Recommended textbooks for new quant researcher

I'm about to join a "top" quant hedge fund as a new graduate quant researcher. My background is in CS/Math/Physics: I have embarassingly next to no knowledge of finance. What are some of the de-facto standard textbooks to read that cover the fundamentals / first principles of quantitative trading?

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some highly recommended textbooks for someone starting as a quant researcher with a strong CS/Math/Physics background but limited finance knowledge:

  1. "Options, Futures, and Other Derivatives" by John C. Hull

    • Often referred to as the "derivatives bible," this book provides a solid mix of intuition and analytical rigor, making it a great starting point for understanding derivatives.
  2. "Dynamic Hedging" by Nassim Nicholas Taleb

    • Focuses on advanced derivatives topics and is particularly useful for understanding risk management and hedging strategies.
  3. "Volatility Smile" by Emanuel Derman

    • A deep dive into equity derivatives models, with a focus on implied volatility and the nuances of asset price behavior.
  4. "Heard on the Street" by Timothy Falcon Crack

    • A classic for preparing for quant interviews, covering probability, statistics, and brainteasers often encountered in the field.
  5. "Fixed Income Securities" by Bruce Tuckman and Angel Serrat

    • A comprehensive guide to fixed income markets, ideal for building a strong foundation in this area.
  6. "The Art of Currency Trading" by Brent Donnelly

    • A practical introduction to directional FX trading, suitable for those new to the field.
  7. "Derivatives Markets" by Robert L. McDonald

    • A beginner-friendly book that simplifies complex derivatives concepts, making it accessible for those without a finance background.
  8. "When Genius Failed" by Roger Lowenstein

    • While not a textbook, this book provides valuable insights into the history and pitfalls of quantitative finance through the story of Long-Term Capital Management.

These books will help you build a strong foundation in quantitative trading and finance principles while leveraging your existing technical expertise.

Sources: S&T Literature/Books for Interns?, How do you become a Quant Trader?, Quantitative Analysis and Probability in Trading (Market Makers, HFT, Quant Firms), Best internships for Quant Trading?, Quant Researcher in Quant Funds: Dead-End Career Path?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
Most Helpful

At omnis eligendi ullam repudiandae aliquam rerum. Soluta voluptas odit cum sunt aspernatur ipsum. Voluptas beatae voluptas minus voluptatem id minima.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Hedge Fund

  • Point72 99.0%
  • D.E. Shaw 98.0%
  • Citadel Investment Group 97.0%
  • AQR Capital Management 96.0%
  • Magnetar Capital 95.0%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Hedge Fund

  • Magnetar Capital 99.0%
  • D.E. Shaw 98.0%
  • Blackstone Group 97.0%
  • Citadel Investment Group 96.0%
  • Two Sigma Investments 94.9%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Hedge Fund

  • AQR Capital Management 99.0%
  • Point72 98.0%
  • D.E. Shaw 97.1%
  • Citadel Investment Group 96.1%
  • Magnetar Capital 95.1%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Hedge Fund

  • Portfolio Manager (9) $1,648
  • Vice President (27) $464
  • Director/MD (11) $372
  • NA (9) $320
  • Engineer/Quant (83) $287
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (26) $284
  • Manager (4) $282
  • 2nd Year Associate (32) $253
  • 1st Year Associate (76) $193
  • Analysts (234) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (29) $145
  • Junior Trader (5) $102
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (276) $95
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”