It’s fair to say that the UK is a nation of avid readers, with the Reading Agency revealing that 50% of adults now read regularly for pleasure. If you’re a book lover and often get sucked into the fictitious worlds or deep explorations of complex subjects put to paper, a book about investing could be your new fix.
At first glance, the subject can seem dry and uninteresting, but the reality is that books about investing can be anything but dull.
In fact, many investing books offer invaluable insights while also captivating you with intriguing narratives and practical wisdom.
With that in mind, continue reading to discover five of the best investing books that might change the way you view your wealth.
1. The Bogleheads’ Guide to Investing, Taylor Larimore, Mel Lindauer, Michael LeBoeuf
If you’re new to investing or are seeking a refresher on the basics, The Bogleheads’ Guide to Investing is a must-read.
The book enshrines the values and advice of Vanguard founder John Bogle, who revolutionised investing by advocating for low-cost index funds and a focus on long-term strategy over short-term gains.
The book is relatively concise, and across its 23 chapters, it provides practical advice on a range of topics, including:
- Choosing a financial lifestyle that suits you
- Balancing your emotions to master your investments
- Understanding the basics of asset allocation.
Perhaps one of this book’s key strengths is its accessibility. It breaks down complex investing concepts into language that is easy to understand without overwhelming the reader.
It also offers external resources and suggestions for further reading, making it an excellent starting point for anyone seeking to dive deeper into investing.
2. Patient Capital, Victoria Ivashina, Josh Lerner
If you’re looking for something a bit different, Patient Capital – which shows how investing intersects with broader societal issues – could be for you.
Written by Harvard Business School professors, Victoria Ivashina and Josh Lerner, this book explores how long-term investments (or “patient capital”) can address some of society’s most pressing issues, ranging from environmental concerns to infrastructure revitalisation.
The authors argue that while governments often lack the political will to fund these long-term initiatives, pension providers, insurers, and wealth funds have the capacity to step in.
One of the best things about this book is that it isn’t simply a guide to investing; it’s about how thoughtful application of time and money can drive meaningful change in the world.
It provides an intriguing look at investing from an angle you might not have previously considered, making it a fascinating read if you’re interested in the broader impact of finances on wider society.
3. The Intelligent Investor: The Definitive Book on Value Investing, Benjamin Graham
Benjamin Graham, often referred to as the “father of value investing”, laid the foundation for a disciplined approach to investing that has influenced countless investors, including Warren Buffett.
The Intelligent Investor is Graham’s magnum opus, providing a framework for evaluating a business’s worth based on its financial value, rather than market buzz or short-term trading techniques.
Graham’s philosophy centres around the concept of a “margin of safety”, which emphasises investing in assets priced below their intrinsic value to reduce your overall risk.
The book has also been updated to include commentary from Jason Zweig, a Wall Street Journal personal finance columnist.
While the book is more comprehensive, the invaluable insights it offers about value investing make it a worthwhile read if you’re serious about building a sound investment strategy.
4. The Essays of Warren Buffett: Lessons for Corporate America, Warren Buffett
Often considered one of the most successful modern investors, Warren Buffett is known for his ability to spot value where others don’t.
Each year, Buffett writes a letter to Berkshire Hathaway’s shareholders, dispensing his thoughts on the company’s performance, the economy, and investing in general.
The Essays of Warren Buffett compiles these letters into a cohesive book, providing a look into the mind of one of the greatest investors ever.
What makes the collection especially fascinating is the way Buffett’s clear, and often humorous, writing brings complex topics to life.
The essays cover a wide range of concepts, too, from the principles of value investing to the importance of corporate governance, making it an insightful read for investors and business owners alike.
Through the essays, you’ll be able to personally witness Buffett’s thought process and investing philosophies, offering invaluable lessons for managing your personal finances.
5. The Billionaire’s Apprentice, Anita Raghavan
Not all investing books focus on strategies and market analysis; some examine the human stories behind the headlines, and one such book is The Billionaire’s Apprentice by Antia Raghavan.
This riveting tale reads more like a thriller than a finance book, as it explores the rise of the South-Asian diaspora in the US business world, specifically telling the story of Rajat Gupta, a high-born Indian immigrant who climbed to the top of the corporate ladder.
However, due to insider trading scandals, Gupta faced a spectacular downfall, and this is exactly what the book covers.
It is undoubtedly an intriguing mix of ethnicity, ambition, and investing gone awry, and will leave you wanting more after each page.
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This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
