Trading and investing are subject to risks. Our emotions also influence our choices in the market and could aggravate risks. This module discusses risk and risk management tools along with the psychology required for sustaining in the markets.
A unique opportunity I'm excited about this brand new module on Varsity, wherein we will be discussing two important and closely related market topics – 'Risk Management and Trading Psychology'.
Warming up to risk For every rupee of profit made by a trader, there must be a trader losing that rupee. As an extension of this, if a group of traders consistently make money, then there must be another group of traders losing money consistently.
Variance In the previous chapter, we touched upon the topic of expected return, continuing on it, we will understand the concept of 'Portfolio variance'. Portfolio Variance helps us understand the risk when multiple stocks are held in a portfolio.
A quick recap Let us begin this chapter with a quick recap of our discussion so far. We started this module with a discussion on the two kinds of risk a market participant is exposed to, when he decides to invest his money in the stock markets.
Correlation Matrix In the previous chapter, we successfully calculated the variance-covariance matrix. As we discussed, these numbers are too small for us to make any sense. Hence, as a practice, we convert the covariance matrix to a correlation matrix.
Overview This is off topic – but a little digression hurts no one, I guess. Of all the chapters I have written in Varsity, I guess this one will be a very special one for me. Not because of the topic we are about to discuss.
Expected returns The next two chapter will be very insightful, especially for people who have never been familiar with portfolio techniques. We will venture into the realms of expected return calculation and portfolio optimization.
A tale of 2 stocks We have spent a great deal of time and efforts towards understanding risk associated with a portfolio. Our discussion has brought us to a very important stage – it's time to optimize the portfolio.
Working with the weights In the previous chapter we introduced the concept of portfolio optimization using excel's solver tool. We will build on the same concept in this chapter and proceed to optimize a portfolio with multiple stocks.
Black Monday Let's start this chapter with a flashback. For many of us, when we think of the 70's, we can mostly relate to all the great rock and roll music being produced from across the globe.
Poker face Last month I got an opportunity to play poker with a few good friends. I was playing poker after a gap of 6 years and I was quite excited about it. The buy-in for this friendly game was about Rs.2000.
Defining Equity Capital The last chapter we laid down few key thoughts on position sizing and with that, I guess it is amply clear as to why one has to incorporate position sizing at the core of the trading system.
Choose your path We addressed a very crucial concept in the previous chapter. We looked at how one can determine equity based on 3 different models. Each of these three models on its own merit is good.
Percentage Risk Last chapter we looked at three important position sizing techniques, all of them were unique in their own merit. The three techniques were – Unit per fixed amount Percentage risk Equity curve based.
Mind games If you are a part of any WhatsApp group related to stock markets, then chances are that you may have watched this video – If you are in no mood to watch it, then let me give you a quick summary.
Anchoring Bias I've spent close to about 13 years participating in the stock markets. I've spent these years in various capacities – as a trader, investor, broker, money manager, analyst, and now as an educator.