To recognize change in trend we must understand “responsive activity.” As a market moves lower, we need to identify when buyers respond to the cheap prices. Conversely, as prices move higher, we have to note when sellers consider prices too rich. Daily candlesticks are a useful tool to determine when momentum has
I have a bunch of different sayings when it some to options trading, but this one might be my absolute favorite: “Know exactly what you will do no matter what happens.” What this really means is that I want traders to have a trade management plan in place before they enter a
Acronyms and mnemonic devices are learning techniques that aid in information retention. I use them to recall patterns in charts and when teaching a logical approach to trading. The acronym I use most often when creating trade strategy is VERTEX. Each letter in this acronym is an element I research for every
I have always wondered why there has to be a spread between what you can buy an option for and what you can sell it for. The simple answer is someone needs to make money and that someone is usually the market maker. All kidding aside, many option traders do not even
When scanning for trades I do it with purpose. When searching for directional or vertical trades, there are conditions that must be met. And the first one is that the market has come into a long-term support/resistance zone. Markets frequently reverse when revisiting previous extremes. When a market reaches such an area,
The market has moved a fair amount higher since the big drop earlier this year. In the past week or so, we saw a pullback establishing new resistance. With that in mind, a call credit spread could prove to be a useful trading strategy. Call credit spreads or, as they are sometimes
Stocks had been trending steadily for a couple of weeks, but today they took a tumble, seemingly out of the blue. In the Wednesday MTM Daily Edge session, we prepared for a possible reversal or consolidation phase to begin. A day before the sharp decline there were subtle changes that are common
If you have traded for any serious amount of time, you have probably heard the saying “the trend is your friend.” I start my Group Coaching class each and every session by reminding traders to consider the trend. To me it is an important reminder to look for opportunities when it comes
I have three sons who grew up in a unique era. Little league and soccer were their first social gatherings. Around that time electronic games were just taking hold. Baseball, football, soccer, hockey, water polo, lacrosse, boy scouts and music were options for youngsters, and my kids tried them all. They embraced
Just recently in MTM’s daily group coaching class, I shared a PowerPoint about how I go through my option trading day. It was not extremely detailed because of lack of time, but I would like to share some of the finer points with you here today. Prep Work Consider taking into account
I have researched and tested many technical tools and indicators. My goal has always been to find the ideal combination of instruments without overloading my charts. When traders use too many tools, they often get conflicting signals making it difficult to execute trades confidently. I began testing new disciplines years ago and
An iron condor is an option strategy that may sound complicated, but it really is not. It is as simple as combining two credit spreads. It is not complicated but managing the position may be. A call credit spread is implemented above the current stock price and a put credit spread is
As an educator I make it a point to help students build a solid fundamental and technical foundation. Years ago, I started my own “toolbox” that is now filled with facts, axioms and statistics I use to guide me when trading and creating strategies. My first experience in the markets was on
With another round of quarterly earnings under way, it feels like a good time to talk about an option strategy that revolves around the expected volatility event. The great thing about options is that there are a variety of ways to profit with them depending on the outlook and strategy. At Market
Arguably daily candlesticks are the most widely used technical tool to analyze price action. The reason for this is because they are designed to track opens and closes, which are the most volatile and liquid times of the trading day. When a market closes above the opening price, it is thought to
Scanning for opportunities based on charts is never really easy. In fact, sometimes it can be quite difficult. But if you keep in mind that support like resistance has a better chance to hold than break, you will be a better technical analyst. To me, one of the easiest things to do
Moving averages are the most popular directional gauges. They are typically the first technical indicator in the novice trader’s toolbox. Many professional traders rely on them as well. Typically, the directional signals come when a short-term MA crosses a long-term MA. The problem with this method is that by the time the
With volatility picking up in the market once again, option traders can have an instant edge. But sometimes, because of market uncertainty or wider than normal bid-ask spreads, it may be hard to profit. As you hear me say plenty of times, no position is sometimes the best position. Traders need to
On Wednesday afternoon the FOMC meeting culminated with no changes in monetary policy. The equity indexes rallied on the news that the Fed will continue to be accommodative and use all their tools to ensure Americans receive financial aid where needed. However, 30 minutes after this news was reported, Chairman Powell held
Patience. It is a key attribute to a successful trader in my humble opinion. As I like to say, when the market is open and those candlesticks (if you use candlesticks) are moving, the blood is pumping and emotions are running high. But a trader needs to be calm and not let
I was asked this week whether there is a way to project how far a trend will travel or how long a consolidation phase will last. Quite often the two are related. But in this blog, I will focus on setting price projections after a market has broken free from a congestion
Options involve risk and are not suitable for all investors. Before trading options, please read Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Option (ODD) which can be obtained from your broker; by calling (888) OPTIONS; or from The Options Clearing Corporation, 125 S. Franklin St., Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60606. The content on this site is intended to be educational and/or informative in nature. No statement on this site is intended to be a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell any security or to provide trading or investment advice. Traders and investors considering options should consult a professional tax advisor as to how taxes may affect the outcome of contemplated options transactions.
Futures and forex trading contains substantial risk and is not for every investor. An investor could potentially lose all or more than the initial investment. Risk capital is money that can be lost without jeopardizing ones financial security or life style. Only risk capital should be used for trading and only those with sufficient risk capital should consider trading. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.
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