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Ask HN: Whats the best way for a Software Engineer to learn finance?

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Re: Ask HN: Whats the best way for a Software Engineer to learn finance?

#3

Post by jason_slack »

I am going through this right now actually. I am learning more math aggressively, pursuing a degree in Economics and since I am writing my own tools I am always refining my C++. So far I have 9 apps that make up my process and each do a different step in my process.

The Chan books are good. I'd recommend staying away from his latest book. There isn't much new content in my opinion.

E-Mail in profile if you get stuck.

Edit: I am also reading "Options, Futures, and Other Derivatives (10th Edition)"

Re: Ask HN: Whats the best way for a Software Engineer to learn finance?

#4

Post by noobly »

daleholborow wrote: post #2

If by trading, you mean high-frequency, then don't. I encourage you to instead study investing. But if you must learn trading (don't), then Ernie Chan and Michael Halls-Moore's book (s) might be a good place to start.

Why not?

Re: Ask HN: Whats the best way for a Software Engineer to learn finance?

#5

Post by jason_slack »

noobly wrote: post #4
daleholborow wrote: post #2

If by trading, you mean high-frequency, then don't. I encourage you to instead study investing. But if you must learn trading (don't), then Ernie Chan and Michael Halls-Moore's book (s) might be a good place to start.

Why not?

I think because it is hard to beat the HFT systems that are already co-located at exchanges. Second, it takes at a minimum $25,000 and probably $50,000 realistically to even get started trading. Most places wont let you jump in the ring without it. Third, the OP should be prepared to lose all their money and be ok with that.

Re: Ask HN: Whats the best way for a Software Engineer to learn finance?

#6

Post by noobly »

jason_slack wrote: post #5
noobly wrote: post #4

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Why not?

I think because it is hard to beat the HFT systems that are already co-located at exchanges. Second, it takes at a minimum $25,000 and probably $50,000 realistically to even get started trading. Most places wont let you jump in the ring without it. Third, the OP should be prepared to lose all their money and be ok with that.

I've heard this before, but it still seems a fun hobby, especially in domains that may be less exploited like crypto.

Re: Ask HN: Whats the best way for a Software Engineer to learn finance?

#7

Post by jason_slack »

noobly wrote: post #6
jason_slack wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think because it is hard to beat the HFT systems that are already co-located at exchanges. Second, it takes at a minimum $25,000 and probably $50,000 realistically to even get started trading. Most places wont let you jump in the ring without it. Third, the OP should be prepared to lose all their money and be ok with that.

I've heard this before, but it still seems a fun hobby, especially in domains that may be less exploited like crypto.

It's totally fun :-)

Re: Ask HN: Whats the best way for a Software Engineer to learn finance?

#10

Post by peller »

I might suggest you pick up copies of the books in the Market Wizards series. A good library should have them (or could get them). It's a series of interviews with some of the best in the field, across all kinds of different types of finance. They're enjoyable reads, filled with insight, and give a good broad perspective from which you can dive deeper into areas that you think might be especially interesting to you.

[1] Market Wizards - https://www.amazon.com/Market-Wizards-Jack-D-Schwager/dp/088...

[2] The New Market Wizards - https://www.amazon.com/New-Market-Wizards-Conversations-Amer...

[3] Hedge Fund Market Wizards - https://www.amazon.com/Hedge-Fund-Market-Wizards-Winning/dp/...

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