AdamG

Interesting discussion and quite a diverse field of characters. Many frames of reference and varied range of experience. My first response is that I believe trading at a high level (consistent high returns - outlier) is a combination of art and science. I do not think that you can teach someone to be a great artist. You can teach him (her) the tools and some techniques and he may become a good artist but it is something in him that makes him great. I just want to be good. If 'great ' happens - that's great. You can teach market history, tech analysis, fundamentals, money management, probabilities, etc but I would venture to say that it is debatable that discipline can be taught successfully. What do I perceive to be the 'Holy Grail' regarding day trading? Your next trade has a 50/50 chance of being right. If your probability is 60/40 (quite optimistic) and you work with an advantageous risk/reward strategy then you will do well if you have the discipline. I content that everything can be taught up until 'discipline' or when hormones kick in

You won't find an indicator that is 'for sure'. They all lag. The only thing that doesn't lag is price. Nobody knows the outcome once the bet is placed - otherwise we would all be rich. I would suggest that you pick an indicator that you like and learn it well and just use it and current price and volume. One possible slight edge might be to fade S/R levels to maybe avoid some chop. Otherwise its the size and how you bet will determine your P/L. You can wait for stocks that are moving and have enough volume so the spread isn't too big and you can get out. Good luck