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Nicolas Darvas

Dancer Who Made $2 Million with the Box System

Momentum Growth
$2 Million (1959)
Hungarian-American
Nicolas Darvas

Nicolas Darvas

Momentum Growth

Key Stats

Net Worth

$2 Million (1959)

Origin

Hungarian-American

Lifespan

Born 1920 (106 years old)

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Biography

Nicolas Darvas was a world-famous dancer who turned $25,000 into over $2 million in the stock market while touring the world. His "Darvas Box" system became one of the most influential technical trading methods ever developed.

The Dancing Trader

Darvas couldn't watch the market during trading hours due to his dance performances across the globe. He developed a system based on weekly telegram updates of stock prices.

The Darvas Box

His method identified stocks making new highs and forming "boxes" (trading ranges). He would buy when a stock broke out of its box to new highs and sell when it fell below the box.

Remarkable Results

Between 1957 and 1958, Darvas turned $25,000 into over $2 million—equivalent to about $20 million today.

Trading Philosophy

"I was never afraid of buying high and selling low. I was afraid of buying too low and being stopped out."

Famous Trades

1957-1958 LONG

Various Growth Stocks

Used his box system to ride momentum stocks to massive gains while touring as a dancer.

Life-Changing

+$2 Million

Legendary Quotes

"I was never afraid of buying high and selling low. I was afraid of buying too low and being stopped out."
— How I Made $2,000,000 in the Stock Market
"There are no good or bad stocks, there are only rising and falling stocks."
— Book

Recommended Reading

How I Made $2,000,000 in the Stock Market

The classic account of his trading journey

1960

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