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DENNIS GARTMAN’S NOT-SO-SIMPLE RULES OF TRADING

1. Never, Ever, Ever, Under Any Circumstance, Add to
a Losing Position
… not ever, not never! Adding to losing positions is

trading’s carcinogen; it is trading’s driving while intoxicated. It will lead to
ruin. Count on it!

2. Trade Like a Wizened Mercenary Soldier: We
must fight on the winning side, not on the side we may believe to be correct
economically.

3. Mental Capital Trumps Real Capital: Capital
comes in two types, mental and real, and the former is far more valuable than
the latter. Holding losing positions costs measurable real capital, but it costs
immeasurable mental capital.

4. This Is Not a Business of Buying Low and Selling
High
; it is, however, a business of buying high and selling higher.

Strength tends to beget strength, and weakness, weakness.

5. In Bull Markets One Can Only Be Long or
Neutral,
 and in bear markets, one can only be short or neutral. This may

seem self-evident; few understand it however, and fewer still embrace it.

6. “Markets Can Remain Illogical Far Longer Than You
or I Can Remain Solvent.” 
These are Keynes’ words, and illogic does often

reign, despite what the academics would have us believe. (more…)

Trading commandments

ten_commandments1.) Respect the price action but never defer to it.

Our eyes are valuable tools when trading, but if we deferred to the flickering ticks, stocks would be “better” up and “worse” down. That’s backward logic.

2.) Discipline trumps conviction.

No matter how strongly you feel on a given position, you must defer to the principles of discipline when trading. Always try to define your risk and never believe you’re smarter than the market.

3.) Opportunities are made up easier than losses.

It’s not necessary to play every day; it’s only necessary to have a high winning percentage on the trades you choose to make. Sometimes the ability not to trade is as important as trading ability.

4.) Emotion is the enemy when trading.

Emotional decisions have a way of coming back to haunt you. If you’re personally attached to a position, your decision-making process will be flawed. Take a deep breath before risking your hard-earned coin. See related link.

5.) Zig when others zag.

Sell hope, buy despair and take the other side of emotional disconnects. If you can’t find the sheep in the herd, chances are you’re it. (more…)

The 10 trading commandments

1.) Respect the price action but never defer to it.

Our eyes are valuable tools when trading, but if we deferred to the flickering ticks, stocks would be “better” up and “worse” down. That’s backward logic.

2.) Discipline trumps conviction.

No matter how strongly you feel on a given position, you must defer to the principles of discipline when trading. Always try to define your risk and never believe you’re smarter than the market.

3.) Opportunities are made up easier than losses.

It’s not necessary to play every day; it’s only necessary to have a high winning percentage on the trades you choose to make. Sometimes the ability not to trade is as important as trading ability.

4.) Emotion is the enemy when trading.

Emotional decisions have a way of coming back to haunt you. If you’re personally attached to a position, your decision-making process will be flawed. Take a deep breath before risking your hard-earned coin. See related link.

5.) Zig when others zag.

Sell hope, buy despair and take the other side of emotional disconnects. If you can’t find the sheep in the herd, chances are you’re it.

6.) Adapt your style to the market.

Different investment approaches are warranted at different junctures, and applying the right methodology is half the battle. Map a plan before stepping on the field so your time horizon and risk profile are in sync.

7.) Maximize your reward relative to your risk.

If you’re patient and pick your spots, edges will emerge that provide an advantageous risk/reward. There is usually one easy trade per session if you let it show itself.

8.) Perception is reality in the marketplace.

Identifying the prevalent psychology is necessary when assimilating the trading dynamic. It’s not what is, it’s what’s perceived to be that dictates the price action.

9.) When unsure, trade “in between.”

When in doubt, sit it out. Your risk profile should always be an extension of your thought process and when unsure, trade smaller until you establish a rhythm.

10.) Don’t let your bad trades turn into investments.

Rationalization has no place in trading. If you put on a position for a catalyst and it passes, take the risk off — win, lose or draw. Good traders know how to make money but great traders know how to take a loss.

There are obviously more rules but I’ve found these to be common threads through the years. Where you stand is a function of where you sit. So please understand that some of these guidelines may not apply to your particular approach.

As always, I share my process with hopes it adds value to yours. Find a style that works for you, always allow for a margin of error and trade to win, never trade “not to lose.”

And remember — any trader worth his or her salt has endured periods of pain but if we learn from those mistakes, they’ll morph into lessons. For if there wasn’t risk in this profession, it would be called “winning,” not “trading.”

Trading Commandments

Respect the price action but never defer to it. 
Our eyes are valuable tools when trading but if we deferred to the flickering ticks, stocks would be “better” up and “worse” down and that’s a losing proposition. 
Discipline trumps conviction. 
No matter how strongly you feel on a given position, you must defer to the principles of discipline when trading. Always attempt to define your risk and never believe that you’re smarter than the market. 
Opportunities are made up easier than losses. 
It’s not necessary to play every day; it’s only necessary to have a high winning percentage on the trades you choose to make. Sometimes the ability not to trade is as important as trading ability. 
Emotion is the enemy when trading. 
Emotional decisions have a way of coming back to haunt you. If you’re personally attached to a position, your decision making process will be flawed. Take a deep breath before risking your hard earned coin. 
Zig when others Zag. 
Sell hope, buy despair and take the other side of emotional disconnects (in the context of controlled risk). If you can’t find the sheep in the herd, chances are that you’re it. 
Adapt your style to the market. 
Different investment approaches are warranted at different junctures and applying the right methodology is half the battle. Identify your time horizon and employ a risk profile that allows the market to work for you. 
Maximize your reward relative to your risk. 
If you’re patient and pick your spots, edges will emerge that provide an advantageous risk/reward profile. Proactive patience is a virtue. 
Perception is reality in the marketplace. 
Identifying the prevalent psychology is a necessary process when trading. It’s not “what is,” it’s what’s perceived to be that dictates supply and demand. 
When unsure, trade “in between.” 
Your risk profile should always be an extension of your thought process. If you’re unsure, trade smaller until you identify your comfort zone. 
Don’t let your bad trades turn into investments. 
Rationalization has no place in trading. If you put a position on for a catalyst and it passes, take the risk off—win, lose or draw. 

FEAR

Fear has a way of making us focus on unfavorable headlines and price action. Fear impacts our ability to evaluate alternatives as it clouds objectivity. Fear is why profits are taken too quickly. Fear is a four letter word that comes in many flavors.

Fear of losing: Nobody wants to lose—doesn’t matter if it’s a spelling bee in the 5th grade or a newly entered long position in a stock that just broke through resistance. Losing sucks. Losing reminds us that perhaps we aren’t as good as we thought (hoped).

Fear of being wrong: Remember that time you blurted out the wrong answer and everyone laughed? Still sticks with you after all these years and screws with your mind. That new short position you just took is about to get squeezed—or at least that’s the thought running through your mind, right?

Fear of missing out: This is where we can really let our imperfections shine as we buy at the top and sell at the bottom. But hey, we didn’t miss out on the action!  Succumbing to the fear of missing a potential move and jumping in mid-stream trumps any good trading plan or preparation. This is a lack of self-discipline and causes much of the psychological damage seen in the markets.

Fear impedes our ability to be creative. Fear suffocates, debilitates, and causes many to wonder “what if…” rather than “why not…” Hope is used as a remedy by the fearful, but often gets smashed and is soon replaced with self-help books, talk therapy and medication.

Courage is what’s needed—the courage to fail.  With proper planning, risk can be managed and success can be found. Having the courage to step off the curb lends itself nicely to creating who you are as a market participant. Define your risk, adhere to your trading plan and fear becomes a fleeting thought rather than a debilitating one.

It’s OK to lose.  Just make sure that it’s within your defined risk/reward and move on.

It’s OK to be wrong. What’s not OK is to be stubborn and stick with a losing
position.

It’s OK to miss out. There are thousands of other names out there, find your trade.

If you want to become a better trader you need to realize that fear cannot be eliminated. It can, however, be used as an edge in your market participation. For me, one of my favorite times to sell premium is after a large, quick move—puts for fear and calls for greed.

“To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom.” ~ Bertrand Russell

10 Top Trading Commandments


  • Discipline trumps conviction. Don’t let your bad trades turn into investments.

  • Perception is reality in the market. Adapt your style to the market, and learn to accept the market as it is, not how you wish it was.

  • Play great defense, not great offense. Opportunities are made up easier than losses.

  • Don’t confine your thinking in terms of boundaries. Expect the extreme, and don’t miss major profit opportunities.

  • Know your companies. Hold your stock as long as it is performing properly, cut your losses fast, and don’t “hope” for a rebound.

  • Risk control is important. Always quantify your risk going into a trade.

  • Be diligent and thorough in your research. Do your homework, recap each day, and learn from your mistakes.

  • Don’t get caught in a situation in which you could lose a great deal of money for reasons you don’t understand.

  • Respect the price action, but never defer to it. When unsure, trade “in between.”

  • Emotion is the enemy when trading. Be greedy when others are fearful, and fearful when others are greedy.

  • 10 trading commandments

    1.) Respect the price action but never defer to it.

    Our eyes are valuable tools when trading, but if we deferred to the flickering ticks, stocks would be “better” up and “worse” down. That’s backward logic.

    2.) Discipline trumps conviction.

    No matter how strongly you feel on a given position, you must defer to the principles of discipline when trading. Always try to define your risk and never believe you’re smarter than the market.

    3.) Opportunities are made up easier than losses.

    It’s not necessary to play every day; it’s only necessary to have a high winning percentage on the trades you choose to make. Sometimes the ability not to trade is as important as trading ability.

    4.) Emotion is the enemy when trading.

    Emotional decisions have a way of coming back to haunt you. If you’re personally attached to a position, your decision-making process will be flawed. Take a deep breath before risking your hard-earned coin. See related link.

    5.) Zig when others zag.

    Sell hope, buy despair and take the other side of emotional disconnects. If you can’t find the sheep in the herd, chances are you’re it. (more…)

    DENNIS GARTMAN :On Being Wrong

    -Don’t miss to Read…………………..!!

    “If I’ve learned one thing in 35 years of doing this. I’ve learned this and I’ve learned it the hardest of all ways. Because I made the decision one time to do the wrong thing. I learned this. Whatever you do don’t ever, ever, ever, not never, not ever, under any circumstance, any time ever. Am I clear? Add to a losing trade. Never, ever, ever. Why would you ever add to a losing trade? The market, which is the sum total of the wisdom, and perhaps the stupidly, but predominately the wisdom the sum total of the wisdom of the market is telling you are wrong. How dare you argue with the market? How dare you stand up? What sense of hubris must that take on your part to tell the rest of the world that you’re wrong and I’m right. Because that’s what you’re doing when you’re adding to a losing position. Don’t do that. I will tell you. I did that one time. I lost my wife [first wife]to a margin call. I did, in fact, that did happen…November 11, 1983.”  Wives get very upset “when you come home and say, ‘Sweetheart, I lost the house today’”.

    “I will tell you I am good at trading. I am good at investing. I am good at making decisions. I am good at admitting mistakes and that’s my best trait. I am really, really good at admitting mistakes. And that’s to me the most important attribute that an investor, that a trader, that somebody who’s trying to make a living matching wits in the market can have is the ability to admit that they are wrong. That trumps all other concerns. Education doesn’t seem to have that much viability to me. It’s the ability to say I’m wrong.”

    “The great ones, the really great traders, I’m sorry, don’t average down. They average up on winning positions. They average up on winning long side trades. Why? Because the market is telling you that you are right. Why would you not do more of something when the market is telling you that you are right? Why do most of us constantly do the opposite? Why do most of us try to understand some fundamental about some stock that we like, some industry that we like, some corporation that we like and you understand the fundamentals of it and you like the underlying fundamentals of the industry that it’s in. You like the long term fundamentals of the US economy and you buy some of it at 25 and it immediately goes to 20. It’s not a better buy at 20. It’s a worst buy at 20 because somebody knows something that you don’t know. That’s the hardest thing for all of us to learn. I’m good at trading and I’m wrong most of the time.”

    “I’m good at trading and I’m wrong alot according to my wife. When we got married, we sat down the first year and she said you know this is really very sad. You had a good year at trading. You made us a very nice living this year but Dennis you were wrong 53% of the time this year. I thought this was terribly harsh. You couldn’t even beat a coin toss. I got out of it by saying, Sweetheart I’m so in love with you that it’s colored my ability to think. She bought it. I got another year. We sat down the second year. She said, my wife the accountant, one plus two equals three. She said this is really very sad. You made more money trading this year then you made the previous year. But this year you were wrong 57% of the time. And people pay you for your ideas. And I’m standing by the notion last year that I told you. You can’t even beat a coin toss. You need to do better. Sweetheart I’m trying.  Third year we sat down. My wife, the accountant, one plus two equals three. She said this is sad. You made more money than you made the previous two years. That’s lovely. I want to stay with you. But Dennis, you were wrong 68% of the time this year. Almost 7 out of 10 of your trades lost money. You have got to do better. I told her Laura I’m trying. I’m gonna try. Fourth year we sat down. My wife, the accountant, one plus two equals three. She said, you know, I get it now. You had the best year you ever had. Made more money this year then you made the previous three years. That’s lovely. This year you were wrong 81% of the time. I think if you can just be wrong 95% of the time. We’re gonna get stinkin’ rich. I think I can do it. I think I have it in my grasp to be wrong.”

    “The important notion here being – when you’re wrong, admit it. I try to tell to tell people that in the business of handling money, whether it’s in the business of playing poker, whether it’s in the business of trading, whether it’s in the business of investing, you have two types of capital with which you get to deploy: that which is in your account and mental capital. And I don’t have must mental capital. I’ve lost most of mine. You lose mental capital when you are holding on to losing trades and worst when you’re adding to losing trades. The fact that you are losing money is inconsequential what’s really worst is you are hemorrhaging mental capital. You’re there defending that losing trade. You’re hanging onto that losing position and you’re not going out and deploying what should be excellent mental capital.  You should be using that mental capital to go find other positions. To go put on other trades. To go make other investments. It’s a wonderful experience when you take off that losing trade and get rid of it. It’s liberating. I get liberated 20 times a day. It’s a lovely thing. It’s astonishing how many mistakes I make. So the most important thing I want to get across today, tonight, and for your future and what separates the really great investors from the mediocre and the mediocre from the losers is that the losers always go out in exactly the same way…badly.”

    The worst degree a trader can have is in economics and the best one is a liberal arts degree preferably “in psychology” or even religion because  “at any one time, down on the floor the background that seemed to have the most viability was religion. Because there would be 50 people saying ‘Oh good God just let this thing come back and I will never do that again.’ The problem is we are all sinners in the hands of an angry God with a very large margin account and more often than not he’s trying to wreak havoc upon you.”

    Gartman’s corollary to “markets can remain irrational longer than you can remain solvent” is “the markets will return to rationality the moment you have been rendered insolvent.”

    On Shakespeare:  “You’ll be better trained to deal with the uncertainties that exist in the market and to understand why Hamlet waited so long after finding out that it was his father-in-law that had killed his own father. He had the proof, he knew it was there. And yet the entire play of Hamlet is Hamlet delaying, and delaying and delaying and not acting. That’s what Hamlet is all about. It’s about the inability to make a decision. That’s what trading is all about. It is about the ability to make a decision. Hamlet would have been a terrible trader. Or why did Lear split his kingdom into three parts? What was he thinking? He would have made a terrible trader.”

    Here is what the markets are all about:  “The study of human begins dealing with the rational and the irrational. Dealing with rational numbers in an irrational environment. Dealing with irrational numbers in a rational environment. Dealing with irrational numbers in an irrational environment. And trying to make sense out of the chaos. Trying to bring order to the chaos.”

    Positive awareness trumps negative self talk

    The language you use as a trader can provide either positive reinforcement through honest self awareness or negative results through demeaning self talk.  In other words, when discussing your trading with others or in your journal become aware of how you view yourself.  Do you see yourself as an amateur, a whipping post, a loser?  Do you blame an indicator or the market or an advisor for your failures and lack of discipline?  When you are with others do you brag about your winners and hide your losers?  All of this talk is based on fear:  fear of being wrong, fear of what others might think of you and your decisions; fear of the market; fear of being afraid.  When you practice positive self awareness  you create a fertile learning environment that allows you to grow and progress as a BETTER trader, not focus on BECOMING a GOOD trader (implying that you are a bad one).  When I work with individuals I often hear the following:  “If I would just do this I would become a good trader” or “If I had your discipline I would be a able to make money.”  These statements are grounded in a sense of doubt and fear.  Instead, these statements should be replaced with “I am becoming a BETTER trader because I know the market cannot hurt me” AND “I am becoming a BETTER trader the more I stick with my rules.”  See the difference between the two?  One is focused on the joy of progress; the other on the fear of not being good enough.  Are you focused on progress or failure? Listen to yourself and you will quickly figure it out.  It is EASY to get down on yourself and much HARDER to remain positive in the face of adversity.

    Ten Trading Commandments

    Respect the price action but never defer to it.

    The action (or “eyes”) is a valuable tool when trading but if you defer to the flickering ticks, stocks would be “better” up and “worse” down—and that’s a losing proposition. This is a particularly pertinent point as headlines of new highs serve as sexy sirens for those on the sidelines. 
    Discipline trumps conviction.

    No matter how strongly you feel on a given position, you must defer to the principles of discipline when trading. Always try to define your risk and, above all, never believe that you’re smarter than the market. 
    Opportunities are made up easier than losses. 
    It’s not necessary to play every move, it’s only necessary to have a high winning percentage on the trades you choose to make. Sometimes the ability not to trade is as important as trading ability.
    Emotion is the enemy when trading. 
    Emotional decisions always have a way of coming back to haunt you. If you’re personally attached to a position, your decision making process will be flawed. It’s that simple.  (more…)