Master Class taught by Dr. Steenbarger

BellaGeneral Comments

I am really excited to be taking the Master Class taught by Dr. Brett Steenbarger, trading coach, this Sunday at The TradersExpo NYC. Our culture at SMB is simple: improve every day. That starts with me and continues through all, including the newest of newbs. I was privileged to see an outline of the Master Class and provide feedback, which … Read More

The danger of the overconfident trader

BellaGeneral Comments

Yesterday I wrote about a trader struggling with added size and risk.  In seeking a solution for this trader one possible area of focus was overconfidence.  How does it happen?  Why is it dangerous?  What can we do to combat overconfidence? You trade well.  You are seeing screens well and the market is trading in a way that allows your … Read More

A trader struggles with added risk

BellaGeneral Comments

Here is an anecdote from our proprietary trading desk in NYC. A consistently profitable trader (CPT) shot me an email this week to chat about struggling with a recent bump in share size and risk.  He felt he had taken a step back with his trading after being given the opportunity by the firm to take a few steps forward … Read More

A loud coaching session on the desk

BellaGeneral Comments

Yesterday we had a loud, unscheduled coaching session with the newest traders on our desk.  There were raised voices and language not suitable for network TV. By my count this was the third time these newest traders did not meet an acceptable level of AM preparation.  I am not suggesting they did not prepare.  I am not suggesting they did … Read More

A solution to improve your patience as a trader

BellaGeneral Comments

Dr. Brett Steenbarger, the Coach K of trading coaches, generously visited our firm today and spoke with our traders.  I asked him to tackle four issues during his discussion: I want to take my trading to the next level If I could just wait for my setups If I could just stop taking lesser trades Define the competitive trader I … Read More

Unleashing Potential: Empowering Traders through Desk Training

BellaGeneral Comments

Yesterday a 30 year market veteran, who has been a part of our trading community for years, stopped by to visit.  He has been struggling with his trading and felt something was just missing.  He wasn’t sure exactly what.  His visit and our discussion about his struggles became so interesting to me.  This retail, developing trader was struggling with the … Read More

SMB at The TradersExpo New York 2017

BellaGeneral Comments

SMB will present at The TradersExpo New York 2017.  You can sign up to ATTEND FREE. Mike Bellafiore will present February 27: Seth Freudberg, who runs our Options Desk, will present as well. Last year Mike presented and then stuck around to answer questions. We hope to see you at The TradersExpo NYC 2017. *no relevant positions  

Taking your trading to the next level

BellaGeneral Comments

In a daily trader review or monthly trader review, often I find the words: “to take my trading to the next level.”  Traders wish to take their trading to the next level.   It’s almost like we could start a cult: Next Level Trading. The desire is there for most traders.  The question is the how. Most traders focus on trading … Read More