Friday, March 6, 2009

The toughest part of trading

The toughest part of trading is controlling one's emotions and being disciplined. If one is constantly wondering whether to buy or once in a trade whether to sell then it is not sytematic trading. It is random. It is like entering a casino and playing one round of black jack and then going to the next slot machine and trying one's luck there. Blowing up one's precious capital is guaranteed- its a matter of when.

How does one conquer one's emotions - trading a systematic plan. Have clear rules which are not written but carved in stone. The rules should be like this

Go Long: Condition 1
Stop Loss: Condition 2
Exit: Condition 3

Go Short: Condition 4
Stop Loss: Condition 5
Exit: Condition 6

Position Sizing/Money management: Condition 7

Such a system needs to be back tested, forward tested and traded live to build confidence.

Once one develops such a system the comfort level is immense. Trading will be more stress free than relaxing on the beach.

Happy trading!!

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