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I'm interested in investing some money in the stock market, and I have the math background that will make following the math used in quantitative finance possible (with some work). What are the resources necessary to apply quantitative finance methods (algorithmic analysis and portfolio management) toward making money in the stock market? Is this something that isn't profitable unless you have massive amounts of time/ huge databases of data/ ridiculously low latency bandwith / licenses or memberships to federal institutions? Or is it possible for a hobbyist to do the analysis and make money without these things.

I'm just starting to learn about all this, but I don't want to waste my time if it's not cost effective to do this.

As a continuation of this, what are some low cost data sources that have API's available to them (I've seen Yahoo finance has an API, does Google finance? MSN?).

Thanks!

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The question is a bit underspecified. What exactly are you imagining doing? Running an automated trading system at home? Or just applying rebalancing techniques to your portfolio? – user1115 Jun 15 '11 at 2:05
From the FAQ: The Quantitative Finance Stack Exchange is intended for professionals and academics involved in securities valuations, risk modeling, and other topics related to quant modeling or trading. Basically, if you aren't earning a living at this, it's probably off topic. – chrisaycock♦ Jun 15 '11 at 2:39

closed as off topic by chrisaycock♦ Jun 15 '11 at 2:37

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