wwatson1,
"Just out of curiosity does anyone at all study fundamentals....."
More money is made and lost following fundamental analysis than any other type of market analysis.
"watching the breakout of a consolidated price range only to see them come right back to the breakout level...."
A base is a base... a stall is a stall. They are not the same. Until such a time as the direction in the market changes, we don't know which one we're looking at. Currently, it doesn't seem it could find its way with a compass and a guide. Until it does, it's asking a lot to see much follow through with any breakouts.....my opinion anyway.
While most admit that the human factor is the most difficult obstacle to overcome in trading, I respectefully disagree. IMO, it's still about moving with the trend, which many times means WAITING until there IS a trend, and once determined, following it until it changes direction.