[radiusvector]

I'm a trader who runs a couple of profitable strategies. You can generate alpha by implementing quantitative (or discretionary) strategies as long as you adhere to the basic principles of profitable trading with a strong emphasis on risk management. There are a million possible trading strategies, which of these will suit your personality/risk tolerance/system design is a matter of personal choice.

[greenyoda]

Could you please say more about what the "basic principles of profitable trading" are, or point us to a reference?

[radiusvector]

Sure. A trade can be decomposed into entry and exit criteria.

Only trade when you have an edge, i.e your model suggests that there is a higher probability of an outcome in your favor rather than a pure coin toss - either in entry or in exit.

Even coin toss entries can make money if you have an edge in exits and vice versa.

All in all, you can be right less than 50% of the time per trade, and still have alpha if your winning trade is 2 times your losing trade. Standard expected value stuff. Heck, I know traders who bat 30 or 35% and make colossal amounts of dollars.

[andruby]

I hope there's more to it than "buy low, sell high"..

[dave333]

Buy upward momentum, and sell downward momentum.

[MuffinFlavored]

Slightly related: what are "big players" more likely to do to get exposure to the S&P directionally: 1. SPY shares long/short on margin/leverage

1. SPY options

1. SPX options

1. /ES e-mini futures

1. a blend of all

Does one trump another in popularity?

[claytonjy]

is your strategy more profitable than indexing? or are you aiming for something else, like beta-neutrality?