Michael Marcus, who had once studied psychology, noticed something about Kovner early on: He had a physical and psychological strength that set him apart from his colleagues. Kovner knew how to let go of distractions; he did not overthink his trades and had no trouble sleeping. Other traders might make money faster, but they would lose it faster too; Kovner was consistent, and he had a sort of nerveless temperament. One time Kovner took a hit on a silver position, suffering the sort of loss that would have left most traders vomiting in the bathroom. He showed up that same day at an
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