Yes, that's a good question. I add to the position in a more substantial way as the drivers prove themselves---but still remaining within the overall plan. The entry "layering" is a key part of the trade. I look at trades as processes, not all or nothing plunges.
Surf - Your trading style is different from majority of people on ET. Curious, what % returns have you made in last 3 yrs, 5 yrs? TraderChi said you have blown up multiple times. If your position size has always been well thought-out why did you blow up before? Serious question. Thanks.
I started out as a hard core TA trader. MTA member etc. My methods have been refined and I have evolved as a trader since those early days. I realized that the past does not equal the future and patterns are ever changing therefore looking at past price creates a delusional edge. TA is descriptive not predictive--therefore useless when it comes to timing entries. I was fortunate to have mentors like V. Niederh@ffer and others who showed me how markets really work. By the way, he taught your namesake M. Tro@t. Yes, I have blown out several times in the past, prior to learning position sizing and the importance of staggered entries. Remember, as traders, we are dealing with an oscillating system that CAN NOT be timed exactly--therefore multiple entries can mitigate the timing issue-- if the macro and micro price drivers are understood--- Price is the past, look for what moves price is an edge. surf PS-- most of my non professional trades have been documented here on the surf report since 2002--- I don't talk about overall percentage gains over time, but suffice to say, I am over all positive--despite the blowouts.
No, it's been proven that fixed stops actually degrade a systems performance. The key is position sizing and hedging-- stops are a creation of the market machine that profits fom your trading. surf
Sure, anytime. Yeah, VN is quite pleased with the results of his stable of traders like tro$t, crab@l, Roy N and about another dozen high profile successful money managers.
Dozens of places, here's an example. http://epublications.bond.edu.au/cg..."do stops degrade trading system performance"