Obey The Laws Of The Markets

[Soultrader]

Trading for a living requires a different kind of mindset than the typical profession. Most professionals believe in being right: there is a cure for every problem. But in the financial markets, fighting the markets because you believe you are right can lead to financial suicide.

The markets function in its own set of laws. You must learn to obey it. No trader can apply his own law to the markets. The markets do not care what you think is right or wrong. There is no fairness in trading. One side wins and the other side loses.

Hope is a bad sign:

Unlike business, there is no negotiating in the markets. The markets will tank or rise regardless of what you want it to do. If the market is declining and you are holding on to a long position, you can not negotiate your way out of it. Your only escape is to liquidate your position and minimize your losses. The moment you hope for the markets to turn, it is usually a good sign to get out.

Don't try to be right:

Perfectionists have a need to be right. The need to be right is another conflicting belief in the financial markets. The markets do not care what you think. It does what it does. Traders will hold onto a loss small loss thinking the markets will reverse. This usually ends up disastrous as they see their loss become bigger. When the feeling of pain becomes too overwhelming they will liquidate their position. Are you trying to be right? Or are you trying to make money?

Control your emotions:

Do not expect to find fairness in the markets. Whether you are euphoric or in pain, the markets do not care. The futures markets is a zero-sum game. One traders pain is another traders feeling of accomplishment.

Learn to control your emotions in both losses and wins. Traders trade recklessly after a loss and also after a big win. "It is easier to make money than to keep it."

The laws of the financial markets and the rules that govern trading must be followed. Those who have done well for themselves in other professions find this concept hard to grasp. This is because they are used to a different set of laws in which they have complete influence over.

Breaking your trading rules can cost you alot of money. Trading requires discipline and commitment. You must follow your rules day in and day out. Some examples of rule breaking are: risking more than your defined risk parameters, removing your initial stop-loss, entering without following your setups, and not exiting when the markets tell you are wrong.

Play by the rules or get played by the markets.