Confessions from a Discretionary Trader

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Okay, I have a confession. I am spending more and more time each trading day learning more about quantitative trading. And by that I do not mean learning to code. What do I mean? 1) Learning to use data to improve my discretionary decision-making 2) Working with our quants to build and tweak filters for my favorite setups, which perpetually … Read More

This Wasn’t a Good Week!

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Mike, Hello. This wasn’t a good week. I made a lot of mistakes.   1. I didn’t stick to my plan and took several trades without a clear plan. 2. I felt anxious most days. I was aware, and did some exercises to clear my mind, but after the first losing trade, I lost my focus. 3. I feel frustrated … Read More

The PlayBook Checkup: Scalping a Range Before the Drop (PowerPoint Edition)

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Below is our newest installment of the 2014 edition of The PlayBook Checkup with Bella, author of One Good Trade and The PlayBook. During these sessions a trade archived by a Junior Trader from our desk will be reviewed by Bella. Attendance is free for SMBU Tools subscribers, who can also ask questions during the event. See this review in PowerPoint: Scalping a Range Before … Read More

The PlayBook Checkup: Scalping a Range Before the Drop (Video on Demand)

BellaGeneral Comments, Intraday Levels, Trader Development, Trading Ideas, Trading Lesson1 Comment

Below is our newest installment of the 2014 edition of The PlayBook Checkup with Bella, author of One Good Trade and The PlayBook. During these sessions a trade archived by a Junior Trader from our desk will be reviewed by Bella. Attendance is free for SMBU Tools subscribers, who can also ask questions during the event. See this review with Video on Demand: Scalping a … Read More

A Trader’s Contract

BellaGeneral Comments, Mike Bellafiore's (Bella's) Blogs1 Comment

Jimmer Fredette was a star college basketball player, a Naismith College Player of the Year. A couple of years ago I wrote a blog post about a contract he signed with his brother to play in the NBA. I__________________ will make all necessary and proper sacrifices to reach my ultimate goal of making it to the NBA. ________________ ______________________ Name (Signature) … Read More

Traders Ask: How Do I Overcome My Fear of Failure?

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Hi Mike, It’s been a long while since we’ve been in touch and even longer since I was with the SMB team (edited out praise that could be perceived as self-congratulatory). During my time in California I have made great strides in building a couple of trading strategies. I have been keeping a journal of my strategic development, and while … Read More

Traders Ask: Should I Develop Price Targets?

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Hi Mike, I just started the DNA Program. I’m very excited! I hope it can help me with my trading. I’ve been working hard. I’ve kept a trading and emotional journal, I’ve been doing my playbook, with so far nine plays. And I’ve been disciplined and focused with the selection of the stocks in play and the research on them, and … Read More