very much like her strategy because it
includes subtle elements of market timing. She has definitely thought about avoiding the pain of a future
market crash. Overall a quick and useful read. I think you could easily implement her strategy at any time
vice waiting for a major pull back. I suggest reading Leslie Masonson's books on market time and sector
rotation for additional background as well as The Ivy Portfolio by Mebane Faber (I think the definitive book
on ETF investing). After reading it, I am glad I read the book and would likely buy and read her next book." Investing made safe, By Rich
"Anyone who manages their own portfolio as I do should read Jackie's "Truth about ETF Rotation." Sure I
have diversified my mutual funds, but when should I really get into or out of that small cap fund? And, if I am
rotating funds, logically I should be using ETFs. Jackie shows in this super tight little book the advantages of
using an ETF rotation strategy over buy-and-hold of my diversified portfolio. She also considers bonds,
commodities, real estate, inverse funds, cash, and stop losses in this strategy. Her research is rigorous and
comprehensive. After reading this book I will be able to implement the strategy in my portfolio." - Truth
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About ETF Rotation - Fund Your Retirement by Investing in Top Exchange Traded Funds in One Hour Per
Week (Beat The Crash), By Ann
"I thought this book was pretty good. It got me thinking about ETF rotation and caused me to develop my
own rotation strategy based off some of her ideas. She also puts her money where her mouth is and uses the
strategy in her IRA account, which she posts statements for." - Liked it, By Amazon Customer
"Great read. There are lots of books on ETF rotation. I found this to be an easy read with documented back
testing. The author also has a web site with real time returns posted." - Good read for folks looking at
rotation strategies. By Lotus-Eater
" wanted to review some ideas I had some time ago and went looking on Amazon for books on this subject.
Ms. Patterson's book is a great little read on the subject covering enough of the basic ideas to give folks who
haven't considered ETF rotation a good start, as well as including through her web site access to some basic
Excel spreadsheets to allow readers to do some playing and thinking about what might work for their own
needs.
I appreciated that Ms. Patterson paid attention (at least at a high level) to the impact of taxes as well as
creating your own benchmark index to measure again.
An excellent little read. Well worth the cost on Kindle and the hour or two it takes to go through it the first
time." - Excellent quick read, By Mark Knecht
"Gives the reader a simple plan for evaluating and investing in ETF's. Easy to implement and easy to follow
instructions. Doesn't take long to read and is full of backtesting and various charts with all the results you
could want. It certainly got my attention to try this method to see how well it will work.
I would have liked for the book to include the various families of funds that could be an alternative to the
authors suggested ETF model. Some like Vanguard and Schwab could make this approach easy and cheap.
This is a first in a series of ebooks that will follow the authors approach to investing." - Simple approach to
investment strategy using ETF rotation., By Jeff S. May
"Love the simple and straight forward approach in trading sectors. Can be implemented on any trading
software that his on the market." - Good practical trading book, By DOCAMAZON
The ETF Rotation strategy discussed in this book is similar to the works of Gerald Appel, Mebane Faber, and
Michael Carr. The system has good results and is unique compared to those other authors. It is well-written,
and fairly consistent in addressing the target audience at their skill level. $9.99 is a little steep, and despite
the author promoting her website and other services, there are some freebies that sweeten the deal. I
recommend the book when it's on sale." - Good Book for Beginner and Intermediate Traders Needing a
Realistic Strategy, By Travis W Smith
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Amazon Link
Trading with Intermarket Analysis: A Visual Approach to Beating the Financial Markets Using ExchangeTraded Funds - John J. Murphy
Recommendation
http://stockcharts.com/articles/journal/2013/10/pivotal-books-in-the-25-year-trading-life-of-a-stockmarket-investor.html
This book will give you guidance as how best to approach the markets and will describe those key
relationships that’ll help shift the probabilities your way.
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Amazon Link
Profiting from ETF Rotation Strategies in Turbulent Markets (FT Press Delivers Insights for the Agile Investor)
- Leslie N. Masonson
Recommendation
"Les Masonson has done it again by providing the investment public with a new and essential book that is
absolutely required reading for anyone seeking to invest in today's volatile markets. I have read his previous
book, "Buy Don't Hold", which provided a sound investment plan. Now, in "Profiting From ETF Rotation
Strategies", Mr. Masonson provides a simple and easy to understand strategy on how to gain exposure to
the market and its potential gains, while minimizing one's exposure to the oft times heartbreaking losses.
For someone who has been investing in the markets for some time now, I particularly appreciate Mr.
Masonson's efforts to save investor's money on fees and commissions whenever possible, by recommending
ETFS that one can purchase commission free from certain brokerages, thereby enhancing returns over the
long-term
The heart of Mr. Masonson's book is the method whereby an investor uses disciplined rules to purchase
select ETFs at moments in time when there is the greatest opportunity for gain, and more importantly, exit
them before a substantial correction. In this simple and elegant book, Mr. Masonson refutes the dated and
failed theory of "buy and hold", while at the same time providing investors with a tool kit that provides the
information needed to participate in the stock market in a rational and profit oriented manner. I am
reminded of the famous Warren Buffet quote: "Rule number one in investing is: don't lose money. Rule
number two is: refer to rule number one." For investors, such as myself, who respect the risks associated
with investing in the stock market, "Profiting from ETF Rotation Strategies" is both mandatory and enjoyable
reading." - Simple and Elegant E-book on ETF Investing, By Steven Toboroff
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Amazon Link
ETF Gap Trading Strategies That Work (Connors Research Trading Strategy Series) - Larry Connors, Cesar
Alvarez, Connors Research, Matt Radtke
Recommendation
"Gaps in ETFs show that there is a big market move underway because ETFs are diversified trading vehicles.
Some of these gaps are significant and this book explains how to trade those gaps. It's a quantified trading
strategy that defines when and how gaps should be traded. The results of an extensive back test are
included so you can decide how to incorporate these strategies into your trading. Not all gaps are important
and this book shows you how to avoid trading low probability price action. That helps you allocate limited
trading capital. The results are impressive and the strategies are tradable - a rare combination in a book." Impressive results and tradable strategies, By Mike Carr, CMT
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Amazon Link
High Probability ETF Trading: 7 Professional Strategies To Improve Your ETF Trading - Larry Connors, Cesar
Alvarez, Connors Research
Recommendation
"After having traded stocks for over 10 years, I've recently begun trading ETFs more and more because I
simply find them easier to trade, less risky and more flexible. In generally, I've done okay adapting my stock
trading methods to ETFs trading. But I was disappointed at the lack of professional level education available
that would enable me to improve my profitability. Then along came Larry Connors' book, "High Probability
ETF Trading." It is a collection of eight well-thought out strategies that are laid out in a clear and concise
manner. It is written in a way that all trading books should be written -- you quickly read it and then apply it.
There are indicators that these strategies employ are all readily available through standard chart packages.
All the rules are black and white with no subjective judgment required. If you trade ETFs are planning to in
the future, all I can say is that you must own this book." - All trading books should be like this one, By Trader
in L.A.
"Larry Connors and Cesar Alvarez' new book, "High Probability ETF Trading," can be considered a
continuation of the research Connors published in his earlier books, most recently in "Short Term Trading
Strategies That Work." Written for short-term traders, the format is similar to his other books:
1. An introduction that lays out a trading philosophy;
2. General rules for setting up the trade, e.g., only take long trades when the S&P 500 Index is above its 200day moving average;
3. Specific and simple entry and exit rules for a number of different trading systems;
4. Charts showing the entries and exits on various ETFs, with a step by step description of each part of the
trade: setup, entry, and exit;
5. Trade results for these systems; and
6. Thoughts on scaling in and out of trades, as well as thoughts on money management.
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Readers of "how-to" books generally worry about whether the published trades were "cherry-picked" to
make the systems look better than they really are in practice. Connors and Alvarez point out the
introduction to "High Probability ETF Trading" that the systems' rules are robust, not curve-fitted, and
backed by years of statistical test results.
I know from reading his earlier books that Connors seeks to develop strategies with a high probability of
success. He and Alvarez hit the mark in this new book, which describes various strategies they developed
and tested on various non-leveraged ETFs. Some of the strategies, like RSI 25, were developed years ago and
described in Connors' earlier books. Other strategies are brand new, like RSI 75 for shorting.
Unlike in Connors' earlier books, this book discusses both standard and aggressive entries. "Aggressive"
entries are second buys that are scaled in when the ETF becomes more oversold (for a long entry) or
overbought (for a short entry). For example, buy the first unit when the 4-period RSI is below 25. Buy the
second unit if the 4-period RSI is below 20.
As an investment advisor, I have neither the time nor the temperament to wade through books with chapter
after chapter of musings, personal thoughts, and disjointed ideas. What I appreciate most about this book,
as with Connors' other books, is that the authors lay out their strategies in a no-nonsense, nuts-and-bolts
fashion: "If this and this, then do that."
I've traded Connors' strategies for years and they work. No one trade will make you rich but the consistent
small winners add up. I highly recommend reading "High Probability ETF Trading" if you are a short-term
trader looking for strategies that will help you make money." - By Dave S.
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Amazon Link
Trading Leveraged ETFs With ConnorsRSI (Connors Research Trading Strategy Series) - Larry Connors, Cesar
Alvarez, Connors Research, Matt Radtke
Recommendation
"Leveraged ETFs offer potential gains far greater than that available with traditional ETFs. Leverage also
increases the level of risk. That means a well-defined strategy is essential for success with leverage and this
book provides a quantified and tested strategy. The strategy is easy to follow and the results show that risk is
managed. This might be the first book demonstrating how to use leveraged ETFs the way they were intended
to be used which is as a short-term trading vehicle. This strategy avoids the tracking error problem built into
leveraged ETFs." - Trading leveraged ETFs the right way, By Mike Carr, CMT
"Interesting book on one of the newer assets available to traders. This book has a great set of detailed
strategy instructions for traders. I was given a review copy of this book by the publisher." - Interesting book,
By David J. Kosmider
Page 81 of 179
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Amazon Link
ETF Scale-In Trading (Connors Research Trading Strategy Series) - Larry Connors, Cesar Alvarez, Connors
Research, Matt Radtke
Recommendation
“Traders often freeze when they see a loss in their account and this leads to even larger losses in many
cases. The problem is simply that many traders don't think about how to manage trades, whether the trade
is a win or a loss. This book addresses trade management, one of the most important aspects of trading. As
the data shows, managing a trade correctly can improve performance. Finding winners is a difficult task for
traders - this book explains how to maximize the gains on a simple trading strategy and the rules are clear
which means they can be applied to any trading strategy.” - Improve your results by managing trades, By
Mike Carr, CMT
Page 82 of 179
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Amazon Link
By Leslie N. Masonson Buy--DON'T Hold: Investing with ETFs Using Relative Strength to Increase Returns with
Less Risk (pap (1st First Edition) [Paperback]
Recommendation
http://onlinebooksclub.com/Buy-DON-T-Hold-Investing-with-ETFs-Using-Relative-Strength-to-IncreaseReturns-with-Less-Risk/p1006817706/
“Masonson is a master Almanac Investor. In Buy—DON’T Hold, he shows investors and traders how to buy
and sell the right ETFs at the right time with proven strategies, technical tools, and indicators.” --Jeffrey A.
Hirsch, Editor-in-Chief, Stock Trader’s Almanac
“Masonson not only shows you when to be in and out of the market, but also which ETFs to buy and when to
sell them. This is a complete investing program that all investors can benefit from. I expect the vast majority
of readers will agree with me that this book is a ‘Strong Buy.’” --Price Headley, CFA, CMT, Founder of
BigTrends.com
“The author provides investors with a step-by-step investing plan that focuses heavily on protecting
principal, while at the same time offering a systematic approach that will help investors meet their goals and
stay on the right side of the market. Buy—DON’T Hold offers an effective strategy that can make a huge
difference in an investor’s bottom line.” --Paul Merriman, Founder of Merriman, a Seattle-based investment
advisory firm; Editor of Fundadvice.com and the Sound Investing podcast
“Masonson is a highly regarded stock market researcher who provides investors with his discerning
perspective on an ETF investing strategy using relative strength. In this succinct and sharply focused book,
Masonson develops a logical and easy-to-use strategy with all the necessary steps to maximize returns while
ably managing risk.” --Nelson Freeburg, Editor of Formula Research, a financial newsletter that develops
systematic investment models for stocks and bonds
Page 83 of 179
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Forex
Amazon Link
ForeX Trading for Maximum Profit: The Best Kept Secret Off Wall Street - Raghee Horner
Recommendation
http://www.tradebullet.com/resources/books/
An in-depth how-to look at Forex trading using the methods, analysis, and insights of a renowned trader,
Raghee Horner As the fate of the dollar against foreign currency generates both anxiety and opportunities,
currency trading has been drawing much interest and a growing following among traders in the United
States. The Forex market is particularly attractive for investors because it trades with no gaps and has
unlimited guaranteed stop-losses. The liquidity of the Forex market and worldwide participation makes for
more reliable and longer lasting trends as well. Raghee Horner has become legendary not only as a top Forex
trader but as a master teacher of trading systems and techniques. Drawing on her winning tools and
methods, including classic charting techniques, this book enables a trader or investor of any skill level to
understand how the Forex operates and lays out a blueprint for getting starting in this little-understood but
high-potential trading vehicle.
Page 84 of 179
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Amazon Link
Day Trading and Swing Trading the Currency Market: Technical and Fundamental Strategies to Profit from
Market Moves - Kathy Lien
Recommendation
"I thought this was one of the best books that I had read on FX. The book should be required reading not
only for traders new to the foreign exchange markets, but also for seasoned professionals. I'll definitely be
keeping it on my desk for reference. The book is very readable and very educational. In fact, I wish that
Kathy's book had been around when I had first started out in FX. It would have saved me from a lot of
heartache from reading duller books, and would have saved me a lot of time from having to learn things the
hard way. I look forward to reading other books from her in the future." —Farooq Muzammal, Head of
Foreign Exchange, MAREX Capital
"Kathy's book is an indispensable tool for Forex traders, whether you are a professional or novice. It not only
lays the groundwork for an in-depth understanding of Forex trading, it also contains numerous fundamental
and technical strategies . . . . I suspect that many traders will be keeping Kathy's book within arm's reach for
many years to come." —Eddie Kwong, Executive VP/Editor in Chief, Tradingmarkets.com
"In Day Trading the Currency Market, Kathy Lien provides traders with unique, thoughtful, and profitable
insight on trading this exciting market. This book should be required reading for all traders, whether they are
novices to Forex or experienced professionals." —Cory Janssen, cofounder, Investopedia.com
"There are aspects to trading currencies that are different from trading equities, options, or futures. In this
book, Kathy Lien provides deep insight into all the mechanisms that take place in the currency markets. Any
currency trader will gain more confidence in their trading after reading this book." —Jayanthi
Gopalakrishnan, Editor, Technical Analysis of Stocks & Commodities
"Kathy has done a brilliant job with this book. She speaks directly to traders and gives them guidance to
improve their performance as Forex traders. I took some notes and ideas from the book myself that are
going to be very useful for my business." —Francesc Riverola, CEO and founder, FXstreet.com
Page 85 of 179
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Amazon Link
The Forex Mindset: The Skills and Winning Attitude You Need for More Profitable Forex Trading - Jared
Martinez
Recommendation
http://www.traderplanet.com/star-awards/competitor_review/2014/1838/
In this book, author Jared Martinez details the vital psychology behind forex trading. Martinez traded the
forex market for a decade through the 1980’s and 90’s before he discovered the secret to being a successful
trader is actually 10% skill and 90% emotional intelligence. Martinez delves into human nature and market
behavior and shares with readers how to use the public’s forces of fear and greed to make personal gains in
the market. One of the best parts about the book is that it not only covers details about trading successfully,
the lessons on controlling your emotions and taking control are really applicable to any area of your life.
Key lessons include: Protecting your trades, how the greed and fear of others controls the market, finding a
balance in your trades, understanding how your head and heart works together in your trading success, why
intellectual intelligence has little to do with emotional intelligence, ways to ensure that your subconscious
doesn’t work against your trading goals.
Emotional intelligence is a state in which you exercise positive self-control over negative, damaging
emotions. Emotional intelligence allows you to tap into the right information within your brain that gives you
the discernment to engage in proper human connections with the right influential people who will enhance
your life. At trading, emotional intelligence helps you tap into the appropriate information within your left
brain that gives you the correct logical information, while severing ties to the right brain, which influences
erratic, fearful, destructive, or negative actions. Staying tapped into the left brain during the trade will
enhance your trading results.
Page 86 of 179
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Amazon Link
Currency Trading in the Forex and Futures Markets - Carley Garner
Recommendation
“Carley Garner is a smart trader and broker; she understands the markets and the importance of educating
traders. Her new FOREX book is a good addition to her other efforts, A Trader’s First Book on Commodities
and Commodity Options. Taking on FOREX is not easy, but Carley nailed this one. MrTopStep.com gives it a
big thumbs up.” —Danny Riley, President, MrTopStep.com
“Once again, Carley Garner demonstrates her ability to boil down complex concepts forindividual traders.
This book will put budding currency traders ahead of the curve with its unique blend of the basics and some
refreshingly unexpected material.” —Karris Golden, Traders Press®
“It’s not easy to write about a complex topic like currency trading in words that anyone can understand. In
that respect, Carley Garner hit a home run with this book. She clearly spells out the advantages and potential
pitfalls to trading FOREX today. It’s a must-read for any investor considering exploring currency trading.” —
Frederic Ruffy, Market Strategist, Trade Alert, LLC
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Futures
Amazon Link
Technical Traders Guide to Computer Analysis of the Futures Markets - Charles LeBeau and David Lucas
Recommendation
http://www.vantharp.com/Van-Tharps-Favorite-Books.htm
LeBeau, Charles and David W. Lucas. The Technical Trader’s Guide to Computer Analysis of the Future’s
Market. Homewood, IL: Irwin, 1992. I’ve been associated with Chuck for a long time and he’s a presenter
in our systems workshop. And the reason he is a presenter is this book. It probably does the best job of any
book up to it’s publication date of taking apart systems into components and showing you how to logically
think about and develop systems.
Page 88 of 179
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Amazon Link
Street Smarts: High Probability Short-Term Trading Strategies - Linda Bradford Raschke and Laurence A.
Connors
Recommendation
* * * * (out of 4 stars) ... excellent!, Commodity Traders Consumer Report, March 1996 -- Commodity
Traders Consumer Report, March 1996
“First of all let me state that you must already have a certain concept of trading and trading terminology to
benefit from this book. You must also understand and believe the importance of chart reading as a trader to
fully understand what the authors are saying. I believe some of the negativity written about this books is
because the readers didnt understand trading concepts as applied to chart reading or disregard chart
reading altogether as a valid tool to trading.
With this said, I have to say that the book was beneficial for me as a short term trader. It helped me find
patterns that I would've otherwise overlooked before reading this book. Let me also add that the turtle soup
and turtle soup plus one does not really apply 100%, per say, to the fast momentum stocks I screen for.
However, reading those strategies helped fine tune my entry and exit strategies when I enter a trade. It did
so by helping me look for intraday swings and the probabilities of possible price action for next day trading
based on what happened to the price at the close. If anything, the book helped me alot because it opened
my mind to other trading possibilities and thus form ideas for myself.
Like another reader said, the authors are not mechanical traders. Thus these patterns and strategies should
not be taken mechanically. Instead one should trade cautiously using discretionary stops. The book will only
teach you about patterns in the market that have a high probable outcome. It's up to the individual to trade
the patterns and use protective stops in the case the anticipated move goes wrong. “ – T. Villarubia (Amazon
Review)
Page 89 of 179
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Amazon Link
New Trading Systems and Methods (Wiley Trading) - Perry J. Kaufman
Recommendation
http://www.tradebullet.com/resources/books/
For more than two decades, futures traders have turned to the classic Trading Systems and Methods for
complete information about the latest, most successful indicators, programs, algorithms, and systems. Perry
Kaufman, a leading futures expert highly respected for his years of experience in research and trading, has
thoroughly updated this bestselling guide, adding more systems, more methods, and extensive risk analysis
to keep this the most comprehensive and instructional book on trading systems today. His detailed, handson manual offers a complete analysis, using a systematic approach with in-depth explanations of each
technique. This edition also includes a CD-ROM that contains the TradeStation EasyLanguage program, Excel
spreadsheets, and Fortran programs that appear in the book.
Page 90 of 179
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Amazon Link
Anatomy of $SPY on First Trading Day of the Month: various quantified trading strategies around first trading
day of the month - Kora Reddy
Recommendation
“This is a rare trading book in that it shows readers the statistics and probabilities of a simple winning
trading system with an edge. The book examines the performance of simply buying the $SPY (S&P 500)
Exchange Traded Fund at the end of the day on the last day of the month and holding it through the first day
of the month. Many have seen the phenomenon of the first day of the month being an up day most the time
probably due to capital in flows into money managers that have to put it to work. While this is not a perfect
strategy it is a historical winning strategy and it is researched using one of my favorite trading vehicles the
$SPY ETF.
I like the $SPY for its overall smooth moves since it is diversified across 500 stocks and tends to trend as
equities trend as an asset class. This book has all the metrics for how $SPY trades the first day of the month
with other factors as well including its position as compared to the most popular moving averages, how the
previous day performed, and the percent of the previous days move among other things which can refine
the trading of the first day of the month even more. The author could have written this book for me as it is
very similiar to how I go about back testing trading ideas and I will be using this book to create a real trading
strategy for this historical pattern. Of course you still have to manage risk and be disciplined to reap the
potential benefit of this edge and it is not a stand alone system but will fit in very nicely as one of many
other systems.” - Steve Burns (Amazon review)
“It is crucial to have a trading system that has a statistical edge. Kora Reddy certainly has shown us in this
book how one can thoroughly backtest an idea and know exactly what the winning probability is. The author
did a thorough backtesting of the first trading day of the month phenomenon which has been known for
years. Statistically he proves that there are a number of scenarios that have a high winning probability.
Especially for novice traders and people who are interested in the backtesting topic, the author explained
clearly the important backtesting metrics used in the book. The table format is very easy for readers to see
the outcome of each and every scenario listed in the book. I highly recommend anyone trading and investing
in the market should have a read of the informative book.“ V. Wang (Amazon review)
Page 91 of 179
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Amazon Link
A Trader's First Book on Commodities: An Introduction to the World's Fastest Growing Market (2nd Edition) Carley Garner
Recommendation
“As an industry insider and active trader, Carley provides excellent perspective in trading commodities. She
simplifies the process and explains in detail how to gain access to the markets and how to avoid the common
mistakes for novice traders. This is a must read and one that has shelf life as an important resource in
commodities trading.” —Stephanie Link, CIO, The Street
“This easy-to-read introduction to futures trading provides a comprehensive overview while being honest
about the risks. If you are as hard working as Carley is, it will surely whet your appetite to read more about
the incredible business of trading commodities!” —Linda Raschke, LBRGroup/FuturePath
“As a 35-year veteran of the CME/CBOT trading floor, I can tell you…those who think they can begin trading
commodities without knowing the less talked about topics that Carley discusses in A Trader’s First Book on
Commodities are sadly mistaken. Anyone who trades their own account, or would like to, should read this
book.” —Danny Riley, MrTopStep.com
“I own and operate one of the longest running independent brokerage firms in the industry. Take it from
me, there is a lot more to futures trading than studying charts and reading the news; this book delivers what
most commodity books are missing. Carley goes a long way toward shortening the learning curve for
anybody that is serious at getting involved in the futures and options markets. A Trader’s First Book on
Commodities is a must have for newbies or experienced traders looking for a fresh perspective.” —Matt
Zaner, Zaner Group LLC
“Carley does a masterful job connecting the rich history of commodity trading with the modern day trading
markets. It’s not easy trading any market, but this book gives any trader a chance to advance their
knowledge. While times have changed, the art of trading commodities has not; this piece is a must have for a
trader getting started.” —Bob Lang, Contributor, TheStreet.com, and Founder, ExplosiveOptions.net
Page 92 of 179
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Amazon Link
Trade Stocks and Commodities with the Insiders: Secrets of the COT Report - Larry R. Williams
Recommendation
http://emini-watch.com/free-stuff/top-trading-books/
Trade Stocks & Commodities with the Insiders by Larry Williams
Larry Williams filled a gap in the market with this book exclusively about Commitment of Traders. He doesn’t
reveal all his secrets in this book but if you want to understand the Commitment of Traders Report, this is a
must read. The information is more geared towards swing trading futures than day trading.
Page 93 of 179
The Ultimate Guide to Trading Books
Options
Amazon Link
Options as a Strategic Investment - Lawrence G. McMillans
Recommendation
http://www.minyanville.com/business-news/editors-pick/articles/trading-book-Reminiscence-of-aStock/1/14/2013/id/47283?page=full
Options as a Strategic Investment by Lawrence McMillans is great resource to help novice investors wrap
their heads around the world of options investing. It covers the basics of how options work, and offers
numerous strategies for a variety of different markets. The newest edition of this guide showcases a variety
of options trading products now available, as well as contains a section on volatility trading. If you're thinking
of using puts and calls, read this book first.
Page 94 of 179
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Amazon Link
Options Trading with ConnorsRSI (Connors Research Trading Strategy Series) - Larry Connors, Cesar Alvarez,
Connors Research, Matt Radtke
Recommendation
“Options are among the most difficult markets to trade. Many traders like the idea of the low prices on many
options contracts, but few can successfully and consistently time their trades. Connors provides a "turn key"
strategy that any trader could implement the day after they read this book. In addition to being detailed, this
book stands out as the only options book I've ever seen with test results. You not only get a complete
trading strategy, but also a high level of confidence in the strategy based on the historical performance.” - A
high probability and back tested options trading that works, By Amber Hestla, Options Strategist
“Options traders need to get the direction of the trend correct and they need to time the trade correctly in
order to minimize the cost of the time premium (if they are buying) or maximize the time premium when
selling. Most authors describing an options strategy fail to provide test results, either because the strategies
are untested or because the test results don't support their idea. This book provides trading rules and back
tested results. Because stocks and ETFs show a high degree of correlation in the short term, there is no need
to provide test results for dozens of options series - if the strategy works on SPY it should be expected to
work just as well on other indexes which move with SPY 90% or more of the time. This book is the only book
I know of that tests an options strategy that is quantified and reproducible. It's the perfect book for small
traders trying to understand options or experienced traders looking for high probability signals.” - Quantified
options strategy with real test results, By Mike Carr, CMT
Page 95 of 179
The Ultimate Guide to Trading Books
Stocks
Amazon Link
What Works on Wall Street, Fourth Edition: The Classic Guide to the Best-Performing Investment Strategies
of All Time - James O’Shaughnessy
Recommendation
http://stockcharts.com/articles/journal/2013/10/pivotal-books-in-the-25-year-trading-life-of-a-stockmarket-investor.html
Both of these two books will give you guidance as how best to approach the markets and will describe those
key relationships that’ll help shift the probabilities your way.
http://einvestingforbeginners.com/2013/07/08/top-investing-books/
This book gives you specific methods to analyze individual stocks and companies. Through extensive
research and testing, O’Shaughnessy showed how superior gains can be made and have been made by value
investors in the stock market. The amount of sheer data in What Works on Wall Street is fascinating, and the
book took Wall Street by storm as a best seller in the 90’s.
O’Shaughnessy also defends the importance of the rarely used P/S ratio, and of course backs it up with more
raw data and case studies. If you are a numbers guy like I am and love to see how ratios and indicators have
shaped the performance of stocks, pick up this book today.
Page 96 of 179
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Amazon Link
How to Beat Wall Street: Everything You Need to Make Money in the Markets Plus! 20 Trading System Ideas
- Mr J B Marwood
Recommendation
http://jbmarwood.com/16-best-trading-books-time/
It would be stupid to write a list of the best trading books without mentioning my own book. In many ways,
HTBWS is an accumulation of all the books on this page. All the secrets and techniques from these classics
helped shape my book, which I have tried to put together in a concise way.
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Amazon Link
Trade Like a Stock Market Wizard: How to Achieve Super Performance in Stocks in Any Market - Mark
Minervini
Recommendation
http://www.daytradetheworld.com/trading-blog/top-10-stock-market-books-you-should-read
This stock market books teaches you how to do technical analysis and apply it in a real-world setting. It also
provides you with strategies and knowledge that make it a must-have in your stock market book library.
Page 98 of 179
The Ultimate Guide to Trading Books
Amazon Link
S&P 500 Trading with ConnorsRSI (Connors Research Trading Strategy Series) - Larry Connors, Cesar
Alvarez, Connors Research, Matt Radtke
Recommendation
"ConnorsRSI might be the first new indicator released in years. At least it might be the first new indicator
that works that has been released in years. It includes the direction of the trend along with the strength and
duration of the trend in its calculation. The result is an indicator that spots oversold and overbought
extremes. This book puts the indicator into a strategy that can be traded and includes detailed test results
showing the strategy would have been profitable. Using indicators everyone else uses is unlikely to be
profitable. This book demonstrates unique insights into the market can be profitable with a disciplined
strategy." - A new indicator for trading success, By Mike Carr, CMT
Page 99 of 179
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Amazon Link
Trading Stocks and Options with Moving Averages - A Quantified Approach (Connors Research Trading
Strategy Series) - Larry Connors, Cesar Alvarez, Connors Research, Matt Radtke
Recommendation
"Connors Research does an outstanding job measuring a strategy’s effectiveness. The thing I like about all
the strategies is that they will test a wide range of parameters. If the logic is correct you should not see a
large variance in returns when the inputs change. Meaning, it should not matter greatly if the moving
averages are a 5/10 period, or 10/20 period. If the underlying logic is sound, you have a robust indicator
even if the inputs (moving averages in this case) are not optimal for the ever changing markets. Connors
Research offers both mean reversion strategies as well as trend following strategies.
Trading Stocks and Options with Moving Averages is a mean reversion strategy that offers clear rules on how
to use moving averages for profitable trades. The essence of this strategy is to find stocks that have
corrected too far too fast within the context of a larger uptrend, and capitalize on the overreaction. The
strategy includes both entry and exit of the trade.
One of the hallmarks of Connors Research strategies is the high win percentage, typically around 70%. The
trader needs to know their own trading style and determine if they would rather enjoy a 75% win rate and
have fewer trade signals, or be happy with 68% win rate and have more trades.
This strategy searches for volatile stocks, and then buys them while everyone is selling. It takes courage and
a sound strategy to do this with confidence. The trader will also need a flexible database to screen and filter
stocks within these parameters. TradingMarkets.com has a free market screener that has many of the
indicators needed." - “Buy The Dip” with 75% accuracy, By Lance McDonald, CMT
"This book shows how to identify deeply oversold trading opportunities with moving averages. That's a
unique idea - MAs are usually applied to trend following systems. By using MAs as the basis of a meanreversion trading strategy you get a unique insight into the market. This strategy identifies low-frequency,
high probability trade signals and can be used with other trading strategies to take advantage of oversold
markets." - Unique insight to prices that gives you an edge, By Mike Carr, CMT
Page 100 of 179
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Amazon Link
High Probability Trading With Multiple Up and Down Days (Connors Research Trading Strategy Series) Larry Connors, Cesar Alvarez, Connors Research, Matt Radtke
Recommendation
"One of the paths to market success is to look at the same data every one has access to and see it in a
different way. That's what this book days - multiple down days and multiple up days are used to define the
direction of the short term trend. This is an indicator and a trading strategy and the strategy comes with
objective rules, detailed results and examples that can be immediately applied to the markets. This book
could also provide readers with new ideas for testing weekly or intraday time frames, another possible path
towards successful trading." - A new way of looking at the trend, By Mike Carr, CMT
Page 101 of 179
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Amazon Link
Short Selling Stocks with ConnorsRSI (Connors Research Trading Strategy Series) - Larry Connors, Cesar
Alvarez, Connors Research, Matt Radtke
Recommendation
This is a unique book with detailed strategies that work for short selling, an area that has been largely
neglected in the literature of technical analysis. Traders will be able to place trades on the short side
immediately after reading this book. They will also have a detailed understanding of how to design a trading
system that offers potential rewards based on mechanical rules and can then develop their own short selling
strategies based on the ideas in the book." - First time I've seen a winning system for short trades By Mike
Carr, CMT
"Gives good additional information to their first book on short term trading. Adding info on option trading
was very useful." - Good additional info, By Michael Young
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Amazon Link
The Art of Short Selling - Kathryn F. Staley
Recommendation
http://www.minyanville.com/business-news/editors-pick/articles/trading-book-Reminiscence-of-aStock/1/14/2013/id/47283?page=full
Goelz and his team are quick to notice a poor understanding of how to sell short among their new trainees.
Kathryn F. Staley's The Art of Short Selling offers a dexterous explanation of an incredibly profitable but oft
misunderstood discipline that no novice trader should be without. Staley gives insight into the key signals for
when a stock's price is going to drop, where these signals are found, and how to utilize these signals to make
a profit. Short selling, however, remains incredibly risky, and a few missteps can yield an irrevocable loss.
Having a good foundation in the practice is a must, and Staley's guide is a fantastic resources to build one.
Page 103 of 179
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Amazon Link
Swing Trading Step-by-Step: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Consistent Profits as a Swing Trader - Michael
Young
Recommendation
"I have read other books on swing trading and this guide covers in a few quick pages what the others took
far too many pages to cover. The step by step guide is just that, it gives the upside and downside to different
methods and the charts provided keep the reading light and easily graspable.
A must read for anyone wandering into the swing trading methodology, well worth the read for anyone who
invests at all!" - Best Swing Trading guide I have seen By Ellen McConnell
"One of the best most complete guide to swing trading I've read so far. The charts we're really necessary.
The best part of this book was the section on money management and how it coincides with your level of
risks and also when to avoid trading altogether. It's amazing the amount of money needed in order to have
just a chance at swing trading. The analysis is difficult, but practicing with paper trading is an excellent tip for
getting better.This book really helped me understanding swing trading that much more." - good content,
great advice and tips By C Swan
"This is a very good on Swing Trading, it's well written and effectively communicated. I learned a lot about
Swing Trading from this step-by-step guide. The use of diagram by the writer assisted me to better
understand the material. Chapter 5 was very in depth in the explanation of the market price stages. In
addition, the writer devoted a chapter on how to spot a swing trading opportunity. A+++++" - A+++++ book
By Deneil C.
"Swing trading is an alternative to day trading. To practice swing trading you need strategy, disciplined
money management and leaving emotions out of your trading. You learn that all stocks move within four
pricing stages and you need to know and understand them. It also covers knowing the psychology of the
crowd. Its a great introduction to swing trading." - Start here, By Christine
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Amazon Link
Stock Gap Trading Strategies That Work (Connors Research Trading Strategy Series) - Larry Connors, Cesar
Alvarez, Connors Research, Matt Radtke
Recommendation
"Gaps have been widely studied and the conclusions tend to be mixed - some authors show great trading
results with gaps and other show gaps have little value for traders. As he does in all his work, Connors
defines exactly how to take action on gaps and he provides data showing that action could be profitable for
disciplined traders.
Volatile markets create a large number of gaps. This book tells traders how to profit from that fact and the
test results provided show the strategy works in bull and bear markets. That makes this the right book for
traders nervous about when the next bear market will start. If you trade gaps, it really won't matter because
you can profit in up or down markets." - High Probability Gap-based Trading Opportunities, By Mike Carr,
CMT
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Momentum Trading: A Simple Day Trading Strategy for Consistent Profits - Michael Young
Recommendation
"This is an excellent overview of moment trading. I enjoyed reading my this book in it's entirety. I especially
loved chapter 5 which provided a step by step strategy on how to implement the moment trading. In this
chapter the writer also included a diagram and a graph to illustrate his points more clearly, which I
appreciated a lot. This ebook educated me on the risks associated with momentum trading, possibility of
things going wrong and what to do should this happen. A lot of information packed in a short ebook.
A+++++" - A great overview, By Deneil C.
"This is my kind of trading! You need to do some research before practicing this, but as a day trader I think
this is exactly what I need. This book is excellent, telling you not only what to do, but when to do it. It covers
everything you need to know about Momentum trading. I recommend this book to everyone researching the
practice of momentum trading." - Great Information, By Christine "Save A Stray"
"I really like this momentum trading. It's different from day trading, but has similar concepts and rules. I
don't think it's for me because I don't want to spend so much time preparing and watching the market in
order to make something happen. It's a strategy that I can use along with more familiar and relaxed methods
that allow you to hold a position long term. I enjoyed learning about this cool strategy." - Good overview, By
C Swan
"If you are an aspiring trader who enjoys living on the edge then Momentum trading IS FOR YOU! In
Momentum trading, traders focus on stocks that are moving significantly in one direction on high volume.
This style offers the most potential for big profit since it is powered by Momentum, the single most
significant factor driving stock prices. However, without a proper understanding of the technique, sufficient
knowledge of the risks and a willingness to take an occasional loss, momentum trading can get the best of
even the most seasoned traders. The author does an excellent job illustrating the differences between
Momentum and Trend & Swing trading. Another Thumbs Up for this information packed eBook by Michael
Young." - TRADING FOR RISK LOVERS, By TexasT "Tonya Bilbrey"
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"Young delivers again with an outstanding guide on Momentum Trading! Momentum Trading has time
constraints and more than likely open an close trading positions on the same day. Momentum Trading is
often confused with trend trading, and swing trading. This guide tells you how to accurately select your
stocks, what optimum trading time consist of, the importance of volume, strategies, the open market, exit
levels etc; This guide provided very detailed information, with some graphs, and great examples, Young even
identified the warnings and risk to let the trader know what to look out for. Reading this guide is a must read
in my opinion, highly recommended!!" - Great Guide! A+, By C. James "Cris-Style"
"This guide is the ultimate as far as learning about momentum trading goes. Momentum trading is not the
same as day trading and I would definitely look into more information before getting started with
momentum trading but this book is the perfect starting point for getting your feet wet. Michael Young did
very well breaking down the differences between regular swing trading and momentum trading as
momentum trading is more intricate. I will give this book 5 stars I learned so much." - 5 stars! By Chasity
Platts
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How Markets Really Work: Quantitative Guide to Stock Market Behavior - Larry Connors, Cesar Alvarez,
Connors Research
Recommendation
"Those who want to improve their trading of the markets in the very short run would benefit from this
book." (Seeking Alpha, March 21st, 2012)
“The original "How Markets Really Work" has long been one of my favorite trading books of all time. It came
out shortly after I began doing a lot of my own quantitative research. The concepts in the book were simple,
effective, and, for me, inspiring. I referred back to that book many times over the next few years and my
copy is filled with highlights and notes.
Upon reading the second edition I have not been disappointed. Larry reviews all of the edges he identified in
the first edition and shows how they have evolved since. I enjoyed placing my books side-by-side and going
through the first several chapters. Additionally, he's added a few more chapters which should make the
second edition a worthwhile purchase for anyone who already owns the first. One of these chapters
discusses Larry's research with regards to the2-period RSI indicator, another looks at historical volatility and
its impact on individual stock returns, and the third shows a nice example of a rotational system that could
be built using the ideas in the book.
I often say a trading book is worthwhile if you can get at least one good idea from the book that you can
apply to your trading and improve your returns. Two good ideas make for a very good book. "How Markets
Really Work" has a bundle. For traders who enjoy system building or quantitative research you have a
goldmine of ideas here which make for excellent starting points. But even traders who don't conduct their
own market studies would be well advised to have an understanding of the concepts presented in this book.
And the fact that it's written in such simple terms is a real plus. It's perhaps one of the few quantitative
books that requires almost no knowledge of math.
Anyway, it's long been an inspiration to me, and now that there is a second edition I suspect it will be an
inspiration to many new traders as well. ” – Rob Hanna – Quantifiable Edges
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The Long Pullbacks Strategy (Connors Research Trading Strategy Series) - Larry Connors, Cesar Alvarez,
Connors Research
Recommendation
“Trading is often reduced to simple statements like "buy the dips." That's a strategy that works if you know
how to spot the difference between a dip and the beginning of a decline. The Long Pullbacks Strategy
provides detailed rules that have a history of success.It also provides historical results that show the rules
have worked in any market environment. The value of this book is simply that it explains when a dip is a
buying opportunity and when you should avoid buying.” - Buy the dips with a quantified strategy, By Mike
Carr, CMT
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The VXX Trend Following Strategy (Connors Research Trading Strategy Series) - Larry Connors, Cesar
Alvarez, Connors Research, Matt Radtke
Recommendation
“Connors Research offers both mean reversion and trend following strategies, but the VXX Trend Following
Strategy is (obviously) the latter. The hardest part about this strategy is to understand the VXX symbol that
you are trading. The VXX simply holds a portfolio of VIX (Volatility Index) futures. You will want to dig in and
understand what you are buying and this book takes several pages to walk you through the VXX.
There are several strengths to this strategy. The first is that you only need to follow one trading symbol, VXX.
Second, the trade entry rules are extremely straight forward and you will be able to set this up in any free
trading/charting platform. Third, this strategy takes both long and short trades. To be “long” you are betting
on the price to go higher and to be “short” means you are betting on price to go lower. You must understand
this concept as the VXX has a downward bias and 85% of the trades will be “short”. Since the VXX is
negatively correlated to the stock market, when the VXX is going lower, the stock market is going higher. So,
most of the trades will be when the VXX is declining in price. The one downside is that the VXX has only been
around since 2009, so there is not a decade of data to back test, but the results are compelling enough to
stay engaged and not abandon the strategy.
It is typical to see trend following strategies with a Win Rate of 30% and still be profitable, but this is
emotionally difficult for the trader. The VXX Trend Following Strategy has a Win Rate of 45% (depending on
what moving average variation you use.) This is more than acceptable for a trend following system if you
have the emotional strength to take the trades, and with an Average Gain per trade around 3%, the trader
should feel more confident with each trade.” - Volatility and trend are your friends, By Lance McDonald,
CMT
“Volatility is talked about a lot but few people explain how to turn talk into action. The VXX Trend Following
Strategy provides rules that define exactly when to trade SPY based on volatility. The book is one of the very
few that actually tells you how to trade volatility. Precise rules and back tested results allow you to trade
with confidence. This is a valuable book that could pay for itself with 2 or 3 trades.” - Stop talking about
volatility and start profiting from volatility, By Mike Carr, CMT
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Technical Analysis of Gaps: Identifying Profitable Gaps for Trading - Julie Dahlquist and Richard J. Bauer
Recommendation
“Finally! We now have a book that deals exclusively with price gaps. Read how to identify them, trade them,
and measure their returns. The authors challenge conventional wisdom regarding the usefulness of gaps on
heavy or light volume. Find out if days that contain a high number of gapping stocks will offer clues to the
market’s overall direction. I thank Julie and Richard for addressing my forty-five-year-old curiosity: What
does it mean when prices gap above or below moving averages?” —Ralph J. Acampora, CMT, Director,
Technical Analysis, Altaira Limited
“Technical and quantitative market analysts who use or are considering using price gaps either in
discretionary or systematic trading strategies will want to study, not just read, Technical Analysis of Gaps:
Identifying Profitable Gaps for Trading by professors Julie Dahlquist and Richard Bauer. It adds momentum
to the trend of rigorous evidence-based literature. Traders will learn which gaps contain the best profit
potential and which contain none. It made me realize how little I knew about this important area of technical
analysis.” —David Aronson, CMT, President, Hood River Research, and author of Evidence-Based Technical
Analysis
“Technical Analysis of Gaps summarizes the authors’ comprehensive research on stock price gaps. In it, they
describe surprising results in gap behavior that dispel many Wall Street myths. They show practical methods
for taking advantage of gaps and profiting from their appearance. This book is a classic. In my opinion, it is
the final, complete treatise on the subject of stock market gaps.” —Charles D. Kirkpatrick II, CMT, Kirkpatrick
& Company, Inc., and coauthor of Technical Analysis: The Complete Resource for Financial Market
Technicians
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Profiting from Dividend Momentum - Nick Radge
Recommendation
“Nick has put his mechanical systems based trading methods into another fine piece of work. This time
round focusing on the momentum that can enter a dividend paying stock prior to a dividend being paid.
There is no denying that Nick loves to back test, and the back test results of this strategy came as a surprise.
They are rather good! Also, what i found quiet interesting was what happened when the index filter was
added. Anyways, definately a book worth reading, and would be a very easy strategy to follow.” - A worthy
read, By Donald Duck
“An excellent addition to any active investors armoury. Written in an easy format with no "fluff".
Definitely value for money.” - Easy to understand and implement., By Neil Mackechnie
“THE SYSTEM SEEMS TO BE VERY EASY TO IMPLEMENT AND ALSO VERY INTERESTING.
I AM GOING TO TRY AND USE THE SYSTEM IN THE NEW YEAR .I AM VERY CONFIDENT THAT IT SHOULD
WORK AND GIVE GOOD RESULTS” - THE EASY DIVIDEND TRADING SYSTEM, By jack bloch
“This is a great book with a well tested strategy. I read it and will implement it. Nick Radge says.... Read It....
Validate It. Do It.” - Great Book!, By Kandoi
“Nick Radge is that rare educator who is also a full time trader.
His books leave nothing to the imagination and strategies are fully disclosed,warts and all!
A characteristic of successful pro traders is their ability to produce robust,elegant systems and Nick excels
here.
A valuable addition to one's toolbox and an excellent effort by Mr.Radge overall.” - A Seasoned Pro, By m
moosa
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Adaptive Analysis for Stocks - Nick Radge
Recommendation
“I haven't finished the book yet, but the best thing about it so far is that Nick Rage gives a balanced analysis
of the strengths and weaknesses of using Elliott Wave analysis.
I find the theory potentially lucrative, but it is not a magic pill, and it is quite confusing trying to decide if a
certain wave pattern replicates the theory, or not.
Mr. Radge explains day-to-day uses for the theory down to earth terms.
For me that's helpful.” - Helpful on Elliott Wave Theory, By Bruce Clark
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Mean Reversion Trading Systems - Dr. Howard B. Bandy
Recommendation
Hi Howard,
Thank you so much! I am really enjoying Mean Reversion Trading Systems and Quantitative Trading Systems,
and am reading, studying, and applying it every night after work. I know it will take time, but your books
make the road easier. I'm so glad you wrote this new book as well.
In fact, your work is the main reason I've been able to create and test a handful of trading systems so far,
and I truly appreciate what you have done. Not just for me, but for any lay-person who like me has a new life
skill thanks to you.
--David
Dear Howard,
This year I got some books from you and it surprises me every day to find new things in it. Today I read
something about optimization and backtesting. My head is about to burst, but I think you got it, so it must
be possible for others...
Thank you for your books!
I wish you and your family merry Christmas and keep the fire burning.
best regards from Bavaria, --Peter
Fantastic books. Really precise on the definitions and biases. I do like maths and stats, so I think your books
are superb. I have to thank my friend though, as he recommended them to me.
--Joyanta
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Short Term Trading Strategies That Work - Larry Connors and Cesar Alvarez
Recommendation
“Larry Connors has years of trading experience and has once again put that experience to paper with this
book. I was just a few pages into it when his message hit home. As a result, I have already improved my
methods to become better at what I do. --Michael Kahn, CMT, Columnist for Barrons Online, Editor, Quick
Takes Pro newsletter
Short Term Trading Strategies That Work is a worthwhile book to read if you're a short term trader. It is
simple and relies on respectable tested research. It can only add money to your net worth. --Victor
Sperandeo, CEO and President of Alpha Financial Technologies LLC; Profiled in The New Market Wizards
You'll keep this book on your trading desk at all times because the quantified strategies presented have a
very high probability of success. --Kevin Haggerty, former Head of Trading for Fidelity Capital Markets --Kevin
Haggerty, former Head of Trading for Fidelity Capital Markets
Short Term Trading Strategies That Work is a worthwhile book to read if you're a short term trader. It is
simple and relies on respectable tested research. It can only add money to your net worth. --Victor
Sperandeo, CEO and President of Alpha Financial Technologies LLC; Profiled in The New Market Wizards
You'll keep this book on your trading desk at all times because the quantified strategies presented have a
very high probability of success.” --Kevin Haggerty, former Head of Trading for Fidelity Capital Markets -Kevin Haggerty, former Head of Trading for Fidelity Capital Markets
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Unholy Grails - A New Road to Wealth - Nick Radge
Recommendation
“Most new traders generally go looking for the holy grail of trading. That system that just prints money, they
believe it exists and will look relentlessly for it. However there is no holy grail of trading. The closest thing a
trader can get to a holy grail in trading is a robust mechanical trend following system with limited draw
downs that the trader can deal with without emotions causing them to over ride the system.
Nick Radge as written a great book on this very topic `Unholy Grails', this is a great addition to any trend
following trader's library regardless of your specific method for trend following. What Nick does is take the
reader through how he builds mechanical trend following systems that beat the market. His momentum
based strategies are based primarily on catching a market wave and riding it for over sized profits. Not
through predictions but through back tested mechanical systematic strategies based on momentum that
have historically been shown to beat the market during a trend and over the long term. In between these
trends the system is designed to limit equity draw downs by automatically stopping out of losing trades
when certain parameters are hit. His key message in the book is to create a system based both on simplicity
and robustness. His systems allocate the investors account into 20 equal increments to manage risk without
diluting returns.
He measures his systems through the metrics of return, risk, and also reliability. Nick does a great job of
giving the reader charts demonstrating the historical equity curves of both profits in dollars and percentage
of equity draw downs during markets that are not conducive to profits. Nick has placed charts in the book
showing the returns of each system year by year based on historical information using the systems entry and
exit metrics for its watch list.
Nick has some excellent interviews with very successful traders in the back of the book and how they
successfully manage their trading systems in real accounts with real money. He also covers the
misconceptions about trend following traders and explains the truth about what they do.
This is just an excellent addition to trend following literature and is a perfect complement to Michael Covel's
writings. I highly recommend.” - Steve Burns (Amazon Review)
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Gap Trading: Simple Stock Trading Strategies for Consistent Profits (Updated and Expanded) - Michael Young
Recommendation
"Gap trading involves high risk, so reading this book is definitely helpful to getting tips on the strategy of how
to do it properly.
This book sets out the three factors underlying why gaps occur and the four different types of gaps (being
continuation gaps; breakaway gaps; exhaustion gaps; and common gaps). It's important to know what the
different types are (and which gaps get filled and why) because that helps you understand gap trading
strategy. Namely, it helps you decide HOW to trade the different types of gaps.
Michael Young also reviews how to MINIMIZE RISK when gap trading. This includes how to watch chart
patterns, how to use stop orders to limit losses, how to use volume as an indicator, whether one should wait
after a gap has formed, being aware of company fundamentals, technical trading level, outside influences
that affect stock prices and testing out gap trading).
There are two bonuses in this book (which is, again, why I gave it 5-stars. You're getting more than the stepby-step strategy - you're also getting free tools!
BONUS 1: Free Trading Toolkit
BONUS CHAPTER 2: Sets out how to effectively test a trading strategy using a demo account, a super
important feature when testing out any new trading philosophy or strategy.
5 stars and highly recommended for those interested in starting gap trading!" - How to gap trade...Step by
step guide!, By Carla
"Easy step by step how to construct a complete gap trading strategy to help you make profits in the stock
market. Understanding this theory you will have an advantage over the majority of traders and investors
who try to trade based on strategies, etc...A better understanding of Rhythmic movements of the markets." Simple Concise Read, By ladyp
"I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Another excellent work of Michael Young. This book provided me with the
knowledge needed to understand this stock trading strategy called Gap Trading. The illustrations better
helped me to understand the difference between the four types of Gap. I feel like I'm equipped and ready to
enter into the stock trading market. Thanks to the author. A+++++" - A great strategy explained! By Deneil C.
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New Trader, Rich Trader: How to Make Money in the Stock Market - Steve Burns
Recommendation
“New Trader, Rich Trader is an impressive work on the vast array of trading literature available in the world.
The book is full of information that every beginning and intermediate trader can and should use to better
their trading results. Trading can be one of the most rewarding and nerve racking things anyone can do. I've
made and lost tons of money in the market, I've had the hair pulling experiences of watching profits turn
into losses, and the exciting experience of coming back from those losses, and making massive profits. I've
shorted BP, and I've gone long stocks that have jumped up hugely, and I've had the reverse happen as well.
When I started I watched half my money vanish in the matter of a month or so. With this book, I'm quite
certain that that wouldn't have been the case. Steve Burns is showing himself to become part of the ranks of
other great writers of the market , like Michael Covel and Dr. Alexander Elders. This book has simple rules
and instructions, basic things that aren't so basic that anyone who follows them will see better results, and
get to skip that horrible and painful couple of years of suffering losses.
I highly recommend it.” - A Must For Would Be Traders, By: Amazon Customer
“New Trader Rich Trader is an unbelievable book and resource for all walks in the trading/investing life and
markets. It is a book I WISH I had available when I began trading for a living 12+ years ago.
Steve delivers to you a story- one many can relate to where you need a hand to lead and teach you HOW TO
FISH , not just feed you one fish and then you starve. He delves into all the main and necessary aspects of
great trading. A delightful,entertaining and enlightening read- a must for all desks!
Thanks Steve.
J in NY” = A Must Must Must Read, By: J Trader for 12= years
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Range Trading: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Consistent Range Trading Profit - Michael Young
Recommendation
“I am very impressed with this book. The writer did a good job of explaining Range Trading and how it works
by also using diagrams to help with conveying the material. Like all other aspects of trading, Range involve
risks, which the writer touched on in Chapter 4. In Chapter 5, the writer provided some guidelines as to how
one can reduce/minimize those risks. A+ rating!!!" - Very interesting... A+, By Deneil C.
"If you are interested in range trading, this is a good place to start. It explains what range trading is and why
it works. It also tells you how to maximize profit and minimize risk. Complete with examples and charts, I
found it very informative." - I liked it. By Christine
"Range Trading is a strategy used by investors in Forex trading when there is a lack of direction in the
market. In other words they have no clearly defined up or down trend. Determining major support and
resistance levels allows a trader to define exit (resistance) and entry (support) points. The fact that stocks
never move up, down or in a straight line continuously makes Range Trading a very attractive & successful
strategy. Several pricing concepts must be considered to develop an effective strategy:
Buy above the level of support
Sell below the level of resistance
Expect a small loss before position profits
There are three basic steps involved in executing this strategy; identifying range, timing your entry and
managing risk. Young’s practice of using charts and examples is very effective in the discussion of Range
Trading. As always his knowledge of the subject is very apparent to readers. Excellent job!" - FOREX MARKET
STRATEGIES, By TexasT "Tonya Bilbrey"
"This is a really interesting and consolidated way of trading. It seems like profits can really be made. This
book has plenty of graphs and charts showing how quickly money can be gained or loss. The chapter
highlighting risk management was very helpful and clear. Determining the entry and exit points is the
toughest part and takes careful decision making. This is a strategy where stop loss positions are a must. I like
the fact that you can go long or short using this style and if you’re out of range you loss nothing. It might be
hard to find stock that is in a range trading spot and trusting that it will continue is risky. But I learned from
this book that most stock hit this low and high range mode at some point. I’ll be paying more attention to
this aspect of trading definitely." - Well written and understandable, By C Swan
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Stock Market Edges: A quantitative guide to developing winning trading strategies - Philip Reschke
Recommendation
"I have always thought a quantitative approach to trading was the only way to go but I have been struggling
to build strategies that had a consistent edge. This changed after I read Stock Market Edges.
Stock Market Edges test 10 different patterns/indicators across 6 different markets. The findings are
incredible - several of them gives one an edge on many of the markets, even after estimated trading costs.
I am using MultiCharts/Interactive Brokers as my primary trading platform so developing strategies based on
some of the edges was easy. My findings were impressing. I have finally been able to build a strategy with a
consistent edge across both the QQQ and the SPY.
Thanks to writing this one of a kind book. I learned a lot and now believe that I can make it as a trader.
Highly recommended." - This stuff works- Seriously !, By E Chun
"It is a very solid book for traders learning quantitative trading strategies and, of course, their edges. The
author went through many of the most important technical indicators and explained his observation and
rationale in good details.
There is no certainty that you can beat the market by reading a book. But it can be a good start." - A great
reading for novice traders, By capbleu
"I have for a long time been searching for a book that goes beyond theoretical explanations of how to trade
the markets. This book takes a different approach by performing various test to identify specific market
edges that can be incorporated into my trading strategies or serve as the foundation for new ones.
The tests in Stock Market Edges are performed across various stock markets and the findings are interesting.
I particular like the edges identified on short-term up up and short-term down days and ADX and the sample
strategy in the summary chapter. It is interesting how well it performs." - Excellent stock market trading
book, By LAI WING YI
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Weekend Trend Trader - Nick Radge
Recommendation
“Loved it.
If you are interested in a USA based strategy, with full rules disclosed that makes fantastic money with
minimal effort, buy this book.
Actually if you like mechanical trading strategies, try his book "Unholy Grails" for even more systems that
work great in both USA and AUS. You wont be disappointed. “ - Dale (Amazon Review)
“The book is precise in its description of the portfolio manager. The rules are simple and easy to implement.
Thanks got such great information in a short concise book. I'm going to give it a try. “ Rick D. Schoeling
(Amazon Review)
“Weekend Trader gives a part time investor a great tool without hours or days of research. Great
information and guidance for such a small cost.” - Tom (Amazon Review)
“Some new concepts I haven't heard before! Definetly worth every cent! Would recommend to anyone that
is interested in trading.” - Mike Popovich (Amazon Review)
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Quantitative Investing: Strategies to exploit stock market anomalies for all investors - Fred Piard
Recommendation
"I expected yet another bloated book on investing, but was pleasantly surprised.
Mr. Piard starts with a simple explanation of each of the technical parameters used later to measure the
performance of the discussed strategies.
Then he explains the basics behind the generic strategies (market timing, momentum, pair-switching).
The rest of the book is a pure treasure for a novice investors like me:
- The author is explaining how the simple strategies work and how to exploit them in plain English, with
specific examples and performance measurements of the simulations based on historic data.
- He is then showing a step-by-step examples on optimizing each of them and explains alternatives for
different types of investing stiles, each backed by hard data on changes in performance.
- In the later chapters he explores combining those strategies and is drawing conclusion on what works best
and why.
The work he presents shows impressive performance in terms of both return and drawdown reduction.
The thing I liked most though is that the book's style. It's very clean, with great explanations, simple math
and lots of hard data/examples. I'm a slow reader, but finished it in a day.
Unlike many other equity investment books, it is perfect for using as a reference material.
Definite 5 from me." - Perfect Reference Material, By Alexander Popov
"If you've tried TA and failed, like me, this is a book that will show you how to make long term profits
through simple strategies." - excellent, By P. Wood
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Successful Stock Trading - A Guide to Profitability - Nick Radge
Recommendation
"Nick Radge is the only person who I have come across who is a trend following trader, has a long and
successful track record, and has decided to write a book about trading. It is exceedingly rare to even find
someone with two of these characteristics.
After trading for seven years myself, I am able to cut through who profoundly understands trading. Radge is
able to condense some of this deep understanding into just over 50 pages, which meant that I ended up
highlighting huge sections of the book (more so than most full sized books).
I would recommend this book to new traders starting out. Unfortunately, most new traders are not
interested in learning about boring topics such as position sizing and risk management, but would rather
proceed directly to making money quickly, which is impossible. In the end, this book will likely resonate with
experienced traders, who need this lesson the least." - Concentrated Wisdom, By Danny Merkel
"Plainly to the point writing, no sales pitch just good solid advise from a guy who practices what he preaches
and puts it out there for anyone to see" - Sensible, By Nigel Oxford
"Excellent Book! The book is short, to the point, and very clearly written. Mr. Radge does a super job of
making the most important, seemingly complex aspects of trading (making money) simple. Also, what a
value! Mr. Radge, in my opinion, is one of the extremely rare individuals who gives you much more than he
asks- his great insight for basically free. The world needs more people like him! Thank you!" - Great Value!,
By Tape Reader
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Trend Following (Updated Edition): Learn to Make Millions in Up or Down Markets - Michael Covel
Recommendation
http://jbmarwood.com/16-best-trading-books-time/
Easily one of the best trend following books out there if not the best. Michael Covel’s book is completely
persuasive and full of detailed examples of trading strategies and the trend following funds that use them.
There’s a section on trend following performance and a segment about trend following stocks. A lot of my
current trading ideas are based on some of the ideas from this book.
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Laughing at Wall Street: How I Beat the Pros at Investing (by Reading Tabloids, Shopping at the Mall, and
Connecting on Facebook) and How You Can, Too - Chris Camillo
Recommendation
http://jbmarwood.com/16-best-trading-books-time/
I could be wrong but I don't think many have read this one. Laughing at Wall Street details how small time
investor Chris Camillo turned $20,000 into over $2 million in just a few years and he did it with a really
unique strategy that looked at social media and popular trends. A great book for modern times and shows
why it’s so important to be original.
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Professional Stock Trading: System Design and Automation - Mark R. Conway
Recommendation
http://emini-watch.com/free-stuff/top-trading-books/
Although Mark Conway is currently under a cloud, this book is still excellent. A complete swing trading
methodology is described with detailed TradeStation EasyLanguage code for 6 different set-up patterns plus
exits and money management. A great book if you want to see EasyLanguage in action.
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Trade Like a Hedge Fund: 20 Successful Uncorrelated Strategies and Techniques to Winning Profits - James
Altucher
Recommendation
http://www.tradebullet.com/resources/books/
"If you want factual advice based on real research, this is a must-read."
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Amazon Link
Pairs Trading: Quantitative Methods and Analysis - Ganapathy Vidyamurthy
Recommendation
http://www.tradebullet.com/resources/books/
Comprised of three information-packed parts, Pairs Trading presents an in-depth look at the various aspects
of these strategies and provides quantitative tools to assist in their analysis. The first part of this
comprehensive resource sets the context for the rest of the book by introducing preliminary material on
some key topics, including time series, factor models, and Kalman filtering.
“This book is small and has around 200 pages with very large font. The math is very simple to follow
compared with most of the other quantitative finance books out there. In the beggining of my masters
program I thought that statistics was nothing more than mumbo jumbo (as I assumed that the way to
succeed in finance was via probability theory, numerical analysis, stochastic calculus, and PDE's). Overall, this
book changed my outlook on statistics and how analyzing time series accurately via statistics can help you
put together a good trading strategy. Please note that this book is a short refresher and only provides the
reader with new ideas. I don't think that if anyone had a succesful trading strategy they would be disclosing
their recipes and algorithms in a book. “ – JC (Amazon Review)
I totally have to disagree with the first reviewer. I would rather say the opposite: the book is mathematically
too simple in many places. But on the other hand it is not a statistics book. The book tries to explain
complicated matters in a simple way. If you have no idea about stochastic processes, ARIMA-models,
cointegration, stationarity,... then this book might not be the right one for you. But honestly: then pairs
trading might not be the right thing for you either. Pairs trading is based on statistical concepts. This book
only gives a brief idea of what statistical concepts are of use for pairs trading and how to apply them. If you
really want to go into pairs trading, you will have to get much deeper into statistics then then this book does
or can do. In my opinion the book does a brilliant job in giving you a link between statistical models, pairs
trading and financial models (like the APT). I also bought the book "Trading Pairs" by Mark Whistler, and I
must say i was rather disappointed, as, to my opinion, the book does not tell you what pairs trading is really
about, but the book by Ganapathy Vidyamurthy does.
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Amazon Link
The Handbook of Pairs Trading: Strategies Using Equities, Options, and Futures (Wiley Trading) - Douglas S.
Ehrman
Recommendation
Pairs trading—and other market-neutral strategies—have been around since the organization of listed
markets. Once used only by large institutional investors and hedge funds, this approach has recently been
adopted by many individual traders looking to take money out of the markets.
In The Handbook of Pairs Trading, financial professional Douglas Ehrman combines his extensive knowledge
and experience within this field to provide you with the tools and techniques necessary to successfully begin
managing your own pairs trading portfolio.
Divided into five parts, The Handbook of Pairs Trading explores pairs trading from a variety of angles, each
with the joint goal of illustrating both the general tenets of the strategy and presenting the particular
approach that Ehrman believes to be superior to all others. In the first three parts, Ehrman explores the
elements that make up the trading of equity pairs and the requisite skills that accompany that endeavor.
You'll receive a brief history of this discipline, and then learn about some of the most important features of
pairs trading, including market neutrality, arbitrage, and technical analysis. After exploring each of these
three major components independently, Ehrman spends time pulling them all together—through Unified
Pairs Trading Theory—so you can begin to integrate pairs trading into your own investment or trading style.
While pairs trading is easiest to understand when considering equities, the discussion of options, futures,
and currencies in the final two parts gives you an expanded collection of tools by which to manage your
portfolio. Here, Ehrman explores the application of Unified Pairs Trading Theory to these alternate asset
classes and securities types, and takes you step by step through a series of trade examples across various
asset classes—to both highlight the nuances of each and to solidify your understanding of the theory.
The Handbook of Pairs Trading clearly explains the theory and practice of this important discipline, and
breaks down its strategy so you can gain a firm understanding of the underlying dynamics of pairs trading.
Filled with in-depth insight and expert advice, The Handbook of Pairs Trading is a comprehensive resource
for those looking to implement this proven and profitable trading strategy.
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Amazon Link
Algorithmic Trading: Winning Strategies and Their Rationale (Wiley Trading) - Ernie Chan
Recommendation
http://www.quantstart.com/articles/Top-5-Essential-Beginner-Books-for-Algorithmic-Trading
This is the second book by Dr. Chan. In the first book he eluded to momentum, mean reversion and certain
high frequency strategies. This book discusses such strategies in depth and provides significant
implementation details, albeit with more mathematical complexity than in the first (e.g. Kalman Filters,
Stationarity/Cointegration, CADF etc). The strategies, once again, make extensive use of MatLab but the
code can be easily modified to C++, Python/pandas or R for those with programming experience. It also
provides updates on the latest market behaviour, as the first book was written a few years back.
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Amazon Link
Bollinger on Bollinger Bands - John A. Bollinger
Recommendation
Get the word from the Master! ... the indicator discussion is heaven for tech junkies. -- John Sweeney, editor,
Technical Analysis of Stocks & Commodities
John explains the Bands in detail, from the Squeeze to the Walk to the relationship between Bands and other
indicators. -- Steve Achelis, Author of Technical Analysis from A to Z
This book is a wonderful, easy-to-understand explanation of his famous baby. -- Bill Griffeth, CNBC TV
Anchor
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Amazon Link
The Compleat Day Trader, Second Edition - Jake Bernstein
Recommendation
“Highly readable print and clear illustrations add to the clarity of presentation by Mr. Bernstein. This
McGraw Hill publication is well produced. In fourteen chapters and just over 200 pages, the author has
presented his Day Trading methodology in a simple, readable format with copious illustrations. This book is
worth each of the 3500 pennies it cost and is easily readable and digestible in one weekend.
Given the specificity and clarity of everything else in the book, I am not sure I agree with the author's
decision not to include a brief discussion of Futures and Forex trading terminology so the charts and tick
pricing would be easily grasped by the reader.
As the author says, day trading is the ultimate financial game given its challenge, its promise and the fact
that it can be won; and the book shows how, as the author set out to do. `Having been educated in clinical
psychology and having worked in clinical setting' the author shows his expertise in his expose of the
Psychology of Day Trading in Chapter 12, which may be read at any time.
The author is commended for his careful mention of the fact that `High-frequency trading, flash trading, and
dark pools have given a distinct and possibly unfair advantage to institutional day traders'. He also says that
`The so-called flash crash on May 6, 2010, is an extreme example of what can happen in today's markets.'
The author believes that day traders who know their craft (and they will after reading this book!) can benefit
handsomely from present and future volatility.
The author has illustrated a simple `Setup, Trigger and Follow-Through' model using moving averages,
momentum and Gaps. The discussion on Moving Average Channel illustrating Support and Resistance is well
presented. As the author says `The simple fact of the matter is that if calculated correctly and implemented
with discipline, they work'. However, the discussion on MACD is not covered as well or clearly as the rest of
the indicators. Although the author should be commended for including realistic charts as examples, the
discussion on page 27 is unconvincing; the author himself says `further research will be necessary'. The car
analogy (page 93) in the context of momentum and energy leaves something to be desired! I never can
understand why authors of well written books eschew simple physics and math to explain momentum. After
all momentum here is the rate of change of price and a simple pendulum example which slows down as it
reaches its positive (right extreme) and then reverses direction to do the same at the negative (left extreme)
is not that hard an example for readers to understand.” - Day Trade - Here's How, By Ramal Murali
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Amazon Link
High Profit Trading Patterns - Kora Reddy
Recommendation
“While like so many other trading books this one covers the basics of chart types, entries and exits, and
basic market structure that is only the beginning. Kora Reddy's book is different from so many other trading
books because it actually shows the back tested performance of trading different quantitative price patterns
over the past decade in the Indian Nifty with their performance statistics for winning percentage and profit
factors. The author also explains the risk of ruin, draw down and the basics of money management while
trading.Kora also shares 12 trading rules that can help new traders begin work on their own trading plan to
but it all together. I really have enjoyed using Kora Reddy's Past Stat website and all his quant work. I am a
big fan of all his work including this book.” - Quantataive Trading Of the Nifty, By Steve Burns
“While there are many books available on trading with various subjects like technical analysis, eliiott wave
theory and so on, this is the book that gets down to the business of actually showing you the results
quantitatively. Not some random head and shoulder pattern or an A-B-C wave, this one uses prices alone. I
firmly believe prices alone can predict future prices. Rest all is noise, most of the indicators used on street
like MACD,RSI cannot really be used for making trading strategies.
The best part about this book is not only does the author give you the results on a platter but it also tickles
your brain to do a what if analysis. The chapter on judging your trading system is also very well written. That
is all there is to trading. More you complicate, lesser is the effectiveness.
Concepts like day of the week have been used again and again to prove that some days are better than
others. Although I believe these things can change over a course of time but what stops you from changing.
So my mantra after reading this book for all traders just starting out is stop drawing random lines, just get
dirty and put it down in a spreadsheet.
Thanks Kora for writing this book, for tickling the grey cells.” - One of the best books written, By Nitesh
Gupta
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Amazon link
Rocket Science for Traders: Digital Signal Processing Applications - John F. Ehlers
Recommendation
http://emini-watch.com/free-stuff/top-trading-books/
John Ehlers is one of the most brilliant contributors to modern technical analysis and trading. His books focus
on applying digital signal processing techniques to the financial markets. This book, among other things,
introduces the Hilbert Sine Wave – without which I would not be able to trade.
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Amazon link:
Cybernetic Analysis for Stocks and Futures: Cutting-Edge DSP Technology to Improve Your Trading - John F.
Ehlers
Recommendation:
http://emini-watch.com/free-stuff/top-trading-books/
In this book John Ehlers introduces even more ground-breaking trading ideas based on digital signal
processing. If you’re not mathematically inclined you might find this hard going. The book builds on ideas
introduced in “Rocket Science for Traders” and this time there is code for TradeStation and eSignal.
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Amazon Link
Trading Systems and Methods, + Website by Kaufman, Perry J. (2013) Hardcover - Perry Kaufman
Recommendation
http://jbmarwood.com/16-best-trading-books-time/
I picked this up at the library years ago at a time when I was working as a day trader and struggling to make
ends meet. It was Perry Kaufman who first persuaded me that trading systems are crucial if you have
difficulty holding on to your trades or with the emotional side of trading.
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Amazon Link
It's When You Sell That Counts - Donald L. Cassidy
Recommendation
http://stockcharts.com/articles/journal/2013/10/pivotal-books-in-the-25-year-trading-life-of-a-stockmarket-investor.html
There is a good deal of garbage written about exit strategies, and I believe this is the most complex discipline
for investors to grasp. In my seminars, I offer up a number of selling methodologies because no one size fits
all investors. Having said that, I think Donald Cassidy’s two books present the essential building blocks for a
customizable system that’s workable for most investors.
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Amazon Link
The Quantifiable Edges Guide to Fed Days – Rob Hanna
Recommendation
“Too bad there are not more books like this in the trading space. All of the systems are backed with hard
data and solid statistics. The author doesn’t mince words and waste your time with a bunch of trading
wisdom. He presents his data and findings is a simple to understand and thorough format. This book is the
real deal.” – E Moore (Amazon Review)
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System Design &
Validation
Tips and tricks on the process of system design and
validation
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Amazon Link
Building Algorithmic Trading Systems, + Website: A Trader's Journey From Data Mining to Monte Carlo
Simulation to Live Trading (Wiley Trading) - Kevin Davey
Recommendation
"Winner, 2014 Trading Book of The Year - Superior Trading And Resource (STAR) Award" - TraderPlanet.com
"Kevin Davey has a unique understanding of systems and the markets I have only seen in a few people over
the years. 90% of trading books written today are useless. This book impressed me. This book is a must
read for anyone who is interested in trading using a systematic approach. I put this book on my list of the
top 50 most useful books on trading of all time. " - Murray A. Ruggiero, Jr. - Chief Systems Designer at Tuttle
Tactical Management, Contributing Editor of Futures Magazine, Author of "Cybernetic Trading Strategies"
and "Using Easy Language 9.X."
“This is a great book to get a much better understanding of what in really involved in system development
and help on your journey from someone with a lot of real-life trading experience. For those already working
with systems, it may challenge some of the approaches you use and help you to become a better system
developer and trader. From my perspective, the chance to look over Kevin’s shoulder and see the concepts
and full code from some systems he has been using in his own trading alone would be of far more value than
the cost of the book.” —Tim Rea, Proprietary systems developer/trader; 1st place winner, World Cup
Championship of Futures Trading® 2011
“Part Reminiscences of a Stock Operator and part Market Wizards, Kevin Davey has written a superb book
for the modern trader. Not only does Kevin provide a step-by-step plan on how to develop algorithmic
trading strategies but he actually reveals the strategy he used to win The World Cup Championship Of
Futures Trading® along with two additional euro currency systems. I have no doubt this will become a
popular and often referenced book amongst traders. Readers will find Kevin’s humble and engaging voice
easy to follow and grasp. They will also find his personal journey from aerospace engineer to beginner
trader, to a championship winning trader and finally to a full time professional trader insightful, entertaining,
and inspiring. Wiley should also be congratulated for recruiting a real trader who trades real markets with
real money to write a trading book for people aspiring to become real traders. I highly recommend this book
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to anyone who is serious about developing a successful and sustainable trading career.” —Brent Penfold,
professional trader and author of The Universal Principles of Successful Trading (Wiley 2010)
“Few trading books on the market today are written by those who actually make their living from trading
and those that are frequently suffer from being unintelligible to the layman. Kevin Davey has the
authenticity of a real trader and the ability to distill complex ideas into a format that is easy to read and, at
times, brutally honest. For those aspiring to trading success, Kevin gives a step by step guide on how to
approach systems development as well as outlining many of the pitfalls to avoid and throughout the book he
provides a wealth of information and tools that will prove invaluable to novice or expert alike.” —Michael
Cook, Founder, Katmai Capital Advisors; World Cup Championship of Futures Trading® 2007
“Of all the trading books that I’ve read, this book takes the cake. Kevin Davey brings us a realistic perspective
in an industry full of dreamers. I suggest that all traders drop what they’re doing and read the incredibly
valuable lessons summed up in this book. This book is the quickest path for a new trader to stop dreaming
and start succeeding.” —Peter Hagen, Citracado Capital, LLC
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Amazon Link
Quantitative Trading Systems, 2nd Edition - Howard B. Bandy
Recommendation
http://jbmarwood.com/16-best-trading-books-time/
This book, by Dr Howard Bandy, is designed for Amibroker but it also contains brilliant insight into system
design as well as detailing the AFL code for a number of trading system examples. The code can be easily
adapted for other trading programs.
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Amazon Link
New Concepts in Technical Trading Systems - J. Welles Wilder
Recommendation
http://www.vantharp.com/Van-Tharps-Favorite-Books.htm
Wilder, Wells. New Concepts in Technical Analysis. Greensboro, NC: Trend Research, 1978. This is the
oldest book on my list and I’ve included it because it is the original presentation of some of the classical tools
of trading including ADX, ATR, and many other classics. If you are not familiar with these concepts, now is
the time to start and this is the book to start with.
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Amazon Link
Building Winning Trading Systems with TradeStation (Book & CD-ROM) - George Pruitt
Recommendation
http://www.tradebullet.com/resources/books/
TradeStation systems traders will discover a virtual gold mine of knowledge, guidance, and the benefit of
vicarious experience from the two foremost experts on the subject in this valuable new edition to trading
systems literature. Includes CD-ROM and real-world examples.
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Amazon Link
Algorithmic Trading and DMA: An introduction to direct access trading strategies - Barry Johnson
Recommendation
http://www.quantstart.com/articles/Top-5-Essential-Beginner-Books-for-Algorithmic-Trading
The phrase 'algorithmic trading', in the financial industry, usually refers to the execution algorithms used by
banks and brokers to execute efficient trades. I am using the term to cover not only those aspects of trading,
but also quantitative or systematic trading. This book is mainly about the former, being written by Barry
Johnson, who is a quantitative software developer at an investment bank. Does this mean it is of no use to
the retail quant? Not at all. Possessing a deeper understanding of how exchanges work and "market
microstructure" can aid immensely the profitability of retail strategies. Despite it being a heavy tome, it is
worth picking up.
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Amazon Link
Modeling Trading System Performance - Dr. Howard B. Bandy
Recommendation
I am one of the early reviewers of Dr. Bandy's book, Modeling Trading System Performance. His approach to
system development, begun in his earlier book Quantitative Trading Systems, and carried through in MTSP is
clear and straightforward. Everything he says is backed up with enough detail so you can use your own data
and do it yourself.
The sections on system health are priceless. His use of Monte Carlo Simulation and distributions to compute
risk is outstanding. Connecting system health and position sizing is brilliant. This book is easily the most
important book on trading system development I have ever read.
--Charlie J
I received the 3 books rather quickly, thank you for that. I have used them and your paper on Developing
Robust Trading Systems" to develop two mean reversion systems I was working on a few months ago. I have
turned these systems from quite ordinary to outstanding in tradability. The most important element in
achieving this was defining my own objective function which neglected CAR and position sizing. I then
applied position sizing using the techniques in MTSP which resulted in out of sample results in terms of
MaxDD and CAR that I am more than happy with.
Thank you Howard for sharing your knowledge, it has completely change the way I approach system
development.
Kind regards, Ross --Ross
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Amazon Link
Quantitative Technical Analysis: An integrated approach to trading system development and trading
management - Dr Howard B Bandy
Recommendation
“I’ve read this book and find it extremely good. I have about 25 years of successful trading experience
trading for myself. In the early years it was long-term trend trading, then short-term trend trading, but more
recently short-term reversion to the mean trading. I have read all of Dr. Bandy’s books. They are all excellent
and if I were to recommend something to someone who wants to begin trading, I would recommend reading
all of Bandy’s books in order and read nothing else. I say this as I look at my bookshelf with four shelves of
trading and investing books (more in the garage). I could toss all of them, but keep Bandy’s. Although a
retired engineer, I found the book a bit of a stretch in math and programming, but given the time and effort,
I could get through it. Every one of Bandy’s books has in addition to the big learning experience, some
glimmers of small unknown things (I thought unknown) which I have experienced in my trading. There are
also little glimmers of things I did not know, of which I am grateful. If you are not a person with an
engineering/science/math/programming background, this book will be a stretch. But most traders lose
money; Bandy’s books could put you on the path to profitable trading. If trading were easy, everyone doing
it would be rich. Trading is a zero sum game (actually due to commissions, slightly less than a zero sum
game)…..for you to make money, you have to be smarter than the guy on the other side of your trades. This
book has nothing about get-rich trading methods. Instead it is a rigorous mathematical examination of
trading and developing trading methods. Buy it. It is worth the money!” - bhiker (Amazon review)
“Another great book by Mr. Bandy. I very much appreciate his ability to lay out a solid facts and numbers
approach to building trading systems in a way that is also very accessible. I believe he has developed a
method that will do what he says is the purpose of writing this book...to build confidence in something that
you will trade. To me one of the most valuable thing he teaches is how to also know when a system is
broken.
Overall a nicely led discussion of a path to developing a system with confidence for those willing to apply
themselves.” - kbg (Amazon review)
“Excellent guide for people that want to make statistically sound trading decisions” - Christiaanse (Amazon
Review)
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Amazon Link
Evidence-Based Technical Analysis: Applying the Scientific Method and Statistical Inference to Trading
Signals - David Aronson
Recommendation
"…his book is well written and contains a great deal of information that is of value…." (The Technical Analyst,
May/June 2007)
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Amazon Link
Trading Systems: A New Approach to System Development and Portfolio Optimisation - Emilio Tomasini
Recommendation
“If you are reading this review, you likely have read many other trading books about trading systems. By
now, you likely know that most of these books present skeletal descriptions of buy and sell rules, lots of
backtesting results, figures of cumulative profit over time, and a chapter or two on money management.
Some of these books are great. Some are not. This is a great book, but this book does not belong to this
category of trading books.
This is not a book showing exciting buy and sell rules, a book about trading psychology or money
management. This is a book on how to develop trading systems in a robust and systematic manner. This is a
book on how to use optimization as a useful tool, and not merely as a means for curve-fitting. This book
describes the nitty-gritty stuff most authors gloss over (stop loss sizing, trailing stops, profit target selection,
etc). This book is a highly practical approach to engineering employed in trading system development.
Readers with a background in physics or engineering will feel at home. The authors start with a very simple
moving average crossover system, and then slowly add complexity. At each step, the authors perform a
sensitivity analysis to both a) verify that the added complexity is worthwhile, b) choose optimal (higher
return) parameters, and c) most importantly, choose parameters that are robust to the ever-changing
complexities of the markets. Finally, using the completed system, the authors perform a robustness test over
many instruments and time frames.
If you are looking for a book to copy a system out of and make millions, this is not for you. If you are at least
somewhat experienced, and know that trading system development is more than just buy and sell rules, this
book should be very helpful. Do not buy this book for the automated system it describes - buy this book for
the robust system development process it presents.
My only gripe is that there is no discussion regarding backtesting vs forward testing. There is an excellent
chapter describing walkforward optimization. But, the authors stop just short, and do not compare the outof-sample backtest results with the results from forward testing.
Highly recommended. I buy many books from Amazon, but this is the first review I have written. I was that
impressed." - Process-Robust System Development (finally!), By Serac
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The Evaluation and Optimization of Trading Strategies - Robert Pardo
Recommendation
http://cotstimer.blogspot.com/2008/03/thinking-about-robert-pardos-new-book.html
Thinking About Robert Pardo's New Book
Not long ago I got a copy of The Evaluation and Optimization of Trading Strategies, Robert Pardo's revised
version of his classic 1991 book on trading system development, Design, Testing and Optimization of Trading
Systems. It's giving me lots of ideas on how to optimize my trading system based on the Commitments of
Traders reports. I've already implemented a couple of basic concepts, like limiting testing to setups with at
least 25 trades and excluding setups that use a moving average period of more than 35 to 45 weeks. (The
latter is because a setup won't be reliable if it uses more than 10 percent of the available degrees of
freedom based on the total weeks in the dataset.) But my main goal is to develop some walk-forward testing
for my system based on Pardo's ideas. Stay tuned. Highly recommended book!
http://www.tradingsystemlife.com/Trading-Books-The-Evaluation-and-optimization-of-tradingstrategies.html
I recommend 'The Evaluation and Optimization of Trading Strategies' to everyone who wants to learn how to
build trading systems. It is an outstanding book that any serious system trader should own and study.
Overall well worth reading - The quality of the content and the experience that Robert Pardo brings to the
book is worth many times the price you will have to pay to buy it.
http://www.beck-shop.de/Pardo-Evaluation-Optimization-of-TradingStrategies/productview.aspx?product=733175
"The testing process is key to a profitable trading method and Bob Pardo brings order and sanity to it. He
shows the reader how to navigate the minefield of optimization and offers walk-forward testing as a way to
change a static system into a dynamic one.
-Perry Kaufman author of New Trading Systems and Methods, Fourth Edition
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"Will your system work in the future? In this book Bob Pardo shows you exactly how to construct a trading
system and then take the most important walk of them all-the walk forward test-to find out if your system is
really worth trading. Now you can know before you trade!
-Larry Williamsauthor of Trading Stocks & Commodities with the Insiders: Secrets of the COT Report, and
Long-Term Secrets to Short-Term Trading
"How to evaluate likely future trading system performance is not just a question-it's the question, and
Pardo's 1992 Design, Testing, and Optimization of Trading Systems was a milestone work in the field. Now
his approach has been updated and expanded to reflect technological change as well as many insights
gained along the way. A must read for anyone who takes trading seriously.
-Bruce DeVaultPresident, Quantevo-Algorithmic Trading Developmen
"Ask serious system developers for their recommended reading list, and Bob Pardo's book is likely to be
among the first mentioned. This book is the real deal; a serious work that seeks to teach you what to look for
and what to avoid in your quest for workable trading methodologies. Best of all, it helps you achieve the kind
of objective, critical thinking necessary for mechanical trading success. Seekers of magical holy grails would
be advised to look elsewhere, but for earnest professional trading aspirants, this is a most rewarding read.
-Art Collins author of Beating the Financial Futures Market: Combining Small Biases Into Powerful Money
Making Strategies
"This book is the definitive book on designing, testing, and using trading systems. There is no better book on
the market.
-Courtney smith Courtney Smith & Co., Inc.
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Amazon Link
Quantitative Trading: How to Build Your Own Algorithmic Trading Business (Wiley Trading) - Ernie Chan
Recommendation
http://www.quantstart.com/articles/Top-5-Essential-Beginner-Books-for-Algorithmic-Trading
Quantitative Trading by Ernest Chan - This is one of my favourite finance books. Dr. Chan provides a great
overview of the process of setting up a "retail" quantitative trading system, using MatLab or Excel. He makes
the subject highly approachable and gives the impression that "anyone can do it". Although there are plenty
of details that are skipped over (mainly for brevity), the book is a great introduction to how algorithmic
trading works. He discusses alpha generation ("the trading model"), risk management, automated execution
systems and certain strategies (particularly momentum and mean reversion). This book is the place to start.
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Amazon Link
The Ultimate Trading Guide - John R. Hill, George Pruitt, Lundy Hill
Recommendation
http://www.tradebullet.com/resources/books/
Provides traders with the tools needed to develop systems based on sound logic, including explanations of:
the principles behind trading systems, how various systems operate, the tools and background for
developing computerized trading systems, and short-term market timing techniques for any market. DLC:
Speculation.
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Technical
Analysis
Charts and other tools to analyse the markets
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Amazon Link
Technical Analysis Using Multiple Timeframes - Brian Shannon
Recommendation
http://bclund.com/2012/03/13/20-books-every-trader-should-know/
When I originally wrote this post, I committed a grave error in failing to mention one of the best books out
there on technical analysis, Technical Analysis Using Multiple Timeframes by Brian Shannon. All I can say is
that sometimes we take things that are so a part of our lives, like our wives, for granted, and Brian’s book
has been a constant part of my life as a trader. The way he illustrates the power, and simplicity, of using
multiple time frames in trading methodology will make you shake your head and wonder why it didn’t dawn
on your sooner. A must have addition to any comprehensive trader’s library.
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Amazon Link
Japanese Candlestick Charting Techniques, Second Edition - Steven Nison
Recommendation
http://bclund.com/2012/03/13/20-books-every-trader-should-know/
There are a lot of books out these on candlestick charting, but almost all of them are derivative of Nisson’s
tome. It goes through and explains the basic concepts, as well as the most relevant patterns related to
candlestick charting. Unless you really need to know about the “three-drunk-salarymen-rolled-by-thehooker-in-the-Shinjuku-train-station” pattern, this book is all you will ever need for candlesticks.
http://www.stocktradingtogo.com/2008/08/08/twenty-must-read-investing-books/
Japanese Candlestick Charting Techniques by Steven Nison
This book introduces candlestick charting, which some investors may find useful in their trading. It sure helps
to make charts more visual!
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Amazon Link
Schwager on Futures: Technical Analysis - Jack Schwager
Recommendation
http://decodingwallstreet.blogspot.com/p/best-trading-books.html
Schwager on Futures - Technical Analysis, by Jack Schwager, 6, probably the best Technical Analysis book I
have ever read; but I am not a pure technical trader.
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Amazon Link
Technical Analysis of the Financial Markets: A Comprehensive Guide to Trading Methods and Applications
(New York Institute of Finance) - John J. Murphy
Recommendation
http://www.minyanville.com/business-news/editors-pick/articles/trading-book-Reminiscence-of-aStock/1/14/2013/id/47283?page=full
This thick, technical tome is less a casual beach read and better suited for coffee-fueled highlighting and
copious margin notes. John J. Murphy's Technical Analysis of the Financial Markets has earned its place as
one of the foremost references for learning the ins and outs of complex charting techniques. It's not only
been cited in Federal Reserve studies, but is also used as the primary source in the Market Technicians
Association testing program. A recently updated edition is suited better to modern technologies and
markets, and includes coverage of intermarket relationships, stock rotations, and candlestick charting.
http://en.tradimo.com/help/recommended-reading-top-six-trading-books/
Rated as one of the best technical analysis books for technical tools, indicators, charting patterns, and
stocks, this publication goes one step further to give great examples and explanations. There are hundreds
of technical analysis books on the market, however this one comes up time and again for traders' preferred
reading.
http://www.daytradetheworld.com/trading-blog/top-10-stock-market-books-you-should-read
If you are a technical trader, you must fully understand technical analysis. John J. Murphy’s text is one stock
market book that provides you with an understanding of stock charts and indicators. Positive: The New York
Institute of Finance published it, so it is written well and easy for you to understand. Therefore, it is one of
my favorite texts about technical analysis. Negative: The author didn’t do any back tests to make sure that
the information can be used in the real world.
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Amazon Link
Encyclopedia of Chart Patterns - Thomas N. Bulkowski
Recommendation
http://www.stocktradingtogo.com/2008/08/08/twenty-must-read-investing-books/
An extremely detailed work that rivals “Technical Analysis of Stock Trends” and should provide traders with a
complete understanding of chart patterns. The hard work is to apply the knowledge.
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Amazon Link
Technical Analysis Explained, Fifth Edition: The Successful Investor's Guide to Spotting Investment Trends
and Turning Points - Martin J. Pring
Recommendation
http://decodingwallstreet.blogspot.com/p/best-trading-books.html
Technical Analysis Explained, by Martin Pring, 5, while it is not a top book on technical analysis has some
very good chapters on trading cycles and seasonalities.
http://www.daytradetheworld.com/trading-blog/top-10-stock-market-books-you-should-read
This is such a good stock market book that it has been named a “Bible of Technical Analysis.” As a technical
analyst, Martin J. Pring is an expert at giving you detailed information. If you are going to be a serious or
professional technical analyst, you must read this book. With so much information in one place, you may
begin to feel overwhelmed. It does not contain fundamental analysis. You would need to read this text and
the “Liberated Stock Trader Book” to receive technical analysis and fundamental analysis.
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Amazon Link
Getting Started in Chart Patterns - Thomas N. Bulkowski
Recommendation
http://www.investing.com/analysis/book-review:-bulkowski,-getting-started-in-chart-patterns-214963
Thomas Bulkowski is probably the best known chart pattern researcher. Among his credits are the
Encyclopedia of Chart Patterns and the three-volume Evolution of a Trader. In this second edition of Getting
Started in Chart Patterns (Wiley, 2014), a book originally published in 2006 and newly revised and expanded
with updated statistics, he introduces more than forty chart formations. Better yet, he explains how to trade
using them.
Although the title indicates that the book is for novices, it is equally valuable—perhaps even more
valuable—for more experienced pattern traders. Without continually reviewing, testing, and revising pattern
trading strategies, it’s all too easy to trade yesterday’s market.
In two action-packed chapters Bulkowski explores trendlines and support and resistance. He considers
support and resistance to be “the most important chart patterns” because “they show how much you are
likely to make and how much you are likely to lose on each trade. That’s like playing poker and knowing the
hands of your opponents. You won’t always win, but it helps.” (p. 35)
In the next two chapters he offers ten buy signals and ten sell signals. For each he explains how to identify
the pattern and serves up trading tips. In some instances he also includes sections on measuring success and
case studies.
Especially valuable are his chapters on special situations and busted patterns. Among the special situations
are dead-cat bounces, gaps, and spikes and tails. My personal favorites are busted patterns. Bulkowski
explains the general principle: “A busted pattern occurs when price breaks out in one direction, fails to move
more than 10% before reversing and breaking out in the opposite direction.” The best performance, he’s
found, comes from rectangles with downward breakouts. “They bust, and price shoots up through the
pattern, rising an average of 61% above the top of the rectangle.” (p. 252)
Bulkowski can always be counted on to deliver a lively blend of pictures and number-crunching. This book is
no exception.
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Amazon Link
The Trading Book: A Complete Solution to Mastering Technical Systems and Trading Psychology - AnneMarie Baiynd
Recommendation
http://bclund.com/2012/03/13/20-books-every-trader-should-know/
I like Anne-Marie, but if she had asked me if it was a wise choice to add another trading book to the world, I
would have advised against it. I would have been wrong. I was amazed at the scope of material that this
book was able to cover, and do so in a meaningful way. Anne-Marie’s economical (and often humorous)
style takes you right to the core of each concept, doing away with irrelevant and superfluous information. I
don’t think it is hyperbole to say this is an instant classic for the beginning/intermediate trader.
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Amazon Link
The Art & Science of Technical Analysis: Market Structure, Price Action & Trading Strategies - Adam Grimes
Recommendation
“One of best trading book to have it. I'm a self-learner daily trader & already faced upside & downside worse
scenario (good & bad positions already). been reading several trading books quiet long enough and finally
found the right book for me. It turn me out to write a good review 1st time as ever. Because it's my sincerely
appreciation to author Adam Grimes how much this book is very helpful to me by sharing his Skills &
Knowledge. His book show me the ideas how to approach closer to market Action/reaction and I pick up
with my own style by combing base upon my past experiences. It become my bright light up. There many
trading strategy books out there with different ideas, different point of view approach & different strategies
play. Each author has their own professional skills by sharing their knowledge. What so ever, Adam's skills &
strategy are more likely me. My point of view is; whoever reading trading books, it's better to understand
ourselves 1st what's your style and then better adapt to create your own strategy playbook. wishing Good
luck to all readers .” – joeshane (Amazon Review)
“I am a longtime inconsistent trader. I stumbled across Adam's blog from the website abnormal returns. The
blog is different than the others in the way Adam looks at the world, and way generous way he shares
information. I looked forward to reading the book, and wasn't disappointed. Adam doesn't sugar coat the
length and difficulty of the learning process. He emphasizes consistency and discipline. The trading strategies
and risk management chapters are excellent. The charts are clear and show both winning and losing trades. I
really feel this book will make me a more consistent trader. Adam also offers a free online trading course
which I would recommend for new traders or those that feel they could use some guidance.” – Al Cooper
(Amazon Review)
“This IS a technical analysis book. This is NOT the typical technical analysis book where the much the info is
free on the internet anyway.
Like other trading books, this book does explain and show setups. However, Grimes does a solid explanation
in showing why a setup may work in a certain timeframe in a certain market. If you're looking to get to that
next step, this book can do you no wrong.” – L. Zhang (Amazon Review)
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Amazon Link
Technical Trading Mastery: 7 Steps To Win With Logic - Chris Vermeulen
Recommendation
"I've studied technical analysis for years, so Chris's book was a reminder to have a plan, know myself, and
stay focused. The stock market is a complex arena, and Chris keeps trading simple. The book is easy to read,
and I recommend it for beginners, and for those more experienced traders, like myself." - Good read, By CAG
"As a technical trader, there are many facets to learn which can be very confusing. It takes time to grasp it
all. Trading is a skill that you must keep refining in order to become successful. This book gave me some new
ideas, cleared up some misconceptions, and reinforced the concept of keeping it simple. The chapters on
cycles was of special interest to me which I am implementing to improve my timing. I have bought and read
many trading books and this was one of the better ones." - Easy to Understand, By Sharon Sacks
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Trading
Psychology
Internal factors that can impact results
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Amazon Link
The Disciplined Trader: Developing Winning Attitudes - Mark Douglas
Recommendation
http://bclund.com/2012/03/13/20-books-every-trader-should-know/
The Disciplined Trader & Trading In The Zone – These are the definitive books on trading psychology. I know
traders who went from perpetual losers to consistent winners after reading these books. The way Douglas
climbs into the psyche of a trader is scary, and there is a good chance you will wonder aloud how he
managed to plant the hidden camera and microphones that he used to take notes on your trading
deficiencies.
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Amazon Link
Trading in the Zone: Master the Market with Confidence, Discipline and a Winning Attitude - Mark Douglas
Recommendation
http://bclund.com/2012/03/13/20-books-every-trader-should-know/
The Disciplined Trader & Trading In The Zone – These are the definitive books on trading psychology. I know
traders who went from perpetual losers to consistent winners after reading these books. The way Douglas
climbs into the psyche of a trader is scary, and there is a good chance you will wonder aloud how he
managed to plant the hidden camera and microphones that he used to take notes on your trading
deficiencies.
http://en.tradimo.com/help/recommended-reading-top-six-trading-books/
This is one of the most recommended books in the trading industry. It deals with the basic elements of
psychology and explains how we are shaped by our beliefs and these beliefs inevitably find their way into
our trading. A great book for self reflection, understanding the inner workings of our minds and letting go
and accepting that we do not know what will happen in the markets.
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Amazon Link
Come Into My Trading Room: A Complete Guide to Trading - Alexander Elder
Recommendation
http://jbmarwood.com/16-best-trading-books-time/
I find good trading psychology books to be hard to come by. Though they are well received I personally do
not think much of Trading in the Zone or the Naked Trader has they both have a fair amount of filler
material. Come into my trading room, however, by Dr Alexander Elder, is a good balance of science and
intuition.
http://en.tradimo.com/help/recommended-reading-top-six-trading-books/
Often noted as a trading bible, Come into my Trading Room focuses on money management and how to
approach trading from a professional standpoint. This book takes you through trading elements crucial to
psychology and a disciplined mind set, giving the reader an insight into how to become a successful trader.
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Amazon Link
Super Trader, Expanded Edition: Make Consistent Profits in Good and Bad Markets - Van Tharp
Recommendation
http://www.vantharp.com/Van-Tharps-Favorite-Books.htm
Super Trader: Make Consistent Profits in Good and Bad Markets. Expanded Edition New York: McGraw-Hill,
2010. Transform yourself from a mild-mannered investor into a proactive trader who outperforms the
markets!
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Amazon Link
Irrational Exuberance - Robert J. Shiller
Recommendation
http://www.investopedia.com/articles/basics/03/050803.asp
Named after Alan Greenspan's infamous 1996 comment on the absurdity of stock market valuations, Shiller's
book, released in Mar 2000, gives a chilling warning of the dotcom bubble's impending burst. The Yale
economist dispels the myth that the market is rational and instead explains it in terms of emotion, herd
behavior and speculation. In an ironic twist, "Irrational Exuberance" was released almost exactly at the peak
of the market.
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Amazon Link
The Little Book of Behavioral Investing: How not to be your own worst enemy - James Montier
Recommendation
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-most-important-finance-books-2013-12?op=1
"Bias, emotion, and overconfidence are just three of the many behavioral traits that can lead investors to
lose money or achieve lower returns. Behavioral finance, which recognizes that there is a psychological
element to all investor decision-making, can help you overcome this obstacle. In The Little Book of
Behavioral Investing, expert James Montier takes you through some of the most important behavioral
challenges faced by investors. Montier reveals the most common psychological barriers, clearly showing how
emotion, overconfidence, and a multitude of other behavioral traits, can affect investment decisionmaking."
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Amazon Link
The Psychology of the Foreign Exchange Market - Thomas Oberlechner
Recommendation
http://www.tradebullet.com/resources/books/
For the practical-minded reader interested in financial trading, this book will hold up a mirror to help
examine yourself. Much of trading, after all, is psychology! As one expert points out in this book, "traders
don't just bring their money to the market, they also bring themselves!" It is chilling to read, for instance,
about how market trends may just be held up by rumor. How traders use metaphors to make sense of the
vast markets (eg, using likening it to warzone or to a lover or to a bazaar or to a casino, etc), is also discussed
and may help sort out your own mental algorithms for simplifying financial decision-making.
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Amazon Link
The Psychology of Trading: Tools and Techniques for Minding the Markets - Brett N. Steenbarger
Recommendation
“I am a full-time, intensely dedicated trader. I can say that many individual paragraphs in this book contain
more useful information, advice, and insight than the TOTAL of all other books I've read on trading. First: the
author is SMART, VERY experienced with trading, and the perfect combination of an original thinker and a
well-informed intellectual in his field. He has an obvious gift for psychology and therapy, and a real hook for
trading. Although the book is literally overflowing with all sorts of gems, the center of it, and the brightest
gem of all surrounds the concept of "brief therapy." Through 10 or so excellent therapy stories he shows us
several ways to "get outside ourselves" and observe what we're really up to; and then how to cleverly "shift"
who we are to more productive patterns. He does all this both within and beyond the particulars of trading.
This book can help you achieve a clarity directly appropriate to trading in DAYS, that without it--and if you
were quite perceptive!--would have seemed like a lifetime's work. I can't recommend this book highly
enough; and I've never written a review and don't plan to write another--AND, I'm kicking myself because I'd
really prefer that other traders DIDN'T read it! “ – Determined Trader (Amazon review)
“If one rates books of this nature based on the number and frequency of exciting thoughts and ideas they
produce in the reader's mind, The Psychology of Trading has to be near the top of the heap. Through
examples and anecdotes, the author brings to light important topics in way which combines the personal
with the professional.
A favorite mantra of traders is that one must be disciplined to have a chance at success in the markets. This
is all well and good, but it's oftentimes easier said than done. Dr. Steenbarger's book takes the reader
beneath the surface to explore reasons why discipline breaks down - why traders who know exactly what
they are supposed to be doing, still fail to do it.
Unlike some other books, in this one the author does not just pour out a list of all the things that traders can
do wrong, and the various mental issues which come in to play. He actually takes a proactive approach, one
which helps the reader see that there are things which can be done to overcome one's difficulties. The
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reader is not left to feel like their emotions are a bad thing, but rather helped to see that they can be put to
good use, not just in trading, but in life as well. “ – John Forman (Amazon Review)
“The Psychology of Trading is one of those books where you will make a lot of discoveries about yourself and
about your life, if you are paying attention, that all tie into trading.
Steebarger is a psychologist specializing in "brief therapy" and also an active trader. The book has chapters
that discuss an in-depth story of a patient, and draw lessons from that story about life, cognition, and
trading.
It is an awesome book. I have read Douglas and I have Ari Kiev's book which I will read one of these days, but
I can't see how it can top Steenbarger's.
Steenbarger says that we have many personalities, and he shows you how you can identify which personality
is doing what, and trigger the "Observer" in you, a part of you that is watching and that can see the truth of
what you are doing and why you are doing it. This isn't as Zen as it sounds. And Steenbarger has technique
after technique in each chapter, so it isn't a bunch of generalizations and observations.The first technique
(which I have done for some months now and read that Larry Connors and Linda Raschke also do and you
probably do too) is to keep a detailed trading journal with your thoughts, feelings, what is happening, why
you are taking a trade, etc.
The second technique is to excercise in the morning (he does stretching and some calisthenics) and then talk
out loud and explain each of your trading plans. Something about talking out loud and explaining your plans
lets your brain process differently and he says you can identify what is really good, find holes and see
potential traps or things you haven't thought through.
I am on the fourth chapter and I just love this book.” – Applying What I Read (Amazon review)
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Amazon Link
The Investor's Quotient: The Psychology of Successful Investing in Commodities & Stocks - Jake Bernstein
Recommendation
“Wow--I am truly impressed with the quality and content of this book! Fortunately, the short profile quiz in
the book identified me as a trader who already has strong self-discipline and a good working understanding
of trading psychology and as someone who might not need to read further chapters, but I was still able to
pick up pointers and solutions to the remaining problems that plague me (getting out of a position too soon,
or getting out too late--both problems falling in a class called "non-specific fear or greed"). Friends of mine
who have weaker self-discipline clearly exhibit many of the psychological problems that Bernstein describes
as common amongst traders, especially a strong aversion to using stops for money management/loss
control. I find many of his repair techniques to be similar to those used in neuro-linguistic programming
(NLP) to treat other behavioral/psychological problems, and I appreciate his respect for many different
trading styles and systems; unlike many other writers, who say that their system is the ONLY system or ONLY
way to consistently profit, Bernstein stresses that ANY trading system/methodology or lack thereof will work
so long as the trader has the psychology and discipline to execute it. Bernstein of course advances his own
trading rules, some of which I don't agree with but which are not wrong--just not my style. Whatever *your*
trading style, I'm sure you'll benefit from learning how to better implement it, so read this book! Needless to
say, this is one of the few books that I've decided shall have a permanent place on my trading library shelf. It
is at once detailed and scientific in content, yet easy to read and understand and will be re-read in times of
trading weakness.” – Amazon customer
“It is the Trader and not the System that brings success. These are Mr. Bernstein's words and I echo them.
After attempting to analyze repeatedly what was "wrong" with my system, I finally asked the winning
question: maybe I should find out what was going on with me that put me on the wrong side of the trade. I
purposely bought this book one evening and spent the nite reading it. Sleep well worth losing. I finally
figured out my particular method of self-sabotage and have begun to see changes in my handling of trades
and of people and situations. Mr. Bernstein's wisdom and experience is an invaluable resource that everyone
who wants to achieve success or increase his rate of return, should read and act on. “ – A Customer (Amazon
review)
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“if you are allowed to buy only one book that deals with the psychology of trading. this will be it. what is
excellent about this book is it gives you an idea on how to improve yourself using psychology.
in the first few chapters of this book, mr bernstein links the science of psychology to the 'science' of
investing. exploring the various branch of psychology, then comparing psychology to our trading behaviour
to show how it is linked.
after that, mr bernstein goes on to tell you the many ways in which we can use what is learned in the science
of psychology to improve, correct and/or enchance our trading. 200 odd pages of relevant materials and
wise words on how you can go about doing it.
the author is a very good and methodical teacher. bringing out each aspect of our trading, showing us how
we can look for weaknesses and improve. ie he talks about our personal beliefs, how our childhood can
affect our trading style, our relationship with broker/spouse/family, our methods, or even certain specific
probelms like not able to cut losses etc. analysing each aspect, allowing us to understand how it can affect
our trading, and then show us how we can correct/improve. he even teaches the reader how best to read
books!
after reading this book, you should learn much about yourself and the kind of trader you are. you will also
learn the best way to help yourself, to improve on any weaknesses.
if there is a degree on trading, this is the definitely one of the main texts. i will also confess that my trading
has improved tremendously since reading this book, from annual loser to annual winner.
this book is highly recommended. it will also stand the test of time, i strongly believe it will still be as
relevant 300 years from now! “ – bok (Amazon review)
“Prior to reading IQ, I was a futures trader that had met with moderate success. My technical analysis and
systems were sound. I knew my trading systems inside and out. I knew their strengths, weaknesses and
rules, but their real time application was just not measuring up to my models. The difference was me -- my
trading psychology. This book completed the circle for me as it showed me that real success in trading
depends on the individual and not so much on any one trading system.” A Customer (amazon review)
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Amazon Link
The Inner Voice of Trading: Eliminate the Noise, and Profit from the Strategies That Are Right for You Michael Martin
Recommendation
http://www.signalfinancialgroup.com/Reviews/Martin.php
Michael Martin’s book, “The Inner Voice of Trading,” does a superb job of addressing the psychology of
trading — the weak link facing most traders. The book is well-written as it offers facts, stories and practical
insight appropriate for traders of all levels who have been lead astray by emotions.
As a quant trader, I especially enjoyed the chapter, “You are the Black Box,” as it delves into the emotions
surrounding systematic trading. Some people can follow systems, while others cannot. In the end it comes
down to matching trading style to trading personality. My suggestion is … if you have read all the major
technical trading books and you are still struggling, even a little bit, then “The Inner Voice of Trading” is
calling you.
http://allsonatural.com/cqi/it/pdf-The-Inner-Voice-of-Trading-Eliminate-the-Noise-and-Profit-from-theStrategies-That-Are-Right-for-You/libro-1726450753/
“In The Inner Voice of Trading, Michael Martin recounts his own quest to become a successful trader,
illuminating his journey with engaging trading episodes. Join Martin at his trading desk as he provides
important insights into the art and science of balancing thoughts and feelings—and catching the big one.” —
Ed Seykota
“Some people trade and either don’t or can’t teach; some people teach and have never traded; Michael
Martin can teach extremely well and is an experienced trader. This rare combo is a necessity to those who
want to succeed in the markets. Read and learn!” —Victor Sperandeo, Founder, Alpha Financial
Technologies, LLC
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Amazon Link
The Daily Trading Coach: 101 Lessons for Becoming Your Own Trading Psychologist - Brett N. Steenbarger
Recommendation
http://seekingalpha.com/article/245501-brett-steenbargers-daily-trading-coach
In writing The Daily Trading Coach: 101 Lessons for Becoming Your Own Trading Psychologist, by Brett
Steenbarger, it was the author’s stated intention to “. . . give you the tools to become your own coach, so
that you can guide your own professional and personal growth.” I would have to say that I think he did a
quite good job of that. The tools for just about any situation are in there.
Will they all fit psychological trading challenge of yours or mine? Probably not all, because that simply is not
possible, but he does provide enough general principles and specific recommendations for personal
exploration and action that it will at least be a good starting point.
If nothing else, it would be worth reading the book just to understand Dr. Steenbarger’s observation that if
you were going to set up a learning situation in a laboratory specifically to make an animal anxious and
ineffective, it would look much like the stimulus-reward relationships that occur in the financial markets. Of
course, his suggested “work-arounds” for the markets’ “crazy-making” rewards, punishments, apparent
patterns, unpredictablility, changeability, and chaos are invaluable for those who travel these waters. But,
still, sometimes it is helpful just to get some validation that, yes, this is a strange place indeed.
http://forexwins.com/forex-recommended-books/3-forex-psychology/the-daily-trading-coach-101-lessonsfor-becoming-your-own-trading-psychologist-wiley-trading/
This is another great book by an author who has studied trading psychology in great depth. each Chapter of
the book is different. You can read it in any order.
The main value of this book is that it provides valuable lessons about life in general. It tells how the same
psychology is depicted on the markets' charts and is handled differently by various types of traders, who
react differently to those charts.
I believe this is a great book on trading psychology. We highly recommended it for anyone who still wonders
if their trading is worth continuing. Before you make the decision to quit unsuccessful trading or carry on
mixed results trading, it's better to re-evaluate everything through the tips shown in this book.
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