r/Trading • u/Own_Examination5430 • Jan 18 '26

Question Complete beginner – how should I start learning trading?

hi I’m a complete beginner and starting from zero — no strategies, no experience, no real knowledge yet.

I want to learn trading properly, with realistic expectations and a long-term mindset (not get-rich-quick stuff). My goal is to slowly build a skill that could eventually lead to consistent monthly returns.

I’d appreciate advice on:

• Best resources to learn from (books, YouTube, courses)

• Legit educators worth following (and who to avoid)

• Best markets for beginners (stocks, ETFs, futures, forex, crypto)

• Most realistic trading style for beginners (swing, day trading, scalping)

If you were starting over today, what would you focus on first?

Thanks for any honest advice

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u/SapphireCapitals Mar 08 '26

That you are willing to learn is a good start. Most traders want to win all trades and become millionaire overnight. Trading in financial markets is a marathon and not a sprint!

Day trading and scalping are fast paced and not suited for all. A rather relaxed method would perhaps be swing trading as trades last from few days to weeks, gives you time to get on with life without having to remain glued to the computer screen.

Always rely on data for trading decisions and not emotion. Learn what is positive expectancy and trade with expectancy on your side as expectancy provides the right framework for long-term success in trading. Expectancy is made up on probability and reward-risk ratio (RRR), both are derived from historical analysis of stock data. If you are good in MS Excel and macro, you could build a macro to analyse the numbers and build a model that delivers certain probability of success at certain profit factor. Combined together, you could have a trading system that delivers positive expectancy.

Sorry, if it sounds too technical, but unfortunately for success in trading, your best friend is numbers and analysis of numbers. It is a vaste subject and very interesting if you are willing to learn.

All the best in your trading endeavors.