Notes from Trading Psychology Lecture

Jul 28, 2024

Trading Psychology and Pattern Recognition

Introduction

  • Spent years focusing on finding the next beta runner.
  • One specific pattern will be introduced.
  • Importance of trading psychology discussed.

Trading Psychology

  • Psychology significantly influences trading decisions.
  • Focus on mass psychology regarding trading levels (high of day, VWAP, breakouts).
  • The need to avoid common pitfalls that many traders fall into:
    • Chasing highs instead of looking for solid risk-reward setups.
    • Longing without a clear exit strategy.

Key Levels to Watch

  • Important key levels when trading:
    • High of day
    • VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price)
    • Multi-day breakouts
  • Learn to identify where to enter and where to cut losses.

Strategy Overview

  • Stop chasing high of day and focus on buying at dips for better risk-reward.
  • Strong focus on possible outcomes when trading:
    • If I were to sell, where would I do it? (Supply and demand considerations)
    • What is my exit strategy before entering a trade?

Practical Trading Tips

  • Avoid trading within the first 10 minutes of the market open.
  • Look for weaknesses and buy when the market shows fear (contrarian approach).
  • Aim to enter trades as close to the lows as possible to reap better rewards.
  • Utilize charts to set clear entry and exit points based on historical data.

Risk-Reward Management

  • Importance of determining risk-reward ratios (e.g., aiming for 1:4, 1:5).
  • Calculate how much risk is taken for the potential gain.
  • Sell into strength at key levels while maintaining flexible exit points.
    • Sell portions as prices move through VWAP, high of day, and pre-market highs.

The Art of Trading

  • Trading is more psychological than technical.
  • Control emotional responses by having a defined trading plan.
  • Emphasize that fear and greed can mislead traders; detach from emotional aspects of trading.
  • Consistent execution hinges on having well-structured plans that evolve with trading experiences.

Conclusion

  • Building a trading system that allows for controlled and methodical trades.
  • Understanding that the market's nature will change and adapting accordingly.
  • Continual personal development is necessary through community and mentorship.
  • Final thoughts on the need to manage emotions and expectations in trading.

Final Encouragement

  • It's essential to stay disciplined and always have a clear plan for entering and exiting trades.