Great Books for Beginning Traders/Investors: My short list of indispensable trading/investing classic reads

Occasionally I'm asked about books that beginning traders/investors ought to read. I'm encouraged by this question, as I feel that successful market participants are avid readers and researchers. New books and trendy methods come and go, but I believe that the "classics" are the best place to start reading about the markets. The following list includes some of the classics in the field (though of course this list is far from comprehensive):

• The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham

• The Little Book of Common Sense Investing by John C. Bogle

• The Little Book that Beats the Market by Joel Greenblatt

• The Art of Short Selling by Kathryn F. Staley

• Options as a Strategic Investment by Lawrence G. McMillan

• The Encyclopedia of Chart Patterns by Thomas N. Bulkowski

• Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits by Phillip Fisher

There are more books to read, but this is a good starting point and these books have helped a lot of people over the years.

(Not a licensed or registered investment adviser. For informational purposes only; not intended as investment advice. Please conduct your own research before making any trades or investments.)