Trailing Stops -- Manual ATR-based versus Auto %-based

Discussion in 'Trading' started by andysmith, Jun 18, 2008.

  1. I trade EOD. I would ideally like to adjust my ATR-based trailing stops each evening but don't have the time.

    Instead, I'm thinking of using the broker's %-based trailing stops so I can set-it-and-forget-it (at least till the next weekend).

    For example, I have bought a stock with an ATR(10) of $4 which, for this stock, is equivalent to 5%. I like to set my trailing stops at 2.5 * ATR(10), which for this stock works out to be $10. Instead, can I just use the broker's auto trailing stop and set it to, in this case, 12.5% (which is 2.5 * 5%, I'm just using % instead of ATR). Please provide your feedback.

    TIA,
    Andy