Journal of a Novice-Level Speculator

Discussion in 'Journals' started by Pension_Admin, Jan 8, 2010.

  1. Out EUR/USD with a scratch +$7.

    The bear is strong. Even though price broke above resistance, it didn't take long before price collapse back down.

    Also, the short squeeze I was expecting didn't happen. So I am going short now.

    PA
     
    #21     Jan 13, 2010
  2. sws2179

    sws2179

    Read "Bird Watching In Lion Country" by dirk du tiot; it's very helpful in understanding the fundamentals and long term trading strategy behind the forex market.

    sws2179
     
    #22     Jan 13, 2010
  3. Thanks! I just downloaded the book. So far it looks like an interesting read.

    I just don't get about the cost averaging thing he mentioned.
     
    #23     Jan 13, 2010
  4. The short got scratched. I am gonna sit out until a support break before I go short again.

    PA
     
    #24     Jan 13, 2010
  5. sws2179

    sws2179

    I think he mentioned the 4x1 strategy; a slow and gradual approach to trading. Everyone has different MM plan so trade according to your own strategy IMO.
     
    #25     Jan 13, 2010
  6. Well, I have 50x1, but I don't plan on using it all in one trade. Since I trade with a long time frame, I usually go 2x1. Once I am in the money, than that's a different story.
     
    #26     Jan 13, 2010
  7. I am a little bit disappointed with myself. I didn't do any studying or any questions, but I did went to an employment agency for an interview. It kind of given me more hope for a better economy and for a full-time employment.

    I did short the NZD/USD today and have set my stop to breakeven now. I am gonna wait and let it scratch. I am just glad my capital is being preserved.


    PA
     
    #27     Jan 14, 2010
  8. No trading today. I left the NZD/USD trade on and just forget about it. As for as I am concern, it's already a scratch and my capital is preserved. I am not going to do anything to it until I see some real movement. Worst case scenario: I break even.

    I sent out a couple more resumes today and now I plan to just relax and watch the CFA video on Corporate Finance.

    BTW: Anyone know how to calculate the price of a bond? I relied on my calculator so much that I totally forgotten the formula. :/

    Have a good weekend everyone!


    PA
     
    #28     Jan 15, 2010
  9. No trade today. I don't know where things are going to go, so I sat out.

    I did a lot of questions on derivatives. The swap section is harder than I thought. I keep confusing the swap valuation with swaption valuation. Hopefully by tomorrow, I will finish all the derivatives questions and move on to the Economic sections.

    To tell you guys the truth, I am losing a bit of motivation, because I don't know if passing CFA level II exam would help me open any door. I'll try and study hard anyway. I need to proof myself that I can learn this just like those guys on Wall Street.

    PA
     
    #29     Jan 18, 2010
  10. Discipline Takes Practice

    Trading is a profession where you must make a plan and stick with it, but even seasoned professionals find it difficult to maintain discipline. They sell earlier than they had planned, ignore stop-loss points, or abandon risk limits. As much as many traders try, they have difficulty maintaining discipline, and they pay the price in the long run.
    Some people are highly disciplined and very self-controlled. They scrupulously follow rules and are careful to control their impulses, even if it means they are a little rigid at times. Other traders take a more carefree approach to trading. They are usually very creative and profitable, but may have trouble with discipline at critical moments of trading. Every trader has an issue with discipline to some extent, whether it is a lack of discipline or too much of it. The markets are chaotic and unpredictable, and thus, it is understandable to feel unsure and unsettled at times. After a trade is executed, what happens next is anyone's guess, and this state of uncertainty can cause uneasiness, which may in turn, lead to impulsive decisions.
    How can you increase your ability to maintain discipline? First, it's important to view your ability to maintain discipline as similar to a muscle. Like an actual muscle, it's necessary to build up stamina. Maintaining control takes psychological energy, and humans have a limited amount of psychological energy. When the limits are reached, maintaining discipline is a challenge. The best solution is to build up as much psychological energy as possible, which will allow you to maintain discipline. Second, it is vital to get plenty of rest and relaxation. When you're tired, the available psychological energy that you can devote to trading is restricted. You will have great difficulty controlling impulses to stray from trading plan. By getting the proper amount of rest, though, you'll have enough energy stored up to stay focused and maintain discipline. Don't underestimate the stamina you need to maintain discipline. If you have over-taxed your ability to maintain discipline, or if you are too tired, you will act impulsively. Third, control your emotions. When you are feeling stressed out or upset, you will be unable to maintain discipline. Fourth, it's vital to have a clearly defined trading plan. Not only should you map it out, but you should also write it down and put it up next to your screen. If it is clearly outlined, it will be easier to follow, and if it is right in front of you as you trade, you will be able to remind yourself to follow it. Fifth, outline the reasons you want to stick with your plan, and write these reasons down. By writing them down, you can read them over when you are tempted to abandon your plan. You might write down, "If I keep abandoning my plan, I'll regret it later. I can stick with this plan if I try hard enough. Right now, my only goal is going to be sticking to my plan. That's it." When you feel like abandoning your plan, you may want to read these statements over and over again. Don't think about the consequences of losing or closing out the trade. Focus on the present. Concentrate on completing the next steps, not on the future. If you concentrate hard enough, you will be able to stick with your plan.
    Many traders have difficulty trading with discipline. It's tempting to trade by the seat of your pants and just live with the consequences, no matter what they are. But the winning trader is the disciplined trader, and if you can maintain discipline, you will profit handsomely.
    Copyright © 2000-2006 Innerworth.com. All rights reserved.
     
    #30     Jan 18, 2010