More lessons I learned from Jim Simons



Jim Simons is the greatest trader on Wall Street and I have already dedicated a post to him: My research about the strategies used by Jim Simons.


Reading Time: 5 minutes         Financial activity: Trading          Knowledge level: Beginner


Summary

Statistical edge is important, not the reason why it exists

Stick to your plan as a businessman

Consider being part of a team

Some videos to watch on YouTube

Conclusions


Statistical edge is important, not the reason why it exists

Reading Gregory Zuckerman’s book: The Man Who Solved The MarketI have learned that the most important thing is to find some edge statistically significant, without bothering to explain why this model works.

Let the data show you how to trade, without any bias.

Your activity as a trader must be data-driven.

Of course, if you can find a compelling reason why you get an edge, you will have more control over it, but in most cases, this is not possible due to the great complexity of the causes that generate it.

So, find an edge that works and never discard it because you cannot explain it.

And I have another good news for you: the edge does not have to be big! Remember that Renaissance Technologies LLC, the asset management group that manages the Medallion Fund, has a 50.75% win rate only for its trading systems.

Combining small edges, you can gain a lot of money.


Stick to your plan as a businessman

As I wrote above, your activity as a trader must be data-driven, so consider trading like a business that can be programmed and backtested, and follow it.

Build a portfolio of strategies based on edges and trade with it.

Don’t consider your talent or your emotional state or your instinct: work with data as a mathematician (Jim is a great mathematician).


Consider being part of a team

Simons is a genius, but Medallion’s performance is generated by the work of 300 people.

The old saying “If you want to go fast go alone, but if you want to go far go together” applies here and in trading.

Don’t trade alone. Consider exchanging ideas and feedback with other people and consider building your trading team (I’m doing it with my great friend Sergio and I’m happy for the contributions that I receive).


Some videos to watch on YouTube

I have found some videos on YouTube, that you can watch too:

Jim Simons' Trading Strategy Explained

James Simons (full-length interview)

James Simons - Mathematics, Common Sense, and Good Luck: My Life and Careers


Conclusions

  • Statistically relevant edge is important, not the reason why it exists (and it does not have to be big).
  • Build a portfolio of strategies based on edges and trade with it as a businessman.
  • Consider building your trading team (Don’t trade alone).


A sincere wish of good work to all!



Written by F. GRAMOLA (*).

(*) Member of S.I.A.T., the Italian Society of Technical Analysis (member society of I.F.T.A. – International Federation of Technical Analysts).


Warning

We merely cite our personal opinions for educational purposes only.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Investing and trading are risky. Don't invest or trade money that you cannot afford to lose.

Initial photo by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay




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