The first three months of my trading career I lost money. The next three I broke even. That was huge. Since then, I have never had a down week in three years. I almost quit at an intermediate peak in my trading career when I was "just making money." I began to get burnt out and was terribly bored. The thing that saved it for me was when I realized that I could combine my skill as a programmer with my trading. I am now having a blast and my equity curve is as steep as it has ever been without losing any of the consistency. Asumming I am having this much fun and still growing my account, I can't imagine I will be doing anything else in ten years. But who knows, we are all complex and our "needs" change. I think that most people quit not becase they can't make money, but because trading is mostly boring to those that are not used to the kind of focus and dedication that it requires. I really believe that the key to longevity is more than money. Knowing how to have that Yang side by side with the Ying is the key IMO. nitro
jeez, this is like sitting in bar with a bunch of drunks where one story is more outrageous than last. Now, we got one lot wonder Nitro claiming no losing weeks in 3 years. U mean that holy grail u been developing for 20 years has been deployed? U still have time to make a tick by tick commentary in the ET chat room without losing one week in three years? Mr. Zen
I haven't lost a trade since 1984. I average 9% returns per month. sometimes, 15%, and when I have a stinker, it's only about 5%. If you guys don't get those kind of returns, I feel sorry. why are you even trading?
Wow. That's pretty impressive. In fact 9% average per month for 20 years on starting capital of $1.00 equals $960 million bucks! Oh, I know, you had to live on lots of that lovely money, so you couldn't possibly just compound it all. But, I still think you're pretty much completely full of Docusate.
Yes there are those who make money consistently. Pick up Jack D. Schwagers "Market Wizards" books, he interviews some of the best in the business. But just like any other hyper-competitive profession, very few make it to the big leagues. I'm assuming by your question that you have'nt been trading longer than a few years. My suggestion, fwiw, is for you to first find yourself, then find a good mentor, then find your edge. Trading correctly is an artform that comes with disciplined practice. If you want it bad enough and are willing to put in time, it will happen. I also highly recommend Sun Tzus "The art of War". A lot of what he writes is directly applicable to trading. Good luck.
But some says trading is "simple" in the sense that as long as one have systems/rules with an edge and follow them with maximum discipline one would be consistently profitable. What is your view on this?