market folly

We've been getting some requests from readers for some good books to read when it comes to investing. So we're posting up a list of recommendations for learning fundamental analysis and valuation. Without further ado:


The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham. If you had to own one book about fundamental investing, this would most likely be it. Benjamin Graham was a legendary investor who helped pioneer the ways of value investing and taught Warren Buffett a lot of what he knows today.  It is definitely number one on the list. If you haven't read it, pick it up immediately.

Security Analysis by Benjamin Graham. This is the second of Graham's must-read books. The book features the value investing philosophies of Graham and Dodd and a foreword by Warren Buffett. If you're lacking in understanding how to perform fundamental analysis, then this is the book for you. After you've finished reading, you'll be able to tackle balance sheets like none other.  It's a must-read for anyone interested in the fundamental analysis related to investing.

Margin of Safety by Seth Klarman.  Written by one of the greatest investors of all time, this book is nearly impossible to find a physical copy of since it's no longer being produced.  Click the link above to see if there's one available.

You Can Be A Stock Market Genius by Joel Greenblatt.  The title is cheesy, but the book's contents are not.  It will teach you catalyst-based investing techniques that exploit market inefficiencies such as risk arbitrage, spin-offs, etc.

The Art of Short Selling by Kathryn Staley.  While the above books teach you how to invest (go long), this book teaches you how to hedge/go short, an important tactic used by most hedge funds.



That concludes the fundamentals list.  For you traders out there, we've also posted up a recommended reading list for technical analysis and charts as well.