Components of Trading Education

In order to effectively research and advance my knowledge of the stock market and trading, certain components and tools must be defined to assist in the development of my curriculum. The following is a list of components, each with a different objective as well as a list of study topics. Together, these topics and components will provide a comprehensive set of tools used to study trading.  This is a dynamic list that will be expanded throughout the future as I mature as a trader.

Study Topics:

• Probability, Statistics, Random Processes, Signal Analysis, Discrete Mathematics
• Programming and Data Analysis
• Risk Management
• Order Mechanics, P/L Analysis, System Development
• Market Fundamentals and Intermarket Relationships
• Options Fundamentals and Pricing Models
• Market and Trading Psychology

Worden's Telechart 2007 Software
A technical analysis software that is capable of viewing the price charts for 1000's of stocks from the US exchanges. This software can organize stocks using sort functions and customizable filters. It includes data dating back over 20 years. This software can be used to develop indicators and narrow down the stock universe to a manageable basket of stocks upon which further research can be performed.

Worden's StockFinder 5.0
A software with multiple capabilities including custom indicator design programming with VB.NET, backtesting trading ideas, and stock sorting and filtering.  StockFinder can help you to decide setup, entry, and exit components of a trade. Stockfinder aids you in building, testing, and analyzing your plans, revealing strengths and weaknesses in your strategy and allowing you make more successful decisions.

FreeStockCharts.com
A free website that allows you to monitor intraday data on commonly traded equities.  You can also setup up basic stock scans using a variety of metrics or alerts based on specific criteria.  FreeStockCharts includes a broad list of commonly known indicators.

ThinkOrSwim Trading Platform
A highly rated trading platform with extensive functionality whether you are trading stocks, options, or charting.  The trading platform contains numerous methods for entering, exiting, and evaluating trades.  ThinkOrSwim provides virtual portfolio management to actively test out trading strategies (paper trade).

Blog Roll
Extensive resource for daily market commentary from various perspectives including quants, market technicians, discretionary day traders, and market psychologists.  The blogs are incredibly thought provoking and help develop a trader's fundamental knowledge of the markets.

Microsoft Excel 2007 with Visual Basic
Programming helps clearly quantify trading ideas.  Excel's Visual basic programming language is an industry staple and is an excellent vehicle for evaluating strategies, data mining, and market study.

StockTwits.com
A website with a steaming feed of tweets pertaining to the markets from market makers and field experts.  An excellent way to monitor what is currently happening throughout the market, various market plays, company news, and economic events.