New to trading.. How am i doing?

hollywood said: "Hi all, im new here and to trading. Im 22 and have saved up $100,000 over all my years and am now trading all of it. I have a buddy who has been guiding me and teaching me to trade his custom stratagy. I started and knew nothing 4 months ago at all about stocks and now ive been trading for 3 of those 4 months. So far in this down market we are having, i have managed to capture a 3% return on my money the first month, 4% the second and now 5% for feburary. Are these decent returns? Everything i buy with a protective put as well so i always have an exit price. The 3, 4 and 5% returns are after capturing the premium back i paid for the leap puts (1 year out each). Are these decent gains in this market right now? By the way I'm danny everyone."

Rbreb13 said: "Glad to have you here, danny everyone. For a down market those are decent returns. Sounds like your coach knows his stuff."

bigmike said: "Those are good returns for any kind of market, or at least I think so. My goal is usually 20%+ per year or 1/2% per week for my whole account. You should also have a goal each year, month, or week so you know where you are headed, but I am not sure if everyone agrees with me on this."

Aligator said: "[QUOTE=hollywood;64211]Hi all, im new here and to trading. Im 22 and have saved up $100,000 over all my years and am now trading all of it. I have a buddy who has been guiding me and teaching me to trade his custom stratagy. I started and knew nothing 4 months ago at all about stocks and now ive been trading for 3 of those 4 months. So far in this down market we are having, i have managed to capture a 3% return on my money the first month, 4% the second and now 5% for feburary. Are these decent returns? Everything i buy with a protective put as well so i always have an exit price. The 3, 4 and 5% returns are after capturing the premium back i paid for the leap puts (1 year out each). Are these decent gains in this market right now? By the way I'm danny everyone.[/QUOTE] danny, if you don't [I]know[/I] whether those are decent returns, can't spell worth a crap, and are still able to talk about leap puts and down markets you should quit trading. There is a real possibility that you are an autistic savant.:laugh:"

hollywood said: "[QUOTE=Aligator;64220]danny, if you don't [I]know[/I] whether those are decent returns, can't spell worth a crap, and are still able to talk about leap puts and down markets you should quit trading. There is a real possibility that you are an autistic savant.:laugh:[/QUOTE] You know I have been around a lot of boards on the web for various things as i find i can learn a lot from others and as well contribute my fare share in each. In each forum there are those that feel it neccery to hijack a thread simply to flame or make fun of the newbie. And that’s all fine, I’m a big boy, been around the block a few times, but what I’ve never seen is someone of an age of 62 resorting to such immature mannerisms. The only thing I can tell you my way, way elder is that they do have a pill that can help your condition and hopefully change your negative grumpy mood that which comes of age...that pill is manufactured under the name VIAGRA! Go ask your doc about it, it might put a smile on your grumpy old face =) As to the others that replied answering my question, thank you I got the answer I wanted. And no I had no idea if those were good returns as I knew absolutely nothing about trading 4 months ago and the only other trader I know and can talk to is my "coach". Simply just evaluating his strategy to see if I should look into other ones that might (reason I asked) yield me better or more decent returns. So thanks to those again who answered in an intellectual manner."

LongArm said: "Don't let Aligator bother you--he's not a bad guy. Maybe less than tactful, at times... ;) Yeah, if you can keep those returns up, you'll be doing very well by most standards. The most common way of judging performance is by comparing it against the market as a whole (i.e. the S&P 500). This year, the S&P is down over 6%, so obviously, if you have any gain at all, you're doing well. Long-term, if you can beat the market average of 10% per year, that's considered pretty good. Sure, some traders can whoop the pants off of 10% per year...and I mean WHOOP. Then again, the average trader actually LOSES money, so if you can consistently reap profits, you're doing better than most. And return numbers aren't all that matters anyway. The kind of strategy you're using to GET those returns, how much risk you're taking, etc., all matter when judging performance. For example, someone averaging a relatively steady 30% per year taking little risk and with little drawdown is more impressive to me than someone averaging 40% per year taking lots of risk and with large drawdowns. Anyway, welcome to the forum. Stick around and ask more questions. :)"

scottlarock said: "I tend to agree with aligator (speaking of misspelling). Anyways, if you have no idea what good returns are and you are trading 100k, you are what we refer to as a TARD. Anyone that trades their life savings and doesn't know much about the market is an idiot. Especially, something as basic as "good returns.""

hollywood said: "[QUOTE=LongArm;64233]Don't let Aligator bother you--he's not a bad guy. Maybe less than tactful, at times... ;) Yeah, if you can keep those returns up, you'll be doing very well by most standards. The most common way of judging performance is by comparing it against the market as a whole (i.e. the S&P 500). This year, the S&P is down over 6%, so obviously, if you have any gain at all, you're doing well. Long-term, if you can beat the market average of 10% per year, that's considered pretty good. Sure, some traders can whoop the pants off of 10% per year...and I mean WHOOP. Then again, the average trader actually LOSES money, so if you can consistently reap profits, you're doing better than most. And return numbers aren't all that matters anyway. The kind of strategy you're using to GET those returns, how much risk you're taking, etc., all matter when judging performance. For example, someone averaging a relatively steady 30% per year taking little risk and with little drawdown is more impressive to me than someone averaging 40% per year taking lots of risk and with large drawdowns. Anyway, welcome to the forum. Stick around and ask more questions. :)[/QUOTE] Thanks i appreciate the clarity you bring to my question. I remember my coach telling me that normally if you're beating the s&p 500 you're doing well. I guess it did not really sink in as we could do so much better than the s&p in a good market."

hollywood said: "[QUOTE=scottlarock;64240]I tend to agree with aligator (speaking of misspelling). Anyways, if you have no idea what good returns are and you are trading 100k, you are what we refer to as a TARD. Anyone that trades their life savings and doesn't know much about the market is an idiot. Especially, something as basic as "good returns."[/QUOTE] Well Scott with an attitude like that im assuming you must be one of the ones longarm was reffering to - The ones losing their ass along with the s&p...either that or your old and need viagra too :laugh:"

EOD Traders said: "Being able to save $100,000 by the age of 22 is a accomplishment in and of itself. Making good returns is another. Congrats on both ! Starting out with $100,000 puts you way ahead of the average trader starting out. Compounding your funds @ simply 30% a year will yield you a fortune. Watch your drawdowns. The Compounding killer. Jeff @ EOD Traders"

Aligator said: "[QUOTE=scottlarock;64240]I tend to agree with aligator (speaking of misspelling). Anyways, if you have no idea what good returns are and you are trading 100k, you are what we refer to as a TARD. Anyone that trades their life savings and doesn't know much about the market is an idiot. Especially, something as basic as "good returns."[/QUOTE] Scott!....Let's not be harsh. I think what we're dealing with here is a troll. And if we're really nice to him he'll give us the name of his "coach". Which may even be[I] him[/I]. PS. My name is Aligator (1 "L"). There is no proper spelling for proper nouns. But you are the only one who has ever said anything about the spelling of Aligator.:)"

bigmike said: "I have to agree with Aligator and Scott on this one. I have noticed a pattern that whenevr some one mentions something about spelling or grammar in general, that poster gets really defensive. What is wrong with someone pointing out a mistake in order to help you? Why can't people just learn to spell properly or at least check their spelling even if they are on a forum/thread."

hollywood said: "[QUOTE=Aligator;64245]Scott!....Let's not be harsh. I think what we're dealing with here is a troll. And if we're really nice to him he'll give us the name of his "coach". Which may even be[I] him[/I]. PS. My name is Aligator (1 "L"). There is no proper spelling for proper nouns. But you are the only one who has ever said anything about the spelling of Aligator.:)[/QUOTE] lol go ahead thinking im a "troll" or my own coach, i simply don't give to shits. im not here to try impress morons like you who are obviously losing in this market we're having. Nice cover up on the name too, dipshit. lmao"

hollywood said: "[QUOTE=bigmike;64248]I have to agree with Aligator and Scott on this one. I have noticed a pattern that whenevr some one mentions something about spelling or grammar in general, that poster gets really defensive. What is wrong with someone pointing out a mistake in order to help you? Why can't people just learn to spell properly or at least check their spelling even if they are on a forum/thread.[/QUOTE] I never got defensive about the spelling bigmike, rather just responding to the ill manner that came with the name calling. I'll be the first to admit my spelling is not the best. Then again i could not give to shits about that either. I must say this is one of the most welcoming forums i've ever been on...must be why yall all get along so nicely :th_dblthumb2:"

LongArm said: "Are you guys kidding me? Suddenly impeccable spelling is all that counts on this board? LMAO! That's bad news for the majority of members on this board, I'd say. I have no problem sticking it to trolls/spammers/pumpers, but I think you guys are a little quick to convict here."

Aligator said: "OK. I'll quit. Peace.:)"

scottlarock said: "if he isn't a troll, then why would he have to come here to ask us if he is getting good returns? It's like someone going out and buying a car for $100,000 (with their friend that knows car!) and then coming on to a message forum and asking if they got a good deal. Shouldn't you have known that BEFORE you spent 100k on the car? Shouldn't you trust the judgment of your friend as to what is good and what is not good, assuming you trust this person enough to have you help spend 100k! And no, I'm not in need of Viagra or losing money. There are these things called "search forum by poster" and you can see every little message I've posted on this board if you'd like."

LongArm said: "[QUOTE=bigmike;64248]I have noticed a pattern that [B]whenevr[/B] some one mentions something about spelling or grammar in general, that poster gets really defensive. What is wrong with someone pointing out a mistake in order to help you? [/quote] Okay. You spelled "whenever" wrong. [quote]Why can't people just learn to spell properly or at least check their spelling even if they are on a forum/thread.[/QUOTE] I don't know, you tell me. :laugh: BTW, there should be a question mark on the end of that sentence, not a period. :D"

bigmike said: "[QUOTE=LongArm;64278]Okay. You spelled "whenever" wrong. I don't know, you tell me. :laugh: BTW, there should be a question mark on the end of that sentence, not a period. :D[/QUOTE] The reason that I didn't put a question mark on the end of that sentence Long was because it was a rhetorical question; I didn't want an answer. Thank you for telling me that I spelt whenever wrong. I appreciate you pointing out that I spelt it wrong. Also, I am not going to get defensive about you telling me that because it is helping me expand my knowledge on spelling and making mistakes."

LongArm said: "[QUOTE=scottlarock;642]if he isn't a troll, then why would he have to come here to ask us if he is getting good returns? It's like someone going out and buying a car for $100,000 (with their friend that knows car!) and then coming on to a message forum and asking if they got a good deal. Shouldn't you have known that BEFORE you spent 100k on the car? Shouldn't you trust the judgment of your friend as to what is good and what is not good, assuming you trust this person enough to have you help spend 100k![/QUOTE] I get your point, but maybe he just wanted another perspective on what are considered "good returns." Trading performance does range all over the board, afterall. Maybe he comes on here and finds that, even though he's beating the S&P, he's not doing so hot compared to the average trader here on the forum. Regardless, I hear questions on trading/investing forums ALL the time that make me shake my head (and this isn't one of them), but I don't assume the people asking them are all trolls."

LongArm said: "[QUOTE=bigmike;642]The reason that I didn't put a question mark on the end of that sentence Long was because it was a rhetorical question; I didn't want an answer.[/quote] Rhetorical questions still require question marks. :D I don't think anyone wants this turned into a spelling forum. Geez, just correcting Harry's errors alone would take up most of the day! :laugh:"

newinvestor123 said: "[QUOTE=LongArm;64284]I don't think anyone wants this turned into a spelling forum. Geez, just correcting Harry's errors alone would take up most of the day! :laugh:[/QUOTE] :roll:.............."

hollywood said: "[QUOTE=LongArm;64278]Okay. You spelled "whenever" wrong. I don't know, you tell me. :laugh: BTW, there should be a question mark on the end of that sentence, not a period. :D[/QUOTE] i would say that is the pot calling the kettle black! :roll: :flipoff: i will make sure to use spell check in the future so i don't offend any of you hypocrites..."

hollywood said: "[QUOTE=LongArm;64281]I get your point, but maybe he just wanted another perspective on what are considered "good returns." Trading performance does range all over the board, afterall. Maybe he comes on here and finds that, even though he's beating the S&P, he's not doing so hot compared to the average trader here on the forum. Regardless, I hear questions on trading/investing forums ALL the time that make me shake my head (and this isn't one of them), but I don't assume the people asking them are all trolls.[/QUOTE] Hit the nail on the head there longarm.. To all others, i'm sorry my introduction to the board had to be so drama filled lol. Got almost 200 views my first thread! :laugh:"

hollywood said: "[QUOTE=scottlarock;642]And no, I'm not in need of Viagra or losing money.[/QUOTE] this is what people say that are in need of viagra and that are losing money..."

newinvestor123 said: "[QUOTE=hollywood;64294]this is what people say that are in need of viagra and that are losing money...[/QUOTE] I don't know about the viagra part, but I can vouch for scott's financial acumen. He's not losing money - He's been in cash since.... last July? Something like that."

Rickster said: "You really wont know how you are doing for a several years. These things go in cycles and it wont take much of a downturn to wipe out 3+4+5=12% Top fund managers have been known to make 35% per year for 20 years, only to blow up and lose it all in the 21st year."

hollywood said: "[QUOTE=Rickster;64352]You really wont know how you are doing for a several years. These things go in cycles and it wont take much of a downturn to wipe out 3+4+5=12% Top fund managers have been known to make 35% per year for 20 years, only to blow up and lose it all in the 21st year.[/QUOTE] Thanks for the insight rick. Im excited to learn as much as i can."

Raharu Haruha said: "[QUOTE=hollywood;64211]Hi all, im new here and to trading. Im 22 and have saved up $100,000 over all my years and am now trading all of it. I have a buddy who has been guiding me and teaching me to trade his custom stratagy. I started and knew nothing 4 months ago at all about stocks and now ive been trading for 3 of those 4 months. So far in this down market we are having, i have managed to capture a 3% return on my money the first month, 4% the second and now 5% for feburary. Are these decent returns? Everything i buy with a protective put as well so i always have an exit price. The 3, 4 and 5% returns are after capturing the premium back i paid for the leap puts (1 year out each). Are these decent gains in this market right now? By the way I'm danny everyone.[/QUOTE]whoa, how'd you do that? 100k? ._.? did you finish highschool at 4 and go on to become a brain surgeon or something XD? also, what'd you invest in?"

hollywood said: "[QUOTE=Raharu Haruha;64455]whoa, how'd you do that? 100k? ._.? did you finish highschool at 4 and go on to become a brain surgeon or something XD? also, what'd you invest in?[/QUOTE] nope, i became an international diamond broker out of highschool. what is it that you do for a living? btw, you might want to watch your spelling before you get flammed on by your friends. "what'd" is not a word, neither is "how'd"."

newinvestor123 said: "[QUOTE=hollywood;64499]nope, i became an international diamond broker out of highschool. what is it that you do for a living? btw, you might want to watch your spelling before you get flammed on by your friends. "what'd" is not a word, neither is "how'd".[/QUOTE] It was a valid question, and I'm sure no offense was intended. How did you become an international diamond trader out of high school?"

veryh2o said: "Wow... When i was 22 years old i had around $200-$300 in my saving account. I owed around $30000 in education loan, and $20000 in my credit debt. Add insult to damage, i owed $10000 for a used ford mustang that i had to pay around $350/mo. I worked a part time job which pays around $850 - $900/mo... i had no investment portfolio nor i had any bonds or mutual funds. So you are like light years ahead of me in this dept. Congrats!!!"

hollywood said: "[QUOTE=newinvestor123;64502]It was a valid question, and I'm sure no offense was intended. How did you become an international diamond trader out of high school?[/QUOTE] well first i got certified by GIA in their gemologist degree program, then i went to s.africa(originally from there) and applied for my trading license at the johannesburg diamond bourse. since i was already a S.A citizen i got the license in half the time. the rest was history. as for the previous "valid question", i might be wrong but im sure i senced some sarcasm in there. maybe its just me being on the defence from your welcoming board....?"

hollywood said: "[QUOTE=veryh2o;64506]Wow... When i was 22 years old i had around $200-$300 in my saving account. I owed around $30000 in education loan, and $20000 in my credit debt. Add insult to damage, i owed $10000 for a used ford mustang that i had to pay around $350/mo. I worked a part time job which pays around $850 - $900/mo... i had no investment portfolio nor i had any bonds or mutual funds. So you are like light years ahead of me in this dept. Congrats!!![/QUOTE] Thanks, i guess i just have/had my priorities in check. I work hard and read every chance i get while the rest of the kids my age are out there doing drugs, chasing girls ect. It most likely has alot to do with coming from a third world country. Right now im trying to roll all my interest back into my trading along with a portion of my paycheck. So thanks, makes me feel good when i get a compliment from someone older than i =) Im excited to keep learning all i can about trading. To bad I had to get into it at such a bad time for the economy.."

bigmike said: "[QUOTE=hollywood;64510]Thanks, i guess i just have/had my priorities in check. I work hard and read every chance i get while the rest of the kids my age are out there doing drugs, chasing girls ect. It most likely has alot to do with coming from a third world country. Right now im trying to roll all my interest back into my trading along with a portion of my paycheck. So thanks, makes me feel good when i get a compliment from someone older than i =) Im excited to keep learning all i can about trading. To bad I had to get into it at such a bad time for the economy..[/QUOTE] Getting in to the economy at a bad time is sometimes better because you don't get cocky. When you are trading during a bull market and you feel that every trade that you make, you mkae money from then you begin to feel way to good about yourself. In a bull market, you are more aware of what is happening; you are always watching the news, and your positions because something could change at any time that would make you get out of that position."

FirefighterB said: "+1 to getting a very valuable experience with trading now. How is your stomach? Most importantly, can you handle losses (very heavy, at times) on paper if you feel confident enough in your investments? I ask because, if you believe that the market is going in a certain direction, you can play swings that are biased towards that direction. For example, I am short...everything. I personally believe the market is due for a serious correction, so this makes the most sense to me. I have done very well with it, but there has been more than one time over the previous few months where I've been THOUSANDS of dollars down. But, I stuck it out and waited for the investments to come back and, thus far, I've been fortunate enough to end up profitable. It's all what you think you can stomach. But, don't feel bad about getting ready to invest in a market when it's this crazy; you're better off than most of us that got in and began learning when things were peachy-keen and serene. It'll make you much more cautious."