About

I’m currently a college senior at a liberal arts school in the United States of America. Majoring in Economics, Philosophy and International Politics — I have keen interest in financial markets and international affairs and take an active initiative to keep myself informed and knowledgeable about current events.

 

I have been actively trading my own portfolio since the beginning of October 2007, and believe that hands-on experience is the best way to learn and get a good feel of the field. Trusting that the equities market outperforms all other assets in RoI, I am both a swing trader and an investor.

 

The bulk of my capital was raised through a Summer Internship at a Bulge-Bracket Investment Bank, as well as side entrepreneurial activities of my own. Post graduation, I will be continuing a career in Finance and might have greater restrictions on investing and trading, as opposed to now. As such, I am taking this opportunity to learn as much as I can.

 

My personal hobbies and interests are rather diverse. I significantly enjoy baking and cooking, and constantly do so, even as a means of destressing myself. Consequently, I truly appreciate the company of friends who enjoy to eat (especially the sort of cuisine I make), and delight when plates are empty and people are asking for more! My personal favorite dishes include, orange-honey glazed salmon steaks, Indian curries, Cantonese soups, a variety of seafood dishes as well as Rotisserie Chicken. My popular baking goodies are my really yummy (deep breath) Pineapple-Peace-Walnut-Raisin Carrot Cake, my smores Brownies and my sinfully rich Flourless Chocolate Cake.

 

Beyond the kitchen and my trading desk, I enjoy a wide range of outdoor activies — most especially backpacking, camping, hiking and swimming. I have backpacked solo across Europe, and will be backpacking across Ecuador this December for an entire month. (Fingers crossed I don’t catch Malaria or Yellow Fever!). I have a Black Belt in Karate (first stage only tho!), I have my diving certificate from PADI… all in all, I enjoy being very active in my life.

 

In the field of artistic endeavors, I dabble with delight and amateur enthusiasm in photography, drawing and painting. The next time I find a nugget of time, I shall post some of my art work up. I also play the Piano Forte, and have successfully obtained my Grade 8 certificate from the ABRSM (British Royal School of Music).

 

Some interesting things about me, that sort of makes me unique (in certain ways): I do not watch much TV, and get most of my news from the Internet of the written paper. I do occasionally stumble across the random Heroes episode, or Lost episode, and will watch it should it sufficiently intrigue me enough for that particular episode. That said, I used to be a big fan of Reality TV shows, such as Survivor, The Amazing Race, Project Runaway ; as well as Dramas such as 24.

 

I am a proud dork/geek/nerd. I play video and computer games competitively, I like reading fantasy novels, sci fi novels… I will watch every single episode of Battlestar Galactica (albeit stating I don’t watch much TV in the paragraph above). I have a vivid imagination (very good for Role playing 😉 haha!), and in the context of BSG, I imagine myself to be a Cylon! Also, from the name Trader Vader, I’m sure you can already guess that I am a fan of Star Wars as well. Star Trek too, actually!

 

I also happen to have a very strong dislike for cheese. I have tried numerous times to overcome this (supposedly) deficiency in my culinary tastes, but to no avail. I find the yellow substance to be very disgusting, in both smell as well as taste.

 

I’m new to the trading game and very ignorant, uninformed and uneducated. I would really appreciate all help, hints and advice from willing folks, and perhaps someday I’ll bake you cookies in return! Cookies from the heart! 🙂