Prudent Risk Management + No Edge = Positive Expectancy??

Discussion in 'Risk Management' started by ironchef, Nov 14, 2023.

  1. ironchef

    ironchef

    I asked chatGPT and it gave this formula to calculate the sample size:

    N= [Z^2*p*(1-p)]/E^2

    Where:
    N=sample size
    Z=Z-score
    p=probability of win
    E=Margin of error
    Assuming R:R=1:1 for simplicity

    For win/lose of 54/46
    Z=1.96 for a 95% confidence level
    p=0.54
    1-p=.46
    E=1% if I want a margin of error of 0.01

    N=9,542, I need about 10,000 trades to be absolutely sure it is real.

    That is too much, so I reduce the margin of error to 5%, then

    N=382.

    PRM could be the edge because I don't think I am doing anything special, basically just trend following, using generic stuff that everyone on ET uses?

    I now have over 500 trades, I do notice a gradual degradation of win rate but still hovers around 54%. R:R, as much as I could tell is close to 1:1.

    I just have to keep running it for a few more months in small size and see if things will hold.
     
    #71     Nov 20, 2023
  2. No. You're being fooled by randomness.

    Try to build a profitable style. Then, add risk management.
     
    #72     Nov 21, 2023
    zghorner and ironchef like this.
  3. ironchef

    ironchef

    I am actually in agreement with you.

    How do I go about building a profitable style? Where do I start?

    Thanks.
     
    #73     Nov 21, 2023
  4. Are you still trading options?
     
    #74     Nov 21, 2023
  5. ironchef

    ironchef

    Yes.

    Day trading is a side gig. This old dog is trying to learn a new trick.
     
    #75     Nov 21, 2023
  6. Ok. Focus on research into vol and study structures. Follow @destriero and his journals. Ask @taowave and others where you run into questions. Take it seriously. You’ll find your style.
     
    #76     Nov 21, 2023
    ironchef likes this.
  7. ironchef

    ironchef

    Thank you for the coaching. Those names you mentioned are my heroes and I followed them closely.

    I have positive expectancy in my option trades, in aggregates (CAGR > CAGR of QQQ since 2013), and I am happy with my style there.

    Where I really need help is to develop a profitable day trading system. Can you help?

    Thank you in advance.
     
    #77     Nov 21, 2023
    longandshort likes this.
  8. Start with getting caught up on the literature. Why do you think there's an opportunity intraday and what does current research say about it?
     
    #78     Nov 21, 2023
  9. ironchef

    ironchef

    Not a question of opportunity but of redemption.

    I failed day trading (intraday) multiple times in the past. I want to give it one more try.
     
    #79     Nov 21, 2023
  10. Don’t try to “day trade”. Be hyper focused on uncovering opportunities regardless of the timeframe. For example, if you understand options, it might be a good idea to explore 0dte and how they interact with the broader market. More specifically, are there “anomalies” you can take advantage of?
     
    #80     Nov 21, 2023