Six Steps to Better Trading

10
Dec0

1. Focus on markets, trading vehicles (i.e., equities, futures, options, spreads), strategies, and time frames that are comfortable for you and that suit your personality. The trades you make have to be “yours,” not mine or those of anyone else. Even when you purchase a method or system, it is vital that you study that method or system to the point that you thoroughly digest and understand the rules. That way you make it your own.

2. Identify non-random price behavior, while recognizing that markets are random most of the time. Look for repetitive price patterns and setups, but realize that once you begin trading them, they may become short-lived. If or when they stop working, be patient. Most of the time they will begin working again. When we released Andy’s E-mini bar, it stopped working for awhile, but those who stuck with it send us glowing letters telling us they are satisfied with the results. When you have a provable method, give it a chance to work. When you see an overall one-year equity curve showing that the method earned $7,400 trading one contract at a $10 commission, work your way up to a 10 lot and you will be making in excess of $70,000/year. Then collect more than one method or setup so you can make considerably more.

3. Absolutely convince yourself that what you have found is statistically valid and tradable in the way you like to trade. Not all statistically valid situations will be comfortable for you, nor will they fit your management style.

4. Set up trading rules; but remember, rules may have to change.

5. Follow the rules, but never to the point of destruction. You created the rule. If it stops working, change the rule, or throw it out entirely.

6. Learn to trade for fewer ticks but with more contracts. Most people do it exactly the opposite way.

The bottom line: personalize your trading to yourself (independence); and do the right thing consistently (discipline).

Joe Ross, trader, author, trading educator is one of the most eclectic traders in the business. His 50+ years include position trading of shares, and futures. He daytrades stock indices, currencies, and forex. He trades futures spreads and options on futures, and has written books about it all – 12 to be exact. Joe is the discoverer of The Law of Charts™, and is famous for the Ross hook™ and the Traders Trick Entry™. Trading Educators

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