Why Is The Obvious Not So Obvious?

Discussion in 'Risk Management' started by nysestocks, Jan 25, 2009.

  1. MrScalper

    MrScalper

    I don't know why you can't daytrade AAPL stock options..last time I looked at near ATM strikes intraday, the spread was only a couple cent?

    There are only a handful that have these tight spreads though..most stock options are not very good for fast trades..but can be OK for several hours holding if you get your timing right.

    Options are a different ball game to daytrading stocks..but can be very useful on ES if you wait for the low risk setups..I find the model price handy for a quick guide if the price has gone way off with volatility changing..if the last price is way above the model price..I will not be buying:)

    Thing I found with options is that it requires a lot of time to keep on top of trades..adjusting strikes when required..much prefer the simple in and out based on underlying move..you either win..or loose..better you get the less you lose..the less you lose..the better the chances of winning!
     
    #5931     Jul 4, 2017
  2. MrScalper

    MrScalper

    I know you won't listen..but if I was starting out again I would pick just one low priced stock with high institutional ownership and adequate daily volume..your chances of winning are far greater for swing trading..due to the low price and corresponding low risk..

    5000 shares of a stock at $1.50 is only $7.5 k..and the right stock can have an ADR of 10 to 15 cent..you don't need to be a math genius to work it out:)
     
    #5932     Jul 4, 2017
  3. ironchef

    ironchef

    I am not smart enough to give advice but let me give you a suggestion:

    Be patient and wait for the right time to enter a trade. I don't think it is the obvious but I think both nysestocks and MrScalper said entry is very important, if not the most important.

    Good luck.
     
    #5933     Jul 4, 2017
  4. ironchef

    ironchef

    Funny you mentioned AAPL. Been there done that with AAPL options and I couldn't find an edge. Netted slightly less than breakeven after commissions (i.e., returns were less than buy and hold). It is a playground for the professional and institution option traders.
     
    #5934     Jul 4, 2017
  5. MrScalper

    MrScalper

    I would expect the returns to be less..but the main advantage is you don't need as much money to daytrade the options..I will have to take a look at an AAPL option chart..as I find it hard to believe that it is not viable for the retail trader..been a while since I looked at AAPL options..so you might well be right..or you could also be wrong of course :)
     
    #5935     Jul 4, 2017
  6. MrScalper

    MrScalper

    To be honest,I don't see anything wrong with these charts for daytrading the options..spread on the options is 2 to 4 cent max!

    upload_2017-7-4_17-10-14.png Screen Shot 07-04-17 at 05.06 PM.PNG
     
    #5936     Jul 4, 2017
  7. ironchef

    ironchef

    Very interesting. Wonder how it performs in real time. I am going to take a look at real time data.

    Thanks.
     
    #5937     Jul 4, 2017
  8. MrScalper

    MrScalper

    I would pick a few strikes with tight spreads..have them setup with limit orders and quick order change buttons..use the underlying chart for timing entry and exits..but would lock in profits with take profit limit orders..AAPL can get very volatile at any time..so unless you take profits they might disappear very fast..let us know how you get on?
     
    #5938     Jul 5, 2017
  9. MrScalper

    MrScalper

    There are 3 main things that affect your trading results.

    1. Direction
    2. Timing
    3. Money Management

    You can guess 1. all you like..it really will not make one little bit of difference.

    The better you get at 2. the quicker the trade moves in your favor..and the better you get at realising profits.

    Without 3. you really have no chance of staying in the game to get better at 2. and thus become good at reading 1.

    Of course, the biggest obstacle you will face, is yourself :)
     
    #5939     Jul 5, 2017
  10. Mysteron

    Mysteron

    Image2.png


    Green line is 2 highs back and red line is 2 lows back. Bars turn green when price hits the green line, bars turn red when price hits the red line otherwise color is blue. Clearly a short exit based on price exceeding 2 highs back, or a long exit based on price falling below 2 lows back will result in steady losses if entries are taken without some means of determining when a sequence of rising or falling bars is likley to occur.
     
    #5940     Jul 6, 2017