WHEN LOGIC FAILS

                                             When 2 + 2 = 22

I have seen just about everything when it comes to twisted logic and superstition regarding trading. Back in the day when I was part of the “Masters of the Universe” crowd roaming the exchange floor, off the wall superstitions were the norm.

I’ve posted before about “Magic” and his magical Kruggerand [ The Magic Market As Illusion, December 9, 2011 post].

I once knew a guy who refused to change socks and shoes, for fear of breaking his succession of winning trading days. He wouldn’t take ‘em off; not even to sleep or shower. He’d put plastic bags over his feet and shower. Up in the traders lounge, at the clearing house, one day his “luck” ran out and he took his shoes off; his feet were green from the color of his socks soaking into his skin.

So, why do people do this?

If logic mattered in trading, everybody would be a winner. Markets consistently let us know most people have to lose. Since most people lose money trading over time, brains and logic can’t be the answer to success. Sound logical? [Uh oh, we’ve wandered into another logic dimension.]

As humans, especially college educated rational decision makers, we have a very hard time squaring this circle; this is why doctors and lawyers make for the worst traders in the universe.

Superstition lends itself to us when we can no longer comprehend the forces behind an actual outcome.

“Oh boy, made money on that trade.”

“Yea, must be the socks.”

The markets have the largest sea of money chasing prices ever known to man. It is the perception of events that create market ups and downs, and the momentum chasing it. It ain’t logic.

After all ….

                                              I Rest My Case

Have a good day everyone.

-vegas

P.S.

Think gold was a little disappointed in Weimar Ben today? Gee, who could have ever seen that coming?