Trade Like a Stock Market Wizard by Mark Minervini Summary
Master trader Mark Minervini's bestselling guide reveals the SEPA methodology that turned him into a Wall Street legend. With 160+ chart examples, it's the trading bible Jack Schwager claims "runs circles around PhDs" trying to beat the market.
About the author
Mark Minervini, bestselling author of Trade Like a Stock Market Wizard and renowned momentum trading expert, has shaped modern stock market strategies through his 35+ years of experience.
A three-time U.S. Investing Champion, including a 155% return in 1997, Minervini developed the SEPA® methodology—a blend of technical analysis, risk management, and disciplined entry/exit rules central to his book’s focus on high-probability growth stock trading.
As CEO of Minervini Private Access, he mentors traders through his research platform and live Master Trader Program, extending his influence beyond his foundational work. His strategies, featured in Jack Schwager’s Stock Market Wizards, emphasize market timing and volatility patterns, drawn from his early career transformation from struggling novice to record-breaking trader.
With average annual returns exceeding 40%, Minervini’s framework remains a cornerstone resource for professional and retail traders worldwide.
FAQs About This Book
Trade Like a Stock Market Wizard outlines Mark Minervini’s proprietary SEPA® trading methodology, blending technical analysis, chart patterns, and fundamental metrics to identify high-growth stocks. The book emphasizes disciplined risk management, trading psychology, and strategies for achieving consistent outsized returns, drawing from Minervini’s own experience of turning $20,000 into millions.
Aspiring and experienced traders seeking to master growth stock investing, technical analysis, and momentum trading will benefit most. The book caters to those willing to adopt a structured approach, prioritizing chart patterns, earnings growth, and sector leadership over traditional value investing.
Yes, the book is highly regarded for its actionable insights, particularly Minervini’s 33,554% return over five years and his 1997 U.S. Investing Championship win. Readers praise its clarity on risk management, selective trade setups, and overcoming emotional biases.
SEPA® (Specific Entry Point Analysis) combines technical indicators (e.g., moving averages, volume spikes) with fundamentals like earnings growth and sector momentum. It focuses on identifying “pivot points” for high-probability entries in leading growth stocks, emphasizing patience and precision.
Unlike value investors who target undervalued stocks, Minervini advocates buying breakout stocks with strong earnings acceleration, price momentum, and institutional support. He argues that “cheap” stocks often lack catalysts for sustained rallies.
Some readers note similarities to William O’Neil’s CAN SLIM system and desire more specificity on entry/exit rules. Critics also highlight its heavy reliance on technical analysis, which may not suit fundamental-focused investors.
Minervini stresses emotional discipline, advocating for pre-defined stop-losses, journaling trades, and avoiding overtrading. He shares personal anecdotes about overcoming early career setbacks through mental resilience.
Stocks must trade above their 150-day and 200-day moving averages to qualify as candidates. These levels act as support, signaling institutional accumulation and reducing downside risk during pullbacks.
Yes, Minervini’s principles remain relevant for identifying secular trends (e.g., AI, renewable energy). The 2023 Growin Blog analysis confirms its adaptability to modern tools like stock screeners and real-time data.
While Wizard focuses on technical strategies, Champion delves deeper into mindset, decision-making frameworks, and avoiding self-sabotage. Both books are complementary for mastering trading as a holistic discipline.
- “The trend is your friend, but fundamentals are your compass.”
- “Cut losses quickly; let winners ride.”
These encapsulate Minervini’s balance of technical discipline and earnings-driven stock selection.
Its timeless focus on risk-reward optimization, sector rotation, and adaptive strategies keeps it relevant amid market volatility. The rise of AI-driven trading tools has also renewed interest in systematizing Minervini’s principles.
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"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
12117"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
12108"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
25417"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
964.5K"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
20116"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
37483"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
12117"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
12108"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
25417"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
964.5K"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
20116"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
37483"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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