I’m often asked a simple question:

Which books should I pick up if I want to learn quant finance, algorithmic trading, or market data analysis?

(I would be remiss not to mention my own book for algorithmic trading with Python.)

One of my long-standing hobbies is tracking down and collecting books in this space.

In today’s newsletter, I’ve pulled together a selection of titles I’ve leaned on over the past two decades—books I’ve read, studied, or kept as references.

Each has shaped my thinking in some way.

Let's go!

The best books for algorithmic trading with Python (and more)

Python

From beginner to seasoned, in that order.

​Python Crash Course , by Matthews: This book will give you a great introduction into how to use Python code effectively. It is particularly valuable for those who may never have coded before.

​Automate the Boring Stuff with Python, by Sweigart: Covers similar ground to Python Crash Course but the project chapters are more relevant for those working in the financial industry. In particular it has a useful chapter on interfacing Python with Excel.

​Python for Data Analysis, by McKinney: Covers various libraries in Python, but primarily intermediate usage of Pandas. It is worth picking up to gain a solid grounding how Pandas works.

​Python for Finance, by Hilpisch: Topics for quants involved in both algorithmic trading and derivatives pricing.

​Fluent Python, by Ramalho: The book is aimed primarily at software developers, rather than quants per se, but many of the topics are still highly relevant for those quants who spend a disproportionate amount of their time coding.

Trading Systems and Quantitative Methods

For those who are involved in the development and application of quant models, risk management, and algorithmic trading systems, these books offer strategies for systematic trading.

​Quantitative Trading, by Chan: Introduction to basic quantitative trading on a retail level.

​Algorithmic Trading, by Chan: A more advanced book by Ernie, with a number of interesting strategies to try out and backtest.

​Mechanical Trading Systems, by Weissman: Great book for strategies. Covers a plethora of momentum and mean reversion strategies on multiple time frames, along with backtested results.

​Following the Trend, by Clenow: I consider this book, one of the best reads on the topic of Trend Following, a very popular trading strategy.

​Trade Your Way to Financial Freedom, by Tharp: Terrible title aside, this classic outlines a structured approach to developing a personal trading system that aligns with individual traders’ psychological.

​Mathematics of Money Management, by Vince: Details the mathematical techniques for risk management and optimal money management in managing portfolios.

​Intermarket Trading Strategies, by Katsanos: Discusses the relationships between global markets and how understanding these can lead to building trading strategies.

​Applied Quantitative Methods for Trading and Investment, by Dunis et al: A practical guide to applying quantitative techniques to real-world trading and investment situations.

​Algorithmic Trading and DMA, by Johnson: An introduction to direct market access and algorithmic trading strategies. Dated but still an entertaining read (if you're into that kind of thing).

​Technical Analysis from A to Z, by Achelis: An encyclopedic reference of technical analysis indicators and their practical applications in trading.

​Inside the Black Box, by Narang: Great book for a headstart on all the different aspects of quant trading. Very general information, but broadly brushes through every aspect of the business.

​The Concepts and Practice of Mathematical Finance, by Joshi: This book provides a clear understanding of the intuition behind derivatives pricing, how models are implemented, and how they are used and adapted in practice.

Behavioral and Historical Perspectives

These books are about the psychological aspects of trading and historical accounts of significant market events. They focus on the importance of market psychology and the impact of human behavior on decision-making.

​Reminiscences of a Stock Operator, by Lefèvre: A narrative that provides insight into the life and strategies of the legendary trader Jesse Livermore The book is packed with trading wisdom and market psychology.

​When Genius Failed, by Lowenstein: Chronicles the rise and fall of Long-Term Capital Management, one of the most storied hedge funds of all times.

​Predictably Irrational, by Ariely: Explores the hidden forces that shape our decision making process, revealing how rational thought is often subverted by irrational behaviors. ($1,500 iPhone anyone?)

​Behavioral Investing, by Montier: A comprehensive look at the psychological barriers to successful investing and strategies to overcome them.

​The Laws of Trading, by Lebron: Offers a unique perspective on decision-making through the lens of a professional trader at Jane Street.

Statistical and Econometric Analysis

This category includes books that detail the use of time series analysis, econometrics, wavelet methods, and market modeling in understanding financial data, asset price dynamics, and volatility.

​Machine Learning for Algorithmic Trading, by Jansen: Introduces the use of machine learning to design and evaluate automated trading strategies, covering a wide range of tools and techniques. An absolute gold mine.

​Time Series Analysis, by Hamilton: An in-depth exploration of the statistical methods used in analyzing time series data, with applications in economics and finance.

​Econometric Analysis, by Greene: A textbook covering the fundamentals and applications of econometrics in empirical research in economics and finance.

​Wavelet Methods for Time Series Analysis, by Percival and Walden: Examines the use of wavelet analysis in time series, particularly for non-stationary financial data. Warning: uses R and S-Plus! Also see A Wavelet Tour of Signal Processing.

​Analysis of Financial Time Series, by Tsay: Focuses on the statistical tools and techniques for analyzing financial time series data.

​The Elements of Statistical Learning, by Hastie, Tibshirani, and Friedman: Presents an overview of statistical learning theory and its applications in various fields, including finance. Warning: uses R!

​Asset Price Dynamics, Volatility, and Prediction, by Taylor: Analyzes asset price movements and volatility, which helps predict future market behaviors.

Mathematical Optimization and Stochastic Calculus

These books explore advanced math concepts important for optimization in financial modeling. They focus on linear and nonlinear programming, convex optimization, and stochastic calculus for derivative pricing and financial engineering.

​Linear and Nonlinear Programming, by Luenberger: Discusses the theory and methods of linear and nonlinear programming which are used for optimization in financial models.

​Nonlinear Programming, by Bazaraa et al.: Delivers a comprehensive look at nonlinear programming theories and methods, with implications for financial optimization problems.

​Convex Optimization, by Boyd and Vandenberghe: Offers an introduction to convex optimization and its applications, with a focus on techniques used in finance and investment. Associated Python library is cvxopt.

​Financial Calculus, by Baxter and Rennie: An introduction to the mathematics of derivatives pricing, including stochastic calculus and its application to finance.

​Stochastic Calculus for Finance I, by Shreve: The first book in a two part series that introduces stochastic calculus and its applications to financial modeling and derivative pricing.

​Stochastic Calculus for Finance II, by Shreve: Continues from the first book, providing a deeper exploration of stochastic calculus and its use in complex financial models.

Portfolio Management and Financial Instruments

These books cover the theoretical and practical aspects of Modern Portfolio Theory, derivatives trading, active portfolio management, and financial engineering. They focus on optimizing portfolio performance and risk management.

​Modern Portfolio Theory and Investment Analysis, by Elton et al.: Reviews Modern Portfolio Theory and its applications to investment analysis and portfolio management.

​Options, Futures and Other Derivatives, by Hull: The leading text on derivatives, explaining the theory and practice of trading futures, options, and other derivative instruments.

​Active Portfolio Management, by Grinold & Kahn: Details quantitative approaches for managing and optimizing the performance of investment portfolios. A lot of what's introduced in this book is captured in the Python library Alphalens.

​Principles of Financial Engineering, by Neftci: Covers the use of financial instruments to restructure cash flows and manage risk in finance.

Volatility Analysis and Options Trading

For the options traders, these classics discuss volatility, strategies, and managing risk in the context of options trading.

​Volatility and Correlation, by Rebonato: Analyzes the complex relationships of volatility and correlation in financial markets for use in risk management.

​Volatility Trading, by Sinclair: Offers a practical guide to trading strategies that capitalize on market volatility. (Everything by Sinclair is great.)

​Volatility Surface, by Gatheral: Discusses the properties of the volatility surface and its implications for pricing derivatives and managing risk.

​Options as a Strategic Investment, by McMillan: Provides comprehensive analysis of options trading strategies for various market conditions.

​Option Volatility & Pricing, by Natenberg: A detailed examination of options trading with a focus on volatility and the pricing of option contracts.

​The Bible of Options Strategies, by Cohen: Good book to get up to speed on all the different options setups and their specific greeks.

Next steps

No next steps for today (except for finding some time to read)!