HOW to SPARK New Trading IdeasToday I want you to use your imagination.
I want you to ignite new, profitable and powerful trading ideas.
Let’s embark on a journey to ignite your trading creativity, transforming the mundane into the extraordinary.
Speak to Traders – The Power of Conversation
Nothing beats the raw, unfiltered insights you can gain from chatting with fellow traders.
It’s like opening a portal to a universe brimming with unique strategies and perspectives.
Whether it’s a casual coffee meet-up or a spirited discussion on trading forums, the exchange of ideas can light up that creative spark within you.
As you know I’ll be doing a lot more videos and live events, you’ll have the opportunity to share your ideas, analyses and ask questions!
Remember, every trader has a story, a battle scar, or a victory dance.
These are not just tales; they are potential blueprints for your next big trade.
Let Your Mind Wander – The Art of Creative Thinking
In the hustle of tick charts, Bitcoin rallies, and economic news, your best trading idea could be waiting in the quiet.
It’s time to get your creative juices flowing.
Take a walk, meditate, have more showers or simply gaze out the window.
It’s in these moments of apparent idleness that your brain connects the dots, craft strategies that you wouldn’t have thought of while staring at screens.
Give yourself permission to dream, and watch as those dreams morph into actionable trading ideas.
Explore Online – The Digital Goldmine
The internet is a goldmine for traders seeking inspiration.
With endless resources at your fingertips, from real-time market analysis to historical data, the possibilities are limitless.
Take the opportunity to dive into financial news websites, scrutinize market trends on social platforms, or get lost in the vast ocean of trading blogs.
Each click can unravel patterns and opportunities. And it will help propel you towards your next trading venture.
Remember, the digital world is your trading oyster, and every piece of information is a potential pearl of wisdom.
Trading Podcasts – Voices That Inspire
In today’s fast-paced world, trading podcasts are the lighthouses guiding traders through the fog of information overload.
They provide not just market insights but also foster a sense of community.
Whether you’re on your daily commute or taking a break, tune into a trading podcast.
Let the voices of experienced traders be the wind beneath your wings, propelling you towards new horizons.
Write Down Ideas – The Might of the Pen
An idea, until it’s written down, is like a spark that risks being extinguished by the slightest breeze.
The simple act of writing can turn this spark into a flame.
Keep a journal of your trading thoughts, no matter how fleeting or outlandish they may seem.
Over time, this journal becomes a repository of your trading evolution, a place where ideas can be nurtured and refined.
This practice not only sharpens your trading acumen but also serves as a beacon during times of doubt.
FINAL WORDS:
Remember, every great trader was once a beginner, armed with nothing but a passion for the markets and a willingness to learn.
So, let your ideas flow, for in the world of trading, today’s whimsy could be tomorrow’s windfall.
Let’s some up ways for you to ignite and spark new profitable and powerful trading ideas.
Speak to Traders – The Power of Conversation
Let Your Mind Wander – The Art of Creative Thinking
Explore Online – The Digital Goldmine
Trading Podcasts – Voices That Inspire
Write Down Ideas – The Might of the Pen
J200 trade ideas
The Trading Matrix: 14 Vital Lessons DecodedThe Matrix is a movie where no matter what age you watch it, you’ll gain a different perspective from it.
And there is a wealth of knowledge and ideas that you can unlock when you dig deep into the movie.
A world where the line between reality and illusion blurs, much like the iconic film.
The Matrix, with its deep philosophical underpinnings and action-packed storyline.
It isn’t isn’t just a cult classic; it’s a treasure trove of lessons for traders.
Let’s decode a few trading lessons you can learn from The Matrix.
Building Confidence: The Neo Path
Remember Neo’s metamorphosis?
From Thomas Anderson, a man riddled with doubt, insecurity and worry.
To Neo, the confident savior of humanity.
This journey is similar to one that a trader takes.
You begin with uncertainty, doubt and worry.
You then develop greed and ego.
The market disciplines and humbles you again and again and again.
But then you develop the edge. You adapt to the trading world with gains, losses, drawdowns and different streaks.
And then you develop self confidence and resilience as a trader.
Like Neo, you might stumble, but remember, every setback is a setup for a comeback.
Confirmation Bias: Dodging the Bullet
Much like Neo’s iconic bullet-dodging scene, traders must learn to dodge the deadly bullet of confirmation bias.
Neo created some form of movements and hand gestures in order to stop the bullets.
But what he truly did was create confirmation bias that he was beyond the physics and laws of the universe. And this system is how he was able to go beyond the normal.
Create or adopt a trading system that with Confirmation bias, you can identify high probability trades.
And even though, you’re using some pseudo system that no one knows about. You’re simply turning chaos into financial order, to have a mechanical process involved – to grow a consistent account.
Only by actively seeking diverse viewpoints can you dodge the bias bullet and make decisions that are truly informed.
Take the Red Pill: Embrace Reality
Taking the red pill is about confronting the brutal truths of the market.
The trading world is not a bed of roses; it’s volatile, unpredictable, and sometimes harsh.
Those traders who take the blue pill –
Only look to win.
Only look to build their portfolio with an insane win rate.
Only look to go all in on certain positions.
When you take the red pill, you take on the realities of trading.
You acknowledge the risks.
You prepare for the drawdowns.
You know you’re going to take inevitable losses.
You understand that your past trading does not indicate future results.
Those oblivious traders – get destroyed.
Like Neo, when you choose the red pill, you choose to see the market for what it truly is, warts and all.
There Is No Spoon: The Power of Perspective
The “There is no spoon” scene teaches us the power of perspective.
In trading, the market isn’t your enemy; it’s your perception that needs adjusting.
Bend your mind, not the spoon.
Adopt a system which has a flexible mindset.
Be ready to pivot your strategies in response to market dynamics.
Success comes not from forcing the market to your will, but from adapting your will to the market.
Understand the Code – Understand the Matrix
Trading involves deciphering patterns, much like understanding the Matrix’s code.
The market moves up, down and sideways.
Given.
But with Price, Volume and probabilities – there is a proliferation of world of opportunities with each market.
Develop the ability to read charts, trends, and indicators.
Recognize that behind every market movement, there’s a code to be cracked.
Agent Smith and Market Manipulators
Just as Agent Smith represents a threat within the Matrix, market manipulators pose real dangers.
Stay away from markets with:
Too much volatility
Too many gaps
Unusual trading activity
Stay vigilant, and don’t be swayed by pump-and-dump schemes or misinformation.
They will disrupt your trading journey.
Training Simulation: Practice Makes Perfect
Remember the scene where Neo was practice fighting in simulations with Trinity and Morpheus?
He was testing, improving, adapting and learning.
You should do the same before you risk your hard earned money.
Test, Test, Test, Forward Test and Real Test.
Use demo accounts and simulations to hone your skills.
Make mistakes where it’s safe to do so, and learn from them without risking your capital.
Morpheus’s Faith: Belief in Yourself
Morpheus believed in Neo before he believed in himself.
Cultivate self-belief.
Trust in your analysis, your strategy, and your decisions.
Without belief, fear and doubt will cloud your judgment.
The Architect’s Plan: Strategy is Key
Understand the market’s architecture.
Develop a trading plan and stick to it.
Adjust as necessary, but always with the structure of your overall strategy in mind.
Free Your Mind: Emotional Control
Neo’s journey was as much about freeing his mind as it was about saving the world.
In trading, emotional control is paramount. You need to learn to let go of Ego, Fear and Greed.
These are your greatest enemies.
You can do this by:
Having a strong back tested track record to prepare for what is to come.
Risk even less until you don’t feel the losses.
Real trade with the smallest positions to get an idea on how the markets work and will operate when you incorporate costs.
Train yourself to remain calm and objective, regardless of the market’s ups and downs.
FINAL WORDS: The Path to Financial Awakening
Trading, is much like deciphering the Matrix.
It is an ongoing journey fraught with challenges, revelations, and the need for constant adaptation.
The key points to remember with the Trading Matrix are:
Building Confidence: The Neo Path
Develop self-belief through education and resilience.
Confirmation Bias: Dodging the Bullet
Seek diverse viewpoints to make informed decisions.
Take the Red Pill: Embrace Reality
Embrace the reality of the markets with all its risks.
There Is No Spoon: The Power of Perspective
Adjust your perspective and adapt to market dynamics.
Understand the Code – Understand the Matrix
Understand the code behind market movements.
Agent Smith and Market Manipulators
Stay vigilant against market manipulation.
Training Simulation: Practice Makes Perfect
Use simulations to hone your trading skills.
Morpheus’s Faith: Belief in Yourself
Cultivate self-belief and trust in your decisions.
The Architect’s Plan: Strategy is Key
Develop and stick to a well-thought-out trading plan.
Free Your Mind: Emotional Control
Master your emotions to remain calm and objective.
Is trading really gambling? Yes and no!I know why you’re NOT trading.
You think trading is nothing more than gambling.
I get emails every day from members saying things like.
“Timon trading seems like going to the casino”.
“Timon I don’t want to put money into something that’s gambling”
“Timon thanks but I don’t gamble”
So you’re not trading because you think it’s like gambling.
Well, before you send me another email like this – Please make sure you read this carefully.
Let’s dive into the heated debate and let’s see if I agree whether trading is just gambling.
Does Timon think trading is just gambling?
YES! I do believe trading is a form of gambling.
BUT – hold on…
Gambling exists in two realms. Chance vs. Strategy
There is chance gambling and strategic gambling.
Chance gambling is similar to playing slot machines, lotteries, and coin tosses.
It’s 50/50. And it’s all up to chance.
Have you ever heard of a professional slots player or coin flipper?
I don’t think so.
Then in the other realm of gambling is known as strategic gambling.
The strategic domain is where skill, knowledge, risk management, methodology, probabilities and decision-making play crucial roles.
And that my friend, is why I believe trading is a form of strategic gambling.
You do get professional and successful poker and black jack players, sports bettors and of course traders.
Right?
And that’s because you need skill, strategies and the right techniques to WIN as oppose to mere luck.
So before you quit trading because you think it’s nothing more than gambling, allow me to go one step further.
Let’s talk about the similarities between certain strategic gambling games and see how we can learn from them with trading.
Strategic Game #1:
Trading and Poker – The art of strategy and risk management
Poker and trading share a few similarities.
They both emphasize skill, strategy, and a sprinkle of luck.
But you need a deep understanding of the rules.
You need keen observation of the competitors.
You need adeptness at risk, reward and money management.
Poker players and traders alike must know when to hold their ground and when to fold.
Poker players put their cards down when the probability is low.
Traders either don’t take the trade, risk little in medium probability trades and use tools like stop losses to risk little.
Poker also teaches the importance of emotional control and patience.
And these as I have written many times before, are crucial in trading.
Because emotional decisions can lead to significant losses with both poker and with trading.
Next game…
Game #2: Trading and Roulette
Playing the probabilities
It may seem at first that roulette leans more towards chance.
Red or black, odd or even etc…
But the fact that you have a choice, means that it offers you some form of probability.
A fundamental concept in trading are probabilities.
Traders, like professional roulette players, use statistical analysis to help make informed and better decisions.
It is unpredictable what the ball will land on.
Just like it is unpredictable which way the market will go.
But if you have a sound system, proven track record and winning strategy – you will be able to base the probabilities and tilt the odds in your favour – over time.
In trading, while certain market movements can’t be predicted with absolute certainty, we rely heavily on technical, fundamental, statistical analysis and probabilities to make trading decisions.
Trading, much like roulette, is where you need to diversify your positions and bets.
And you can WIN in the long run if you follow your high probability strategy.
Game #3: Trading and Blackjack
How a maths boffon can win overtime
In blackjack, players make strategic decisions to outmaneuver the dealer.
The main goal is to try and get the cards we’re dealt to hit 21, be close to 21 or be closer to 21 than our opponent’s hand.
Bet too high past 21 and you burn (lose).
This is similar to trading.
You need to be able to analyse the marker conditions.
You need to be able to calculate your position sizes and risk management according to your trade line up.
Both games need you to have a balance of risk, strategy, and knowledge to succeed.
Game #4: Trading and Horse Racing
Know your horse!
Now this is a game that has turned many statisticians into multi millionaires.
Horse racing is where you need to know and choose the right horse that will win based on its:
Form
Characteristics
Conditions of the race
Weather on the day
and other factors.
They study the characteristics, and race conditions to a T.
They calculate based on past performance on which horse has the higher probability of winning.
Traders need to know their horses (markets) too.
Every market you choose to trade, has its own personality, form, movements, and style.
You need to check to see if the chosen market has worked for your trading system and portfolio over time.
And you need to choose the right time, market environment and other factors – before you take on the trade.
In horse racing, experienced bettors also diversify their bets across multiple races and horses to spread risk.
With trading we diversify our portfolios over different accounts, markets, sectors, instruments and types.
Finally let’s talk about the last game:
Game #5: Trading and Sports Betting
The power of predictive analysis
Sports betting, much like trading, relies on predictive analysis to almost see potential outcomes.
If you understand a team’s performance, strategy, and conditions – You will be able to make better betting decisions for the next game.
As a sports bettor you definitely need to know how to analyse a team’s or player’s form, weather conditions, past scores and more to predict an outcome.
Whether it’s football, rugby or cricket – you need to have your winning game plan to increase your chances of winning the bet.
Traders do the same. They have different markets like sports bettors have different games.
Traders also conduct similar technical, fundamental, sentimental, volume analyses to help predict potential market movements.
Both activities involve calculated risk-taking, aiming for high-probability successes based on thorough research and analysis.
Final words:
So, as you can see trading is MORE than just gambling.
Unlike games of pure chance, trading is a disciplined, analytical pursuit that shares more in common with skill-based gambling.
It does require you however to have the right knowledge, strategy, and strong risk, reward and money management.
Let’s sum up the games and sports vs trading so you can remember what we’ve covered today:
Game #1: Trading and Poker – The art of strategy and risk management
Game #2: Trading and Roulette – Playing the probabilities
Game #3: Trading and Blackjack – How a maths boffon can win overtime
Game #4: Trading and Horse Racing – Know your horse!
Game #5: Trading and Sports Betting – The power of predictive analysis
DO YOU THINK TRADING IS LIKE GAMBLING?
JSE Top 40It's Been a Long Time, Glad to be Back! 🚀
Hey TradingView fam! After a long hiatus, I'm excited to dive back into the charts with you all. Today, my focus is on the JSE Top 40. With upcoming elections in South Africa and approximately 130 other countries going to the polls this year, we're bound to see some market volatility. But will this lead to a bear market? In my personal opinion, it's a no. Let's break it down. 📉➡️📈
Weekly Chart Analysis:
When looking at the weekly chart, which aligns well with long-term investing, the current market structure is very bullish. We have equal highs sitting at 75,921.75, and the price is currently in a supply level heading into the South African elections. With loadshedding expected to kick back in post-elections, this could fuel Rand hedge stocks in the index. The continued devaluation of the Rand is likely, given the weak economic growth and poor management of state resources.
What Does This Mean?
My bet is on the USD-denominated bonds hurting balance sheets, and we might see an Eskom bailout announced within the next few years. It’s still unclear how much diesel Eskom is burning to keep the lights on, but this could significantly impact the market. We could see prices hit all-time highs and then retreat to the 67,500 region, which should provide a decent entry with a target set at the 84,650 region.
If there's a risk-off event in global markets, let it fall to 57,675 before switching to the daily chart for entries. 📊🔄
Elections Around the World 🌍
Did you know that around 130 countries are having elections this year? From major economies to emerging markets, this will surely add an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the trading environment. Buckle up, it's going to be an interesting ride! 🎢
Final Thoughts
The blend of political events, economic challenges, and market dynamics makes this an intriguing time for the JSE Top 40. Keep your eyes on the charts, stay informed, and let's navigate these waters together.
Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research before making any investment decisions. 📚💡
Happy trading, everyone! Let's make this year a profitable one. 🌟
STOP asking this dangerous two word questionWhat if?
This simple two word question is a psychological trap that traders often encounter.
And it does nothing more than undermine their decision-making process and overall trading performance.
This question will open a box of doubts, hypotheticals, and second-guessing.
This can paralyze action, distort risk assessment, and divert focus from the present to an endless maze of unrealized possibilities.
Let’s look into the psychological effects and what you can do to stop it from creeping in.
Psychological Impact
#1: Doubt and Hesitation
Constantly questioning “What if?” introduces doubt into the decision-making process.
For traders, you need to make decisions quickly and with confidence.
If you have any hesitation when you take a trade, it can lead to missed opportunities or entering positions at less than optimal prices.
#2: Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
“What if this stock skyrockets after I sell?”
“What if this stock isn’t ideal?”
What if this trade hits my stop loss?”
This type of questioning can lead to either:
~ Holding positions too long.
~ Not holding positions long enough.
~ Not taking the trade.
~ Or missing great opportunities that come your way.
#3: Overtrading
Conversely, the fear of missing out can also lead to overtrading.
“What if this is the next big opportunity?”
Regardless on whether the trade lined up or not.
You might be compelled to jump into trades without proper analysis or strategy.
This will increase your trades, costs and your exposure to risk.
#4: Regret and Rumination
Traders who focus on “What if?” scenarios may dwell on past decisions, and this could lead to regret and rumination.
This backward-looking perspective can hinder the ability to learn from mistakes and make more informed decisions in the future.
So let’s try prevent the WHAT IF? Scenario.
Don’t you think?
Managing “What If?” in Trading
#1: Develop a Trading Plan
Make sure you have a clear, well-thought-out trading plan.
This will help you to minimise second-guessing.
If you have pre-defined entry, exit, and risk management rules in advance, you’ll be able to reduce the temptation to ask “What if?” and instead focus on executing your strategy.
#2: Embrace Risk Management
When you understand and accept the inherent risks of trading can alleviate the stress of “What if?” questions.
Effective risk management will help ensure you to prepare for all types of outcomes.
And you’ll handle your losses without deviating from your strategy.
#3: Stay Present
You need to be in the NOW moment.
This way you’ll be able to avoid the trap of hypotheticals.
Ask the questions:
Has my trading system aligned?
What is my daily and weekly bias?
#4: Accept Uncertainty
Recognise that market conditions are inherently unpredictable as I’ve mentioned many times.
The only thing you should have your mind set to are the probabilities and possibilities of trades lining up.
No outcomes can be foreseen or controlled.
All you can do is follow your strategy accordingly and forget about the prompt “WHAT IF?”.
Final words:
I think I have covered all the ways you need to stop worrying about the unknown.
You need to stop asking “WHAT IF?”. And start saying “NOW DO”.
Let’s sum up why we would ask the hypothetical question when we trade:
#1: Doubt and Hesitation
#2: Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
#3: Overtrading
#4: Regret and Rumination
Managing “What If?” in Trading
#1: Develop a Trading Plan
#2: Embrace Risk Management
#3: Stay Present
#4: Accept Uncertainty
STOP Overtrading with these easy stepsDo you ever get caught in the whirlwind of overtrading?
You’re taking a ton of trades because you’re bored, to make up for losses, for the sake of trading and to maybe feel productive.
It’s like Netflix really. You’re watching your favorite TV series; before you know it, you’ve devoured the whole season in one sitting.
Time lost and you get deep withdrawal symptoms.
Well, you need to seriously stop overtrading.
It’s one of the BAD habits that you can find yourself repeating.
And over time, it will lead to a ton of losses, a blown account and you looking for the “next” best thing.
Let’s get into it.
Recognize when you’re overtrading and then simply – STOP!
TO put it blunt.
Overtrading refers to the excessive buying and selling of financial markets that are often driven by emotional decision-making rather than a strategic approach. This leads to low returns and increased risk.
First off, it’s crucial to recognize when you’re overtrading.
There are a couple of times when you could find yourself overtrading:
Chasing losses
This is where you try to recover from a losing streak by getting into more lower probability trades.
The gamblers overconfidence
The opposite can happen.
You might feel invincible and the king of the trading world, after a series of successful trades.
And this could get you to take on more trades, without proper analysis.
And it could lead to you losing all your wins for the day.
Market FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
You might see a NEWS event come out.
Your buddy might have taken an enticing trade.
Or you just feel there is more profits you believe you can take off the table.
And so, you jumping into more trades due to the fear of missing a profit opportunity.
Boredom Fever
Your trader and time is passing and, you are getting bored.
In fact, you’re probably feeling unproductive just seeing on your hands.
And so you get into other positions to pass time or for the excitement.
And you disregard, your sound market analysis.
Attempting to meet unrealistic profit goals
Most traders have a maximum loss per day, before they stop trading.
The dangerous players try to have a minimum goal of a % win they want to achieve per day.
This is dangerous. And this can lead to overtrading and more loss taking.
Peer pressure
Like I said, you might hear from a buddy who’s taking trades.
You might hear from some economist or analyst who’s diving in.
And you’ll feel peer pressure if they get you to the point to follow them.
You have your own strategy, system and risk management analysis. You don’t need anything else!
Got it?
Top of Form So what do you do when you feel the sense of overtrading?
Here are some ideas.
How to stop overtrading with easy steps
Take a break
It’s like stepping away from a heated argument to cool off. It helps clear your head.
Pick your best times and days to trade
Not all hours are created equal.
Know the market rhythms and dance to the beat that suits you best.
Keep to your plan only
Your trading plan is your roadmap.
If your plan is to follow a mentor – so be it.
If your plan is to follow your own strategy – Go for it.
If your plan is to intraday trade, day trade, position trade or core trade – Just follow it.
Don’t venture off into uncharted territory.
Quality over quantity
Focus on making a few high-quality trades rather than a bunch of haphazard ones.
Think of it as choosing a super healthy meal over a fast-food binge.
Engage in other activities
Go enjoy other aspects of life. Trading isn’t EVERYTHING.
Go for a walk.
Play with your dog or cat.
Do other business.
Distract yourself with hobbies or exercise when you feel the urge to overtrade.
You’ll thank yourself for not taking any unnecessary trades.
Because you won’t set that dangerous precedent, which can continue at a later stage.
Final words:
Overtrading is doing exactly that. Taking too many trades without following your sound principles, strategy and analyses.
This can lead to taking low probability trades, increasing your losses and destroying your mechanical mindset and trading strategy.
Let’s sum up WHAT causes you to over trade.
Chasing losses:
The gamblers overconfidence:
Market FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
Boredom fever
Attempting to meet unrealistic profit goals
Peer pressure
And we covered ways to STOP overtrading by things like:
Take a break
Pick your best times and days to trade
Keep to your plan only
Quality over quantity
Engage in other activities
Now you know what to do to STOP OVERTRADING.
Go and don’t do it!
Price Action Talking PointsPrice Action Talking Points
Pre-Market JSE
Sa mid & large caps: in the short term, it's getting crowded in here. Considering the technical summary below, it is a rarity seeing zero constituents in both the oversold phase and even more so in the high bearish momentum phase. Conversely, the high bullish momentum phase is populated with a remarkable 18 names and while the index is higher, there is only one share in the overbought category, which may also speak to a potential divergence on the index which is trading higher while fewer shares are in a real overbought range. There's been a significant amount of long side opportunities in recent weeks which I have discussed, however traders would have to be much more selective when looking to participate in the upside. In fact, the lack of oversold conditions may be indicative of the potential for several shares to pullback and re-test their rising short term moving average. There are pockets of opportunity, but I wont be forcing buy/long side ideas. As an active trader, it's just better to maintain discipline and respect the price action/data.
4 Golden Trading Lessons: Your Roadmap to SuccessAre your ready to elevate your trading game?
You’ll need these 4 golden tickets to have a chance.
You might have two or three of them, but it’s important to make sure so that you’re set for the rest of your trading career.
Have a read and let’s refine your trading skills.
Lesson 1: Follow a Proven Strategy and Never Deviate
Ever heard me say, “A rolling stone gathers no moss”?
That’s your trading strategy in a nutshell!
The key to success isn’t just having a strategy; it’s about taking every high probability trader, weathering through all environments and sticking to it.
Why?
Consistency is king.
Markets move up (You profit)
Markets move sideways (You lose)
Markets move down (You profit).
So you might as well enjoy the full journey and trading process you’re your one and only strategy.
So, stay the course!
Lesson 2: Only Risk What You Can Afford to Lose
Here’s a tough love moment:
Can you afford to lose what you’re risking?
Can you take the money – cut it up – throw it to the ground and you’ll be fine?
GOOD! Then you know that emotions and emergency life savings is NOT going to make the cut (no pun intended).
If you are feeling highly attached to the money, step back.
By only risking what you can afford, you keep emotions in check – win or lose.
It’s not about fear; it’s about smart, sustainable trading.
Remember, it’s a game of patience and discipline.
Lesson 3: Adhere to Strict Money Management Rules
This is your financial seatbelt.
What are your rules?
Here are some:
Risk MAX 2% per trade
Know where to place your stop loss and never move it when you’re losing
Halt trading when the drawdown is over 20% down
Never expose more than 20% of your overall portfolio
Always have a plan to deposit more money to grow more money
Lesson 4: Have a ‘Worst-Case-Scenario’ Plan
What’s your plan when the market throws a curveball?
Having a worst-case scenario plan isn’t pessimism; it’s smart trading.
You know you’re going to be in drawdown around 4 months a year.
You know there are consecutive losses to come with any trading strategy.
You know the market environments are not always to your favour.
So you need that umbrella to know when to halt trading.
Whether it’s diversifying, hedging, risking less or having a cash reserve, be ready for when the market isn’t your friend.
This isn’t about fear; it’s about being prepared.
FINAL WORDS:
These 4 Golden Trading Lessons are more than tips; they’re the pillars of successful trading.
It’s about building a trading practice that’s not just profitable, but sustainable and resilient.
Here are your 4 golden trading lessons.
Lesson 1: Follow a Proven Strategy and Never Deviate
Lesson 2: Only Risk What You Can Afford to Lose
Lesson 3: Adhere to Strict Money Management Rules
Lesson 4: Have a ‘Worst-Case-Scenario’ Plan
Buyer/Seller DominanceCandlestick Formations (Buyer/Seller Dominance) form part of technical price charts, which are are used by market participants to interpret current demand-supply dynamics, potential price trends as well as form decisions from these inferences. The tables below highlight the following: (1) The share name (2) the candle's 'change from open’ (over 1 session) i.e. from the start of the first hour of the trading day to the end of the last hour of the trading day'. This is used to determine the strength/weakness of the candle formation i.e. the greater (+) the percentage, the stronger the candle formation and the weaker (-) the percentage, the weaker the candle formation and (3) the share's short term technical rating i.e. which phase the share is in over a 7 day period.
BSD Top & Bottom 15Candlestick Formations (Buyer/Seller Dominance) form part of technical price charts, which are are used by market participants to interpret current demand-supply dynamics, potential price trends as well as form decisions from these inferences. The tables below highlight the following: (1) The share name (2) the candle's 'change from open’ (over 1 session) i.e. from the start of the first hour of the trading day to the end of the last hour of the trading day'. This is used to determine the strength/weakness of the candle formation i.e. the greater (+) the percentage, the stronger the candle formation and the weaker (-) the percentage, the weaker the candle formation and (3) the share's short term technical rating i.e. which phase the share is in over a 7 day period.
SA40
JSE Top 40 index: Thursday 02 may 2024
As per Tuesday’s pre-market above, the index traded higher followed by a failure to hold it’s highs. This resulted in what’s known as a ‘dark could cover’ candle formation. The price action is reflective of short term selling/distribution following the strong preceding upside move.
Draining Trading Habits: The Pitfalls to Avoid for Market SuccesYou know that trading is a mental game.
And if you play it wrong, it can be very draining on the mind and the soul.
Your aim is to make trading effortless and not overstressing.
And to do this, you need to avoid making these draining trading habits.
That’s what we’ll cover in this piece.
Personalise Losses: The Emotional Pitfall
Ever felt like the market is out to get you?
Go look at any chart and you’ll see there were times where you would have won and would have lost.
It’s a common trap.
Losses are not personal attacks.
And winners are not personal appraisals.
They’re part and parcel of the trading game.
Remember, the market is as impersonal as it gets.
When you personalize losses, you cloud your judgment, making it harder to learn from mistakes.
Instead you need to:
Shift Your Perspective:
View losses as the trading costs of doing business.
And if you’re still learning, then you can see losses as tuition fees for your trading education.
Keep a Trading Journal: Document your trades and reflect on your overall track record.
This way you’ll see both losses and gains as part of the process.
Cling to Long-term Trades: The Hope Trap
Ah, the classic ‘hold and hope’ strategy.
It’s easy to fall in love with a trade.
It’s also easy to marry a trade or even an investment.
But as a trader, you must NOT get married to a trade.
See them as short term conquests where you take one – lose one win one. But know that the next one is on the way.
So, how do you break free?
Set Clear Exit Strategies:
Before your enter a trade, know your exit points for both profit and loss.
Practice Detachment:
Treat each trade as just another business transaction. Or like I said – Conquest.
Always checking your trades: The Anxiety Generator
Checking your trades every five minutes? ‘
This can turn into an obsession.
I must say. This is not a good for your stress levels and your trading performance.
This habit can turn trading into a nerve-wracking obsession.
So instead:
Set Alerts:
Use technology to your advantage. Set alerts for price movements.
Schedule Check-ins:
Limit how often you check your trades.
Discipline is key!
Overstress about trades: The Health Hazard
Stress is the silent killer in trading.
It not only harms your health but also impairs your decision-making abilities.
So, how do we keep our cool in the heat of the market?
Practice Mindfulness:
Meditation and mindfulness can work wonders for stress management. Maybe even self-hypnosis at night to manage your worries, stress and to compartmentalize them.
Physical Activity:
Regular exercise helps in reducing stress and improving focus. You’ll be surprised what a simple walk, exercise or even punching the old bag can do to calm your mind.
The complaint department: Trading’s Emotional Baggage
Complaining about trades is like carrying around a bag of emotional bricks.
It’s exhausting! It’s heavy on you! And it’s just plain unnecessary.
This habit breeds negativity and affects your mindset.
Focus on Solutions:
Instead of complaining, channel your energy into finding solutions through your track record and money management strategies.
Seek Constructive Feedback:
Engage with a trading community for support and advice.
FINAL WORDS:
Your job is to manage stress, worry and to make trading as effortless and as easy as possible.
This requires some physical and mental activities.
And not just once off. On an ongoing basis…
Let’s sum up the draining trading habits so you know what NOT to do.
Personalise Losses: The Emotional Pitfall
Cling to Long-term Trades: The Hope Trap
Always checking your trades: The Anxiety Generator
Overstress about trades: The Health Hazard
The complaint department: Trading’s Emotional Baggage
J200An effective way of assessing opportunity is via the JSE technical summary, which is published daily. In south africa, or on the jse, there is a lack of breadth data which has forced one to use alternative tools to measure breadth. Fortunately, the tools and methodologies have served clients well. Most recently, the market pulled back, which saw 21 shares in a high bearish momentum / approaching oversold phase. Simultaneously, the tactical trading guide highlighted several shares which offered an attractive reward-to-risk on the buy/long side. At the last close, there are zero shares which are in a high bearish momentum / approaching oversold phase. This reflects the massive improvement in breadth as well as the buy/long reward-to-risk which has been reduced as a result of the advance of a significant number of constituents. Today, the likelihood of higher levels remain, however traders need to be alert to the potential for the index to fail to hold it’s prior session highs. This would signal that the shortg term upside momentum is waning. Also note, the technical trend rating for the index is: high bullish momentum / approaching overbought.
BSD Bottom 15Candlestick Formations (Buyer/Seller Dominance) form part of technical price charts, which are are used by market participants to interpret current demand-supply dynamics, potential price trends as well as form decisions from these inferences. The tables below highlight the following: (1) The share name (2) the candle's 'change from open’ (over 1 session) i.e. from the start of the first hour of the trading day to the end of the last hour of the trading day'. This is used to determine the strength/weakness of the candle formation i.e. the greater (+) the percentage, the stronger the candle formation and the weaker (-) the percentage, the weaker the candle formation and (3) the share's short term technical rating i.e. which phase the share is in over a 7 day period.
BSD Top 15Candlestick Formations (Buyer/Seller Dominance) form part of technical price charts, which are are used by market participants to interpret current demand-supply dynamics, potential price trends as well as form decisions from these inferences. The tables below highlight the following: (1) The share name (2) the candle's 'change from open’ (over 1 session) i.e. from the start of the first hour of the trading day to the end of the last hour of the trading day'. This is used to determine the strength/weakness of the candle formation i.e. the greater (+) the percentage, the stronger the candle formation and the weaker (-) the percentage, the weaker the candle formation and (3) the share's short term technical rating i.e. which phase the share is in over a 7 day period.