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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…)

The 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. 
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. (more…)