An honest depiction of the challenges of trading and a clear explanation of what it takes to succeed

Trading tends to be a winner-take-all activity where a small number of traders are very successful, while the majority either lose money or generate relatively small profits. In "The Mental Strategies of Top Traders," author Ari Kiev identifies and analyzes the characteristics of successful traders and shows you how to cultivate these same characteristics.

Successful trading, Kiev asserts, requires an unusual and sometimes contradictory blend of intellectual and psychological abilities, including the willingness to take risks, but in a very controlled manner; the discipline to develop high-conviction trading ideas in the face of unpredictable markets and incomplete information; as well as a strong drive to win, but also accept failure. Here, you'll discover how to achieve all this, and much more.Provides advice and solutions for traders struggling with today's volatile and stressful marketsAuthoritatively identifies key mental strategies of top tradersWritten by Ari Kiev, a highly respected figure in the professional trading communityAnalysis is supported by comments from contemporary traders and portfolio managers, many of whom struggled with the markets of 2008

Designed with the serious trader in mind, this book will put you in a better position to excel in today's tumultuous markets.

Praise for The PSYCHOLOGY of RISK

"The Psychology of Risk is equally vital for everyone from the day trader to short-term online trader to long-term investor. A clear, enjoyable insight into what makes trading success."
–Alpesh B. Patel, Financial Times columnist and author of Trading Online

"Once again Dr. Kiev delivers a book that should be read cover to cover and kept as a reference. The Psychology of Risk explores the elements of risk taking as they relate to the human psyche."
–John Floyd, Director, Proprietary Trading, Deutsche Bank AG

"In 2000 and 2001, benchmark U.S. equity indices experienced the worst two-year performance since the bear market of 1973—74. Among the winners in this tumultuous market environment were those that invested with short time horizons rather than those that utilized a rigid buy-and-hold ‘one decision’ philosophy. Against this backdrop, Kiev, in his familiar pull-no-punches style, delivers an insightful, timely, and pragmatic thesis that focuses on the inner game of trading: psychology, discipline, and the holy grail–timing. A captivating read for those in search of a performance edge."
–Ciaran T. O’Kelly, Head of Equity Trading, Salomon Smith Barney

"Ari has proven himself to be a keen coach of world-class traders. The Psychology of Risk is a great read for those looking to better understand what it takes to put oneself at risk in the market."
–Kevin Becker, CIO, Claiborne Capital Management, LP

"Ari Kiev has done it again. One of Wall Street’s preeminent trading coaches, he explores some useful principles of risk taking which will help traders to take their game to the next level."
Jay Goldman, Hedge Fund Manager, Goldman & Co., LP

In "Mastering Trading Stress," author Ari Kiev--a psychiatrist who specializes in stress management and works extensively with traders--offers examples, transcripts of conversations, and personality profiles of real-life traders to illustrate how stress affects their ability to perform at their best. Drawing on his vast experience, Kiev describes a variety of practical techniques that can be used to handle destructive emotions and out-of-control feelings, including his "Most Basic" stress busters, and tells what to do if a breakdown should occur.

PRAISE FOR Trading in the Zone

"Ari Kiev takes us inside the most successful trading firms of our time and shows us how those firms seek to improve performance through disciplined self analysis and structured goal management. His application of psychiatric tools to the short-term trading aspects of behavioral finance can give readers a competitive edge."–Charles A. Leeds Jr., CFA, Managing Member, Hermit Capital Management, LLC

"Kiev uses the powerful combination of his professional training as well as a unique vantage point inside the ropes at a market-moving, high-rolling hedge fund to deliver a fascinating analysis of a trader’s psyche. Although trading is widely acknowledged as an art, one that requires incredible innate intuition and feel for the markets, Kiev prescribes ‘getting into the zone’– a psychological state that one can create – for those aiming to achieve a higher level of performance. His anecdotes, case studies, interviews and tales of the ‘Master Trader’ are both instructive and tremendously insightful. A compelling read."–Ciaran T. O'Kelly, Head of Equity Trading, Salomon Smith Barney

"Trading in the Zone discusses the psychological considerations that serve to distinguish the most successful traders and portfolio managers from the majority of traders who are doomed to failure. Trading is so greatly influenced by emotions and discipline that not to have Ari’s insight and advice is a serious mistake."–Tom DeMark, author of The New Science of Technical Analysis

"I have been managing money for more than twenty years and I am happy to endorse Dr. Kiev’s principles, which have enhanced my performance and that of my traders over the past three years. Trading in the Zone will propel readers to the next level of trading success."–Jay Goldman, Hedge Fund Manager, J. Goldman & Co., L.P.

"Ari Kiev’s Trading in the Zone clearly and forcefully illustrates the mental discipline that will enable a stock trader to improve his performance."–Allan R. Tessler, Chairman and CEO, Jnet Enterprises

"Dr. Kiev works with professional traders, including some of the best traders in the country. In Trading in the Zone, he provides numerous case studies based on the market experiences of these traders, told both through narratives and their own words, in order to distill insights and lessons that should prove invaluable to professional and aspiring traders alike."–Jack Schwager, author of The Market Wizards and Stock Market Wizards