How to learn about the Financial Markets

Have you ever heard anyone talk about stocks, investing, or the markets before, and felt a little out of your league? Sometimes it can seem like everyone knows how the financial markets work, and you may not want to show your ignorance by asking questions which it seems like most people already understand.
But everyone had to start somewhere, so if you’re aiming to understand the workings of the financial markets, the good news is there are plenty of resources online, in books, and from people which can help you gain a basic understanding of how they all work.

Here are some ways you can learn more about the financial markets:

Check out ADS Securities Courses

ADS Securities has a number of interesting and informative courses for beginners. Their experienced and proven trading professionals have created courses which teach you about Forex, what you need to know for trading, and much more. This is a winner if you’re looking for free, helpful advice.

Visit the Learning Centre for the London Stock Exchange

The London Stock Exchange has an educational section which they developed after recognising a need for global financial education, along with a growing interest both internationally and in the UK, in improving knowledge and skills in financial markets.

This educational program is aiming to provide investors with a better understanding of how the services and products of the London Stock Exchange Group can be used.

Try Khan Academy

Khan is famous for offering free education on a multitude of different subjects for people around the world. Under finance and capital markets you’ll find educational lessons broken down so anyone can understand it. You’ll learn what it means if you buy a company’s stock, the difference between bonds and stocks, how to understand capital structure and company statements, corporate metrics and valuation, and much more.

This is the perfect place to go if you’re an absolute beginner and want a well-rounded education in the financial markets.

Get Reading

Some of the best and most knowledgeable investors have written books about the subject, aimed at people of all abilities.

Here are some of the stand-outs:

The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham

First published in 1949, The Intelligent Investor can teach you about the time-tested and sound principles that good investors use.

How to Make Money in Stocks by William J. O’Neil

Written by the founder of Investor’s Business Daily, this is a good place to begin if you’re interested in learning about stock picking. You’ll gain a tangible system which you can immediately implement after reading.

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki

One of the most famous financial books ever written, if you need a little motivation before you get started learning about financial markets, this is the book to choose. The author covers the important difference between what rich people teach their kids about money, and what the poor and middle class don’t. The difference is basically that the rich have their assets working for them.