Swing trading is the most popular way for individual traders and investors to make extra income in trading. This trading technique wherein a tradable asset is held for 1-5 days is the most convenient form of trading though it involves a higher level of risk when compared to scalping and day trading.
So, as one might expect, swing trading is not a skill you can pick up on the streets. Instead, you need to develop a successful trading strategy, know how long you want to keep your position, what are the best trading days to open and close positions, and what is the best tradable asset for you to use as a swing trader.
To help you get your hands on that one or two books needed to start swing trading, in this article, we recommend the best swing trading books as of 2023 and beyond.
First, What is Swing Trading?
Swing trading is a trading style in which traders try to hold and capture gains by holding positions for one to five days (although some say that a swing trade may last several weeks).
As a medium-term trading strategy, swing trading stands between day trading and position trading strategies. Typically, swing trading is a trading position that lasts more than one trading session but not longer than a week or two.
Ideally, swing traders try to capture a significant price movement using technical and fundamental analysis. For that matter, one essential tool in swing trading is proper risk management and, more importantly, a risk-reward ratio.
Swing Trading – Pros and Cons
Pros
- It can be combined with another position as a part-time job – no need to be glued to the computer screen
- If appropriately used, swing trading may produce higher returns than scalp and day trading
- Usually, it is far more interesting than other strategies as it involves fundamental analysis and a good sense of reading the market
- Your capital is not locked too long on one trading position – a swing trader can go in and out of a position very quickly
Cons
- Traders are exposed to unexpected events that occur during overnight and weekend
- There is a high margin requirement for swing traders than what is required for day traders
- Some brokerage firms require an overnight interest rate for holding a position overnight
10 Top Swing Trading Books in 2023
The following 10 books are our picks for the books that should help any individual investor get the knowledge and tools to start swing trading.
Top 10 Swing Trading Books by HowToTrade
- How To Swing Trade
- Swing Trading for Beginners: 7 Golden Rules for Making a Full-Time Income
- The Master Swing Trader
- The Ultimate Guide to Swing Trading
- Day Trading and Swing Trading the Currency Market
- In Depth Guide to Price Action Trading
- Swing Trading: Power Strategies to Cut Risk and Boost Profits
- Swing Trading as a Part Time Job
- Swing Trading With Technical Analysis
- Best Swing Trading Indicators Guide
1. How To Swing Trade
Author: Andrew Aziz and Brian Pezim
How to Swing Trade by Andrew Aziz and Brian Pezim is arguably the most popular book about swing trading ever written.
This comprehensive book provides readers with pretty much everything needed to understand the swing trading approach and how to swing trade successfully. This beginner guide for swing traders covers the basic principles of swing trading strategy, risk management tools, different methods and techniques, and live examples that explain to the reader how to swing trade.
In short, this is clearly one of the best swing trading books for beginners who want to make their first step in the trading world and focus on swing trading.
Price: $18.95
Best for beginner traders who want to learn how to swing trade
Amazon score: 4.6
Why did we choose this book?
“This book was fantastic. It is well written and easy to understand. He covers every detail needed to become a successful swing trader.“
2. Swing Trading for Beginners: 7 Golden Rules for Making a Full-Time Income
Author: Jeff McMillan
Another excellent swing trading book for beginners is… Swing Trading for Beginners. This book, written by Jeff McMillan, suggests seven rules that must be followed to succeed as a swing trader.
It also takes a deep dive into the most vital step new traders must take before starting trading. For example, it suggests the best brokerage accounts for swing traders, the initial amount required to open an account, the right entry level for a swing trading position, how to search for top traders to follow on social media platforms, and unique strategies and techniques for swing traders.
Note that the book also has an additional guide for cryptocurrency and forex trading.
Price: $13.99
Best to learn swing trading risk management tools
Amazon score: 4.0
Why did we choose this book?
“This book gave some very good information on how to do this type of trading and strategies you can use to find and make good trades.“
3. The Master Swing Trader: Tools and Techniques to Profit from Outstanding Short-Term Trading Opportunities
Author: Alan Farley
“The Master Swing Trader,” written by Alan Farley, is possibly the most recommended book for those who want to learn how to swing trade. This book is ideal for beginners but also for those who have some experience in the trading world.
The book explains how to analyze the market by reading charts, using chart patterns, and understanding market sentiment. Farley also uses plenty of trading examples and trading techniques to show readers how to make profits from short-term trading opportunities.
In fact, within the 443 pages of the book, there are more than 200 charts that illustrate techniques and tips to use in swing trading.
Price: $16.29-$50.34
Best for intermediate and advanced experienced traders
Amazon score: 4.0
Why did we choose this book?
“Alan Farley’s book is aimed at the trader who knows the basics but has yet to put it all together in a way that works for him or her self. The book presents many strategies but its real strength lies not only in the specifics but also in the philosophy it conveys.”
4. The Ultimate Guide to Swing Trading
Author: Steve Burns and Holly Burns
Steve Burn has put together two other top-rated books on trading – the Ultimate Guide on Technical Analysis and the Ultimate Guide to Candlestick Chart Patterns.
Additionally, Burns is the author of seventeen books about trading and the stock market. And this book, the Ultimate Guide to Swing Trading, is another excellent book by Burns that covers all aspects of swing trading.
In the book, the author reveals some of his techniques and strategies, including setting the correct risk-reward ratio for swing trades, creating a trading plan, and knowing the psychology of swing trading. At just 124 pages, this is a detailed and comprehensive book for all trading levels.
Price: $15.99
Best for all traders who want to swing trade
Amazon score: 4.5
Why did we choose this book?
“Thoroughly covers all aspects of swing trading – market environment, trade management, swing systems & strategies, position sizing and psychology. Well worth the read, a valuable price action education.”
5. Day Trading and Swing Trading the Currency Market: Technical and Fundamental Strategies to Profit from Market Moves
Author: Kathy Lien
If you plan to focus on FX currency trading, this book is for you. As the name suggests, this book covers two forms of trading – day trading and swing trading in the forex market.
Ideally, in my opinion, it is crucial to learn the difference between the two strategies and even combine them. Best of all, the author suggests several proven strategies to make profits in the forex market.
Besides the basic information, Lien also gives readers clear instructions and illustrations to trade the markets, including simple in-depth explanations for different types of strategies.
In a word, Kathy Lien’s book is one of the most popular trading books that cover all aspects of day and swing trading and provides readers with all the information needed to set up an account and understand market dynamics.
Price: $35.62
Best for a combination of day and swing trading
Amazon score: 4.1
Why did we choose this book?
“This is a must book for serious traders. If you want to learn how to understand the market and how to trade like a pro you must read this book. Kathy describes both fundamental and technical approaches to strengthen your understanding of the FX market. I strongly recommend.”
6. In Depth Guide to Price Action Trading: Powerful Swing Trading Strategy for Consistent Profits
Author: Laurentiu Damir
In-Depth Guide to Price Action Trading, written by Laurentiu Damir, is a highly simple-to-read and practical guide for swing traders.
Unlike many other trading books, in this book, the author suggests one swing trading strategy that traders need to keep in mind and follow. Rather than using complicated technical analysis tools and trading techniques, Damir argues that the most important rule in swing trading is maintaining a proper risk-reward ratio.
Besides that, the author emphasizes one more vital factor to consider when swing trade – using chart patterns and Fibonacci support and resistance levels to identify ideal entry and exit levels. In a nutshell, this book is short and precise, giving the fundamental rules and guidelines to use swing trading correctly.
Price: $19.9
Best for intermediate and advanced traders
Amazon score: 4.3
Why did we choose this book?
“Overall the book has opened my eyes to more of what I did not know that I didn’t know. I’m sure any level trader can take something positive away from this read, especially someone just starting out.”
7. Swing Trading: Power Strategies to Cut Risk and Boost Profits
Author: Jon D. Markman
This book, written by Jon D. Markman, shows readers how to approach swing trading like a business by using risk management tools and taking a responsible trading strategy.
The book essentially addresses the most crucial tool to use in swing trading – cutting risk and using proper risk management tools to hold positions for several days to weeks. Therefore, it is an ideal book for busy people who want extra income from swing trading and hold positions without being glued to the screen.
Price: $13.29
Best for people who want to get an extra income from swing trading
Amazon score: 4.2
Why did we choose this book?
“In clear and simple language, Markman makes technical analysis usable for the novice, while also providing tips and insights that will benefit experienced traders.“
8. Swing Trading as a Part Time Job
Author: Brett Brown
Much like the previous book, Swing Trading as a Part-Time Job is an excellent guide for those who have another position and want to get an additional income from swing trading.
This book gives you a set of rules and valuable information for swing trading, including risk management tools, chart patterns, reading economic news, and knowing how to interpret technical analysis indicators.
Best of all, the author has a simple way of explaining all the topics. Brown simplifies all the trading jargon, making it easy for non-professional traders to understand how to analyze the markets and open positions for several days.
Price: $14.97
Best for beginners who want to integrate trading as a part-time job
Amazon score: 3.7
Why did we choose this book?
“This book was amazing, insightful and extremely well written, containing essential in-depth market perspectives simplified to be easily understood by non-professional analysts. Definitely a great choice whether you have some experience trading or if you have been trading for years.”
9. Swing Trading With Technical Analysis
Author: Ravi Patel
Although many swing traders rely heavily on fundamental analysis and economic news, some take positions solely based on technical analysis signals.
If this is the case for you, then this book is for you as it will teach you the basics of technical analysis and how to search for the right indicators for swing trading.
Patel, who focuses in this book on the Indian stock market, shows his readers how to use support and resistance levels, moving averages, and chart patterns. Moreover, you will also learn how to use risk management tools in swing trading.
Price: $27.92
Best for tips and techniques about swing trading technical analysis
Amazon score: 4.0
Why did we choose this book?
“Very good book to understand the swing trading strategy and related concepts.”
10. Best Swing Trading Indicators Guide: A Complete Guide on Technical Indicators for Swing Trading
Author: Franklin Foster
Finally, another practical guide about swing trading is Best Trading Indicators for Swing Trading by Franklin Foster. This book simplifies swing trading by presenting straightforward entry and exit levels using technical indicators.
Inside the book, you will get the basic principles of swing trading, different swing trading strategies and styles, essential indicators to follow, and how to manage risk in swing trading. It is worth noting that the author focuses on the forex market, though the suggested rules and strategies can be used in other markets.
Price: $9.99
Best to learn swing trading technical analysis
Amazon score: 3.6
Why did we choose this book?
“Really short and sweet description of all important indicators in easy to understand for beginners.”
Final Thoughts
In summary, swing trading is not an easy trading technique to master. As a matter of fact, some believe that swing trading is a risky trading strategy that can lead to quick losses. The reason is that it is somewhere between scalping or day trading and position strategy that involves a relatively low level of risk.
Nonetheless, swing trading is the ideal strategy for many people as it can be easily integrated into the lives of any person. So, if you are interested in learning this trading technique, we suggest you start by reading one of our recommended swing trading books above. After you do that, make sure you check our free trading courses, chart patterns guides, and join our trading room.
