If Hedge fund performance is any example it doesn't sound like too many of us are beating the market. Retail traders get to be nimble. Anyone with a little discipline and a half assed strategy should be able to make a little money trading with the info available today and zero commissions. A far cry from when I started back in the good old days when we drew our own graphs, talked to a broker on a land line and it cost 3% each side for a trade. I think today the retail trader, though at a disadvantage, has a more level playing field than ever before. I prefer to refer to my speculation as a home based business rather than a hobby. Hobbies cost you money (mine are woodworking and golf) and a business if run right will make you money. It's a pretty simple business really; buy shit other people are willing to pay more for tomorrow; Just keep your inventory turning over even if you have to take the odd small loss.
The concepts that drive the scenario you’re talking about are rooted in the market factor and the momentum factor. If you’re a business person doesn’t it make sense for you to know your product lol? Don’t be the last person to realize you’re holding a dog. Learn about the drivers of returns, factor performance, and their relationships to things like interest rates, gdp growth, and risk sentiment. That way you can make sure you are buying umbrellas when it’s sunny and selling them when it rains.
The trend had not changed in 13 years, which is what he spouts to everyone on the forum, but he doesn't believe it, which is why he uses stops. Don't ask him, because he doesn't know.
You certainly have a way with words. I agree with the little I understood; I never hold dogs and the part about selling umbrellas when it rains. I don't care about interest rates, GDP growth, or risk sentiment. I don't watch the news and the only subscription I have is to a charting service. The strategy is simple; buy stocks that are going up; if they keep going up keep them; if not sell them. Priority #1 Protect Capital!
I remember a book in 89 or 91 that espoused “PPC!” on every page. Trading books were rare when I was a kid. I don’t have CNBC on, got rid of six monitors and still do ok as long as I don’t talk my position or start hoping.
As long as you’re honest about your approach and what you are trying to accomplish, then I have no problem with the way you invest. The market is big enough for both of us. I’m more concerned with people selling fiction, or those providing disinformation/Bs to newbies.