Since its first publication in 2015, 'How to Day Trade for a Living' became a consistent international bestseller. Interestingly, it drew peculiar attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sharp market crash enticed many to explore financial markets, mirroring in the influx of new trader emails received by Aziz, our trading veteran and author.
Aziz made substantive updates to dispel a harmful myth of day trading: it's not a fast route to immense wealth. He reiterates that to truly thrive in this field, one must approach it as a bona fide business.
As in any business, to go far in day trading, Aziz underlines, requires unwavering dedication, rigorous education, and continual practice. Alongside this, he gives practical advice – strategies, tips, and a comprehensive glossary for day trading neophytes.
While potential profitability and the appeal of a trader's lifestyle draw many towards day trading, Aziz cautions that profits don't come wrapped in silver foils. The successful day trader understands this, prepares hard, and sticks to their business plans consistently.
Gaining a firm grasp on different trading styles can aid in navigating the financial markets. Two such techniques include 'day trading' and 'swing trading'. Day traders aim to identify predictably moving stocks and trade them within a single day. On the flip side, swing traders stay invested for a few days or weeks.
It's crucial to differentiate day trading from other methods. Day traders, akin to a restaurant owner, operate within strict market hours, making sure to close their positions before the day ends. This eliminates the risk of overnight fluctuations and enables them to trade volatile stocks that can return profitable investments in a short window.
Swing trading, much like owning a delivery service, comes with a different set of rules and market segments. Swing traders focus on substantial corporations unlikely to lose their entire value in one night. This approach allows them to hold onto their stocks for longer durations, deriving value from sustained momentum.
While trading and investing are often used interchangeably, they differ considerably in relation to time frames and goals. Traders leverage short-term market movements, while investors opt for long-term asset appreciation. A clear understanding of these distinctions can help establish realistic expectations and devise effective strategies.
Day traders deploy distinctive trading strategies to maximize profits. One such technique is 'Buying Long, Selling Short'. Here, traders buy stocks when the price is envisaged to go up (going long) or sell stocks when the price is prognosticated to plummet (selling short). Short selling carries its benefits as well as hazards. The most notable caveat is the unlimited potential for loss if the stock price continues to ascend.
Short selling strategy centers around borrowing and selling stocks with the projection of buying them back at a cheaper price. This process facilitates gain when the borrowed stock's price descends. However, caution is indispensable as it is a perilous practice in trading
The mechanics of short selling necessitate borrowing shares from brokers, who, in turn, allow to lend out stocks as they prefer to hold their position for the long term, earning them extra income. Long-term investors, unafraid of short-term market fluctuations, also lend their stocks for short selling. An aspect to note here is, short selling over multiple days may result in the payment of interest to the broker for borrowing shares.
Short selling is a crucial component in the trading world, as it provides the market with more information and aids in price adjustments to reach reasonable valuations. Moreover, during market downturns, while other traders may panic and sell off their shares, short sellers can amass significant profits. After all, fear is a much stronger sensation than greed in the market.
For a vivid picture, consider a scenario where a trader borrows and sells 100 shares of a company at $100 each. If the price drops to $90, they can buy back the shares at the reduced price and pocket a profit of $10 per share. However, if the stock price increases to $110, they incur a loss as they still have to buy back the shares at the hiked price to return to their broker. Thus, short selling can be both beneficial and risky.
Retail traders, distinctively not tied to firms or managing funds, possess the power to choose their trading times. Unlike their institutional counterparts, they aren't obligated to be perpetually active. Therein lies an advantage not sufficiently leveraged by solo traders who often fall into the trap of overtrading, negating their inherent advantage.
Guerrilla day trading resembles retail trading in its nature. It's a quick-fire approach targeting momentary market opportunities for profits. Furthermore, retail traders hold an edge in swiftly exiting losing positions—a luxury often unavailable to institutional traders due to their sizable positions.
The volatility within markets ironically becomes a breeding ground for profits when day trading. The trick for every trader, individual or retail, lies in recognizing certain patterns and religiously adhering to them.
Another golden rule for retail traders is to consciously avoid the terrain heavily tread by institutions—specifically, their heavily traded stocks. Securities within their comfort zones will likely wield better results.
High Frequency Trading (HFT) has changed the dynamics of trading, making it trickier for day traders. However, triumph over the intricate 'black box' algorithms is not a lost cause. Traders should pinpoint trades meticulously and keep a keen eye on price movements. Surprisingly, programmers crafting these HFT algorithms often lack actual trading experience, rendering them susceptible to unforeseen market fluctuations.
With adequate experience, mentoring, and practice, traders can adopt counterplay strategies against different algorithmic programs. It's essential to respect, but not dread, HFT programs. They're just another component of an ever-evolving market that continues to require astute traders. Despite their impact, algorithms can't void the necessity for trader discretion due to the market's inherent variable nature.
Rather than grumbling about algorithms, find ways to leverage them. Retail day traders can still reap profits amidst algorithms and HFT. The market is a puzzle that needs constant adaptability to its ceaseless changes. Making excuses won't help traders profit; what's necessary is working efficiently and intelligently within the new rules the market plays by.
A prime example of HFT failure comes from the 'Buy the New Low' program. If a large institutional seller also opts to sell their shares, the program cracks. Instances like this took place back in September 2008, as retail day traders together with institutional sellers were able to outsmart HFT programs that aimed to purchase stocks from banks like Lehman Brothers. Identifying moments where algorithms are defenseless can turn into profitable opportunities for traders spiriting to outmaneuver the programs.
Algorithmic traders typically use the overarching market trend to predict the path of most stocks, yet there always remain a few outliers driven by specific factors. Stocks exhibiting significant independent movement named 'Stocks in Play' have retail traders all abuzz. These stocks are usually swayed by unexpected news events such as an earnings report, a product approval, or a breakthrough contract.
Trading 'Stocks in Play' is not just about spotting these oddities—it's also about understanding their rhythms. Regular traders need to establish whether a stock's change is courtesy of an independent catalyst or linked to overall market movements. By focusing on the most buzzed-about and heavily dealt stocks, retail traders can stay ahead of the game, instead going toe-to-toe with large institutional traders.
Actively engaging in day trading communities and utilizing stock scanning tools can help identify the retailers' favorite stocks. Avoidance of penny stocks or over-the-counter markets is prudent due to their susceptibility to manipulation, inconsistent adherence to standard strategies, and precariousness for day trading.
The trade day kick-off with pre-market scanning and preparing a watchlist of appealing stocks for the day. Optimum trading hours typically run from market opening to around 11:30 AM New York time. This period is characterized by high trading volumes and volatility. Trading beyond these hours or in the pre-market can be a risk due to low liquidity and vulnerability to high-frequency trading.
Establishing and adhering to a daily profit target can prevent overextending your market stay. Once the target is met, it is judicious to stop trading or shift to a simulator to prevent potential losses. Efficient and effective trading leaves you with the remainder of your day to enjoy.
Just as professional athletes have to train intensively and adapt strategically, so do traders. Winning this game involves mastering trading strategies, adopting effective risk management styles, and maintaining a robust psyche. Key to succeeding is both physical well-being and mental tenacity, hence the need for good nutrition and proper sleep.
There's often a steep learning curve for beginners in the day trading landscape. Many are tempted to dive deep into new technologies and strategies, often neglecting the rudiments of self-discipline and risk management. This leads to potential financial pitfalls. Learning to accept losses as an inevitable part of trading and moving on is crucial in shaping a successful trader.
In this high-stakes environment, risk management rules play an indispensable role. From choosing the right stocks, determining share size versus risk/reward ratio, to setting stop losses, proper risk management steers the trading ship to favorable shores. So remember, holding onto losing trades of out a desire to be proven right can be detrimental to your portfolio.
The guidelines for superior risk management practices for traders are presented with a straightforward three-fold plan. The aim of this is to optimize profit potential while simultaneously reducing exposure. The strategy involves firstly determining a maximal dollar risk for each trade, which should not surpass 2% of a trader's total account.
Secondly, an estimation of the maximum per-share loss, or stop loss, must be drawn up relative to the point of entry. Finally, this strategy includes calculating the maximum number of shares that can be traded, achieved by dividing the maximum dollar risk by the highest per-share risk. Applying these steps can secure the trader's account and set a maximum loss per trade.
This system requires careful calculation and clarity, which may seem challenging during a live trade. However, repeated practice can lead to improvement. For new traders, three months of supervised 'paper trading' is recommended to attune themselves with efficient risk management strategies.
Let's face it, trading can lead to emotional turmoil. Experiencing losses may cause some traders to lose their cool, leading them to make impulsive decisions which can heighten losses. In contrast, successful traders are those who maintain their composure and stay focused on their strategies, even in the face of loss.
Now, there's no denying the role personal life, relationships and physical health play in a trader's success. Issues in these areas can significantly distract traders, affecting their concentration and decision-making prowess. As such, taking care of mental, physical health and maintaining a balanced personal life are vital.
Here's the kicker folks, success in trading comes from a robust plan and the discipline to stick to it. The aspect of making swift decisions, despite being decisive, requires a trader to be disciplined. Moreover, a traders should never shirk from reviewing their performance regularly for continuous improvement, while managing risk effectively.
Interestingly, success is not solely defined by profitability but also by how well a trader sticks to their strategy and manages risk. Furthermore, developing connections in the trading community or finding a mentor can prove invaluable in providing support and constructive feedback.
To wrap up, it's essential to note that, in the quest for success, striking the right balance is crucial. Traders should not react negatively to losses but take them as learning opportunities, manage their health and personal life for better focus and maintain discipline in executing their trading strategy.
The key to consistent profitability in day trading lies in the selection of good stocks. Trading with stocks that lack movement or volume is a fool's errand even for the most skilful trader. For a smart day trader, efficiency in terms of time and investment is crucial.
Day trading success often relies on selecting stocks that hint at their upcoming movement, rather than those with arbitrary volatility. The ability to forecast movement allows day traders to strategize and plan for profits. In contrast, stocks that sway wildly without a clear direction pose a challenge in identifying favourable risk/reward opportunities.
Notice how some traders unswervingly lock on to profitable trades? The secret lies in their ability to find the right 'Stocks in Play', stocks that offer sound risk/reward setups. A grasp of trading strategies will fall short without the ability to single out these gems. Mastering this key skill holds the antidote for the disadvantage that individual traders face against algorithmic programs.
Highly fruitful for day trading, 'Stocks in Play' exhibit specific traits like significant pre-market activity, crucial intraday levels, or recent news. Most notably, they showcase high relative volume, which incidentally, is exclusive to each stock rather than the overall volume.
'Stocks in Play' march to the beat of their own drum, disregarding the performance of the overall market or their sector. At a glance, the behavior of the larger market can be gleaned from index funds like DIA or SPY. However, these power-packed stocks will prove to be islands unto themselves.
Day trading with 'Stocks in Play' requires robust liquidity for smooth transactions. Fundamental catalysts such as earnings reports, mergers, or FDA approvals often cause stock fluctuations. As a retail trader, it's wise to be in tune with the news and keenly watch the ‘Gappers’ watchlist.
Among the most effective stratagems applied to 'Stocks in Play' are Momentum, Reversal, VWAP, and Moving Average. There are three key categories of stocks suitable for each strategy, aiding in diversification and reduced risk.
Experienced traders recognize the significance of timing - getting in and out of the right stocks at the perfect moment. To determine ideal trading openings, they utilize a pre-market gappers scanner, set to look for stocks that meet very specific criteria. These traders are on the lookout for stocks that demonstrate noticeable activity and high trading volume in the pre-market, due to potential fundamental catalysts.
Said criteria include a pre-market gap of at least 2%, a minimum pre-market trading volume of 50,000 shares, and a Preferable average daily volume of over 500,000 shares. Additionally, the stock should have an average true range (ATR) of at least 50 cents. Traders are advised to steer clear of stocks with a short-interest higher than 30% to sidestep the possibility of short squeezes harming their positions.
After generating a list of gappers, traders narrow down their potential targets to just two or three stocks. These selections are based on key information gleaned from monitoring the 'Chg Close' and 'Float' columns of their watchlists. These columns provide insight into the price change and total number of shares circulating in the market.
If no stocks tick all the boxes established by the gappers' criteria, traders then fall back on intraday scanners to unearth other stocks that may be of interest, keeping the trade game afloat.
It's a game-changing truth in the world of stock trading: set ups during trading hours can be crucial for certain strategies. Enter the wonderful world of specific scanners, finely tuned to find stocks that fit perfectly into these timely plans.
Among these scanners, the 'Real Time Volume Radar' stands out, hunting for stocks that have widened by at least $1 gap up or down, showing an ATR greater than 50 cents, and possessing average relative volume and daily trading volume above specific thresholds.
Keeping an eye on 'stocks in play' is vital; their volatility is often higher, which can potentially pave the way to profits. These essential stocks usually move with their sectors, so discerning them from the herd can be key.
The 'Momentum Strategy' requires low float stocks on the move, and the recommended scanner 'Trade Ideas software' does the trick, finding the right momentum stocks.
When it comes to reversal strategies, real time scanners work wonders in identifying suitable stocks. Depending on different strategies and trading styles, you can adjust the parameters of the scanners accordingly, making it uniquely yours. New traders can take a leaf from experienced traders in day trading communities by observing real time scanners, this helps in keeping costs low while learning.
Smarter trading is built on a foundation of judicious planning and strategy preference that complements one's individuality and budget. It isn't a bravado show—that would be boxing—but a complex negotiation with oneself, where quality triumphs over quantity to birth consistently successful results.
Breathe, rest, repeat! Trading is a marathon, not a sprint. Overtrading can be your Achilles heel, leading to financial instability while making your broker richer. Limiting daily trades can prevent the inadvertent fallout of this phenomenon.
Scanners—the magnifying glass for potential trading options can be an expensive investment. However, for the newbies or budget-conscious players, community-based shared options can serve as an efficient alternative. Leaning into this can optimize your trading style without burning a hole in your pocket.
Day trading is a rewarding but undoubtedly complicated endeavor. The first step, choosing a suitable broker, is absolutely critical for success. Brokers are the gatekeepers between citizens of the stock market and the market itself. Ensure this liaison is worthwhile!
Among brokers, direct-access ones stand out for day trading due to their fast, accurate order execution. However, all that glitters isn't gold - American traders will hit the pattern day trade (PDT) rule, which allows limited trades for those with less than $25,000 in equity. Offset this circumstance by partnering with offshore brokers, who swing the PDT rule aside and open the door for undercapitalized traders to thrive.
Broker types vary significantly: conventional ones prioritize informed advice and market research, while direct-access brokers are all about speed, speed, speed! Interactive Brokers and Capital Markets Elite Group Limited stand tall in the broker crowd. They offer discounted fees, higher margins and zippy order executions, serving as the ideal weapons in a trader's arsenal.
Margins allow traders to trade big, leveraging the power of debt for potential galactic gains. But, like fire, it's dangerous and can lead to swift, painful losses. And as enticing as they may be, commission-free brokers like Robinhood are not advisable for day trading because of technical inefficiencies. Such freebies sacrifice reliability for free access, and in a game of microseconds, that's a deadly trade-off.
Online trading platforms are remarkable tools that assist in placing orders for day trading. But remember, these platforms are not the same as direct-access brokers. These brokers own their unique trading platforms, offering different qualities and charting capabilities, sometimes at a fee waived with adequate commissions. Prominent direct-access brokers include Interactive Brokers, Lightspeed, TD Ameritrade, Alliance Trader, and CMEG.
Straight from a professional's playbook, Interactive Brokers and DAS Trader reign supreme. Note that DAS Trader is not a broker, but a platform linking to your brokerage account. Thanks to efficient execution and market functionality, this platform tops the charts. Quickness is of essence for day traders, hence hotkeys serve an important role in swift order placement and execution.
Brokers may charge a monthly fee for their trading platform usage, but don't be disheartened! High volume traders get to enjoy these platforms sans cost. This encourages them to enhance their trading volume, reaping the benefits of their favorite platform without an extra penny spent. The swift and smart are often rewarded in the trading realm.
Dive into the world of day trading orders with three distinct types to choose from: market, limit, and marketable limit orders. Market orders enable instant buying or selling of a stock at its present price, creating swift executions. Practicality, however, may be compromised if the market fluctuates rapidly, causing what is known as a bad fill.
Limit orders, on the other hand, bring control to your fingertips. Specify a maximum or minimum price at which you're willing to buy or sell a stock. While this positions for better deals, spotting a potential pitfall is key. You may be left hanging as there's no assurance of fulfilling such orders at the set price.
Marketable limit orders cleverly combine the highlights of the previous two. They allow immediate buying or selling, while securing your trade within a defined price range. The caveat? Always aim to use limit orders where possible for better prices and to minimize the risk of unfavorable fills.
In the vigorous world of day trading, hotkeys provide a crucial edge, facilitating rapid and automated trade actions. They're the trusty tools required for getting in and out of trades at lightning speed, a vital asset during the high-intensity moments of market opening.
Trading platforms such as Aziz's DAS Trader, which support hotkeys, play a paramount role in high-octane trading success.
Hotkeys offer versatility; they can be tailored to execute various actions-we're talking buying, selling, shorting stocks, covering shorts and more. For instance, for long positions, Aziz deploys limit orders to buy a smidge higher (+5 cents on the ask price) and sell a tad lower (-5 cents on the bid price).
When it comes to shorting stocks, the strategy changes; stocks are sold at the bid or a price up to 5 cents lower and then bought to mop up shorts at the asking price plus a nickel. Keep in mind, in SSR mode, the strategy needs to adapt—stocks are sold on the ask, since short selling on the bid gets a red flag.
In day trading's high-stake game, mastering hotkeys is a non-negotiable. They're the lifeline when a stock suddenly takes an unexpected turn. Yet, be warned—hotkeys can backfire if not handled with caution. Practice makes perfect, and testing hotkeys in simulated environments before diving into the real-deal is sage advice.
Prefer a wired keyboard over wireless to dodge any sneaky technical glitches, and always keep spare keyboards and mice handy. After all, a backup plan never hurts in case of unexpected tech-failures.
There's an untapped wealth of knowledge waiting within trading communities. Online trading forums such as Don Kaufman’s trading room or TheoTrade are primed with collective wisdom and trading strategies. They give you the chance to ask questions and connect with traders who share your mindset. From these platforms you can gain fresh perspectives, helping you make better trading decisions.
Take a moment to consider this: there are tailored trading programs like those from Dr. Alexander Elder and Kerry Lovvorn offering direct access to like-minded traders. More than simple social forums, these come with an educational twist. They’re curated platforms to boost your trading knowledge, providing you with structured learning methods you might not find elsewhere.
Bear Bull Traders epitomizes the power of interactive chatrooms. As traders, we can flourish in this digital age, by real-time sharing of screens and platforms to learn from each other instantly. There's something empowering about breaking through the lone-wolf trader stereotype, and embracing this collective approach to success.
Balancing this is the importance of autonomy. While trading communities are hotbeds of innovation, remember: great traders also trust their judgment. What worked for others might not work for you. So, even as you engage within these communities, maintain your independent-thinking, for it's an invaluable tool in your trading arsenal!
The trading market teems with three types of players: the buyers, sellers, and the undecided. Buyers, ever thrifty, aim for the lowest possible expense to enter a trade. Sellers, on the other hand, aim for high selling prices. The actions of the undecided traders, however, hold the power to tilt the scales, driving the prices high or low.
The presence of undecided traders brings about a sense of urgency, even fear among the buyers and sellers. Their decisions, or lack thereof, can lead to dramatic swings in the trade market - either increases in prices due to rush purchases or the opposite if the momentum swings in favor of the sellers. Be it a marketplace or a store, the air is thick with this tension.
Keeping a keen eye on the balance of power between buyers and sellers is the secret weapon of a successful day trader. Understanding the dynamics, reading into the mass psychology at play, and making calculated moves pave the way towards successful trades. Capturing this essence, candlestick charts serve as a mirror of this battlefield, reflecting whether the buyers, termed as 'bullish', or the sellers, termed as 'bearish', have the upper hand.
In the world of trading, indecision candle patterns like Spinning Tops and Dojis offer unique insights. Spinning Tops depict a heated face-off between buyers and sellers, neither of whom can gain control over the prices, hinting at a potential trend shift. Amplifying complexity and interest, Dojis are a symbol of intense tug-of-war between sellers and buyers. The shape of a Doji, whether it has a very small or non-existent body paired with unequal wicks, tips traders off about impending shifts in power dynamic. The significance of these patterns, however, is not absolute. So, approach cautiously and supplement them with other analytical tools for a well-rounded trading strategy.
Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of day trading. Shaping your investment strategy involves primarily price action, chart patterns, and technical indicators. With these tools, a successful trader is a few steps closer to discerning the market's volatility and future directions. Forget about company fundamentals, it's the aforementioned trio to be laser-focused on.
Every trader has a unique investing approach that works exclusively for them. Discovering it may require patience, but it paves the path to sustained success. While there are nine invaluable strategies shared in the text gotten directly from the horse's mouth - Aziz, their mastery can be highly advantageous.
The trading battlefield is majorly dominated by algorithmic high frequency trading. However, a savvy trader can seek out stocks with substantial retail interest and volume. This becomes their key weapon to counterbalance algorithmic trading and maintain control in the rapidly changing market.
The game isn't all about financial dynamics or market indicators, part of the equation lies in the psychological realm too. Confidence, tenacity, and mental resilience form the backbone of any flourishing trader. Remember, day trading isn't an overnight success story, but with dedicated practice and strategic focus, the market can be yours to conquer.
Taking a deep dive into the subtleties of day trading, Aziz emphasizes two core aspects: trade management and position sizing. Trade management demands continuous attention to changes, a knack for making swift, informed decisions, and active participation from the moment a position is opened till it's exited. Aziz urges you not to be a bystander just waiting for fate to strike.
The art of position sizing is yet another deciding factor in day trading. It's about not biting off more than you can chew, maintaining a balanced portfolio and staying within your risk limits. The careful calibration of position size can prove pivotal in deciding the success or downfall of a trade.
You don't have to go about it blindly though! Dive into chatrooms, watch more experienced traders in action and pick up on their smart strategies for managing open trades. Because let's face it, the crux of day trading success isn't about what stock you pick, it's all about how you manage your open positions and how well you size them up.
Drawing on highlights from the trading world, Aziz underscores the dangers of overtrading and flouting risk management rules through the regrettable example of Brian Hunter. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale to remember: No matter how much of a trading whiz you may be, ignoring market warnings and blindly doubling down on risky positions can lead to disastrous consequences.
Picture this: a simple and effective trading strategy that fits the bill for beginners and adept traders alike. It's known as the ABCD Pattern. This strategy kicks into action by locating a robust upward surge in a stock, trailing a pullback, and then diving into the trade once the stock discovers support and climbs higher again. The shimmering examples of this pattern's popularity are apparent in Ocean Power Technologies Inc. and SPU's trading action on August 29, 2016.
The dance moves of this pattern are quite straightforward. Firstly, wait for confirmation of support at point C, set up your stops, and identify profit-taking points. The magical fact about this strategy is its wide applicability. It fits seamlessly into various stocks and time horizons, as beautifully exhibited by PG&E Corporation and American Airlines Group Inc.
The ABCD's curtain call is met with savvy selling action. Once you've reached point D, the practice is to sell half the position while adjusting the stop loss to a break-even point. This practical technique puts the risk at bay while harvesting ripe profits. So, fellow traders, align your moves to the ABCD rhythm and let the profit symphony play!
The Bull Flag Momentum strategy is a potent approach that day traders can utilize for low float stocks under $10. The core of this methodology lies in spotting a 'Bull Flag' pattern. This pattern emerges when there's a procession of sizeable candles surging up (similar to a pole) followed by a string of smaller candles moving sideways (akin to a flag).
Success with this strategy is reliant on timing - wait for the stock to consolidate, essentially when it hits its high point, before stepping into a trade. This scheme encourages trading during less tumultuous periods and accruing profits amid volatile times. Be on guard against the alluring trap of chasing stocks and always wait for a breakout confirmation prior to purchasing.
This strategy was put to test in three explicit instances, two involving a Bull Flag on OPTT and one with RIGL. In these cases, traders detected the Bull Flag pattern, waited for consolidation, and then plunged into the trade, setting a stop loss at the consolidation breakdown. Certain cases showcased immediate wins while others demanded forethought against potential risks.
The Bull Flag Momentum strategy, though effective for day trading low float stocks under $10, necessitates patience. Remain poised for the consolidation phase before setting off the trade and establish a stop loss at the consolidation breakdown to manage risk. Remember, no two trading journeys are identical, and this pattern, optimal for momentum and scalping strategies, may require a dedicated trial period in simulators before venturing with real money.
For those involved in the Wall Street hustle, day trading proves to be quite the lucrative platform. Particularly, reversal trading strategies appear to be a favorite owing to their clearly outlined entry and exit points. They come in two forms - top and bottom reversals. Imagine this - a stock takes a steep tumble, potentially because of institutional traders, hedge funds, or traders short selling the stock. This mostly signals an opportunity for reversal, or a profitable short squeeze waiting to happen.
Success with these strategies involves keeping an eye out for certain candlestick patterns, such as the shooting star or hammer. These, especially when they appear near important support or resistance levels or offset with extreme RSI values, indicate a possible change in trend. However, waiting patiently for the reversal to take shape is as key to this practice as trading in sync with mass market sentiment.
An astute investor would also set the profit targets at moving averages or other crucial intraday levels. And then, keeping a keen eye out for extreme RSI values, high trading volume, and consecutive candles succeeded by indecision or doji candlesticks proves essential. In essence, the winning mantra to reversal trading is staying poised at the extremes, stationed near key daily support or resistance levels. After all, these smart tactics significantly enhance the profit-to-loss ratio.
Cases in point include stocks like Emergent BioSolutions Inc., Alere Inc., and Bed Bath and Beyond Inc. These businesses have all shown the profitable potential of reversal trading, glowing proof of how substantial plunges or jumps in stock values can make a neat U-turn, bringing in surprising profits for the trader. The crux of the matter is to stay on the lookout for stock values making drastic shifts, waiting for the confirmation of a reversal before diving into the trade head-on.
Aziz's detailed narrative explains how to use moving averages to get in and out of day trades. The key is understanding their behavior as support or resistance lines, and using them as indicators for entry and exit points.
Stocks often follow similar paths, forming trends around moving averages. Recognizing these can give traders keys to where to make their next move. Variations exist, like the 9 and 20 EMA, and the 50 and 200 SMA, each valuable for its own reasons.
The strategy shines during mid-day and closing trading sessions when volatility is low. However, traders should remember that the strategy isn't one-size-fits-all and should be tailored to fit individual needs and risk tolerance.
Keen eye on charts goes a long way in this strategy. Confirmation from moving averages often signals when to buy or sell. Examples of this approach in action such as when Aziz used it on various stocks at different time frames, offer tangible demonstrations of this method's effectiveness.
The strategy isn't boxed into a specific time frame. It can be utilized with various charts, such as the 1-minute and 5-minute ones. It's not about following a rigid system, but rather being fluid and adaptable while sticking to preferred trading methods.
The Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) is a significant tool for day traders. Uniquely, it's a moving average that takes into account the price and volume of a stock, forming an indicator of market control. A stock above VWAP implies the buyers' dominance; below VWAP suggests the sellers are gaining momentum.
For institutional traders, VWAP plays a crucial role in pinpointing suitable entry and exit points for their large stock orders. Notably, a stock's movement towards or away from VWAP can signal the presence of these big players in the market. Conversely, if they show no interest, the stock price might hover sideways near the VWAP.
The VWAP provides strategic trading insights, offering a 'long VWAP strategy' which involves buying near VWAP, setting a stop loss below VWAP. Conversely, the 'short VWAP strategy' involves selling near VWAP and setting a stop loss above it. With two prime examples, featuring SolarCity Corporation (SCTY) stock, the strategies provide clear investment paths for day traders navigating the stock market.
Delving into the trading world, one comes across numerous styles of trading. Amongst these styles, Support and Resistance Trading, fashioned around applying static support and resistance lines, stands out for its objectivity over diagonal trend lines. In essence, support symbolizes a price point that triggers adequate buying to interrupt or invert a downtrend. Conversely, resistance signifies a price point that incites sufficient selling to pause or flip an uptrend.
One embarks on buying at support and selling at resistance in Support or Resistance Trading. To aptly draw these lines, one needs to take into account a multitude of factors including, but not limited to, indecision candles, half-dollars and whole dollars, the most recent data, and how the price reacts upon reaching the level. Building proficiency in this type of trading demands experience and a keen eye for detail.
Several instances make the cut as tutorials for this type of trading. Such stories of successful trades like that of CarMax Inc. (KMX) and SolarCity Corp (SCTY) shed light on the implementation and effectiveness of Support or Resistance Trading. These instances enlighten one on the art of buying at low (support) and selling at high (resistance).
The Red-to-Green strategy is a trading technique that relies on the previous day's closing price. This strategy comes into play under two scenarios. If a stock's current price is higher than the previous day's closing, that's a Green-to-Red movement. Conversely, if the current price is lower than the previous day's close, it's a Red-to-Green movement.
Regardless of the direction, the trading methods remain the same. Traders carefully monitor the price action around the previous day's close. The profit target is set at the previous day's close and a stop loss at the nearest technical level. Stocks are then bought or sold at this profit target.
Interestingly, the same strategy can also apply to the reverse direction, as demonstrated with the examples of Mallinckrodt Public Limited Company and Barracuda Networks, Inc. This further expands the versatility of the Red-to-Green trading strategy, regardless of closing prices and market behavior.
The Opening Range Breakout (ORB) strategy is a key technique used by traders during the initial moments of the stock market’s day. It operates by discerning the price movement's range during the first few minutes, enabling traders to make a strategic entry based on a breakout from that range. This approach is particularly effective when used with mid to large cap stocks, which typically have a more narrow band of price variations.
To implement the ORB strategy successfully, traders need to observe the opening ranges for a minimum of five minutes to evaluate the buying and selling balance of power. While the ORB strategy is crucial for pointing out entry points, it does not set the profit target. It's essential to have well-defined stop loss and exit strategies for each trade.
There have been notable uses of the ORB strategy, including with e.l.f. Beauty Inc. (ELF) and Procter & Gamble Co. (PG) in 2017. ELF gapped up more than 19% and was heavily sold off within the first five minutes, which suggested profit-taking by overnight traders - a decisive move for ORB strategy implementation.
On the flip side, PG presented a scenario where ORB strategy wasn't suitable - the price movement was bound within a small range, which, contrasted with the stock's Average True Range (ATR), indicated high volatility that the ORB strategy isn't designed to handle. However, should the opening range have been breached, entry might have been considered based on the breakout direction.
Your trading success hinges heavily on molding a trading strategy that suits you. Elements such as account size, time availability, experience, and personality come into play, shaping your tactics to optimally respond to market whims. It's equally crucial to strike a balance within your risk capacity. Recognize that trading isn’t a cookie-cutter process; each individual requires a distinct approach.
Technical indicators can be a boon or bane—it all hinges on your usage. Overdependence on numerous indicators can cause confusion and present conflicting signals. In the rapid-fire domain of day trading, information overload can be detrimental. Employing limited indicators, for instance, VWAP and moving averages, can enhance judgment and expedite decisions.
While mechanical and systematic strategies seem appealing, they have their limitations. Against behemoth investment banks armed with million-dollar algorithms, traditional methods could fall short. Trading isn't just about entry and exit points dictated by indicators—it's a multifaceted process demanding real-time judgment and efficient strategy execution.
Aziz encourages traders to develop their unique trading strategy, tailored to their trading style, risk tolerance, and account size. By putting together the different pieces of information gained through learning—as you would a puzzle—you can create and effectively manage your trading strategy.
He recommends giving your strategy a name to solidify its identity and ensure that you do not engage in trades without a plan. Even more crucial is the habit of vocalizing the name of the strategy before entering a trade. This not only helps maintain discipline and focus, but it also lends credibility to your individual strategy.
Last, but certainly not least, don't forget to put your strategy to test before trading with real money. Aziz advises beginners and experienced traders alike to use simulators for this purpose. By refining your strategy through practice, you can maximize your trading success and minimize the risk of losses.
Day trading, an intriguing dance of strategizing and decision-making, differs in each stage of the day. The daily trading timeline can be broken down into the Open, Late-Morning, Mid-day, and the Close. Each of these periods presents its own rhythms and challenges that traders must synchronize with for optimal results.
The most lucrative part of the day for day trading tends to be the initial stretch termed 'the Open.' Within the first 30 to 60 minutes of trading, capitalizing on Opening Range Breakouts, Bull Flag Momentum, and VWAP trades can yield significant returns.
When the clock ticks towards the Late-Morning, although the volume shrinks compared to the Open, opportunities still proliferate. For the novice traders out there, Late-Morning is known to be one of the most inductive periods for trading, offering the right balance of volatility for profitable trades.
Mid-day requires a tread of caution. Sluggish market movement combined with decreased volume and liquidity moulds mid-day as a risky trade period. Hence, traders should tread meticulously, accepting only trades that promise a commendable risk/reward ratio.
The final hour of trading, known as 'the Close', typically trend more directionally. In these decisive moments, siding with professional trends can be a reliable move for traders to wrap their day.
Aziz underscores how potent strategies vary with the time of day. He exhorts the adoption of strategies like Opening Range Breakouts during the Open, and VWAP Reversal during Late-Morning. Similarly, for the more perilous Mid-day, he recommends a mix of Reversal, VWAP, Moving Average, and Support or Resistance trades. Lastly, for The Close, VWAP, Support or Resistance, and Moving Average trades are held up as effective.
To safeguard profits, Aziz advocates holding onto no more than 30% of the Open gains for the rest of the day. As such, every trader can build a successful trading day by adopting this simple rule.
Keen to gain insights on successful stock trading? Aziz offers genuine life scenarios from his trading encounters, showcasing two main strategies that led to considerable profits. Let's hop onto this journey and dissect these strategies for profitable trading ventures.
Remember that one time when Aziz bet against a stock, predicting its fall due to its closure below VWAP (Volume-Weighted Average Price)? The dynamic shifted, and the stock indeed began to descend, allowing Aziz an exit point when a 5-minute candlestick marked a new high. The result? A whopping $650 profit! This strategy buttresses the significance of observing the VWAP for precise trade time predictions.
Next up is the journey Aziz embarked on during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he strategically traded with the Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY). For traders, it was a time of adversity, but Aziz identified opportunity amidst chaos. Spotting a 7% pre-market gap-up and good volume, Aziz saw promise in OXY amidst the pandemic, culminating in a sizeable profit of $2,421.81.
Now, armed with this knowledge, who's ready for their next trading escapade? Remember, strategy is everything!
The magical formula for trading success, as revealed by Aziz, is astonishingly simple. Whittling down your trading strategy to a few strong setups paves the way to consistency. This uncomplicated approach not only lessens stress but allows traders to sharpen their focus on the psychological aspects of their trade game.
Imagine embarking on a trading day with a well-structured game plan. Consequently, this blueprint defines an effective trading process. It commences with an invigorating morning routine, followed by meticulous drafting of a watchlist and a trading plan. The crux, though, is in executing aligned with the preconceived plan. This outlined advancement assures lucrative trades when implemented correctly.
The role of self-discipline and physical fitness in trading is often underestimated. The prowess of trading champions seeps beyond their working hours, embedding discipline and ambition into their lifestyle. As Aziz advises, the journey toward trading victory demands a personality metamorphosis. Thus, fostering a trader's success necessitates a focus on education and practical training, assisting them in understanding the cardinal aspects of trading and enhancing their skillset.
In Aziz's compelling piece on day trading, he underscores the significance of mastering a single trading approach before branching out to others. His trading strategy of choice, dubbed 'Break of High Day' (BHOD), is characterized by its clear setups and definitions, making it an attractive option compared to ambiguous ones like price reversal trades.
Aziz stresses the necessity of patience in day trading. By sticking to his BHOD strategy, he saw a notable rise in consistency and profitability in his trades. This includes his ability to make successful trades even during weak market periods.
Importantly, Aziz shares how he was able to align his trading strategy to his persona. Through trial and error, he was able to narrow down to the BHOD strategy. He provides valuable insight on how individual personality plays a role in determining one's most effective trading strategy.
Delve into high probability BHOD trades, celebrated for their steady, albeit modest, profits. The highlight being a trade on Walt Disney stock on June 15, 2020, which boasted a textbook 'high of day' at $113.50.
Unlock the thrill of entering the trade at $113.53, as the bid boldly broke the day's high, and strategically claiming partial profits not once, but twice, at $113.95 and $114.16.
Explore the intriguing instance of getting stopped out at $113.47, only to witness the stock blaze a trail up to $118.12. It's all part of the captivating game of stock trading that keeps you coming back for more!
The first key to successful day trading lies in attaining a proper educational foundation and gaining experience through simulated trading. It's more than just a job or hobby - it takes a disciplined mindset and skill. Steaming ahead without mastering the basics can lead to disappointment and financial losses.
Patience is pivotal for budding traders. Success in this field isn't instant; it requires taking measured steps and consistently evolving. One should invest a substantial amount of time into learning, particularly during the initial six to eight months.
Proper preparation is another cornerstone for thriving in day trading. The process involves setting rational, process-oriented goals and focusing on executing sound strategies instead of just concentrating on profit-making. Moreover, preparation ensures disciplined and controlled trading, keeping impulsive decisions in check.
Being part of a trading community can considerably bolster one's trading career. Having a mentor and keeping a record of trades in a journal facilitates continuous self-improvement. In addition, reflecting on past trades and making necessary adjustments aids in enhancing one's trading system.
Trading, with its potential for substantial rewards, often lures the unwary into its treacherous depths. However, it's a hazardous game for those unprepared, akin to stepping into a battle second only to war, fraught with danger and high failure rates.
Trading naively, as the two unlucky traders being discussed, one with an impressive account around $400,000 USD, and the other planning to double her position while shorting the market, is nothing short of gambling.
Unplanned trading is as precarious as gambling, and the absence of risk management introduces a significant probability of heavy losses. The hapless trader, with no regard for market conditions, hastily entered and exited positions, causing substantial harm to his $400,000 account.
Similarly, the second trader, clueless about her market decisions, planned on feeding the market another $50,000, all from her mobile app, without a clearly defined strategy. Clearly a recipe for disaster.
Aziz implores the importance of meticulous risk management and strategy in trading. Going blindly into the battle will only see good money follow bad, and averaging down that path is to walk willingly into the jaws of defeat.
To avoid such risks, an accountability or 'mastermind' group is an invaluable resource for traders, fostering support and crucially, self-awareness. In fact, it's posited that self-confidence has less weightage than self-awareness in trading. Being receptive to advice from experienced mentors shields from the risks of isolated decision making.
Trading, much like any serious business, necessitates an appropriate business plan. Three main areas construct this plan: the trading framework, support activities, and non-trading tasks. Central to the plan is the trading framework, enveloping money and risk management principles, trade strategies, management rules, and accountability.
Activities bolstering the framework aren’t to be overlooked. These comprise of journaling trades to track progress, cultivating an education plan, setting objectives, and formulating trading regulations. Journaling trades helps identify winning strategies and areas needing improvement. Similarly, having a clear visual educational plan aids in managing expectations during the learning process.
On the administrative side, things like an action plan, a vision statement, crafting a timeline for the trading business, and determining the right tools and services are included. The establishment of trading rules, preferably when the market is off and traders are free from volatile emotions, aids in protecting traders from impulsive actions and helps keep discipline intact.
The trails of climbing and trading seem to converge at the junction of process-oriented mindsets. Embracing the journey rather than just lunging for the summit is so vitally paramount in both endeavors. It’s a particularly poignant trait exhibited by successful individuals like Mark Zuckerberg, whose love for building connections seeded the phenomenal success of Facebook.
Risks are inevitable partners in the dance of trading and climbing. But to keep the balance, a keen sense of risk management swings into play. Traders, akin to climbers, temper risk with calculated stratagems such as diversified investment portfolios and meticulously planned trading procedures.
To climb mountains one must first climb over internal barriers, braving the discomforts and facing the challenges head on. Traders similarly grapple with losses and the compounded complexities that come with the territory. Such resilience is often fueled by a deep-seated passion for the chosen endeavor. Indeed, accomplished individuals are those whose hearts beat to the rhythm of their chosen path, who dare to love what they do.
Here's something to keep in mind: day trading is a skill honed by constant practice and experience. It's similar to learning a new language or mastering a musical instrument - you've got to repeat it until it becomes second nature.
Every novice trader will find the initial stages tough, but the ones who hang in there end up learning invaluable lessons.
Just like a chameleon changes its colors to match its environment, trading strategies must be fine-tuned to align with the ever-volatile market situations. The trick is not to stick to one strategy but to master it and move on to the next, gradually expanding your understanding and expertise.
Here's a word of caution: the allure of making money swiftly may be tempting, but it's a treacherous road filled with unnecessary risks. New traders often need to resist this temptation and instead concentrate on the process, the journey. Let's not forget, Rome wasn't built in a day!
Last but not least, let's underline an important reality: patience is a crucial virtue traders should acquire. Quick success stories are rare; patience and frequently revisiting and strengthening mental weaknesses form the foundation of a successful trading career.
Remember, it's not the failure that defines you, but your pursuit of passion. So buckle up and enjoy the ride!
You might be intrigued by the phrase 'alpha stocks'. What's being referred to is stocks that move independently of their sector or the market as a whole. Their performance isn't tied down by broader events. Neat, huh?
Ever heard advice against 'chasing the stock'? It means scrambling to buy shares as their price spikes. Sounds exciting, but it's a risky strategy that can lead to buying high and selling low. Sound less appealing now?
And let's talk about 'day trading'. It's a thrilling, high-stakes practice of buying and selling stocks all within one trading day, without carrying any stocks over to the next day. And that daily volume? It's the amount of action a stock is seeing – the shares changing hands every day. Definitely something to keep an eye on!
'Stop loss' is your safety net; this is the price at which you swallow your pride and accept loss. It's a crucial step because it helps limit the risk. And speaking of safety nets, the 'trading framework' is the big picture view: the guiding principles, strategies, and safe guards of your trading journey.
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Leveraging Community Power in Trading
Developing Growth-oriented Trading Communities
Bear Bull Traders, led by Andrew, has expanded to a vibrant community of over 600 members, centered around a culture of mutual improvement and collaboration. Mike Bellafiore's initial underestimation of the community triggered a key understanding on the necessity of adequate preparation and information before meeting leaders in the trading world.
Webinars: Active Platforms for Trader Engagement
Throughout an enlightening webinar hosted by Bear Bull Traders, a member presented their trading playbook before Bellafiore, which led to an insightful evaluation. The community's devotion towards learning and growth was evident in their procedural queries during this session.
Fostering Generosity in the Trading Community
In another collaborative initiative with Bellafiore's firm, SMB, Bear Bull Traders highlighted their charitable nature during another webinar. Efforts to offer a financial reward to Bear Bull Traders for any sales accrued from their promotion of SMB's program were instead directed by Andrew towards Traders4ACause, a notable charity organization.