However, especially with regard to a more aggressive trading portfolio, no simulation will approximate the real deal. Investor psychology plays a huge part – it gets a bit dicey to implement trading plans when real money is on the line. Unless you have nerves of steel and can execute like a machine.

As I wrote in another thread, I am out of the equity markets. The only thing in my portfolio is the property that I bought and cash. As I have never been a fan of the long term strategy and tend to believe sustainable absolute returns do exist, I tend to cycle my portfolio. I am currently learning to trade currencies online. While doing well on the practice accounts, it will still take some time for me before I take the plunge. I have read too many stories of hubris leading to portfolio wipe-outs. I have done quite well in the domestic equity market but going into another market is a whole different ball game. I wish everyone well during these times.