Timetraveller, I only wish I had taken some time to learn these when I was in college. It took me scores of books to finally know what I was doing (Cornelius Luca was da man then!!). These days, I see all the trading educational websites and wonder where they were back in 2000 / 2001. Also, you're fortunate that you have a few ppl here who really know their sh*t and could explain all the technical analysis stuff which academia considers to be BS. As for the Risk averse statement, you're talking to one wrong Nepali. I have betted the ranch a few times on specific occasions when I just had the slightest hunch that there was no way my analysis would fail. One time, overlooked some fundamentals and ended up getting burnt totally. On the flip side, made a considerable amount another time...But, overall, as I have learnt so far your losses make you a better trader (if you understand what you did wrong and try to minimize its chances/loss amount the next time around). BTW, Are you actively trading? If so what (equities, FX, bonds, etc.)?