Quote from daniel_m:
i totally disagree.
i labored under the misconception that a 'consistent' return was the best way to trade. (taking $X from the market every day, or every week). sold myself way short doing so.
markets simply aren't conducive to making a 'consistent' return on them. they fluctuate through periods where the going is good, to where it is not so good.
it is imperative that you take advantage when the going is good.
consistency is important when you're working at a job, it's fool's gold for a trader. there's nothing wrong with treading water, or losing money, while the going's tough.
but you have to make sure you're ready to pounce when days like thursday come up.
for probably the first time in my (short) trading career, i can happily say i was. luck? maybe. but maybe the trading shibboleths of the old timers -- who have made a dollar or two -- are worth paying more than just lip service to.