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.

Baker

Trading Schools

Recommended Posts

what steps did you all take before you actually started trading? so far ive just been reading (a lot), hanging around freestockcharts.com and watching some videos. if you were to make a list, what should one learn about before he actually starts trading? like 1)technical analysis 2) indicators 3) brokerages, etc etc.

 

edit: i worded that pretty sloppily haha so just to clarify things, if one were to systematically learn the basics of trading and build a base for their knowledge, what would they have to learn?

 

I think everone should try to answer that one..however - there might really not be a specific answer or path... I'm not trying to be vague here..but it is an overwhealing question to try to answer...

 

Without trying to pass this off to someone else, there are posts on the site that try to articulate the process it is something that takes many of us years to master with much weeping and knashing of teeth along the way...

 

This is a very high skill endeavor and it requires 1,000's of hours of screen time if you want to be a daytrader.. now I am a futures trader - most here probably are... you do not have to start that way as far as instrument to trade & risk..in fact today they have simulators so you only have to risk your time and not your $...

 

The trading process is basically generic (not including the idocincacies of a specific product - anybody ever trade Pork Bellies :helloooo: ).

 

Basic Trend Following and Bar Charts are not a bad place to start... Basic concepts like Support & Resistance. Understanding what & where a profit target might be, defining when a trade fails and what the risk is to find out if you're right...

 

Basically when you put on a trade you are paying for the opportunity to find out if your hypothesis is right - price of admission to the game.. in reality you need to see a trade as a coin toss, 50/50 with a random distrubtion of outcomes with hopefully an edge that skews the data in your favor. Then you MUST consistently execute your edge. An edge can be just ONE repetitive setup that you have complete confidence in, that you have tested and shows up and has a probability of succeeding more than 50% of the time - in other words not random...60% would be nice or more... but anything that skews the probabilities your way, over time, if you can execute it consistently will make you $.

 

DO not worry about indicators..that only adds complexity - plenty of time to open Pandora's Box... start out simple... I started with a end of day chart book, ruler and pencil. Took a Bar Charting Course at the CME and bought a book on Bar Charting by Edwards & McGee... considered by many to be the bible of Charting... there are many good books on it but that is the classic... This is just how I started - not saying that you should approach it like I did. Back then there was no internet or online charts, etc... but I did learn and lost a lot of brain cells along the way. :crap:

 

Many compare this business to being a fighter pilot.. I think that might be accurate... the timeframe you choose to trade in will determine how sharp your skills need to be, IMHO...

 

YOu do not need to swing for the fence - job one - survive the learning curve.. you are trading against potentially the Goldman Sachs and Michael Jordans of the Trading World, MBA's, Research Dept's, High Frequency Trading Bot's, High Speed Computers, Hedge Funds, etc. You get the picture.

 

Keep in mind where you are on the Financial Food Chain - right near the bottom...

 

Trading is not an ATM that anyone can unlock - quite to the contrary - yet many try...

 

This is not saying you shouldn't try - but you must be a realist. This IS THE JUNGLE and while we may be hunters - many of us become the hunted...

Edited by roztom

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
what steps did you all take before you actually started trading? so far ive just been reading (a lot), hanging around freestockcharts.com and watching some videos. if you were to make a list, what should one learn about before he actually starts trading? like 1)technical analysis 2) indicators 3) brokerages, etc etc.

 

edit: i worded that pretty sloppily haha so just to clarify things, if one were to systematically learn the basics of trading and build a base for their knowledge, what would they have to learn?

 

This is a good question. I won't provide a list but just the extremes of what I think are the possibilities in the learning spectrum.

 

The best way to learn to trade is to come into it with an open mind with no preconceived notions and get together with an expert who can get you from ground zero to being operational with no risk to your own capital, usually by the expert making up all your losses while learning. The displays to see the market, the tools to annotate and the vocabulary to describe its movements are all set up for you. Your sole object is to follow his instructions and do what you are told. The learning progression would start with drilling how to flawlessly enter and exit the market with no loss and then on to anticipating and executing the gimme opportunities as they arise. This gets you to operational and you can then survive to continue gaining knowledge, experience, and skill in order to increase your participation.

 

The worst way to learn to trade is to come into it after much exposure to conventional wisdom and then look to obtain "education" that just reinforces your preconceived notions. Almost always the education does not reduce the risk of loss associated with learning and is a sunk cost. It usually consists of dumping a method or a system onto the learner with the standard caveats of keeping losses small, letting profits run, having more winners than losers, etc. More recently, trader psychology is the focus wherein a particular method or system is not provided but a way to handle "uncertainty" usually by focusing on the trader without regard to the market. In either case, the educator may or may not know how to trade.

 

Obviously the best way is unavailable to most if not everyone starting out. Still I think it's good to have an idea of what the best could be in order to move toward it and away from the worst way to learn which seems to be gaining increasing acceptance as the path to success.

 

This is just my opinion, of course.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
This is a good question. I won't provide a list but just the extremes of what I think are the possibilities in the learning spectrum.

 

The best way to learn to trade is to come into it with an open mind with no preconceived notions and get together with an expert who can get you from ground zero to being operational with no risk to your own capital, usually by the expert making up all your losses while learning. The displays to see the market, the tools to annotate and the vocabulary to describe its movements are all set up for you. Your sole object is to follow his instructions and do what you are told. The learning progression would start with drilling how to flawlessly enter and exit the market with no loss and then on to anticipating and executing the gimme opportunities as they arise. This gets you to operational and you can then survive to continue gaining knowledge, experience, and skill in order to increase your participation.

 

 

Excellent! The ways things were done many years ago. If a young person were fortunate, they might be able to secure an Apprenticeship. Apprentice carpenter, smith, plummer, etc. Their futures would be secure, knowing they would always have work.

They would have a skill, a craft. A Tradesman.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
what steps did you all take before you actually started trading? so far ive just been reading (a lot), hanging around freestockcharts.com and watching some videos. if you were to make a list, what should one learn about before he actually starts trading? like 1)technical analysis 2) indicators 3) brokerages, etc etc.

 

edit: i worded that pretty sloppily haha so just to clarify things, if one were to systematically learn the basics of trading and build a base for their knowledge, what would they have to learn?

 

  • Money Management
     
  • Position Size Management
     
  • Stress Management
     
  • Intermarket Analysis involving how other key markets impacts the price action of whatever it is that you're trading.
     
  • Trade Management involving all that stuff that occurs after entry.
     
  • Strong understanding that profitable trading involves much more than just trade signals.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello Baker:

 

I am a fairly new trader so I can tell you some of the beginning steps I took.

 

1. Choose what you want to trade. For me it was futures, the e-minis to be exact.

 

2. From there I chose a broker who dealt in my chosen markets (I won't mention any names as that appears to be a no-no) but the broker I chose offered a free demo of their trading platform. I think the free demo thing is pretty standard for many brokers. The demo included real time data feed for those markets. The next step was learning how to use the platform to execute trades. Their service provided various aids like webinars and videos to demonstrate the use of the platform.

 

NOTE: Although I am a "low-poster" I swear I am not a vendor and I am not promoting this broker. I am only answering a beginners request for a check list of possible considerations to get started.

 

3. Next I selected a charting service so that I could start getting the screen time that everybody talks about. Let me take this opportunity to chime in with the masses. Screen time-very important. There are many choices when it comes to charts and it may depend on the market you choose and the types of data feed you require. For example I have heard that NinjaTrader is free for simulated trading but I think you still have to pay for the data feed for the markets you select. Someone correct me if I am wrong about that. One of the most popular packages out there is Trade Station which is actually a trading platform and charting package combination. But it is a bit pricey unless you have a funded trading account with them AND do a certain number of live/cash trades per month. I do not reccomend this if you are just starting out. There are several more choices out there and the folks on this site will be happy to help once you are ready for charts. I selected a charting company that also offered a free trial and the data feed was provided by my broker. So up to this point everything has been free, for a couple of weeks anyway.

 

4. This is where I realized I knew less than squat and I needed help. Like you, I started looking for courses and ways to learn how to trade. When I started seeing some of the price tags like 5k, 10k, 26k! I was shocked. After some searching I did manage to find a course with a more manageable price and I would reccomend something like this for someone who is just starting out. Personally I was never exposed to trading, never knew anyone who traded and had no idea of what "IT" should "LOOK" like so watching someone work with the charts, add/remove indicators, point out various patterns and potential set-ups etc. was very helpful to me. From there I was able to develope a trading system that suited me instead of trying to trade someone elses system.

 

I hope this reply has not been too basic but you only mentioned reading books so if you have already done the above then perhaps this will help some others who are just starting the "journey".

 

Good luck to you.

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.