Many times in my career I have encountered new traders who believe they have the ability to master the markets after reading a book on trading, or even because they have obtained some form of degree. Most often the first question I ask them is; are you a fundamental trader? Fundamental traders are those who generally read a companies balance sheet, (example-EPS, PE, EBITDA, book value, etc.) or perhaps they are a technical trader which is someone that uses charts of past prices, patterns, and stock market cycles. More often then not the trader is unsure of a specific methodology and is typically dependent on someones opinion to invest or trade a stock, usually from a book or talk show. Within minutes, I realize that the new investor or trader is grasping onto a dream encompassing an optimistic hope mode.