rss

Inexorable Change

Since change is ubiquitous and permanent, we might as well become experts at adapting. We can get comfortable with change and look forward to its permutations and surprises. We can train ourselves to become adept at learning, unlearning, and relearning.

On the other hand, we don’t want to be whipsawed back and forth through too rapid repositioning. Nor do we want to keep switching methods and systems.  We need to find the balance between being steady and too speedy a responder. We need to comprehend that markets, like the ocean, have waves, tides, and tsunamis. Each needs to be handled differently.

We want to make change an acceptable reality rather than a soap opera. We need to be flexible and versatile. In being flexible we observe reality clearly and adjust our actions. In being versatile we utilize our trained ability to perceive and react effectively.

Volatility in markets can be embraced as opportunity or feared as danger. That shot of adrenaline you feel as you trade can be exciting or terrifying depending on how you view the situation. Interpretation is at the essential core of our trading.

A good way to start each trading day is by asking some questions: Where are the opportunities today? Are there any impending risks to my positions? Where might the opportunities or risks develop?

In the midst of unfolding turmoil or stagnant stalling, we need to distinguish between the fundamental and technical changes that are structural and therefore important and possibly extensive, and those that are merely headlines passing through and therefore only interesting and probably short lived.

In any event, accept whatever is happening, utilize your methods and guidelines, take a deep breath, and do your best. Remember, as it has been said, “All you can do is all you can do, and all you can do is enough.”

3 New Trading Rules

-THE MORE STUBBORN YOU ARE, THE MORE YOU WILL LOSE.  THE STOCK MARKET IS ALWAYS RIGHT.

-DON’T CHASE STOCKS JUST TO DO A TRADE.  AVOID BOREDOM TRADES.  IF NO TRADE IS THERE, PASS, AND SOMETIMES DON’T TRADE ANY STOCKS AT ALL.

-TRY TO GET IN BEFORE THE HEADLINES INSTEAD OF BUYING THE HEADLINES.   Market homework absolutely required to be a success.

US Housing Market Was Artificially Inflated By 14% In 2007-2010 NAR Reports

Just the headlines for now:

  • EXISTING U.S. HOME SALES REVISED DOWN BY 14% FROM 2007-2010
  • EXISTING HOME SALES REVISED DOWN BY 15% IN 2010 TO 4.19 MLN

Thank you NAR for proving what everyone knew: that the US housing market is one big lie. And next: here come the historical GDP revisions.

Time Tested Rules (Part 1)

timetestedrulesOptimism means expecting the best, but confidence means knowing how you will handle the worst. Never make a move if you are merely optimistic.
Take a trading break. A break will give you a detached view of the market and a fresh look at yourself and the way you want to trade for the next several weeks.
It is a safe bet that the money lost by (short term) speculation is small compared with the gigantic sums lost by those who let their investments “ride”. Long term investors are the biggest gamblers as after they make a trade they often times stay with it and end up losing it all. The intelligent trader will . By acting promptly—hold losses to a minimum.
People who buy headlines eventually end up selling newspapers. (more…)

How To Get The Most Out Of Blue Channels

I always mention that I “watch” Blue Channels  to see prices and major headlines…but I hardly ever “watch” with the volume on. I agree the information heard can leave a new trader scattered on their individual opinion vs. my opinion vs. an analysts opinion. Remember…THEY ARE ALL OPINIONS. We all know just how handy opinions are dating back to when we fired our stock brokers. So this post was intended to reach those who are worried about not understanding all the B.S that takes place on that channel. Don’t worry, you can still trade productively without it.

I have a great idea for you. In order to get the exact same effect that I get from watching Blue Channels try this…

Go to top