Dragons and Bulls – Profitable Investment Strategies for Trading Stocks and Commodities | By Stanley Kroll

BOOK REVIEW

By Cam R

Title: Dragons and Bulls – Profitable Investment Strategies for Trading Stocks and Commodities

Author: Stanley Kroll

I hunted up this book after reading and enjoying Stanley Kroll’s earlier book The Professional Commodity Trader (Review Here). This book seems to be written after he made his comeback after taking a five year sabbatical in his late thirties to travel round the world. With the subtitle suggesting an added focus on trading stocks, as opposed to the commodities market which was Kroll’s main trading arena, I was expecting to read more of his exploits in both stocks and commodities.

So does the book deliver on the above? Let's find out below.

Packaging - 3/5 (Hardcover Edition)

A thin and compact hardcover, on the slim end of the size range in terms of pages. The white paper is of good quality, and the printing is similar to those laser-printed paper with a slight sheen on it. The cover has a strong oriental flair. It takes its cue from the ‘dragon’ part of the title, which is probably influenced by his subsequent relocation to Hong Kong, with yellow and red being auspicious colours in China.

Writing Style - 2/5

In contrast to the breezy conversational style of his earlier book, the writing in this book came as much of a surprise, an almost 180 degrees difference. The style here is somewhat dry at times. Although his earlier flair can be seen in some parts, it’s not a breezy read as compared to his earlier book. I wonder if this book was written by him or by a ghostwriter, since the contrast between both books is slightly jarring especially reading one after the other.

Trading Methods (Specifics) - 4/5

This is where the book shines. Kroll actually details down his trading strategy, comprising the various guidelines and indicators he uses, along with his explanations. He also shares his view on some common technical tools, which are practical and interesting to read. Nothing to complain about here.

Trading Management (Soft Skills) - 2/5

Not much examples of his trade management here, it seems to be more of a general treatise on trading itself. And some of the illustrations are culled from his earlier book and are rehashed here. Nothing new anyone with any experience in trading has never come across before.

Trading Psychology (Mindset) - 3/5

Not much here again, but I did find a paragraph particular spot-on in relation to the mindset required for trading. And it is when he talks about the role of confidence in trading. Trading is playing to win and knowing that you have the ability to win is critical.

He puts forth his take here:
“The most critical and the most expensive loss is the loss of confidence. The key to successful trading begins with the self-confidence to know that; you do have the ability to trade, you can unlearn bad habits and you can learn, with some guidance, to operate successfully.”

Longevity - 2/5

Not a book that I find much value in re-reading, as most of the examples are better illustrated in his earlier book. Might be a book to have in a trader's collection, but not a must-have to keep.

Value - 3/5

The book is worth reading once over. Gaining a look at the specific trading methodology of a successful professional is always interesting, though I suspect it’s not much of a surprise to any successful traders. More relevant are some of the unique experiences he shares here, such as his meeting with fellow trader Larry Hite and some other stories not seen in his earlier book.

Things to Watch Out For -

Quite a thin book, and the specific techniques might not be totally applicable for today’s modern markets. The book is also mainly about commodities trading. The content on stock trading is pretty sparse.

Overall - 3/5

Worth a read once over when you have spare time, but not an essential read. I would recommend his other book The Professional Commodity Trader (Review Here) if you’re interested in reading about Stanley Kroll and his trading exploits in the commodity markets.

Score Recap:

Packaging - 3/5

Writing Style - 2/5

Trading Methods (Specifics) - 4/5

Trading Management (Soft Skills) - 2/5

Trading Psychology (Mindset) - 3/5

Longevity -2/5

Value - 3/5

Overall - 3/5

Where to Buy:

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Related Books
He has an earlier book called the The Professional Commodity Trader. It is a very zippy and action-packed ride with him as he trades the commodity markets, so do read it if you are interested. My review has more information on it. (Review Here)


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