Best Books To Read For Incoming HF Analyst

Title says it all.

Anyone has must-reads for an incoming HF analyst with prior investment banking experience? Appreciate if the WSO crew can share any insightful books that have been helpful to you through the years. Thanks!

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People in finance and in the hedge fund industry more broadly do not read books, but this does not mean they are unimportant. Like a tasteful Hermès tie, a good well positioned book stationed at the right place on your desk can help you stand out as intellectual yet practical. The best books to keep at work should look worn a bit, so it looks like you’ve read them. The best single book to purchase is McKinseys Valuation textbook, but (of course) do not actually read it as that is a total waste of time. This is especially true if young, since it helps position you as technically gifted (since anyone who has glanced through the book knows it is impractically complex, and primary designed to make McKinsey’s corporate finance practice seem more like a needed service). If you are young, I recommend simply stealing a copy from a public library. Would you buy a pair of designer jeans without wearing them? Certainly not. Be sure to see the book in person so that way you can physically inspect the wear and ensure it is to your taste. 

 

Two books I’ve had recommended to me by multiple PMs (both are great reads):

Superforecasting Thinking in Bets

 
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