Quote from austinp:
I happen to know a little bit more about the mechanical systems Larry used to win in 1987 contest than most people do. I can assure you of two things:
#1: The money he made was real, and the manner in which it was made is legit.
#2: He happened to operate thru an extremely favorable period of time for his systems approach, and the use of highly aggressive money management worked in favor of those ideal conditions.
Basically, Larry was trading volatility breakout systems in volatile markets. He caught some big moves, survived some big drawdowns and rode even bigger multiples into bloody October. From there the markets remained roiled, and the systems continued to work.
If that exact-same system approach was applied thru 2004 or 2005, the result would have been dismal failure. Using those breakout signals and aggressive contract management would have drilled any account straight down into flat broke, busted.
**
I personally believe it is possible to turn $10,000 into $1 million inside a calendar year. But... and that is a big BUT... there are a ton of variables involved.
Favorable market conditions for the chosen trade approach is one. Gotta have prime market conditions to accomplish this, a variable no one controls.
Stable emotional management as the numbers grow exponentially is another. The discipline required to accomplish such a feat as pressure mounts would be monumental.
Durability of focus and concentration. The sheer mental and emotional fatigue from start to finish would be draining. The highs would be euphoric, the lows would be depressing.
As for what Larry did? There are valid reasons what he did nineteen years ago was legit, and there are reasons why he has never done anything similar since.
Hope this helps
Austin