Can I still read a share trading book even if it’s not specifically about the Australian market?

Yes, there are thousands of investment books out there which, while not written specifically for an Australian audience, still contain stacks of useful advice for Australian share traders. However, in some books you will need to be willing to wade through some sections which do not apply to the Australian market.

Can share trading books tell me which shares to buy?

No. You are the only person who can decide which shares to buy. However, share trading books can provide very handy advice on investment strategies, how the stock market works, and how to analyse shares and investment opportunities.

Will reading one share trading book teach me everything I need to know?

No, but nor will reading 50 share trading books. While reading about investing in stocks is vital to help you make better trades, there is no way you can learn everything there is to know about share trading from a book.

What should I look for when choosing a share trading book?

Look for books written by credible investors or financial professionals with proven track records. A good trading book should explain core concepts clearly, suit your experience level and include practical strategies you can apply. Check the publication date as well-books that reference recent market conditions or tools are more relevant for today’s traders.

Are beginner and advanced trading books different?

Yes. Beginner books focus on building a foundation-understanding how the stock market works, learning basic terms and exploring low-risk strategies. Advanced books dive into technical analysis, chart patterns, risk management frameworks and behavioural economics. Choosing a book that matches your skill level helps you avoid confusion and develop confidence more effectively.

Do these trading books apply to the Australian market?

Many share trading books are written with the US market in mind, but the underlying principles-like reading charts, managing risk and understanding investor psychology-translate well to the Australian market. Whenever possible, complement global insights with Australian-specific resources, data and ASX examples for local relevance.

Can I learn to trade just by reading books?

Books are an excellent starting point for understanding share trading theory and strategy, but experience is essential. Combine reading with practice by using demo trading accounts or paper trading before risking real money. Also, stay up to date with changing market conditions, regulations and technology.

How can I tell if a trading book is still relevant?

Check the publication date and the topics covered. Books that discuss modern trading platforms, digital tools, or recent market events are generally more up to date. However, classic investing principles from trusted authors can remain valuable even decades later-especially those focused on mindset, discipline and long-term strategy.

Is it better to read physical or digital trading books?

It’s a personal choice. Physical books are great for note-taking and focus, while eBooks or audiobooks are more portable and often cheaper. Traders who like to revisit charts or highlight key strategies may prefer print, whereas others enjoy the convenience of learning on the go.

Are there any free resources to supplement these trading books?

Yes. Many Australian brokers, regulators and financial websites offer free guides, webinars and tutorials on share trading. You can use these in combination with paid books to broaden your knowledge and gain real-world insights tailored to the ASX and local investing environment.

How many trading books should I read before I start investing?

There’s no set number, but reading a few well-reviewed books that cover both investing psychology and technical analysis will help you build a balanced understanding. Once you grasp the fundamentals, start small, apply what you’ve learned and keep learning as you go.

5 top share trading books for beginners

Start with at least one Australian-focused title like Trading Secrets or Adaptive Analysis for Australian Stocks to build a strong foundation tailored to local markets.
Pair theory with real-world insight by choosing interview-based reads like Market Wizards to understand how experienced traders handle wins and losses.
Use these books to develop your own disciplined trading plan rather than copy strategies. Make sure you refine your approach over time.

When you’re starting out investing in shares, knowledge is power. Before you even place your first trade or receive your first dividend, it’s important to learn from share trading books as much as you can.

From the basics of how the market works to in-depth analysis of complex trading strategies, there’s a whole world of information out there that could help you become a successful share trader. One way you can access and digest some of that knowledge is through share trading guide books.

Share trading books can be an extremely potent weapon in the arsenal of any share market investor, allowing you to learn everything there is to know about investing in shares. Let’s take a look at five of our favourite share trading books and how they can help you become a better investor. We also have some coupon codes for you to save money off these books.

1. Trading Secrets by Louise Bedford

Book cover: Trading Secrets by Louise Bedford

Louise Bedford has more than 20 years of experience as a trading mentor, and in this book she shares her secret to finding a successful trading strategy. If you're looking for a book that explains some pretty complex topics in a concise and easy-to-understand way, add Trading Secrets to your reading list.

The trading world can be very confusing for novice investors, so this book is perfect if you want to wrap your head around how you can invest in the share market for profit. Bedford's entertaining writing style is also a refreshing change compared to many of the other "dry" books in this area, making this a highly enjoyable and informative read.

Buy it from:

Amazon Australia
Booktopia
Book Depository

2. The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham

Book cover: The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham

This classic tome about investing features in most lists of share trading books every investor should read - and with good reason. Labelled by investment guru Warren Buffett as "by far the best book about investing ever written", The Intelligent Investor lays out Graham's positive trading program for investing in stocks.

Like so many other share trading books it's an American publication. But unlike some guides, it offers insight and advice that can help traders the world over. Thorough, detailed and with more than one million copies sold, this is the ultimate guide to value investing.

Buy it from:

Amazon Australia
Book Depository
eBay

3. Market Wizards: Interviews With Top Traders by Jack Schwager

Book cover: Market Wizards: Interviews With Top Traders by Jack Schwager

If you want to hear about trading straight from the mouths of the professionals, this is the book for you. Market Wizards features a collection of interviews with successful stock market traders from the 1970s and 1980s, and gives you an insight into their own experiences as traders. Not only is it fascinating reading, but the traders interviewed are also forthright and honest about mistakes made and lessons learned.

Market Wizards was so successful that Schwager has since released three more books, as well as The Little Book of Market Wizards in 2014. This last publication features the most important lessons from almost 50 of Schwager's interviews, making it well worth a look too.

Buy it from:

4. Adaptive Analysis for Australian Stocks by Nick Radge

Book cover: Adaptive Analysis for Australian Stocks by Nick Radge

If you're looking for an Australian guide to the technical analysis of shares, Adaptive Analysis for Australian Stocks is definitely worth adding to your collection. Veteran trader Nick Radge uses the book to show readers a different way of looking at profitability and explains how you can use price movements to maximise your profit.

Half the battle is also recognising a losing trade and how to get out of it as soon as possible. Radge's advice will resonate with many finding their way in the trading world. For further reading, Radge's Unholy Grails is also well worth a look if you're looking for good share trading books.

Buy it from:

5. Trading Tactics by Daryl Guppy

Book cover: Trading Tactics by Daryl Guppy

Australian financial columnist Daryl Guppy has written a series of books that are full of great advice for Australian investors. They're all worth a look, but we thought we'd include Trading Tactics on our list because it's all about finding and exploiting profitable share trading opportunities.

In Trading Tactics, Guppy explores everything from understanding bar charts to using depth of market and using profit and loss numbers to assess potential trading opportunities. Designed to suit anyone from a beginner to an experienced trader, this book also includes checklists to help you improve your trading behaviour.

Buy it from:

6 stock market strategies

10:06

Look for books written by credible investors or financial professionals with proven track records. A good trading book should explain core concepts clearly, suit your experience level and include practical strategies you can apply. Check the publication date as well-books that reference recent market conditions or tools are more relevant for today’s traders.
Yes. Beginner books focus on building a foundation-understanding how the stock market works, learning basic terms and exploring low-risk strategies. Advanced books dive into technical analysis, chart patterns, risk management frameworks and behavioural economics. Choosing a book that matches your skill level helps you avoid confusion and develop confidence more effectively.
Check the publication date and the topics covered. Books that discuss modern trading platforms, digital tools, or recent market events are generally more up to date. However, classic investing principles from trusted authors can remain valuable even decades later-especially those focused on mindset, discipline and long-term strategy.

Sources

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by

Tim Falk

Writer

Tim Falk is a writer for Finder, writing across a diverse range of topics. Over the course of his 15-year writing career, Tim has reported on everything from travel and personal finance to pets and TV soap operas. When he’s not staring at his computer, you can usually find him exploring the great outdoors. See full bio

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5 top share trading books for beginners

Learn the ins and outs of investing in Australian and international share markets with these useful and informative share trading books.