Ok, before you give the default response of "to make truckloads of $$$", perhaps let me rephrase the question.
What purpose does our trading serve, for others?
Sure, we all know we're in it for the money, the hours, the freedom, the challenge, etc, etc.... but what does our clicking a button, squeezing a few virtual pips out of a trade, really doing for anyone. In what way is it being constructive? What are we producing?
Apologies if this all sounds too deep and meaningful, but a colleague was trying to convince me recently that there is a purpose to our madness. He rambled on about how we provide important liquidity to the markets, and a few other questionable things.
Don't get me wrong, I trade, have for some time, and have no intention of doing otherwise. But, if a doctor heals, a baker feeds, a musician entertains... you get the idea... then please enlighten me as to the private trader's claim to fame.
Cheers.
What purpose does our trading serve, for others?
Sure, we all know we're in it for the money, the hours, the freedom, the challenge, etc, etc.... but what does our clicking a button, squeezing a few virtual pips out of a trade, really doing for anyone. In what way is it being constructive? What are we producing?
Apologies if this all sounds too deep and meaningful, but a colleague was trying to convince me recently that there is a purpose to our madness. He rambled on about how we provide important liquidity to the markets, and a few other questionable things.
Don't get me wrong, I trade, have for some time, and have no intention of doing otherwise. But, if a doctor heals, a baker feeds, a musician entertains... you get the idea... then please enlighten me as to the private trader's claim to fame.
Cheers.