Julia Donaldson CBE - Author Photo

Jesse Livermore

Jesse Livermore was an American stock trader and speculator who is widely considered one of the greatest traders in stock market history. He was born on July 26, 1877, and passed away on November 28, 1940. Livermore's life and trading career are legendary in the world of finance. Here are some key points about him: 1. Early Life: Jesse Livermore was born in South Acton, Massachusetts. He left home at a young age and started his trading career by posting stock quotes in a brokerage office. 2. Legendary Trader: Livermore's trading career spanned several decades, and he made and lost fortunes multiple times. He is famous for his ability to read market trends and make large profits from his trades. 3. "Reminiscences of a Stock Operator": Livermore's trading experiences and strategies were chronicled in the book "Reminiscences of a Stock Operator," which was written by journalist Edwin Lefèvre. The book is considered a classic in trading literature and is still widely read by traders and investors. 4. Short Selling: Livermore was known for his skill in short selling stocks, which involves profiting from falling stock prices. His short-selling tactics earned him substantial wealth during bear markets. 5. Bankruptcy and Comebacks: Despite his successes, Livermore faced financial difficulties and filed for bankruptcy multiple times. However, he was able to rebuild his fortunes through his trading skills. 6. Market Manipulation: Livermore was involved in several market manipulations and was often accused of using his influence to manipulate stock prices. His trading strategies sometimes attracted regulatory scrutiny.