Ok, 33 pages have been produced about this subject and no one has really come up with anything solid because in my opinion most are looking in the wrong area.
A true edge in trading edge is permantent, it wont be lost when a technological advantage ceases to no longer exist, or trends no longer develop, and so on. An edge is not a list of reasons to trade and not to trade, because if it was that simple, most would consistently profit from this business.
There is no need to use analogies here, but on the first few pages someone mentioned beating Lewis Hamilton in a race. I thought this was interesting as to me I dont compete with anyone in the market, just control myself the best I can, there is no gold medal or bottle of champagne to the person with the biggest pot of cash. This is not a business where one trader takes all. Complete focus on oneself is required. Why be bothered about silly stats, that involve other people, why are they important to you?
Anyway, even if Lewis Hamilton and I were given the exact same car(the system/methodology) and raced around Silverstone, he would beat me hands down no doubt. This is because his input creates the edge required to beat me. He understands from experience and diligence where to put pedal to the metal and where to ease off. Discretion which I believe is vital in trading and what enables the very few to develop a permanent edge.
The reason is:
YOU ARE THE EDGE!
YOU make the decision to trade, you make the decision to close a position, (be it at a loss or a profit). YOU are in charge of everything you do in the market, and there for pay the consequences of your actions.
Systems and methodologies give traders something to believe in, a faith if you like. They think that once they run a back test and see some positive expectancy, they are ready to rock and roll all the way onto the Forbes rich list.
But it seldom works out that way.
Knowledge is power, but put power in the wrong hands and you have destruction!
The above is just something to think about, not a reason to kick of an argument, its all very interesting, peoples viewpoints, exactly what makes a market, as without them, there would be no market.
Just a passing visit
Have a good 2011.:clap::clap::clap: