By Stephen Hoad, CEO of The Stop Hunter
With summer holiday season fast approaching and the question that you keep asking yourself that just wont go away – no not will England go all the way in this years World Cup, but the more important question – ‘what books should I take with me to the beach for my holiday’ needing to be answered, it’s time for us to present our annual guide on ‘essential beach holiday reading for traders & investors 2018’! The annual ten of the best, may just aid your trading and investing when you return back refreshed from your holiday!
The idea behind the list is to find books to invigorate, inspire, create fresh ideas, present new thinking, get the grey matter turning over all from a slightly different angle whilst you are relaxing on the lounger by the pool. Some are newly published, some have been around for decades, but all I think will make for a good read. Charles Koch who I worked for for many years, always encouraged us to read as much as possible – it develops smart thinking and creates opportunity. If you’ve already taken your holidays in 2018, then I still think this book list is worth investigating further…..
The 2018 book list:
1. Principles: Life and Work, Simon & Shuster,2017, Ray Dalio
Why read: Ray Dalio, is one of the world’s most successful investors, hedge fund managers and entrepreneurs. This book gives a great insight into his thinking, his approach to life, how he achieved what he has, and is full of wisdom and insightful ideas that you could adopt into your trading and investing.
2. A Man for All Markets: Beating the Odds, from Las Vegas to Wall Street, 2017, Edward O. Thorp
Why read: The life story of a true legend – card counter, computer creator, casino beater, mathematician, statistician, hedge fund manager and all round genius and pioneer. Learn from the best!
3. The Churchill Factor: How One Man Made History, 2014, Boris Johnson
Why read: Churchill definitely had the ‘X’ Factor! The ‘X’ factor is what you’re looking for in your trading and investing, so why not take inspiration from others in different fields? A highly motivational read and well presented by Boris Johnson allowing you to get into the mindset of a very innovative, smart thinking, talented individual.
4. Total Competition: Lessons in Strategy from Formula One, 2017, Ross Brawn, Adam Parr
Why read? Formula 1 is often used as the benchmark for innovation and new cutting edge ideas and these ideas are often taken and used in other industries. Get behind the thinking of how they use technology and applying smart thinking to become the fastest racers on the planet! Financial markets are in many ways similar to Formula 1 and its quest for speed and getting an edge, so why not take some ideas from one of the best – Ross Brawn?
Why read? A great read and a book I thoroughly recommend that encapsulates smart thinking, risk taking, success and failure. If your serious about looking for an edge in your trading and investing then this book could certainly help you along the way.
Why read: Musashi was one of Japan’s deadliest Samurai, a legend and a revolutionary strategist from the 17th century. The strategies presented in this book have been built into the economic success of Japan in the 20th century and are equally valid today and certainly could be deployed into your trading and investing!
Why read: How come physicists took over Wall Street? Why were they used to solve the problems of economics and finance? Are they still running the show with their complex models and algorithms. What effect has this had on the landscape of finance, trading and investing? where is Wall Street heading? James Weatherall tries to answer these questions and many more in this very interesting read.
Why read: A classic and a must read for all traders and investors from one of Wall Streets greats – Benjamin Graham. I don’t have to say much more than that!
Why read: A fascinating read , and a window in to the very interesting world of hedge funds and one of its biggest players – Steve Cohen.
10. Algorithmic Trading: Winning Strategies and Their Rationale (Wiley Trading), 2013, Ernie Chan
Why read: I didn’t want to get too heavy with any books on the list, and this one is as technical as it’s going to get. last year the buzz was all around Cryptocurrencies and Bitcoin. This year it appears that the go to topic is algorithmic trading. This book gives you a very good insight into the practical process of building your own strategies and what it takes to run a successful algorithmic trading strategy. If you’re a ‘programmer’ or a trader wanting to move into this area then this book is well worth a read.
Notable mention:
Trump: The Art of the Deal, 2016, Arrow, Donald Trump, Tony Schwartz,
Why read: You may be wondering why I’ve included a Trump book on the list and many of you may not want to be seen clutching a book on the beach written by him! (You can always hide it behind a glossy magazine!) Love him or loathe him though, he is having a massive impact on the world of trading and investing currently. My thinking; use some of the logic of the great Sun Tzu from his book ‘The Art of War’ to get an edge over Mr Trumps tweets! In summary Sun Tzu said we need to understand the minds and be able to predict the possible actions of our opponents and then meet them in a strategic manner. If as traders and investors we are to get the better of Mr Trump and profit from his actions then first we need to understand him – however difficult this may be! This book possibly, will give us some insight?!
All of the books should be downloadable onto your tablets, but if you want something else to take a look at from your technology whilst on holiday, then why not consider our Traders Club – full of resource, market insight and analysis, learning and education and we’re giving any one who signs up their first month free! TRADERS CLUB. If this list has inspired you to give trading a go or you’d like to find out more about trading and investing and how we could help you, then please visit us at www.thestophunter.co.uk. or email us at info@thestophunter.co.uk
About the author
Stephen Hoad is a Systematic Multi Asset Trader, Technical Analyst & CEO at THE STOP HUNTER
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