He had a gift. He could – without effort – assimilate what
was going on around him, and translate it into financial outcomes. In news that
others ignored, he saw price signals. A fire on the west coast meant that, in coming
months, apples, or wheat, or something else would be in short supply. Adverse
weather meant that electricity prices would increase. Hurricanes were good for
construction companies, and bad for agriculture. Global conflict was linked to
the prices of oil and gold. He had an ability to pick these linkages, and to
use them to make money.
In the beginning, he used his gift as an enabler. Trading
the markets meant that, with minimal effort, he could generate enough income to
support himself and his comrades. The irony of the term struck him. Back then,
he truly believed in the communist system and its ideals. It was the type of
society he wanted to create. Trading was the way to fund his aspirations, and a
way to triumph over the very system he wanted to bring down. He saw no
contradiction in starting a company, and in using the system he despised to provide
the resources, to allow him to pursue its downfall.
In those days, whatever he generated filled an immediate
need. He did not want wealth. He wanted freedom. He wanted to change the world.
Without having to worry about food, shelter and all the basics, he could spend
his time changing the world. Trading allowed him to do this. He was respected as
a provider, and he proudly took on the role.
Gradually it all changed. Saving the world became less relevant
as he turned toward generating more and higher returns. Comrades disappeared, and
clients took their place. What was once a means to an end, became an activity of
itself. Back then, Radical Trading was a name he was proud of. It reflected his
ideals and outlook. Today, the name of his large and very successful hedge fund,
felt hollow.
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Written for Trifecta Challenge week forty two. The word is radical, the context
