I found the referenced New Yorker article to be unfairly biased against Victor Niederhoffer, and I took mild offense to it. I am familiar with the article and so do knowingly object to its inferences. If you base your trading entirely on the notion of black swans, you will fail. As Nassim once told me, he is determined not to "blow up", but then his fund has consistently underperformed. He spoke to me two years ago and continued to purchase puts at the lows of the 2008 meltdown... before the S&P vaulted up nearly 80%. What do you think happened to the value of the puts he purchased then? Please read Francis Galton's works on the "Art of Travel" and his works on Meterology 1855 to gain a better understanding of the current times of the markets. The article just cut and pasted quotes from Victor Niederhoffer to paint his theories in the worst possible light. Taking a scientific and statistical approach to the markets to exploit and capture gains is the true method to consistent gains.
A ridiculous and perfect example of a "Non Sequitur". The article was poorly written. The upshot then of the author regarding the Sept 11th attacks with did severely hurt the performance of Victor Niederhoffer's funds is to not build tall buildings at all... since the black swan event of a terrorist attack with level the buildings entirely?
Victor Niederhoffer is 67 years old, and has plenty of time for life, love, and friendships. Please join our community at www.dailyspeculations.com to follow his musings. He just celebrated the birthday of his son, and his life is full of success and joy. Thank you.
I don't know if it has already been posted:http://www.slate.com/blogs/blogs/th...libis-victor-niederhoffer-on-being-wrong.aspx
Sad thread, but Daily Speculations is a fun site. If they ever make coffee tables that show web sites and they become cheap, DS is going to be on my table top. It's an eclectic mix, sort of like a fun seeking-alpha.