The best 26 Finance books

Flash Boys (2014) is an investigation into the dark underbelly of the US financial markets. It also chronicles the birth of a new stock exchange, the IEX, created to counteract a rigged system that was facilitated by technological loopholes and a lack of transparency.

Reminiscences of a Stock Operator (1923) looks at the life and trading strategies of Jesse Livermore, a professional stock and commodities trader, through the pseudonymous character of Larry Livingston. It explores the psychological challenges and strategic complexities of trading, offering timeless insights into market behavior and the discipline required for success in the financial world.

The Business Of The 21st Century (2010) focuses on the transformative power of network marketing. It advocates for the creation of personal wealth through entrepreneurship, emphasizing the shift from traditional employment to innovative, individual-driven business models. It provides insights into leveraging networking and direct sales as tools for financial success and personal growth.

A Random Walk Down Wall Street (1973) looks at the unpredictability of stock market prices, linking their movements to a “random walk.” It dispels the generally accepted belief in discernible market patterns, suggesting that consistent gains are not a product of easily-chartered trends.

Too Big to Fail (2009) draws you into the heart of the 2008 financial crisis, revealing the high-stakes decisions and power struggles that shaped the world's economic landscape at that time. This gripping narrative untangles a complex web of financial intrigue, and will help you understand the forces that drove one of the most tumultuous periods in financial history.

In this book, Joel Greenblatt shares a simple yet effective investment strategy that aims to outperform the market. He introduces the concept of "magic formula investing" which focuses on buying good companies at bargain prices. Through clear explanations and real-life examples, Greenblatt provides valuable insights for both novice and experienced investors. Whether you're interested in stock market investing or simply want to understand how to make better financial decisions, this book offers practical advice and a unique perspective.

In this classic book, Henry Hazlitt presents a concise and accessible introduction to the principles of economics. Through clear and practical examples, he demonstrates how economic policies and decisions can have both seen and unseen consequences. Hazlitt argues for a free-market approach and challenges common misconceptions about economic issues, making it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the fundamentals of economics.

DotCom Secrets is a book that reveals the strategies and techniques for building a successful online business. Written by marketing expert Dan Kennedy, the book provides valuable insights into creating sales funnels, driving traffic, and converting leads into customers. It is a must-read for anyone looking to thrive in the digital marketplace.

This book provides a comprehensive guide for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to acquire an existing business rather than starting from scratch. It offers practical advice on how to identify, evaluate, and negotiate the purchase of a business, as well as tips for successfully growing and scaling the acquired company. With real-life examples and actionable insights, "Buy Then Build" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the world of business acquisitions.

Against the Gods by Peter L. Bernstein challenges the age-old belief in fate and providence by delving into the history of risk and probability. From ancient civilizations to modern financial markets, Bernstein explores how humanity has sought to understand and control uncertainty. With engaging storytelling and insightful analysis, the book offers a fresh perspective on our relationship with risk and the power of rational thinking.

Market Wizards, Updated by Jack D. Schwager delves into the world of successful traders and their strategies. Through in-depth interviews and analysis, the book provides valuable insights and lessons for anyone looking to navigate the unpredictable world of financial markets. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a novice, this updated edition offers timeless wisdom and practical advice to help you achieve your trading goals.

Manias, Panics, and Crashes by Charles P. Kindleberger explores the history of financial crises and their underlying causes. Drawing on extensive research, the book provides insights into the patterns and behaviors that lead to market instability. It offers valuable lessons for investors, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of financial markets.

Common Sense on Mutual Funds by John C. Bogle provides valuable insights into the world of mutual funds and offers practical advice for investors. Through this book, Bogle challenges the prevailing investment practices and introduces his concept of low-cost index fund investing. It presents a compelling case for passive investing and empowers readers to make informed decisions about their investments.

Boomerang (2011) by Michael Lewis takes a closer look at the global financial crisis and its aftermath. Through a series of captivating essays, Lewis investigates how different countries, including Iceland, Greece, and Ireland, contributed to the economic meltdown and reveals the surprising and often absurd consequences that followed. With his trademark wit and insight, Lewis uncovers the underlying issues that continue to shape the world's economy.

The Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need (1978) by Andrew Tobias offers practical advice on how to make smart investment decisions. Written in an engaging and easy-to-understand style, the book covers a wide range of topics including stocks, bonds, real estate, and retirement planning. It aims to empower readers to take control of their finances and build a secure financial future.

Beating the Street by Peter Lynch and John Rothchild is a comprehensive guide to successful stock market investing. Drawing from his own experiences as a renowned fund manager, Lynch shares valuable insights and practical advice on how to identify lucrative investment opportunities, analyze financial statements, and navigate the complexities of the market. Whether you're a novice or seasoned investor, this book offers valuable strategies for beating the odds and achieving financial success.

The Wealthy Barber by David Chilton is a personal finance book that offers practical advice on how to build wealth and secure your financial future. Through a fictional story about a barber who shares his financial wisdom with his clients, Chilton presents key principles such as saving, investing, and planning for retirement in an easy-to-understand and relatable way.

Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds by Charles MacKay delves into the world of irrational behavior and mass hysteria. With a focus on historical events such as financial bubbles, witch hunts, and superstitions, the book explores how the human mind can be susceptible to folly and deception, shedding light on the collective madness that has shaped societies throughout history.

Financial Peace Revisited, by Dave Ramsey and Sharon Ramsey, is a comprehensive guide to achieving financial stability and freedom. It offers practical advice on budgeting, saving, and investing, as well as tips for getting out of debt. Through real-life examples and relatable anecdotes, the book provides a step-by-step plan for taking control of your finances and building a secure future.

Irrational Exuberance by Robert J. Shiller examines the recurring patterns of speculative bubbles in financial markets. Drawing on historical examples and extensive research, Shiller demonstrates how irrational behavior and herd mentality drive asset prices to unsustainable levels, leading to inevitable crashes. He also offers insight into the psychological and economic factors that contribute to these bubbles, providing a fascinating analysis of market dynamics.

Stress Test is a memoir by Timothy F. Geithner that provides an insider's account of the financial crisis of 2008. Geithner, who served as the President of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and later as the Secretary of the Treasury, shares his experiences and decisions during this tumultuous time, offering insights into the challenges faced and the actions taken to stabilize the global economy.

Confessions of an Economic Hitman is a gripping memoir by John Perkins, in which he reveals his experiences as a highly paid consultant who helped orchestrate the economic colonization of developing countries. Perkins exposes the dark side of global capitalism and the role of organizations like the World Bank and the IMF in exploiting and manipulating nations for the benefit of a few powerful individuals and corporations. This eye-opening book sheds light on the hidden mechanisms of economic control and offers a thought-provoking critique of the modern world.

This book delves into the principles of success and the mindset needed to achieve it. Napoleon Hill shares valuable insights and practical advice on how to set and achieve goals, develop a positive attitude, and overcome obstacles. Drawing from interviews with successful individuals, the book offers a comprehensive guide to unlocking your full potential and achieving success in all areas of life.

The Quants by Scott Patterson delves into the world of quantitative finance and the rise of mathematical geniuses on Wall Street. It explores how these "quants" used complex algorithms and computer models to make huge profits, but also contributed to the financial crisis of 2008. The book offers a fascinating insight into the high-stakes world of finance and the potential dangers of relying too heavily on mathematical models.

Equity Markets and Portfolio Analysis by R. Stafford Johnson provides a comprehensive overview of equity markets and portfolio management. It delves into the principles of stock valuation, investment strategies, and risk management, making it an essential read for finance professionals and students looking to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of equity markets.

Why Stock Markets Crash by Didier Sornette delves into the underlying causes of stock market crashes, challenging the traditional view that they are unpredictable and inexplicable. Sornette presents a new framework based on complex systems theory, behavioral finance, and empirical evidence, offering insights into the dynamics of financial markets and the factors that lead to their collapse. A thought-provoking read for anyone interested in understanding the fragility of the global economy.