Thanks for the comments, guys - they're appreciated. Today I made a concerted effort to lower my trading frequency and at about 10am was up 18 points and thought that in light of yesterday's fiasco, it would be a good time psychologically to stop for the day. What do you think happened next? (a) I turned off X_Trader, put on my headband and running shoes and watched Rocky III on my VCR. (b) I got sucked into another trade, then another and another, and watched my +18 points slowly disintegrate into -50 points, all this accompanied by loud and sporadic shouting. Those that chose (a) display inexcusable ignorance of my personality and would be better off re-reading this entire thread before proceeding any further. But all was not lost. Like bronks, I bet on an afternoon selloff and I even surprised myself by managing to hold 5 short contracts for 2 hours 50 minutes and 10 points. Food for thought. +4.25 / 85 RT
Sub man, that is inexcusable.. I have the solution for you. Put a trailing stop on your own profit. Once you are up "big," for the day (whatever that is for your account), set a trailing stop at 2/3. So if you are up $900, stop trading if your total gain gets down to $600.
Good point, CaroKann. More specifically, I have to pull my finger out and urgently revise my trading plan for shares to make it e-mini compatible. There are big differences between the styles and instruments and I thought I would pi$$f@rt around in the minis without a specially tailored trading plan till I could "find" my style which would then help in defining my trading rules. Not. Yep, conviction, rs7 (Hmmm, how did he know about my convictions?)
Eva told me! And Ukuthula to You !! RS7 (for anyone reading this that is here on a need to know basis, I submit the following link. MS of course already being fluent in ways most of us can only ponder as we would the size of the universe, or when did time begin, etc...well, let's just say he has attained inner Okikiamgenoka!) http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/9356/wordsof.htm
Started late and finished early - amazing how much File, Exit, Yes can save you. Thanks, CaroKann. (Now where did that bitch Eva hide my running shoes?) +15.0 pts / 15 RT
I was in and out this morning so I couldn't devote my full attention to trading. Even though I eventually was free at 12:30, I felt a little disoriented having missed a lot of the action and have reluctantly decided to quit for the day. +10.0 pts / 10 RT PS. Please note that for some reason the closeout times in the attachment are screwed up because I logged out and then in again. The following are the correct times : 09:43:12 S 5 10:02:26 B 5 10:40:52 S 5 10:43:06 B 5
Shit Sub-- Between you, Huios and Boyd, I'm feeling very... how shall I say... inadequate. My tool(s) just doesn't seem to measure up to your guys' tools. Maybe if I had your tool, I could do some damage! Then again, I might just end up fiddling with it too much for it to work right. Excellent trading boys. You all can kiss my ass... punks.