Top 10 Must-Read Books on Stock Investment in 2026 - Selected by Successful Investors

The investment market requires advanced knowledge and psychological stability. Many beginner investors are seeking systematic learning paths through essential stock investment books, which can be the first step toward successful investing. To grow assets long-term without being shaken by market volatility, which books should you choose?

Why do beginner stock investors choose books now?

There is an abundance of information about the stock market, but well-organized knowledge is rare. Social media and news provide only fragmented information and do not help in understanding the essence of investing. In contrast, books from reputable authors and publishers condense years of investment experience and research.

Moreover, books allow you to control your reading pace and revisit necessary sections repeatedly. Unlike online resources, you can access in-depth analysis and thoroughly verified content.

Must-read books tailored to different investment styles

Understanding your investment tendency is the first step to choosing the right book. Whether you seek psychologically stable investments, pursue short-term profits, or analyze intrinsic company value—each investor needs different resources. Defining your investment goals and risk appetite first, then selecting suitable books, will enhance your learning effectiveness.

Must-read stock investment books focused on psychological stability

The Psychology of Money - Morgan Housel

A significant portion of investment failures stems not from market volatility but from personal emotions. Morgan Housel’s The Psychology of Money deeply analyzes why we make irrational financial decisions.

The author illustrates how emotional judgment can be fatal, citing the 2008 financial crisis when panicked individual investors sold large bank stocks at low prices. These stocks later surged, causing investors to miss huge opportunities.

This book covers the basics of investment psychology, offering easy-to-read insights that can be immediately applied in real life. Especially for beginners prone to emotional swings, this is a must-read.

The Intelligent Investor - Benjamin Graham

Known as the father of value investing, Benjamin Graham’s The Intelligent Investor has served as a guide for investors for over 70 years.

Its core message is to identify a company’s intrinsic value and invest without being swayed by market fluctuations. Graham emphasizes safety and thorough analysis as fundamental principles. Warren Buffett, for example, bought Coca-Cola shares in 1988 and held them for over 30 years, demonstrating how investing based on brand value and financial health can be powerful.

Although Coca-Cola was undervalued at the time, Buffett analyzed the company from a long-term perspective and achieved multiple returns. This book is essential for investors who want to base their decisions on rational analysis rather than emotions.

Must-read books on technical analysis for stock investing

Moving Averages Investment Method - Gojiro Instructor

If you can’t read charts, stock investing is almost like gambling. Mastering the basic yet powerful indicator of technical analysis—the moving average—is key to success.

Gojiro’s Moving Averages Investment Method simplifies complex theories. It teaches how to identify long-term market trends and manage volatility through moving averages.

During the early 2000s internet bubble burst, investors who effectively used moving averages detected the downtrend early and executed stop-losses, minimizing losses. This exemplifies how technical analysis can provide practical help. Suitable for both beginners and experienced traders, this book is highly recommended.

The Technique of Short-term Trading for Profits Based on Principles - Won Jeong-yeon (Manju)

Short-term trading promises high returns but also involves significant risks. Won Jeong-yeon’s The Technique of Short-term Trading for Profits Based on Principles systematically explains the principles and practical strategies of short-term trading.

The author emphasizes not only technical analysis techniques but also the importance of psychological management. The book includes case studies, such as the GameStop stock surge. One trader made substantial profits during the spike but lost everything by missing the turn to decline—highlighting the importance of planning, execution, and timing.

This book is a must-read for investors aiming for short-term gains.

Starting from Scratch: Short-term Trading Strategies - Hong In-ki

If you want to start short-term trading but don’t know where to begin, Hong In-ki’s book is the answer. It explains the basics to advanced techniques step by step.

While some Korean investors have profited using short-term strategies recently, many have suffered losses due to poor entry and exit timing. What distinguishes success from failure? It’s the difference between trading without principles and with strict plans.

This book emphasizes risk management and teaches how to handle various real-world situations faced by novice traders.

Essential books on fundamental analysis and value investing

The Legend of Wall Street Hero - Peter Lynch

Peter Lynch advocated that “ordinary people can succeed too” throughout his career. The Legend of Wall Street Hero is a classic in the investment world and has inspired many beginner investors.

Lynch advises investing in popular or familiar companies. He achieved high returns by investing in a household goods company, demonstrating that even those without specialized knowledge can succeed if they analyze companies properly.

The value of this book lies in its approach to long-term company analysis. If you want to understand a company’s true nature without being swayed by short-term volatility, this is a must-read.

Follow Stock Investment Without Overthinking - Yoon Jae-soo

A practical guide that covers everything about stock investing in one book. Yoon Jae-soo’s book includes all essentials for beginners, from opening an account to risk management.

Its core strategy is “dollar-cost averaging” for buying and selling. Many novice investors in the early 2010s used this technique to mitigate losses during downturns and realize profits when markets recovered. One investor minimized losses during declines and achieved stable gains during subsequent rises.

The book emphasizes setting stop-loss criteria to avoid emotional decisions and enable systematic trading. Beginners should start with this book.

Don’t Invest in Stocks Without Understanding Electronic Disclosure - Jang Woo-jin

If you cannot properly read electronic disclosures (electronic public notices), investing can become blind guessing. Jang Woo-jin’s book stresses rational investment decisions through analysis of corporate disclosures.

For example, one investor found revenue growth and new contract info in a small company’s disclosures, invested early, and saw its stock more than double in five years. This demonstrates how meticulous analysis of disclosures can be a powerful tool.

If you want to improve your corporate analysis skills, this is a recommended read.

Recommended books for long-term wealth creation

Golden Star’s US Stock Dividend ETF Investment Habits - Choi Yoon-young (Golden Star)

For stable income seekers, dividend strategies are a powerful option. Choi Yoon-young’s book explains how to grow assets long-term through dividend ETFs.

In real cases, a long-term investor invested in dividend ETFs for ten years, reinvesting quarterly dividends. This strategy increased the initial principal by over 30%. It vividly demonstrates the power of compound interest and dividend reinvestment.

If you want additional income through dividends and long-term asset growth, this book is essential.

The Power of Reading 1% - Mer

Some investors detect subtle market changes and turn them into opportunities. Mer’s The Power of Reading 1% introduces data-driven analytical investment methods.

You can learn how to systematically analyze data and information to develop investment strategies. Quantitative investors, for example, have consistently earned profits by noticing tiny market shifts.

If you want a scientific, objective approach to investing, this book offers a new perspective.

Final advice for successful stock investing

The most critical factor in investment success is solid foundational knowledge. The recommended stock investment books each offer different viewpoints and methodologies.

Whether you need psychological stability, technical analysis, or value investing, there are suitable books for everyone. The key is to read these books and put the knowledge into action. Only when knowledge and experience combine can true investing ability be achieved.

In 2026, take your first step toward successful investing with these essential books.