This is one of the quotes about trading that stuck with me. I googled it and it's from Ed Seykota, I probably read it in one of the Market Wizards books, which I can highly recommend.
The exact quote is “Win or lose, everybody gets what they want out of the market. Some people seem to like to lose, so they win by losing money.”
Now this applies especially well in the retail world of traders. And it's one of the first things I tend to ask when mentoring someone: "Why are you trading". Now of course the answer "to make money" is the one that comes back the most often. And to be honest it should be the #1 motivation, even though it helps tremendously if you enjoy trading and especially the process of research and development to gain an edge in the markets.
But what are you really in for? I know for sure that many traders out there are just trading out of fun. For whatever reason they're bored and need some excitement in their life. Or they're just gamblers who could also have ended up in Poker or sport bets. Or chartists/technical analysts who just love to draw lines into charts and share it with other on trading forums who have the same hobby.
None of these motivations are wrong, just be sure you know why YOU are here. Really ask yourself why you're trading or why you want to get started. Do you really want to learn a new, complex and difficult business from scratch? One where you're competing against some of the smartest and most competitive people in the world? Are you ready to put in the time, nerves and money needed to get started the right way and keep on going even though the market shows you the finger again and again?
If so congratulations! So far I haven't found another profession that's as challenging and interesting day in and day out as trading. I love waking up and knowing what I'm up against. Knowing I might find a new little edge today in the markets. Going through my trading routine and enjoying the freedom trading provides. It's also one of the most scalable businesses out there and it has many other advantages...but to make it here as in any business you'll need to do some hard work that isn't always exciting.
Now if you're just in for the exciting ride, to gamble or because you love looking at charts, that's all fine too! As Seykota said, "Everybody gets what they want out of the market". If you want a fun ride, you'll get it, again and again. Just put in some trades because "the market looks like it's going up", leverage up those positions and then watch every tick on the chart while keeping a close eye on your P&L. Sure you'll blow a few grand every now and then but that's simply the cost you pay for the ride.
Just be honest to yourself about why you're doing what you're doing and then simply enjoy it! Or if you really want to take this serious, as a business make up your mind and start to really dive into this. Educate yourself, find a good mentor and start searching for a real edge in the markets. Then trade like a pro, not like a gambler. And guess what? Serious trading is as boring as your day job. It's the research that's challenging and exciting. So if you don't enjoy that, you're probably in the wrong business.
CFTC RULE 4.41 - HYPOTHETICAL OR SIMULATED PERFORMANCE RESULTS HAVE CERTAIN LIMITATIONS. UNLIKE AN ACTUAL PERFORMANCE RECORD, SIMULATED RESULTS DO NOT REPRESENT ACTUAL TRADING. ALSO, SINCE THE TRADES HAVE NOT BEEN EXECUTED, THE RESULTS MAY HAVE UNDER-OR-OVER COMPENSATED FOR THE IMPACT, IF ANY, OF CERTAIN MARKET FACTORS, SUCH AS LACK OF LIQUIDITY. SIMULATED TRADING PROGRAMS IN GENERAL ARE ALSO SUBJECT TO THE FACT THAT THEY ARE DESIGNED WITH THE BENEFIT OF HINDSIGHT. NO REPRESENTATION IS BEING MADE THAT ANY ACCOUNT WILL OR IS LIKELY TO ACHIEVE PROFIT OR LOSSES SIMILAR TO THOSE SHOWN.
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD looks weak below 1.1800
EUR/USD has slipped back under pressure, breaking through the 1.1800 support and drifting towards the weekly lows near 1.1770 ahead of the opening bell in Asia. The move reflects renewed strength in the US Dollar, with steady geopolitical tensions keeping its demand firm. Moving forward, the release of the German labour market report and flash inflation figures should keep European investors entertained on Friday.
GBP/USD threatens the 200-day SMA near 1.3440
GBP/USD rapidly leaves behind Wednesday’s strong advance, coming under heavy pressure and retesting the 1.3440 zone, where the critical 200-day SMA is located. Cable’s deep pullback follows the strong gains in the Greenback, while investors continue to pencil in a potential BoE rate cut in March.
USD/JPY slides back below 156.00 as Tokyo CPI backs further BoJ rate hikes
USD/JPY attracts fresh sellers for the second straight day following the release of Tokyo CPI, which grew slightly more than expected in February. This comes on top of hawkish comments by BoJ officials and backs the case for further policy tightening, providing a modest lift to the Japanese Yen. Apart from this, sustained safe-haven buying, amid trade-related uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, benefits the JPY's safe-haven status. However, reduced Fed rate cut bets underpin the US Dollar and could help limit losses for the currency pair.
Editors’ Picks
USD/JPY slides back below 156.00 as Tokyo CPI backs further BoJ rate hikes
USD/JPY attracts fresh sellers for the second straight day following the release of Tokyo CPI, which grew slightly more than expected in February. This comes on top of hawkish comments by BoJ officials and backs the case for further policy tightening, providing a modest lift to the Japanese Yen. Apart from this, sustained safe-haven buying, amid trade-related uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, benefits the JPY's safe-haven status. However, reduced Fed rate cut bets underpin the US Dollar and could help limit losses for the currency pair.
AUD/USD consolidates around 0.7100 as trade and geopolitical uncertainties counter hawkish RBA
AUD/USD steadies around 0.7100 following the previous day's modest pullback and remains on track to register gains for the sixth week in a row as the RBA's hawkish stance continues to underpin the Aussie. However, reduced bets for a more aggressive easing by the US Fed keep the US Dollar close to the monthly peak. Furthermore, trade uncertainties and threats of imminent US strikes on Iran act as a headwind for the risk-sensitive Australian Dollar.
Gold remains below $5,200 despite tariff jitters and geopolitical risks
Gold is seen consolidating in a range below the $5,200 mark during the Asian session on Friday amid mixed cues. Trade jitters, along with the risk of a potential US-Iran war, act as a tailwind for the safe-haven bullion. Meanwhile, the Fed's hawkish outlook keeps the US Dollar close to the monthly high and caps the non-yielding yellow metal. Nevertheless, the commodity remains on track to register gains for the fourth straight week, though the fundamental backdrop warrants some caution for bullish traders.
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