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.

smuhr

Define Your Trading Plan

Recommended Posts

In fact the trading plan is the first step to be a disciplined trader

 

Do you write your setup in your trading plan too ?

 

If some one can copy/paste the summary of a good and structured trading plan it will be very useful for beginners who want to write their first trading plan.

 

Thank you

 

__________________________

Watch Iron Man 2 Online Free

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I agree that the template in Mastering The Trade by John Carter is a great starting point. High Probability Trading by Marcel Link also has some good stuff on writing a trading plan.

 

In my opinion, your trading plan should contain every aspect of your trading business:

 

- Why you are trading and what your objectives are

- When you will be trading

- What you will be trading

- How many contracts/stocks will you trade as a function of your account size

- Money management

- Drawdown rules (for example, stop all trading for the month after a 20% drawdown)

- Your trading system (this can be as simple as moving average crossover system)

- Notes and reminders regarding psychology

- A solid system for tracking performance on a daily, weekly and monthly basis

- A journal detailing your trades, psychology, general market comments, etc

- How you will start your trading day and how you will end it

- Trading rules

- Montecarlo simulations including commissions and slippage so that you can learn what to expect from various trading systems.

 

My current trading plan is over 10 pages and covers just about everything. Attached to the plan there are several spreadsheets that is part of the plan.

 

Writing my journal has really helped me pull together everything I`ve studied and learned so far. It has also revealed several weak areas that I`m now working on.

 

When my plan is complete, it should be so detailed and conscise that I could give it to anyone and they could understand and use it.

 

Trading without a plan is planning to fail ;)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Your tarding plan should include the following:

-Goals

-Markerts, instruments and the timeframes you are going to trade

-The tools you are going to use, eg any software or robots

-Risk and money management

-Trade strategies:- setups, entry and exit rules

-Discipline

-Folow ups and review.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I agree that the template in Mastering The Trade by John Carter is a great starting point. High Probability Trading by Marcel Link also has some good stuff on writing a trading plan.

 

In my opinion, your trading plan should contain every aspect of your trading business:

 

- Why you are trading and what your objectives are

- When you will be trading

- What you will be trading

- How many contracts/stocks will you trade as a function of your account size

- Money management

- Drawdown rules (for example, stop all trading for the month after a 20% drawdown)

- Your trading system (this can be as simple as moving average crossover system)

- Notes and reminders regarding psychology

- A solid system for tracking performance on a daily, weekly and monthly basis

- A journal detailing your trades, psychology, general market comments, etc

- How you will start your trading day and how you will end it

- Trading rules

- Montecarlo simulations including commissions and slippage so that you can learn what to expect from various trading systems.

 

My current trading plan is over 10 pages and covers just about everything. Attached to the plan there are several spreadsheets that is part of the plan.

 

Writing my journal has really helped me pull together everything I`ve studied and learned so far. It has also revealed several weak areas that I`m now working on.

 

When my plan is complete, it should be so detailed and conscise that I could give it to anyone and they could understand and use it.

 

Trading without a plan is planning to fail ;)

 

10 pages! Some of ya'll obviously have bigger brain than me!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I find specific profit goals, whether expressed in nominal dollars, percent ROI or however to be of no value, and I do no such "goal setting." I have defined when I will enter, how I will manage, and when and how I will exit a position. I know how I will determine trade size, and most importantly, I know when I will quit. That really is all you need - what will you trade, when, how much, and when do you get flat and when do you stop the bleeding when it occurs.

 

Best Wishes,

 

Thales

 

I agree. Given that a good goal/target needs to be both achievable and challenging, I find financial goals lead to pressure to achieve those goals. This can manifest itself in creating pressure that results in taking sloppy trades to achieve those goals. This is idiotic in my opinion as you can not control the market, thus you can not control the frequency or magnitude of (your) opportunity. This can then lead to other problems such as beating ones self up for missing target.

 

A better solution for me is to set a goal that is behaviour orientated. e.g. to be in 75% of my trades. To make sure I cut losses quickly, or not to trade if feeling under the weather etc.

 

What we can do however, is have an understanding of the typical returns the strategy employed will generate over a week/month depending on frequency of opportunity. If those returns arent happening, then either the market cycle has changed (find another edge or adjust the current one), or we are not executing according to the plan (why?).

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Good Morning,

 

All profitable traders talk about their Trading Plan so I would like your advises to define my own Trading Plan.

 

But what is a good Trading Plan ?

And what must and must not be written in a Trading Plan ?

 

Thank you,

Steven

 

Examine the charts over the weekend. Draw-adjust fibos-trend lines. Check if there are new patterns and formations. Find possible trades on long-short time frames. Take notes about entry-exit points. Check eco calendar...

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

    • there is no avoiding loses to be honest, its just how the market is. you win some and hopefully more, but u do lose some. 
    • Date: 11th July 2025.   Demand For Gold Rises As Trump Announces Tariffs!   Gold prices rose significantly throughout the week as investors took advantage of the 2.50% lower entry level. Investors also return to the safe-haven asset as the US trade policy continues to escalate. As a result, investors are taking a more dovish tone. The ‘risk-off’ appetite is also something which can be seen within the stock market. The NASDAQ on Thursday took a 0.90% dive within only 30 minutes.   Trade Tensions Escalate President Trump has been teasing with new tariffs throughout the week. However, the tariffs were confirmed on Thursday. A 35% tariff on Canadian imports starting August 1st, along with 50% tariffs on copper and goods from Brazil. Some experts are advising that Brazil has been specifically targeted due to its association with the BRICS.   However, the President has not directly associated the tariffs with BRICS yet. According to President Trump, Brazil is targeting US technology companies and carrying out a ‘witch hunt’against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, a close ally who is currently facing prosecution for allegedly attempting to overturn the 2022 Brazilian election.   Although Brazil is one of the largest and fastest-growing economies in the Americas, it is not the main concern for investors. Investors are more concerned about Tariffs on Canada. The White House said it will impose a 35% tariff on Canadian imports, effective August 1st, raised from the earlier 25% rate. This covers most goods, with exceptions under USMCA and exemptions for Canadian companies producing within the US.   It is also vital for investors to note that Canada is among the US;’s top 3 trading partners. The increase was justified by Trump citing issues like the trade deficit, Canada’s handling of fentanyl trafficking, and perceived unfair trade practices.   The President is also threatening new measures against the EU. These moves caused US and European stock futures to fall nearly 1%, while the Dollar rose and commodity prices saw small gains. However, the main benefactor was Silver and Gold, which are the two best-performing metals of the day.   How Will The Fed Impact Gold? The FOMC indicated that the number of members warming up to the idea of interest rate cuts is increasing. If the Fed takes a dovish tone, the price of Gold may further rise. In the meantime, the President pushing for a 3% rate cut sparked talk of a more dovish Fed nominee next year and raised worries about future inflation.   Meanwhile, jobless claims dropped for the fourth straight week, coming in better than expected and supporting the view that the labour market remains strong after last week’s solid payroll report. Markets still expect two rate cuts this year, but rate futures show most investors see no change at the next Fed meeting. Gold is expected to finish the week mostly flat.       Gold 15-Minute Chart     If the price of Gold increases above $3,337.50, buy signals are likely to materialise again. However, the price is currently retracing, meaning traders are likely to wait for regained momentum before entering further buy trades. According to HSBC, they expect an average price of $3,215 in 2025 (up from $3,015) and $3,125 in 2026, with projections showing a volatile range between $3,100 and $3,600   Key Takeaway Points: Gold Rises on Safe-Haven Demand. Gold gained as investors reacted to rising trade tensions and market volatility. Canada Tariffs Spark Concern. A 35% tariff on Canadian imports drew attention due to Canada’s key trade role. Fed Dovish Shift Supports Gold. Growing expectations of rate cuts and Trump’s push for a 3% cut boosted the gold outlook. Gold Eyes Breakout Above $3,337.5. Price is consolidating; a move above $3,337.50 could trigger new buy signals. 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 of how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!   Click HERE to READ more Market news.   Michalis Efthymiou 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 Leveraged 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.
    • Back in the early 2000s, Netflix mailed DVDs to subscribers.   It wasn’t sexy—but it was smart. No late fees. No driving to Blockbuster.   People subscribed because they were lazy. Investors bought the stock because they realized everyone else is lazy too.   Those who saw the future in that red envelope? They could’ve caught a 10,000%+ move.   Another story…   Back in the mid-2000s, Amazon launched Prime.   It wasn’t flashy—but it was fast.   Free two-day shipping. No minimums. No hassle.   People subscribed because they were impatient. Investors bought the stock because they realized everyone hates waiting.   Those who saw the future in that speedy little yellow button? They could’ve caught another 10,000%+ move.   Finally…   Back in 2011, Bitcoin was trading under $10.   It wasn’t regulated—but it worked.   No bank. No middleman. Just wallet to wallet.   People used it to send money. Investors bought it because they saw the potential.   Those who saw something glimmering in that strange orange coin? They could’ve caught a 100,000%+ move.   The people who made those calls weren’t fortune tellers. They just noticed something simple before others did.   A better way. A quiet shift. A small edge. An asymmetric bet.   The red envelope fixed late fees. The yellow button fixed waiting. The orange coin gave billions a choice.   Of course, these types of gains are rare. And they happen only once in a blue moon. That’s exactly why it’s important to notice when the conditions start to look familiar.   Not after the move. Not once it's on CNBC. But in the quiet build-up— before the surface breaks.   Enter the Blue Button Please read more here: https://altucherconfidential.com/posts/netflix-amazon-bitcoin-blue  Profits from free accurate cryptos signals: https://www.predictmag.com/ 
    • What These Attacks Look Like There are several ways you could get hacked. And the threats compound by the day.   Here’s a quick rundown:   Phishing: Fake emails from your “bank.” Click the link, give your password—game over.   Ransomware: Malware that locks your files and demands crypto. Pay up, or it’s gone.   DDoS: Overwhelm a website with traffic until it crashes. Like 10,000 bots blocking the door. Often used by nations.   Man-in-the-Middle: Hackers intercept your messages on public WiFi and read or change them.   Social Engineering: Hackers pose as IT or drop infected USB drives labeled “Payroll.”   You don’t need to be “important” to be a target.   You just need to be online.   What You Can Do (Without Buying a Bunker) You don’t have to be tech-savvy.   You just need to stop being low-hanging fruit.   Here’s how:   Use a YubiKey (physical passkey device) or Authenticator app – Ditch text message 2FA. SIM swaps are real. Hackers often have people on the inside at telecom companies.   Use a password manager (with Yubikey) – One unique password per account. Stop using your dog’s name.   Update your devices – Those annoying updates patch real security holes. Use them.   Back up your files – If ransomware hits, you don’t want your important documents held hostage.   Avoid public WiFi for sensitive stuff – Or use a VPN.   Think before you click – Emails that feel “urgent” are often fake. Go to the websites manually for confirmation.   Consider Starlink in case the internet goes down – I think it’s time for me to make the leap. Don’t Panic. Prepare. (Then Invest.)   I spent an hour in that basement bar reading about cyberattacks—and watching real-world systems fall apart like dominos.   The internet going down used to be an inconvenience. Now, it’s a warning.   Cyberwar isn’t coming. It’s here.   And the next time your internet goes out, it might not just be your router.   Don’t panic. Prepare.   And maybe keep a backup plan in your back pocket. Like a local basement bar with good bourbon—and working WiFi.   As usual, we’re on the lookout for more opportunities in cybersecurity. Stay tuned.   Author: Chris Campbell (AltucherConfidential) Profits from free accurate cryptos signals: https://www.predictmag.com/   
    • DUMBSHELL:  re the automation of corruption ---  200,000 "Science Papers" in academic journal database PubMed may have been AI-generated with errors, hallucinations and false sourcing 
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

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