I've never traded energy in a personal account, only institutional/commercial so tough to say but if I were you I would primarily use TA to take positions in short dated futures. Having said that, NYMEX and ICE are pretty transparent, it's when you get into basis swaps, exotic options, etc that the water becomes muddy. Regarding your question of whether or not I could conduct a robust business if I were limited to NYMEX, yes, although I would focus on things that most small specs wouldn't consider i.e. spreads on HO and RB options utilizing EOOs and Clearport as well as Globex. As far as your issue, sounds like you have an issue identifying when to take profits or cut losses, no?
Petrotrader, Hi. I want to ask you something in private about the OTC markets if you dont mind. regards.