Forex Books

Author - Tobias Robinson
Author
Tobias Robinson
Tobias is a UK director and partner at Investing.co.uk. He provides commentary on the financial markets in the UK and supports the testing team with first-hand observations from over two decades of active trading.
Fact Checker - William Berg
Fact Checker
William Berg
William is an experienced investment writer with a history in forex trading software localization and IPO consultancy. He contributes as an author and fact-checker for established financial websites.

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
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    XTB offers over 60 currency pairs with competitive spreads, averaging 1 pip on major pairs. The xStation platform is user-friendly, featuring over 30 indicators in its charting package and a variety of order types, supporting diverse trading strategies and risk management.

    GBPUSD Spread EURUSD Spread GBPEUR Spread
    1.4 1.0 1.4
    Total Assets FCA Regulated Platforms
    70+ Yes xStation
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    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
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    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
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    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
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    Eightcap provides over 50 currency pairs, matching the industry norm but falling short of leaders like CMC Markets, which offers more than 300. Nonetheless, Eightcap distinguishes itself with institutional-quality spreads starting from 0.0 pips on major pairs such as EUR/USD. The broker's competitively low commissions at $3.50 per side further enhance its appeal. Eightcap also equips traders with comprehensive forex data, including essential fundamentals, bullish and bearish signals, and a calendar monitoring significant foreign exchange market events.

    GBPUSD Spread EURUSD Spread GBPEUR Spread
    0.1 0.0 0.1
    Total Assets FCA Regulated Platforms
    50+ Yes MT4, MT5, TradingView
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    IG provides an extensive selection of over 80 currency pairs through its own web platform, mobile app, or MetaTrader 4. For advanced charting and forex analysis, the ProRealTime software is available. Testing shows forex spreads are competitive, beginning at 0.1 pips on major pairs such as EUR/USD.

    GBPUSD Spread EURUSD Spread GBPEUR Spread
    0.9 0.8 0.9
    Total Assets FCA Regulated Platforms
    80+ Yes Web, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral, ProRealTime

Safety Comparison

Compare how safe the Forex Books are and what features they offer to protect traders.

Safety Comparison
Broker Trust Rating FCA Regulated Negative Balance Protection Guaranteed Stop Loss Segregated Accounts
Pepperstone 4.6
XTB 4.6
Interactive Brokers 4.5
Vantage FX 4.6
Forex.com 4.9
Eightcap 4.3
IG 4.9

Payments Comparison

Compare which popular payment methods the Forex Books support and whether they have trading accounts denominated in British Pounds (GBP).

Payments Comparison
Broker GBP Account Debit Card Credit Card Neteller Skrill Apple Pay
Pepperstone
XTB
Interactive Brokers
Vantage FX
Forex.com
Eightcap
IG

Mobile Trading Comparison

How good are the Forex Books at mobile trading using apps or other mobile interfaces.

Mobile Trading Comparison
Broker Mobile Apps iOS Rating Android Rating Smart Watch App
Pepperstone iOS & Android 4.4 4.1
XTB iOS & Android 4.7 4.1
Interactive Brokers iOS & Android 4.3 4.5
Vantage FX iOS & Android 3.6 3.9
Forex.com iOS & Android 3.6 3.8
Eightcap iOS & Android 4.8 4.4
IG iOS & Android 4.6 4

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?

Beginners Comparison
Broker Demo Account Minimum Deposit Minimum Trade Support Rating Education Rating
Pepperstone $0 0.01 Lots 4.6 4
XTB $0 0.01 Lots 4.3 3.8
Interactive Brokers $0 $100 3 4.3
Vantage FX $50 0.01 Lots 4.4 4
Forex.com $100 0.01 Lots 4.3 4.5
Eightcap £100 0.01 Lots 4 3.5
IG $0 0.01 Lots 4.5 5

Advanced Trading Comparison

Do the Forex Books offer features that allow for more advanced trading strategies?

Advanced Trading Comparison
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
Interactive Brokers Capitalise.ai, TWS API 1:50
Vantage FX Myfxbook AutoTrade, Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader 1:30
Forex.com Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader 1:30
Eightcap TradingView Bots 1:30
IG Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, build your own on ProRealTime 1:30 (Retail), 1:222 (Pro)

Detailed Rating Comparison

Use this heatmap to compare our detailed ratings for all of the Forex Books.

Detailed Rating Comparison
Broker Trust Platforms Mobile Assets Fees Accounts Support Research Education
Pepperstone 4.6 4.4 4.3 3.8 4.5 4 4.6 4.3 4
XTB 4.6 4 4.4 4 4.3 4 4.3 4.1 3.8
Interactive Brokers 4.5 3.3 4.4 4.7 4.3 3.5 3 4.4 4.3
Vantage FX 4.6 4.3 3.8 4.5 4.4 4.5 4.4 4 4
Forex.com 4.9 4.6 3.7 4.3 4.6 4 4.3 4.8 4.5
Eightcap 4.3 4.3 4.6 3.6 3.8 4 4 3.5 3.5
IG 4.9 4.9 4.3 4.5 3.5 4 4.5 4.9 5

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."
Tobias Robinson
Tobias Robinson
Reviewer

Pros

  • Support for top-tier charting platforms such as MT4, MT5, TradingView, and cTrader. These tools accommodate different short-term trading methods, including algorithmic trading.
  • 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

  • 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.
  • 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.

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."
William Berg
William Berg
Reviewer

Pros

  • Setting up an XTB account is straightforward and fully online, requiring only a few minutes. This simplicity eases new traders into the world of trading.
  • XTB has raised interest rates on uninvested funds and introduced zero-fee ISAs (for ETFs and real shares, or 0.2% on trades over €100k) for UK clients, offering access to a wide array of markets.
  • XTB processes withdrawals swiftly, paying within 3 business days, subject to the method and amount.

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 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."
Tobias Robinson
Tobias Robinson
Reviewer

Pros

  • IBKR consistently offers unparalleled access to global equities, with thousands of shares available across over 100 market centres in 24 countries, including the recently added Saudi Stock Exchange.
  • 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.
  • A wide range of third-party research subscriptions, both free and paid, are available for traders. Additionally, by subscribing to Toggle AI, traders can receive commission rebates from IBKR.

Cons

  • 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.
  • You are limited to a single active session per account, meaning you cannot use both your desktop programme and mobile app at the same time. This restriction can occasionally lead to a frustrating experience for traders.
  • 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.

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."
Tobias Robinson
Tobias Robinson
Reviewer

Pros

  • With a minimal deposit requirement of just $50 and no funding fees, this broker stands out as an excellent option for novice traders.
  • The broker recently expanded its range of CFDs, offering more trading opportunities.
  • The trading software suite is outstanding, featuring the acclaimed MT4 and MT5 platforms.

Cons

  • Based on tests, average execution speeds of 100ms to 250ms are slower compared to other options.
  • It's unfortunate that some clients must register with the offshore firm, which provides reduced regulatory safeguards.
  • To access optimal trading conditions, a substantial deposit of $10,000 is required. This includes a commission of $1.50 per transaction per side.

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."
Tobias Robinson
Tobias Robinson
Reviewer

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.
  • An abundance of educational resources is available, such as tutorials, webinars, and an extensive YouTube channel, designed to enhance your understanding of financial markets.
  • The in-house Web Trader remains a top-tier platform for budding traders, featuring an elegant design and more than 80 technical indicators for market analysis.

Cons

  • 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.
  • US clients are not protected against negative balances, which means you could end up owing more than your initial deposit.

Our Take On Eightcap

"Eightcap excels for traders, offering diverse charting platforms, educational Labs, and AI tools. With over 120 crypto CFDs, it stands out in crypto trading and has won our 'Best Crypto Broker' award twice consecutively."
William Berg
William Berg
Reviewer

Pros

  • In 2021, Eightcap enhanced its lineup, now providing an extensive range of cryptocurrency CFDs. It offers crypto/fiat and crypto/crypto pairs, along with crypto indices for comprehensive market exposure.
  • Eightcap has excelled in all essential trading areas, surpassing all rivals to clinch our 'Best Overall Broker' award for 2024. It also earned the titles of 'Best Crypto Broker' and 'Best TradingView Broker' for 2025.
  • With spreads starting at 0 pips, minimal commission charges, and leverage up to 1:500 for select clients, Eightcap delivers affordable and flexible trading opportunities. These conditions suit various strategies, such as trading and scalping.

Cons

  • Despite the growing range of tools available, Eightcap lacks popular industry resources such as Autochartist and Trading Central. These provide advanced charting analytics, live news, and essential market insights for traders focused on short-term strategies.
  • Despite a helpful array of educational guides and e-books in Labs, Eightcap lags behind IG's extensive resources for aspiring traders. IG boasts a dedicated Academy app and features 18 diverse course categories.
  • The demo account is available for 30 days, after which it requires a request for extension. This is less convenient than XM's offering, which provides an unlimited demo mode.

Our Take On IG

"IG offers a complete package: an easy-to-use web platform, top-tier beginner education, enhanced charting via TradingView, up-to-date data, and strong trade execution for seasoned traders."
Tobias Robinson
Tobias Robinson
Reviewer

Pros

  • The ProRealTime advanced charting platform remains free, provided traders meet modest monthly activity requirements.
  • IG excels with its diverse instruments, offering stocks, forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Additionally, it provides US-listed futures, options, and an AI Index, ensuring varied diversification opportunities.
  • The IG app provides an excellent mobile trading experience with an intuitive design, earning it the Runner Up position in our 'Best Trading App' award.

Cons

  • Beginners may find IG's fees complicated, as they vary depending on the trades or services. This could cause confusion and unexpected costs.
  • IG has ended its swap-free account, diminishing its attractiveness to Islamic traders.
  • IG imposes a monthly inactivity fee of $12 after two years, discouraging occasional traders.

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.

Best forex books for beginners

Best forex books for beginners

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.