I will offer a few suggestions when trading in markets that are more volatile - either decide to go for the bigger moves (b/c they will be there) or take a fixed profit and be happy. It's VERY easy right now to grab 2-3 on the ES all day. That works better for me, esp. on counter-trend trades.
Here's a snapshot of my blotter from a few trades here this morning:
What's the catch? A number of these trades moved for much more than the profit I took. A couple others however just got my profit and then retraced. For me, esp. in volatile times, taking a fixed profit and so far having a 100% win percentage is a good feeling and easy for me to do. So far today a total of 12 trades and ZERO losers.
Keep in mind that rarely ever happens for me, esp. using counter-trend techniques as one of my strategies.
And having trades hit my targets in under 1 minute is just incredible. Again, you have to be ready for those moves - levels were being passed on the ES easily.
Also, take a look at the very, very light DOM:
I took that snapshot at 12:13pm EST.
While that is lunch time zones, having a dom that light is just not usually seen. It appears a lot was made/lost since 9:30am and there's a few still left to fight the fight.
I personally seem to have bigger days when the DOM appears lighter. Maybe with less bot's out there it's easier for my profits to be taken out. Who knows.