For about a half a year or so I've simply been scalping spreads in corn, soybeans, bean oil and meal (with moderate success). Prior to this, I had no experience trading. It works, but I obviously need to learn more about the fundamentals. As far as fundamentals go, I know practically nothing. I've simply been buying and selling like a robot. Where should I start as someone with know fundamental knowledge? What resources would you recommend? (books, websites, podcasts, etc) Also, any other general advice is appreciated.
1. Get yourself a copy of this book: http://www.masteringthegrainmarkets.com/ 2. Search back through the topic threads in this forum; others before you have have sought this knowledge and received recommended sources of fundamental news and views 3. Follow the credible ag pros on Twitter
Not to sound like the cynic, but I'd advise you to become skilled in reading price action. Reason being --- a lot of the fundamental information is acted on before it reached the public and by reading price action, you'll get an idea of what the big players are doing before the fact.
and when these "big players" are wrong ? Are they always right ! scalping and day trading price action- so how do you trade cocoa- its very bullish price action
I'd like for you to show me where I said that the big players are always right. If you can't do that, then your reply has no merit. Secondly, I said nothing about scalping or day trading. As for Cocoa, I was actually in on that bullish swing in the beginning but it went a lot further than I thought it would, making me an early seller. The P/A indicated a very bullish swing. Cocoa appeared to be reversing downward after a strong run up, leading me to believe that the swing would be minimal. But I still got out with a 120 pt. gain. .......after I closed my position, there was a report released that holiday demand drove up Cocoa prices. I don't know what report you've posted is supposed to prove but I'm not gonna let that deter me from using what has made me profitable.
That's your opinion. You may have conducted yourself like an immature child, but nonetheless, it's your opinion. FYI: Calling names doesn't validate your point.
If the OP's original statement is to be believed, it would seem that he already has some understanding of price action. He's clearly asking about where he can pick up some basics about the fundies. I don't think he's asking for advice about what to use in his trading. Let's keep the thread on-topic (seemingly very difficult on ET)
Thank you everyone. I really do appreciate the replies. To possibly clarify, once I get a better grasp on the fundamentals, I plan on holding positions for longer term (i.e. weeks and months). Scalping is fun, but commissions are not.