Trading in Financial markets is the great leveller.
I've taught thousands of people indirectly via Video Programs and hundreds of people directly in person via formal Mentoring Programs. Informally also at Investment Banks & Hedge Funds.
There is a correlation between intelligence and results but not the way you think it works. There is a minimum IQ threshold of 90. If you're below 90 you're going to struggle. No matter what. There is no "maximum" IQ BUT ive found that over 130 weaknesses and blind spots start to become apparent. Over 140 they become much more pronounced.
I've seen the smartest academic guys crumble and implode and struggle to even make money from the outset.
Ive seen average IQ guys do very very well.
Ive seen +1 STD guys become incredible traders.
In my 30 year career, the sweet spot seems to be an IQ range of 110-125 with a consistent strong work ethic, no entitlement, an ability to stay objective, a focus on the numbers and never to be emotional / resentful.
The 130+ guys need to learn how to manage their entitlement, work ethic and emotion, just like everyone else. But they find it more difficult. Why? because they've never had the harsh lesson of constantly being wrong and having to get back up repeatedly after being punched in the gut, over and over and over. A lot of them just can't accept it and retreat to their comfort bubbles where people tell them they're "smart" all day.
.., and if you think im being resentful towards smart people think again. Im comfortably over 130 IQ. I had to learn all that myself over many years.
Everyone has their own struggles in life and in trading. BUT in trading the patterns are very apparent and predictable as a Mentor when we encounter a new students personality and psychological profile.
It is teachable. But there are limits. Assuming a minimum level of intelligence, the student has to overcome those limits themselves.
When Carl Jung said:
“No matter how isolated you are and how lonely you feel, if you do your work truly and conscientiously, unknown allies will come and seek you.”