I have evolved to working through trying to use all the edges that work for the way I like to trade, which is scalping for a 1 to 1 ratio or better and my trades are usually within a minute or so. Looking at the P&L panel when in the trade and the tick chart etc.. It helps. I'll show you what my two screens look like so i can monitor the stock I'm playing. I have a postit note next to me that says.. In Play Key Levels & Know Exit. Yes, it's very hard but if I can get some small income out of the market using margin on the stocks I've got, you can.. I'm sure. You are a much more experienced and sophisticated trader than I am.
Heres my primary monitor screen I trade from. The area where the desktop is showing is where I put that panel from TOS to click and lock and load.. lol
Here is the second screen I use off to the left of my main monitor. I keep an eye on the tick chart here while in the trade.
Thank you for your coaching. Good people like you are what keeps me on ET. In day trading, indeed I am "style-drifting" keep change so ever slightly whether I am trading 1 min or tick charts. I need to nail down an approach and stick to it. Unfortunately with patterns/rhythm and gut feels, it is hard to nail down exactly what I am looking for. As for options, I almost only buy single legs. I am actually quite good at it, positive expectancy, a few % above QQQ CAGR since 2013. That method is macro speculation but with quantitive analysis & fundamental analysis to support the trade decision. With options, I am on autopilot. I also keep 80% of my trading capital in long term holdings which I rarely traded in and out. Why individual stocks instead of index or bonds? Because my option trades are based on intimate knowledge of the underlying and I know those underlying. Why day trading? Not for the money but because it is a very challenging problem I like to solve. Best wishes.
You must be using a big monitor, if I put all those on my MacBook Pro screen, I won't be able to see.
2 large monitors and I could use a third but it would clutter my desk up too much Anyway, if it takes several seconds or more that is TOS messing you up if you are trying to scalp, let alone on a tick chart. You'll be fine when you get the instant order fills you need. Definately I couldn't use the TOS sim so I went to much lower shares and it worked better that way for me to get strategies worked out and reps in. Best wishes!