Hi Mike, I seem to recall you mentioning that one way to catch opening drives is by watching the first ticks of the stock when it opens. My question is: do you trade the first ticks of a stock when the specialist is not there yet, or do you wait for him/her to show up? Thanks in advance, and happy … Read More
Two Lessons from an Improving New Trader
I received this email from an improving new trader. It’s a terrific anecdote on two lessons learned by a developing trader making progress: Bella, I just wanted to send a quick note to thank you for all you do to help new traders, you have helped me immensely! Your book One Good Trade has been a tremendous influence on my growth as a trader. … Read More
A better stop
A frustrated new trader stepped into my office to discuss a few specific trades from yesterday. He got wicked out of a good short in CVC and a few longs in C into the close. He was looking for some guidance. First there were a lot of things this new trader did well. He was in the right stocks. He … Read More
What You Might Learn in Your First Weeks in Trading
Below is a great example of what you might learn in your first weeks of trading. Hi Bella, Friday was my second day trading live. So far I’m up $72 on day one and up $72 on day two. I could have done much better on Friday, but I chipped back bits by bits during the mid day. I wrote … Read More
When you deserve to be screamed at as a trader
A partner looks up at his scoreboard, which tracks the performance of traders, and sees one trader particularly in the Red. And it’s getting worse. He clicks on the trader’s ID and sees an open long position 1 point out of the money. The market is broken bad below SPY 125 on the Open. What’s worse is the firm has … Read More
Traders Ask: How Do I Develop Conviction?
I have a question for you: Is conviction something you have to earn?? I know the question is almost rhetorical. But I listen to the older/experienced traders before, during, and after the market on the Virtual Trading Floor and I hear the word conviction getting thrown around a lot. Especially when I’m listening to Marc Sperling. When Sperling is doing his … Read More
A theory on why you fade when you shouldn’t
I know an excellent trader who underperformed today mainly trading PCS. He faded the weakest stock in the market and now sits frustrated, dejected and angry. Pass him on a desk and you would see his cheeks red and the scowl of a defensive end ready to rip the head off of the opposing QB. I do not mean to … Read More