How I learned to trade

Born into a family of scientists, Roman developed a strong foundation in learning, research, and analysis. His early fascination with markets was later supported by his academic pursuits. However, while teaching at the university, a profound realization dawned upon him: risk is paramount.

The Risks of Traditional Business:

Roman observed that businesses face numerous risks:

• Loss of principal investment

• Loss of time (the most valuable asset)

• Reputational damage

• Financial ruin

He recognized that the traditional business model involves many steps, each with the potential for failure. Moreover, the impact of failed long-term projects can be devastating, particularly the irreversible loss of time.

The Appeal of Markets:

This risk-averse perspective led Roman to embrace the markets. He identified the following key steps:

• Market Selection: Choosing a specific market (e.g., futures)

• Security Selection: Selecting a specific security within the chosen market (e.g., NQ/MNQ futures)

• Strategy Development: Developing and mastering a robust trading strategy (with professional guidance)

• Automation (Optional): Implementing automation or semi-automation for efficiency.

Learning from the Best:

Roman's journey involved learning from exceptional professionals: an options trader from Morgan Stanley and two market makers with extensive experience in European markets. While not formal classroom settings, these interactions provided invaluable insights into the realities of the market.

Conclusion:

Roman's story highlights the importance of a thorough understanding of risk and a disciplined approach to trading. By focusing on a specific market and developing a robust strategy, he has achieved significant success.