SKILL or LUCK???

[wrbtrader]

That's the problem, for me TA hasn't really worked, at least not consistently. I've studied various trend following and cyclic indicators for the better part of six years, and none have really worked. I've managed to be essentially flat in P/L over that time frame, but probably just random luck of some of the indicators. I always have incorporated indicators into a system with money and risk management included. That is just the empirical evidence I have seen. I don't believe my experience is much different than most other traders.

Indicators are just a sub-category of TA.

Maybe you've been studying/learning/applying the wrong type of TA especially considering you've said you've "always have incorporated indicators into a system". Simply, many traders are using TA but not all are using the same type of TA and others don't even use indicators while using TA.

Many threads here at ET involving a few traders sharing their TA and it has nothing to do with indicators. It just may be worth your time & energy to try something different.

 

[CoolHandLuke]

S777's is right. Trading is not the same.

To get the same result for coin toss does require some skill. You have to do it in a environment that does not have any wind. Use the same amount of strength to flip the coin. Flip it exactly the same way as previously flipped. Have it land and Not spin, etc.. and even then the probability is still 50/50.

To get the same result for trading you'd have to completely eliminate trends and momentum. A coin flip is truly random but price action is not capricious.

 

[blakpacman]

John Henry is already finished as a trader.

Finished in terms of managing institutional money. Whatever he wants to do with his personal dough ...