Alexander Elder: Biography, Career, and Business Insights

Alexander Elder’s Profile Summary

Company	Elder.com
Position	Professional trader, author, teacher of traders (founder/director of Traders' Camps and co-director of SpikeTrade)
Source of wealth	Royalties from books and educational content, trading profits from self-employed trading activities, speaking fees.
Also known as	Author, Educator, Psychiatrist.
Age	76
Education	Tartu University, Estonia – medical degree (psychiatry).
Citizenship	United States
Residence	New York City, USA
Family	Information
Website, Social Media	https://www.elder.com/

Biography

Alexander Elder is a renowned trader, author, and educator, best known for his work in trading psychology and technical analysis. Born in Russia, Elder trained as a psychiatrist before transitioning into financial markets. His medical background gives him unique insights into the psychological aspects of trading, making him an influential voice in the area of trader psychology. He emigrated to the United States, where he initially practiced medicine before shifting his focus fully to trading. Elder is the author of several bestselling books, including "Trading for a Living," which integrates his psychiatric training with his practical trading experience. He is also a sought-after speaker at conferences worldwide and offers various educational programs and workshops to traders. Elder's work emphasizes the importance of managing emotions in trading, applying technical analysis effectively, and maintaining discipline.

How did Alexander Elder make money?

Alexander Elder makes money in the following areas:

Royalties from books and educational content, trading profits from self-employed trading activities, speaking fees.
What is Alexander Elder net worth?

As of 2026, there is no publicly available and reliable information regarding Alexander Elder’s net worth.

What is Alexander Elder also known as?

Alexander Elder is a renowned author with several bestsellers, including "Trading for a Living", which has become a classic in trading literature. He is also a dedicated educator who conducts seminars, workshops, and week-long Traders' Camps aimed at improving the skills of professional and amateur traders alike. Elder's background in psychiatry gives him a unique perspective on the psychological aspects of trading, which he integrates into his teachings and books.

Prominent achievements

Author of "Trading for a Living", a global bestseller, founder of SpikeTrade, creator of the Triple-Screen Trading System, and a sought-after speaker at international trading conferences. He continues to influence traders worldwide through his books, seminars, and trading systems.

Trading Strategy

Alexander Elder’s trading strategy is based on a systematic approach that combines technical analysis, trading psychology, and risk management. At its core is the Triple Screen Trading System, which uses three timeframes: a higher timeframe to identify the main trend, an intermediate one to detect corrections, and a lower one to pinpoint entry points. This multi-layered analysis helps filter out false signals and improves timing accuracy.

Elder places strong emphasis on psychological discipline and capital preservation. One of his key rules is the “2% rule,” which limits risk on any single trade to no more than 2% of the trading account. He uses trend-following indicators like the MACD and oscillators such as the Force Index or RSI to confirm trades. Elder’s method is especially popular among swing traders seeking a structured and disciplined trading framework.

What are Alexander Elder’s key insights?

Dr. Alexander Elder’s philosophy emphasizes the importance of psychological control, disciplined methodology, and sound money management. His 3M approach—Mind, Method, and Money—stresses that successful traders must understand their own emotions, follow a reliable trading method, and manage their capital wisely.

Personal life

Elder keeps his family life private, and no detailed information is publicly available.

Useful insights

Understanding trading psychology and decision-making

Successful traders often attribute their achievements to mastering the psychology of trading. These books delve into the mental challenges traders face and how to overcome them.

Brett N. Steenbarger - "The Psychology of Trading"
- Summary:
  
  Steenbarger, a psychologist and active trader, combines insights from psychology and trading to help traders improve their mental resilience. The book focuses on emotional regulation, cognitive biases, and how to develop a mindset conducive to consistent profits.
- Why read it:
  
  This book is invaluable for traders struggling with the emotional aspects of trading. Steenbarger’s approach integrates psychology with trading strategies, helping traders understand how to maintain discipline and emotional control.
Ari Kiev - "Trading to Win"
- Summary:
  
  Kiev focuses on the mental challenges of trading, particularly around goal-setting, maintaining discipline, and handling losses. The book offers techniques for improving performance through mental toughness and goal-oriented strategies.
- Why read it:
  
  Kiev’s insights help traders develop the mental stamina needed for long-term success. This book is perfect for those looking to break through psychological barriers and perform consistently in high-pressure trading environments.