Author Archive for Jeff White

Video Review of the Indexes 10-18-2009

October 18, 2009 at 2:44 pm

The bulls were back at it again last week as they produced new recovery highs in each of the major averages.  The net gains weren’t overly impressive, but the mere fact that the market keeps climbing certainly is.

Many stocks have become short-term extended and in need of rest.  Consolidation has been a rare condition for this market since the March lows were put in, but that’s the nature of a rally when the prevailing mindset is that of not wanting to miss out.

As we head into a brand new week of trading, let’s examine some important levels in the indexes to keep an eye on in the days ahead. That will have the greatest influence on how individual stocks are going to move, so it’s where the trading week begins.

This clip was also posted over on the Trading Videos site (as always), and perhaps you’ve seen it there – but in case you didn’t, I wanted to put it here on the blog for you.

Let me highly suggest clicking the “HD” on the video player and then going full-screen for best quality.

Thanks for stopping by and I’ll see you here soon with more.

Until then… Trade Like a Bandit!

Jeff White

Are you following me on Twitter yet?

Video Review of the Indexes 10-12-2009

October 11, 2009 at 11:03 pm

In the last 2 weeks, we’ve seen the market go 2 different directions – and yet nowhere at all.

Two weeks ago, a solid breakdown appeared to be underway as short-term support zones were undercut and volume increased as the selling pressure intensified.  However, since then we’ve seen a quick recovery right back up, making it a round-trip effort as the indexes returned to former resistance areas.  That’s of course where the fun will begin this week, making for some pretty interesting conditions.

As we head into a brand new week of trading, let’s examine some important levels in the indexes to keep an eye on in the days ahead. That will have the greatest influence on how individual stocks are going to move, so it’s where the trading week begins.

This clip was also posted over on the Trading Videos site (as always), and perhaps you’ve seen it there – but in case you didn’t, I wanted to put it here on the blog for you.

Let me highly suggest clicking the “HD” on the video player and then going full-screen for best quality.

Thanks for stopping by and I’ll see you here soon with more.

Until then… Trade Like a Bandit!

Jeff White

Are you following me on Twitter yet?

Huge News at TheStockBandit.com

October 8, 2009 at 4:03 pm

Occasionally, it’s my pleasure to get to deliver some great news here on the blog.

At the beginning of this year, I introduced you to the Trading Videos site over at TheStockBandit.TV.  Then in the spring, I got to show you the stock trading course at TheStockBanditUniversity.com, a video-on-demand training course for beginning traders.

Well, today I get to do it again with the announcement of a brand new website at the heart of our network, TheStockBandit.com.  The new look is indeed cosmetically striking.  It’s cleaner, more streamlined, and straightforward.  A huge improvement, and I want you to see it.

Along with the new look comes the best part – new functionality.

It used to be on the old site that members logged into a Member Area which was sequestered from the rest of the site.  Every feature was found in a different location, which meant it was hard to navigate and easy to get confused!

The new site works more like a blog, with anything new hitting the top of the members-only area – that way, our subscribers are continually seeing what’s new.  It’s fantastic.  There’s even the ability to interact and comment right there inside The Bandit Hideout.  (Catchy name, yes, but appropriate!)

So head on over and check it out – we are excited to show it off!  And by the way, all the usual free resources and trading education info made the transition too, so those pages of chart patterns and trading strategy outlines are still there.

One last thing… we dumped our database of former members.

That sounds bad, but it’s actually VERY good because you can start another free trial – even if you already received one on the old site.  It’s only logical that with a new site, everyone gets a freebie.

So, I’ll see you in The Bandit Hideout!

Jeff White

Are you following me on Twitter yet?

Video Review of the Indexes 9-27-2009

September 27, 2009 at 1:10 pm

Those who have been hoping for a correction in the market finally got a small taste of one last week.  It wasn’t a significant one, but it was the first 3-day dip we’ve had in a month.  Does that mean the fun is over for the bulls?  Let’s not jump to any big conclusions just yet.

After tagging new recovery highs (again), we saw the market reverse hard on Wednesday and show some downside follow through for the remainder of the week.  We’re still above recent resistance levels (which may now serve as support), and the trend is still up.  That could change, yes, but we’re to trade what we see and not what we think.

As we head into a brand new week of trading, let’s examine some important levels in the indexes to keep an eye on in the days ahead. That will have the greatest influence on how individual stocks are going to move, so it’s where the trading week begins.

This clip was also posted over on the Trading Videos site (as always), and perhaps you’ve seen it there – but in case you didn’t, I wanted to put it here on the blog for you.

Let me highly suggest clicking the “HD” on the video player and then going full-screen for best quality.

Thanks for stopping by and I’ll see you here soon with more.

Until then… Trade Like a Bandit!

Jeff White

Are you following me on Twitter yet?

Understanding the Quiet Rally

September 23, 2009 at 8:32 am

It’s been one impressive rally…by some measures.  The indexes have made an about-face from the March lows, refusing to look back as they erase so much of the carnage of the bear market.  The move has been persistent and consistent…just a ton of green days.

But very few big days.  Have you noticed?

I’ve been amazed at the lack of volatility, especially recently.  It seems a huge day for the DJIA has become a triple-digit net change from the prior day’s closing levels.  Just a few months ago, we were getting gaps that big to start the day, nevermind the several-hundred-point moves which were commonplace.  Needless to say, it has indeed become a quiet rally.

In order to understand it a bit better though, I turned to an indicator to help make sense of it all, and I was surprised at what I found.

Different Directions

In the video below, I’ll walk you through my thought process that led me to doing this, and of course I’ll explain what it is that I discovered.  Of equal importance, you’ll understand how and why navigating this market for as long as this rally runs its course will require a different approach than what is ‘typical’ (if there is such a thing in the market).

Here’s a video explaining it. Select the HD option and go full-screen for best quality:

Thanks for stopping by and I’ll see you here soon with more. Until then…

Trade Like a Bandit!

Jeff White

Are you following me on Twitter yet?

The Power of Focus

September 21, 2009 at 9:23 am

Just last weekend, Tiger Woods collected another trophy.  It was an impressive win by a wide margin, his 10th career win by 8 shots or more. And while he’s posted 6 wins this year alone, there’s one in particular I’d like to discuss today.  Surprisingly, examining it offers some real value for us as traders.

On July 5th, Tiger held a 1 stroke lead heading into the 72nd hole of the tournament he hosts, the AT&T National.  Needing only a par to win, he rifled a 3-wood down the fairway.  Holding a 9 iron as he stepped to hit his approach shot, his focus was as intense as it had been all day.  He chose a specific target, mentally rehearsed the shot, and executed it perfectly with a shot to about 12 feet.  Enough for an easy 2-putt for the win.

The highlight reels didn’t mention how he played the 18th, and some would say it was downright boring and uneventful compared to other shots he hit that day.  However, his focus did not waver with that all-important par at the last.  He was ready for it, and he added yet another victory to his resume because of it.

So how does all this relate to trading?

Well, for each of us who have ever faced our screens with fear or trepidation, the study of a great performance by a top athlete will always offer applicable lessons.  Observing someone else who’s producing great results under pressure gives us an opportunity to grow and improve, so it’s always an exercise worth doing.

Let’s learn a few things from Tiger…

Preparation = Confidence
When it’s time to get ready to play, nobody outworks Tiger.  He’s willing to put in the necessary time to get the results he wants.  Are you? When it comes to your trading, if you were to rate your level of effort with regards to preparation, how would you fare?  The very best traders aren’t lazy.  They thoroughly prepare for a variety of scenarios, and it enables them to respond in the heat of the moment with confidence.  If you’re not confident, you’re probably not preparing adequately.

Confidence = Chances to Win
We’ve all heard the phrase ‘confidence breeds confidence.’  It’s true.  Showing up with a winning mindset is at least half the battle, whether it’s sports or trading.  It’s a positive outlook rooted in the fact that you’re ready for whatever comes your way.  You’re patient yet aggressive, and you know that you won’t fall prey to hesitation or indecision.  That mental sharpness elevates your performance, and it increases the chances that you’ll be at your best.  As a result, winning becomes more likely.

Frequent Chances to Win = Success
Giving yourself the best chance to perform well day in and day out will repeatedly open the door for success to happen.  It’s aided by good preparation and a thorough routine, and it results in better focus and even a more relaxed state when it’s all on the line.  What each of us want is to have opportunities to create big performance breakthroughs regularly, because we know we’ll capitalize on some of those.  Tiger wants to have a chance to win going into the back 9 on Sunday, to him that’s what it’s all about.  Prepare in such a way that your odds for success naturally increase.  Anticipate multiple scenarios, visualize how you’ll respond, and set fear aside as opportunities come your way. The confidence you’ll derive from that will go a very long way toward helping you convert a decent day or month into one you’re really proud of.

Whenever you have the opportunity to observe the best when they’re at work, do it.  Regardless of the endeavor, you’ll see the power of focus at work and pull some qualities from that experience to apply to your trading.

Thanks for stopping by and I’ll see you here soon with more. Until then…

Trade Like a Bandit!

Jeff White

Are you following me on Twitter yet?

Video Review of the Indexes 9-20-2009

September 20, 2009 at 12:59 pm

The market climbed higher once again last week, reaching its best levels since last fall with more persistent upside and relentless strength.

The bulls are flat-out refusing to rest, which has resulted in a continuous bid beneath the market. Every minor dip has been bought, which is frustrating both bulls who want to put cash to work at lower levels and bears who are itching to see a turn lower begin.

The wait continues at this point for a correction, and although the indexes badly need to pause or see some profit-taking, there’s still no technical reason here to turn bearish.  The presence of short-term overbought conditions does necessitate caution on the long side though, and this week that could prove to be of particular importance.

As we head into a brand new week of trading, let’s examine some important levels in the indexes to keep an eye on in the days ahead. That will have the greatest influence on how individual stocks are going to move, so it’s where the trading week begins.

This clip was also posted over on the Trading Videos site (as always), and perhaps you’ve seen it there – but in case you didn’t, I wanted to put it here on the blog for you.

Let me highly suggest clicking the “HD” on the video player and then going full-screen for best quality.

Thanks for stopping by and I’ll see you here soon with more.

Until then… Trade Like a Bandit!

Jeff White

Are you following me on Twitter yet?