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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!
JSE:J200Education
by Timonrosso
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
TVC:SA40Education
by Timonrosso
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
JSE:J200Education
by Timonrosso
5 Hidden Dangers of Trading with FOMOIn the previous TradingView article we spoke about FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). And why it is really not necessary to deal with. There is always the next trade coming. There is always another opportunity coming your way. There is always time to take the next one. No we are going to unpack the five hidden dangers of trading with FOMO and how to sidestep them like a pro. The Emotional Rollercoaster: Stress & Anxiety Remember when I said. “Trading is not just a financial challenge, but an emotional marathon”? That’s never more true than when FOMO kicks in. When you miss a trade, I know that you could feel stress and anxiety creeping in. You feel like you’ve missed the most important trade of the year. Well guess what, you might have missed one trade – but that’s it. Success is based on 1,000s of trades not just one. So the key is to remember this, so you eradicate the feelings of stress and anxiety next time you miss a trade. The Short-Term Mirage: Losing Sight of Long-Term Goals FOMO pushes you to focus on short-term gains. Yes it’s important to try and spot high probability trades on a daily basis. But, if you miss the trade – just go on and look for another. There is bound to be more ready for you to execute or at least prepare for. And while you’re at it, remember these are lessons to help you to be more punctual and vivid with your trades. Following the Herd: The Danger of Sheep Behaviour Ever heard the saying, “If your friend jumps off a bridge, would you do it too?” That’s FOMO in a nutshell. YOUR job is NOT to take a trade based on what your friend, foe, analyst or stranger tells you to buy or sell. Your job is to either follow your own trading plan and strategy or your mentor’s. Resist the urge to follow the flock and rather, trust your own research, strategy and instincts. You’ll form Bad Habits Each time you give in to FOMO and you take a trade for the sake of it, you’re not just making a bad trade. You’re also cultivating bad habits for the future. And once the bad habit forms, it then cultivates and becomes harder to escape from it. Break the cycle by sticking to your disciplined trading routine. You’re better than that! Ignored analysis When you have that FOMO you want to then take impulse trades. And all your hard work and analyses and discipline is thrown out of the window. It’s like trying to navigate yourself without a map or GPS. And you’re depending on your instincts or your “memory”. It’s a very risky gamble and it could take a LOT longer to find your way. Don’t go against the strategy. Don’t take trades for the sake of it. Don’t have FOMO because you missed one or two trades. Just keep to your strategy and move on. It’s your trading compass for a reason. FINAL WORDS 🚀🌟: Trading with FOMO is like sailing in stormy seas – it’s risky, stressful, and often leads to nowhere good. Let’s go other the 5 danger of trading FOMO Stress & Anxiety: Keep emotions in check and stick to your trading plan. Short-Term Focus: Remember your long-term goals and don’t get distracted by short-lived trends. Sheep Behaviour: Be an independent thinker, not a follower. Bad Habits: Avoid developing harmful trading habits by maintaining discipline. Ignored Analysis: Trust in your research and analysis; they are your best tools for successful trading.
JSE:J200Education
by Timonrosso
No FOMO when you trade - 5 ReasonsSo you missed a trade. Or you are you often gripped by the fear of missing out (FOMO) in the trading world? It’s a common feeling. But let me tell you. You might miss a train, but the next one is always on the way. And the stock market will always be there for you to pump out more profit opportunities for you. Today, I want you to not worry to much about FOMO. And I don’t want you to kick yourself and here’s why… Impulsive Decisions: The Enemy of Rational Trading Ever jumped into a trade just because it ‘felt right’? It’s like grabbing a chocolate bar at the checkout – it’s tempting, but not always a good idea. You need to get rid of the idea of wanting to impulse trade (trade for the sake of it). Rather have your trading plan and stick to it by all means. If you miss a trade – LOOK for the next one. Not a low probability trade. Wait for the next high chance of success trade and you’ll be happy you did so. Research: Your Secret Weapon Trading without research is like driving with your eyes closed. You might get lucky and not crash, but it’s a risky gamble. You need to put in the time to research and analyse the markets accordingly. Understand the why behind your trades. Research is your crystal ball in the trading world. Chasing the Market: A Fool’s Errand Ever seen a stock skyrocket and felt like you’re missing the party? You might feel the same with Bitcoin or a stock that has underperformed in a while. The worse you can do, is try to chase the market. If you missed the trade. Move on and find the next perfect trade that is linin up. Patience is your ally. Precision analysis is also the key. Remember, markets move in cycles. Wait for your moment. Big Risks: Big Rewards or Big Regrets? It’s like betting all your chips on red. It can pay off, but it’s a rollercoaster ride. So you need to remember that risk and money management is key. Balance optimism with realism. Use stop-loss orders, adjust with trailing stop losses – get out with time stop losses. And most importantly – Protect your capital – it’s your trading lifeline. High Emotions: The Trader’s Kryptonite The infamous emotional rollercoaster might make you take the wrong trades. It will result in you making rash, quick and irresponsible decisions. So try to keep emotions at bay, stay calm to trade. Develop a mindset that is calm and collected. Remember, the market doesn’t care about your feelings. Final words: So you know that FOMO is another dangerous habit to develop as a trader. Rather, say to yourself this mantra. There is always another and better trade on the way, and I don’t have to catch every single trade that presents itself. Let’s sum up the reasons why FOMO is dangerous. Impulsive Decisions: The Enemy of Rational Trading Research: Your Secret Weapon Chasing the Market: A Fool’s Errand Big Risks: Big Rewards or Big Regrets? High Emotions: The Trader’s Kryptonite
JSE:J200Education
by Timonrosso
What LOSER Traders Say – 6 PhrasesI like to say… Go where winners thrive and excuse givers die! If you’ve ever uttered the following phrases below – I urge you to stop saying them from today. And when you do utter these below phrases, you’re going to manifest losing, despair and hopelessness. But it’s not your fault. It’s the conditions and echo of amateur traders – that other traders listen to. I don’t believe for one second you want the loser mentality. I believe you want to embrace the mindset of a true trading champion. So let’s stop saying the below: The Market is Wrong: A Blame Game for the Weak Newsflash: the market isn’t out to get you. Another newsflash, the market is NEVER wrong. It goes up, down and sideways. What you’re seeing in the charts is HISTORICAL. So, what comes out in the future is untold but the truth. There should be NO ego for ever saying – The market is wrong. Take control of what the market is currently doing and what it has done and analyze your approach. I Suck at Trading: The Pity Party Pitfall Negative self-talk is the fastest route to trading mediocrity. We are ALL bad at something when we start. We continue to be bad at something if we don’t practice hard, work at it and have persistence. If you’re convinced you suck at trading, it’s time to silence that inner critic. Trading is no different from picking up another skill, vocation, endeavour and hobby. Maybe I Should Just Give Up: The Quitters’ Anthem Throwing in the towel is the easy way out. In fact, I don’t believe traders lose. They simply quit. But winners persevere. If thoughts of giving up dance in your mind, consider this: Success often comes to those who refuse to quit. Risk less. Tweak your strategy. Have your game plan with a solid back tested journal. Reassess your goals. Take a deep breath and remember that every setback is a setup for a comeback. Damn, This is a Slow Process: Impatience, the Silent Killer Trading success is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. Complaining about the slow process won’t expedite your journey to financial triumph. Whether you’re holding gold and waiting for the market to rally to new highs – It will come – you just need patience. Winners understand that patience is a trader’s virtue. So either you run the marathon, or give up trying knowing it’s going to be a long road. I Can’t Do It Your mind is a powerful tool. And when there are challenges and doubts, you’ll find that you’ll keep telling yourself – you can’t do it. Think of thoughts as tiny branches of a tree. The more you think a certain way, the bigger the tree becomes. And this will set yourself up for failure. Random thought: This is why when a woman says I’m fat 1,000 times. No matter how thin she is, you can’t convince her that she is thin. Because of the tree she has build in her mind about her self-image. Same with trading. Stop saying negative thoughts. Be kinder to yourself and who you are. Winners replace “I can’t” with “I will.” Winners replace Should, Would, Could with DO! Cultivate a positive trading mindset, believe in your abilities, and watch how your confidence transforms your trading outcomes. I’ll Start Tomorrow Procrastination is the biggest thief of success. Tomorrow is the favorite day of the loser. If you constantly push your trading plans to the next day, you’re delaying your success. You’re delaying profit opportunities. You’re delaying your learning process. Winners take action today. Start now, stick to your plan, and relish the progress you’ll make. Tomorrow’s victories are earned through today’s actions. FINAL WORDS: So from today, say and manifest a more optimistic and positive mindset. Don’t say any more loser phrases. And let’s cultivate a winning mentality and tree of positive branches to your mind. Let’s sum up the phrases you must NOT say: The Market is Wrong: A Blame Game for the Weak I Suck at Trading: The Pity Party Pitfall Maybe I Should Just Give Up: The Quitters’ Anthem Damn, This is a Slow Process: Impatience, the Silent Killer I Can’t Do It I’ll Start Tomorrow
TVC:SA40Education
by Timonrosso
6 More Trading Time WastersWith trading, time is money. And every wasted moment is a missed opportunity. Every day you skip. Every high probability trade you miss on whatever market you’re trading. Even every loss you take according to your strategy, is one step closer you’re missing to success. I wrote about time wasting in the previous article. And I can’t stress enough how important it is to get yourself into gear. It’s time to take control of your time and trading actions. Here are 6 more trading time wasters. #1. Chasing the News Turn on Bloomberg, CNN or BBC. Flicking lights. Loud sounds. Entertaining drama, drama, drama. It’s like watching Netflix. And if you become obsessed, it’s easy to fall into the trap of chasing the latest news headlines. Breaking news is inevitable. And staying informed is great. But it’s NOT necessary to adapt the news into your trading strategy. In fact, the hyped up news will lead to impulsive and emotional decisions. Don’t fall for the news mania. Save that for AFTER your trading. And watch it for entertainment and education. Nothing else. #2. Checking the Portfolio Often Ahhh! The Perils of perpetual monitoring. Listen… Your portfolio is not a ticking time bomb that requires constant supervision. As a young trader I get that it’s tempting to check your gains and losses every few minutes. But this is a long term game. So if you adopt this checking bad habit, you’ll see it can breed anxiety and cloud your judgment. Maybe check your portfolios once a day. Or even every few days. But lose the obsession please. You’re wasting precious time and energy on unnecessary stuff. #3. Analysis Paralysis Another mistake is drowning yourself in data. Too much analysis can lead to paralysis. Endless charts, intricate patterns, and an abundance of indicators might make you feel like a trading virtuoso. But you’ll quickly learn that, it won’t necessarily translate to profits. Rather stick to the K.I.S.S – Keep It Simple Stupid. Simplify your approach, focus on key factors. And please make decisions based on a clear understanding rather than drowning in a sea of data. #4. Procrastination Procrastination is the silent killer of trading success. To leave it to tomorrow. As they say. Tomorrow never comes. All you have is NOW. So, if you want to trade – Get a coffee and sit down and take action. Delaying decisions can mean missing out on lucrative opportunities. Set clear goals, establish a solid plan, and execute it without succumbing to the siren call of procrastination. Time wasted is money lost in the dynamic world of trading. #5. Overcomplicating – Don’t be a trading jack of all trades! Trading doesn’t need to be a convoluted puzzle. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to trade well. You don’t need a degree or even a complicated strategy. In fact, if you overcomplicate your trading, it will lead to more confusion and poor decision-making. Be a master of a few effective markets, time frames, strategies, money management and techniques. #6. Fear of Taking Action This my friend is the stagnation trap. Inaction out of fear is a formidable enemy for traders. You need to remember that fortune favors the bold in the world of trading. Those who: Deposit money. Learn all about trading well. Practice with a demo account. Adapt a winning trading strategy. Keep persistent with their trading. Are the ones that will win…’ FINAL WORDS: So stop wasting time and start doing more to achieve your trading dreams. Let’s sum up the 6 trading time wasters. #1. Chasing the News #2. Checking the Portfolio Often #3. Analysis Paralysis #4. Procrastination #5. Overcomplicating – Don’t be a trading jack of all trades! #6. Fear of Taking Action
TVC:SA40Education
by Timonrosso
6 Top Trading Time WastersYou need to stop wasting precious time. I have had members who’ve been with me for 15 years and haven’t even taken a trade. I have written this article in a way that you can relate to the problems with traders wasting time. Ready? #1. Wait for Inspiration Trader A: “I just can’t trade today. I’m waiting for that magical moment when inspiration strikes!” SOLUTION: Waiting for inspiration in trading is like waiting for money to rock up at your doorstop. It doesn’t happen! Successful traders create their own inspiration, discipline and integration by TAKING ACTION. You want a sign. Here’s a sign. Start today, do not delay and don’t wait for another sign. #2. Complaining Trader A: “The market is so unpredictable and complicated! I can’t catch a break.” SOLUTION: Stop complaining and start acting, adapting, growing and evolving. Markets change, that’s the only constant about it. And they move up, down and sideways. So, instead of moaning about it, embrace the volatility. Complaining won’t make you a better trader, but adapting to change will. #3. Doubting Trader A: “I’m not sure if I can make this trade. It’s going to be a loser.” SOLUTION: Doubt is the enemy of success. Trust your analysis, track record and your stats. Stick to your strategy just keep at it. This is a long term game to success. When you doubt yourself, you manifest a deeper element of self-failure. You need to stop wasting precious time and opportunities. Confidence, certainty and trust is key! #4. Comparing Trader A: “Look at their profits! I wish I could trade like them.” SOLUTION: Comparison is the thief of joy and the delayer of self success. You should only focus on your own journey. You are running your own marathon. It doesn’t matter how much money you have. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been trading., It doesn’t matter if others are doing better. You need to focus on your trading time line. #5. Excuse Giving Trader A: “I didn’t trade well because the market was too volatile.” SOLUTION: Excuses won’t make you a better trader. I don’t have enough time. I don’t have enough money. I don’t have enough experience I don’t have enough patience. I don’t have enough anything. I repeat – Excuses won’t make you a better trader. Take responsibility and take accountability for your decisions, good or bad. Learn from your mistakes and use them to refine your trading strategy, stats and track record. Excuses only waste time; accountability fuels improvement. #6. Fear of Failure Trader A: “What if I lose all my money? I can’t handle the risk.” SOLUTION: As I always like to say. You ONLY fail when you quit. Fear is natural, but letting it control your actions is a mistake. You need to manage your trading and risks better. You need stay laser focused with tunnel vision. With trading you should not AVOID losses – as they are inevitable. You should embrace both winners and losses to come with the trading venture. You can’t win them all. But you also can’t lose them all. Keep that in mind when you trade. FINAL WORDS So, by now you should have one thing in your mind. Stop wasting time with your trading. Every day you delay is another profit opportunity you’re letting go of. Let’s sum up the 6 Time Wasters with trading. #1. Wait for Inspiration #2. Complaining #3. Doubting #4. Comparing #5. Excuse Giving #6. Fear of Failure
TVC:SA40Education
by Timonrosso
I'm done with this!We’ve all had this moment. Where we stare at our screens, scratching our heads, wondering a bunch of stuff. Why is this so slow? Why can’t I press the button Where am I going wrong? We’ve chased trends, hesitated when we should have acted, and let our emotions play puppeteer with our portfolios. Today is the turning point. For you! It’s time to say… “I’m done!” This read could be what you need to win this year. #1: I’M DONE: Making Excuses Enough is enough! No excuses this time. Open your trading account Deposit more money Adopt strong trading strategies Have the right calculators and journals to follow Keep at it. No more blaming external factors; it’s time to own your trading career and learn from them. #2: I’M DONE: Feeling Emotional Trading with emotions is like juggling dynamite. Sooner or later, something’s going to explode. Whether you have been on this rollercoaster of euphoria and despair for far too long. If you celebrate winners or get angry over losers – The emotions will only enhance and will develop into emotional turmoil. It’s time you take a more rational approach. Risk less – If the amount is too emotional to handle. No more “I know better trades” than my trading strategy. No more fear, greed and definitely NO MORE EGO! It’s time to trade with a clear head and a steady hand. #3: I’M DONE: Rushing the Process Patience is not just a virtue; it’s a survival skill. Have you been guilty rushing into trades without proper research, hoping for quick wins. Have you been irritated how slow the progress is to build an account. Have you felt the need to quit during drawdowns. Guess what? No body fails with trading. They quit. The market doesn’t care about your impatience. From now on, adopt the mantra: “Slow and steady wins the trading race.” #4: I’M DONE: Doubting Myself Self-doubt is the silent assassin of trading success. It creeps into your mind, sows seeds of uncertainty. Before you know it, you’re second-guessing every move. Stop! Remember, you are the BOSS of your trading account, strategy and results. So act like a boss. Get rid of self-doubt and embrace more confidence. You have got the skills, the knowledge, and the experience. It’s time to trust yourself and let your trades reflect that trust. #5: I’M DONE: Missing Great Opportunities Regret is a bitter pill to swallow. Especially when it comes to missed trading opportunities. I’m sure you’ve kicked yourself one too many times for hesitating when you should have pounced. I still kick myself when I miss trades! We are human. We can’t see everything all the time. But remember this. The next trade is always on its way. You don’t need to feel FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). Always try improve on spotting and taking advantage of better trading opportunities. And know that taking trades (no matter how good they look) are always difficult. But they need to be taken. They need to be followed. From now on, be bold, seize the moment, and make the most of every chance the market throws your way. FINAL WORDS: It’s all on you! Every financial decision you make, is your responsibility. So remember to say out loud what we are DONE THIS YEAR. #1: I’M DONE: Making Excuses #2: I’M DONE: Feeling Emotional #3: I’M DONE: Rushing the Process #4: I’M DONE: Doubting Myself #5: I’M DONE: Missing Great Opportunities
TVC:SA40Education
by Timonrosso
1
What Makes a Trade – Unveil the pillars of profitable tradingTo trade well is nothing more than a calculated dance on the trading floor. You need to navigate the volatile seas of markets and understand the essential elements of a trade. And whether you’re a newbie or the MOST experienced trader out there, you need to adopt the same quintessential factors with your trading. And that is, the elements that make a trade. Let’s get into them… Position Size Imagine building a mansion without a blueprint. That’s what trading without considering position size feels like—chaotic and prone to collapse. The cornerstone of any robust trading strategy is for you to figure out the right amount of exposure to each position. It’s not just about the quantity of trades but the quality of each. You need to be precise in the position sizing with each trade. That is to maintain your risk and money management. That is to make sure you will only deposit a certain amount into your trade. And it is to ensure you have enough money to take on new and even higher probabilities of trades. Precision in position sizing is the silent architect behind the towering fortresses of successful traders. Entry: The art of timing of execution Whenever you enter into a market, 98% of the work is done. You have everything lined up according to the criteria, strategy and plan. You already have your idea on whether a market is likely to rally on up or fall off its horse. It’s not just about being in the market; it’s about being in the market at the right moment. Risk Level: Taming the market beast In the wilderness of financial markets, risk is the untamed beast that can either devour or be tamed. You need to be able to recognize the risk levels you’ll set to contain the beast. Where to place your stop loss The calculations of where you are NOT most likely to be hit Your risk per level and what you can stand to lose. Your risk level is your shield to protect from unexpected peril. You have to have all your calculations to lose a battle but NOT the war. Reward Level: Harvest your fruits Yes a MAJOR element to trading is RISK. But it’s also about reward, or else why would we be doing it? You need to meticulously set realistic reward levels that mirror the potential gains of a successful trade. Your reward must ALWAYS be more than your risk. You need to see the potential and likely future for the price to hit the take profit. Profit and Time Protection Levels: Safe-guard your winners and cut your losses Trading unfortunately is NOT always 100% mechanical. You need to safeguard your positions at times. What if the position becomes a non performing investment?’ And you’re losing daily interest? Well you need some type of time stop loss. This will get you out of your trade at a certain period so you can look for better positions. Worst case scenario you lose less than expected. Or you even bank a bit of profits as the trade remains in the money. FINAL WORDS: Trading is a game of calculated strategy and skill. But there are pillars of trading, you can’t avoid including: Position size, entry Risk level Reward level and Profit and time protection levels. These will help you form the bedrock upon which the palaces of prosperous trading are built. As you embark on your own trading odyssey, remember: mastery of these elements is not just a choice; it’s the key that unlocks the doors to financial triumph. So make sure you have these elements ready to execute to make a trade happen.
TVC:SA40Education
by Timonrosso
7 Monopoly Lessons for TradersYou can learn a lot from the classic board game we all know and love: Monopoly. And as a trader, if you decide to play it again with your spouse or children – you’ll find the game to be very different. That’s because you have a better sense of risk, reward, probabilities and money management. You have the patience to grow a sizeable portfolio and eventually WIN! But before you do delve into your past, I want to share 7 important lessons I learned about trading from Monopoly. Hold Cash: The higher earner has the upper hand In Monopoly, the richer always has a stack of cash at the ready. Just like the Casino (where the house holds most of the money). And where the money is, is where the advantage lies. Similarly, in the trading arena, the money you have on hand is your golden ticket to seize profit opportunities. You know when they say, we are still counting our money? It’s because you have cash in hand rather than tied up in different assets. So with trading and with Monopoly, cash is king. You always need money to: Have funds to buy or sell more markets Be able to control your risk and money management Work on your Drawdown control methods Peace of mind you’re in it for the long haul No matter how many trades or positions I take, I always make sure to have at least 90% of cash in the portfolio at any one time. Be Patient: Not every roll is a winner Impatience is the enemy of traders. In Monopoly, you don’t win by making reckless moves at every turn. It’s about waiting for the right moment to strike. It’s about being patient to wait for the right property to buy and take advantage of. It’s about waiting for your opponent to land on your property for you to get paid. All in good time my friend., Apply the same philosophy to trading. The market will throw its share of doubles and snake eyes your way, but success lies in patience and strategic precision. You need to be patient for: The high probability trade to line up The markets to play out The drawdowns to end eventually Your portfolio to grow at a slow but steady rate Patience is EVERYTHING. Monopoly teaches us the value of holding onto our hard-earned cash. Similarly, in trading, preserving your capital is the name of the game. Avoid risky moves that could bankrupt your portfolio, and remember, sometimes the best move is not the flashiest one. Don’t blow on the most expensive stuff Just because Boardwalk has an expensive hotel doesn’t mean it’s the winning move. Similarly, the most expensive stocks or markets like Brent Crude or Indices like JSE ALSI 40 aren’t always the path to success. First, you might not have enough funds to accommodate the positions. Second, the markets might not have aligned perfectly to your strategy. Third, a high price market might be in a BUBBLE which is ready to pop. Fourth, it might be stressful putting in a large margin of funds to hold a more expensive stock i.e. Facebook, Berkshire Hathaway, Apple etc… Astute traders know that value can be found in unexpected places. You might find even better profit opportunities in other Blue Chip stocks that don’t even cost 1/10th of the price. Diversification and Opportunism: Building houses on every colour Monopoly teaches us the power of diversification. There are different properties with a variety of prices and conditions. You need to learn how to spread your investments wisely, and be opportunistic. Just as building houses on every color can secure your Monopoly victory, diversifying your portfolio across sectors, markets and positions can mitigate your risk and boost your chances of success. Strategic planning trumps luck I have to admit that, luck does play a role in both Monopoly and trading. It is luck to not roll the dice and land on “Go to Jail”. It is luck to not pick up a Chance card saying “You have to pay rates and taxes”. Same with trading. It is luck getting into a high probability trade and then the market actually playing out. It is luck being in a strong and favourable market environment for your trading system. It is luck having the market price shoot up past your take profit due to some external event. But trading and Monopoly are both very much strategic planning processes. You need to plan your moves carefully. You need to act on your moves, based on probabilities. You need to risk accordingly to not go bankrupt. You need a strong and well-thought-out trading plans. Conduct thorough analyses, and stick to disciplined strategies. And this is how strategy and luck will help you increase the chance of success. Negotiation mastery Monopoly is not just about rolling the dice; it’s about negotiation. You are playing against opponents of different advantages and styles. You need to learn how to negotiate, aid and help each other – before you beat them! I don’t know how else to explain this :D. Trading also involves striking deals. You’re hitting bids (when selling) and offers (when buying). You’re betting against your counterparty (investor, trader or market maker). You’re negotiating prices and moves. The choices you make will give you the significant edge and help streamline your profitable journey. Passive Income Key: Collect $200 as You Pass Go The exciting and genius of Monopoly lies in the sweet reward of $200 every time you pass Go. You know that feeling of waiting and playing your turns. Going through the good Chance cards and the Bad (going to jail). But when you are out and you pass Go, you can to collect your wage of $200. This is your special passive income secret weapon. You don’t just stick to what you have, you build on it and use what you newly have to grow your portfolio. The same works with trading. Each month, you receive a salary. And you spend, save and invest. So if you want to grow your trading portfolio using the compounding strategy, you might as well build on it. You might as well accelerate your trading journey. You might as well let your money work for you! Embrace the power of compounding, re-investing and depositing, and you might find yourself collecting much more than $200 as you navigate the trading board. Let’s sum up the Monopoly Lessons Traders Can learn: Hold Cash: The higher earner has the upper hand Be Patient: Not every roll is a winner Don’t blow on the most expensive stuff Diversification and Opportunism: Building houses on every colour Strategic planning trumps luck Negotiation mastery Passive Income Key: Collect $200 as You Pass Go FINAL WORDS: The trading board is yours – now go bankrupt the market, one strategic move at a time!
TVC:SA40Education
by Timonrosso
5 Important Trading Protection LevelsREMEMBER No matter what stock, index, Forex or other markets you’re trading, every trader needs 5 protection levels. Stop loss to stop yourself from furthering losses Time stop loss to get you out of non-performing trades Adjusted stop loss to lock in profits when the market moves in your favour. Risk % per trade to only lose a certain amount of your portfolio % of Drawdown before you HALT trading – when the market is not in a favourable environment to your strategy. Short and sweet but VERY powerful to apply to your trading. Do you have any other protection levels?
TVC:SA40Education
by Timonrosso
1
Are we in LAZY FEBRUARY traders? Q. "I heard that there is a phenomena called “Lazy February”. Could you explain why it’s called that and what I should watch out for as a trader?” A. I have not heard that term in eons! Here’s my 10 cents on how Lazy February got this name. Short month effect February is the shortest month of the year. And because so much happens in February, many investors like to play it safe and observe. Most investors tend to wait for March when the markets have chosen a direction, earnings are out, taxes are paid and they are ready to invest again. Year-end position squaring Traders often close out their positions at the end of the year right through to January. And this is for accounting, performance evaluation and tax purposes. This process is known as "position squaring”. But the big influencer is tax. Closing off the tax year In many countries, February is a time when individuals and corporations start preparing for tax filings. And this can influence investment decisions which can lead to either selling their positions or adjusting their portfolios for tax efficiency. After February and going into March, we should see a higher volume of buying and investing in the markets. Earnings season February is also known for major earnings releases – Especially in the U.S. Investors during this period prefer to watch and observe. This way they’ll be able to see the forecasts versus the actual results. Once the numbers are released, that’s where they’ll have more of an idea of what they want to invest in and what to buy or sell in March and the coming year.
TVC:SA40Education
by Timonrosso
1
Q. WILL A 125BPS CUT IN INTEREST RATES DRIVE UP GOLD? A. Remember when it comes to interest rate cuts it means the following: Stimulates economic growth This makes borrowing cheaper as interest rates are lower. And it encourages more spending and investments by individuals and businesses. Boosts buying from consumers Also, with low interest rates it entices people to buy more. And this is because the cost of loans drops. This leads to them buying more homes, cars, and other goods. There are other elements, but you get the idea. Now, lets consider why lower interest rates could mean the gold price will rally Reason #1: Lower interest rates and a weaker US dollar helps the gold price When interest rates drop, the yield on bonds and savings accounts typically declines. And a weaker dollar makes gold cheaper for people with other currencies. It's like gold goes on a global sale, and everyone wants a piece! So, this will drive up its demand and the price. Reason #2: Investors get out of low yielding markets and into gold Remember that when interest rates are high, investors move to high yielding markets. They like to keep their money in the banks, bonds, money market or any other high interest savings accounts. But when interest rates drop, investors don’t make much of their money from these assets. And so, they will look to invest in markets like gold, which will drive the price up. Reason #3: The golden safe-haven will prevail! With interest rate cuts, it normally signals signs of economic uncertainty or weakness. And during these times, investors will often seek out safe-haven assets. Gold is a classic example of a safe haven that investors will look to buy. And this golden attraction will help push the price up.
COMEX:GC1!Education
by Timonrosso
EXPLAINED: Odd Lot Offer EasilyWHAT IS AN ODD LOT OFFER? An odd-lot offer is a financial transaction. It is where a company offers to buy back small quantities of its shares from shareholders who hold fewer shares than the typical trading unit. Usually it’s under 100 shares. In the context of stock markets, an “odd lot” refers to a number of shares that is less than the standard trading lot. Here are the key points about an odd-lot offer: Target Audience: Aimed at shareholders who own fewer shares than the standard trading unit (commonly 100 shares). Purpose: Typically initiated by a company to reduce the number of small shareholders and simplify its shareholder structure. Offer Terms: The company specifies an offer price at which it is willing to buy back the odd lots of shares. This price may be at a premium to the current market price. Voluntary Participation: Shareholders are not obligated to participate; it’s a voluntary decision on their part. Cost Reduction: Companies may implement odd-lot offers to reduce administrative costs associated with managing a large number of small shareholders. Shareholder Choice: Odd-lot shareholders can decide whether to sell their shares to the company at the offered price or to retain their shares. Tax Implications: Companies may structure odd-lot offers in a way that has specific tax implications for shareholders. It’s common for the offer to be treated as a return of capital rather than a dividend. Approval Process: In many cases, such offers require approval from the company’s shareholders, often obtained at a general meeting. Let’s use an example with City Lodge in 2023. 1. What’s Going On: As of October 16, 2023, there were a bunch of small-scale shareholders in City Lodge, each holding fewer than 100 shares. These investrs are referred to as “Odd-lot Holders,” which make up 58.22% of all City Lodge shareholders. However, when you look at the total shares they own, it’s just a tiny 0.06% of the market. Now, managing these tiny portions costs a lot, creating a headache for everyone. 2. The solution To solve this issue, at City Lodge’s board of directors are suggesting an Odd-lot Offer. This means they want to buy back the small amounts of shares from these Odd-lot Holders, making life simpler for everyone involved. 3. So what do these Odd-lot holders get? If you’re one of these Odd-lot Holders, you get a chance to cash at a price that’s 5% more than the average value of City Lodge shares over the past 30 days. It’s like a special deal, and you won’t have to pay any fees to make the transaction. 4. How it works To make this happen, City Lodge needs approval from its shareholders. They discussed it at the Annual General Meeting on November 23, 2023. If the plan gets a green light, Odd-lot Holders can decide to sell their shares at the offered price or keep them. 5. The tax story They considered the Odd-lot Offer isn’t a dividend but more like a return of capital. This decision has some tax implications, so they suggest you chat with your tax expert for the details. City Lodge wants to simplify its shareholder list, and if you’re an Odd-lot Holder, you have a choice to make – take the deal or keep riding the City Lodge wave. Does that help and did it help you?
TVC:SA40Education
by Timonrosso
2
Traders Don’t Fail – They QuitIt’s been a very tough year for swing traders. Go long the market drops. Go short the market rallies. Don’t do anything and you save from the burn. But in the bigger scheme of things, it looks like we are in an accumulation phase. The accumulation phase is a period in which smart money (informed and experienced traders or institutional investors) is believed to be accumulating a particular asset while it is still relatively undervalued. This phase occurs before a notable uptrend or bullish move in the market. Key characteristics of the accumulation phase include: Sideways Movement: Prices move within a trading range, often forming a base or a consolidation pattern. The range represents a period of equilibrium between buying and selling forces. You can see the JSE ALSI has been in a tight range this entire year. Decreasing Volume: Volume tends to decline during the accumulation phase, indicating a decrease in overall market activity. Lower volume signals that the asset is not attracting significant attention from the broader market. There have not been huge orders on the JSE ALSI like other years. It could be because there are LESS investors buying shares and more going into derivatives and margin trading. Or because they are worried about the state of the economy with load shedding, foreign direct investments pulling out, the country being rated down or people fleeing the country. Smart Money Accumulation: Informed traders or institutional investors quietly accumulate the asset during this phase. Their accumulation is not typically evident in the overall market activity due to the relatively low volume. Now with December, we could see investors piling into trades from their bonuses, offsetting taxes, preparing for the next year or with optimism with the festive season. Transition to Markup Phase: After a sufficient accumulation, there is an expectation that the asset’s price will break out of the trading range. This breakout marks the end of the accumulation phase and the beginning of the markup phase, characterized by a sustained uptrend. So, my hopes and bets are UP. I think once we break out above the range, we could see the JSE ALSI rally a good 10 -20%. But geez, we need strong catalysts to kick in. Even if it’s international markets helping us run up with Dual LIsted companies or America’s leading influence. What are your thoughts? You think we’ll get our long waited for rally? Traders and investors who stay in the game will reap the rewards. Patience is a trader's virtue. Impatience is the reason why traders quit. They don’t FAIL – THEY QUIT.
TVC:SA40Education
by Timonrosso
5 Non Trading Activities to Success…While charts, trends, risk and reward are our daily companions. Let’s not forget that life’s full of exciting opportunities beyond the trading desk. We are human at the end of the day. And you also need to consider extra elements that will help you propel towards success. Let’s get into the 5 Non trading activities you need to act on. Healthy Lifestyle: Trading, Eat, Rest, Gym, Repeat! Who said trading is all about staring at screens and analyzing numbers? It’s time to inject some energy into your life! A healthy lifestyle isn’t just about balance sheets; it’s about balance in everything. You need to take your vitamins, eat healthy, feel great, hit the gym, go for a run, or channel your inner yogi. The adrenaline rush from trading pairs perfectly with the endorphin high from a good workout. The healthier you are, the more sharp your mind will be. And this will get you to think straight and control your emotions better. Besides, you are what you eat and what you do. Mindful Meditation: Zen and the Art of Trading Mindful meditation isn’t just sitting and going OOOHHM…. It’s for all successful entrepreneurs that deal with daily stresses and risks. Sometimes you just need to take a breather, clear your mind, and get your mind and thoughts in order. Whether you meditate, do self-hypnosis or just do deep breathing exercises – this will help you to be a more calmer and clearer thinker as a trader. When you find your inner peace in your mind, it will reflect on your trading and results. Continuous Learning Trading is an ever-evolving game, and the most successful players never stop learning. I’ve read maybe 200 books on trading in my life and I don’t even think that’s nearly enough to learn everything about the markets. It’s always crucial for you to dive into new strategies, explore market trends, and devour financial news like it’s the hottest gossip in town. You need to find yourself in the trading journey. This is a self introspection adventure that is forever going. Stay curious, stay hungry for knowledge, and watch your trading game reach new heights. Strong Networking: Bulls, Bears, and Bros Trading might be a solitary endeavor,. But success is a team sport. It’s important to build a network that’s as strong as your risk management skills. Sign up to trading events, courses, books and programmes. Connect with fellow traders, and remember, it’s not just about what you know; it’s about who you know. Your next big opportunity might come from a conversation over coffee rather than a chart analysis session. Time Management: Trade Like a Pro, Live Like a Boss In the world of trading, time is money. But beyond the trading hours, master the art of time management in your personal life. Schedule downtime, enjoy hobbies, and spend quality time with loved ones. A well-balanced life isn’t just about maximizing profits; it’s about maximizing joy. Efficient time management is the key to becoming a trading rockstar without burning out. So, trade smart, live well, and let success be your favorite trend! FINAL WORDS: I trust this has given some food for thought. That trading isn’t just about technical work. It’s also about inner work. Work on yourself and become the true trader you aspire to. Let’s sum up the 5 Non Trading Activities to achieve better success. Healthy Lifestyle: Trading, Eat, Rest, Gym, Repeat! Mindful Meditation: Zen and the Art of Trading Continuous Learning Strong Networking: Bulls, Bears, and Bros Time Management: Trade Like a Pro, Live Like a Boss
TVC:SA40Education
by Timonrosso
Why Markets Will Always Change – 9 ReasonsThe only thing constant about financial markets is that they change. And since 2007 or so, with the higher availability of trading different instruments and markets world-wide. And not to mention, the ability to go long (buy) and go short (sell). Yes, these everyday possibilities were difficult to find and trade back then. Now I’m speaking my age in the markets. But it’s important to know, the algorithms are changing the game every single year. As long as you’re a trader you need to be able to learn, grow, adapt and evolve with every changing markets. Let’s go into details about WHY the markets are changing… New and Old Traders (Volume and liquidity) Traders are the lifeblood of financial markets. They come in all shades of experience, net worth, strategies and diversity. Each new trader and investor, brings fresh perspectives, risk appetites, and systems. And when they execute, it causes a ripple into the market ecosystem. Similar to the ‘Butter-fly effect’ where one tiny flutter of the wing can cause weather disturbances which could result in a hurricane. This blend of old and new creates a constant state of flux, volume, liquidity and adds their unique touch to the market canvas. New Market Information (Local or international) Information is the bedrock of trading decisions. In today’s hyperconnected world, news, data releases, and geopolitical events can instantaneously ripple through markets. Whether it’s an unexpected earnings report, a geopolitical crisis, FOMC or Central Banks decisions, or a technological breakthrough (like AI). This new information triggers a financial market reaction. New Micro, Macro, and Fundamentals (Unrelated to charts and price) Microeconomic factors include things like: individual company performance. Also think of corporate actions such as mergers and acquisitions. These will also reshape industry landscapes and impact stock prices. Fundamentals include any internal news related or announcement event that is NOT related to price and volume action on a chart. While macroeconomic indicators include: GDP growth with money tightening and injection controls. While Central banks’ decisions on interest rates, inflation rates and monetary policies influence borrowing costs, investment decisions, and market valuations. These also play a pivotal role in market dynamics. As these factors evolve over time, they influence market sentiment (how investors feel on what to buy and sell) And this obviously drives price movements. World Economic Info (Major changes happening) Globalization has interconnected economies in ways unimaginable just a few decades ago. On the one hand we have 6 more countries joining BRICs. Which is showing the political war and dynamic change between the East and the West. Economic trends in one part of the world can have far-reaching effects elsewhere. Trade agreements, currency fluctuations and Forex wars, and shifts in supply chains impact various sectors and industries. And this can also lead to a change in market price, volume and conditions. Also, when one event kicks in there is a domino effect. And this can trigger a cascade of events that reverberate across financial markets worldwide. Sentiment (How the overall feeling is) Psychological factors like fear, greed, and uncertainty can drive sudden market movements. Market sentiment is often reflected in buying and selling volumes. When investors and traders are feeling optimistic and positive – they buy and hold. When they are feeling down and negative (about positions) – they sell and short. High volume with buying or selling can indicate strong conviction – for other investors. While low volume might signify uncertainty. This ebb and flow of market participation led to constant changes in market trends and patterns. Then there are other reasons that financial markets are constantly changing including: Technological Advancements (At an accelerating rate) As the world evolves and technology compounds at unprecedented levels, we will see innovations in: Trading platforms Algorithms new instruments & markets high-frequency trading New AI related trading bots Better chart pattern recognition plugins Improved automatic trading developments. And emerging technologies can change existing business models in a way they can make them obsolete to totally transform them. These will all influence market behaviour of demand and supply with investors and traders. Which will cause a shift and change in price and volume. Regulatory Changes (Boring but inevitable) Also, rules. Rules, regs and legs are always updating and changing. This will also alter trading practices, liquidity, price movement and market structure. Political Uncertainty (Fun times ahead for the world) The rate the world is separating and joining forces in all different ways, there is change coming to the financial markets. With the EU having control over 27 countries economies. With BRICs adding another 6 countries to theirs. With other countries breaking away from the US dollar. While other companies and countries are switching and adopting more to crypto and AI. The very foundation of politics and control is changing under our very eyes. And this will definitely have a major shift in economic directions as well as on the markets. Natural Disasters and health disasters (Brace yourself and keep your masks) From Global Warming, to less resources available to mind. From catastrophic events, floods and droughts. These can all disrupt supply chains, impact production, and affect the prices of commodities and goods. And then financial markets and prices, will all be affected. And what about pandemics? If we have another COVID-19 type event, this will once again create rapid shifts in consumer behaviour. And this will have a major impact and ripple throughout companies, industries, countries and essentially the world markets. FINAL WORDS: You can clearly see, why financial markets will always change. And as markets continue to shift and adapt, the only constant is change itself. So it’s our job to adapt or die. Embrace it, learn from it, love it and enjoy the process along the way. It means, this journey and income generating source will NEVER get boring. It can ONLY get better (well we can be optimistic to think that). Let’s sum up why the financial markets landscape will always change… New and Old Traders (Volume and liquidity) New Market Information (Local or international) New Micro, Macro, and Fundamentals (Unrelated to charts and price) World Economic Info (Major changes happening) Sentiment (How the overall feeling is) Technological Advancements (At an accelerating rate) Regulatory Changes (Boring but inevitable) Political Uncertainty (Fun times ahead for the world) Natural Disasters and health disasters (Brace yourself and keep your masks)
TVC:SA40Education
by Timonrosso
WHAT ARE Fakeouts, Shakeouts and Whipsaws?YOUR QUESTION ANSWERED! What on earth are Fake outs, Shake outs and Whipsaws? After this you will know… Fake-out: (When the price makes a false breakout of a chart pattern) A fake-out occurs when the price of a market appears to break out of a certain chart pattern. This could be a trendline, support, or resistance level. But then quickly reverses and retreats back within the pattern. Shake-out: (Where the market is highly volatile and the price moves to levels that hits their stop losses and gets traders out of their trades) A shake-out is a scenario where the market becomes highly volatile and the price moves rapidly to levels that trigger the stop-loss orders of many traders. Stop-loss orders are pre-set risk levels at which traders automatically exit their positions to limit their losses. A shake-out is designed to “shake out” weak or inexperienced traders from the market. When stop-loss orders are triggered, it can create a temporary spike in the opposite direction of the prevailing trend. Once these traders are “shaken out,” the market might resume its original trend. You’ll see this most commonly with low liquid, high volatile markets like Penny Stocks or Penny Cryptos. Whipsaw: (This is where the market will change its most prominent direction within the day). Whipsaw refers to a situation where the market quickly changes its direction within a relatively short period, often during a single trading day. This can cause confusion and losses for traders who are caught off-guard. Whipsaws can occur due to various factors, such as sudden news releases, economic data surprises, or changes in sentiment. They are characterized by sharp price movements that can make it difficult to make accurate trading decisions. Whipsaws are especially common during periods of high market uncertainty or when there’s a lack of a clear trend. Let’s create a quick summary of the three: Fake-out: (When the price makes a false breakout of a chart pattern) Shake-out: (where the market is highly volatile and the price moves to levels that hits their stop losses and gets traders out of their trades) Whipsaw: (This is where the market will change its most prominent direction within the day). If you have any trading question let me know in the comments
TVC:SA40Education
by Timonrosso
SANTA CLAUS Rally in 2023 for JSE ALSI 40?Will we have a Santa Claus rally this year? Statistics say, it is likely but let's start from the beginning... The Santa Claus rally is when stock prices, both locally and globally, tend to go up and end the year on a positive note. Now, why does this happen? Here are some ideas: Holiday Cheer: During the holiday season, people generally feel more optimistic and positive. The festive mood can rub off on investors, making them look at the market with a brighter outlook. Positivity often leads to more buying, which helps the rally. Tax Time: Toward the end of the year, investors and fund managers review their portfolios for tax purposes. This is when you'll see them selling stocks to get some tax benefits. Once they sell, they use the money to buy other stocks, thinking those will do well in the coming year. This buying spree lifts stock prices and pushes up market indices. Bonus Spending: Investors often use their year-end bonuses to buy stocks. More buying means higher demand, and you know what that does – stocks go up! While it's a bit speculative, nothing says Santa Claus Rally like charts showing off holiday cheer. The JSE has seen gains in 14 out of 20 Decembers! Take a look at the JSE-ALSI stock market chart since 2003. Each December is marked with a vertical blue line, showing how it performed: That's a 70% win rate with positive gains in 14 out of 20 Decembers, accumulating a total of 38.72% gains. So, chances are, buying this Christmas might be a good idea, especially after a sideways year for the JSE ALSI.
TVC:SA40
by Timonrosso
5 TRADING PROTECTION LEVELS - NB*REMEMBER Every trader needs 5 protection levels. Stop loss to stop yourself from furthering losses Time stop loss to get you out of non-performing trades Adjusted stop loss to lock in profits when the market moves in your favour. Risk % per trade to only lose a certain amount of your portfolio % of Drawdown before you HALT trading - when the market is not in a favourable environment to your strategy. These are the control factors to manage your portfolio with better direction and management. What other protection levels do you apply?
TVC:SA40Education
by Timonrosso
The 12 Dangers of Trading DoubtDoubt is danger. It’s a big enemy for trading. And it’s something that is innate, which is hard to escape from. It leads to you to miss opportunities, destroys confidence, clouds judgement and keeps you stuck in a rut. When you are infected with doubt, this can infiltrate even the most experienced traders. This article delves into the various dangers of trading doubt and how to overcome its destructive effects. Missed Opportunities When doubt creeps in, traders often find themselves hesitating or second-guessing their decisions. Once you feel hesitation, you’ll miss great opportunities. Winners will be left on the table. All because you doubt it’ll go your way and that the markets are conducive. If you want to stop the doubt you need to act swift and make decisions within three second. 1, 2, 3 – ACT! Loss in Confidence Without confidence, you’re going to doubt. You’re going to question your skills, strategies, and abilities. As confidence dwindles, you’re going to feel strong fear, panic and worry. This will lead to irrational decisions driven by emotions rather than logic, rationality and sound analysis. Change Your System Even if you have a winning system. Doubt could cause you to abandon it. You might already be thinking of finding another. Looking for better parameters. Adding extra elements and variables. This constant tinkering will prevent you from fully realizing the potential of their proven trading strategy and approach. This is a time game. Not a week, not a month. Noth even three years. Your trading success will come from being consistent, persistent and consistently applying a well-defined strategy over time. Search for “Better” You might even doubt trading all together. You might have lost a bit of money and now you have this desire to make it back. So you’ll look into gambling, sports betting, Amway or any other scheme instead. But you’ll most likely be disappointed. Because everything worth doing well for reward, consists of elements of risk and time. Don’t Take the Trade Your finger could be between three stone walls. Or your finger could be 1 mm from the button. If you have doubt with your trades, this will paralyse you to enter a trade. This hesitation will lead you to: Miss trades Miss profits Interfere with the system Lose confidence Exacerbate panic and fear This will only set a precedent for you to do it again. It’s a bad habit that can destroy you as a trader. Don’t Follow Criteria Doubt can lead to a disregard your essential rules. You might: Get in at different levels Move your stop loss further away Close prematurely for tiny profits or Take a trade that does NOT match the criteria. If you question the trading validity of your criteria, this will turn you into an undisciplined and unsuccessful trader. Overtrading Once doubt sets in – so will mania. And to break away from doubt, you take on a dangerous path. In an attempt to overcome doubt, you might start overtrading or revenge trading. This is where you’ll enter too many trades in quick succession, without following any criteria. Emotional Roller Coaster Doubt is not just feeling lazy. It actually comes with feelings of frustration, anxiety, and self-doubt dominating their thought process. This emotional turmoil can cloud judgment and lead to reactive rather than rational decision-making. Analysis Paralysis When doubt takes hold, this is where you might go all out with indicators, parameters and price action elements. This will lead you to excessive analysis. You’ll continuously seek more information before making a decision. This analysis paralysis can cause a couple of issues. It can overcomplicate trading It makes back and forward testing almost impossible The variables can cause conflict with each other. Your charts will look like Christmas trees This can lead you to miss trading opportunities and an inability to take action. Inconsistent Results Consistency is key in trading success. Doubt-driven decisions can lead you to inconsistent results. You’ll have your journal with how the trades were SUPPOSED to go. Versus how you made them go. And this will make it challenging to gauge the effectiveness of a trading strategy over the long term. Psychological Toll Doubt is a constant battle. If you have this, it will infect your mind it will take a toll on your mental well-being. It can lead to stress, burnout, and even health issues if you don’t fix them. Loss Aversion Doubt can cause a psychological bias known as loss aversion. This is where traders become will focus to avoid losses rather than maximise their gains. This mindset can hinder traders from taking necessary risks to achieve substantial profits. Focus on cutting small losses and banking small profits and you’ll have a recipe for disaster. It’s time to build your confidence This will come from working on a trading journal, risking less and building a track record. Over time, the doubt will creep away and the certainty will override. Let’s some up the elements of doubt for a trader… Missed Opportunities Loss in Confidence Change Your System Search for “Better” Don’t Take the Trade Don’t Follow Criteria Overtrading Emotional Roller Coaster Analysis Paralysis Inconsistent Results Psychological Toll Loss Aversion
TVC:SA40Education
by Timonrosso
The only constant with trading the markets is...The only thing constant about financial markets is that they change. And since 2007 or so, with the higher availability of trading different instruments and markets world-wide. And not to mention, the ability to go long (buy) and go short (sell). Yes, these everyday possibilities were difficult to find and trade back then. Now I’m speaking my age in the markets. But it’s important to know, the algorithms are changing the game every single year. As long as you’re a trader you need to be able to learn, grow, adapt and evolve with every changing markets. Let’s go into details about WHY the markets are changing… Since around 2007, the landscape has undergone significant transformations, driven by several key factors that shape the dynamic nature of these markets. 1. Globalisation and Technological Advancements Traders now are able to gain access to enhanced connectivity, facilitating participation in markets worldwide. They also have amazing trading and charting platforms like TradingView. This increased speed of information dissemination and transactions has a profound impact on market dynamics. And this helps contribute to the perpetual state of change. 2. Diversification of Instruments and Markets The availability of diverse financial instruments, ranging from stocks and bonds to commodities and cryptocurrencies, has expanded trading possibilities. Each year we seem to have more assets, markets, instruments, structured products and choices. It's building into a trading universe in a way. And each market possesses unique characteristics influenced by distinct factors. This diversity introduces complexity to trading strategies. And this requires traders to navigate a broad spectrum of instruments with different behaviors. As long as there are new and improved assets, the markets will always change. 3. Long and Short Positions Unlike in the past, where shorting certain markets proved challenging, the ability to go long (buy) and short (sell) has become more prevalent. This flexibility allows traders to capitalize on both upward and downward market movements. With the ability to go long and short a variety of markets, this is changing the financial landscape of the markets. Price action no longer moves in a Zig Zag 45 degree motion. There are more dips and rallies without strong trends, like in the past. All because of the intrciacies of long and short positions also adds intricacy to risk management strategies. talking about algorithms. 4. Rise of Algorithmic Trading Algorithmic trading has emerged as a game-changer in financial markets. This involves using computer programs to execute trades based on predefined criteria. The influence of algorithmic trading is profound, contributing to increased liquidity, faster execution, and the development of innovative trading strategies. As algorithms evolve each year, they continually reshape the dynamics of the trading landscape. 5. Market Participants and Strategies The composition of market participants has evolved, with institutional investors, hedge funds, high-frequency traders, and retail traders all playing pivotal roles. All of a sudden we've seen a spike in the new trend of trading with Smart Money Concepts and Inner Circle Trading, in the last two years. These changes in the behavior and strategies of these participants can swiftly impact market trends and volatility. The influx of retail traders, facilitated by online platforms, further adds new dynamics to the markets. So once again, the only constant for traders is the change that is taking place in the financial landscape and market universe. Traders who evolve, adapt, acknowledge and respond effectively to the perpetual state of change are better positioned for success in this dynamic and challenging environment.
JSE:J200Education
by Timonrosso