The Finn
Hi. The first recommendation I would recommend is that you read a few books called "Market Wizards, New Market Wizards, and Stock Market Wizards." They are interviews of some of the top professionals in our industry.
Only about 15% of traders make it, but guess what.....??
It's the same 15% year after year. Plus or minus a few. That says something. It is skill, not luck. It actually says a lot. The reason I like the above books is that it shows how successful you can be constantly. In fact I'm related/coached by one of the Market Wizards so I know him and a lot of the others quite well. My coach has taught me his ideas, strategies which I've used to do quite well in the market. The problem with trading is it's an actual business. A lot of people are successful in one business and expect to be successful the second they start trading. Can you read a few books on brain surgery and do it quite well? NO, in fact you have to go to school for awhile to do it. Well WALL STREET is a school. It will teach you a lesson each time you make a mistake. A lot of traders don't learn from mistakes but blame others. This is the worse thing you can do. Learn from mistakes, trial and error is how you learned how to walk. The same is for trading. A lot of traders never learn.
I was coached by a Market Wizard, read 100's of books on trading, worked on the floor of the CBOT, worked under a few masters, and I still failed for my first few years. Now I'm doing quite well. I learned about chart patterns , market conditions, and high probability trades. I learned how to limit my losses while allowing my profits to grow. I gained a feel for the markets as if it were a living being.
I am now getting into daytrading, because my systems are doing so well, I'm increasing the frequency of my trades.
Check out this website I own of some interviews of great traders. Especially Catalite. He is one incredible trader.
Myst....well he has some skill but has a few lessons to learn still to be a true master.
Brian... He is now coaching me, and WOW! Talk about some skill.
I've got a few other interviews being edited which I'll post later
http://communities.msn.com/Rtharpsland&naventryid=138
First I don't hope or dream. I am so well prepared you have no idea. I have a business plan/trading plan that would make IBM or Goldman Sachs jealous. It took a lot of work but I do very well because of it.
On returns. Well I've had years of over 800% (small amount of capital) and I've had a few negative years too. I'm capable of doing anywhere from 50-1000% now depending on my risk tolerances and what I shoot for.
Part of last year caught me off guard, as the market crashed. I quickly changed strategies and found some that worked.
I'm now getting ready to publish my track record, and start managing money in a hedge fund, instead of a few friends /family.
Have hope, it is possible.
rtharp