Traders and Mathematicians

The best mathematicians don't just remember a few formulas and plug and chug to get the answer.   Utilizing a bunch of formulas and copying examples doesn't make a great mathematician. The great mathematicians have a deep understanding behind what the formulas mean, how they are derived.  They have a great intuition about math. 

In the same way, memorizing a bunch of indicators, P/E ratios, and chart patterns doesn't make a great trader.  It is having a deep understanding behind how the stock market works, why certain indicators work during certain time periods, and don't work during other time periods.  It is learning why markets move, and from studying the market, how to anticipate future moves based on the recent past.  This requires a continuous study of technical indicators, sentiment indicators, fundamental factors, as well as psychology.  Through this, a trader develops a strong intuition about the market. 

Great mathematicians have a strong intuition about solving math problems.  Great traders have a strong intuition about predicting future price movements.  The road to trading success lies in blood, sweat, and tears.  There is no magical golden ratio.  There is no holy grail.