Last week I gave some non-technical book recommendations (a surprising number of which are also movies). This time, I’ve got some technical books to suggest which I reckon should be compulsory reading if you’re working in (or with) investor relations. Sorry – no movie options this time!
1. The Activist Director by Ira Millstein
This is a very detailed book written from a wealth of experience. The author is a corporate lawyer so it’s as dry as you might fear, but persevere! The governance points are spot on.
2. The PR Masterclass by Alex Singleton
Written by a former journalist who is now a communications and PR trainer and consultant, this is a clear, common-sense guide. Whilst the Activist Director is (admittedly) a dry read, this is easy, and will help any IR professional understand what their PR colleagues are working on.
3. The Financial Times Guide to Investing:The Definitive Companion to Investment and the Financial Markets
Despite the ridiculously long title (presumably to catch every single keyword in the Amazon algorithm), this book stands the test of time and is still probably the most comprehensive book on investing.
4. The Financial Times Guide to Using the Financial Pages
I don’t understand why this book isn’t higher ranked. Probably because it fails to cram 27 keywords into the title. Anyway, I think it’s brilliant and my own copy is well-read.
5. Best practices for equity research analysts by James Valentine
Written by a top ranked equity analyst who worked in most of the big houses on Wall Street. Unlike the Wall Street characters whose heady lifestyles have been made into the book and movies I spotlighted last week, this is the grafter taking pride in the rigorous of analysis done at their desk. Valuations, price targets and recommendations. It’s less headline grabbing for sure, but essential reading.
These will take a lot longer to read that the ones I included last week, but they are reference books that will be referred to over and over again during any career in financial markets.
Happy reading!
IR-connect 