Success is a self-introspection journey!You and I both know that financial trading the markets is an exciting and most definitely a lucrative venture for those who actually take the time and energy to get it right and trade well.
But!
Big But...
If you want to become a successful trader, it's not just about analyzing market trends and making informed decisions – it is also about self-introspection and personal growth.
This journey is one big self-discovery. And you'll find it's not only beneficial to trading but with life, love, work and even your true identity.
Aas traders must know our own motivations, behaviors, and beliefs in order to truly excel.
This means taking an honest look at our strengths and weaknesses, and being willing to make the necessary changes to become a more disciplined and effective trader.
Do this and you WILL develop a strong sense of self-awareness in order to make better decisions under pressure.
Trade well, live free. I'm off to bed.
Timon
MATI Trader (Financial trader since 2003)
Tradingmindset
6 Thinking Hats for a TraderIf you don’t know the 6 Thinking Hats by now, I have to ask.
How do you solve problems, deal with arguments or make decisions?
I do forgive you though, as these strategies are not ones we learn in school.
In fact, when I first read about this strategy, I got to say every aspect of my life changed (including trading).
I hope this article will change your life too.
Let’s start with the main man himself.
The Author of The Six Thinking Hats
Edward de Bono is a world-renown lateral thinker, writer and philosopher.
In fact, he was the first person to use the term ‘Lateral Thinking’.
Born in 1933, in Malta, Edward has achieved a number of degrees and has published over 85 books (mostly on thinking and the use of language).
But out of all his works of art, there is one of the most popular techniques that changed the world and changed the way we think.
It’s called The Six Thinking Hats or 6TH.
Here’s how it works
There are six different imaginary hats, with each having a different colour.
Each time you put on a hat, you change the way you think about something. It also helps you see with better clarity and with a different perspective.
Whether you’re having an argument, making a decision, solving a problem, building a business or creating a trading strategy – the 6 Thinking Hats will help streamline the process.
If you’re with more people, make sure everyone is wearing the same hat at a time, to avoid conflict.
Let’s now get into the inner workings of the 6 Thinking Hats, and how it can apply to your trading and other aspects in life.
HAT #1: WHITE
NEUTRAL VIEW
This is the hat that contains all of the information, facts, data, figures, metrics and statistics.
When it comes to trading there are certain facts that you need to have considered including:
The broker you choose
The affordability
The costs involved
What equipment you have to trade
Back testing, forward testing and real testing data and statistics with your strategy.
HAT #2: RED
EMOTIONAL VIEW
The second hat you’ll put on is the RED HAT.
When you put this hat on, come to terms with what you feel.
I’m talking about your intuition, your fear, your greed and your gut feeling.
Then when it comes to trading ask yourself these questions…
· Can you handle risking money you have?
· Do you feel you have the discipline to pursue trading on a weekly basis?
· Do you enjoy the idea of trading?
· How much money do you think you can easily deposit into your trading account?
· How much money do you think you can psychologically handle losing, if you take 10 losing trades in a row?
· Do you think you can sleep easily at night knowing you have your money tied up in the markets?
Once you go through all the feelings and you answer the questions, then you can move to the third hat.
HAT #3: YELLOW
POSITIVE VIEW
This is the hat you’ll find is the one, you want to leave on when you think.
It’s the hat that contains all the benefits and rewards.
When you put this hat, you’ll think of the following with trading:
What are the benefits to trade?
How much money do you want to make a year trading?
Why will your trading strategy work?
What are your goals as a trader?
Why is trading the best decision for your financial future?
Feeling good? Well you’re supposed to when you put on the yellow hat.
But we still have three more hats to go…
HAT #4: GREEN
CREATIVE VIEW
With every decision comes extra out of the box thinking. And that’s where the green hat comes in.
When you put on the green hat, this is where your imagination should help you with brainstorming, new ideas and add-ons to the think tank process.
With trading, there are just so many different ways to be creative. And you’ll find that with ever evolving markets, you’ll need to adapt and adjust course.
Here are some ideas to think of when you put on the green hat.
How can I let my winners run further systematically?
How can I increase my win/rate i.e. Trailing stop loss
What indicator can I use for peripheral vision to help with my confirmation on each trade?
I should create and print a few psychology sticky notes to help with my trading.
I should name my system to be more personal with it
I should find ways to tweak my system which will help with the performance
I should have a trading consultation with Timon to help build and optimise my trading strategy better J.
HAT #5: BLUE HAT
PROCESS VIEW
When you put on the blue hat you should think of three main things…
Systems, criteria and planning.
This is where you’ll choose the criteria you’ll follow with your trading strategy.
What indicators are you using?
What parameter’s are you using with the indicators?
What time frame works best?
What calculators do you need whenever you trade?
This is where you’ll find the main work takes place once all the planning is done…
And one where you’ll eventually marry a strategy to help grow your portfolio.
HAT #6: BLACK HAT
NEGATIVE VIEW
When you put on the black hat, four things should arise instantly.
Difficulties, problems, weaknesses and risks…
I saved this hat for last, because it’s the only hat that will most likely help you decide whether trading is for you or not.
But you can re-arrange the hats according to your won preference.
The main things to ask when you put on the black hat, with trading is:
What are the dangers of trading, risks, financial risks and time risks?
What if the system stops working?
Why are you sceptical about trading?
What if the current markets go into an unfavourable territory?
What if the market drops to zero when I’m in a long trade?
FINAL WORDS:
How awesome!
You now have The Six Thinking Hats to your every decision making process.
You’ll find that it will force you out of the mono-lateral way of thinking which you’ve habitually had your entire life.
You’ll see things with new perspectives and compartmentalize issues in new ways…
It might even pro-long your marriage or improve your relationships…
If you enjoyed this article, I would love to hear your thoughts
Trade well, live free.
Timon
MATI TRader (Established 2003)
LEAVE ME ALONE! LEAVE ME ALONE!
Once you have entered a trade and set your trade levels (such as stop-loss and take-profit), LEAVE IT ALONE.
It is important to let the market play out and not interfere with the trade.
This way you'll follow your trading plan and not be swayed by emotions or external factors.
Also, if you leave it alone it will also stop you from taking impulsive decisions in the future, which can be super dangerous in the long term.
Once you've done your bit and left the trade to do its thing, once it hits your stop loss or take profit - you'll be able to track, record, evaluate and monitor your trading results.
This cuts out the subjective feelings, emotions and opinions.
It's the play of patience that will help you to learn how to trade well for your financial future.
Do you know what it takes to be an Algo Trader?To be an algo trader, you typically need to have a strong background in computer science and programming, as well as a good understanding of financial markets and trading strategies.
Here are some of the important elements you need to be a top Alog Trader:
Experience with database management and data analysis
Knowledge of statistical analysis and machine learning techniques
Understanding of financial markets and trading strategies
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Attention to detail and ability to work under pressure
Overall, to be algo trader requires a combination of technical expertise, financial knowledge, and strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
It can be as simple as having an easy and proven mechanical strategy that you can demo, back test, forward test, analyse, monitor and evaluate your results.
This way, you'll have a decent idea on what your system and strategy potentially could yield in the near future.
Trade well, live free.
MATI Trader
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11 Industries Blockchain will Rule the WorldBlockchain is the one technology that allows people to create unique, specific products, programmes and services online.
Instead of downloading a programme, app or making a transaction on a regulated centralized system like Android or IOS, you’ll use a decentralized system to do everything you currently do with the internet.
These ideas on how blockchain will disrupt industries will blow your mind.
#1:
Voting
Blockchain and online voting may one day be the main platform where everyone can take part.
Think about it. No more standing in a line, casting votes to a local authority in the hopes that your vote will be counted.
Having a decentralised system for voting can result in:
• No voter manipulation and fraud
• One vote per identity
• No external influence
• Full transparency
• Results within seconds
• No foul play
Once a vote is added to the ledger, it cannot be tampered with, removed or duplicated.
And so having a blockchain-based-online voting platform, where everything is updated, in real time and with full transparency – could soon be a reality for elections…
#2:
Stock market trading & investing
Blockchain could one day take over trading institutions and the financial industry as we know it.
There will be no more use for brokers and market makers, as everything will be electronic.
Investors and traders will choose the blockchain path to:
Take control of their own portfolio 24/7
Extra security and privacy which cannot be accessed by anyone
Facilitate trades without any costs, commissions or fees
Result in much faster and more efficient transactions
Improve liquidity and volume with financial markets
Reduce fraud and manipulation
Trade 24/7 markets including Forex, stocks, indices and cryptos
Speed up deposits and withdraws within seconds
Rely less on third parties
#3:
Social media and internet
Imagine a Facebook, Tik Tok, YouTube, Instagram or even Twitter that nobody owns.
With blockchain and dApps (Decentralised Apps), they would be completely immune to attempts to manipulate, regulate, spy or even shut them down.
#4:
Buying assets, goods and services
Anything of value that can be tracked, traded and recorded on a blockchain network, will allow transactions in one form or another.
In fact, we already have individuals and institutions that are buying, selling and exchanging crypto-currencies (i.e. Bitcoin) for tangible products such as vehicles, property, investments and other assets.
An asset can also be intangible such as patents, royalties, intellectual property, copy rights and branding.
Also, there are blockchain advantages including:
• Lower costs
• Less risk and danger
• Guaranteed transactions
• Accurate evaluations
#5:
Currencies
As you’ve seen, crypto-currencies and forms of exchange – can be created and exchanged simply from the digital ether.
The decentralised crypto-currencies will continue to provide a form of exchange for products and services as an alternative to general currencies.
#6:
Music, books and movies
Since the days of Napster, Kazaa and Limewire, entertainment companies have tried everything to prevent piracy from wiping out their revenue.
Just a few years later, and a single copy of a song, movie or programme could be distributed around the world within seconds.
Blockchain and smart contracts technology could create a decentralised and accurate database of rights of ownership. It could also put an end to piracy and other forms of un-authorised copyrighting.
The blockchain transaction will be made in a secure and transparent manner in a way the royalties will be distributed to the owner in a fair and an instant payment process.
#7:
Banking
Blockchain will disrupt the entire banking system.
By having a decentralised banking network, we won’t have to worry about a bank crisis ever again.
The reasons for a blockchain banking system include:
Lower transfer fees
Less costs and taxes
Instant processing time
High security
No third party
Quick overseas transfers
Never go offline or off the system
Just so you know, all of your banking transactions take place in a digital online wallet.
A wallet is the place (programme) where you can store and make transactions. When you have access to your wallet you get two keys.
A private and a public key.
The private key is a special digital idea or a code of numbers and letters, given to each user that links to their account.
This is the code to access and take control of your account where you can transfer funds out of it.
A private key is like having a credit card with your credit card number, expiration date and security code.
With this information, you can spend as much funds as you like. That’s why you should never share this private key and never lose your private key.
The public key is the code (numbers and letters) that is fully available to the public.
A simple analogy of a public key is having someone’s bank account number. Anyone with this number can technically send money into your account.
NOTE: The public key is known to the public. If you lose your public key, you can find it again with your private key.
Just remember to never lose your private key.
So with blockchain banking you can imagine how being able to deposit, withdraw, exchange and transfer money, will make things extremely efficient and secure – Don’t you think?
#8:
Games
The next streamed and online game, may be through a decentralised operation – also known as Crypto-gaming.
This will allow gamers, programmers and other entities to improve and build on the game to enhance the experience for all users.
By having an source place for gaming there’ll be opportunities to:
• Build on continuously and expand the game
• Create social network of like-minded gamers
• Have more stable, secure and transparent operation
• Not have to worry about crashes, manipulation and shutdowns
• Offer financial benefits for gamers i.e. customising and selling digital collectibles, art or created virtual worlds.
#9:
Crowd funding
Crowd funding has become the new alternative to traditional venture capital, bank funding and self funding.
The issues in the past have been where the banks require an existing business with good revenue, venture capitalists need proof that the business is a success and the costs are exorbitant.
Soon there’ll be an era where blockchain will take over all three forms of funding.
Blockchain will facilitate crowd funding when it comes to funding for projects, businesses, charities and other causes.
The beauty about blockchain crowdfunding is that there’ll be:
• Enforced funding terms
• Instant money returns if the criteria is not met
• Lower transaction costs
• No middleman
• Decentralised platform
• Automatic actions according to the criteria stated
• Better funding for ICOs (Initial Coin Offerings)
And once the terms or funding is met and the transaction is a success – the money will be automatically distributed to the cause without any human error.
#10:
Health care
Blockchain technology will one day be able to keep personal medical file information private and safer that with a central authority.
You’ll finally be able to access your medical information with a click of a button and distribute it only to those you trust.
With blockchain, healthcare will benefit in ways that you’ll be able to access:
• Medical information which can’t be tempered, hacked or removed
• Pharmaceutical companies will have a record of past, present and future prescription medicines to collect and deliver to
• A list of personal health records of diagnoses, illnesses and private health information
• Revolutionise insurance claims and reduce fraud and adjust quotes for members according to their current health situation
#11:
Supply chain management
Blockchain technology will stream line the supply chain for businesses and drop shipping.
Every step from requesting a transaction to having a product or service delivered to the customer can be traced, recorded and monitored.
The most important element for supply chain management with blockchain is the transparency and validation that occurs between the transactions performed and shared between the suppliers.
This includes transactions made through:
• Importing & exporting
• Shipment
• Trade
• Drop shipping
• Commercial industries
• Farming & supplying food
Blockchain can replace the traditional supply methods for centralised authorities.
The future lies with Blockchain technology
I hope I have shared just a little bit of light and stretched your mind ever so slightly on what the future may bring.
There is an evolution of the people wanting to take control, improve transparency, cut out the middleman and streamline the process in ways of greater efficiency.
One day – this will be our new normal.
Trade well, live free.
Timon
MATI Trader (Financial trader since 2003).
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TRADERS! One step is a step forwardHello traders,
Are you feeling stuck in your trading journey?
Are you constantly asking yourself
"WHICH WAY AM I MOVING?"
Let me tell you something: as long as you are taking one step at a time, you are moving forward.
It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day ups and downs of the financial markets. We can get so focused on the short-term fluctuations that we lose sight of the bigger picture.
But here's the thing: those short-term fluctuations are just noise. They may affect your account balance in the short-term, but they don't define your long-term success as a trader.
So how do you stay focused on the long-term and keep moving forward? Here are a few tips:
Set clear goals for yourself.
hat do you want to achieve as a trader? Do you want to be consistently profitable? Do you want to learn a particular trading strategy? Whatever your goals may be, make sure they are specific, measurable, and achievable.
Keep a trading journal. Writing down your trades, your thought process, and what you learned can help you reflect on your progress and identify areas for improvement.
Seek out education and mentorship.
There is always more to learn in trading, and having a mentor or joining a trading community can help you gain new perspectives and stay motivated.
Remember that trading is a journey, not a destination. It's easy to get caught up in the thrill of making a big trade or hitting a home run.
But the most successful traders are the ones who are in it for the long haul. They are the ones who are consistently learning, adapting, and improving.
So don't get discouraged if you have a few losing trades or if you feel like you're not making as much progress as you'd like. Keep taking one step at a time, and you will get there.
Trade well, live free.
Timon
MATI Trader
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How Blockchain Works in 6 StepsThe future of apps, programmes, trading, investing and businesses all lie in one underlying technology – Blockchain.
You’ve probably heard about it when it comes to crypto-currencies.
But it extends so far beyond them.
In this section, you’ll think of it in a whole new level where you’ll be able to:
• Understand blockchain in a nutshell
• Understand the power and possibilities it will bring to the world
• See the trading and investment opportunities to come
Let’s get to it…
What blockchain is in a nutshell…
In short, a blockchain is one continuous digital ledger of records and transactions which are organised, verified, and positioned next to each other in ‘blocks’ linking a permanent and transparent chain of other ‘blocks’.
Here’s a short illustration on how a Blockchain works…
The important concept with blockchain is that, the chain “ledger” of transactions are neither stored in a central location nor is managed or run by a single entity.
We say the blockchain is decentralised, secure and the transactions are added permanently in a transparent and resilient manner using cryptography (special codes).
The parties between the transaction will also remain anonymous while enjoying the security, transparency, speed and cost efficiency.
This will have major advantages over centralised systems in a way that:
• The transactions will be easy to track
• There’ll be less manipulation and corruption
• There’s more transparency
• There’ll be less costs and less middlemen.
NOTE: To alter one block, you’ll need to change every block throughout the network (which is virtually impossible).
And as the historical blocks information stays the same – you’ll be able to forever track the old transactions with the given public information.
I’m talking about these main sets of information each ‘block’ has.
1. The data of the new block (code or digital fingerprint)
2. The hash of the previous block (code – letters & numbers)
3. A time stamp
4. Transaction data
Once you understand the process and how secure a blockchain is, you’ll see how it will not only disrupt industries but it will also change the global and financial economy as we know it.
Trade well, live free.
Timon
MATI Trader (Financial trader since 2003).
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Why Multitasking is Dangerous for Traders – 6 REASONSWe have come to believe that juggling multiple tasks, will somehow reward us eventually.
But with trading, I can’t think of anything worse.
In fact, I think it’s counterproductive to multi-task when making financial decisions for your trading.
And no! Lying on the couch, or on the beach with your phone while talking to friends is ALSO a no go.
Here’s why I think multi-tasking is dangerous…
DANGER #1:
You miss crucial opportunities:
If you’re focused on watching TV, eating chips and watching TikToks at the same time, I guarantee – you will miss out on high probability trades.
You need to have full focus and pay attention to the markets, when you’re trading or it will affect the quality of your trading and setups.
Danger #2:
Delays in trading decision making
Multitasking can slow down your decision-making process and prevent you from acting in a timely manner.
Think about it… It’s one more video to watch, it’s 10 more minutes until the show ends. Let me just finish my beer first.
The market waits for NO ONE!
So act accordingly.
Danger #3:
Stress levels through the roof
You’re going to make impulsive, emotional decisions.
You have your heard earned money in an account ready to take on the local and global markets.
If you have sounds, food and other distractions in the background – it will affect your stress.
This will not only put you off trading but might also scare you out of it completely. These types of decisions can be costly in trading.
I mean, trading can be stressful enough on its own.
Add multitasking to the mix and your levels of stress and increase feelings of anxiety will sky rocket.
This can lead to burnout and negatively impact our overall performance.
Danger #4:
Drop in prod
You might feel that you can get more done by multi-tasking but it actually will decrease your productivity and efficiency.
When we try to do too many things at once, it takes us longer to complete each task and we may not do them as well as if we had focused on them individually.
Danger #5:
More mistakes
Trading needs to be laser focused!
If you multi-task you need to remember something. You are human and you are susceptible to making mistakes and errors.
You might miss a trade setup.
You might type in the wrong trading levels.
Or worse… Trading volume.
You might miss opportunities to lock in profits through adjustments.
Just take it one trade at a time and focus on the time in the markets…
Danger #6:
Ruin relationships
Ok this one is a bit of a stretch, but I think it relevant.
If you multi-task while trading, what about the rest of your life.
You most likely will multi-task while eating dinner, talking to friends, driving or even spending time with your children.
This can most definitely have a negative effect on not only your trading but your life, relationships and will lead to even more stress…
If you’re still reading this then I want you to do something for me.
I want you right now to take a DEEP breath in….
.
.
.
.
.
And out…..
Just slow down. Take it easy. Focus on one thing at a time and enjoy the process.
Be more present and you will find life will be a lot more easier in your everyday.
I am writing this because I want you to start your year on a calm, focused and powerful note.
You got this.
Trade well, live free and take it EASY!
Timon
MATI Trader
How a Simple Cup of Tea Can Improve Your TradingTraders are always on the lookout for ways to improve their performance.
They are always trying to find ways to make better decisions in the markets.
While most people might not think to turn to tea as a solution, it turns out that…
This simple beverage can actually have a surprising impact on trading.
The amazing benefits of drinking tea with trading.
Benefit #1: Relaxation
What is amazing about tea is its ability to help you relax and calm you better.
In the fast-paced and high-stress world of trading, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and intensity of the markets.
This can lead to impulsive, emotional decision making that can be costly. Once you have a cup of tea, it can help you take a step back, relax and allow you to approach the markets with a clearer and more rational mindset.
Benefit #2: Focus
Tea can also improve focus and concentration.
Many traders rely on caffeine to help them stay alert and focused, but it’s important to remember that too much caffeine can lead to jitters and anxiety.
Tea, on the other hand, contains a lower amount of caffeine and also includes antioxidants and other compounds that can help improve cognitive function.
My favourite tea is good old Rooibos “Red Bush” which is a special tea from South Africa that doesn’t contain any caffeine.
When you sip on a cup of tea, you’ll find it will help improve your focus and attention to detail.
This is crucial when analysing the markets and making financial decisions.
Benefit #3: Health
Great health is great wealth.
Another benefit of tea is that it can improve with your physical health.
You’ll find trading can be a sedentary job, and it’s important to take care of our bodies in order to maintain optimal performance.
Tea is packed with antioxidants and other compounds that can help improve digestion, boost the immune system, and reduce the risk of certain health conditions. When you add tea into your daily routine, you will most definitely improve your overall health and well-being, which can in turn improve your performance in the markets.
Of course, it’s important to remember that tea is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to improving trading performance. It’s important to have a solid trading strategy, stay informed about market developments, and manage risk effectively.
In conclusion!
Not only does this simple beverage promote relaxation and calmness, allowing you to approach the markets with a clear and rational mindset, it can also improve focus and concentration, thanks to its lower levels of caffeine and cognitive-boosting compounds.
And, let’s not forget the physical benefits – by incorporating tea into your daily routine, you can improve your overall health and well-being, leading to better performance in the markets.
So, trade well, live free, and don’t forget to enjoy a cup of tea!
Timon
MATI Trader
(Financial trader since 2003)
24 Hour Trading Stocks Around the Clocks!Doesn’t it feel almost inevitable?
That in the near future we’ll be able to trade shares 24 hours a day, five days a week?
Well, during the last week, I’ve been wondering what the future of trading will look like and what we need to prepare for.
In this article, we’ll go through the practicalities of trading 24hour markets and what you may need to prepare for.
24 Hour markets available today
Right now, there are more markets available to trade 24 hours a day than ever before including:
• Forex
• Commodities
• Crypto-currencies
• Exchange-Traded-Funds
• Indices
I guess the important question to ask is…
Will it make a big difference if the world opened up to trading stocks 24 hours a day?
Could it be the end of stock traded sessions?
Currently, the trading sessions for shares are restricted to the hours the exchanges are opened.
This is normally from 9:00am until 5:00pm.
There are two historical reasons for having stock traded sessions:
Maintain liquidity and timing for efficiency during operating hours.
But what would happen if stocks never closed their trading times?
Think about it…
We’d have hundreds of thousands of stocks open to the public to trade at your disposal whenever you desire…
We’ll need to address the pros and cons of how this would work…
GOOD & BAD reasons for trading stocks around the clock
Let’s start with the BAD.
BAD #1:
Less trading – Small price moves
We could see thin volume of buying and selling taking place for each stock, as there’ll be little demand when people are off work or asleep.
BAD #2:
Higher price manipulation
With the low trading volume, this can incite shady investors and traders to manipulate the share prices, causing major sudden price fluctuations
So with low demand and movements for stock trading around the clock – right now, it just doesn’t seem to be practical having 24/5 stock trading sessions.
But right now – does not mean it will always be like this in the future.
Here are the GOOD reasons for a 24 hour trading stocks around the clock.
GOOD #1:
Higher employment numbers
Most companies, will need to employ more brokers and dealers – for after hours – until they incorporate robo-advisors…
GOOD #2:
No more open price gaps
The unexpected sudden price gaps on stocks will almost be eliminated.
You won’t have to wake up to a nasty surprise seeing the market jump your stop loss overnight again.
GOOD #3:
Follow international events
We will be able to base stock trading decisions and prices on any news event, earnings and ratings that comes out internationally.
GOOD #4:
New stream of investors
This will attract many new investors and traders to trade stocks from other countries which will help companies share liquidity.
Why we could see trading stocks around the clock in the future
We are seeing a major rise in the number of investors and traders.
Trading has never:
• Been more affordable
• Been easier to learn.
• Been more accessible (with just a smart phone).
• Shown such superior customer services.
And we definitely have the technological structure and networks, to support around the clock trading for all markets.
And when it comes to stocks.
Well, with the increase in adoption of new technologies, and improvements with off-market liquidity – we will very well see stocks trading around the clock.
And now you know what to prepare for…
Trade well, live free.
Timon
MATI Trader (Est. 2003)
What Billionaires Taught me About TradingDid you ever wonder why influential people wear the same clothes every day?
• Mark Zuckerberg wears his famous round neck grey t-shirt.
• Richard Branson wears his famous pair of jeans.
• Steve Jobs wore his black turtle neck.
• Barack Obama wears either his blue or grey suit.
Well other than promoting their signature look, there is a much more deeper and important reason for it…
You might want to consider this analogy for not only trading, but for every important aspect of your life.
Why Mark Zuckerberg wears the same outfit
Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg held the first ever public Q&A session at FB California headquarters in November 2014.
During the hour session, he was asked why he wears the same grey t-shirt every day.
Here was his answer:
“I really want to clear my life to make it so that I have to make as few decisions as possible about anything except how to best serve this community,”
“I feel like I’m not doing my job if I spend any of my energy on things that are silly or frivolous about my life,”
Less decisions – More success
This concept to make one decision on what outfit to wear, is to help prevent ‘cognitive fatigue’.
One less decision to worry about in life will save your brainpower capacity to help make decisions that matter for the future.
Besides, the more decisions you make – the more complicated life is.
Ok, so you got the gist…
Here’s what this lesson taught me about trading
As a trader, there is plethora of events taking place every day.
There are countless factors to consider:
• Markets
(Forex, shares, indices, commodities and cryptos)
• News events
(Employment, GDP, macro & micro announcements)
• Indicators
(Moving averages, RSI, MACD, Price action etc…)
• Time frames
(Tick, 5 minutes, 30 minutes, daily, weekly)
• Strategies
(Moving average crossovers, breakout patterns, volume analysis)
It’s enough to test everything until the end of time!
That’s why, I have personally worn the same metaphorical outfit for the last 14 years.
NOTE: It took me 7 years to find this outfit!
1 Strategy – MATI Trader System
1 Time frame – Daily
1 Indicator – Price action
1 Risk level – 2%
1 Financial instrument – CFDs
It’s all about finding what you find comfortable, consistent and sustainable…
How to find your one outfit when you trade
This is most definitely a self-introspection journey to find the ‘outfit’ you will be wearing as a trader.
To start, write down your trading strategy and markets you want to trade…
My biggest tip – Keep it simple, minimalistic and comfortable…
5 Habits of Successful TradingGet a pen and paper and write these five habits down.
Each habit you have, write down a 1 and each habit you don’t have write a 0.
Sum up the points at the end and you’ll know where you are, what you have to do to improve and whether you have the trading edge to be successful.
HABIT #1:
Courage
You need the courage to follow these basic steps.
#1: Open a trading account
#2: Deposit money in your trading account
#3: Adopt a trading strategy
#4: Take the trades that line up
#5: Follow your strategy (with the winners and losers)
Have the courage to do that today or have done it?
Mark 1 for YES
Mark 0 if you’re not ready…
HABIT #2:
Persistence
I’ve said this before…
Trading is a forever business…
It’s easy once you get it right. The hard part after a while is keeping persistent.
Do you have the PERSISTENCE to:
#1: Trade for a few minutes every week?
#2: Look for trading setups?
#3: Follow a proven trading strategy without changing the rules?
#4: Not give up on a trading strategy after a losing streak?
#5: Not go against a strategy after during a winning streak?
Mark 1 for YES
Mark 0 if you’re not ready…
HABIT #3:
Save Money
Look.
The more money you have in your trading account, the faster it will grow.
If you think R5,000 or R10,000 is all you need to retire in a few years – it’s time to wake up!
Every month, I deposit around 5% -10% of my savings into trading…
Now I know not everyone can deposit such a large portion of their savings in trading as they have other capital allocations to their portfolio…
Well, what ever you can deposit per month comfortably is better than nothing.
This will help you to grow your trading account at a faster rate.
Mark 1 for YES – I have the habit to save money per month.
Mark 0 if you’re not ready…
HABIT #4:
Evolve
The markets are constantly going through change.
In just a span of 20 years there have been a multitude of trading instruments.
For example:
Shares – warrants – Futures – Binary Options – ETFs and CFDs.
We’ve also seen a plethora of different markets including
Equities – Indices – commodities – currencies and Crypto-currencies
And as a trader, it’s our job to keep learning and evolving with the markets…
Do you have the habit to adapt to change and learn throughout your trading career? Mark 1
Not ready for change? Mark 0
Habit #5:
INDEPENDENCE
Once you have everything you need to succeed as a trader, it’s all on you.
You should not have anyone to hold your hand, influence your decisions or tell you what to do.
When you are sitting by your laptop or device – No one should be able to change your mind including from:
• Friends
• Family
• Mentors
• Your conscience
• Bloomberg
• Spouse and kids
If you think you have a good level of independence, mark 1.
If you’re not ready for being independent mark 0.
Final Thoughts
The points where you marked 1 – Great keep at it and remember your strengths…
The points where you marked 0 – It’s ok… Every successful trader started with doubts and weaknesses.
Trade well, live free.
Timon Rossolimos
MATI Trader
WARNING! This will reflect on your tradingThe world thrives on drama, gossip and most people just want it to end by the way they think...
I can't blame them because most people are struggling to live their lives where they are working from pay check to pay check. Where they are hoping their boss will give them a half day off.
Where they are constantly feeding the fat cats of the world and paying taxes from their salaries.
But then trading comes along, where you can have some degree of control of your finances and investments.
Where you can risk what you wish and play the rules with growing a portfolio,...
BUT if you bring in your emotional aggression and tendencies, it will reflect on your trading...
Instead, you should work on yourself more.
Don't be angry over unnecessary things
Don't make a mountain out of a mole hill
Don't risk anything you can't afford to lose
Don't get angry over a small loss - you are in the trading den to make money NOT to be right
Take 10 DEEP breaths in and out before you make any impulsive decisions or take any abrasive action.
Focus on change and the whole world, your mind and your trading results will change with you...
Let me know if this helps by commenting below or at least liking this post.
Trade well, live free,
Timon
MATI Trader
MOST DANGEROUS TRADING TRAIT!Most people talk about Fear and Greed being the barometers to failure...
I think there is an underlying trait that is far superior which leads to ultimate account catastrophe.
EGO.
They just want to be right or they will have a hissy fit.
They refuse to take a loss...
They refuse to accept that the market is moving against you.
They find ways to disagree with the market which gets them committing moe.
They move their stop loss away further away - which means they risk more.
Rinse and repeat - GONE.
Cut out your ego or the markets will cut you out. Simple.
Trade well, live free.
Timon
MATI Trader
END Procrastination Today with 7 TipsOne of the biggest issue a trader has is none other than procrastination.
• They doubt their trades – so they don’t take them.
• They skip a trading day – so they miss opportunities.
• They don’t monitor their results on a weekly or bi-monthly basis- so they can’ track their performance.
Initially, I thought it was because of a lack of confidence. But to be honest, I think it’s something a lot more transparent.
LIFE!
You have a life to live, income to earn, food to put on the table, things to do with your family and loved ones and the general duties of life.
So it’s all down to priorities at the end of the day.
Because my life has been dedicated to trading since 2003, it’s why I don’t procrastinate – take a day off or anything of the sorts.
So I’m going to give you some pointers on how to stop procrastination or at least reduce it…
TIP #1: CHOOSE YOUR TRADING DAYS
If you really don’t have the energy (not the time, everyone has time), then just choose two or three days to trade. And find the best time to locate to your trading.
Maybe it’s first thing in the morning when you’re having coffee or breakfast.
Maybe it’s when you come home after work and before you get onto the social media world.
Maybe it’s an hour before bed or Netflix. Adopt it into your life in a way that it is comfortable and manageable for the future.
TIP #2: SET SMALLER TASKS
Break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks.
This will make it easier to start working on a task and to make progress. Instead of looking at EVERY market in one day, to drive you crazy. Choose a sector market and only focus on that watchlist…
E.g. Local stocks one day, Forex another day and international markets another day.
TIP #3: TRACK RESULTS ON A SPECIFIC DAY
Choose a day in the week, where you’ll jot in your trades that you added, adjusted or closed.
Create a schedule and stick to it. Having a structured plan can help you stay on track and avoid getting side-tracked by less important tasks.
TIP #4: SET A TIMER
If you have only 1 hour to trade, set the timer. You’ll find with a timer, you’ll be more focused determined and less distracted with anything else.
TIP #5: REMOVE DISTRACTIONS
Stop the distractions from your workspace.
This may include turning off notifications on your phone or computer, finding a quiet place to work, or using noise-cancelling headphones.
TIP #6: SELF-TALK YOURSELF
Use positive self-talk to motivate yourself to do it. Psychology is an important element to your trading.
Instead of telling yourself that you can't do something or that it will be too hard, try telling yourself that you are capable and that you can do it.
TIP #7: REWARD YOURSELF
Reward yourself for making progress of following with your trading actions. This could be as simple as taking a short break or treat yourself to something you enjoy.
These are just a few ideas on how you can end your procrastination from your trading endeavours…
There will be no change in your life without action, so always keep the prize in mind and you should have all the determination in the world to GO FOR IT.
If you enjoyed this feel free to LIKE and follow for more daily tips.
Trade well, live free.
Timon
MATI Trader
EXPLAINED: Short Selling in 3 ways and with an exampleWhat is Short Selling?
This is where you sell (go short) an underlying market at a high price, anticipate a drop in price where you’ll buy it back at a lower price for a profit.
How short selling works…
To understand this concept, I’m going to break it down into three explanations.
• One line
• Step by Step
• Visual
Explanation #1:
One line
Short selling is the practice of selling a financial market (such as a share, crypto currency, index etc…) that you don’t own with the intention of buying the same market back later on at a lower price for a profit.
Explanation #2:
Step-by-Step
1. You sell a number of shares, which you don’t own, at a higher price.
NOTE: You borrow the shares from a broker or lender.
2. After time passes, the market then comes down in price.
3. You then decide to buy back the shares and close your position for a profit.
NOTE: When you buy the position back, you automatically return the borrowed shares to the broker/lender and pay them a fee.
4. You will pocket the difference between the price from where you sold the shares and the price where you bought them back.
The Broker gets the shares back you get the profit – bada bing bada boom – DONE.
Let me know what other term you would like explained.
Trade well, live free.
Timon
MATI Trader
EXPLAINED DIXIE (US Dollar Currency Index) What, why where, how?The US Dollar has been in the limelight and not in a good way. In fact, he US dollar has not been dimmer since 22 September 2022 where it was trading at 114.42.
Currently it’s at 103.90 (9.19%) down…
But what does it all mean?
Why is the Dixie such a popular index to understand, and trade.
You see it in the news every time you turn on Bloomberg and you see it in the publications. So we might as well understand it for the next time they mention the Dixie.
IN this short article I’m going to answer the 6 most important questions, to help you understand the Dixie is, how it’s calculated and how to trade it…
1. WHAT IT IS?
The U.S. Dollar Index – DIXIE - (USDX) was first intrpduced in March 1973 and is a measure of the value of the U.S. dollar relative to a basket of foreign currencies.
2. HOW IT’S CALCULATED
The USDX is calculated by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and is based on the exchange rates of six major currencies: the euro (EUR) – Accounts for 57.6% - ,Japanese yen (JPY), British pound (GBP), Canadian dollar (CAD), Swedish krona (SEK), and Swiss franc (CHF) .
3. ECONOMY GAUZE
The DIXIE is used as a barometer for the value of the US dollar to base it on the potential strength of weakness of the U.S Economy.
4. TRADED BASED ON
The USDX is traded on financial markets, and its value moves based on certain macro aspects such as: Changes in exchange rates, economic conditions, and global market trends.
5. USE
Investors and financial institutions uses the USDX is often to hedge against currency risk, as well as to speculate on changes in the value of the U.S. dollar.
6. HIGHER VERSUS LOWER VALUE
If the Dixie goes up this means the US Dollar is gaining strength against the other currencies. The more it goes up the more it appreciates which indicates a stronger US dollar – Stronger economy – more confidence in the US dollar.
If the Dixie drops, it means the US dollar is getting weaker against the other currencies in the basket for the index. As it drops more, it depreciated which tells us the US dollar is getting weaker which means – a weaker economy and less confidence in the US dollar.
If this was interesting let me know in the comments or hit the like button and let me know what else you would like to learn about in bite size information.
Trade well, live free.
Timon
MATI Trader
BEFORE YOU TRADE - Look - Calculate - RememberI don’t care if you’re new or old to the trading business.
This will apply to you, regardless.
In this short but vital article, we’ll go through 3 of “Before you do this – You need to do that”.
#1: BEFORE YOU TRADE – LOOK
Trading is a strategy game.
You don’t just thumb suck a trade and guess where the market will head.
No, you have your criteria on:
• The markets you’ll analyse
• The time frames you’ll use
• The criteria you’ll follow
• The entry, exit and risk levels you’ll apply
Before you take a trade, you need to first look and find synergy between your strategy and the market you’re looking at.
#2: BEFORE YOU SPEND – CALCULATE
Trading is a risk game.
You don’t just put in all your money in a trade because it feels good or looks too good to not risk.
You are not in the game to be right… You are in the game to play calculated risks with your winners as well as your losers.
I have a 2% risk rule per trade, in order to bank a 4% gain.
This is the best strategy that works for my 19 year old, 4 step strategy, 62.5% win rate MATI Trader System.
Whether the trade looks incredibly attractive and is almost a given, it doesn’t matter.
Calculate your risks, follow your rules and calculate before your spend.
#3: BEFORE YOU GET EMOTIONAL – REMEMBER
Trading is a mind game.
It can play with your emotions at times.
• A loss can ruin your week.
• A win can make you feel like a megalomaniac for a day.
• Your birthday can make you think you’ll profit that day.
• Your previous loss can cause you to doubt your trading strategy.
• Your previous winner can scare you.
“You need to remember that the financial markets don’t know you, care for you and remember that trading is a forever business.”
Next time when you feel those emotions taking over, just remember that sentence…
Did you find this useful, follow for more daily trading tips...
Trade well, live free.
Timon
MATI Trader
WARNING! This will reflect on your tradingThe world thrives on drama, gossip and most people just want it to end by the way they think....
I can't blame them because most people are struggling to live their lives where they are working from pay check to pay check. Where they are hoping their boss will give them a half day off.
Where they are constantly feeding the fat cats of the world and paying taxes from their salaries.
But then trading comes along, where you can have some degree of control of your finances and investments.
Where you can risk what you wish and play the rules with growing a portfolio,...
BUT if you bring in your emotional aggression and tendencies, it will reflect on your trading...
Instead, you should work on yourself more.
Don't be angry over unnecessary things
Don't make a mountain out of a mole hill
Don't risk anything you can't afford to lose
Don't get angry over a small loss - you are in the trading den to make money NOT to be right
Take 10 DEEP breaths in and out before you make any impulsive decisions or take any abrasive action.
Focus on change and the whole world, your mind and your trading results will change with you...
Let me know if this helps.
Trade well, live free.
Timon
MATI Trader
9 SIGNS You're Trading Well! Trading well is a marathon and not a quick race.
It doesn’t matter how much money you banked in a week, winners you took or how much money you have in your account.
What does matter is one word “Persistence”. And with persistence comes, 10 signs that you’re doing well with trading.
Let’s get to them…
Sign #1: You have the passion to LEARN how to trade
When you learn to trade, it’s not only a strategy game but also a self-introspection journey.
You get to understand who you are as a trader in a way that you learn:
• What time you wish to trade
• What markets you’d like to look at
• The instrument you want to buy/sell
• The broker that best suits your needs
If you have the passion to learn what fits your personality when trading, it’s a good sign you’ll do super…
Sign #2: You have a solid daily trading routine
There is no right or wrong way to go about your trading.
Once again, it’s what you feel comfortable with on a daily or weekly basis.
Maybe it is reading MATI Trader first thing in the morning, then going through your watchlist and seeing which trades are lining up.
Afterwards you set your trading levels and take your trade.
Whatever your trading routine is, make sure you have a checklist to follow.
Sign #3: You have strict rules to follow
Rules are the only way to find consistent opportunities within the chaos.
I have three rules with trading.
1. Never risk more than 2% per trade (no matter the portfolio account).
2. Never risk any money you can’t afford to lose
3. Never hold more than 5 trades at any one time.
If you have rules to follow, you’re doing well…
Sign #4: You have tunnel vision
There are no two traders that are the same.
This means, when you know who you are, you’ll know to ONLY follow your rules, strategy and vibe.
If someone tries to change your mind, put your blinkers on and remember the proven strategy you KNOW works.
Don’t listen to others and don’t care about where other traders are in their career.
Sign #5: You have a track record
Whether you’re still demo-trading or live-trading, it doesn’t matter.
All you need to make sure is that you have an excel sheet or written pad with all of your trades you have taken or backtested.
This is will remind you and give you proof of what works and will make you a consistent income during your trading.
Sign #6: You have the time to trade
You’ll need to choose the time, that suits you best to analyse and trade the markets.
It can be first thing in the morning, during your break in the afternoon or even 2am when you wake up and can’t go back to sleep.
Sign #7: You can psychologically handle it
Trading is mostly mindset.
How you deal with your winners, losers and with your trading longevity.
If you are prepared to mentally handle everything trading comes with – you’re well on your way to a bright trading future.
Sign #8: You have a dream
As much as trading is fun during the process, we all have a future idea on where trading will take us.
Some want to travel around the world and not have to worry about budgeting. Others want to just spend their time during retirement keeping their brain active and seeing trading as a forever-challenge.
Me, I love to trade, teach how to trade and create financial freedom for my future and for generations to come.
What is your dream?
Sign #9: You have your trading system
The game-plan…
Do you know where to enter, exit and place your risk levels every time?
If so, GOOD.
You have a trading system.
This is all part of trading well.
If you enjoyed this article feel free to LIKE and Follow for more daily trading tips articles. This is information I've gathered since 2003.
Trade well, live free.
Timon
MATI Trader
12 Car Companies LISTED on Stock Exchanges It’s the era of the electric vehicles. It’s their time to shine and it looks like many car companies are becoming a favourite investment out there for many investors…
In this short article, I’m going to highlight some of the many car brands that are listed on the stock exchange.
Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM)
Toyota is a Japanese car manufacturer that is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. It is one of the largest and most successful car companies in the world, with a strong reputation for innovation and quality.
General Motors Company (NYSE: GM)
General Motors (GM) is an American car manufacturer that is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. It is one of the largest car companies in the world, with a portfolio of well-known brands including Chevrolet, Buick, and Cadillac.
Volkswagen AG (OTC: VOW3)
Volkswagen Group is a German car manufacturer that is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. It is one of the largest car companies in the world and owns a number of well-known brands including Volkswagen, Audi, Lamborghini and Porsche.
Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA)
Tesla is an American electric car manufacturer that is listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange. It has disrupted the traditional automotive industry with its focus on electric vehicles and has become one of the most valuable car companies in the world.
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F)
Ford is an American car manufacturer that is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. It is one of the oldest and most iconic car companies in the world, with a long history of innovation and a strong portfolio of brands including Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury.
Some other companies include:
Daimler AG (OTC: DDAIF)
BMW AG (OTC: BMWYY)
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (NYSE: HMC)
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (OTC: NSANY)
Subaru Corporation (OTC: FUJHY)
Mazda Motor Corporation (OTC: MZDAF)
Tata Motors Limited (NYSE: TTM)
Can you think of anymore car companies listed on the stock exchange? Let me so I can include them in my watch list…
Trade well, live free.
Timon
MATI Trader
7 SIGNS You're Trading Well So, you’re probably wondering how you’re doing as a trader.
• Are you rich?
• Is your portfolio shooting up?
• How many winners did you bank this week?
If you think those are the questions to ask –
Then YOU’RE WRONG!
As I’ve mentioned many times before. Trading well is a marathon and not a quick race.
It doesn’t matter how much money you banked in a week, winners you took or how much money you have in your account.
What does matter is one word “Persistence”. And with persistence comes, 10 signs that you’re doing well with trading.
Let’s get to them…
Sign #1: You have the passion to LEARN how to trade
When you learn to trade, it’s not only a strategy game but also a self-introspection journey.
You get to understand who you are as a trader in a way that you learn:
• What time you wish to trade
• What markets you’d like to look at
• The instrument you want to buy/sell
• The broker that best suits your needs
If you have the passion to learn what fits your personality when trading, it’s a good sign you’ll do super…
Sign #2: You have a solid daily trading routine
There is no right or wrong way to go about your trading.
Once again, it’s what you feel comfortable with on a daily or weekly basis.
Maybe it is reading MATI Trader first thing in the morning, then going through your watchlist and seeing which trades are lining up.
Afterwards you set your trading levels and take your trade.
Whatever your trading routine is, make sure you have a checklist to follow.
Sign #3: You have strict rules to follow
Rules are the only way to find consistent opportunities within the chaos.
I have three rules with trading.
1. Never risk more than 2% per trade (no matter the portfolio account).
2. Never risk any money you can’t afford to lose
3. Never hold more than 5 trades at any one time.
If you have rules to follow, you’re doing well…
Sign #4: You have tunnel vision
There are no two traders that are the same.
This means, when you know who you are, you’ll know to ONLY follow your rules, strategy and vibe.
If someone tries to change your mind, put your blinkers on and remember the proven strategy you KNOW works.
Don’t listen to others and don’t care about where other traders are in their career.
Sign #5: You have a track record
Whether you’re still demo-trading or live-trading, it doesn’t matter.
All you need to make sure is that you have an excel sheet or written pad with all of your trades you have taken or backtested.
This is will remind you and give you proof of what works and will make you a consistent income during your trading.
Sign #6: You have the time to trade
You’ll need to choose the time, that suits you best to analyse and trade the markets.
It can be first thing in the morning, during your break in the afternoon or even 2am when you wake up and can’t go back to sleep.
Sign #7: You can psychologically handle it
Trading is mostly mindset.
How you deal with your winners, losers and with your trading longevity.
If you are prepared to mentally handle everything trading comes with – you’re well on your way to a bright trading future.
This is all part of trading well.
If you enjoyed this article feel free to LIKE and Follow for more daily trading tips articles. This is information I've gathered since 2003.
Trade well, live free.
Timon
MATI Trader
EXPLAINED: Gearing and how it worksThere is one tool with trading, which you can accelerate your portfolio, compared to with investing.
I’m talking about Gearing (or leverage).
To wrap our head around this concept, here’s a more relatable life example.
When you buy a house for R1,000,000, it is very similar to trading derivatives. Initially, the homeowner most probably won’t have the full R1,000,000 to buy the house with just one purchase.
Instead, they’ll sign a bond agreement, make a 10% deposit (R100,000), borrow the rest from the bank and be exposed to the full purchase price of the home. This is a similar concept for when you trade with gearing.
Gearing is a tool which allows you to pay a small amount of money (deposit) in order to gain control and be exposed to a larger sum of money.
You’ll simply buy a contract of the underlying share, use borrowed money to trade with and be exposed to the full share’s value.
Let’s simplify this with a more relatable life example:
How gearing works with CFDs
Let’s say you want to buy 1,000 shares of Jimbo’s Group Ltd at R50 per share as you believe the share price is going to go up to R60 in the next three months. You’ll need to pay the entire R50,000 to own the full value of the 1,000 shares (R50 X 1,000 shares).
In three months’ time, if the share price hits R60 you’ll then be exposed to R60,000 (1,000 shares X R60 per share).
Note: I’ve excluded trading costs for simplicity purposes throughout this section
If you sold all your shares, you’ll be up R10,000 profit (R60,000 – R50,000). The problem is you had to pay the full R50,000 to be exposed to those 1,000 shares.
When you trade a geared instrument like CFDs, you won’t ever have to worry about paying the full value of a share again.
A CFD is an unlisted over-the-counter financial derivative contract between two parties to exchange the price difference of the opening and closing price of the underlying asset.
Let’s break that down into an easy-to-understand definition.
A CFD (Contract For Difference) is an
Unlisted (You don’t trade through an exchange)
Over The Counter (Via a private dealer or market maker)
Financial derivative contract (Value from the underlying market)
Between two parties (The buyer and seller) to
Exchange the
Price difference of the opening and closing price of the
Underlying asset (Instrument the CFD price is based on)
Let’s use an example of a company called Jimbo’s Group Ltd, who offers the function to trade CFDs.
The initial margin (deposit) requirement is 10% of the share’s value. This means, you’ll pay R5.00 per CFD instead of R50, and you’ll be exposed to the full value of the share.
To calculate the gearing (or leverage ratio) you’ll simply divide what you’ll be exposed to over the initial margin deposit.
Here’s the gearing calculation on a per CFD basis:
Gearing
= (Exposure per share ÷ Initial deposit per CFD)
= (R50 per share ÷ R5.00 per CFD)
= 10 times gearing
This means two things…
#1. For every one Jimbo’s Group Ltd CFD you buy for R5.00 per CFD, you’ll be exposed to 10 times more (the full value of the share).
#2. For every one cent the share rises or falls, you’ll gain or lose 10 cents.
To have the exposure of the full 1,000 shares of Jimbo’s Group Ltd, you’ll simply need to buy 1,000 CFDs. This will require a deposit of R5,000 (1,000 CFDs X R5.00 per CFD).
With a 10% margin deposit (R5,000), you’d have the exact same exposure as you’d have with a conventional R50,000 shares’ investment.
Here is the calculation you can use to work out the exposure of the trade.
Overall trade exposure
= (Total initial margin X Gearing)
= (R5,000 X 10 times)
= R50,000
With an initial deposit of R5,000 and with a gearing of 10 times, you’ll be exposed to the full R50,000 worth of shares.
In three months’ if the share price reaches R60, your new overall trade exposure will be R60,000 worth of shares (1,000 shares X R60 per share). If you sold all of your positions, you’d bank a R10,000 gain (R60,000 – R50,000).
But remember, you only deposited R5,000 into your trade and not the full R50,000. This is the beauty of trading geared derivative instruments.
If you want any other technical trading or fundamental term explained, please comment below. I'm happy to help.
Trade well, live free
Timon
MATI Trader
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