Even less volume; narrower ranges... Actually, I think the market isn't all that bad right now. And you mentioned you trade NYSE listed and it's tough going against the specialist. Is anyone forcing you to trade NYSE listed? Give Nasdaq a try. -FastTrader
If you dont get a good morning trade in this market, then give the day a rest, try tomorrow... The market is only good in the mornings, my guess thats the way its going to be for a very long time.
I wouldn't say it's good only in the mornings, though the morning's are generally better. On the other hand, boredom can cause the trader to do things he doesn't need to be doing. One way out of this, if you're going to be home anyway, is to set your alarms and go do something else. At least you won't be tempted to force a trade just to feel as though you're being productive.
How many traders go broke, because they trade to battle the boredom.... Nearly all... Have a another way to make money, study, consult, etc for the second half of the day.
Trafding is addictive in many ways. You've got to be careful with any career: any time you don't want free time, that's a potential warning sign something's wrong! I'm not saying that's your case, but it's something to look out for...
HERE Nice place if you go south toward the ocean. A little crowded as you get closer to Philly and Trenton.
I have a friend who focuses on making two trades a quarter that will yield 10 - 15% each. He defines his risk, and stops out if he is wrong and looks for the next play. He only takes entries that to him are "perfect", and he is willing to hold those stocks for at least three months (if not stopped) if needed. Sometimes he hits his target in a few days, sometimes it takes a few months. I have "piggy-backed" a few of his trades, and usually bail out because of boredom. But guess what, his returns over the past 11 quarters are unreal, and he does not go through the daily trials and tribulations that I do... If only I could develop the discipline.
How is Nasdaq better? The market makers are even worse and most of Nasdaq is dead. We have Nasdaq guys right next to us and they are doing nothing most of the time, even before the summer.