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Sunday, March 9, 2008

Study Guide for Come into My Trading Room

by Alexander Elder


  • Do not wait for perfect signal, which is likely to come late.
  • Best edge over the others is to have a very high level of discipline.
  • Observe money management rules.
  • Keep good records and review them.
  • When a group agrees that a certain trade looks good, it is usually time to go the other way.
  • Boiling markets are less rational, creating opportunities for calm pros.
  • Quiet markets are more efficient, making it more difficult to take money from others.
  • Any fool can enter a trade but it takes knowledge and experience to find good exit points.
  • Discussing open trade with others is one of the most subversive behaviors, which is why a disciplined trader does not do it.
  • Day trading is more expensive and demands higher degree of concentration but losses are generally smaller.
  • Penny stocks are unsuitable for day trading.
  • Day trading stocks must be those with high liquidity and volatility.
  • Stops must be placed immediately after entering a trade. Most traders must place actual stop orders; only the pros of proven discipline may be mental stops.
  • 2% stop loss rule on any trade. Aim for a risk/reward ratio of at least 2 : 6.
  • Record your account size at the beginning of the month. Stop trading when your equity dips 6% below that level, stay out for the rest of the month.
  • Putting on bigger trades in an attempt to recoup losses is typical amateur behaviour.
  • Overtrading means risking too much for your account.


Trading for a Living



  • You need to base your trades on a carefully prepared trading plan and not jump in response to price changes.
  • You need to know exactly under what conditions you will enter and exit a trade.
  • Write down your reasons or rules for entering and exiting a trade and rules for money management.

Link:

Momentum Trading with Discipline

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