that match.

If you trade 40 percent currencies and 60 percent metals, then

you should create your own hybrid index thats 40 percent currencies and
60 percent metals.
Performance relative to your time
A few pages back when I talk about tracking your trades and doing a profit
and loss statement, I say that you should calculate your hourly wage. Theres
a reason for that. Instead of day trading, you could put your money in a nice,
simple, index mutual fund and take a regular job. If your hourly wage is less
than what you can earn elsewhere, you might want to consider doing just that.
Of course, there are benefits to working on your own that dont often show
up in your bank account. I say this as someone who left finance to be a finan-
cial writer. If you enjoy day trading and if you make enough money to suit
your lifestyle, by all means, dont let the relative numbers stop you.
191
Chapter 11: But Did You Make Money? Evaluating Performance
16_171493 ch11.qxp 9/25/07 4:49 PM Page 191