On many occasions I have read things like '90% of day traders fail' and 'for every winning trade, there's a losing trade on the other side.'
Never believe everything you read - question everything
From this I would assume that the odds of survival/success are firmly stacked against day traders.
Never assume anything - assume makes an ASS of U and ME
However, the aim of a trader is not not to make any losing trades, but basically to ensure that gross profits exceed gross losses.
The main aim of every trader should be to preserve trading capital at all costs
We will all make losing trades at different times, in our chosen markets, as part of our daily routines.
True - but we should PLAN to not lose too much on each trade
If all traders were to use a trading system that ensures greater profits than losses - and stick to it, is it fair to assume that all traders can be profitable/successful and make a living from trading?
There is no such thing as a trading system that will guarantee profits - the only guarantee with trading is that you will lose money. If you are guaranteed to lose - then it is common sense that your main focus should always be to keep the loss as small as possible. This will allow you to be in the game for the big profits when the opportunity arises
Cheers
jtrader