There is a Tao to trading and investing, as to all great endeavors that require nerve and heart. All the calculations, all the theories in the world are worthless without the trader's instinct and intuition. Exploring the Eastern wisdom that defines the Tao, author Robert Koppel reveals many truths about the essence of trading-truths that speak to the imagination and inspire the soul. The Tao of Trading celebrates the subjective, imaginative, and intuitive elements of trading and points traders toward the paths leading to self-knowledge and inner strength.

Traders who have often felt menaced by fear and frustration will discover ways to transform their trading experiences. The Tao of Trading encourages traders and investors to tap into their "right brain," much as artists and musicians do, in order to become more responsive to the nuances of the market. Let go of rigid systems. Become alive to the market's opportunities.

Drawing on ancient philosophies, as well as current examples of trading success, Koppel shows that there is much to be learned from those who place great emphasis on self-awareness and inner strength. The Tao of Trading reaffirms what every good trader already knows somewhere in his or her heart: Logic and reason have their place, but truly great trading requires a mind that is "more like an open window than a pane of stained glass."

The Tao of Trading delves deep into the mysteries of mindset and imagination, sharing valuable lessons on:

- Overcoming the fear of loss, with comparisons to the way in which the samurai warrior conquered his fear of death
- Developing the psychological skills of winning, including a step-by-step process to get to the "winning state of mind"
- Centering your trading strategy around who you are at the core
- Expecting the best from yourself, examining your inner desires, determining what motivates you-so that you may achieve peak performance as trader

Stories, interviews, personal anecdotes, and philosophical musings weave a compelling picture of trading as an intuitive activity, inviting the reader to see the markets and trading as they really are: alive, dynamic, robust. The Tao of Trading teaches the trader to embrace the unpredictable and the uncertain as opportunities and open doors.

Along with several recommendations for readings that explore Zen and Taoist teachings more thoroughly, author Robert Koppel share the successful trading Tao of top performers such as:

- Jack Sandner, who boils trading down to three elements: knowledge, nerve, and the ability to constantly win no matter what the market throws at you

- Tom Grossman, who believes traders have to understand exactly how they are reacting both physically and mentally to the marketplace

- Patrick Arbor, who trust first impressions and urges traders not to second-guess themselves

- Leo Melamed, who believes that a good trader is like a Stradivarius violin: If it's even a little bit out of tune, the music isn't very good.

In the words of the Tao Te Ching: "The great Tao extends everywhere. All things depend on it for growth, and it does not deny them." Robert Koppel invites every trader to learn the Tao of trading and realize fulfillment, self-awareness, and success.

Contents:

Foreword ix
Preface xi
Acknowledgments xiv
The Tao and Taoism xv

PART ONE
The Artist's Mind 1

PART TWO
Samurai Psyche 35

PART THREE
Nature's Way 71

PART FOUR
The Eye of the Trader 99

PART FIVE
Zen Moments 129

For Further Reading 149
Index 155
About the Author 160