Jump to content

Welcome to the new Traders Laboratory! Please bear with us as we finish the migration over the next few days. If you find any issues, want to leave feedback, get in touch with us, or offer suggestions please post to the Support forum here.

  • Welcome Guests

    Welcome. You are currently viewing the forum as a guest which does not give you access to all the great features at Traders Laboratory such as interacting with members, access to all forums, downloading attachments, and eligibility to win free giveaways. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free. Create a FREE Traders Laboratory account here.

Stockaddict

What Made You Profitable?

Recommended Posts

I trade stocks, and I do pretty well at it. Apparently I am among the few lucky souls who manage to do so without even knowing what a V W A P is. And I'm not asking what it is, for I really do not care. And I'm not saying that for some folks, a V W A P, whatever it is, may in fact be useful. I am just saying that you are wildly overstating the importance of whatever it is you are talking about, and a bit less hyperbole would be appreciated.

 

Best Wishes,

 

Thales

 

Institutions use VWAP as bench market to enter or exit . They have their own algo to execute @ VWAP how ever some large block traders ( non institution) use Brokers such as IB to execute their order.. It is important not to trade against block orders hence the importance of this vital bench marke..

 

How ever if you donot know and donot want to know and happy with what you doing and making loads of $$$$$ then Good on you,,

 

http://www.interactivebrokers.com/en/trading/orders/vwap.php

grey1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Just out of curiosity, has anyone who has not attained the level of profitability they would like (i.e. still learning), actually observed a so-called profitable trader trade?

 

And by that I mean maybe having the opportunity to observe someone trade live for at least a month, making many trades over and over?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Just out of curiosity, has anyone who has not attained the level of profitability they would like (i.e. still learning), actually observed a so-called profitable trader trade?

 

And by that I mean maybe having the opportunity to observe someone trade live for at least a month, making many trades over and over?

 

Yes, the poster above you, Grey1.

Even though he often seems to be in conflict with some other members whom I respect (thalestrader and brownsfan) the fact is that he trades very well. Consistently profitable, as seen with my own eyes.

 

Grey used to trade live in a chatrooom that he ran for free and called out live trades every trading day for a few months (as well as some free 'seminars' which i have on my PC somewhere).

 

However, I do believe that despite what Grey says, one can be consistently profitable with TA alone.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes,

 

Grey conflicts with Brownsfan, Thales and others not because he is a bad trader but because he is dogmatic in some of his opinions. Others have shown to their own satisfaction that Grey1 isn't right (for them).

 

It does seem that a lot of functioning traders are very dogmatic in some of their opinions.

 

Which shows how many ways one can be "flawed" and still be very good at one aspect of ones deliverables.

 

Funny old world.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Following a rigid low risk strategy will help increase profitability.

 

Understanding your own system is a MUST.

Having an identifiable exit plan is a MUST.

Taking necessary losses is a MUST.

 

The only indicators I have found that help avoid unnecessary losses effectively are timeframe specific momentum indicators.

It is impossible to avoid all losses but for a day trader it should be possible to make a profit every day if they are dedicated and put in the high concentration of trading time necessary.

My trading system follows rigid rules using diagonal trap lines linked with specialist MT4 momentum indicators with the detection of major convergence points being of strategic importance on both swing and reversal trades.

In summary what will make everyone profitable will be to: -

 

1. Learn your trading system thoroughly. If it works, then don't fix it.

BUT, if you are always amending your system, then it then ask for help via a post before you start losing serious money.

2. Have a rigid exit strategy for both profits and losses.

3. Take the losses, as these are your taxes.

4. Learn about avoiding unnecessary losses.

 

TEAMTRADER

“Trade what you see and not what you hear or hope.”

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Yes, the poster above you, Grey1.

Even though he often seems to be in conflict with some other members whom I respect (thalestrader and brownsfan) the fact is that he trades very well. Consistently profitable, as seen with my own eyes.

 

Grey used to trade live in a chatrooom that he ran for free and called out live trades every trading day for a few months (as well as some free 'seminars' which i have on my PC somewhere).

 

However, I do believe that despite what Grey says, one can be consistently profitable with TA alone.

 

 

TA is a derivative of price,

if you can reconstitute price from TA

you can trade TA profitably.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Yes,

 

Grey conflicts with Brownsfan, Thales and others not because he is a bad trader but because he is dogmatic in some of his opinions. Others have shown to their own satisfaction that Grey1 isn't right (for them).

 

It does seem that a lot of functioning traders are very dogmatic in some of their opinions.

 

Which shows how many ways one can be "flawed" and still be very good at one aspect of ones deliverables.

 

Funny old world.

 

Indeed it is. Comes from flawed logic, the old 'I have a black cat therefore all cats are black' syndrome. Or more common I don't have a black cat there for black cats don't exist. If I had a cat I would call it Schrödinger then it could be black and not black at the same time (as well as being both alive and dead) :).

 

Of course high priests of various trading cults prefer dogma to cats though are humbled when they met (black) swans. :D

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Just out of curiosity, has anyone who has not attained the level of profitability they would like (i.e. still learning), actually observed a so-called profitable trader trade?

 

And by that I mean maybe having the opportunity to observe someone trade live for at least a month, making many trades over and over?

 

I've observed a profitable trader trade live for a month (more actually) and it made me a profitable trader. There is nothing like watching a master trade to help you develop the perceptual lens to see what the market is doing. I'd kiss his toes any day of the week for the opportunity to learn that he gave me. I count myself truly blessed to have a mentor. I wish the same for anyone who is just starting out.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I've observed a profitable trader trade live for a month (more actually) and it made me a profitable trader. There is nothing like watching a master trade to help you develop the perceptual lens to see what the market is doing. I'd kiss his toes any day of the week for the opportunity to learn that he gave me. I count myself truly blessed to have a mentor. I wish the same for anyone who is just starting out.

 

Thanks for your response, and yes you are truly blessed. :cool:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I can only answer this via the question, 'when were you profitable'? And the unfortunate answer to that, was when I traded without a chart, and instead used macro-economic currency fundamentals to discern the trend bias, whilst trading without a stop.

 

I say unfortunate, as it never really ever made any sense to me. I hated it, and wanted to find some visual logic behind what was happening. Hence the move to TA, which years later hasn't really helped in any tangible way.

 

I often remind myself of those random number generated charts that appear at times, that show all the classical patterns and S/R, but ultimately are the result of randomness.

 

I think it's doable, but I'm unfortunately coming to the conclusion, that it's the macro-economic approach and deep pockets, that ultimately are your best bets.

 

I can at times see those certain patterns, yet I also see how the vendor behind the explanation, is working the explanation.

 

My tuppence ha'penny.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Indeed it is. Comes from flawed logic, the old 'I have a black cat therefore all cats are black' syndrome. Or more common I don't have a black cat there for black cats don't exist. If I had a cat I would call it Schrödinger then it could be black and not black at the same time (as well as being both alive and dead) :).

 

Of course high priests of various trading cults prefer dogma to cats though are humbled when they met (black) swans. :D

 

One object( particle) can be in two different places ( on moon and on earth ) at the exact same time ... sounds flawed logic but it is not,, it just looks and sounds flawed to ignorant

 

Millions of ways of pulling the trigger to buy or sell but only very few ways of having risk adjusted returns and most trader here do not understand or have the knowledge of risk based trading models.. This is why 90% of traders lose ,, this is why they deserve to lose ...

 

 

Grey1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
One Millions of ways of pulling the trigger to buy or sell but only very few ways of having risk adjusted returns and most trader here do not understand or have the knowledge of risk based trading models.. This is why 90% of traders lose ,, this is why they deserve to lose ...

 

 

Grey1

 

 

By giving us some examples of these models, maybe we too can see the light, and shed our ignorance as you put.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
One object( particle) can be in two different places ( on moon and on earth ) at the exact same time ... sounds flawed logic but it is not,, it just looks and sounds flawed to ignorant

 

Millions of ways of pulling the trigger to buy or sell but only very few ways of having risk adjusted returns and most trader here do not understand or have the knowledge of risk based trading models.. This is why 90% of traders lose ,, this is why they deserve to lose ...

 

 

Grey1

 

I don't even know what the heck you are talking about.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
One object( particle) can be in two different places ( on moon and on earth ) at the exact same time ... sounds flawed logic but it is not,, it just looks and sounds flawed to ignorant

 

Millions of ways of pulling the trigger to buy or sell but only very few ways of having risk adjusted returns and most trader here do not understand or have the knowledge of risk based trading models.. This is why 90% of traders lose ,, this is why they deserve to lose ...

 

 

Grey1

 

You trade on the moon....ahh it all makes perfect sense now. You don't have a cat called Schrödinger do you? :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

First time poster alert. :ciao:

 

For me it was to start taking profits. Reviewing my trades I had a repeating pattern of letting winners turn to losers instead of taking what the market was offering. Once I started to take a profit and look for the next opportunity instead of always trying to let profits run I began to consistently trade to a positive expectancy.

 

It's a little funny often times folks talk about taking profits too fast, my problem was I was practically never taking profits, I was always looking for the home run.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Tradester - for day trading I have to agree. I come from the angle of longer term trend trading and am starting to do a lot more intraday trading. Its a different mindset and trying not to turn every trade into a massive winner is crucial for day trading.

You have to remeber that day trading is moving in fast forward and the aim is to make small profits from many opportunities.

There is nothing wrong (in fact it probably should be encouraged) when day trading - so long as the risk reward plan still stacks up. What will happen then is the longer term trades look after themselves, and ideally if the longer term triggers and you happen to have a short term trade that is already on then you can merge the two. However I find its imperative to keep the accounts/records for the two completely separate as they are separate strategies.

One way to think about it is to think about mini trends within the day.

Edited by DugDug

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Tradester - for day trading I have to agree. I come from the angle of longer term trend trading and am starting to do a lot more intraday trading. Its a different mindset and trying not to turn every trade into a massive winner is crucial for day trading.

You have to remeber that day trading is moving in fast forward and the aim is to make small profits from many opportunities.

There is nothing wrong (in fact it probably should be encouraged) when day trading - so long as the risk reward plan still stacks up. What will happen then is the longer term trades look after themselves, and ideally if the longer term triggers and you happen to have a short term trade that is already on then you can merge the two. However I find its imperative to keep the accounts/records for the two completely separate as they are separate strategies.

One way to think about it is to think about mini trends within the day.

 

Oh yes certainly it's a day-trading mentality. Which is my style. I trade currencies and index futures primarily at this time.

 

I mentored with a very successful trader who takes every day trade with a day and swing portion, if it works out he scales out of the day portion and lets the swing portion run. The swing aspect of it did not fit my personality and I think in general it sort of messed me up with regard to taking day trading profits properly. I had to develop my own style and it took me longer than it should have :crap:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Two things changed my life:

 

1. I designed proven setups and built a trading plan

2. I took all my indicators off

 

I totally agree. The first step to profitability is to design a high probability trading system that fits who you are. Too many traders buy systems meant or designed for someone. thus, they are scared to take all of the trades and lose money. It's not just enough to know any proven setup, it has to be a setup that you're comfortable with.

 

Secondly, cleaning my charts and designing simple if, then scenarios for my trades made life so much easier. I dont fall into analysis paralysis. I recognize that price is our first and actual indicator.

 

If I was to add a third, it would piggy back off the first step. Understand Position Sizing and Trade Management. Being able to manage a trade is half the battle to being profitable at the end of the day.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I stopped arguing with the trend.

 

 

 

.

 

I agree totally. If nothing else, at least know if you are trading with or against the trend. Marcel Link in High Probability Trading talked about most high probability trading setups are in the direction of the trend.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It has been said before by many in this thread.

 

Lose indicators and learn what the candles / bars tell you

 

Find or devise a method that works for you. (mine is trend analysis on EVERY timeframe with SR)

 

Once you have a bullet proof strategy fear and greed become less of a problem.

 

Don't overtrade (I study charts for 20 - 40 minutes pre FO LO (5-6am gmt) place the trades and go back to bed) two or three 20 - 40 pip trades a day for 20 minutes work suits me well.

 

Rinse and repeat the next day.

 

Remember, valid trends can be found on EVERY tf from the m1 to the yearly and beyond.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Don't overtrade (I study charts for 20 - 40 minutes pre FO LO (5-6am gmt) place the trades and go back to bed) two or three 20 - 40 pip trades a day for 20 minutes work suits me well.

 

This is good advice, about not overtrading. However, many day traders cannot plan their trades in advance with that small of a range, particularly on volatile markets. We must trade what we see NOW. Others are able to do this, depending on their strategy and market and time frame.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • Topics

  • Posts

    • NFLX Netflix stock, nice move, hit target 1, https://stockconsultant.com/?NFLX
    • NBIX Neurocrine Biosciences stock range breakout watch, https://stockconsultant.com/?NBIX
    • RTX stock, nice close with a flat top breakout above 102.77, https://stockconsultant.com/?RTX
    • Date: 8th May 2024. Market News – Stocks mixed; Yen support still on; Eyes on NFP & Apple tonight   Economic Indicators & Central Banks:   As the Fed maintained a “high-for-longer” stance, stocks gave up their gains with attention turning back to earnings. Chair Powell and the Fed were not as hawkish as feared and the markets reacted immediately and in textbook fashion to the still dovish policy stance. The Fed flagged that recent disappointing inflation readings could make rate cuts a while in coming, but Fed chief Jerome Powell characterized the risk of more hikes as “unlikely,” giving some solace to markets. Stocks traded mixed across Asia, while in Europe, DAX and FTSE futures are finding buyers and US futures are also in demand, after the Fed’s message. Yen: Another suspected intervention by authorities, this time in late New York trading, ran into resistance from traders keen to keep selling the currency. Swiss CPI lifted to 1.4% y/y in April from 1.0% y/y in the previous month. Headline numbers are still at low levels and base effects play a role, with the different timing of Easter this year also likely to distort the picture. That said, the numbers may not question the SNB’s decision to cut rates, but they do not support another rate cut in June. Financial Markets Performance:   The USDIndex has corrected to 105.58, but USDJPY is already inching higher again, after a sharp drop to a low of 153.04 on Tuesday that sparked fresh intervention speculation. The pair is currently trading at 155.38. Treasury yields plunged and were down over double digits before profit taking set in. USOIL finished with a -3.6% loss to $79.00, the lowest since March 12. Currently it is as $79.53. Gold was up 1.4% to $2319.55 per ounce, reclaiming the $2300 level. Market Trends:   Wall Street climbed initially with gains of 1.4% on the NASDAQ, 1.2% on the Dow, and 0.96% on the S&P500. The NASDAQ and S&P500 closed with losses of -0.3%, while the Dow was 0.23% firmer. The Hang Seng rallied more than 2%, and the ASX also posting slight gains, while CSI 300 and Nikkei declined. Apple’s earnings report is due after the US market closes today, will give investors a better sense of how the iPhone maker is weathering a sales slump, due in part to a sluggish China market. Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business. Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report. Click HERE to access the full HFM Economic calendar. Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding on how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE! Click HERE to READ more Market news. Andria Pichidi Market Analyst HMarkets Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.
    • Date: 7th May 2024. Dow Jones Close To 1-Month High, Eyes on Disney Earnings. The stock market trades at a 3-week high after significant support from the latest earning reports and US employment data. Economists continue to expect a rate cut no earlier than September 2024 despite the US unemployment rate rising to 3.9%. The US Dollar Index trades higher on Tuesday and fully corrects the decline from NFP Friday. Dow Jones investors wait for Disney to release their latest quarterly earnings data. The stock holds a weight of 1.93%. USDJPY – The US Dollar Regains Lost Ground The USDJPY is an interesting pair on Tuesday as the US Dollar is the best performing currency within the market while the Yen is witnessing the strongest decline. Investors will continue to monitor as we enter the European Cash Open to ensure no significant changes. The exchange rate has been declining since the 29th of April when the Japanese Government is believed to have intervened and strengthened the Yen. However, the US Dollar has been gaining over the past 24 hours. During this morning’s Asian Session, the exchange rate trades 0.44% higher. Currently the only concern for the US Dollar is the latest employment data which illustrates a potential slowing employment sector. However, investors are quick to point out that this cannot be known simply from 1 weak month. This is the first time the NFP data read lower since November 2023. No major data is in the calendar for the next two days which can influence the US Dollar. Despite the weaker employment data and lower wage growth, investors continue to predict a rate cut no earlier than September 2024. This is something which can also be seen on the CME FedWatch Tool, which shows a 34.3% chance of rates remaining unchanged in September. In regard to the Japanese Yen, most analysts expect the next rate increase in the second half of this year depending on a stable movement of inflation. In addition, investors are monitoring the actions of financial authorities, expecting new currency interventions from them against a weakening Yen. This is the main concern for investors speculating against the Yen. However, economists continue to advise the Yen will struggle to gain even with a small rate hike, unless the rest of the financial world starts cutting rates. USA30 – Investors Turn To Disney Earnings Data! The Dow Jones is close to trading at a 1-month high and is also trading slightly higher this morning. The index recently has been supported by the latest employment data which indicates a higher possibility of rate cuts by the Fed. Today investors focus on the quarterly earnings report for Disney. Disney stocks are trading 0.37% higher during this morning’s pre-trading hours indicating investors believe the report will be positive. So far this year the stock is trading 28.40% higher and is one of the better performing stocks. Yesterday, the stock rose by 2.47% but remains significantly lower than its all-time high of $197. Currently analysts believe the earnings data will either be similar to the previous quarter or slightly lower. If earnings and revenue read higher, the stock is likely to continue rising. The stock is the 22nd most influential stock for the Dow Jones and will only influence the USA30 and USA500, not the USA100. Currently, technical analysis continues to indicate a strong price sentiment. The price trades above the 75-bar EMA and above the VWAP. In addition to this, the RSI is trading at 68.11 which also signals buyers are controlling the market. The only concern for traders is retracements. A weaker retracement could decline to $38,703, whereas a stronger retracement can fall back to $38,571. Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business. Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report. Click HERE to access the full HFM Economic calendar. Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding on how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE! Click HERE to READ more Market news. Michalis Efthymiou Market Analyst HFMarkets Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.