5 Old School Trading Sayings That Still Hold Up Today
Markets change, but trader psychology doesn’t — and these timeless adages prove it.
Good morning,
Markets change.
Tech evolves.
(Imagine telling Jesse Livermore about ChatGPT… “yeah, so there’s this device in your pocket that knows everything right, and…”)
But some old-school trading sayings?
Well, they stick around for a reason.
Here are 5 classic adages that still hold weight today…
TRADING ADAGES
“Strong stocks close strong.”
Don’t overthink it. If a market holds highs all day and closes near the high, there’s usually follow-through coming. The strength is telling you something… Hold.
“Don’t short a dull market.”
Sideways, quiet sessions are a trap for short sellers. Without urgency, price often just grinds higher and wrecks your patience. Shorts thrive in momo.
“Amateurs open the market, pros close it.”
Sure, it’s mostly algos now, but the close still matters.
It’s where the auction ends, the final agreed price… and the one that makes the headlines.
“Cut your losers fast, let your winners run.”
Cliché? Yes.
Ignored by 90% of traders? Also yes.
But it’s still one of the most important rules in the game.
“The market can stay irrational longer than you can stay solvent.”
Thinking you’re smarter than price is the fastest path to pain. Ride the wave, don’t fight the tide.
Old traders knew the score…
“The markets may change, but human nature never does.”
Very true, gentlemen. Very true.