there are a small proportion of people who can trade successfully year in and year out.
the most money made (and easiest) is made by patient people who buy and hold but cut losses before they go belly up ( maybe a stop loss of 50% or lower ). yes, i am a strange beast as i do a bit of both - i could trade all the time but i have a farm to run so i do both and it is better on the nerves!
your comments in the first two paragraphs would indicate you will do alright but don't be too impatient ( as indicated in the last paragraph ) OR if you are then dont hesitate to buy back in if it appears your decision to sell was wrong - even if you have to pay a fair bit more-real money is made on the big winners.
the share market is also a great enforced saving mechanism.
we also hear plenty said about many of the indeces overestimating returns from the market because they don't take into account the companies that go broke - well i would put forward that the indeces don't take into account the companies that are taken over at big premiums and then are delisted. most of the more experienced investors and traders will walk all over the fund manager returns.
good luck to you and besides it is a great interest and a good way to learn about commerce and the economy - you have been in the market in a good time to learn - now use the experience to your advantage.
