Alan Farley: "Q - Many books recommend not buying or selling during the first hour. What's your opinion on this topic? A - It's more fun to play the piano with all 10 fingers. I like to trade the first hour, but only if the opportunity is right. I agree on avoiding the open most of time, but there are two strategic problems. First, amateurs should avoid the open, but experienced traders can overcome the increased risk through specific entry techniques." http://www.hardrightedge.com/wheel/hreentryfaq.htm
Skip the first hour and you miss 40% of the best trades. I think only amateur's avoid the first hour.
Psst... acrary, any room in that PM box for a single message? Been trying to PM you for a while. I know you can't talk markets so its not a request for advice. Just wanted to say hi and give an update. Also, I recently bought Big Hitters per your suggestion. Hope your latest endeavor is paying off handsomely. Take care.
i avoid the first 5-10 min, depending on how the market is ticking on index futures. if i am trading fixed income, i just avoid the first couple of ticks. you must explain in what markets you are talking about here. garbage in, usual et garbage out. a lot of this talk is very dependant on your objectives. most of the big money funds are putting their orders in on the open, and many of the big traders i know only trade the opening hour, then go home having made a big stack. there is more to life than sitting in front of a screen.
wasn't there a Hawaiian guy here who traded the open gap (journal)? personally, I think its wise to newbies to stand aside or to watch. Obviously the pros don't because its volative(=$$$).