It has been said that reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. If you are looking for some books to give your mind a workout, or if you want to pass some time productively, here are three books recommended by our very own writers here at DollarsAndSense.
These books will give you an insight into decision-making and how money runs the world. Time to put on your reading glasses!
Timothy Ho
The Undercover Economist, by Tim Harford
Why do you like it?
It’s a great book that relates very well on how day-to-day situations around us can be explained from an economic perspective. It’s simple enough for anyone with no economics background to read and understand.
At the same time, serious economics students can also appreciate how the way the writer is able to explain complex economic topics in a digestible manner.
What is your favourite chapter?
Chapter 1: Who pays for your coffee? It draws the link between how monopoly and real estate.
Who would you recommend it to?
Anyone who has never read an economics book before should consider this as their first book.
Yeap Ming Feng
The Art of Thinking Clearly, by Rolf Dobelli
Why do you like it?
The book explains why certain behaviours that we humans deem normal are actually very illogical. It gives a whole new perspective to how we carry out daily activities.
Our behaviour can be the result of our unconscious biasness or illusions, and the book provides statistics and econometric theories to show that these observations can be proven scientifically.
What is your favourite chapter?
Chapter 4: If 50 Million People Say Something Foolish, It Is Still Foolish. It talks about how we are all afraid to be different and why we succumb to the herd mentality.
Who would you recommend it to?
Anyone who is prepared to get their minds blown with applications of statistics, social experiment, and econometric theory on the decisions you make every day.
Kareen Chan
Best Practices For Equity Research Analysts, by James Valentine
Why do you like it?
This book focuses less on the technical side (how to make a model) and more on the thought processes and soft skills needed. It also explains what you need to take note of when generating qualitative and quantitative insights.
I like it because it helps me understand what are the important things to take note of, so whenever I start researching a company, I will have a clear idea of what needs to be done.
What is your favourite chapter?
Theme 1: Mastering organisation and interpersonal skills. In my opinion, this book stands out because it highlights the importance of building relationships with others, so as to get deeper insights that the other analysts and competitors might not have.
Sometimes when analysts are working, they often get distracted by other side projects. In this theme, it also elaborates on why an analyst has to prioritise time because time is most valuable.
Who would you recommend it to?
People who have a passion for equity research. You will gain a lot of insights from the non-technical aspect of the book. I think it will help you become more productive when working.
There you have it, three new titles on your to-read list! Let us know if you enjoy them, and share with us your favourite finance books.
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