As someone who has been in the trading industry for over 15 years I am familiar with many traders and firms that have “blown up” over the years. The most recent public example of this was MF Global. Billions wagered on Sovereign European debt brought MF to bankruptcy. Probably the most famous blowup of all time was LTCM, which was … Read More
Markets Change And So Must I
I received the following thoughtful email from a reader and former SMB student the other day: Steve, From your recent email: /* Simple chart set ups are just opportunities for you to consider a trade. They are not a signal to just make a trade. Skill is needed to determine when an excellent risk/reward is present. Skill is needed to … Read More
The Lens Matters (2)
Last week I wrote a column talking about how I had moved towards using 15 minute charts more often intraday to keep me focused on a stock’s most relevant trend. I still use lower time frames and the tape to identify the best entries but the higher time frame view will inform whether I am short or long. I thought … Read More
SMB Fundamental #1: Proper Preparation
Last month I wrote a post about SMB Fundamental #7–Reviewing Your Important Trades. Today I would like to discuss #1–Proper Preparation. All trading success begins with proper preparation and that is why it is #1 on our list of trading principles that must be followed for each trade. Part of my morning pre-market preparation is to review the price action … Read More
Goldman Sachs Showing Influence Again?
Identifying short term trading patterns is the lifeblood of professional traders. By patterns I don’t simply mean a simple pattern one might draw on a chart. I am referring more broadly to catalysts that will in turn lead to price action that I can use my trading skills to take advantage. Yesterday Goldman Sachs (GS) downgraded SNDK. This downgrade occurred … Read More
The Risk of Closing a Position That is Working For You
I was watching DRI trade on the Open today. To say that the price action was “whippy” would be an understatement. It seemed to be touching every price and there was no way I could possibly control my risk. So I waited. After 10:00AM I initiated a short position at 43.25. I saw some selling a couple of minutes earlier … Read More
Using Prior Days’ Price Action–NFLX
Prior to the Open of Friday’s shortened trading session there was not much in the way of fresh news catalysts. So my first trading choices were second and third day plays. For those of you who are new to the SMB Blog you can use the “search” feature on the blog to review posts explaining how and why we trade … Read More
Student Training Program Webinar
Tomorrow, Friday November 18th, 2011 at 5:45PM EST, we will be hosting a webinar aimed at students looking to get a head start on their trading careers. We offer a unique opportunity for students to go through our professional training while in school! Additionally, Steve Spencer will be giving a presentation on stock selection. So tune in to hear some … Read More