[Soultrader]

Hi awhoa99,

Couple of things I would like to point out. $1300 is not alot of money to be losing as a beginner trader. But just because you are losing less than the average new trader does not mean you are trading better.

I assume commision is taking a big chunk out of you since you make 30-40 trades a day. This is approximately 15-20 roundtrips? Or are you making 30-40 roundtrips? Regardless I think you are overtrading as a new trader.

If you are scalping than 30-40 roundtrips is understandable but I do not recommend any new trader to begin scalping. Couple of things you need to keep in mind. How you been demo/paper trading? Do you have a trading strategy that fits youre style? Do you have a methodology that works?

Trading because the stochastics pointed up or the RSI is up is a sure way to lose. You need to find a strategy that you feel comfortable with and that represents you. For example, my core methodology is based on market profile and pivot points. If you are unsure what your trading method is, you probably do not have one yet. It is crucial to study and find one first. Other examples could be: fib trader, Gann trader, etc... But make sure you become an expert in one method.

Linda Raschke said it best. "You can make a living trading just one setup." There is no need to trade as much as you do. Trading should be boring and not exciting. Most of the time should be spent waiting for the right opportunity. I make anywhere from 1-5 roundtrips a day. But I trade in a sniper mode waiting for high probability opportunities. Remember, trading is a game of probabilities.

Also, what stocks do you trade? What is your average size positon? Do you use stops? I would like to know a little more about how you control risk. You mentioned you keep your losses pretty tight but maybe that is causing a lot of losses by being stopped out?

Regards,

Soultrader