Forex Books
Education is crucial for any successful trader, and forex books are the perfect starting point.
Whether you want to understand more about technical analysis, psychology, or you’re a beginner who just needs the basics, we’ve compiled a list of the 6 best forex trading strategy books on the market. All the books in this review are available to order online from Amazon, and many are for sale on Kindle or downloadable as a PDF too.
Forex Brokers with Education
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Pepperstone provides forex spreads on the EUR/USD averaging just 0.12 pips with their Razor account. This is highly competitive. Their extensive portfolio includes over 100 currency pairs, which exceeds what most rivals offer. Furthermore, Pepperstone stands out by offering three unique currency indices: USDX, EURX, and JPYX, which are rare on other platforms. They have been recognised with our 'Best Forex Broker' award twice.
GBPUSD Spread EURUSD Spread GBPEUR Spread 0.4 0.1 0.4 Total Assets FCA Regulated Platforms 100+ Yes MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade, Quantower -
XTB offers access to over 70 currency pairs, with competitive spreads averaging about 1 pip for major pairs. Its xStation platform is user-friendly, providing traders with top-tier charting tools, over 30 indicators, and diverse order types to support different strategies and risk management needs.
GBPUSD Spread EURUSD Spread GBPEUR Spread 1.4 1.0 1.4 Total Assets FCA Regulated Platforms 70+ Yes xStation -
FXCC champions its competitive forex trading environment. ECN spreads can drop to an impressive 0.0 pips during busy trading periods. Offering more variety than many competitors, it supports over 70 currency pairs. Furthermore, traders benefit from MT4, renowned for its exceptional charting capabilities, specifically designed for forex trading.
GBPUSD Spread EURUSD Spread GBPEUR Spread 1.0 0.2 0.5 Total Assets FCA Regulated Platforms 70+ No MT4, MT5 -
IBKR offers a vast range of over 100 forex pairs, including major, minor, and exotic currencies, outstripping most competitors except CMC Markets. Trading is available across multiple platforms with institutional-grade spreads beginning at 0.1 pips. There are also 20 sophisticated order types, such as brackets, scale, and one-cancels-all (OCA) orders, enhancing trading strategies.
GBPUSD Spread EURUSD Spread GBPEUR Spread 0.08-0.20 bps x trade value 0.08-0.20 bps x trade value 0.08-0.20 bps x trade value Total Assets FCA Regulated Platforms 100+ Yes Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentral, ProRealTime, Quantower -
Vantage provides over 55 currency pairs, exceeding the industry norm, giving traders ample opportunities. With a robust liquidity pool, forex spreads start at 0.0 pips on the ECN account, often beating other options. Additionally, there are no commissions, deposit fees, or hidden charges.
GBPUSD Spread EURUSD Spread GBPEUR Spread 0.5 0.0 0.5 Total Assets FCA Regulated Platforms 55+ Yes ProTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView, DupliTrade -
IC Markets remains dedicated to offering tight 0.0-pip spreads on major currency pairs like EUR/USD, ensuring outstanding execution with an average speed of 35 milliseconds. Ideal for traders seeking high performance, those dealing in large volumes can also enjoy rebates of up to $2.50 per forex lot.
GBPUSD Spread EURUSD Spread GBPEUR Spread 0.23 0.02 0.27 Total Assets FCA Regulated Platforms 75 No MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade, Quantower -
FOREX.com remains a leading FX broker, providing 80 currency pairs with highly competitive fees. EUR/USD spreads can reach as low as 0.0, with a $7 commission per $100k, making it a standout choice.
GBPUSD Spread EURUSD Spread GBPEUR Spread 1.3 1.2 1.4 Total Assets FCA Regulated Platforms 84 Yes WebTrader, Mobile, MT4, MT5, TradingView
Safety Comparison
Compare how safe the Forex Books are and what features they offer to protect traders.
Broker | Trust Rating | FCA Regulated | Negative Balance Protection | Guaranteed Stop Loss | Segregated Accounts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pepperstone | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | |
XTB | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
FXCC | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | |
Interactive Brokers | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | |
Vantage FX | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | |
IC Markets | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | |
Forex.com | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
Payments Comparison
Compare which popular payment methods the Forex Books support and whether they have trading accounts denominated in British Pounds (GBP).
Broker | GBP Account | Debit Card | Credit Card | Neteller | Skrill | Apple Pay |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pepperstone | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
XTB | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
FXCC | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
Interactive Brokers | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
Vantage FX | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
IC Markets | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
Forex.com | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
Mobile Trading Comparison
How good are the Forex Books at mobile trading using apps or other mobile interfaces.
Broker | Mobile Apps | iOS Rating | Android Rating | Smart Watch App |
---|---|---|---|---|
Pepperstone | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
XTB | iOS & Android | ✔ | ||
FXCC | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
Interactive Brokers | iOS & Android | ✔ | ||
Vantage FX | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
IC Markets | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
Forex.com | iOS & Android | ✘ |
Beginners Comparison
Are the Forex Books good for beginner traders, that might want an affordable setup to get started, along with good support and educational resources?
Broker | Demo Account | Minimum Deposit | Minimum Trade | Support Rating | Education Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pepperstone | ✔ | $0 | 0.01 Lots | ||
XTB | ✔ | $0 | 0.01 Lots | ||
FXCC | ✔ | $0 | 0.01 Lots | ||
Interactive Brokers | ✔ | $0 | $100 | ||
Vantage FX | ✔ | $50 | 0.01 Lots | ||
IC Markets | ✔ | $200 | 0.01 Lots | ||
Forex.com | ✔ | $100 | 0.01 Lots |
Advanced Trading Comparison
Do the Forex Books offer features that allow for more advanced trading strategies?
Broker | Automated Trading | Pro Account | Leverage | VPS | AI | Low Latency | Extended Hours |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pepperstone | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✔ | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
XTB | - | ✔ | 1:30 | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
FXCC | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✘ | 1:500 | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
Interactive Brokers | Capitalise.ai & TWS API | ✘ | 1:50 | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Vantage FX | Myfxbook AutoTrade, Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✘ | 1:30 | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
IC Markets | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader, Myfxbook AutoTrade | ✘ | 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global) | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
Forex.com | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✘ | 1:30 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
Detailed Rating Comparison
Use this heatmap to compare our detailed ratings for all of the Forex Books.
Broker | Trust | Platforms | Mobile | Assets | Fees | Accounts | Support | Research | Education |
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Pepperstone | |||||||||
XTB | |||||||||
FXCC | |||||||||
Interactive Brokers | |||||||||
Vantage FX | |||||||||
IC Markets | |||||||||
Forex.com |
Our Take On Pepperstone
"Pepperstone is a premier trading platform, providing tight spreads, swift execution, and sophisticated charting tools for seasoned traders. Beginners benefit from no minimum deposit, comprehensive learning materials, and outstanding 24/7 support."
Pros
- Pepperstone now offers spread betting via TradingView, delivering a streamlined and tax-efficient trading experience with sophisticated analytical tools.
- Pepperstone offers rapid execution speeds of approximately 30ms, enabling swift order processing and execution, making it ideal for traders.
- The award-winning customer support can be accessed through phone, email, or live chat. During tests, response times have consistently been under 5 minutes.
Cons
- Although its market range has improved, its crypto offerings remain limited compared to brokers specialising in this sector, lacking real coin investment options.
- Pepperstone's demo accounts expire after 30 days, which may not provide sufficient time to explore various platforms and evaluate trading strategies.
- Pepperstone doesn't offer cTrader Copy, a favoured feature for copying trades found in the cTrader platform, which is available on other platforms such as IC Markets. However, Pepperstone has launched its own user-friendly copy trading app.
Our Take On XTB
"XTB excels for novice traders with its superb xStation platform, minimal trading costs, no required deposit, and outstanding educational resources, many of which are fully integrated into the platform."
Pros
- Top-notch customer support, available 24/5, includes a welcoming live chat with response times under two minutes during tests.
- XTB processes withdrawals swiftly, paying within 3 business days, subject to the method and amount.
- XTB has increased interest rates on idle funds and introduced zero-fee ISAs for UK clients, offering a wide variety of markets.
Cons
- XTB lacks a raw spread account, a feature increasingly offered by competitors such as Pepperstone. This omission might not satisfy traders seeking the most competitive spreads.
- The demo account lasts only four weeks, posing a challenge for traders wanting to fully explore the xStation platform and refine short-term strategies before investing actual money.
- XTB has stopped supporting MT4, restricting traders to its own platform, xStation. This decision may discourage experienced traders accustomed to using the MetaTrader suite.
Our Take On FXCC
"FXCC remains a top choice for forex traders, offering over 70 currency pairs, very tight spreads from 0.0 pips in tests, and high leverage up to 1:500 with the ECN XL account."
Pros
- FXCC is a trusted and licensed broker under the regulation of CySEC, a leading European authority ensuring excellent safeguarding standards.
- FXCC has introduced MT5, which in our evaluations, mirrored the trading conditions of MT4 by offering swift execution, improved charting, and market depth tools.
- There are no limitations on short-term trading techniques such as trading and scalping.
Cons
- FXCC's exclusive MetaTrader platform is a limitation, especially when compared to more versatile options like AvaTrade, which offers five different platforms to cater to various trader needs.
- The range of research tools, such as Trading Central and Autochartist, is quite limited. Leading platforms in this category, like IG, offer more advanced features.
- The variety of currency pairs surpasses most options, but the choice of other assets is limited. Notably, stocks are absent.
Our Take On Interactive Brokers
"Interactive Brokers ranks highly for seasoned traders due to its robust charting platforms, live data, and bespoke layouts via the new IBKR Desktop app. Its competitive pricing and sophisticated order choices appeal to traders, and its wide equity options are industry-leading."
Pros
- The new IBKR Desktop platform combines the top features of TWS with customised tools such as Option Lattice and MultiSort Screeners, providing an impressive trading experience for traders of all skill levels.
- The TWS platform is tailored for intermediate and advanced traders, featuring over 100 order types and a dependable real-time market data feed with exceptional uptime.
- Interactive Brokers has been awarded Best US Broker for 2025 by DayTrading.com. This accolade highlights its dedication to traders in the US, offering exceptionally low margin rates and access to global markets at minimal expense.
Cons
- IBKR offers a variety of research tools, but their inconsistent placement across trading platforms and the 'Account Management' webpage creates a confusing experience for users.
- The learning curve for TWS is quite steep, making it tough for novice traders to navigate and grasp all its features. In contrast, Plus500's web platform is far more accessible for those new to trading.
- Support can be sluggish and frustrating. Tests reveal that you may face challenges reaching customer service quickly, which could result in delays in issue resolution.
Our Take On Vantage FX
"Vantage is an ideal choice for CFD traders looking for a well-regulated broker with access to the dependable MetaTrader platforms. With a swift sign-up process and a minimum deposit of $50, starting trading is simple and fast."
Pros
- Vantage has enhanced its trading tools for experienced traders, introducing AutoFibo EA to pinpoint potential market reversals.
- With a minimal deposit requirement of just $50 and no funding fees, this broker stands out as an excellent option for novice traders.
- Hedging and scalping strategies are fully permitted without any short-term restrictions.
Cons
- To access optimal trading conditions, a substantial deposit of $10,000 is required. This includes a commission of $1.50 per transaction per side.
- It's unfortunate that some clients must register with the offshore firm, which provides reduced regulatory safeguards.
- Based on tests, average execution speeds of 100ms to 250ms are slower compared to other options.
Our Take On IC Markets
"IC Markets provides excellent pricing, swift execution, and easy deposits. With cutting-edge charting tools like TradingView and the Raw Trader Plus account, it continues to be a preferred option for intermediate and advanced traders."
Pros
- As a well-regulated and reputable broker, IC Markets focuses on client safety and transparency to provide a dependable global trading experience.
- IC Markets provides reliable 24/5 support, especially for account and funding queries, drawing from direct experience.
- Access over 2,250 CFDs across diverse markets like forex, commodities, indices, shares, bonds, and cryptocurrencies. This variety enables traders to employ diversified strategies.
Cons
- Certain withdrawal methods incur fees, including a $20 charge for wire transfers. These costs can reduce profits, particularly with frequent withdrawals.
- IC Markets provides metals and cryptocurrencies for trading through CFDs, though the selection is narrower compared to brokers such as eToro. This limits opportunities for traders focused on these asset classes.
- Although there are four top-tier third-party platforms available, the absence of in-house software or a trading app tailored for novice traders is notable.
Our Take On Forex.com
"FOREX.com excels in serving traders of all levels, offering more than 80 currency pairs, spreads starting at 0.0 pips, and competitive commissions. Its robust charting platforms provide over 100 technical indicators and comprehensive research tools."
Pros
- With more than two decades of expertise, strong regulatory governance, and numerous accolades, including a second-place finish in our 'Best Forex Broker' awards, FOREX.com is globally renowned as a reliable trading platform.
- FOREX.com provides top-tier forex rates beginning at 0.0 pips, along with attractive cashback rebates up to 15% for dedicated traders.
- An abundance of educational resources is available, such as tutorials, webinars, and an extensive YouTube channel, designed to enhance your understanding of financial markets.
Cons
- US clients are not protected against negative balances, which means you could end up owing more than your initial deposit.
- FOREX.com's MT4 platform provides around 600 instruments, a notable reduction compared to the more than 5,500 options on its other platforms.
- Demo accounts are typically limited to 90 days, hindering effective strategy testing.
Books Every Forex Trader Should Read
1. Currency Trading For Dummies by Kathleen Brooks and Brian Dolan
As a true FX rookie, where best to start learning than with one of the forex books for dummies?
Kathleen Brooks, the Director of Research for Forex.com and Brian Dolan, former Chief Currency Strategist, break down the vast subject of forex trading into simple concepts that all FX buyers and sellers should know.
In particular:
- How the foreign currency exchange market works
- How your risk appetite, investment objectives and experience level should impact your trades
- How to use economic data and psychology to read the market
- How to develop a forex trading strategy
By the end of the book, you’ll have learnt how to develop your very own forex trading system that can turn a real profit.
However, reviews suggest that the terminology used can be complex. For those without a background knowledge of finance, it’s best to start with the ‘economics for dummies’ forex books. These explain the fundamentals of macroeconomics, supply and demand and much more – concepts which are the backbone for any trading strategy.
2. Forex For Beginners by Anna Coulling
Another fantastic read for those new to investing is Anna Coulling’s ‘Forex for Beginners’. Coulling has written 3 forex books, each of which could easily feature in the top 5. Her latest must read focuses on risk management to decipher whether a trade is the right move. Is the risk level of a trade high, medium or low? And, what is the financial risk?
There are images to show patterns in the data using Japanese candlesticks and other fundamental charting instruments. Coulling also offers a unique take on the forex broker and how the choice could impact your trades. Crucially, at the end of the book, there’s an introduction to her heralded ‘Volume Price Analysis’ theory, which many traders tout as their most powerful tool.
With over 20 years experience forex trading in the UK, Anna’s book aims to help you turn exchange rates into profits.
3. Day Trading QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner’s Guide To Winning Trade Plans, Conquering The Markets, And Becoming A Successful Day Trader By Troy Noonan
If you’re looking to read up on day trading strategy, Troy Noonan’s forex books are the best place to start. This is much more than just forex, Noonan helps you to understand how day trading can apply to futures, options and other derivatives. There’s detail on technical indicators, signals, trade plans, and how to avoid expensive mistakes. But fundamentally, Troy will show you how to profit from FX without the risk that overnight positions hold.
4. The Alchemy Of Finance By George Soros
George Soros is one of the most successful traders of all time. He famously beat the Bank of England shorting the pound in one of the biggest forex trades ever – earning a cool $1 billion. But, he’s also executed trades with huge losses too. An overvaluation of Bearn Stearns resulted in the purchase of shares in the company at $54, only for them to be sold off a $2 per share just days later.
In arguably his best book, The Alchemy of Finance, Soros shares the investment strategies that have made him who he is today. Whilst not specific to forex, this is one of the top books that every trader in the business should read.
5. Naked Forex: High-Probability Techniques For Trading Without Indicators By Alex Nekritin
For a unique approach to forex trading, Alex Nekritin’s book ‘Naked Forex’ introduces the concept of trading without indicators. While most forex traders rely upon indicators to plan a trade, Alex’s strategy involves watching price charts closely instead. The book is based on Walter Peters’ money management method and details the 6 trading setups that every good trader should know. There’s a particular focus on how cognitive psychology can influence trading decisions, and how a good trader can make that work to their advantage.
6. Forex Trading: The Bible By Samuel Rees And Ralph L. Rati
If you prefer to listen to audio books, Forex Trading: The Bible comes highly recommended. We like this book primarily for beginners as there’s a lack of advanced explanation. The narration can be over-enthusiastic at times, but for those looking to learn while on-the-move, this will help you cover the basics.
The Forex Trading: The Bible audio books are available for download on Audible both on iPhone and Android (APK). You get five ebooks for the price of one, plus, with the Audible 30-day free trial you can try it out without spending a penny.
Final Word On Forex Books
There are forex trading books out there for almost any strategy and experience level. From those designed to teach beginners the very basics, to those that cover scalping, hedging and other FX strategies for the more advanced. We’ve summarised the most highly-rated to make the decision easy. But, of course, nothing beats testing your knowledge in the real world. Try out your new found skills on a broker’s demo account before executing real life trades.
FAQ
Can I Learn To Trade Using Forex Books?
Books are perfect for learning to trade forex. The best books outline simple trading concepts and strategies, making them easy to understand. Most forex trading books include images of charts to help explain theories. Once you’ve read up, you can test your new found knowledge on a broker’s demo account.
Are Audio Books Useful For Learning To Trade Forex?
Audio books can be useful for those who want to learn forex trading on-the-go. However, we’d recommend books that use volume charts to help explain concepts. That way, when you trade for real, you’ll recognise the patterns in the data.
What Are The Best Forex Trading Books For Beginners?
The top three recommended forex education trading books for beginners are:
- Currency Trading for Dummies by Kathleen Brooks and Brian Dolan
- Forex for Beginners by Anna Coulling
- Naked Forex: High-Probability Techniques for Trading Without Indicators by Alex Nekritin
Can Anyone Start Trading Using Forex Books?
Yes, there’s a breadth of forex trading books available aimed at beginners up to experts. From basic economic concepts to complex risk management systems, books are an excellent tool for FX investors. Look for a book that offers the level of detail you want and focuses on the techniques you’re interested in.
Can Forex Books Provide Profitable Strategies?
Traders around the world profit from trading forex every day. However, profit is not a given. Successful traders use data and analysis to predict whether a trade will make money. An understanding of basic strategy, logic, and macroeconomics is vital, and that’s where forex books can play a part – teaching traders what sit behinds a profitable investing system.