Is trading a good business? Navigating the Highs and Lows of Financial Markets

 The allure of trading is undeniable. Visions of quickly multiplying wealth, working from anywhere with a laptop, and being your own boss often swirl around the idea. But is trading a realistic path to a successful business, or is it more of a gamble dressed up in sophisticated charts and acronyms? The answer, as with most things in life, is nuanced. The Appeal of Trading: Let's start with the positives. Trading, at its core, offers several attractive features: Potentially High Returns: When done right, trading offers the potential for significant financial gains. The ability to leverage small amounts of capital and capitalize on market fluctuations can lead to rapid growth. Flexibility and Independence: Traders often set their own hours and work from anywhere, offering a level of freedom that many traditional jobs can't match. Intellectual Stimulation: For those who enjoy analyzing data, patterns, and market psychology, trading can be an incredibly engaging and challenging pursuit. Low Barrier to Entry: With the rise of online brokers, almost anyone can open a trading account and start buying and selling assets, making it seemingly accessible. The Hard Truths of Trading: However, the reality of trading as a business often deviates from the glamorous image. Here are some crucial considerations: High Risk of Loss: The potential for significant gains also comes with the potential for significant losses. Markets are inherently volatile, and even the most experienced traders can face unforeseen events that wipe out their capital. Steep Learning Curve: The entry barrier is low, but the barrier to consistent profitability is extremely high. It takes considerable time, effort, and often financial investment to master trading strategies, market analysis, and risk management. Emotional Toll: Trading can be an emotionally draining experience. The constant pressure of managing risk, dealing with losses, and making crucial decisions under pressure can significantly impact one's mental and emotional well-being. It's Not "Get Rich Quick": The idea of getting rich quickly through trading is a dangerous myth. Successful trading requires patience, discipline, and a long-term perspective, just like any other successful business venture. Competition is fierce: You're up against professional traders, sophisticated algorithms, and institutional investors, all vying for the same profits. Requires Capital: Even though you can start with a small amount, you need enough capital to trade effectively and survive losses while you learn. This money must be what one is willing to lose. Trading as a business requires a business mindset. Treating trading like a business rather than a hobby or a form of gambling is crucial for long-term success. This means: Developing a Trading Plan: Just as a business needs a business plan, a trader needs a clearly defined trading plan with specific goals, strategies, and risk management rules. Continuous learning and adaptation: The financial markets are constantly evolving. Successful traders are lifelong learners who continuously adapt their strategies to market conditions. Managing Risk Rigorously: Protecting capital is paramount. Consistent loss management and not following emotions is key to surviving downturns. Analyzing Performance: Regularly reviewing trades, identifying mistakes, and refining strategies are essential for improvement. Building a strong mentality: The emotional aspect can be a large hurdle for many. Is trading right for you? Ultimately, whether trading is a good business depends on individual circumstances, risk tolerance, and commitment. Trading is not a quick-money scheme, but rather a demanding profession that demands significant dedication and discipline. If you're willing to treat it as a serious business, invest the time and effort to learn, and manage risk responsibly, it can be a rewarding path. Trading is not for everyone. While the potential rewards are significant, the risks are equally substantial. Instead of viewing it as a shortcut to wealth, it should be approached as a complex and challenging business that requires a strong understanding of the market, robust risk management, and a long-term commitment. Only then can one hope to navigate the financial markets successfully. Before diving in, do thorough research, start with a small amount, and be realistic about your goals. Trading is a journey, not a quick fix.

Words versus actions

 Basically, the words are spoken by everyone, but the words of the politicians are mostly heard and commented on. During the years for which there are at least some writings, the words of politicians, kings, and emperors were always directed at someone or against the enemy. Even modern politicians of small countries allow themselves to often blame someone for the obstacles to the development of their people. Politicians of powerful countries always target other powerful countries to get elected. But they always forget to turn their words for the welfare of their people into action. In the modern world, where information reaches many people very quickly and we wonder at the stupid statements of candidate politicians, regardless, we go to elect them again. Why, we know them, and we do not trust the unknown or the new. I only know that for as long as the world can remember, almost nothing has changed in the political sector and the promises of politicians. However, there have always been visionary people who take advantage of politics and make quick money. Now almost the whole world has paid attention to the election of the new American president. Everyone comments from their own point of view. If he sympathizes with him, he defends him with all the shortcomings of the front management. If he is not his favorite, he finds flaws in all his words, grimaces on his face, and people who support him. I am not the person who can give him an assessment. But I know with this new president, the whole world won't be bored. He loves demonstrations and loud words. As he says, of course, every American will become rich and their credit will disappear. Not to mention the Indians/Americans on reservations/where their lives will turn into a fairy tale. Every town and village is already on the ground in order. I'm sure that some well-wishers who supported him, no wonder, begging for money to search for new horizons on Mars, will get money After all, everyone holds a unique perspective. We can't blame them for everything. There is one more thing I can add. It always or more often, happens that those who have the highest expectations are disappointed. Because direct help always leads to opposition to people's feelings. The only thing I cannot accept is that all American politicians forget that their roots are from the whole world.

There is nothing more valuable than health

 It was a wonderful day. He was walking along the road near the village, which was next to a lake. He spotted four men carrying a stretcher nearby. He hurried up to catch them. Max noticed that four robust men were carrying a wealthy but elderly man on a richly decorated stretcher. Max welcomed them and started walking with them. A few meters away from them, a poor cabin was occupied by a man who was talking loudly.

"Ah, I wonder when I will endure such suffering. The world is black for me. Should I kill myself?"

Obviously, the old man heard the sighs and complaints of the young man, and he ordered the servants to stop. The old man asked, "Why are you so desperate?"

"Ah, sir, how can't I be desperate?" answered the young man. "How not be sad when I am very poor? I am willing to sacrifice everything to achieve the same level of wealth as you. I will live a lavish lifestyle, and I will glorify the Lord’s generosity. Now, I am working all day for only one piece of bread and a handful of olives. Is that a life?

"Why are you complaining? "Answered the old man. You are richer than me.

"How can I be richer than you?" The young man stared, wondering. "Look, sir, my purse is always empty, my legs are too tired to hold me, my hands cannot hold anything, and my eyes are always watching like a hungry wolf," he said.

"Let me cut your tired legs, and I will pay you for them one thousand golden coins," said the old man.

"What?" Screamed the young man. Even if you give me ten times one thousand golden coins, I will not give them to you.

"Fine. Sell me your empty hands, and I will pay you in gold as much as they weigh."

"Even if you overwhelm me with money, I will not give them."

"Fine! Sell me your hungry eyes. I will reward you with one hundred purses filled with golden coins, and I will also gift you with my castle and garden."

"What are you saying, sir? To get blind? I refuse to give up my eyes, regardless of the wealth on Earth," the young man responded.

"Eh, boy!" said the old man. "Now can you see that you are richer than me? You are young, strong, and healthy; there is no greater wealth than that. I am old and ill. Even if I give all my treasures, I cannot buy even one day's health and youth. Do not complain, do not anger the Lord; he is generous to you! For instance, when I was younger, I aspired to wealth, gold, land, and power, and I worked diligently to achieve these goals. I held everyone in high regard, which led to a lack of time for my family, relatives, friends, and dependents. Being wealthy is not a negative thing, but we also need to make time for our mental well-being, our souls, and the small, priceless things in life. But I realized it too late. Before three days had passed, I was dreaming that death would be my fate. It gives me a few days before that to prepare, and then it will take me. It gives me that right because when I was working or willing wealth, land, and gold, I was feeding many; I did not hear other people, and I had put many efforts to do that. I offered all my wealth for more time to enjoy life, but it reduced me. I am now embarking on a journey to revisit my childhood favorite place. Before I go. What I've come to understand, young man, is that we must set aside time for our favorite activities. However, we often forget it when we are living our lives. One thing is certain: time is the most valuable asset we possess, and we should not allow it to be lost. That's why you need to stop complaining, take control of your life, and use the time you have for happiness, your favorite people, work, wealth, and beneficial things that can make other people happy. Remember, the most important thing is how other people will remember you." He placed a few coins on the ground before leaving.

"I may not require them, but they can instill courage in you. I wish you to be healthy."

The fourth servant goes away. Max also took his road.

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If there is hope, there will always be a future

Max had been walking for two days when he finally spotted someone. In the evening, in the middle of the field, he saw a young man who was sitting on the ground and was crying. In front of him there was a pile of coals. He went next to him and set down.

"Hello! What happened? Why do you look so sad?"

The young man erased his tears and answered, "My name is Tom. I will share my experience of sadness with you. Yesterday, during my travels, I came across a small tree amidst the untamed wilderness. I sat next to it, and I decided to rest, and I thought, "How small it is, even if that makes me shadow. I snuggled under its crown and slept peacefully. After an hour, I woke up and felt that my stomach was gurgling from hunger. Then, I noticed that there were fruits hanging from the branches. I plucked them and ate them. The evening came, and it got colder. I didn't have any warm clothes on and felt trapped, so I decided to start a fire to avoid freezing in the evening. I quickly built a small tree out of matchwood, burning it to a high temperature before going to sleep. I woke up the next morning. The sun was shining brightly, and my stomach was once again rumbling with hunger. However, the tree that had shielded me from the sun and provided me with food was no longer there. At that moment, I came to understand the consequences of my actions. I had to reflect on the ways in which the shadow had aided me and provided me with delicious fruits. I had to understand that every next person who found him would also help that person, so I destroyed it. How reckless I was. A person who lacks self-control and acts solely to satisfy their own needs harms others."

Max took a brad from its bag and two pieces of dried meat; he gave him the half of it. He also had an extra shirt, which he gifted to the young man as a present. After they finished their meal, he told the young man, "While you cannot change the past, you can focus on the future. When you realized the mistake, you took a huge step ahead. Therefore, you have the right to fight. Try to achieve something important for you that will be beneficial for others. Make a goal and work on achieving it. Once you reach your goal, you will plant numerous trees and be able to assist others who are similar to you. I will tell you one parable; you make your own conclusions.

They were quietly and calmly lighting three candles in a room.

All their conversations, even the cracking of their flames, were audible in the silence. "I am peace," said the first one. "Regrettably, individuals are unable to rescue me. They cannot save me. They are incapable of valuing me, nor do they strive for my well-being. I believe they have nothing left for me, and I must let go. It just motioned, and it lit out.

The second candle says, "My name is Faith. However, it appears that my presence is also unnecessary. People seem disinterested in my presence. That is why there is no point to burn, and it also lighted out.

The third one said sadly, "I am Love, but I do not have strength to burn more. People avoid me, and they tend to forget me. They lack the ability to both give and receive love." The third candle also lighted out.

At this moment, a child entered the room. Upon noticing that three candles remained unlit, the child began to yell. "But what are you doing? Why are you not lighting up? I'm afraid of the dark."

The fourth candle, whose flame glowed in the darkness, began to speak in a nervous tone, "Do not be afraid. Do not cry. Until I ignite, you have the opportunity to illuminate other candles. I am hope. Until hope exists, there will always be a future. Now, go to sleep knowing that tomorrow we will continue with the hope for your future.

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Strive to work on what brings you pleasure

 Max was walking along the road in the forest when a man approached him. He was moving so quickly that it appeared as though he was in a hurry to reach his destination.

"Hello, traveler, where are you going so fast?" asked Max.

"Hello, young boy! I am going to the next kingdom. There is one very wise man from whom I am planning to get advice. If you agree, we can begin our journey together, during which I will share my personal story with you. My name is Nobel."

Max has nothing against hearing his story, and he was delighted to hear it. As they walked slowly, Nobel began to share his story with Max.

"When I was a small boy, we never had much money in my family. My mother would often remark that she had never married a man who, through his craft, earned a substantial income to support his family's daily needs. Every time I wanted her to buy me something, she always told me that she did not have money, and that is why when I grow up, I want to learn a craft that is profitable so my kids will not suffer like me. At the age of eighteen, I heard a story about a man in a distant kingdom who possessed extensive knowledge about large predators. I believed that if he was well-versed in large predators, he could impart his knowledge to me, enabling me to become a proficient predator. Only a select few can master this skill and not fear these creatures. Those who fear these creatures will generously donate large sums of money to ensure their safety from these predators. That's why I took all the money from my parents, began my search for him, and eventually found him. When I found him, I asked him, "Please, teacher, teach me how to kill giant predators!"

"It is not so easy. You need many years to learn the skills necessary to defeat them. Are you prepared to spend the next few years with me in that forest? Are you prepared to listen and learn continuously from morning to evening? We will solely focus on theoretical knowledge, as there aren't any large creatures present here," responded the teacher.

"I am prepared to undertake all necessary tasks!" I answered him without getting deeper into his words.

"Do you have enough money to pay me for the education? I need to have a source of income to support myself while I'm teaching you."

"I'll pay you everything to learn how to defeat those predators." I spoke confidently, envisioning the greatness I would achieve. He accepted and allowed me to live with him. Two years have passed. I was following the instructions of my skilled teacher with outstanding care and attention. I was listening to him very carefully and gave all my energy to learn everything he wanted me to. He instructed me on how to construct traps and various other strategies for capturing a large creature. At the end, the teacher told me, "Now you know everything that I know. Now you can defeat every predator that you see."

I left satisfied, even if I had no money. I was thrilled that I could now kill large creatures; I was well-versed in dinosaurs, mammoths, and other mythical creatures. I was among the few who possessed this knowledge. I was proudly walking to the cities and villages, offering my services to people.

"What are you capable of doing, young boy?" they inquired.

"I am capable of eliminating large predators to protect you from them!" I was bragging.

"Oh, alright! When those creatures appear, we will certainly call you, but for now, we do not need your services."

“That was how the days, months, and years of my life unfolded. People did not hire me, but I also did not hear that those creatures appeared. Most likely, their disappearance occurred many years ago. I am unable to work and am currently living a life filled with misery and poverty. Therefore, I am turning to the wise man for guidance. I hope that he will help me. “

We arrived on the hill where the wise man's house stood in the evening. The wise man welcomed us, provided us with food, and provided us with a shelter for the night. He assured us that he would answer our questions when we woke up in the morning. However, he reminded us that the day is wiser than the night because it allows our body and mind to rest, which allows him to provide more accurate answers. We woke up, and we saw that on the table there was food. The wise man instructed us to wash our heads and hands in the river, eat breakfast, and then return to him. We followed the old man's instructions and sat down next to him.

"I am listening to you," the old man said, and Nobel began to narrate his story once more, this time to the old man.

The wise man remained silent for a moment before launching into his speech: "Education ignites a fire; it does not imply filling the vessel. Your environment forces you to seek something that will help you progress. Many people follow this path, but in your situation, you confront large predators that have disappeared over time, requiring a slight shift in your perspective and mindset. You can take on the role of a shepherd and occasionally engage in combat with small predators or even a bear. Once upon a time, there was a mighty man whose name was Buddha. When asked how to find his calling in front of them, he replied, "Imagine waking up with all the wealth in the world and still wanting to do something else to make you happy and loved." This is what you should strive for, as engaging in activities filled with love prevents boredom. When you enjoy something, it's likely that others will find it enjoyable as well. You must understand that people value excellent skills that are beneficial to them, and they are willing to pay for them. If the desire for money didn't blind you, you wouldn't seek out that teacher; instead, you would seek out a different teacher who could impart knowledge from your heart. A person learns while they are still alive. When you were a young boy, it's likely that you had a dream, or perhaps while you were walking around your village, you saw a craftsman at work, and you wished to emulate him. Life continues, and you must strive to achieve your goals. Remember, you will leave behind whatever you build or do, but the choice is yours. I cannot dictate what you should work on; you must consider your options and make your own decisions." The old man stood up and said that he had something to do.

"Thank you for your hospitality and for your advice for Nobel. I am confident that we will discuss this matter, and he will make a decision. I wish you to be healthy." Max left some coins for the old man and walked away. While others were going about their lives, Nobel remained in silence.

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A person always has a choice - educational stories from the book "Manners in the Great Kingdom."

 Max woke up. After eating his breakfast and bidding farewell to his mother, father, and sister, Max went to his teacher, who had prepared all the necessary items for his journey. He must remember to pack clothes, a bag, and instructions in case anything unexpected arises during his journey. Max carefully put on his clothes, listened to his teacher's recommendations, and proceeded to the other kingdoms. In the middle of the day, a car stopped next to Max. In that car were a well-dressed father and a son. The father was in his 40s, and his son was twenty years old. The car was brimming with fruits and vegetables.

"Hi! Where are you going, son?" asked the driver.

"I am going to the next kingdom," said Max.

"We are also going there. Come in the car; we will leave you there."

"For how many days will you sell the goods?" asked Max.

"The products are not for sale; they are for exchange." Answer the father and continue to speak.

“In our kingdom, it's clear that people have been living in this manner for many years. All the peasants are obligated to live that way in order to get fewer illnesses. Maintaining excellent hygiene not only prolongs our lives but also enhances our appearance. It is time for my son to get married, but he is still searching for a bride from our kingdom, and we are going to search for her in another kingdom. However, in order to choose a bride, we need to find a girl who is clean and hardworking enough to live in our kingdom. For many years, it has been a custom that, when a boy and a girl don't get along, we select a girl from a different kingdom based on our mutual preferences. In reality, we trade fruits and vegetables from home, where there are girls ready for marriage, for garbage. We ask people from villages with marriage-ready girls to stop there. In the house where there is less garbage and our son likes her, we will ask her for a wife. When we say that we are from the great kingdom, the parents always agree because they know that the life there is better, and we live with love and commitment.

"You've discovered an excellent solution for boys, but I'm confident that there are girls in the great kingdom who face similar issues. How you are deciding such problems?" said Max.

"We have also found a solution to that problem. We took this into consideration when we created the rules for the great kingdom. Every two years we are organizing a race for boys from other kingdoms who are ready for marriage. We determine places where new houses have to be built, having in mind the number of girls who have to be married. The race is based on who is better at his job: masons, smiths, tailors, carpenters, and boys with many other abilities. At the same time in the race, they are building houses for the new families. The masons are putting brigs; the carpenters are making tables, chairs, fences, and beds needed for the new houses. The tailors are stitching all the necessary items for the houses. Our king sources all the materials directly. Therefore, the new family has a solid foundation for life, experiencing fewer problems and greater family happiness. The girls and their families make up the jury, observing the working process closely. When they like a boy, they send the girl to help and encourage him. If the boy likes the girl, he will allow her to come and help him. This helps them meet, marry, and find a home."

Two other roads split off from the main road. "I wish you good luck and success; I will take the other road."

"I wish you the same for you young boy, and continue driving the cart."

If you like my educational stories,

you can search the whole book " Manners in the Great Kingdom" in all bookstores