Smart money trading refers to the actions and decisions made by informed or institutional investors, such as hedge funds, mutual funds, and market mavens, who have access to sophisticated research and a deeper understanding of the markets. These investors are considered to be the "smart money" because they possess both the capital and the expertise to identify potential opportunities in the market, which often allows them to make more informed trading decisions.

One primary reason why smart money trading is considered the best kind of trading lies in its data-driven approach. Instead of relying on emotions or short-term trends, smart money evaluates in-depth research, advanced analytics, and often non-public information. This leads to better-informed decisions, which can yield higher returns. Additionally, their large capital allows them to move markets, so tracking their actions can offer valuable insights.

Furthermore, smart money trading often looks at longer time horizons, favoring solid fundamentals over temporary market noise. This long-term perspective can lead to more sustainable gains and reduces the potential for knee-jerk reactions based on short-lived market fluctuations.

While retail investors might not have the same resources as the smart money, understanding and tracking the moves of institutional investors can provide valuable signals. Emulating the patience, discipline, and research-intensive approach of smart money can lead to better trading decisions, fewer mistakes, and, in the long run, better investment outcomes.