Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.3, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # TheStockBandit.net Trading blog for day trading, swing trading, and trading psychology ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://thestockbandit.net/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [New Location for the Trading Blog](https://thestockbandit.net/2013/10/28/new-location-trading-blog/) - I'm moving future posts of the Trading Blog over to TheStockBandit.com, so that's where all the new posts and articles will be published going forward. - [YOUR Trading Plan, Part 2](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/06/14/your-trading-plan-2/) - In Part 1, I put forth some questions that need to be answered by you in order to move forward with any lasting effect. Let's proceed. - [YOUR Trading Plan, Part 1](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/06/13/your-trading-plan-1/) - You are unique (and you don't need me to tell you that). The desire to find a trading plan that's right for YOU is of paramount importance, because we are all a little different. - [YOUR Trading Plan, Part 3](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/06/15/your-trading-plan-3/) - Whatever you choose, have a hierarchy for which plays you seem to do better with than others, as this will help you narrow down *your* trades. - [Change](https://thestockbandit.net/2013/01/14/change/) - Change. It's a word that often means opportunity. Today, that's exactly what it is! We're improving the premium service we offer in a few ways. Here's a quick 5-minute video explaining all the details. You're going to love it! Trade Like a Bandit! Jeff White Producer of The Bandit Blueprint Get our free newsletter to - [North Carolina Traders...](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/12/06/north-carolina-traders/) - If you're a Raleigh trader or are located in the surrounding area, make plans Friday December 14th or Saturday December 15th to attend the Worden Conference where I'll be presenting live alongside Peter Worden. On both Friday & Saturday (Dec. 14 & 15) at the Worden TC2000 workshop, I'll be teaching live. It's at the - [DVD Promo](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/11/30/dvd-promo/) - Christmas is coming, so here's a gift any trader will like: half price seminar DVD's. If you didn't catch me live this year in TX, NY, GA, CO, PA, NV or you won't be in NC in two weeks (details will be coming on that shortly), you can learn what I taught for less than - [Las Vegas Traders Expo](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/11/09/las-vegas-traders-expo/) - Next Friday (Nov. 16) at the Las Vegas Traders Expo, I'll be teaching live at 1:15pm PT. I hope you can make it to my session if you're located near Vegas or the west coast. Specifically, I'll be discussing 8 Steps to Trade Your Way Better. I have a lot of good stuff planned, plus - [Dealing with Major Price Gaps](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/11/01/major-price-gaps/) - In this video, we'll look at major price gaps, the impact they have, what to expect from them and what to focus on once they get filled. Run time is 3:39. (Direct video link is here for those interested in embedding it elsewhere to share). Trade Like a Bandit! Jeff White Subscribe to our Stock - [Video Review of the Indexes 10-28-2012](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/10/28/indexes-10-28-2012/) - Here's a rundown of the major averages as they currently stand, along with the key levels they're dealing with as we head into a brand new week of trading. This is where the trading week starts, knowing the impact the indexes will have on how individual names move. Run time is 5:45. (Direct video link - [Let the Market Dictate Which Plays You're Learning](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/10/26/let-market-dictate-plays/) - Newer traders quickly learn that there are a multitude of strategies to employ and a variety of timeframes in which to apply them. And then they make a huge mistake: they try to learn them all simultaneously. Picking up new plays and honing skills takes time. You start out with one strategy and get better - [Next Target for $YHOO](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/10/23/video-10-23-2012/) - In this video, we'll look at the post-earnings pop in Yahoo ($YHOO) and where it may be heading next. Run time is 3:30. (Direct video link is here for those interested in embedding it elsewhere to share). Trade Like a Bandit! Jeff White Subscribe to our Stock Pick Service to get our trades. Follow @TheStockBandit - [Find a Way!](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/10/22/find-a-way/) - Years ago as an aspiring professional golfer, I had a conversation with a veteran (PGA) Tour player. I asked him what he thought some of the differences were between a guy like him and the guys on the next level down. Both might go out and shoot 65 on a given day, but what was - [Video Review of the Indexes 10-21-2012](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/10/21/indexes-10-21-2012/) - Here's a rundown of the major averages as they currently stand, along with the key levels they're dealing with as we head into a brand new week of trading. The trading week begins here for me, knowing the impact the indexes will have on how individual names move. Run time is 7:24. (Direct video link - [Don't Ignore Event Risk](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/10/17/event-risk/) - In this video, we'll look at a cup and handle pattern which is starting to play out but which may be interrupted due to a key event. Run time is 3:25. (Direct video link is here for those interested in embedding it elsewhere to share). Trade Like a Bandit! Jeff White Subscribe to our Stock - [Jack of All Trades, Master of 1 or 2](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/02/13/jack-of-all-trades/) - Most of us have heard the phrase, "jack of all trades, master of none." What's funny is that I don't think that phrase was actually created to describe a trader, even though there are quite a few who certainly fit that description. For whatever reason, beginning traders especially seem to want to try a little - [The Only Way to Bottom Fish for Stocks](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/10/16/bottom-fish-stocks/) - In this video, we'll look at the old adage of "buy low and sell high" and discuss some important conditions which should be present when looking to buy a beaten-up stock near support. Run time is 4:25. (Direct video link is here for those interested in embedding it elsewhere to share). Trade Like a Bandit! - [Consistency with Trading Resistance](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/10/15/consistency-trading-resistance/) - In this video, we'll look at two types of resistance and how to approach a stock which is facing both. Run time is 4:26. (Direct video link is here for those interested in embedding it elsewhere to share). Trade Like a Bandit! Jeff White Subscribe to our Stock Pick Service to get our trades. Follow - [Video Review of the Indexes 10-14-2012](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/10/14/indexes-10-14-2012/) - Here's a rundown of the major averages as they currently stand, along with the key levels they're dealing with as we head into a brand new week of trading. The trading week begins here for me, knowing the high degree of correlation between the broad market and individual stocks. If the broad market is indecisive, - [Failed Flag in LULU Opens Door for Downside](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/10/11/failed-flag-lulu-downside/) - In this video, we'll look at a failed pattern in LULU and how it opens the door for a downside reversal. Run time is 4:26. (Direct video link is here for those interested in embedding it elsewhere to share). Trade Like a Bandit! Jeff White Subscribe to our Stock Pick Service to get our trades. - [High-Beta Leadership Lacking](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/10/10/leadership-10-10-2012/) - In this video, we'll look at the high-beta leadership names and how they're faring in the current market pullback. Among them are AAPL, GOOG, PCLN, CMG, AMZN, BIDU, and FFIV. Run time is 7:16. (Direct video link is here for those interested in embedding it elsewhere to share). Trade Like a Bandit! Jeff White Subscribe - [Careful Buying Pullbacks](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/10/09/careful-buying-pullbacks/) - In this video, we'll talk about characteristics of pullbacks which warrant caution. Run time is 4:21. (Direct video link is here for those interested in embedding it elsewhere to share). Trade Like a Bandit! Jeff White Subscribe to our Stock Pick Service to get our trades. Follow @TheStockBandit - [Fool's Gold](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/10/08/fools-gold/) - In this video, we'll talk about the types of moves not to chase. Run time is 3:48. (Direct video link is here for those interested in embedding it elsewhere to share). Trade Like a Bandit! Jeff White Subscribe to our Stock Pick Service to get our trades. Follow @TheStockBandit - [Book Review: Anatomy of the Bear](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/01/29/anatomy-of-the-bear-review/) - I love to read trading books, so when I was asked to review Russell Napier's book, Anatomy of the Bear, I happily obliged. In the book, Napier examines 4 major bear market bottoms on Wall St., with a portion of the book devoted to each of the major lows created in 1921, 1932, 1949 and - [Video Review of the Indexes 10-7-2012](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/10/06/video-review-indexes-10-7-2012/) - Here's a rundown of the major averages as they currently stand, along with the key levels they're dealing with as we head into a brand new week of trading. This is where the trading week begins for me, knowing the high degree of correlation between the broad market and individual stocks. If the broad market - [2 Plans for NFLX](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/10/04/2-plans-for-nflx/) - In this video, we'll talk about what to do after the big pop in NFLX. Run time is 3:53. (Direct video link is here for those interested in embedding it elsewhere to share). Trade Like a Bandit! Jeff White Subscribe to our Stock Pick Service to get our trades. Follow @TheStockBandit - [Philadelphia Traders...](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/09/17/philadelphia-traders/) - If you're a Philadelphia trader or are located in the surrounding area, make plans this Friday September 21st or Saturday September 22nd to attend the Worden Conference where I'll be presenting live alongside Peter Worden. On both Friday & Saturday (Sept. 21 & 22) at the Worden TC2000 workshop, I'll be teaching live. It's at - [Misdiagnosed Patterns Can Still Pay (HAR Trade Review)](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/09/16/misdiagnosed-patterns/) - I don't even know how many charts I've read over the years, but there are a couple of commas involved. I've been able to identify quite a few patterns and benefit from them, and of course I've been wrong a lot too. What's funny is that in this game, as long as you're managing your - [A Few Lessons From AMGN (Trade Review)](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/09/14/lessons-amgn-trade-review/) - If you're looking for excitement, this isn't a post for you. This is a recap of a trade which actually yielded nothing - but there were some good lessons tied to it. Plus, I certainly wouldn't be bragging about a breakeven trade. The Setup Let's go back to August 12th, the day I originally listed - [The Northern Road to Recovery](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/09/13/the-northern-road-to-recovery/) - One stock on my radar right now is Northern Oil and Gas - NOG. Having emerged from a 48.5% correction from the January high to the July low, the stock has seemingly turned the corner technically. A quiet lift into mid-August was met with only limited selling pressure on weak volume. That carved out a - [When Resistance Becomes Support](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/09/11/resistance-becomes-support/) - Levels on a chart become more valid with every touch. Whether it's a trend line or a lateral level, each time price respects it, it adds credibility. One thing I watch for frequently is for lateral support/resistance levels, and specifically when they've flip-flopped their roles. By that I mean a level which had been support - [Breakout Watch: DKS](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/09/10/breakout-watch-dks/) - A big element of trading the technicals effectively is having the ability to identify patterns which are under construction. Taking note of stocks which are in the development stage of their patterns helps not only in recognizing key levels to keep an eye on, but also in monitoring the price action before the stock comes - [Picking Up Points in Penney](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/09/07/points-in-penney/) - Thursday allowed me to close out an excellent 11-day trade in JCP which paid 12.9%. As simple as that sounds, there were several steps involved, including patience, so I wanted to walk you through the process of this trade from beginning to end in hopes of helping you with your next position. Perking Up With - [YNDX Eyeing Continued Recovery](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/09/05/yndx-recovery/) - YNDX sold off hard and steady from its spring highs, shedding 40% from its peak to the June low. Not coincidentally, that low coincided with the December low from 2011, getting within 5 cents of prior support before stabilizing. Since June, the stock has gradually worked its way higher, stabilized, and now looks ripe for - [4 High-Level Breakout Candidates](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/09/04/4-breakout-candidates/) - With the indexes sitting not far from 52-week highs, a number of individual names are also pressuring longer-term resistance zones. I wanted to share a few breakout candidates I'm watching which belong on the radar in the days and weeks ahead. AIG is acting well with a high Cup and Handle pattern, and is actually - [TRIP Ready to Stumble](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/08/31/trip-ready-to-stumble/) - TRIP saw a big negative change of character in late July with a big downside gap on heavy volume. The initial recovery attempt fell right on its face with the creation of new correction lows just three weeks later, highlighting the importance of avoiding the long side after a trend shift. Currently, the stock is - [Wait to Place Bets on LVS & WYNN](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/08/30/bets-on-lvs-wynn/) - Casino stocks have seen a marked improvement in their price action over the past month. A couple of them looked like death, but alas, they have perked back up and shifted their path of least resistance. Two names in particular are LVS and WYNN, both of which have seen very constructive price action in recent - [Under Armour Over Achieving](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/08/29/under-armour-over-achieving/) - Relative strength is always applicable when comparing a stock with the overall market, or with its competitors. In the case of UA, we've seen clear outperformance and plenty of relative strength compared to its senior rival, NKE. Since the beginning of the year, UA has tacked on 61%, while NKE has added a measly 2%. - [Confirmed Trend Change for VZ](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/08/29/confirmed-trend-change-vz/) - The double top pattern - like the double bottom pattern - is over-diagnosed. Anytime a stock challenges a previous high, the amateur technician jumps at the chance to declare a double top in the making. And generally they're premature in doing so. But the professional takes a different approach. Rather than seeking to be the - [Trade Multiple Timeframes](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/08/23/trade-multiple-timeframes/) - This market has definitely favored the bulls since the June low. During that time, the S&P 500 has risen more than 11%, which isn't bad at all in just 2 1/2 months. Every single dip has been bought, and those who have been stubborn enough to attempt to short sell pretty much anything for a - [Up 10 of 11, SPY Still Not Extended](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/08/20/spy-not-extended/) - SPY has made a nice run since early August when a Monday-Thursday pullback was followed by a Friday lift which erased the 4-day slide. We've seen consistent follow through since then as well, sending the SPY into Monday having posted gains in 10 of the previous 11 sessions. A run like that is never something - [5 Ways to Dodge Doubt in Your Trading](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/07/17/dodge-doubt/) - "Quite some time...I been sittin it out...didn't take no chances...was a prisoner of doubt." - Straight On (Heart) In a previous post, I covered some of the steps necessary to recover from deep trading wounds and what it involves to start moving past the pain and toward progress again. Taking a big hit in your - [What TheStockBandit is About](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/07/10/what-thestockbandit-is-about/) - I don't make it clear often enough here just what TheStockBandit is all about, so I wanted to take the time in this post to clearly explain. We have a network of sites which are all dedicated to making better traders. On the free end, we have the blog here with currently over 700 articles - [Shifting from Smart to Equipped](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/06/28/smart-to-equipped/) - One of the things I love about TheStockBandit University is the opportunity to interact with the traders who enroll in the courses. As they're learning and asking questions, I have the chance to see the light bulb go on when things begin to click for them. It's very rewarding. Recently a trader reached out to - [TC2000 Club](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/06/25/tc2000-club/) - I've been a user of TC2000 charting software since 1999. I believe it's the best, and it keeps getting better, so it's no wonder I've stuck with it. One element Worden has maintained all along is the Clubs feature. Through clubs, you can access various items from the club owner. I have my own TC2000 - [8 Years!](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/06/21/8-years/) - Today we celebrate 8 years of service, marking another meaningful milestone for us at TheStockBandit.com! Way back on June 21, 2004 after the encouragement of friends (and friends of friends), I started putting out a nightly report through the website rather than just forwarding an email. Now 8 years later, we're still going strong with - [Denver Traders...](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/06/01/denver-traders/) - If you're a Denver trader or are located in the surrounding area, make plans Friday June 8th or Saturday June 9th to see me present live in conjunction with Worden! On both Friday & Saturday (June. 8 & 9) at the Worden TC2000 workshop, I'll be teaching live. It's at the Denver Marriott West (1717 - [Bulls Still Getting Outsold](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/05/08/bulls-still-getting-outsold/) - The bulls haven't found their footing yet as the market moves lower within its range. In some cases, we're seeing some important recent levels get broken, namely S&P 1357. The DJIA has approached the lower portion of the 600-point range, and we're getting a bit stretched in the near term. Nonetheless, the bears are winning - [Video Review of the Indexes 5-6-2012](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/05/06/video-review-indexes-5-6-2012/) - Last week the indexes finished red despite having moved higher earlier in the week. Key levels were approached but the senior indexes were unable to clear them, prompting traders to raise cash. We caught some nice trades on the week, so in case you missed the recap be sure to check it out. In preparation - [Week 18 Trades Review (Video)](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/05/06/week-18-trades-review-video/) - Week 18 is in the books, and overall it was a solid week of trading. Despite not taking a lot of trades, it was a profitable week thanks to caution on the long side and some shorts which fared well in the decline. I wanted to offer a video recap of the trades just as - [Play Like A Pro - WTBR Episode 5](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/05/03/play-like-a-pro-wtbr-5/) - Today, I bring you Episode 5 of When The Bell Rings. In this episode, we'll talk about some distinct differences among traders regarding their approaches to trading. It should either give you some added motivation, or a boost in confidence. I hope you get a lot out of this installment. Keep coming back for more - [Have a Unique Trading Routine](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/05/02/have-a-unique-trading-routine/) - I heard from a trader this week with whom I've worked for 1 year this month. He's a class act and quite likeable, making him even easier to correspond with. :) During that time, he's completed both the Basic Trading Course and the Advanced Trading Course, and he's been a subscriber of the nightly stock - [Week 17 Trades Review (Video)](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/04/30/week-17-trades-review-video/) - Week 17 is behind us, but I wanted to offer a video recap of the trades I took. There were several other trades I had planned to take, but due to gaps my trigger prices were negated. Nonetheless, it was a solid week. This should give you a feel for not only how I managed - [Key Index Levels for the Week Ahead 4-29-2012](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/04/29/index-levels-4-29-2012/) - Last week the indexes headed higher after an initial breakdown, trapping many bears in the process. That move included an island gap reversal for the NAZ, something we don't see very often. The indexes have rallied back up through some important short-term levels, but still face some overhead in the days ahead before the bulls - [What Do You Do When You Hit Your Loss Limit?](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/04/26/what-do-you-do-hit-your-loss-limit/) - Over the past 10 days, there have been two occasions where I hit my daily loss limit. Sounds like a tough stretch, but on a net basis it's actually been positive thanks to some other good days. Mind you, I'm generally a disciplined trader, and in a dozen years of full-time trading I have broken - [Ron Artest, Scrabble & Trading - WTBR Episode 4](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/04/24/artest-trading-wtbr-4/) - Today, I bring you Episode 4 of When The Bell Rings. In this episode, we're talking about something that's paramount to your success as a trader. It's a mindset, but it's something that requires intentional planning and not a fly by the seat of your pants mentality. A weekend sporting event was too pressing to - [Video Review of the Indexes 4-22-2012](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/04/22/video-review-indexes-4-22-2012/) - Last week the indexes finished mixed with the NAZ ending in the red (largely thanks to AAPL) while the others gained some ground. All in all, it was another range-bound week with momentum fleeting as traders instead fixated on individual stocks following earnings reports. In preparation for the trading week ahead, let's examine some important - [Week 16 Trades Review (Video)](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/04/20/week-16-trades-review-video/) - Week 16 is in the books, and truth be told, I would have been better served to have sat on my hands! I wanted to offer a video recap of the trades I took. As you'll see, I was stopped out several times on head-fake types of entries with stocks showing extremely limited follow through - [Gap Strategy on Swing Trades](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/04/19/gap-strategy-swing-trades/) - A Bandit subscriber recently asked me about dealing with gaps on swing trades. This was a great question, so I wanted to be sure to share this exchange with you in hopes of you adding your thoughts on this as well. Background on the Situation: This question came in reference to a swing trade I - [Be Present - When The Bell Rings 3](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/04/18/be-present-wtbr-3/) - Today, I bring you Episode 3 of When The Bell Rings. In this episode, we're talking about a common mistake among traders which seems so obvious - yet so few make it a point to avoid. I hope you get a lot out of this installment. Keep coming back for more in the days ahead, - [Video Review of the Indexes 4-15-2012](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/04/15/video-review-indexes-4-15-2012/) - Last week the indexes shed a couple percent (give or take). Despite the early dip getting bought, the week ended on a sour note as higher prices were again used for raising cash. In preparation for the trading week ahead, let's examine some important levels to keep an eye on for the indexes. That will - [Week 15 Trades Review (Video)](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/04/14/week-15-trades-review-video/) - Week 15 is in the books, and while it was far from impressive for the overall market, our trades fared well. I wanted to offer a video recap of the trades I took. The previous week wasn't great for me, but week 15 was worth trading and I was able to limit losses on failed - [Week 14 Trades Review (Video)](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/04/06/week-14-trades-review-video/) - Week 14 is in the books and it wasn't very exciting. Overall, the market slid a little and we saw a lack of momentum. I took fewer trades than usual, based partly on some setups gapping through my intended prices, and in other cases it was a matter of some patterns simply never confirming to - [Wait for the Trend Line Break!](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/04/11/wait-for-trend-line-break/) - As a pattern-based trader, I use a lot of trend lines on my charts. When you look at my charts, the only indicator you'll see is the 21-period MA of volume, which is the running 1-month volume average. Beyond that, it's just price, volume, and trend lines around the patterns I see in price. I - [Yard Crew Traders - When The Bell Rings 2](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/04/10/yard-crew-traders-wtbr-2/) - Today, I bring you Episode 2 of When The Bell Rings. Hopefully you caught Episode 1 last week which lays the groundwork for where this series gets its name. If not, check it out first! In this episode, we're talking about something which many traders fall into the habit of doing, but fail to recognize - [When The Bell Rings - Episode 1](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/04/02/when-the-bell-rings-1/) - I've been doing free trading videos here for a long time, but they've all been in screencast style as I narrate what's on my charts and share insights with you. Those will continue, because certain things in trading must be illustrated in that manner in order to show you what I'm telling you. But... It's - [Video Review of the Indexes 4-8-2012](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/04/08/video-indexes-4-8-2012/) - Last week the indexes pulled back in a minor fashion, but remained range-bound as they held some short-term support zones. In preparation for the trading week ahead, let's examine some important levels to keep an eye on for the indexes. That will have the greatest influence on how individual stocks are going to move, so - [Strategic Adjustments that Pay Off Big](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/04/12/strategic-adjustments/) - Like sports and business, trading requires the ability and the willingness to adapt. This involves continually learning and growing so that you're never stagnant with a single approach. Recently I sat down with Tim Bourquin for a MoneyShow Interview, and we discussed this topic of how Strategic Adjustments can Pay Off Big. The clip is - [Win More by Risking Less](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/04/05/win-more-by-risking-less/) - Each of us understands that we have to take some risks to get paid, but for most traders, improvement lies in taking the right kinds of risks. Recently I sat down with Tim Bourquin for a MoneyShow Interview, and we discussed this topic of how to Win More by Risking Less. The clip is 3 - [Think Like a Poker Pro](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/04/04/think-like-a-poker-pro/) - I love the movie Rounders, in which Matt Damon is a poker player looking for a big break (and then a way to get out of some serious trouble). In the movie, his character Mike McDermott makes a comment early on that as a player, "your goal is to win one big bet an hour - [3 Keys to Buying Dips](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/11/08/buying-dips/) - The nature of the current market environment is unique in that we have an interesting dynamic at play. Like trick-or-treaters on Halloween night, the dip buyers are out in full force! We're..... - [How Competitive Are You?](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/10/26/how-competitive/) - I've been watching the Soul of a Champion series on the new Versus network, and it is awesome. It absolutely pertains to trading, and some of the greatest lessons..... - [Cash IS a Position!](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/10/16/cash-position/) - In a day and age of nearly instant executions and dirt-cheap commissions, it's extremely easy to overtrade.... - [I'm Really Pumped About This](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/10/09/premium-trading-blog/) - I'm really pumped about last night's announcement regarding a brand new feature..... - [4th and Goal](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/09/30/4th-and-goal/) - The home stretch is here. The 4th Quarter is all we have left for 2006. What do you plan to do with it? - [HOPE is Not a Trading Strategy](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/09/27/quantify-trading-risk/) - HOPE is not a trading strategy! The market doesn't care what side you're on, and it has far greater staying power than you do.... - [How to Get Short](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/09/19/short-selling-effectively/) - On the heels of my order types post, I wanted to point out a useful tool to direct-access traders which only the more active day traders are likely to already know. Active traders trade both sides of the market, and aside from the uptick rule, getting filled on a short sale order is often the hardest part to catching the trade.... - [Hidden Benefits of a Large Watch List](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/09/18/watch-list-benefits/) - I've written before about my homework and the process I go through nightly to locate trading setups, but there's a hidden benefit to my process that I feel greatly adds to my trading results.... - [One Method for Profiting in this Tricky Market](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/07/25/pick-grin/) - This market reminds me of a few years ago leading up to March 2003, where every bounce was an invitation to short sell... - [Worden SnapSheets - A Look at the Future](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/07/12/worden-snapsheets/) - Back in early February of this year, I was fortunate enough to be invited to be part of a focus group for a brand new product Worden is about to roll out - SnapSheets. There were about two dozen of us there and we were the very first ones to get to see this incredible technology which has been under development for the last few years. I had no problem signing a confidentiality agreement in exchange for a shot at getting a Beta version of SnapSheets installed on my laptop..... - [How to Grow Your Trading Account, Part 2](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/07/06/how-to-grow-2/) - In Part 1, we discussed some general ideas about how to grow your trading account. Here in Part 2, let's check out the impact of this concept.... - [How to Grow Your Trading Account, Part 1](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/07/05/how-to-grow-1/) - Account sizes vary from trader to trader, and not just due to different financial situations..... - [Very Superstitious](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/05/25/superstitions/) - Just for fun, if you've got some trading superstitions, let's hear about them! - [Check Your Rolex](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/04/18/check-rolex/) - There are traders and there are investors. The primary difference is the timeframe you operate on. - [5 Expensive Words](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/04/12/expensive-words/) - As cheap as it is to enter trades with commission structures so affordable, have you ever noticed just how expensive it can be to stay in a trade? - [Keep it Rolling](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/04/05/keep-rolling/) - It's no secret that the fastest way to compound your money is to keep it working for you.... - [T-Shirt Trivia: The Masters](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/04/04/masters-trivia/) - If you're trading today, you have no shot at winning a green jacket.....but here's your shot at winning a green t-shirt! - [Little Things](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/03/29/little-things/) - Take a look at your habits and how they’re affecting your trading results. - [Do Your Homework](https://thestockbandit.net/2005/12/20/homework/) - Having a trading routine is essential. It doesn’t even have to include a lot of steps, just as long as you have a routine in place which allows you to gauge market strength or weakness and formulate some trading ideas to capitalize on your market view. Doing my homework includes screening for chart patterns, staying - [Sam the Ugly Dog](https://thestockbandit.net/2005/12/11/sam-ugly-dog/) - And you thought your last trade was ugly! Yes, it's real......if you can believe it! All I could say when I saw this was YIKES. Maybe you've seen this incredibly disturbing pic of Sam the Ugly Dog, the late Hollywood star that earned his milkbones the old-fashioned way - acting. Some Hollywood types die of - [Cinderella Man](https://thestockbandit.net/2005/12/10/cinderella-man/) - I love the movie pass from Blockbuster.......if you don't like it, take it back and get another one! We just watched Cinderella Man tonight, and I highly recommend it. I noticed the running time on it is a bit long, but that was before I pushed play. Good stuff! It's the weekend, so you might - [The 2nd Worst Feeling in Trading](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/11/15/second-worst-feeling/) - It's no big secret that psychology plays a massive role in how the market moves. Fear and greed are driving forces which are always at play..... - [3 Ways to Improve Your Holiday Trading](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/11/21/holiday-trading-improvements/) - We all know that adapting as traders is a necessity, and that always involves taking into consideration the current conditions. Seasonal factors like holidays certainly fall under this umbrella..... - [The Day After](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/12/09/secondary-stocks/) - Tuesday was a great trading day for us at TheStockBandit.com. You wouldn't know it by glancing at the market though. In fact, you'd probably think that Monday was the big day and Tuesday was rather quiet, but that wasn't the case. When other traders are looking to play "follow the leader" the day after a big market surge, it brings more activity into the stocks we are often already positioned in .... - [Getting Ready for 2007](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/12/27/getting-ready-for-2007/) - You may be trading the holiday market this week, but I am not. It's been a great time to get away from the screens and spend time with family and gear up for next year (next week I guess I could say). As you and I get ready for 2007 to begin, we've got a - [Trend Lines Often Need Adjustments](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/01/17/trend-lines/) - Technical analysis offers a number or tools and indicators to apply to charts in order to better determine buy and sell areas. Some traders have hard-and-fast rules regarding their analysis tools (and I'm a big proponent of having trading rules in place), but there are parts of technical analysis which do require some ongoing flexibility. - [Learning From Trading Mistakes](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/02/07/trading-mistakes-learning-from/) - While I'm not a backtester, I do believe that we can learn a lot as traders by reviewing our trades of the past. After all, if we can't learn from our mistakes, how can we learn at all? The member area of TheStockBandit.com has a feature called "Trade of the Week". It's a useful area - [The Complete Turtle Trader](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/04/24/the-complete-turtletrader/) - As much as I love trading, it's no coincidence that I frequently have my nose in a trading-related book. I stay away from the how-to books these days, sticking primarily to interview-style books, conceptual trading books, or just ones which tend to tell a good story. One benefit of writing a blog is the occasional - [Starting Over](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/01/05/starting-over/) - It’s a brand new trading year. In some ways that’s a good thing, in others maybe not. The slate has been wiped clean, and regardless of whether you did well or poorly in 2005, it matters no more. A fresh month and a fresh year means starting at square one for me. I like to - [Silence is Golden](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/01/11/silence-is-golden/) - I used to commute to a day trading office until about 2 years ago. It was good for a while but my needs changed. While I did enjoy interacting with other traders on a daily basis, it was harder at times to concentrate on the market with the sounds of a busy office. The occasional - [Intuition or Into Wishing?](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/01/17/into-wishing/) - The Market Wizards books by Jack Schwager are must-read books for traders of all kinds. These books are loaded with interviews with top traders, and it’s interesting to learn how the featured traders made it to the top of their profession. One of the featured traders is Ed Seykota, - [Simplify Your Trading Layout](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/01/20/simplify-trading-layout/) - Trading platforms have come a long way in just a short time. Now you can set up your trading layout just the way you want it, reflecting all kinds of information back at you to enhance your decision-making process. It’s easier than ever to monitor positions, - [Another Definition of Trading](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/01/23/definition-trading/) - Most people think that trading is the buying and selling of stocks. I suppose it is, but I often say that trading is - [Herman Miller Aeron Chair](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/02/02/herman-miller/) - I never thought I would spend $750 for an office chair, but when my high-back leather chair left me feeling like an old man at the end of the day, I knew it was time to consider a better alternative...... - [Still Ugly!](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/02/13/still-ugly/) - Trends followed by horizontal price movement are often followed by more trending in the original direction, which is what MOVI is still doing. - [Day Trading Headlines](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/02/16/day-trading-headlines/) - Anytime headlines come out on a stock you're trading, you'll probably know it. Today I was long CHNR when a negative headline hit and this stock changed character quickly......... - [Trading Without a Trend](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/02/22/trading-without-trend/) - The Great Bear, Jesse Livermore, is credited with many trading axioms still used today. One such phrase certainly applies to the market we’re facing right now - [What a Short Squeeze Looks Like](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/02/27/short-squeeze/) - Short selling can generate some nice profits….quickly. Maybe that’s why the word short is used – because.... - [Trend Line Extensions](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/02/28/trend-line-extensions/) - Trend lines are a key element of chart patterns and technical analysis. While the most common use of trend lines is to connect consecutive highs or lows, the extension of trend lines can often prove to be... - [Parabolic Uptrend: IIIN](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/03/07/parabolic-uptrend/) - Some stocks on the move are simply best avoided. We've looked at.... - [Backtesting](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/03/08/backtesting/) - Don't let glossy advertising from software vendors fool you into thinking that your trading strategy just isn't complicated enough. - [The View From the Hammock](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/03/13/hammock/) - Trading requires lots of "knowing when's." Knowing when to buy is as important as knowing when to sell. Knowing when to trade big is as important as knowing when to cut back on your position size. And knowing when to be active is as important as knowing when to walk away from the screens and - [Changing Gears](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/03/15/changing-gears/) - The market is always in motion, so if you don’t like how it is, just wait a little while and it will change! - [I Love A Good Deal!](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/03/20/pullbacks/) - This is an excellent dip-buying market, but you've got to know how to do it right if you want your trade to be a winner! - [Too Thin to Win](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/03/27/too-thin/) - There are many stocks which come through the scans with "the right look" to them, but a closer examination reveals some glaring reasons to avoid the stock as a potential trade. The most common reason pertains to volume, and particularly the risks associated with low volume.... - [Gap Lessons: When Trades Get Lucky](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/04/10/gap-lessons-when-trades-get-lucky/) - I'll never forget when it happened. I had been swing trading the stock regularly, and it had been very good to me in the weeks leading up to the big gap. I was sticking and moving, making a few points here and there, and my account was getting bigger because of it. And then came - [Bulls on Parade](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/04/22/bulls-on-parade/) - The bulls are standing tall after last week's impressive performance led by the DJIA's 349-point romp. They've taken charge of the indexes and are riding a wave of momentum heading into this coming week, but can they keep it going? With fears of a double top pattern starting to subside after an undeniable breakout, they - [CyberTrader & Schwab Integration Update](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/06/15/cybertrader-and-schwab-integration-update/) - A little while back, I discussed how CyberTrader is integrating with Schwab, and the discussion has been somewhat ongoing about what all that will mean. Lots of traders were concerned that certain things they enjoy right now with CyberTrader might not be included unless Schwab's StreetSmart Pro were to make some improvements. Good news - - [Timothy Sykes: An American Hedge Fund](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/07/04/timothy-sykes-an-american-hedge-fund/) - I love to read trading books, so I'm always pleased to have the opportunity to do book reviews when writers offer to send me a copy of their book. Recently I was asked by Timothy Sykes if I would be interested in reading and possibly reviewing his upcoming book, An American Hedge Fund. I obliged, - [Bulls in Pain](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/08/16/bulls-in-pain/) - Bulls continue to suffer, and they are anything but content at the moment. Short-term support levels have been breached, lower highs have been created, and bounces have thus far merely served as selling opportunities for limping bulls to raise more cash. It's really getting ugly out there, and their accounts and egos have been badly - [Welcome TraderInterview Readers!](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/11/22/welcome-trader-interview-readers/) - Just wanted to say thanks for stopping by to those of you who heard my interview at TraderInterviews.com this week. I thoroughly enjoyed the visit with Tim Bourquin as he runs an excellent site and knows a lot about the trading industry. I also hope that you found something useful from hearing about my approach - [Don't Forget to Prep for 2008](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/12/23/dont-forget-to-prep-for-2008/) - Lately everyone's discussing the so-called Santa Claus rally, and I suppose that is rightfully so given the recent upside. Rarely does the Santa Claus rally actually come on time, because the market is so forward-looking. Often it happens early or simply not at all, but this year it is right on time. OK, so that's - [Deal or No Deal](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/01/22/deal-or-no-deal/) - One television show I find myself mindlessly watching probably once a week is Deal or No Deal. Perhaps the allure of the spotlight is simply too much to turn down, but it's uncanny how the first good offer is never taken and the participant's greed overcomes them to make poor financial decisions. Often they are - [Welcome to TheStockBandit.net!](https://thestockbandit.net/2005/12/05/welcome/) - Swing Trading With The Stock Bandit has been relocated to this new domain in order to provide more features and functionality! WordPress is now the backbone of this blog, allowing me much greater flexibility. Please update your feeds and email subscriptions to this blog using the buttons (or e-mail field) in the sidebar to the - [4 Trading Goals You Can Set Right Now](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/10/14/4-trading-goals-you-can-set-right-now/) - Goals are huge. They motivate you to get to another level, providing both incentive along the way and some satisfaction once achieved. I've spoken of them a few times here on the blog, but felt that a little more elaboration might be in order. So today I want to cover 4 specific trading goals you - [World Series Series, Part 4 - Play Shallow When Necessary](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/10/26/play-shallow-when-necessary/) - This is Part 4 of a series, be sure to check out Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 as well. New posts will be made during game days of the World Series. Bring it In, Back it Up Nearly every batter a defense faces will mean repositioning. Outfielders may shift to their left or - [World Series Series, Part 5 - Avoid the Squeeze Play](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/10/27/avoid-the-squeeze-play/) - This is Part 5 of a series, be sure to check out Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4 as well. New posts will be made during game days of the World Series. Losing is Losing, Or Is It? In baseball, there's no official clock but there are innings and outs. That makes - [Are Conditions Shifting For Your Timeframe?](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/11/03/are-conditions-shifting-for-your-timeframe/) - The recent market volatility has been providing numerous opportunities for day trading if you're quick on the draw, but it hasn't offered much for swing trading. Those who prefer a little longer timeframe and trades which last a few days to a few weeks have grown accustomed to finding sloppy daily charts which lack well-defined - [Market View Video November 16, 2008](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/11/16/market-view-video-november-16-2008/) - More recent tests of key support came last week, and thus far they've proven successful. However, with the major averages still lingering near those support zones, it places a lot of importance on the price action we'll see in the days to come. There's no doubt all eyes will be on the bulls this week - [Triumph Over the Trading Jinx](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/11/17/triumph-over-trading-jinx/) - The losing streak is my biggest fear as a trader, so I try to adjust quickly when I start to see my performance slip. Here are a few ways in which I attempt to combat those periods. - [Conquering Crippled Confidence](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/11/20/conquering-crippled-confidence/) - If you've been struggling with your trading, you aren't the first to feel that way. But one thing we can choose is how we respond to those difficult stretches - [Market View Video November 23, 2008](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/11/23/market-view-video-november-23-2008/) - New 52-week lows were seen last week across the board, and in spite of a Friday rebound, the market suffered another setback. The technical picture remains far from pretty, but as we head into a holiday-shortened trading week, there's a chance for some upside in the short term. Historically, the bulls have been able to - [Freedom in Cash](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/11/25/freedom-in-cash/) - Having cash on hand as a trader offers tremendous freedom, there is no doubt about it. You're able to watch the price action and move quickly when you see the need. - [Market View Video December 7, 2008](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/12/07/market-view-video-december-7-2008/) - Following a solid rally off the recent low, the market has been able to put in some needed rest by actually digesting those gains rather than quickly giving them all right back. That's encouraging price action which not only allows for further upside to come along soon (if the bulls want it), but it also - [Don't Let Opinions Interfere](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/12/16/dont-let-opinions-interfere/) - Stick with what the chart is telling you - make decisions based on the price action when it comes to your entries and exits - [Market View Video January 4, 2009](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/01/04/market-view-video-january-4-2009/) - Although 2008 brought about one of the worst bear markets in history, it ended on an upbeat note with the indexes climbing higher in the final sessions. That paved the way for some additional upside as 2009 got underway with a solid rally last Friday. That rally produced an important breakout from multi-week trading ranges - [Trading Videos to Make You Better - TheStockBandit.TV](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/01/14/trading-videos-to-make-you-better-thestockbandittv/) - TheStockBandit.TV is a place where you can watch trading videos to your heart's content! These are trading videos, so every episode is designed to help - [Market View Video - January 19, 2009](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/01/19/market-view-video-january-19-2009/) - It's always a good idea to start out the trading week by checking out the big-picture view and a look at the major averages. After all, they do have the biggest influence on how individual stocks move! So as you start to consider what and how to trade this week, be sure to stop by - [Know Your Method](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/01/20/know-your-method/) - As traders, each of us start out with some kind of talent. It takes work, but the combination of talent and effort produces quite a skill. Learn to detect when - [Trading Attitude Goes a Long Way](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/01/27/trading-attitude/) - As with so many other things, in trading it's your attitude which can make the biggest difference between success and failure. - [Always Be Prepared](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/02/12/always-be-prepared/) - The prepared trader doesn't know what he will face each day, but he doesn't have to. He can handle it. - [Steep Trend Lines Beg to Be Crossed](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/03/09/steep-trend-lines-beg-to-be-crossed/) - It's important to note that the steeper a trend line tends to be, the more likely (and the sharper) a short-term reversal becomes. - [Thanksgiving in March (For Some of Us)](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/03/10/thanksgiving-in-march-for-some-of-us/) - It’s at times like this, among others, that it’s sure nice to be a trader. Stocks are on the move daily, and we as traders have the flexibility to go - [TheStockBandit University Has Launched!](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/03/12/thestockbandit-university-has-launched/) - There's a huge information gap between investors and traders, so I set out to bridge that gap with the creation of TheStockBandit University. - [SEC Fees Set to Quadruple on April 1](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/03/16/sec-fees-set-to-quadruple-on-april-1/) - The SEC is making a mid-year adjustment to transaction fees, moving from $5.60 per million dollars in sales to $25.70, effective April 1. - [Now on Twitter](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/03/26/now-on-twitter/) - Knowing that Twitter probably 'tipped' some time ago, I have nonetheless been reluctant to join the ranks of Twitter just because I was afraid it might be a time sponge. And with much more going on in life besides trading, my time is valuable - just like yours. But as a semi-early adopter in the - [Focus on the Process Now, Results Later (Part 2)](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/03/27/focus-on-process-now-results-later/) - In recently looking through some archived posts, one that caught my eye was Dave Mabe's from last summer. In that post, Dave covered some very important aspects to sticking with your trading plan. Then in catching up on some reading, I saw where David from Trade-Ideas was just discussing this yesterday over on the Trade-Ideas - [The Importance of Losing Small](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/04/07/the-importance-of-losing-small/) - Losses are inevitable, but small losses are easily overcome. I put that first because if you don't read anything else here, I want you to be sure and see that. In fact, that one statement could be considered the key to my trading. I remind myself of it often, and when I'm staying disciplined, I - [7 Trading Lessons from the Masters](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/04/13/7-trading-lessons-from-the-masters/) - As a trader who loves my job, I find it difficult to witness any big event without looking for some parallels to trading. The sports arena is one of - [Trader Interview With Jeff White](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/04/26/trader-interview-with-jeff-white/) - I am honored to have been asked for another interview from Tim Bourquin from Trader Interviews. Here's the direct link to my interview, which runs 40 minutes. - [Excuses are a Waste](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/05/05/excuses-are-a-waste/) - As the producer of a stock newsletter for the past 5 years (wow, time is flying), I get a lot of email. Some of it is from subscribers, and some of it is from people who are 'tire kickers' and haven't decided yet to take control of their trading. They want to know if what - [Profiting from Market Changes](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/05/06/profiting-from-market-changes/) - It's a strong tape - there is no doubt about that. When the NAZ has rallied for the previous 8 consecutive weeks (and currently gunning for 9) and the DJIA has tacked on 30% during the same stretch, you're looking at quite a rally. But during the course of that run, the pullbacks have been - [Testing 1-2-3](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/05/12/testing-1-2-3/) - I've written before about my opinion of backtesting, but let's go a different direction here and talk about just plain-Jane testing. If you were told that a diet pill would have you in that beach body by June, you'd probably be skeptical. But given enough evidence, you just might try it. Tentatively. We're no different - [We Now Interrupt Your Normal Programming](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/05/14/we-now-interrupt-your-normal-programming/) - Perhaps the automatic buy button got disconnected somehow, but Wednesday's decline marked the 3rd consecutive decline in as many days - something we've not seen since early March when this market caught fire for 9 very green weeks. And although a 3-day losing streak is far from the worst thing this market could see, it - [Clues to Observe for a Market Correction](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/05/26/market-correction-clues/) - Is this market due for a correction? That's the million-dollar question right now for many, so why don't we examine a few clues to watch for just in case. - [Lessons from My Biggest Trading Loss](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/05/28/lessons-from-biggest-trading-loss/) - I want to show you some lessons I learned from the biggest trading loss I ever took, and hopefully you'll benefit from my mistakes. - [Trading Education](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/06/02/trading-education/) - Every one of us should be in continual-learning mode. Quality trading education comes in many forms, but the deciding factor is whether it's useful. - [Free Webinar This Tuesday June 9th](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/06/07/free-webinar-this-tuesday-june-9th/) - I wanted to be sure to post a quick announcement here that I'll be presenting a Free Webinar this Tuesday (June 9th) with the folks from StockFinder, and it's gonna be fun so I hope you can join us! Chart Reading with TheStockBandit It's scheduled to be a 45 minute webinar and for the first - [Reminder: Webinar Tonight!](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/06/09/reminder-webinar-tonight/) - Here's a quick reminder about tonight's free trading webinar, as I would love to see you there if possible. Chart Reading with TheStockBandit I'm excited to run through a number of interesting chart setups, from both the bullish and bearish sides, in order to teach you some concepts and of course put some quality plays - [Trading Webinar Archive Now Available](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/06/11/trading-webinar-archive-now-available/) - Many of you were unable to attend for various reasons, so I wanted to let you know that the archived recording of the this week's trading webinar is available. - [How I Maintain Multiple Watch Lists](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/06/18/how-i-maintain-multiple-watch-lists/) - When the market moves now, I have a go-to list of names for the appropriate scenario that I can immediately turn my attention to. It's made a HUGE difference - [Halftime Honesty](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/07/01/halftime-honesty/) - Either you want success bad enough to find it, or you're satisfied enough with mediocrity to keep enduring it. - [One Way to Review Your Trades](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/07/09/one-way-to-review-your-trades/) - One key to trading success is the ability to modify one's approach periodically in order to stay on track, so having access to your trade data is imperative. - [Video Review of the Indexes 7-12-2009](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/07/12/video-review-of-the-indexes-7-12-2009/) - With a brand new week of trading here, it's time to examine the major market averages and check out some key levels to watch for the coming days. 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 - [Are You Developing Your Trading Strategy?](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/07/13/are-you-developing-your-trading-strategy/) - One huge benefit I have of running the premium site over at TheStockBandit.com is the opportunity to interact with many traders on an ongoing basis. As a trader, I'm thankful for the chance to keep the dialogue going with others, discussing trading strategies and current conditions with traders all over the world. No two of - [Managing Gap Risk](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/07/15/managing-gap-risk/) - It's a simple fact that stocks gap. The indexes gap. The news flow causes it, upgrades and downgrades cause it, and even just excitement or fear at times will cause stock gaps. There are common gaps, which tend to be small, and then there are of course bigger, harsher gaps like breakaway gaps or runaway - [Video Review of the Indexes 7-19-2009](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/07/19/video-review-of-the-indexes-7-19-2009/) - What a move last week, huh? A 7% spike across the board in the indexes is certainly one way to get the attention of traders. Especially those caught short after the creation of lower highs and lower lows in recent weeks. We've got a new week fast approaching, and anything goes. That means it could - [Fill Your Trading Toolbelt](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/07/20/fill-your-trading-toolbelt/) - Recently I saw the movie Gran Torino, and really enjoyed it. In case you haven't seen it, I won't give away the plot. But at one point of the movie, Clint Eastwood is with a young man in the garage and the kid is amazed by the amount of tools Eastwood has collected. Nearing age - [Rip City - When Will We Rest?](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/07/23/rip-city-when-will-we-rest/) - Shorts are getting torched right now. The extreme momentum we're seeing is definitely of the emotional variety, although it's been technically significant as well. Today, for example, the NAZ is going for its 12th straight advance - an impressive feat which has brought about a 14% move from the low set earlier this month. We're - [Video Review of the Indexes 7-26-2009](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/07/26/video-review-of-the-indexes-7-26-2009/) - Moving out of a multi-month trading range has been a very welcomed sight for many traders in the past week. It has meant an expansion in volatility, greater momentum than we've seen in a while, and new recovery highs for the market from the March low. However, the way in which it has happened obviously - [Protect Capital Even in a Bull Market](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/07/27/protect-capital-even-in-a-bull-market/) - Protecting capital is the top priority of all successful traders. Making money is secondary. But forcing trades will usually cost you more money than it'll make you! - [Psychology of Overbought, Oversold, and Market Extremes](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/07/28/psychology-of-overbought-oversold-and-market-extremes/) - Are you in the habit of evaluating not only the conditions you're trading in, but also the participants at any given point in time? - [Stop Loss Placement, Part 1](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/07/30/stop-loss-placement-part-1/) - It is the most common question I'm asked: "How do you determine where to place a stop loss order?" And it's a great question. Newer traders need to know it. Experienced traders will often study it and refine it. It's arguably as important as any other aspect of a trade. So here I am setting - [Stop Loss Placement, Part 2](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/07/31/stop-loss-placement-part-2/) - As we dive deeper into this series on stop loss placement, I want to be sure you caught Part 1 because it helps lay the groundwork for this ongoing discussion. I'll be posting segments of this series one segment at a time, both for convenience and better consumption on your part. I want you to - [Stop Loss Placement, Part 4](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/08/06/stop-loss-placement-part-4/) - As we complete this series on stop loss placement, we're going to discuss trailing stops. But be sure to catch Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 first! In this segment, I specifically want to discuss the importance of managing our risk throughout a trade, not only to reduce losses but also to preserve profits. - [Stop Loss Placement, Part 3](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/08/05/stop-loss-placement-part-3/) - To continue the series on stop loss placement, it's time that we build on both Part 1 and Part 2 by taking things a step further. In this segment, I specifically want to clarify a major advantage of basing our stops on the chart. Of course we'll know where to get out if the pattern - [Scale Out of Winning Trades with Partial Exits](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/08/04/scale-out-of-winning-trades-with-partial-exits/) - Consider making partial sales in your next winning trade, and see what it does for your bottom line. It just might be the best adjustment you make this year. - [Momentum Trading - A Different Mindset](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/08/03/momentum-trading-different-mindset/) - The momentum game really requires a different kind of mindset for success. Go with the flow and don't fight it until the tape tells you it's tired. - [Video Review of the Indexes 8-2-2009](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/08/02/video-review-of-the-indexes-8-2-2009/) - We've seen some nice moves in the past few weeks, with many stocks awakening from their slumber to sprint to higher levels. The indexes have done the same thing over the same stretch. Although we've seen some incremental gains in recent days, overall the pace has definitely slowed. And that's actually a good thing. Rest - [Chat Archive with Charles Kirk](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/08/07/chat-archive-with-charles-kirk/) - Today's live chat with Charles Kirk of The Kirk Report was a lot of fun, and I hope you were able to join us for the discussion. For those of you who were unable to attend, I've embedded the chat transcript below so that you can review the conversation sometime over the weekend. Hope you - [Video Review of the Indexes 8-9-2009](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/08/09/video-review-of-the-indexes-8-9-2009/) - The upside momentum off the July lows continued last week as the indexes surged higher once again. Strength on Monday and Friday made the difference, taking the market to its best levels of the year. We've seen very little rest in recent weeks, and certainly no pullbacks lasting longer than just a few hours. With - [Peace of Mind With Bracket Orders](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/08/12/peace-of-mind-with-conditional-orders/) - I use bracket orders in my swing trading, allowing me to set up trades with an entry, stop and target and trust that it's being taken care of by my broker. - [21 Questions from Last Week's Chat](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/08/13/21-questions-from-last-weeks-chat/) - Last week's trader chat generated quite a few questions. A number of them we were able to address during the chat, but many more went unanswered. If you were in attendance and didn't get your question answered, look for it below. But even if you weren't there, hopefully you'll find this useful to observe. Here - [More on Recovering from Trading Losses](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/08/17/recovering-from-losses-part-2/) - Lose small, lose small, win big - that's exactly how trading must be. How you choose to respond to losing will make or break you. - [Hard Stops vs. Mental Stops](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/08/20/hard-stops-vs-mental-stops/) - If you know deep down inside that you lack the discipline to cut a losing trade when the time comes, put a hard stop in place. - [Video Review of the Indexes 8-23-2009](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/08/23/video-review-of-the-indexes-8-23-2009/) - Following a rest phase after the big run from the July lows, the indexes threatened last week to break down, only to reverse higher and breakout instead. As the bears got trapped, they were forced to cover shorts while the bulls seized another opportunity to push the major averages to their best levels on the - [Reversal Characteristics & Candidates](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/08/25/reversal-characteristics-candidates/) - Stocks can reverse suddenly or slowly. Sometimes it takes place in one big bar, and other times it's a process that occurs over time. Because there are differences in how downside reversals can happen, after running across a couple of reversal candidates in the charts, I wanted to share a couple here on the blog. - [Taking Risks](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/08/26/taking-risks/) - It's important when trading stocks to think in terms of max $ risk if the trade fails. Ask yourself, "if this trade doesn't work out, what do I stand to lose?" - [Video Review of the Indexes 8-30-2009](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/08/30/video-review-of-the-indexes-8-30-2009/) - The bulls had a wonderful opportunity to thrust the market higher last week, but they passed it up. Instead, they merely provided support on the dips, preventing any downside damage from being done. It wouldn't have taken much to push the indexes to new recovery highs once again, but the light-volume action which is so - [Stack the Odds for Daytrading Success](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/09/03/stack-the-odds-for-daytrading-success/) - Risks must be taken in order to get paid, but the key is gauging under which circumstances the potential reward really outweighs that risk when day trading. - [Video Review of the Indexes 9-7-2009](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/09/07/video-review-of-the-indexes-9-7-2009/) - Hopefully your Labor Day holiday was a good one! Mine was spent with family, relaxing and celebrating the 2nd birthday of my son - a great way to completely forget about the market in fact! But it's time once again to gear up for a brand new week of trading, and I'm excited about it. - [Video Review of the Indexes 9-13-2009](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/09/13/video-review-of-the-indexes-9-13-2009/) - Although last week was an abbreviated trading week, the bulls wasted no time in getting back to work. In the process, they propelled the indexes to new recovery highs, reaching levels not seen since last fall. Needless to say, that keeps the uptrend very much intact, but it doesn't mean reckless buying is warranted here. - [Implementing the Time Stop](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/09/15/implementing-the-time-stop/) - Not every trade works out exactly when we want it to. Fortunately, there is a solution to the flatlining trade, which is to implement a time-based stop. - [Video Review of the Indexes 9-20-2009](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/09/20/video-review-of-the-indexes-9-20-2009/) - 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 - [The Power of Focus](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/09/21/the-power-of-focus/) - 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 - [Understanding the Quiet Rally](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/09/23/understanding-the-quiet-rally/) - 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 - [Video Review of the Indexes 9-27-2009](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/09/27/video-review-of-the-indexes-9-27-2009/) - 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 - [Huge News at TheStockBandit.com](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/10/08/huge-news-at-thestockbandit/) - 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, - [Video Review of the Indexes 10-18-2009](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/10/18/video-review-of-the-indexes-10-18-2009/) - 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 - [Why I'm Not Trading AAPL](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/10/19/why-im-not-trading-aapl/) - I've had no interest in trading AAPL for a few months now, because AAPL simply doesn't move enough. - [Bearish Engulfing Bars Warrant Caution](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/10/21/bearish-engulfing-bars/) - Today we saw the market averages tag new recovery highs and then reverse sharply to finish in the red. The bearish engulfing bars which resulted aren't pretty. - [Video Review of the Indexes 10-25-2009](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/10/25/video-review-of-the-indexes-10-25-2009/) - The bulls produced new recovery highs last week (again), but as the week wound down, it appeared as though some fatigue may be setting in. Not only did we see bearish engulfing bars on Wednesday and no new highs after that, but we are also seeing some rest set in with the establishment of short-term - [Oversold Bounce or Higher Low?](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/10/29/oversold-bounce-or-higher-low/) - Following an impressive surge higher from early October, the market has finally taken a breather. The pullback of the past week has offered at least a short-term change of character that has my attention - and yours as well, I'm sure. Downside follow through has been notably absent for some time now...until this week. Four - [Video Review of the Indexes 11-1-2009](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/11/01/video-review-of-the-indexes-11-1-2009/) - The major averages sold off hard last week as profit-taking dominated the action. The lone advance happened on Thursday, but Friday's selling pressure alone had no trouble erasing it. The NAZ is now facing a very critical level, and the overall character of this market is quickly changing. Volatility is expanding, and suddenly traders are - [APOL Flirting with Breakdown from 'h' Pattern](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/11/06/apol-flirting-with-breakdown-from-h-pattern/) - Classic chart patterns still work quite well, and I trade them regularly, but they aren't the only patterns out there to watch for. One pattern I've taken notice of in recent months is the 'h' pattern. This happens when a stock has a sudden or steep decline followed by a very quiet and weak bounce. - [Video Review of the Indexes 11-8-2009](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/11/08/video-review-of-the-indexes-11-8-2009/) - After a pretty decent pullback from the October highs, the dip-buyers were faced with another opportunity, and last week they began to do their thing once again. An upside reversal on Monday paved the way for higher prices to come, and by the end of the week a respectable bounce was here. There are some - [Managing Day Trades Effectively](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/11/09/managing-day-trades-effectively/) - For day trades, I'm not trying to wait around to see if it'll keep running for several days. The key is risk vs. reward. - [CVX Bull Flag Offers Potential](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/11/10/cvx-bull-flag-offers-potential/) - My nightly routine includes locating setups for tomorrow's trading session, but I don't want to stop there. Taking it one step further, I want to be aware of any other stocks which may be gearing up for moves in the days ahead - radar stocks, if you will. One setup that's been on my radar - [Always Something to Worry About](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/11/11/always-something-to-worry-about/) - Ever get spooked out of good trades? It's one of the worst feelings in trading, knowing you were right and just couldn't stick with the play long enough to get paid a fair amount. The back-and-forth nature of the market makes it easy to jump to conclusions that a turn may be right around the - [4 Cup & Handle Patterns to Watch](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/11/17/4-cup-handle-patterns-to-watch/) - One of the most easily identifiable chart patterns is also one of the rarest - the cup and handle pattern. In this post, I want to show you a few which are developing right now. The cup and handle pattern is sometimes misinterpreted, so let's just review the basics... First, this pattern must be found - [Video Review of the Indexes 11-22-2009](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/11/22/video-review-of-the-indexes-11-22-2009/) - A push to new highs just happened once again, and the bulls remain in control of the tape despite the weak finish which erased the gains from earlier in the week. Higher highs in place means the uptrends are still intact, and that certainly deserves our respect. Speaking of respect, this week we're very likely - [Video Review of the Indexes 12-6-2009](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/12/04/video-review-of-the-indexes-12-6-2009/) - The major averages each pushed north of new highs last week, but only temporarily. Intraday milestones simply don't carry the same weight as those which occur on a closing basis, and last week proved to be no different as resistance was cleared, only to be given right back by the end of the session on - [Pattern Failures Are Worth Noting](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/12/08/pattern-failures-are-worth-noting/) - While the bulk of my trading revolves around chart patterns, and most notably the confirmation of them, failed patterns are certainly worth identifying. Anytime a stock appears to be gearing up to make a move in one direction and suddenly goes the opposite direction, you can bet there are plenty of participants who are poorly - [Video Review of the Indexes 12-13-2009](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/12/13/video-review-of-the-indexes-12-13-2009/) - This market is at home on the range, and just one glance of the daily charts over the past several weeks makes it clear that the standoff between buyers and sellers is still in effect. The bulls have maintained control for 9 months and counting, yet with a wonderful opportunity to produce a breakout and - [How to Lose Like a Winner](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/12/15/how-to-lose-like-a-winner/) - I recently heard that in relationships, you can be happier if you choose to accept the whole person. The idea is that instead of trying to weigh everything you like vs. everything you dislike, accepting them as generally positive is a better decision. Thankfully, my wife does that for me, looking beyond my numerous flaws - [Eyeing Range Expansion in ACL](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/12/16/acl-range-expansion/) - The ascending triangle pattern is commonly found within uptrending stocks, so in a bull market like we've been in since March, you can spot quite a few of them. But just because it's a bullish setup doesn't mean the pattern will always pan out that way. In fact, I recently discussed pattern failures and the - [The Importance of Off-the-Screen Goals](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/12/17/the-importance-of-off-the-screen-goals/) - Ah, the end of the year! A time for pigging out, hanging with relatives, and reflecting on the previous 12 months. For some, it's a rewarding time. Looking back on achievements and areas of growth brings some satisfaction and motivation for the year to come. But for others, disappointment and disgust dominate their thoughts as - [Video Review of the Indexes 12-20-2009](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/12/20/video-review-of-the-indexes-12-20-2009/) - The bulls remain in the driver's seat as we close in on the end of the year, but do they plan to finish strong? An opportunity certainly awaits them if they can produce a breakout, but with light volume and a holiday-shortened trading week, expectations may be low. As we head into a brand new - [I See You PCU](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/01/11/i-see-you-pcu/) - Strength in this market has been relentless, and that means many individual names are riding the wave. It can be difficult to work through robust watch lists in search of great plays, but often times it boils down to identifying the most valid levels, knowing if they're violated that opportunity will emerge. Last week, PCU - [Video Review of the Indexes 1-10-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/01/10/video-review-of-the-indexes-1-10-2010/) - The New Year is underway, and it has started just like 2009 ended - with strength. Last week we saw the bulls get quickly into gear with a Monday morning gap to the upside, sending the major averages back to new recovery highs. Although the follow through for the remainder of the week was rather - [The Envy of Other Traders](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/01/07/envy-of-other-traders/) - If you have traded for virtually any length of time, you've no doubt found yourself on both ends of the spectrum when it comes to winning and losing. At times we can do no wrong, nailing trades with concise entries and the ability to scale out at our own prices. It's nice. And during those - [Nothing Wrong WIT This One](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/01/05/nothing-wrong-wit-this-one/) - Solid technical setups often times will have more than one positive thing going for them. It may simply be having the market's wind at its back, or it may be more like the stock I'm going to show you today. WIT has made a monster run since the March lows of 2009, tacking on about - [LUV Still Adored](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/01/04/luv-still-adored/) - There's a common desire among traders to "buy the dip" when given a chance, and I'm here today to show you one such opportunity. The idea of picking up stocks on even a minor discount within the context of a proven trend is indeed a good one - so let's take a look at one - [Video Review of the Indexes 1-3-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/01/03/video-review-of-the-indexes-1-3-2010/) - Despite a very minor hiccup to end 2009, the bulls made a great showing when it was all said and done. The early action was extremely ugly, but the March-December rally made the ultimate difference and solid gains were posted across the board. And the run may not be done yet. After all, uptrends are - [Is NFLX Leading Again?](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/01/12/is-nflx-leading-again/) - With new highs being hit almost daily in the market, there has been an abundance of long-sided trade candidates. However, weak stocks are still in our midst, and it can serve us well to watch for those outliers - whether as individual profit vehicles or simply as hedges. NFLX is one such stock. Not only - [Keys From a 6-Month Streak](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/01/13/keys-from-a-6-month-streak/) - Anytime you find yourself in the midst of a streak in your trading, it's worth paying attention to. When you're winning, you need to find out why. A few years ago, I was fortunate to put together a 13-month streak of consecutive net profits (profits every month for 13 months). The longer the streak continued, - [5 Years!](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/01/15/5-years/) - In the world of trading where 5 minutes can seem like an eternity, 5 years feels like a really long time. That's the number I'm celebrating today, as it was 5 years ago today that I published my first post over at my original blog. I spent one year writing there before creating TheStockBandit.net. I've - [Video Review of the Indexes 1-18-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/01/18/video-review-of-the-indexes-1-18-2010/) - The bulls maintained their overall control last week, although they did allow the market to slip a little. The NAZ led the downside, but no key technical breaches occurred. We haven't seen a meaningful pullback in some time now, but if short-term support levels get broken, it could deliver some accelerated profit-taking. Lower highs and - [ANF Looking Vulnerable](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/01/19/anf-looking-vulnerable/) - Anytime I see a stock crack support and fail to reclaim it, I pay attention. Especially when it makes no effort to rebound and merely consolidates after that key breakdown. ANF is doing this right now. Just over a week ago, it undercut an ascending channel pattern on heavy volume, offering a decisive change of - [Prepare for Anything](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/01/21/prepare-for-anything/) - On several occasions in recent years, I've taken a spring trip with my dad and some friends to Arizona to play golf for a few days. I love the desert, and it's fun to spend some time with the guys and make a few birdies (let's not talk about the bogeys!). Around Scottsdale, and particularly - [Video Review of the Indexes 1-24-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/01/24/video-review-of-the-indexes-1-24-2010/) - Last week we saw the market closed on Monday, making for a holiday-shortened week of trading. That certainly didn't translate into quiet action, as traders made every day count. Tuesday's upside tested resistance, but without a breakout. From there, the sellers took control, raising cash more and more aggressively as the week progressed. In the - [Video Review of the Indexes 1-31-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/01/31/video-review-of-the-indexes-1-31-2010/) - Following an initial pullback from the January highs, no bounce was produced last week with the dip-buyers failing to appear. The group which has been so responsible for upside follow through since the market turned higher in March of 2009 suddenly disappeared, and stocks have been declining steadily for a couple of weeks now. Key - [Video Review of the Indexes 2-7-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/02/07/video-review-of-the-indexes-2-7-2010/) - Last week proved to be an eventful one, although you wouldn't know it from the net changes in the indexes from the prior week. What started out as a relief rally quickly turned into another nightmare selloff for the bulls, before a late surge Friday erased much of the damage. In the end, the market - [Video Review of the Indexes 2-21-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/02/21/video-review-of-the-indexes-2-21-2010/) - With only 4 days of trading last week after the Monday holiday, the bulls had to make it count - and they did. They went undefeated on the week with across-the-board gains each day, reclaiming some important levels in the process. But with light volume on the way up, the rally is not without its - [Relative Volume On Demand](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/02/23/relative-volume-on-demand/) - I've long been a user of the real-time scanner and filter Trade-Ideas Pro - since 2003. It has a ton of features for locating stocks on the move during the trading day, which is huge for a full-time trader like me. My favorite feature is a pretty simple one though, which is called Relative Volume. - [Reminiscences of a Stock Operator - Annotated Edition](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/02/24/reminiscences-of-a-stock-operator-annotated-edition/) - Trading books are among my favorite to read, and I'm always on the lookout for a good one. The ones I like the most aren't of the how-to nature, given that I've been a full-time trader for so many years. Instead, I really like those that get inside the heads of great traders. I've pointed - [Video Review of the Indexes 3-7-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/03/07/video-review-of-the-indexes-3-7-2010/) - The major averages tacked on more gains last week as they cleared the February highs and kept on cruising. The NAZ made its way to a new 52-week high, although the senior indexes have not yet followed. The recent climb from the February lows has been a persistent one, but volume has been notably absent. - [Video Review of the Indexes 3-14-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/03/14/video-review-of-the-indexes-3-14-2010/) - Lately, it's been shocking to see a down day. The indexes seem to go up daily - even if not by large amounts, they're green. It's as if they're green enough to remind everyone that the bulls are getting their way. Not only are the buyers propelling stocks higher, but so are the bears who - [Video Review of the Indexes 3-21-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/03/21/video-review-of-the-indexes-3-21-2010/) - Serious rally of late, huh? It's been nonstop, but I think something under the radar has been driving the action - not the usual greed of the bulls that you might initially think of. In this video, I'll lay out what I think that driving force is, how I think it'll impact the price action - [Video Review of the Indexes 3-28-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/03/28/video-review-of-the-indexes-3-28-2010/) - We saw a rare rest to end last week, but the week was still a positive one due to the strength from Monday & Tuesday. Turns out these days, a flat day almost is a down day!It's been a relentless run, no doubt, and it still isn't over. We just made new 52-week highs on - [Free Webinar Tuesday March 30](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/03/29/webinar-tuesday-mar-30/) - I wanted to be sure to post a quick announcement here that I'll be presenting a Free Webinar on Tuesday (March 30th) with the folks from StockFinder, and I hope you can join us! Targeting Trade Candidates with TheStockBandit It's scheduled to be a 45 minute webinar, the first 30 minutes of which I'll be - [Video Review of the Indexes 4-4-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/04/04/video-review-of-the-indexes-4-4-2010/) - Last week proved to be quiet with only 4 sessions, and yet gradual strength emerged once again with each of the indexes making upside progress. The DJIA and S&P 500 each tagged new 52-week highs, while the NAZ remained in its consolidation zone just shy of resistance. We've seen some needed rest lately, which has - [Video Review of the Indexes 4-11-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/04/11/video-review-of-the-indexes-4-11-2010/) - Steady gains were added last week to the recent consolidation we've seen in the indexes, producing more new 52-week highs to start the second quarter. Even the minor dips are still being bought, reinforcing the confidence of the buyers. The indexes have been unable to pull back since the late-January slide, and it seems as - [Video Review of the Indexes 4-18-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/04/18/video-review-of-the-indexes-4-18-2010/) - More new highs were reached yet again last week, although the week ended with some abrupt selling. What was shaping up to be a quiet down day turned into the biggest drop we've seen in a couple of months, thanks in large part to news out of GS. Regardless, the turn lower is good in - [Video Review of the Indexes 4-25-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/04/25/video-review-of-the-indexes-4-25-2010/) - A week ago, traders were mulling over the option expiration Friday selloff which brought the most red the indexes had seen in a couple of months. The S&P 500 broke its uptrend line, and many wondered if that might be the end of the rally. And then last week arrived. The buyers stepped in once - [Video Review of the Indexes 5-9-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/05/09/video-review-of-the-indexes-5-9-2010/) - The character of the market changed significantly last week, highlighted by Thursday's all-out crash. Four consecutive declines left the major averages with losses on the week of 5-8%, and the dip-buyers who have shown so much confidence in recent months have disappeared completely. At this point, stocks could go either way. We've fallen far and - [An Open Apology](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/05/12/an-open-apology/) - I just crawled out of my cave. At least it feels that way. And it probably seems that way from your perspective, so I owe you an apology. The regular articles and free videos just haven't made it into the rotation for the past couple of months. Truth is...the free stuff goes first when there's - [It's Go Time!](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/05/13/its-go-time/) - Earlier this week, I apologized for my absence and explained why I've been so quiet on the blog for the past few months. Today is the Day It's here and it's ready for you right now. The Advanced Trading Course I have been so hard at work creating is now up and running. Here's the - [Video Review of the Indexes 5-16-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/05/16/video-review-of-the-indexes-5-16-2010/) - Last week we saw the indexes make some headway, but it just didn't feel that way. What started out with a massive upside gap on Monday and additional strength into Wednesday's close, actually ended with plenty of downside on Thursday and Friday. On an open-to-close basis, the week was negative, but on a Friday close-to-close - [Every Day's a Monday in Trading](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/05/17/every-days-a-monday-in-trading/) - We all love a fresh start, am I right? Sometimes we just need that new beginning. Like a Monday morning diet when we've pigged out all weekend. Or the opening bell after a tough stretch of trading. Both the Monday morning (for the dieter) and the opening bell (for the struggling trader) bring hope for - [Video Review of the Indexes 5-23-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/05/23/video-review-of-the-indexes-5-23-2010/) - The bulls did some suffering last week, there's no question about it, but they were able to put together a modest rebound on Friday after an exhaustion gap to the downside. The relatively minor recovery seen from there constitutes, for now, a successful test of the May 6th lows. But we sure don't know yet - [Selective Memory](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/05/26/selective-memory/) - Trading is one of those things that really requires a selective memory. The same kind of selective memory that I needed when I was on the dating scene. I chose to ignore the bad experiences I'd had with certain girls, and I stayed in the game long enough to find the wife of my dreams. - [Video Review of the Indexes 5-31-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/05/29/video-review-of-the-indexes-5-31-2010/) - The indexes tacked on some minor gains last week, but the bulls really had to earn it. Prices finished at their extremes for each session prior to Friday. Gaps were both filled and created, and rallies and selloffs characterized the day to day action. Some support is becoming evident on a closing basis, although the - [Video Review of the Indexes 6-6-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/06/06/video-review-of-the-indexes-6-6-2010/) - For an abbreviated trading week, last week's market action held nothing back. It was the opening and closing weakness which made the net difference, but there was plenty of action in between. Friday's selloff took the major averages to key support zones which will be the focal point heading into Monday's session. If those areas - [Are You Too Motivated to Make Money?](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/06/07/are-you-too-motivated-to-make-money/) - I know you aren't lazy. The fact that you're reading this tells me you care enough about your trading to hunt for clues that will make you better. You're motivated. Many of us think of ourselves as hard workers. Lazy gets us nowhere. The problem is that when it comes to trading, motivation doesn't always - [Video Review of the Indexes 6-13-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/06/13/video-review-of-the-indexes-6-13-2010/) - Those who are prone to motion sickness are finding this market to be unsettling, but such is the case when corrections are running their course. At the moment, the indexes are trying to establish some support, but the upside hasn't been easy to come by for the bulls. Instead, we've seen some sharp rallies which - [Disgusted](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/06/18/disgusted/) - Disgusted... It's a word you probably learned in junior high when someone paid that kid $5 to eat frito pie from the cafeteria trash can. But it's a word you still experience. You hate the way you feel, so you start eating better. You hate how your yard looks, so you get more diligent at - [Video Review of the Indexes 6-20-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/06/20/video-review-of-the-indexes-6-20-2010/) - The major averages finally put in a few days of rest last week after some lively action on Monday and Tuesday, holding onto some nice recent gains. Key resistance zones have for the most part been cleared (with the RUT being the exception), and currently are serving as short-term support. Even if we see those - [Have a MENT](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/06/21/have-a-ment/) - Quick trades can be among the best kind, keeping capital tied up for a limited time and offering fast gains when they do their thing. MENT is one I'm eyeing for such a trade. The stock has been quite active of late, moving all over the map within a $2 range for the past several - [Technical Grade: F](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/06/22/technical-grade-f/) - Every chart should be given a grade, if for no other reason than it'll require you to evaluate the entire situation and make a decision. Should it be traded? Should it be watched? Should it be avoided? Looking at the chart of F below, this one earns an 'F' on recent behavior as well. Here - [Be Patient Buying Dips](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/06/23/dip-buying-patience/) - Novice traders are equipped with very little useful information, as even your grandmother knows to "buy low and sell high." With the recent correction, many stocks now are starting to appear 'low' on the scale, and that's enticing - but dangerous - to those who have been waiting for a shot at getting in. The - [Making it Back](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/06/29/making-it-back/) - Anytime the market makes as big and consistent of a run as it did from March 2009 to the April peak, there's a growing confidence that invites new money to the game. Those who were completely spooked in early 2009 saw an impressive rebound, not only in prices but in their willingness to participate. Of - [Video Review of the Indexes 7-5-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/07/05/video-review-of-the-indexes-7-5-2010/) - The bears pitched a shutout last week, going 5-for-5 as the market continued its slide. New correction lows were reached in each of the major averages, reminding us all of the struggle this market is having to stabilize. Support zones have been broken, and trends remain down, but with deeply oversold conditions having emerged, a - [Video Review of the Indexes 7-11-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/07/11/video-review-of-the-indexes-7-11-2010/) - The buyers went 4-for-4 last week with the major averages recovering what had been lost in the previous week of relentless selling. And for a holiday-shortened trading week, the action was quite good from start to finish. Traders should be returning to their desks this week, and just in time for the start of earnings - [Watch for Timing Themes](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/07/12/watch-for-timing-themes/) - As a rule, no there is no specified timeframe which I refuse to trade. However, it is always a good practice to pay attention to developing themes in how the market is moving. For instance, (and this changes periodically, hence no hard-set rule), not long ago the market was in a bit of a routine - [Three Pillars of Risk Management](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/07/14/three-pillars-risk-management/) - As a Seinfeld fan, I really enjoyed The Fatigues episode where Jerry dates a woman with a mentor. George needs to give a report on Risk Management, and passes off the task to Jerry's girlfriend so she can read all about it and save George time. But Costanza isn't the only one who doesn't fully - [Several Solars Set to Shine](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/07/19/several-solars-set-to-shine/) - Last week I discussed timing themes and the benefit of seeing repetition in the markets, but that's just one way the astute trader can locate profits. Another is to notice sectors and groups which are seeing rotation. Currently, solar stocks are making quiet but steady headway, exhibiting some very nice relative strength. While the market - [Intraday Extremes Offer Big Opportunities](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/07/20/intraday-extremes-offer-big-opportunities/) - The old adage says to 'buy low and sell high.' That's misinterpreted by most, as they tend to sell their strongest stocks when strength is still present or buy before corrections are completed. To the inexperienced, it may look like the move is done, but often times is followed by an encore of sorts. Timing - [Video Review of the Indexes 7-25-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/07/25/video-review-of-the-indexes-7-25-2010/) - Last week was potentially big for the bulls, not only in the short-term, but for the big picture as well. We saw something happen which hasn't happened since April - a dip was bought! After a nice rally from the July 1st low, a pullback had set in. But given the magnitude of that rally, - [Bidding On BIDU](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/07/26/bidding-on-bidu/) - When trades come along which offer potential on multiple timeframes, I always perk up. If one timeframe doesn't appeal to me, the other can still add to my account. BIDU is one such setup right here. The channeling stock has been range-bound since early May, and a breakout may be coming soon from this rectangle - [GS Getting Ready](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/07/27/gs-getting-ready/) - Financial stocks are always on the radar of traders, and GS is usually at the top of the list. Interestingly, this one looks like it's gearing up for a move of its own. After undercutting support on July 1st, the stock began to grind higher, eventually taking out the late-June high on strong volume. Since - [Video Review of the Indexes 8-1-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/08/01/video-review-of-the-indexes-8-1-2010/) - A short-term peak was marked last week with Tuesday's gap higher, and as per my tweet, it invited some profit-taking. That sparked a pullback into Friday's lows, where dip-buyers closed the opening gap. That begs the question of whether the dip has been completed, and more importantly, is this market poised for another push higher? - [Homebuilder Stocks on Solid Foundations](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/08/03/homebuilder-stocks-on-solid-foundations/) - The stock market is often times simply a market of stocks, meaning that it's necessary to sift through them all in order to find some which appear tradeable. Occasionally though, we notice sectors moving in tandem, giving us multiple opportunities in the same group. That sometimes gives us a chance to identify leaders and laggards, - [Ashland Still Has Room](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/08/05/ashland-still-has-room/) - We've seen persistent strength in this market since the July 1st low, and while the long side has been the one to trade on, it's still important not to chase extended names. Fortunately, looking through hundreds of charts each day can still yield several opportunities, particularly if you know what to watch for. Too many - [Video Review of the Indexes 8-8-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/08/08/video-review-of-the-indexes-8-8-2010/) - Last week proved to be another healthy one for the bulls. Quite a bit more happened than it appeared on the surface, as the indexes moved higher, tested uptrend lines successfully, and based quietly beneath key resistance zones. The coming week may be pivotal for this new uptrend, as we'll face an FOMC day on - [Reliable Technical Action](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/08/12/reliable-technical-action/) - I was pointed to a post earlier today which I couldn't disagree with more. The author opined that trading this market is a 'waste of time' and that the 'real' money won't be made until a month or two from now. If that's your attitude, you'll be exactly right. Attitude is everything - especially in - [Video Review of the Indexes 8-15-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/08/15/video-review-of-the-indexes-8-15-2010/) - The first serious pullback in over 6 weeks arrived last week as the major averages came under pressure. Rising trend lines were broken, and cash was raised in light of renewed market concerns. Short-term uptrends have now been broken, but that doesn't mean the recovery is necessarily over for this market. The July lows are - [July 2010 Swing Trades - Video Review](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/08/17/july-2010-swing-trades-video-review/) - July started out with new correction lows, elevated fear, and charts which looked awful. It ended much better, with a solid rebound taking place throughout the month. That spelled opportunity, which was nice. Over at the main site, we posted another good month of trading to build even more consistency as we took a stick-and-move - [How and When to Use Moving Averages](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/08/22/how-and-when-to-use-moving-averages/) - Price action provides me with chart patterns to trade from, and usually, that's enough. However, occasionally I'll see a situation where adding a basic indicator can really help out. Many traders rely heavily on indicators, and while it's my style to keep my charts nearly bare, indicators can be helpful. I think where traders tend - [15 Questions & Answers](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/08/24/15-questions-answers/) - My recent live interview with Charles Kirk generated quite a few questions. A number of them we were able to address during the chat, but many went unanswered. If you were in attendance and didn't get your question answered, look for it below. But even if you weren't there, hopefully you'll find this useful to - [Video Review of the Indexes 8-29-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/08/29/video-review-of-the-indexes-8-29-2010/) - The indexes tested and validated key levels last week for the short-term and longer-term timeframes. So although not much progress was made, it was still technically a productive week for the market. Broken support zones are now serving as resistance, and as of Friday, the indexes are sitting just shy of those levels. That brings - [Why I'm Buying Financial Sector ETF's](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/09/01/why-im-buying-financial-sector-etfs/) - Financial stocks have been hideous. Banks, brokers, you name it and it's been taking it on the chin lately. Shorts are getting cocky. What's so interesting though is that, like the market, many of these stocks have a shot at establishing a higher low on their daily charts relative to the July low - if - [Video Review of the Indexes 9-6-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/09/06/video-review-of-the-indexes-9-6-2010/) - Last week proved pivotal as potential higher lows were established for the major indexes. Tests of key support brought out the bulls, who seized an opportunity to make their mark. We're now right back to resistance zones after a big 3-day run, and that could spell some short-term rest (if the bulls are lucky). Once - [A Good Time to Lighten Up](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/09/13/a-good-time-to-lighten-up/) - As I watch the action today, there's reason to be impressed. Heading into today's session, the market had posted gains in 6 of the past 7 sessions, and had moved right up to (or through in some cases) key resistance zones. That would have been a very logical spot for some profit-taking, or at least - [Watch JKS for a Lower High](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/09/16/jks-lower-high/) - The run in solar stocks has been an impressive one, although some have gone too far. One name in particular, JKS, has become rather extended in the near term and is starting to show some telltale signs of fatigue and exhaustion. Having run from the single digits in July to over $30 last week, this - [Are Sellers Looking for a Catalyst?](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/09/21/are-sellers-looking-for-a-catalyst/) - Anytime we see market streaks emerge, we know someone’s been caught on the wrong side. Monday’s session marked the 12th advance in the previous 13 trading sessions for the NAZ, including nine straight. Breakouts happened across the board, with the summer highs being cleared on solid volume. It almost feels like stocks may never decline - [Don't Dismiss This Scenario](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/09/24/dont-dismiss-this-scenario/) - It's been a big run off the August lows, there's no doubt about it. September, as a seasonally weak month historically, has caught many off guard with this relentless ramp. And while the market has conditioned us in recent months to expect harsh reversals rather than continuation, this time may be different. In other words, - [Video Review of the Indexes 9-26-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/09/26/video-review-of-the-indexes-9-26-2010/) - Last week new highs were made as the indexes put more distance between current prices and former resistance zones. The bulls have some exceptional momentum, but how long will it last? That's the question on everyone's mind right now. No signs of weakness have arrived yet, so it's still not time to expect weakness to - [Eyeing GDP for a Breakout](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/09/27/eyeing-gdp-for-a-breakout/) - There's no shortage of bullish charts out there right now, but not all of them are in position for new buys. One name I'm watching right now, GDP, is in pretty good technical shape here and looks like it may be gearing up for a move soon. It's nowhere near short-term extended like so many - [One Intraday Setup That's Working](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/09/28/one-intraday-setup-thats-working/) - In a world dominated by algo's and machines, the astute trader can still turn a profit. It's true, despite what many losing traders might tell you. It takes adaptation, some ingenuity, imagination, and of course, thinking outside the box. For the creative trader though, new patterns will emerge from which profitable trades can be made. - [Video Review of the Indexes 10-3-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/10/03/video-review-of-the-indexes-10-3-2010/) - The major averages put in some much-needed rest last week as they were able to hold above key levels while consolidating. The dips have remained shallow and short-lived since the August lows were set. Although we're short-term range-bound, it's difficult to expect that to stay the same given all the movement we've witnessed over the - [5 Rookie Trader Mistakes & How to Avoid Them](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/10/04/rookie-trader-mistakes/) - In trading, as in life, lessons can be learned out of inspiration or desperation. It's hard to say which is better, but I know that regret is quite a teacher. For example, I'm in the process of buying a house right now, which will be the second for my wife and me. Eight years ago, - [Leadership Has Left the Building](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/10/06/leadership-has-left-the-building/) - I'm not the first one to recognize a big shift in leadership stocks of late, as it seems the momentum train has hit a southbound fork - hard - for several of them. Stocks which had been running relentlessly higher have turned suddenly. What used to be a buy-on-any-dip mentality associated with them has is - [Trading vs Investing](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/10/07/trading-vs-investing-2/) - A recent email exchange with a new subscriber brought forth some important concepts I want to share here on the blog. Among this guy's comments were the following: "I've decided to take more control of my money and future after investing for several years with a financial advisor. I’m sitting on a lot of cash..in - [Video Review of the Indexes 10-10-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/10/10/video-review-of-the-indexes-10-10-2010/) - The market finished on a strong note last week, reaching new recovery highs after putting in some needed rest. This keeps the uptrends intact, and although resistance zones are quickly approaching, the bulls are showing no signs of concern at this point. The week ahead is likely to bring a resolution to this short-term indecision, - [Video Review of the Indexes 10-17-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/10/15/video-review-of-the-indexes-10-17-2010/) - The bulls posted another solid performance last week as more cash was exchanged for shares. That took the indexes to new recovery highs, but also brought some important resistance areas into play. The big question on the minds of traders at this point is whether the pace will slow now that resistance from the spring - [Stay Sharp](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/10/25/stay-sharp/) - A year ago, I was in a surgeon's waiting room. He was running late after having to do an emergency appendectomy. He hadn't overslept or blown off his appointments for a tee time - he was operating, just as I'd expect a surgeon to. With scheduled surgeries on the calendar, as well as the emergencies - [Narrow Your Scope With Basic Stock Filters](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/10/27/basic-stock-filters/) - Each night I work through literally hundreds of charts, aiming to find those setups with an edge. They're the ones which allow me to not only clearly define my risks, but also offer potential profits which greatly outweigh those initial risks. I'm asked quite frequently by traders how I narrow down the universe of stocks - [Something Special in GSM](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/10/29/something-special-in-gsm/) - Globe Specialty Metals has shown some special characteristics in the past 2 months (pardon the pun), and it may not be done yet. Yahoo! Finance is showing an earnings reporting date of November 8, and that event could certainly prove meaningful - one way or the other. However, as a technical trader, I'm only interested - [Uptrend Aside, Trading Scene Set to Improve](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/11/01/trading-conditions-improving/) - August seems so long ago, doesn't it? Stocks had rebounded from their July lows, briefly, and had turned back down hard for a test. The test passed, as an important higher low was established. From there, we all know the story of how the seasonally-weak September and October stood conventional wisdom on its head to - [Trading Up from Mediocre to Great](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/11/08/trading-up-mediocre-to-great/) - Can you imagine working hard for insignificant results? Or setting your standards so low that you need not put forth effort in order to attain your goals? Never, right? A competitive drive pushes many traders from the inside, causing them to take on risks others wouldn't accept. They shun the security of a regular job, - [Options vs. Common Stock](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/11/17/options-vs-common-stock/) - Traders face many hard decisions every day...buy or sell, add or lighten, stand aside or get involved. Among them is the choice between trading options or common stock. There are no doubt benefits and shortcomings of both choices, as everything literally is a trade-off. Common is usually much more liquid, it can be traded in - [Trade Like You Don't Need the Money](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/12/03/trade-like-you-dont-need-the-money/) - The post title says a lot, and we could probably all tape the phrase to our monitors and come away better traders. But let's spend a few minutes digging a little deeper to find what it would mean to "trade like you don't need the money." What does that look like? What are the advantages - [Webinar Tuesday December 7](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/12/06/webinar-tuesday-december-7/) - I wanted to be sure to post a quick announcement here that I'll be presenting a Free Webinar on Tuesday (December 7th) with the folks from Worden, and I hope you can join us! Update: here's a link to the webinar recording - enjoy! Weighing Risk and Reward with TheStockBandit It's scheduled to be a - [Reminder: Webinar Tonight!](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/12/07/reminder-webinar-tonight-2/) - Here's a quick reminder about tonight's free trading webinar, as I would love to see you there if possible. Update: here's a link to the webinar recording - enjoy! Weighing Risk & Reward with TheStockBandit I'm excited to run through a number of interesting chart setups, from both the bullish and bearish sides, in order - [Trading Scene Still Great](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/12/08/trading-scene-still-great/) - On Nov 1, I mentioned the scene was set to improve, and since then we've seen exactly that. I didn't base that post on the notion of higher prices necessarily, because UP does not equal GOOD - just as DOWN does not equal BAD. I'm a trader, so for me it's all about the movement. - [Video Review of the Indexes 12-12-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/12/12/video-review-of-the-indexes-12-12-2010/) - The bulls reminded all last week of the fact they have the upper hand (hoof?) in this market by producing new multi-year highs and finishing off the week in a strong fashion. At some point, we'll see this market correct, but right now that's apparently far from the minds of traders as they see the - [Video Review of the Indexes 12-19-2010](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/12/19/video-review-of-the-indexes-12-19-2010/) - It's still a bull market, and last week we saw continued price action which was constructive to the current trend as the indexes tagged new highs and consolidated. The buyers continue to provide support on even the smallest of dips, although we haven't ramped higher since earlier this month. There's still time for an end - [When Goals Impede Progress](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/12/30/when-goals-impede-progress/) - Like it or not, it's that time of year where goals enter the picture again. This is of course a time for family, gifts and bowl games, but it's also a time when each of us are compelled to take a look back and a look forward. Reaching the finish line at the end of - [Succeed by Not Failing](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/01/13/succeed-by-not-failing/) - Too many traders think a winning trade is a good trade, and a losing trade is a bad trade...a failure. I disagree. The result of a trade is either a profit or a loss, but not a success or a failure. Good trades can end up being losses, and poor trades can sometimes result in - [One Good Trade](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/01/21/one-good-trade/) - I was sent a copy of One Good Trade by the author, Mike Bellafiore, longer ago than I care to admit. (In fact, Bella, please forgive me for taking so long to get around to reading it!) I will say though, once I picked it up, I only wished I had started reading it sooner. - [Lessons From a Life-Long Speculator](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/01/26/lessons-from-a-lifelong-speculator/) - I caught a clip from a recent 60 Minutes interview in which a Las Vegas gambler named Billy Walters was profiled. This is a man who, at 64 years old, understands risk and edge as well as anyone. As a result, he's been dubbed "the most dangerous man" by Vegas sports books. Walters has been - [4 Reasons to Be in Cash This Weekend](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/02/24/4-reasons-to-be-in-cash-this-weekend/) - Last week, I closed out a few swing trades and shifted to cash. I'm glad. I've day traded and it's been a good week, and I didn't need to roll the dice overnight in order to turn a profit. Heading into Friday, I think there are 4 good reasons to remain in cash over the - [Walking Away](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/03/03/walking-away/) - I caught Joey Fundora's post today called It's Okay to Take a Break From Trading. He brings forth some excellent points, so go check it out. And while Joey primarily addresses backing away when you feel you lack an edge (rightfully so) or when going on vacation, it got me thinking about the times when - [Charting App for Android - Finally!](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/03/11/charting-app-for-android-finally/) - I became a smartphone user back in 2004, and for all this time I've waited for a charting app that was suitable for me. I've long been able to manage positions and place trades from my phone, but what's been lacking has been a customizable, high-quality, dedicated charting app - until now. Worden has delivered - [Consistency Over Time](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/03/30/consistency-over-time/) - It's been said that good trading is a marathon - not a sprint. I've said it too, because I agree. Overnight riches come to very few, but the truly successful usually earn it over time. Think about it...it takes some time to learn this game, to get comfortable, to evolve to where you're agile enough - [Trend Line Entries: Tilted or Flat?](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/04/05/trend-line-entries/) - I take a lot of trend line trades, as they give me a clear indication that price is either clearing an important level, or that it's making a meaningful turn. Recently I was asked why some of those trend lines are flat (lateral), and others are tilted. Additionally, I was asked how I determine my - [What Are the Leaders Doing?](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/04/13/what-are-the-leaders-doing/) - The market has been resting for a couple of weeks now - and who could blame it? After a run of more than 7% off the March low, some kind of digestion was in order. Initially, we just saw indecision as the indexes flip-flopped around key levels (NAZ 2802, S&P 500 1332, DJIA 12400, etc.). - [Webinar: Tuesday, April 19](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/04/15/webinar-tuesday-april-19/) - I wanted to be sure to invite you to the webinar I'll be presenting on Tuesday (April 19th) with the folks from Worden - there's no charge and I hope you can join us! Locating Trade Candidates with TheStockBandit It's scheduled to be a 45 minute webinar, the first 30 minutes of which I'll be - [Reminder: Webinar Tonight 8ET!](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/04/19/reminder-webinar-tonight-8et/) - Here's a quick reminder about tonight's free trading webinar, as I would love to see you there if possible. Locating Trade Candidates with TheStockBandit I'm excited to run through a number of interesting chart setups, from both the bullish and bearish sides, in order to teach you some concepts and of course put some quality - [Archived Webinar](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/04/20/archived-webinar/) - Good news! Last night's webinar in conjunction with Worden was recorded and is now available. If you missed out in real-time, there are still a TON of ideas worth taking note of. The run time is under 1 hour, and I promise you'll learn something on top of all the trade ideas presented. Here's the - [Dealing with the Pop and Drop Trade](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/05/17/pop-and-drop-trade/) - This question came in from a fellow Bandit recently, and I wanted to share it (and my response back to him) with you here... Question: Jeff, what's the lesson to be learned from this today. One trade I was watching (***) moved past 13.45 in a hurry this morning. By the time a trade could - [Trade Review: BIDU Breakdown](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/05/18/trade-review-bidu-breakdown/) - One setup I recently had success with was found in BIDU. Although the money's been made on this trade, there are still some lessons we can take away, so let's take a closer look at the trade as it evolved and see what we can learn from it. The entire Chinese internet stock group had - [Choose Your Discomfort](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/05/19/choose-your-discomfort/) - Trading is not easy. There...I said it. As if you didn't already know. It can be simple, but that's different. When you're trading well, it might feel easy, but when the tough stretches arrive again (and they will), you'll be reminded that it's hard. As they say, "if it were easy..." Contrary to what most - [Premature Evacuation from Trades](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/05/23/premature-evacuation-from-trades/) - All of us have the occasional urge to jump ship early from a trade, but when is it the right time and how should that be done? Let's take a look at a conversation I recently had with a trader I was helping... Hey Jeff, I'm long ***, as it just looked like a nice - [Not a Pattern Day Trader?](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/05/24/pattern-day-trader/) - The Pattern Day Trader distinction carries with it two requirements, which are that the account is a margin account, and that it maintain a $25,000 equity balance - [Pivot Points to Watch 5-25-2011](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/05/25/pivot-points-to-watch-5-25-2011/) - Working the charts today, I'm seeing a ton of stocks sitting just beneath descending trend lines, all of which are potential pivots for bullish moves. In the video below, I take 5 minutes to run through a couple dozen setups to keep an eye on, highlighting the setups and pivot levels to take note of. - [Flip Your Fears](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/05/26/flip-your-fears/) - "Look...if you had one shot, or one opportunity ... to seize everything you ever wanted in one moment...would you capture it, or just let it slip?" There's a scene in 8-Mile where Eminem is in a rap battle and is going up against a foe in the night's finale. His friend seemingly crosses a line - [Walk the Line](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/05/27/walk-the-line/) - Trading is all about opportunities. Every day is filled with chances to ride a rally, short a selloff, or sit on the sidelines to protect your capital. But there's a very fine line to walk between having a fear or respect for what the market can take from you, and having the boldness and confidence - [Practice Winning](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/05/31/practice-winning/) - In my office hanging on the wall, I have a whiteboard, a plasma TV, some handwritten wisdom my grandfather penned in 1973, artwork from my 3-year old, and a Kenny Rogers poster. A bit random, yes. Right alongside those things, however, is a large photo of Ben Hogan's 1-iron approach to the 18th green in - [Are You Willing to Lose, Part 1](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/06/01/are-you-willing-to-lose-part-1/) - In Jack Schwager's classic The New Market Wizards, Mark Ritchie delivers a very simple but profound statement on the subject of losing: "...I don't think you can make money unless you're willing to lose it...my willingness to lose is fundamental to my ability to make money in the markets." Losing is a part of trading, - [Are You Willing to Lose, Part 2](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/06/02/are-you-willing-to-lose-part-2/) - Yesterday in Part 1, we discussed the idea that while losing is a part of trading, it still must be done the right way. We also talked about how a fear of losing can characterize our trading if we allow it, much to our detriment if left unchecked. However, as Mark Ritchie's comment emphasized, a - [Timeline of a Short Squeeze](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/06/03/short-squeeze-timeline/) - Active traders couldn't help but notice the moves in VHC over the past couple of months. Coming from relative obscurity in the 12's, the stock caught fire from late-March into early-April, running to nearly $30 in just a few weeks. It then settled into a wide congestion zone as it did a good job of - [Lighten and Tighten](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/06/06/lighten-and-tighten/) - An absolute commitment is required for some things in life, like let's say, a social function. Either you're going or you aren't, right? However, other things might require a lower level of commitment. Your diet, for example, might currently be more of an "I'm trying not to eat too many sweets" approach right now. That's - [Exploit Your Edge](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/06/07/exploit-your-edge/) - It's a phrase many of us are familiar with as traders..."exploit your edge." Sounds kinda like a cross between something illegal and something exciting, right? At the heart of the phrase though, is simply the idea of finding something that works in your trading, and then using it repeatedly to profit over time. Poker professionals - [7 Steps to a Trading Breakthrough](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/06/08/trading-breakthrough/) - Breakthrough was a TV mini-series which aired last summer, and a good one - at least I thought. It got cancelled after just a couple of episodes, before its time of course! (Archived on Hulu though, in case you want to see it.) The premise of the show was that ordinary people face real, painful - [Trading Against Key Levels](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/06/09/trading-against-key-levels/) - Pattern traders, technicians, and active traders in general love to watch for key levels. To some, it's obvious to expect a reversal if that level is reached, while others expect a break. Both sides have their case, and frankly, that's what makes a market! Today I wanted to point out an example of a stock - [MON Day Trade Review](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/06/10/mon-day-trade-review/) - Lately I've not trusted the price action much when it comes to swing trading, and that's largely a product of how this market has been moving. Just a couple of weeks ago we saw a late-May ramp which produced trend line breaks for several of the indexes. However, that move was quickly erased, and the - [Caught In A Trap](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/06/16/more-bulls-getting-trapped/) - Anytime the market tanks like it has lately, astute traders realize that shorting after a decline of this magnitude and momentum is a real potential bear trap. A sharp rebound could come at any time, leaving late shorts in a world of hurt. I can't and won't argue with that - in the short term. - [Two Ranges to Watch](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/06/21/two-ranges-to-watch/) - Last week we saw an important test of the March lows in the NAZ and RUT, while the S&P 500 held slightly above support from the spring. Those March lows give us a well-defined area to trade against, even if it's a long way back up to the May highs. Stated otherwise, we may have - [How Traders Get a Raise](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/06/22/how-traders-get-a-raise/) - Every business has overhead (some more than others), and although you may not have a brick-and-mortar storefront, you certainly have overhead as a trader. It's business 101 that to make more money, you either bring in more revenue or you fatten your profit margin by cutting costs. Plenty of posts on this blog discuss ways - [Be Imperfect!](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/06/24/be-imperfect/) - Society trains us to want to be perfect. And in many endeavors, that's something worth striving for. Surgeons, for example, can put you at ease when they tell you they've performed this operation hundreds of times without any problems. Students with perfect grades get academic scholarships, saving boatloads of tuition money. And the list of - [Obscurity and Opportunity](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/06/28/obscurity-and-opportunity/) - Prolonged market rallies have a way of pulling obscure stocks off the sidelines and getting them involved in the action. It's the effect of "a rising tide lifts all boats." And that's entirely fine. It's nice when new names are added to the mix of active stocks. The market turned higher in March 2009, and - [FCX On the Move](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/06/28/fcx-on-the-move/) - Copper is an important market tell for many, so it's certainly worth noting that the copper poster child FCX is getting going here as it threatens $50. The stock has repeatedly found support in the $46's in recent months, and in recent weeks has pulled back quietly beneath a descending trend line. Today, that trend - [RVBD at Key Resistance](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/06/30/rvbd-at-key-resistance/) - Trading ranges or channels tend to stay in effect until, well, they're no longer in effect. One name right now caught between support and resistance is RVBD. This computer hardware maker rallied huge from last summer into the first part of 2011, and has since then been basing in a high channel. Rallies to resistance - [Tricky Times](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/07/01/tricky-times/) - I'll begin this post with a plain and simple statement that is always true, including now: the market is tricky. It is never easy, and anyone who tells you it is easy is either lying or an ignoramus. With that said, if you've struggled of late, you have company. Traders of many timeframes have found - [FCX 7% in 3.5 Days, Time to Lighten Up](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/07/04/fcx-time-to-lighten-up/) - Last Tuesday I pointed out FCX as not only a potential market tell (since copper has proven to be a leading indicator many times), but also as a breakout play through a trend line after holding key support. That post was published as the stock threatened to break $50. Fast-forward 3 1/2 trading sessions, and - [The Naked Truth About Your Trading](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/07/05/naked-truth-your-trading/) - If I asked you how your trading was last week, or actually even if I let you pick any other week of June, what would you tell me? Something along the lines of: "...well, last week wasn't really a good week to do that because I had (this or that) going on..." That would be - [Stretched is an Understatement](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/07/08/stretched-understatement/) - To say the run of the past two weeks has made the market stretched to the upside is clearly a major understatement. It's been a face-ripping rally for anyone caught on the short side, while underinvested bulls gnash their teeth in nearly equal frustration. It's been a tricky environment in recent weeks, yes, but there - [Strong Coffee](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/07/11/strong-coffee/) - Truth be told, a Slurpee is the beverage that's actually on my mind (happy birthday 7-Eleven), but if you're looking at the charts of anything drinkable right now, it's all about coffee. Granted, it doesn't quite have the same ring to it as the 1999 Bubble or the Crash of 1929 (or '87), but the - [Taking It to the Bank(s)](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/07/12/taking-it-to-the-banks/) - Banks stink. Since February they have stunk. (Stank? Stunken? I'll figure that out later.) What's interesting though, is the overall health of the S&P 500 without the participation of the banks. Generally the banks lead the market, yet they've been sliding for months and this market has stayed afloat rather well. So are the banks - [Pro's Are Patient](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/07/18/pros-are-patient/) - The British Open is my favorite major to watch. It requires so much of the players, from execution to mental toughness to using their imagination to get the ball in the hole. Plus, it happens in July when it's 147 degrees here in Texas, and I like to disappear into the home theater where it's - [Upside Resolution](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/07/19/upside-resolution/) - The 7-bar pullback off the July 7th high has been a pretty methodical one, despite some wide-ranging bars and overnight gaps. Nonetheless, the pace of the pullback has been well-defined by the upper descending trend line, while the lower descending trend line has marked support. Monday's test of the lower trend line resulted in a - [Just What the Bulls Need](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/07/20/just-what-the-bulls-need/) - I noted yesterday that we were getting an upside resolution to the bull pennant pattern in the S&P 500, and it was no doubt a big day. The point and percentage gains across the board were impressive, yes, but were still outweighed by the technical move. Breakouts need to see follow through. Sometimes they need - [Day Trade or Swing Trade? Progression of a Play](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/07/26/day-trade-to-swing-trade/) - One of the things I'm asked about quite often is how I decide my timeframe for a good setup. Will it be a day trade or a swing trade? That's a great question, and it took me a long time to figure that out. I go in-depth in the Advanced Trading Course at TheStockBanditUniversity.com to - [Two Homebuilders to Watch](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/07/28/homebuilders-to-watch/) - Homebuilder stocks have suffered for some time now, with most of them unable to make any lasting progress on bounce attempts. Many of them have been trending lower, but there are a couple of standouts I'm keeping my eye on. TOL is the first, as it has been creating higher lows for the past year, - [Take Time to Rest & Relax](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/08/01/rest-relax/) - This week I'm on vacation - and how sweet it is! But I'm still going to deliver some goods for you to read here...every day, actually, so keep coming back. Today I wanted to discuss the importance of stepping away from the screens from time to time to rest up and recharge. The market will - [Don't Let Trading Be Everything](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/08/02/dont-let-trading-be-everything/) - I love trading - it's such a challenge with multiple rewards. I look forward to it, I think about it alot, and I'm passionate about it so I work quite hard to continually improve at it. But it's good to constantly remind myself that trading isn't everything. It can't be. There's too much more to - [Elevating Your Odds](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/08/03/elevating-your-odds/) - Each of us would say we want every advantage possible in our favor, regardless of the activity. But a closer look at your trades would likely reveal occasions where you didn't quite wait for all the elements of your trading plan to come together. Perhaps that's out of impatience or anxiety, but we've all done - [Let Your Trades Go](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/08/04/let-your-trades-go/) - Trading on certain timeframes requires that we monitor every tick, gauge the momentum, and continually modify our management of the trade. For most traders, however, more of a hands-off approach is far better. Whether it's a job that prevents fixating on the screens, or simply an aversion to that high a level of activity, many - [Embracing Market Changes](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/08/05/embracing-market-changes/) - The market is ever-changing, both in what it fixates on and in how it moves. At times it's earnings, at other times it's politics, and still other times it's the economy. Sometimes it sprints, sometimes it crawls, and sometimes it jumps back and forth across the same line to get nowhere. As traders, it's this - [A Good Market](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/08/06/a-good-market/) - Every trader is different from the next in our timeframe or directional bias or risk tolerance. That's what makes a market, so it's a good thing. We're also each unique individuals, so it's no surprise we might each have differing definitions of our favorite market conditions. Regardless of what your ideal market looks like, it - [One For the Bloggers](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/08/08/one-for-the-bloggers/) - Last week one of my favorite bloggers penned a post called The Bears Are in Serious Trouble. One who read that post and then saw the 512-pt DJIA decline the following day might have thought it was way off, and yet Eli was still right to publish that post. You see, it wasn't about making - [Sitting Still](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/08/10/sitting-still/) - July 2, 1982 was a special day for Larry Walters. That's the day the truck driver strapped 45 helium-filled weather balloons to a patio chair armed with a six pack, sandwiches, a camera, and a pellet gun to pop the balloons. His intention was to go up and look around, but he quickly found himself - [What if it Gets Worse?](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/08/12/what-if-it-gets-worse/) - It might. What's your plan if it does? Over at the premium site, we went to cash on July 25th. Check your charts and you'll see that was a minor decline day (the first of 7 straight losses in the S&P 50) ahead of all this mess we've seen since then. Coincidence? No. Did I - [Intelligence is Only Part of Trading Success](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/08/24/intelligence-trading-success/) - In a recent conversation with a trader who had just accepted some small but frequent losses, it came to light that his emotions were flaring. Taking a small loss here or there doesn't affect him, but taking a few in a row does. What's interesting though, is that it wasn't the money that bothered him - [Weighing Risk & Reward on Day Trades](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/08/30/risk-reward-day-trades/) - A trader on the email list received a recent video I sent out on stops, and came back with these questions: "Excellent video, please keep sending more. But how do you determine 'risk reward ratio?' Your day trading strategy points to a starting point for a stop loss at 1%, so how do you determine - [Don't Discount Daily Charts When Day Trading](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/08/31/day-trading-daily-charts/) - The daily charts are where nearly all my trades originate. Whether I'm looking for a single-day move or one that lasts several weeks, I always at least take the daily chart into consideration. Day traders often forget the value that the daily chart can bring. The conclusion is that it's only suitable for swing trading - [The Key to Trade Selection](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/09/01/trade-selection/) - There's always a move you're missing. It might be in the overall market (ETF's), or it might be a sector or individual stock that's making the move of the day. As traders, we all dream of being involved in those names on a regular basis. And while you can focus your entire day on monitoring - [Which Side Are You On?](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/09/02/which-side-are-you-on/) - We're in an interesting spot here, no matter which side you find yourself on. Both the bulls and bears have reason to believe they're going to win this one, so let's take a brief look at the arguments of each. From the bullish perspective, we've just carved out a higher (incremental) low compared to the - [3 Signs You Have a Home Run Trade](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/09/07/home-run-trade/) - Here's 3 signs you have a home-run trade on your hands: * Your initial target gets reached faster than expected. Ideally, this is also accompanied by heavy volume to confirm the move. Either way, this is a stock that's getting quickly on the move, and you're participating - congrats. * You get runaway gaps in - [Apply What You Learn or Stop Learning!](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/09/15/apply-what-you-learn/) - For whatever reason, a theme hit me this week that I think is highly important to share with you here. It all started when Tyler recently pointed out that many traders get caught in the nonstop cycle of learning, and he brought forth some excellent points. Most notably that many traders mistakenly aim for breadth - [Lasting S&P Rally Without Banks? Not Gaah Duht](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/09/16/sp-without-banks/) - The notion of the S&P 500 running higher without the participation of banks reminds me of Dana Carvey's George Bush impression on SNL... "Not gaah duht." The financials make up roughly 14% of the weighting of the S&P 500, but they carry possibly more from a psychological standpoint. Traders are conditioned to check the fin's - [When to Make Anticipatory Trades](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/09/21/anticipatory-trades/) - I'm not an anticipatory trader, at least not in the establish-a-position-and-hope-i'm-proven-correct way. I really prefer confirmation of the patterns I'm seeing to trigger actual entries on trades. But not all of us are that way all the time, and that's alright. So I want to clarify which kinds of setups are usually worth anticipatory entries, - [The Simplest Way to Trade](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/09/22/the-simplest-way-to-trade/) - When it comes to trading, complicated does not equate to better. So with that said, here's a quick checklist you can use to keep your trading simple. Keep a core portfolio of positions you like. Learn to locate new trades, identify patterns, and employ the best strategy given the conditions. If the pattern confirms, enter - [Trading Roadblocks](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/09/29/roadblocks/) - Few things are as frustrating in trading as seeing a position start to take off, only to stop or reverse. When a trade hits the proverbial wall, it stops moving according to plan and quickly becomes dead money. Nevermind the fact that you were long in the midst of an uptrend in the stock, and - [Can You Trade Full-Time? Part 1](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/09/30/trade-full-time-1/) - One of the most common questions I am asked is whether someone is fit to trade full-time, and if they're equipped with what it takes to make it. You might be wondering the same thing, and if so, this 4-part video series is for you. A recent email exchange with a subscriber who had just - [Video Review of the Indexes 10-2-2011](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/10/02/market-view-10-2-2011/) - September marked the 5th straight monthly decline for the S&P 500, and yet the indexes remain range-bound for now. A break could be imminent, and with short-term lower highs in place, that's not an encouraging sign for the bulls. As we head into a brand new week of trading, let's examine some important levels to - [Can You Trade Full-Time? Part 2](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/10/03/trade-full-time-2/) - Be sure to check out Part 1 of this series if you haven't already, as it offers some important groundwork for this series. Here's part 2 in the 4-part series on "Can You Trade Full-Time." I'm asked this regularly and wanted to compile a list of considerations as a resource to you as you wonder - [Contrarian View](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/10/05/contrarian-view/) - Just for fun, let's look at both sides of this market, pretending there are actual bulls out there. (All kidding aside, there are, even if they've been M.I.A. of late). This market has been plenty heavy of late. The big moves I've caught recently have all been on the short side, and bearish consolidations abound - [Can You Trade Full-Time? Part 3](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/10/06/trade-full-time-3/) - Be sure to check out Part 1 and Part 2 of this series if you haven't already, as they offer some important groundwork for this series. We've arrived at Part 3 in the 4-part series on "Can You Trade Full-Time." This is a subject I'm asked about all the time, so I thought you'd find - [Can You Trade Full-Time? Part 4](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/10/07/trade-full-time-4/) - Be sure to check out Part 1, Part 2 , and Part 3 of this series if you haven't already, as they offer some important groundwork for this series. This is the final portion of the 4-part series on "Can You Trade Full-Time." It's one of the most common questions part-time traders ask me, so - [Video Review of the Indexes 10-9-2011](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/10/09/video-review-indexes-10-9-2011/) - The indexes broke major support zones last week to mark new 52-week lows, but by week's end, it proved to be a bear trap. Turnaround Tuesday provided a tremendous lift into Friday morning, leaving the lows way back in the market's rearview mirror, at least for now. As we head into a brand new week - [Day Trading Gaps](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/10/10/day-trading-gaps/) - Day traders love to fade gaps, but it's not always the right thing to do. In this video, I'll point out some key traits of big gaps to watch out for when deciding on initiating gap-fill trades. Day trading gaps can be quite lucrative, particularly when it happens early in the session. However, there's a - [Avoiding Indicatoritis](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/10/13/indicatoritis/) - Would-be traders all tend to focus on indicators. The sense, I suppose, is that if there's just some magic indicator to be added to the chart, then trading becomes easy. They're way off. Personally, I don't rely on indicators. I am price & volume based when making decisions on trades, and although I might occasionally - [3 Ways to Overcome Your Fear from Past Trades](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/10/18/3-ways-to-overcome-your-fear-from-past-trades/) - Traders are a skittish bunch. We can make the same trade 100 times, but the one time a left-field event occurs, it can spook us forever. The other night, I let the dog outside before bedtime. He's a 7-year old Boston Terrier, so I've done that literally a couple thousand times. This time, however, he - [Post-Earnings Day Trading Profits](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/10/20/post-earnings-day-trading-profits/) - Earnings season brings with it a host of opportunities. It includes the potential for new leadership to emerge once it's all said and done, but in the heat of it, the price action offers some excellent chances to participate in emotional short-term moves via day trades. Traders expect big gaps during earnings season, and quite - [Video Review of the Indexes 10-23-2011](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/10/23/video-review-of-the-indexes-10-23-2011/) - The indexes were able to put in some much-needed rest last week, holding their ground after their recent ramp. The S&P 500 marked a new recovery high (as did the DJIA), while the NAZ and RUT churned in their respective short-term bases. Technically, the picture has improved considerably, although it remains a headline-sensitive market right - [Questioning the 50-day & 200-day MA's](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/10/25/50-day-200-day-ma/) - My recent post on Indicatoritis discussed how some traders rely on indicators incorrectly. I believe that still holds true, but I was questioned about some common moving averages on the heels of that post. So in this video, I want to discuss moving averages, and more specifically, two moving averages which are commonly accepted by - [How to Think About a Loss](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/10/26/how-to-think-about-a-loss/) - We all lose here and there, it's just part of trading. You can't avoid it, but that isn't the issue. Where many traders struggle is how to handle a loss gracefully. Instead if equating a trading loss with personal failure, shift your mentality for what a loss means. Does it mean you're stupid? Not necessarily. - [Market Makers, Specialists, and Stops](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/10/28/market-makers/) - A subscriber recently asked me: "Do you believe market makers and specialists really gun for the orders that are on the books that are only a few hundred shares, or do they only search out bigger size?" Here's my response: My take on market makers and specialists is that they just want volume, all day, - [Video Review of the Indexes 10-30-2011](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/10/30/video-review-indexes-10-30-2011/) - The indexes ran higher last week, bolstered by a European debt deal which had been anticipated for quite a while now. With stocks rallying ahead of the news in recent weeks, the actual event actually prompted additional buying rather than a sell-the-news response. As a result, new recovery highs were established across the board. As - [Chasing Trades Isn't Paying](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/11/01/chasing-trades/) - Current conditions and the overall complexion of the market is always subject to change, but it's still always worth taking note of. The market seems to be continually morphing into another phase, whether it's range-bound, trending, highly volatile, or really tame. Right now, we're in short-term pullback mode after seeing some upside continuation. The past - [4 Traits of the Perfect Trader](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/11/03/4-traits-of-the-perfect-trader/) - Maybe 'perfect' isn't the right word. We can strive for it, but we'll all fall short of it given enough time. Greatness, though...that's attainable. But what does it take to become a great trader? Well, I'm still working toward it myself, and maybe you are too, but we can agree it's a combination of things. - [Video Review of the Indexes 11-6-2011](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/11/06/video-review-of-the-indexes-11-6-2011/) - A sharp pullback to start last week left the indexes testing some important levels and filling some gaps, both of which proved to be technically beneficial for the market. Dip-buyers emerged to stem the losses though, erasing a fair chunk of the deficit from last Monday and Tuesday. More progress will need to be made - [Video Review of the Indexes 11-13-2011](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/11/13/video-review-of-the-indexes-11-13-2011/) - Last week we saw the major averages test important short-term areas to further validate the recent trading ranges, and the tests were passed. Now it's up to the bulls to produce a breakout, but from a technical standpoint they've got some real positives going for them. As we head into a brand new week of - [Detecting Subtle Changes of Character](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/11/15/detecting-subtle-changes-of-character/) - As traders, it's imperative that we take note of any nuance or variation from character when reviewing charts. Doing so can give us occasional false or contradicting signals, but it can also alert us to imminent moves or potential pattern failures. Take for example those imminent move alerts. A sudden perk in volume as a - [Don't Be a Monkey](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/11/17/the-greedy-trader/) - Ever seen those monkey traps where they put some bait in a trap, a monkey comes along, sticks its hand through the hole to get the bait, but when making a fist, can't remove its hand from the trap? They have to drop the bait in order to escape the trap, but their greed and - [Video Review of the Indexes 11-20-2011](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/11/19/video-review-of-the-indexes-11-20-2011/) - Last week the indexes pulled back to test some important levels, with the NAZ actually cracking 2600. For the time being, support zones elsewhere are holding, leaving the door open for a rally higher within the range. This week only has 3 1/2 trading sessions, with the market being closed Thursday in observance of Thanksgiving, - [Why I'm Careful Trading Drug Stocks](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/11/22/careful-trading-drug-stocks/) - I'm really careful with trading drug stocks, there's just so much to them. You have things to consider like FDA approvals, patient trials, lawsuits, huge news of positive or negative test results, etc. It can get to be a mess, and very few of those items are scheduled news, so they're usually surprises. That might - [I Don't Care How Fresh Your Fundies Are](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/12/20/fundamentals-dont-matter/) - I'm a trader, so what I care about is catching short-term moves in price. I'm not an investor who's looking for long-haul appreciation or locating the next ORCL. For that reason, the health of a business doesn't matter to me. It's unlikely to change during the course of a trade that lasts anywhere from a - [Hoping to See You in 2012](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/12/16/hoping-to-see-you-in-2012/) - This past weekend I had the pleasure of doing some live training in conjunction with Worden, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Getting to teach a couple hundred traders in a seminar setting was a treat (I'm standing in the front of the room in this pic), and it was fun to cover a lot of - [People of Wal-Mart: Still Spendin'](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/12/15/people-of-wal-mart/) - While the People of Wal-Mart website is always an entertaining bookmark, the stock itself is no joke. Sporting nearly a 20% return since its August low, this slow mover has outpaced the S&P's return by about 2 1/2 times. Checking out the recent price action, the stock is a bit range-bound, but a closer examination - [Trading Timeframe Influences Position Size](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/12/13/trading-timeframe-influences-position-size/) - Equally important to locating entries and exits is the matter of sizing your positions. Too much and you can't stick with the trade plan, aborting in favor of diminishing emotions (whether greed or fear). Too little and you don't maximize the use of your capital. While some traders prefer a standard lot size, in this - [2 Levels to Watch for GLD](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/12/12/2-levels-to-watch-for-gld/) - GLD is the 2nd-highest capitalized ETF around, only behind SPY. It's nearly triple the capitalization of QQQ, just to give you some perspective. And with such a fixation on the economy (both domestic & global), it's no shock that the sometimes safe haven of gold has been in the limelight. Some suggest GLD has topped, - [Video Review of the Indexes 12-11-2011](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/12/11/video-review-indexes-12-11-2011/) - Last week proved constructive in that not only did the market gain a little ground, but after seeing an opportunity to pick up speed on the downside the dip-buyers emerged once again. With intermediate-term higher lows in place, the technical setup is favorable at this point for the bulls, but they'll have to maintain their - [Viewing a Loss as a Courtesy](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/11/29/viewing-a-loss-as-a-courtesy/) - My 'Don't Be a Monkey' post prompted some discussion on how to view losses, so I just want to explore that idea a little further. Specifically, Eric commented 'learn to love loss, and you are on your way.' Love might not be my chosen word for it, but yeah, that's the idea. Put it this - [6 Must-Have Trading Books](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/11/30/6-must-have-trading-books/) - I was asked this week about the best trading books from a trader who expects to have some downtime this winter due to his seasonal business. Here's the list I sent him. Market Wizards, New Market Wizards, Stock Market Wizards, all by Jack Schwager. These are interview-style books loaded with insights from traders of all - [DFW & North Texas Traders...](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/12/02/dfw-north-texas-traders/) - If you're a DFW trader or are located around the North Texas area, make plans next Friday to see me present live in conjunction with Worden in Dallas! On both Friday & Saturday (Dec. 9 & 10) at the Worden TC2000 workshop, I'll be presenting in the afternoon. It's at the Doubletree Hotel Dallas near - [Video Review of the Indexes 12-4-2011](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/12/04/video-review-of-the-indexes-12-4-2011/) - The indexes ripped higher last week after a 7-session streak of declines, trapping overly aggressive bears with some huge opening gaps to the upside. And given the size of the advance, an intermediate-term higher low may have been established in the process. As we head into a brand new week of trading, let's examine some - [A Trader's 5-Step Recovery](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/12/07/trader-recovery/) - re-cov-er-y (noun) - the regaining of something lost or taken away; restoration to a former or better condition; the extraction of useful substances from waste. Traders have to go through recovery on almost an ongoing basis. Sometimes it's from a paper-cut-sized hit to the account, while other times it involves coming back from an amputation - [Getting Over the Consistency Hump in Trading](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/12/15/get-over-consistency-hump/) - I heard from a trader over the weekend who has gone through a number of changes in recent months, both personally and in their trading. The result was a big lack of consistency in their trading. This particular trader has endured a stretch of personal changes, including relationship stress, family changes, financial pressures tied to - [Video Review of the Indexes 12-18-2011](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/12/18/video-review-of-the-indexes-12-18-2011/) - The indexes gave up some ground last week, placing them lower within their respective intermediate-term wedges. Bounce attempts on Thursday & Friday saw poor closes, indicating the buyers still are lacking the enthusiasm needed to regain short-term control. As we head into a brand new week of trading, let's examine some important levels to keep - [Always Look to the Left](https://thestockbandit.net/2011/12/28/always-look-left/) - A friend of mine recently mentioned that the area to the right of price is the only place on a chart where you make money. He's absolutely right. But I'd add that by also looking to the left, you can save money as well. Take for instance CXO. Right now the stock is sitting in - [A Look Through the Goal Posts](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/01/01/goal-posts/) - It's that time again...time to reflect on the previous year, see what you can learn from it, and then determine how to apply it in the year ahead. I've talked quite a bit about goals here, so rather than reinvent the wheel, I'm going to review goals posts from the past. Get your clicker ready - [Burrito Time!](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/01/03/burrito-time/) - Don't look now, but CMG is back on the move - and potentially in a very big way. The chart below outlines the large, multi-month ascending triangle that's been forming, and currently we're seeing a breakout attempt in the stock. But can it stick? That's always the million-dollar question, but with a solid uptrend in - [6 Candidates for Position Trades](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/01/05/6-candidates-for-position-trades/) - At the beginning of the year, everyone's out to make a prediction. Ignore them! The only way to trade is to weigh your risk/reward at any given time (whether January or June or November), and make your moves based on that. Today I want to point you toward 6 stocks which look to have some - [Portrait of a Short Squeeze](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/01/09/portrait-of-a-short-squeeze/) - WTW was in a clear downtrend. The stock had failed in early-November to clear late-October resistance, and subsequently reversed lower. Each bounce was sold since then, with a series of lower highs and lower lows. Why I Use TeleChart Last week, the stock broke to a new correction low by undercutting the December lows on - [3 Ways to Grow from Trading Adversity](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/01/10/trading-adversity/) - Dean Karnazes runs like a man possessed. He's an ultramarathoner, which means he goes beyond marathon distances - sometimes a lot farther. He once ran 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 consecutive days. Apparently, the dude loves pain. In his book Confessions of an All-Night Runner, he makes the following statement: "Struggling and suffering - [What it Means to 'Trade Like A Bandit'](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/01/11/trade-like-a-bandit/) - I cap off every post and free video with the phrase 'Trade Like A Bandit!' Some get that, others don't. This post is for the latter group! While teaching in Dallas recently, an attendee casually said to me prior to my presentation, "TheStockBandit...huh...just like Wall Street?" No. I explained that he couldn't be more wrong - [Setting Stops: Fixed or Variable?](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/01/12/stops-fixed-variable/) - Dmitriy recently asked: "Do you think that fixed stop-loss is better than a stop-loss which is based on market setup (stop below the low of the pullback or below support level)? If for instance, you trade ES or some stock every day, is it best to use a fixed stop-loss, say 3 points in any - [Week 2 Trades Review (Video)](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/01/13/week-2-trades-review-video/) - The first 5-session trading week of 2012 saw a little bit of everything. We saw another big Tuesday gap to the upside, a fair amount of profit-taking on Friday, and a lot of lateral movement in between. Overall, the indexes finished modestly higher, but the net changes on the surface sure didn't tell the whole - [7 Years!](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/01/15/7-years/) - My, how time flies! Seems like just the other day I was getting started with my trading blog, and here it is now 7 years later. During this time, I've posted about 650 articles and hopefully have helped you and many others along the way. I truly appreciate you reading and commenting, as that feedback - [Video Review of the Indexes 1-16-2012](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/01/16/indexes-1-16-2012/) - Last week provided some early strength, some late weakness, and plenty of lateral price action in between as the indexes finished modestly higher. A long-overdue pullback finally kicked in on Friday, although time will tell whether the dip will prompt more selling or simply provide another opportunity to put cash to work. The story stocks - [Walk Away from Your Day Trades](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/01/17/day-trading-brackets/) - Intraday plays can offer exceptional opportunities for not only capturing quick moves, but also for managing risk by avoiding the overnight gap risk. It's a timeframe which full-time traders often participate in, but one which the part-time trader often avoids due to a perceived inability to manage the trade effectively. With today's trading technologies available - [The Definition of Momentum Has Changed](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/01/18/definition-of-momentum/) - Temporarily, at least. It used to be that the word momentum inspired fear of being left behind, but that was sooo October of last year. Today's momentum is quite different, and it requires a different approach for good trading. Check out my post at MarketWatch from today on this, along with some unique characteristics of - [Week 3 Trades Review (Video)](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/01/20/week-3-trades-review-video/) - The market gapped higher for its third consecutive Tuesday of 2012, which again helped to make the difference on the week for the indexes. The remainder of the time was marked by a considerable amount of choppy, trendless action, serving as another reminder of the importance of trade selection in this low-volatility environment. For the - [Video Review of the Indexes 1-22-2012](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/01/22/video-review-indexes-1-22-2012/) - Last week the indexes added a couple percent to continue their ascent from the December lows. New recovery highs were established as prior resistance zones were cleared, keeping the bulls in the driver's seat for another week. In preparation for the trading week ahead, let's examine some important levels to keep an eye on for - [The Zurich Axioms](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/01/25/zurich-axioms/) - I first learned about The Zurich Axioms by Max Gunther in the daily Worden Report when Don mentioned it among his favorite trading books a few years ago. Soon after, I picked up a copy and found it was indeed packed with some great insights - enough to be a must-have trading book. There are - [Week 4 Trades Review (Video)](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/01/28/week-4-trades-review-video/) - The market saw mixed results last week as it primarily based, which really isolated the stocks on the move while many spent time putting in rest. For the week, I took a number of entries as both day trades and swing trades, and it was a really nice week, thanks primarily to the swing trades. - [Video Review of the Indexes 1-29-2012](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/01/29/video-review-of-the-indexes-1-29-2012/) - Last week the senior indexes put in some much-needed rest with the news flow prompting a bit of a pause in the action. Big-name earnings reports, the State of the Union address, and an FOMC meeting all left traders unwilling to press the upside for the most part, allowing the market the opportunity for some - [Competition](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/01/30/competition/) - One of the many harsh realities of trading is that it takes a lot of intentional effort. That means you intentionally prepare (both mentally and with an actual game plan), you intentionally execute (have the discipline to stick with your method), and you intentionally improve (by reviewing results, keeping an open mind, working with other - [Why Anticipatory Trading is so Tricky](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/02/03/anticipatory-trading/) - Charts give us the opportunity to wait for confirmation or enter ahead of time - to anticipate. And while the latter may give us more of a feeling of being right, it's not an easy way to trade. Here's an example from this week... AGP is sitting in a bullish consolidation pattern here within an - [Week 5 Trades Review (Video)](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/02/05/week-5-trades-review-video/) - I wanted to give you a show-and-tell look at the trades I took this week. It should give you a feel for not only how I managed my trades, but also the kinds of setups which have been working well of late. - [Video Review of the Indexes 2-5-2012](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/02/05/index-review/) - Following some healthy basing action in the previous week, we saw stocks head higher once again last week, continuing the 7-week uptrends. The NAZ tagged 11-year highs, while the other indexes approached key levels from 2011. All news is good news these days, and it seems stocks may never decline again. Careful though - be - [Houston & South Texas Traders...](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/02/08/houston-south-texas-traders/) - If you're a Houston trader or are located around the South Texas area, make plans this Friday to see me present live in conjunction with Worden! On both Friday & Saturday (Feb. 10 & 11) at the Worden TC2000 workshop, I'll be teaching live. It's at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott (1601 Lake Robbins Drive, The - [Video Review of the Indexes 2-12-2012](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/02/12/review-indexes-2-12-2012/) - The market lost ground last week thanks to Friday's pullback, but that only resulted in a 2-point S&P decline for the week. That translated into some healthy basing action which also allowed the NAZ to move back to the middle of its 8-week uptrend channel. The NAZ tagged 11-year highs yet again, reminding us that - [Week 6 Trades Review (Video)](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/02/13/week-6-trades-review-video/) - The market continued its recent run last week as the NAZ made multi-year highs yet again before a Friday pullback erased the week's gains. All in all, it was a healthy week of rest for the indexes. Despite the lack of overall market movement last week, we were able to capture some nice very gains - [Week 7 Trades Review (Video)](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/02/18/week-7-trades-review-video/) - Stocks headed higher again last week in a lackluster fashion, as a Monday gap was followed by some mid-week hesitation, and ultimately a move to new recovery highs for the NAZ, S&P 500, and DJIA. Inside the Bandit Hideout, we took a number of trades on day & swing trading timeframes, as well as in - [Video Review of the Indexes 2-20-2012](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/02/18/video-indexes-2-20-2012/) - In preparation for the trading week ahead, let's examine some important levels to keep an eye on for the indexes. - [LIVE from the NY Traders Expo](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/02/19/live-from-the-ny-traders-expo/) - On Tuesday morning at the NY Traders Expo, I'll be teaching live at 8am ET. I hope you can make it to my session if you're anywhere around NYC. If not, be sure to register for the Webcast so you can attend virtually! Specifically, I'll be discussing Unique Traits of High-Performance Traders. I have a - [5 Takeaways from the NYC Traders Expo](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/02/23/5-takeaways-nyc-traders-expo/) - Last night I returned from my trip to the NYC Traders Expo. It was a great experience. Visiting the city itself with some great February weather and seeing all the famous landmarks was nice, but I really enjoyed spending time with some Bandit subscribers and some other trading friends I've made over the years from - [Week 8 Trades Review (Video)](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/02/25/week-8-trades-review-video/) - I only traded Thursday & Friday, but wanted to give you a video recap of the few trades I took this past week. - [Video Review of the Indexes 2-26-2012](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/02/25/video-indexes-2-26-2012/) - Each of the indexes were able to mark new recovery highs, but the strength did not inspire more buying and instead the market simply based overall. - [How Long are Levels Valid?](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/02/29/how-long-are-levels-valid/) - A Bandit subscriber recently asked me about levels and how long they should be watched. This was a great question, so I wanted to be sure to share this exchange with you. Question: Jeff, I'm new to trading (since Christmas). I'm wondering how important long term resistance levels are. I suppose it depends really on - [Week 9 Trades Review (Video)](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/03/04/week-9-trades-video/) - Inside the Bandit Hideout, we took a number of trades, so I wanted to offer a video recap of each of them. - [Video Review of the Indexes 3-4-2012](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/03/04/video-indexes-3-4-2012/) - Selectivity remains the key for new plays, which I've been noting within the member area. In preparation for the trading week ahead, let's examine some important levels to keep an eye on for the indexes. - [Atlanta Traders...](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/03/05/atlanta-traders/) - If you're an Atlanta trader or are located in the surrounding area, make plans this Friday or Saturday to see me present live in conjunction with Worden! On both Friday & Saturday (Mar. 9 & 10) at the Worden TC2000 workshop, I'll be teaching live. It's at the Marriott Perimeter Center (246 Perimeter Center Parkway - [Week 10 Trades Review (Video)](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/03/13/week-10-trades-video/) - The buy-and-hope crowd didn't make any progress last week, but actively trading the moves offered some potential for us. Here's a video recap of the trades we took last week in the member area. - [Video Review of the Indexes 3-16-2012](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/03/16/video-review-indexes-3-16-2012/) - The indexes were able to push past some important levels last week to continue their uptrends, and we actually saw some acceleration for the first time in a while. Selectivity remains the key for new plays, which I've been noting within the member area. A number of stocks remain within uptrends, but it hasn't been - [Week 11 Trades Review (Video)](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/03/17/week-11-trades-video/) - Last week was a solid week for trading as I added to my swing exposure while producing some steady cash flow via day trades. Inside the Bandit Hideout, we took a number of trades, so I wanted to offer a video recap of each of them. Once again, the numbers game of trading proved essential - [Week 12 Trades Review (Video)](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/03/25/week-12-trades-review-video/) - Despite a lack of direction in the market last week, my account grew. We caught some nice trades for the week inside the Bandit Hideout, so I wanted to offer a video recap of each of them. Once again, the numbers game of trading proved essential as several stopped trades were offset by some nice - [LIVE Chat on Thursday, March 29, 2012](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/03/27/live-chat-march-29-2012/) - This Thursday morning for the eTradingExpo, I'll be chatting live at 11:30am ET. I hope you can make it to my session! Specifically, I'll be discussing Adapting to Changing Market Conditions. I have a lot of good stuff planned, and we'll talk about being equipped with different techniques and having an awareness of what to - [Why Your Option Trades Fail](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/03/30/why-your-option-trades-fail/) - Frequently traders will tell me instead of trading the common, that they're eyeing the options instead. The idea is that they can 'control the stock' at a much lower price, which is correct, but it's not as simple as they expect. For example, with XYZ trading at $50, the $55 call might look cheap by - [Video Review of the Indexes 3-31-2012](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/03/31/video-indexes-3-31-2012/) - Last week we saw the indexes break out to start the week, only to see some mild profit-taking mid-week to leave stocks short-term range bound. Selectivity remains the key for new plays, which I've been noting within the member area. A number of stocks are building high-quality patterns, which should make for plenty of opportunities - [Week 13 Trades Review (Video)](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/04/01/week-13-trades-video/) - Week 13 saw the indexes base, which was healthy, but there were still some short-term profits to be had. We caught some nice trades for the week inside the Bandit Hideout, so I wanted to offer a video recap of each of them. Once again, the numbers game of trading proved essential as a few - [The Self-Education of a Speculator](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/03/20/self-education-speculator/) - As a full-time trader, I don't have a typical job. I have a 5-second commute to my home office. I wear t-shirts to work! There is no boss standing over my shoulder, and the actual trading hours require a relatively brief daily commitment (6.5 hours) as compared to other occupations. And I'm thankful for all - [Video Review of the Indexes 3-23-2012](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/03/23/video-review-indexes-3-23-2012/) - The market churned last week with mixed results, yet it was very constructive price action from a technical standpoint. Selectivity remains the key for new plays, which I've been noting within the member area. A number of stocks are building high-quality patterns, which should make for plenty of opportunities in the days ahead. In preparation - [Keep it Orderly](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/09/12/keep-it-orderly/) - The debate between Market & Limit Orders is an old one, but I've got pretty clear reasons for which type I prefer and when I use them. Let's do a little Order Type 101 and look at some of the basics.... - [Week 1 Trades Review (Video)](https://thestockbandit.net/2012/01/06/week-1-trades-review-video/) - As a trader, I need to be able to diversify by way of different timeframes and direction (long/short) in order to keep maneuvering efficiently. So to help explain this concept and the value of doing it, here's a video walking through the trades I took last week. - [Patience](https://thestockbandit.net/2005/12/22/patience/) - Sometimes it’s good to take a break from trading. I’ve called it a year already and can now relax and take it easy until January 3rd when the market reopens. In the meantime, I can spend time with family, do some traveling, and get clear on my trading goals for 2006. I love to trade, - [Small Mistakes = Small Consequences](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/01/09/small-mistakes/) - One of my favorite trading books is Reminiscences of a Stock Operator by Edwin Lefevre. Based on the trading of the famous Jesse Livermore, Reminiscences is full of trading lessons from cover to cover. Although it was written 83 years ago, it still applies to today’s market. Learning from the successes and failures of one - [3 Signs You Have a Pet Stock](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/08/23/pet-stocks/) - No doubt we've all encountered our share of "pet" stocks, but are you holding onto any of them right now? Here are three signs you may have a pet stock... - [Good Stuff from Gartman](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/02/21/gartman/) - I believe we can learn a lot from other traders, and the mentality that keeps us willing to learn is the same one that allows us to ..... - [Pressing the Big Button](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/12/07/big-button-trade/) - Every now and then, that ideal trade comes along and you just can't shake the urge to go big. One of my favorite movies is Ocean's Eleven, and there's a great scene where .... - [T-Shirt Trivia Three!](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/03/28/trivia-3/) - The first person to answer all 3 questions correctly will win a free T-shirt from TheStockBandit.com... - [Blocks Webinar](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/05/17/blocks-webinar/) - Just wanted to post a quick heads-up here regarding a webinar I'll be attending on Monday evening for Blocks. What's New in Blocks Trader - Monday, May 19th 8-9pm ET The webinar will be put on by a friend of mine, Worden's Training Director, Craig Shipman. Craig has educated many thousands of traders on TeleChart - [Tonight's Trading Webinar Reminder](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/07/23/trading-webinar-reminder/) - Just wanted to post a reminder for tonight's free trading webinar I'll be doing with Blocks in conjunction with Worden. I'm excited about the opportunity to co-present with Craig Shipman, and it should be a fun and informative hour for those who are able to make it. We'll start tonight at 8pm ET, and I - [Great Expectations Series - Introduction](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/05/02/great-expectations-intro/) - Whether you're a beginning trader or a veteran, there's something every trader has in common – an expectation of where we are headed. Yes, goals are certainly a part of our expectations, but there is much more to it than merely goals. Working toward meeting your expectations will require that you take stock of where you are right now, structure the proper trading plan of attack for you, and then setting up the details and goals as you navigate your way down the path toward profits.... - [Blending Your Style With the Current Environment](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/05/04/blending-style-current-environment/) - Knowing how to best apply your own resources and strengths as they relate to the current market environment will be a great advantage which rests entirely in your hands.... - [Personal Inventory](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/05/03/personal-inventory/) - As we begin this series, I think it’s important to start out with a look at your own trading resources. At first glance, we think only of money available for trading, but it goes far deeper than that.... - [The Edge of Greatness](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/05/08/edge-of-greatness/) - Anyone with a hint of ambition is in a hurry to reach their goals.... - [The Road Map](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/05/10/road-map/) - Your job now is to set up your trading plan by implementing a strategy that will suit your needs and serve as your road map, so let's get to it.... - [Eyes on the Prize](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/05/16/eyes-on-prize/) - What good is having a road map if you aren't quite sure which direction to travel? Goals are underrated benchmarks which are entirely created... - [The Chameleon Trader](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/05/17/chameleon-trader/) - There will be times when you can do no wrong, but there will also be times when every trade feels like a struggle. Being willing to change, expecting change, and learning how to change will be the keys to your survival... - [Great Expectations Series - Conclusion](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/05/18/great-expectations-conclusion/) - The Great Expectations Series for traders has been fun to write and I hope you've gained something from it. Let's hit the highlights and wrap this up.... - [Round Numbers](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/07/18/round-numbers/) - Lots of traders notice that stocks behave differently as they approach round numbers, like $20 for example. That's probably due to many stops being set around those levels, both on the buy and sell side. Once a stock gets through the large buildup of orders at those whole numbers, they often see a nice pop because the resistance (of sellers, or of buyers on the downside) is now behind the stock and it's now able to move more freely. But have you noticed the same thing in your trading account?...... - [Per-Share Commission Pricing](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/10/04/per-share-commission-pricing/) - Having founded a subscription-based trading website, I get the chance to interact with quite a few traders each day. Whether by email or through the community forum on the site, it's always nice to visit with other traders about a variety of topics. Some of them have lots of experience and have been in the - [What Are You Doing Next Wednesday Night?](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/07/17/free-blocks-webinar/) - I am thrilled to have been invited by the fine folks at Worden to help out with a free Blocks webinar next Wednesday, July 23rd at 8pm ET. I'll be co-presenting with Worden's Director of Training, Craig Shipman on Discovering Stocks Suitable for Your Trading. It'll be 1 hour long, completely free, and we'll point - [Worden Blocks Raising Eyebrows](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/06/05/worden-blocks-now-free/) - In case you haven't heard, the charting program that two years ago I referred to as "the future of charting" is now... (wait for it)... FREE! In a similar spirit to that of the ever-evolving trader, the fine folks over at Worden and The Blocks Company have shifted their approach and are now offering their - [Maintaining Your Watch Lists Video](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/09/10/maintaining-your-watch-lists-video/) - This video was originally published last night for those who are on the Free Video Newsletter mailing list. In it, I show some ways to build and maintain your watch lists using Blocks for maximum efficiency and a great way to transfer stocks from one of your lists to another. I'm posting it here for - [Make More Than Your Broker!](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/09/27/make-more-than-your-broker/) - It's common for active traders to discuss trading volume and the commission rates they pay their brokers. The hyper-active traders can end up paying a whole lot of money by the end of the year if they're not careful, but that doesn't have to describe you. Sure, state-of-the-art trading platforms are great, but of course - [Stop Loss Discussion](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/04/20/stop-loss-discussion/) - Thanks to Jonathan Burton of MarketWatch for including some quotes from me in today's WSJ article on stop losses. Jonathan brings forth some interesting discussion regarding the use of stop loss orders, so be sure to check out his article. Click to visit WSJ article I've discussed the subject of using the stop loss order - [Don't Forget Your Game Face](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/01/30/game-face/) - Bring your very best or don’t show up at all. That’s the attitude to have when it comes to many competitive activities, and trading is definitely one of them. Last week, Kobe Bryant put up 81 points one night........ - [World Series Series, Part 3 - Sacrifice Bunt](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/10/25/sacrifice-bunt/) - This is Part 3 of a series, be sure to check out Part 1 and Part 2 as well. New posts will be made during game days of the World Series. Lose Small With a base runner on and a batter at the plate, one thing we've come to expect in baseball is the sacrifice - [World Series Series, Part 2 - Have a Backup](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/10/23/have-a-backup/) - This is Part 2 of a series and a follow-up post to Part 1. New posts will be made during game days of the World Series. When Plan A Requires a Plan B Every game in the World Series is headlined by the starting pitchers as they come up in the rotation. Even throughout the - [World Series Series, Part 1 - Think Like A Batter](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/10/22/think-like-a-batter/) - Trading has so many similarities to sports that I can't help but occasionally mention it. A few years ago I did a series on Trading and Golf, which drew a number of parallels between the two endeavors. It was well-received by you as readers, so to mix things up a little for a few days - [Interview Archive with Charles Kirk](https://thestockbandit.net/2010/07/30/interview-archive-with-charles-kirk/) - Today's live interview with Charles Kirk of The Kirk Report was a lot of fun, and I hope you were able to join us for the discussion. For those of you who were unable to attend, I've embedded the chat transcript below so that you can review the conversation sometime over the weekend. Hope you - [Honor Thy Stop](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/04/17/honor-thy-stop/) - There are a handful of trading books which I have read many times and keep returning to on occasion, including Reminiscences of a Stock Operator, and the Market Wizards series by Jack Schwager. I would also recommend one other book which is written by a Market Wizard, Marty Schwartz, which is called Pit Bull. Schwartz - [The Flip Side](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/03/23/flip-side/) - You've probably heard the phrase, "you're not trading the stock, you're trading the people on the other side of the stock." I can certainly - [It's All About Personality](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/02/07/personality/) - Recently one of my subscribers emailed me a few charts for review. This particular trader wanted to know which stocks I would trade of the handful that he inquired about. I told him that although each of the stocks looked good in the short term, I didn't like them all for trades. One thing I - [Trading on Margin](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/01/03/trading-on-margin/) - The Apprentice finale ended recently, and I was reminded that Donald Trump’s wealth was amassed through the use of leverage in real estate. Borrowing money to make money isn’t just done in real estate, however. Day traders have additional buying power on hand every day in the form of margin, and using it properly can - [When to Trade Aggressively](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/01/10/trade-aggressively/) - As important as it is to be able to manage your trades properly, it is equally important to have a money management system for your trading. This includes knowing when to trade small and be picky, as well as when to trade big and be aggressive. - [My Biggest Trading Fear](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/01/18/trading-fear/) - Most people are afraid of public speaking or death. Not me. I’m afraid of the losing streak. I’ve seen what a losing streak can do to traders, and it’s not pretty! - [Video Review of the Indexes 10-12-2009](https://thestockbandit.net/2009/10/11/video-review-of-the-indexes-10-12-2009/) - 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 - [Be Specific](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/06/14/be-specific/) - There are countless bad things that could happen to your trade, but planning your trade and focusing on your... - [Stop It!](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/09/06/stop-it/) - I used to think that the most successful traders just knew how to locate the big winning trades and that was the key to their profitability. Not anymore - I'm past that..... - [The Difference Between Predicting & Anticipating](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/03/08/trading-predictions-vs-anticipations/) - This column was originally published Wednesday for members at TheStockBandit.com. It's being republished here as a bonus for TheStockBandit.net readers. For more information on subscribing to TheStockBandit.com, please check out our stock pick service. As thrilling as it may be to predict a market move correctly, actually pulling it off is more about luck than - [Goal Number 1](https://thestockbandit.net/2005/12/14/goal-number-1/) - New traders want to know how much they can make. If they have X dollars in their account, how much stock can they buy and how soon can they get rich? Veteran traders know better. They became veterans by surviving. They endured the occasional painful losses, yes, but even more so, they were able to - [Market View Video October 26, 2008](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/10/26/market-view-video-october-26-2008/) - The downside pressure resumed last week as the major averages took hits of 3.5%. However, some hope remains in place for the bulls that support may be in the process of being established in this area - that is, until it gets broken! Literally anything is possible in this tape right now, and we must - [Prevent Poundings, Part 2](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/10/02/prevent-poundings-part-2/) - Previously in Part 1, we took a look at some of the suffering caused by market meltdowns and the general idea that steps need to be taken to avoid getting flattened when you find yourself caught on the wrong side of such moves. In this post, we'll take a look at some specific measures to - [Trading Discipline](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/07/26/trading-discipline/) - We all know that disciplined eaters are usually slim and trim. Everyone knows that disciplined savers don't fret about retirement. And traders should know that disciplined traders are profitable over time.... - [Market View Video October 19, 2008](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/10/19/market-view-video-october-19-2008/) - Last week we saw the market finally tack on some gains, although the volatility continues to run quite high with frequent reversals and very wide trading ranges. Are the indexes attempting to carve out some support to rebound from, or are they simply taking a breather before another decline? That's the trillion-dollar question at the - [Market View Video October 12, 2008](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/10/12/market-view-video-october-12-2008/) - Lately we've been seeing an ongoing crash in the market as the major indexes continue to fall day after day. The streak of declines has been notable, but far more impressive (or 'frightening' if you've gotten caught on the long/wrong side of it) is the sheer distance this market has traveled to the downside. Staggering - [First Can Hurt!](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/10/06/first-can-hurt/) - Sometimes you just know someone's gonna get it. Between now and Halloween, it's the last person of the group walking through a haunted house. During a scary movie, it's usually the first one to go looking for trouble in an effort to prove their bravery, and it just doesn't ever seem to end well for - [Market View Video October 5, 2008](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/10/05/market-view-video-october-5-2008/) - The bulls continue to suffer in this tape right now, and the major averages are struggling to show signs of stability, much less attempt to make some meaningful headway. Last week we saw new 52-week lows being reached, making it a good time to turn to the charts and see what's going on. Volatility continues - [Prevent Poundings](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/09/30/prevent-poundings/) - Yesterday we saw a historic decline in the market as the major averages posted some of their worst performances ever. The selloff was harsh, unrelenting, and decisive (to say the least). The damage to many stocks will not be repaired for quite a long time, and it's safe to say that just as many trading - [What Makes a Good Trading Market?](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/09/26/what-makes-a-good-trading-market/) - The market has been all over the map lately... huge selloffs, sharp rallies, and just a lot of uncertainty in general. The government intervention has also made the landscape an unfamiliar one, as bailouts of individual companies have occurred, along with the introduction of a bailout plan for the economy as a whole. Further, we've - [Reckless Testing](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/09/24/reckless-testing/) - Some traders are just reckless when it comes to trying out a new strategy. From time to time, every one of us will see the need to modify our style in order to keep improving, and truthfully that's a willingness each of us must have if we want long term success as traders. There is - [Market View Video September 21, 2008](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/09/21/market-view-video-september-21-2008/) - What a wild one last week was! Incredible volatility provided sharp moves on both the downside and upside, bringing about new 52-week lows as well as a major rebound to a degree not seen in quite some time. The week ahead might not hold quite as much excitement, but it's still to be packed with - [Welcome to The Kirk Report Readers!](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/09/18/welcome-kirk-report-readers/) - I just want to welcome those of you who arrived here on the blog today as a result of the Q&A post on The Kirk Report. I'm glad you stopped by and hope you'll return often! Charles is a great friend, a class act, successful trader, and of course top-shelf blogger who works hard day - [Market View Video September 14, 2008](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/09/14/market-view-video-september-14-2008/) - Volatility is climbing in the market and we've seen some increased activity in the past 2 weeks, bringing along with it many opportunities for short-term traders. Looking toward the week ahead, there are 2 big keys to keep an eye on which I discuss in this week's video. If they end up complimenting each other, - [Welcome Barron's Readers!](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/11/10/welcome-barrons-readers/) - Just wanted to say welcome to all the Barron's readers visiting TheStockBandit.net. Thank you for stopping by and I'd like to give you a quick tour of the blog so that you can get a feel for what I like to write about. You can read the about page for more info on my background - [Beware of Traps!](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/09/09/beware-of-traps/) - A relative of mine runs a ranch and occasionally has to capture animals which don't belong there. So in order to rid the place of persistent pests, he sets out traps with intriguing lures. Most of the time, the offending critter simply can't resist what appears to be a risk-free, tasty meal, and they fall - [Market View Video September 7, 2008](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/09/07/market-view-video-september-7-2008/) - The post-Labor Day volume kicked in last week as we had hoped, and we saw a big jump in volatility along with it. The major averages made some big moves, and fortunately for us, it looks like it'll continue to be a trader's market for the foreseeable future. But what happens next? What levels will - [Hit Singles for Satisfaction](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/09/04/hit-singles-for-satisfaction/) - The allure of swinging for the fence is common in the trading world, and it appeals to each of us from time to time. However, that sure doesn't mean it's the thing to aim for in our trading from week to week or month to month. Rather than gunning for home runs at every at-bat, - [Quick-Hit Trading](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/09/02/quick-hit-trading/) - Say a friend offered to give you a penny today and then double the money every day for a month. "Gee, thanks" you might say, expecting that to add up to maybe $25 or so. But that response would make you rather ungrateful considering that you're looking at more than $10,737,418 by the end of - [Market View Video September 1, 2008](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/09/01/market-view-video-september-1-2008/) - Now that Labor Day is going to be behind us, the moment of truth arrives for this market. Specifically, can volume finally perk back up to respectable levels? We're probably going to need it if we want to get out of these trading ranges in the major indexes, but historically we do see volume begin - [Don't Push When You Can Pull!](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/08/27/dont-push-when-you-can-pull/) - It would be nice if the market would post a sign and tell us where it's headed, but if that were the case then trading wouldn't be so lucrative when we're right. Good trading doesn't have to be about nailing every move, contrary to what many believe. Rather, letting the market pick a direction and - [Don't Be a Hero](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/03/13/dont-be-a-hero/) - Every time the market gets volatile for a few weeks, the stories start to come out of the woodwork of traders who made it or lost it big.... "So-and-so made $150k in that last selloff." "What's-his-name lost 80 grand on that reversal." They're impressive stories and often eye-opening when the numbers are considered in terms - [Good Trades vs. Good Results](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/04/22/good-trades-vs-good-results/) - What constitutes a "good trade?" Is it a profitable trade? Is it one that works quickly and provides you with a gain? Those are certainly nice! But I'm not so sure that we can define our trades solely by our results. In fact, I'll go ahead and say that a truly "good trade" can be - [Goals Are a Must](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/06/16/goals-must/) - I will always believe that having goals will produce superior results... - [Anything's Possible](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/08/25/anything-possible/) - On a week like this when the trading is expected to be so light in front of a major holiday (Labor Day is next Monday), it's easy to forget something very important... Anything is possible. Literally anything can happen in the market at any time. Just because the big boys (funds) have been away lately - [Market View Video 8-24-2008](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/08/24/market-view-video-august-24-2008/) - Very poor volume has plagued the market lately with many traders taking a late-summer opportunity to go on vacation and get away from their screens. We might be in for another week of that, but perhaps it will improve after Labor Day as is typically the case. On a technical basis, the major averages do - [Identify Failing Bounces for Short Selling](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/08/20/shorting-failing-bounces/) - Traditional Wall Street tells you that the market goes up over time, which has proven to be true. That's nice if you're a "long-term investor" who socks money away in mutual funds and doesn't care about working your capital a little harder. But for the self-directed trader, it's important to remember a couple of things. - [Broken Trades](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/08/18/broken-trades/) - A memorable Far Side cartoon is called Horse Hospitals. In the picture, a pair of racehorses lie flat on gurneys with broken legs hoisted. A veterinarian rounds the corner staring at a clipboard in one arm while holding a rifle in the other. The adjacent room shows another gun-wielding vet with a large caption reading - [Market View Video 8-17-2008](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/08/17/market-view-video-august-17-2008/) - Lately we've seen some mixed market activity with the NAZ showing better strength than the DJIA and S&P 500, but all in all there is some constructive price action taking place out there. Earnings season is behind us and the market isn't yet consumed with election-related things, so we're at a spot where some good - [Has the Easy Money Been Made?](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/08/14/has-the-easy-money-been-made/) - It's a question all good traders find themselves asking on a regular basis... "Has the easy money been made?" Sometimes it's in regards to an open position which has stalled out or losing momentum. Other times it's tied to a look at the overall market, trying to determine whether or not the current move still - [Train Well to Trade Well](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/08/12/train-well-to-trade-well/) - While watching the Olympics, it never ceases to amaze me the dedication of these athletes and the preparation they go through in order to be at their very best. These people are what some might call ate up with it! They're consumed with improvement, they're completely focused on peak performance, and their commitment level is - [Blending Trading Plans & Flexibility](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/08/06/blending-trading-plans-flexibility/) - In my previous post, I discussed the biggest enemy of traders. Among other things, I mentioned "formulating a flexible but well-defined trading plan." Let's unpack the 'flexible' portion of that comment today. Sidestep Risk & Stupidity If I plan to stop out of a long position in XYZ below $25, and the stock falls through - [Get A Grip!](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/06/27/get-a-grip/) - If a fly on the wall were to observe you during the day or during the week, what would he see when it comes to your self-control over your emotions?... - [The Biggest Enemy of Traders](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/08/04/biggest-enemy-of-traders/) - The day stands out in my memory quite vividly, but only because it wasn't all that long ago. I had dug myself into a hole early in the day, and while I wasn't too deep to get out of it, I was definitely frustrated. Let's just say the guys taking the other sides of my - [Market View Video 8-3-2008](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/08/03/market-view-video-august-3-2008/) - The major averages have been bound by short-term trading ranges recently, but fortunately for us as traders, that won't always be the case! With all eyes on the FOMC this week, a potential catalyst lurks on the horizon for this market. We're also in the midst of earnings season, so it's certainly a time to - [Day Trading Community Loses Pioneer Harvey Houtkin](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/07/31/day-trading-loses-pioneer-harvey-houtkin/) - Harvey Houtkin, a.k.a., "the father of day trading" has died at 59. The original SOES Bandit was a controversial figure on the Street, but like him or not, it is undeniable that the man paved some early roads for early day traders which ultimately brought us to where we are today. Some may argue that - [Discipline is a Habit](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/07/30/discipline-is-a-habit/) - Discipline means being willing to wait. Wait for your setup. Wait for choppy conditions to pass. Wait to increase your trade size until your recent results warrant it. Trading requires that ability from us, and if we don't have it... well, the market will teach it to us! As traders, we have to let conditions - [Earnings Expectations vs. Trader Expectations](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/07/28/earnings-expectations-vs-trader-expectations/) - Around earnings time, the word "expectation" brings a dual meaning. There's the Street's "expectation" for EPS and other estimates on what the fundamental news will be when companies report, but there's also the expectation of traders. I put together a video for Free Newsletter subscribers over at TheStockBandit.com discussing this very topic (which will go - [Market View Video 7-28-2008](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/07/28/market-view-video-7-28-2008/) - We've seen a nice rally unfold since the July 15th low, and now the million-dollar question is, "does it continue?" There's certainly room for further upside, and yet last Thursday's decline serves as a nice reminder that even if we do climb higher it won't happen in a straight line. Can you say trader's market? - [How Do Great Traders Control Emotion?](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/07/25/how-do-great-traders-control-emotion/) - Great traders are often thought of as talented anticipators of direction or momentum, or as exceptionally skilled risk managers, which many are. But an oft-overlooked trait which should always be mentioned is the successful trader's ability to control emotions. Use Your Head! I definitely think every trader struggles with controlling our emotions from time to - [Trading With Objectivity](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/07/08/trading-with-objectivity/) - Trading today's markets is as competitive as any other endeavor. The brightest minds are involved, countless sums of money are at stake, and if you don't show up prepared, you can get your face ripped off. The Bottom Line, At the Top Here's the concept that so many traders miss: if your head isn't clear, - [Trading Video - 10 Chart Examples of How Stops Work](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/07/03/trading-video-10-chart-examples-how-stops-work/) - Here's another video of a trading lesson for your viewing pleasure over the long weekend. It would be difficult to have missed seeing the tankage in the Metals & Mining stocks on Wednesday, as most of them reversed sharply after demonstrating a lot of recent relative strength. The turnaround moves seen in those stocks offered - [Triple Bottom Pattern](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/01/11/triple-bottom-pattern/) - Chart patterns work the same on an intraday basis as they do on a daily chart. Today I was watching GRMN, which had been weak all day and was nearing the lows of the day. I actually was waiting for a breakdown to short sell the stock, but once the lows held, I noticed a - [Trading Video - Relative Volume and Day Trading](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/06/30/trading-video-relative-volume-day-trading/) - Here's another video of a trading lesson to keep in mind this holiday-shortened week. Shortened trading timeframes might mean tighter stops and a better ability to manage risk, but there are still some important factors to consider, such as relative volume. Today's video discuses exactly that. Feel free to share it if you're a fellow - [More on Learning from Trading Disasters](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/06/26/more-on-trading-disasters/) - The best way to stop a losing streak is to STOP!....Stopping lets your emotions calm down and lets you reestablish your momentum with your intellect. - Marty Schwartz, Pit Bull A couple of weeks ago, I received a pretty sad email. The trader who sent it had been losing money over the course of 6 - [Guest Post at StockTickr](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/06/18/guest-post-at-stocktickr/) - Just want to give you a heads-up that I wrote a guest post today over at the StockTickr Blog called Finding New Edges from Old Trades. I think you'll want to check it out, because it goes hand-in-hand with some of the things we've been discussing here recently (such as my previous post). Here's that - [Evaluating Trading Performance](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/06/12/evaluating-trading-performance/) - A trader recently asked me how I evaluate my performance as a trader, and while to many the answer might seem obvious, in reality there's certainly more than one answer. That's because there are numerous ways to evaluate our performance as traders, but let's look at 2 general categories for the purpose of this post. - [Skipping Trades Can Be as Bad as Overtrading](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/06/03/skipping-trades-can-be-as-bad-as-overtrading/) - This guest post comes from a friend of mine, Dave Mabe of StockTickr, an automated trading and performance analysis tool designed to help traders improve their results. Dave's post outlines the benefits of adhering to a trading plan, as well as the pitfalls of deviating from it. Most traders are aware of the dangers of - [Patient Progress](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/05/22/patient-progress/) - Developing an effective trading methodology takes time and patience. It doesn't happen overnight, even if you hit a home-run in your first at-bat. It's been said there is no substitute for experience, and that is as true in trading as it is anywhere else. There will always be stories of new traders who had no - [Trading Video - The Influence of the Market Indexes](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/05/16/trading-video-influence-of-market-indexes/) - Here's another video of a trading lesson I learned in the market today. I do my best to stay aware of what the overall market is doing, and particularly the major indexes, because they so frequently have an impact on how individual stocks move. Today's video discuses exactly that. Feel free to share it if - [Never Force It](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/06/13/never-force-it/) - One of the lasting lessons... - [Trading Video - Looking for Explosive Breakouts](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/05/12/trading-video-explosive-breakouts/) - Here's another video of a trading lesson I learned in the market today. Because I trade a lot of breakout patterns, the more characteristics I can find which point to an explosive move, the better! Today's video discuses exactly that. Feel free to share it if you're a fellow blogger, the embed code is on - [Trading Video - Tips on Trading Breakouts](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/04/17/trading-video-trading-breakouts/) - Here's another video of a trading lesson I learned in the market today. Trading breakouts can give us some nice, quick gains if done correctly, but there's a key element involved in consistently and successfully playing breakout setups. Today's video discuses exactly that. Feel free to share it if you're a fellow blogger, the embed - [Trading Video - Trading Price Gaps](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/04/15/trading-video-trading-price-gaps/) - Here's another video of a trading lesson I learned in the market today. The market doesn't always cooperate with our trading plans, and one way that it often interferes is by way of the common gap. Today's lesson takes a look at how to deal with those price gaps. (Check out this page for more - [Trading Video - Making Money from Mediocre Trades](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/04/07/trading-video-making-money-from-mediocre-trades/) - Here's another video of a trading lesson I learned in the market today. Not every trade is stellar, so naturally there are some poor and mediocre trades. Today's lesson discusses the latter. This one has a simple solution and yet I'm surprised how so few traders actually do this. Feel free to share it if - [Trading Video - Booking Partial Profits](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/04/02/trading-video-booking-partial-profits/) - Here's another video of a trading lesson I learned in the market today. There are always lessons being taught to us by the market...some of them are new, while others are reminders of lessons past. Every one of them are important, so let's examine one today regarding booking partial profits. The aim of every trader - [Trading Video - Dealing With Price Gaps](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/04/01/trading-video-dealing-with-price-gaps/) - Here's another video of a trading lesson I learned in the market today. There are always lessons being taught to us by the market...some of them are new, while others are reminders of lessons past. Every one of them are important, so let's examine one today regarding price gaps. A stock gap occurs whenever it - [Trading Video - 3-26-2008](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/03/26/trading-video-3-26-2008/) - I thought I'd mix things up a little bit and post a video of a trading lesson I learned in the market today. If we're open-minded and attentive, the market is always showing us ways to improve our trading results. Today's video shows you a trade we just closed out today for a nice gain - [Practicing Technical Analysis](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/03/25/practicing-technical-analysis/) - If you've ever watched the TV show House, you've no doubt seen the main character Dr. Gregory House assert his opinions and act on them. He's an extremely good doctor (at least he plays one on TV ;-) ), but he sure isn't always right. What I find so interesting is that he's actually wrong - [Should You Be Trading BSC?](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/03/24/trading-bsc/) - First BSC got a $2 bid from JPM and yet it continued to trade above that level. Now JPM has raised its bid to $10/share and BSC is currently trading far from that level. What is going on? Because there are some great resources out there that can explain the details of the evolving deal - [Stocks & Commodities Magazine Interview](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/02/15/welcome-stocks-and-commodities-readers/) - I'm honored to be appearing in the March '08 issue of Stocks & Commodities Magazine as the feature interview, as it's a great publication that I've read for years. They have interviewed some great traders over the years whom I've learned a great deal from, so when asked about my interest in being included I - [Trading With Multiple Monitors](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/03/11/trading-with-multiple-monitors/) - In an age of falling prices on LCD monitors and computers, it's becoming increasingly common among active traders to expand screen space through the use of multiple monitors. Split-screen displays are easy to come by with any dual-head video card, and I've seen arrays containing up to 16 screens - talk about information overload! But - [Formulating Your Market Opinion](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/02/27/formulating-your-market-opinion/) - The Market Wizards books by Jack Schwager are in my opinion among the best trading books out there, as the interviews with top traders simply offer so much insight. I make it a habit to re-read these books semi-regularly because of the insights they offer, and it seems every time I read them I either - [What If...](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/02/20/what-if/) - Do you ever find yourself asking, "what if..?" Maybe you've done it in traffic when the lane you had been in is now moving faster than the one you're currently in. (I hate when that happens.) What if you had stayed in that lane? What if you had taken an alternative route? Would you get - [Step up the Risk Ladder](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/02/05/step-up-the-risk-ladder/) - Improving as a trader will include many things for you. Sure, you'll learn to evaluate market conditions better as time goes by, and you'll find better ways to respond to trading situations which in the past may have caused you to panic. As you improve, even your repertoire of trade types will increase as you - [Storing Watch Lists in Worden's TeleChart](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/01/24/watch-lists-telechart-worden/) - I have discussed watch list management before and how it's an important responsibility for active traders. I store my watch lists in my charting program, which is TeleChart Platinum from Worden, and it's nice knowing that at any time I can pull up a group of stocks with tradable charts. Watch lists truly are at - [Practical Risk vs. Reward](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/01/11/practical-risk-vs-reward/) - A close friend of mine began trading a few months ago, and in his first days we had a discussion about some things he needed clarification on. We discussed order types and stop losses and why chart patterns tend to repeat themselves, but then he asked this question: "So, if I buy 100 shares of - [Patience Takes Courage](https://thestockbandit.net/2008/01/03/patience-takes-courage/) - Trading means many things to different people. Some love the excitement and the thrill of a financial adventure. Some people want something to talk about and discuss, while others simply want a hobby. However, plenty of us are in it for the money. For those who are purely seeking profits, there are many ways to - [Take Cues From Failed Patterns](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/12/18/take-cues-from-failed-patterns/) - Chart patterns are great for selecting trade entries, but rarely do I see them being discussed from the perspective of risk management. One of the best things about them in my opinion is that they show me clearly when I should be in or out of a trade. When they fail, the signals are clear - [Recovery Facing a Test](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/12/16/recovery-facing-a-test/) - The current recovery is facing a test at this juncture, as the rising channels which have formed from the November lows are starting to give way to some selling. This of course introduces the threat of new lower highs if the bulls don't step in quickly, and that places great emphasis on the next few - [Beware Late-December](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/12/14/beware-late-december/) - The end of the year is a great time. If you're like me, you'll enjoy the holidays, pig out on great food, and spend some quality time with family. There's also that end-of-the-year examination of how our goals went this year and what adjustments we need to make for next year. As we enter into - [Bulls Breathing New Life?](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/12/09/bulls-breathing-new-life/) - Last week, the bulls bought a dip for the first time since October, and the major averages reached new recovery highs. The August closing lows for now appear to have been successfully tested, opening the door for some additional rebuilding if the bulls can stay in gear. Of course, the lacking element last week was - [Consider Risk First, Then Reward](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/11/29/consider-risk-first-then-reward/) - Anytime I am eyeing a trade to make, the first thing I consider is what is my risk in case I'm stopped out. Theoretically I might not be able to foresee all that could happen to a stock, but barring a major news event or gap in the stock, I want to first determine at - [A Head-Shaker's Market](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/11/27/a-head-shakers-market/) - This column was originally published today at 11:09am EST on my Market Commentary thread of the trading forum over at TheStockBandit.com. It's being republished here as a bonus for TheStockBandit.net readers. The bulls are putting together another nice rebound this morning with much of yesterday's downside being erased with today's buying. This has quickly become - [Bears Maintain Control](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/11/25/bears-maintain-control/) - Last week, the bears maintained control of the major averages as they produced declines across the board. Downtrends remain intact for each of the indexes. The August closing lows have been penetrated on the DJIA and RUT, while the NAZ and S&P 500 have yet to test theirs. That may mean varying degrees of correction - [What It Means To Wait On The Market](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/11/21/waiting-on-the-market/) - One comment I make frequently over on the main site is to "wait for the market" to produce good trading setups. Those of you who read me over there understand what I mean, but the rest of you have no doubt heard the phrase. I thought it might be helpful to explain just what it - [Safety Nets for Trading](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/11/14/safety-nets-for-trading/) - All of us could use a safety net from time to time, and fortunately every single one of us has access to one! It's called the stop loss, and it's an invaluable part of any trading strategy. Regardless of trading style, we all know that there will be occasions when we'll be wrong and lose - [Remember Your Trading Objective](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/11/13/remember-your-trading-objective/) - Emotions sure are running high right now! We've seen tremendous moves take place in a very short amount of time, and it may not be over yet. Momentum leaders like GOOG, AAPL, RIMM, and BIDU, which were only days ago running to new highs have since fallen out of bed, getting hammered with profit-taking. The - [Overcoming Trading Disasters](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/11/12/overcoming-trading-disasters/) - Running a subscription-based stock pick service, I have the opportunity to interact with quite a few traders on a regular basis. In a group of that size there are diverse styles, varying risk tolerances and numerous trading timeframe preferences. However, every style offers the opportunity for the occasional blow-up to occur. I get contacted by - [Day Trading: When to Take Profit](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/04/19/day-trading-taking-profit/) - Day trading candidates are often listed in the Bandit Broadcast stock newsletter for the more active traders at TheStockBandit.com, offering some additional opportunities to grab some gains on an intraday basis. With earnings season underway, we're still swing trading some, but right now is a good time to shorten timeframes a bit until the scheduled - [Modern Day Darvas Methods](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/11/06/modern-day-darvas-methods/) - One of my favorite trading books is the all-time classic, "How I made 2MM in the Stock Market" by Nicolas Darvas. The book outlines how Darvas became a successful trader by overcoming his own mistakes through his 'box theory'. Having gone through several different methods without finding any consistency in profitability, he ultimately became a - [Staying Connected to the Market](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/11/05/stay-connected-to-the-market/) - The holidays are just around the corner, and for me that means some travel to visit family in other cities. Fortunately, that doesn’t require having to be out of touch with the market. When things heat up on the trading front like they have been lately, I have a hard time stepping away from it! - [Deciding if a Stock is Trade-Worthy](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/10/31/stock-trade-worthy/) - I've noted before that I review many charts every night in my preparation for the following trading day, and I will probably always do so. I think there are numerous benefits to it, including keeping a streamlined watch list of trading ideas at your disposal, which greatly aid in my trading. Since I've already reviewed - [How Pullbacks Help Build New Chart Patterns](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/10/29/how-pullbacks-help-build-new-chart-patterns/) - The recent market pullback may or may not be finished, but it brings up an important subject which is why pullbacks within trends are good and healthy. Whether we're talking about an uptrend like the one the market is currently in or a downtrend like we've seen before, prices don't move nonstop in the same - [Technical Picture Improving](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/10/28/technical-picture-improving/) - Last week MSFT the bulls produced a turn back up, bringing about the possibility that the short-term correction might be coming to an end. Each of the major averages poked above their pullback trend lines, setting the stage for another leg up to begin. This is of course looking at the indexes from purely a - [When Good Trades Go Bad](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/10/22/when-good-trades-go-bad/) - Last week, the market took a turn for the worse. A move like we saw on Friday inevitably leaves more than a few traders caught off guard as they watch profits evaporate and losses escalate. Take for example the energy sector, which has been such a leadership group for many months. Numerous stocks within the - [When Character Changes](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/10/23/when-character-changes/) - Anytime we see a big contra-trend move like we got last Friday, the discussions begin.... Was it the end of the trend? Is this just another dip to be bought? Is the world ending? Those questions arise for the overall market, but also for individual stocks. In reference to the stocks, the answer to all - [Breather Becomes a Beating](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/10/21/breather-becomes-beating/) - Last week I mentioned that the bulls were taking a breather, but the weak-to-choppy price action turned decisively sour on Friday as the selling intensified and the bulls got hammered to the tune of 2.5% or more across the board. Obviously this implies more weakness in the short term and the need for further resting - [Earnings Are Tricky](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/10/18/earnings-are-tricky/) - The mother of momentum stocks is set to report earnings tonight, and I have no doubt that GOOG will shake and bake one way or another after the news is out. With the odds of a large gap tomorrow morning in the stock, the allure is there for some fast profits on either the long - [Time For A Top?](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/10/16/time-for-a-top/) - So, is it time for a market top? Is this the start of the big one? Has the run ended and now the only place to go is straight back down? Honestly, I don't think so yet. I'm never one to make predictions, but let's hash this out for a bit and see what kind - [Watch List Management](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/02/13/watch-list-management/) - All traders keep watch lists in one form or another. Maybe you jot yours down on a whiteboard in your office or keep some scratch paper close by to write down the symbols you're keeping an eye on. You might store your watch lists inside your trading platform or charting program. Regardless of where you - [Bulls Taking A Breather](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/10/14/bulls-taking-a-breather/) - The bulls posted another gain last week, but overall they're allowing the major averages to put in some needed rest. Last Thursday's intraday reversal to the downside caught many traders offguard, but it's action like that which will ultimately allow the charts of individual stocks to begin building new bases and not get too extended - [Sluggish Breakouts Can't Be Trusted](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/10/09/sluggish-breakouts-cant-be-trusted/) - I love to trade breakouts, and we're seeing a lot of them in the current market environment. Many stocks have rallied back up near their summer highs, built new bases, and are starting to move higher once again. In general, there has been no shortage of breakout candidates in recent weeks, and if the bulls - [Trading With Indicators](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/10/02/trading-with-indicators/) - I’m often asked why I don’t always apply stochastics or MACD or moving averages to my charts. To that question, there’s a simple and a complicated answer. The simple answer is that I prefer to focus on price and volume. My charts are cleaner and I can focus on the real buying and selling forces - [Questions and Answers](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/09/26/questions-and-answers/) - Here are a few questions I've been asked in recent days by other traders which I thought some of you might find to be helpful. I've included the questions in bold below, along with my answers.... How would you describe your trading style, other than swing trading? I am more of a quick-hit (Bandit) type - [Don't Wear Out Your Welcome](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/09/24/dont-wear-out-your-welcome/) - We've all been in trades which were treating us well, moving along in the anticipated direction as we giggled to ourselves about what we might spend the profits on....only to get slapped in the face when we get too greedy and stay too long after the move exhausts itself. It's called wearing out your welcome, - [Satisfy Your Craving For Risk](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/09/17/trading-multiple-accounts/) - Most traders at least occasionally have to deal with the urge....the temptation....the allure of taking on more risk. Sound familiar? Risk's Widespread Appeal I've had the good fortune of spending time and trading with quite a few traders of all types. Some trade stocks, others trade futures or options. Some of them are day trading, - [My Best Investment Ever - It's A Boy!](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/09/10/my-best-investment-ever-its-a-boy/) - Last week I became a dad, and needless to say I am thoroughly thrilled! I'll be back writing in a few days, but just had to share the big news. Baby boy weighed in at 5lb. 13oz., and is happy and healthy at home with mama. I couldn't ask for anything more. At times in - [Reduced Trading Timeframes](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/08/27/reduced-trading-timeframes/) - With so many sharp and sudden reversals taking place recently, it's certainly the kind of market in which one can easily overstay their welcome. They say that "bulls make money, bears make money, but pigs get slaughtered." Well, this is no market for pigs. That trade you just nailed might suddenly reverse and erase all - [Trading vs. Investing: Two Kinds of Good Markets](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/08/20/trading-vs-investing/) - "Regular" people I know (non-traders) are "invested." They have 401k's with company stock and mutual funds. They have managed money trying to outpace the market. They look at performance stats of money managers and funds before depositing their hard-earned dollars in such places. And then they wait. They hope. They need. They wait for the - [Insider Activity](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/08/13/insider-activity/) - One thing I get asked quite a bit about is insider activity. People want to know if a stock should move up on insider buying, or if it should go down on insider selling. Many will ignore perfectly good chart patterns if the insider activity doesn't suit them, instead deferring to what company execs are - [How Gaps Change Motivations in the Market](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/08/10/how-gaps-change-motivations-in-the-market/) - With so many gaps hitting the market in recent days, it's the perfect time to discuss them a little bit. Not only are they occurring in individual stocks as a result of earnings announcements (which is typical and expected), but we're seeing a lot of them in the market indexes with the recent news flow - [A Market for Spectating, Not Speculating](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/08/09/a-market-for-spectating-not-speculating/) - Boy, is this market crazy or what? Just since yesterday afternoon, we've seen a huge rally, sharp selloff, steep bounce into the closing bell, giant gap down and an immediate big bounce. Stocks are literally all over the map! It's quite a show, and I'll venture to say that most traders are better served spectating - [Conviction vs. Conditions](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/08/07/conviction-vs-conditions/) - I love trading with the wind at my back, so when the market is strong I'm a buyer, and when it's weak I'm looking for short sales. In general, it serves me well to trade this way, but inevitably there are times when I wish I had thrown caution to the wind! Take last week - [Daaaa Bears](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/08/05/daaaa-bears/) - Daaaa Bears. Again. Three straight weeks, and all of a sudden the bulls have gone from first to worst. Of course there's only 3 camps out there (bears, bulls, and sideliners), but still, the pain level is increasing and bulls simply keep responding by raising more cash. Unloading shares. Joining the sideliners. This remains a - [Not A Dip-Buyer's Market](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/08/01/not-a-dip-buyer-market/) - For the past year, every dip has been bought. Bulls have enjoyed a nice uptrend, and with each higher low their confidence reached higher levels. Anytime stocks have gone on sale (ie: come under pressure), the buyers have been there with wallets open ready to scoop up shares. And they've been compensated quite nicely for it, I might add! But things have changed..... - [Showdown Shaping Up](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/07/29/showdown-shaping-up/) - The bulls took another beating last week as they shed between 4 and 7% in the major averages. This puts the sellers in the driver's seat right now, which means the bears are licking their chops. On the other hand, the bulls have their backs against the wall for the first time since the late-February tank-job..... - [Save Money & Confusion by Avoiding Earnings Trades](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/07/23/how-earnings-reports-impact-trading/) - If you're an active trader, it's likely that you take a similar approach to me when it comes to earnings reports. Because I have no problem moving to cash quickly, I refuse to hold stocks into earnings announcements. Not only do I have no idea what the reports are going to be, I also don't know how the market will respond once the report is out.... - [Just Buy Something!](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/07/12/just-buy-something/) - Huge up days in the market like today have amazing power. Ordinary investors love them, because everything they own goes up. Traders sometimes hate them though, because underperformance can be common.... - [I Wear T-Shirts to Work](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/07/10/i-wear-tshirts-to-work/) - The trading lifestyle can at times be demanding, but man...I sure love it. There are obvious perks of course, like unlimited potential income, but I also thoroughly enjoy some of the subtle perks.... - [Real Rally or Just Bull Ticks?](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/07/08/real-rally-or-just-bull-ticks/) - The bulls managed a nice gain last week and they only had 70% of the usual time to accomplish it. Nonetheless, it was a solid advance with several of the indexes going 4-for-4. Impressive stuff! Of course there will be lots of skeptics who argue that the volume wasn't good enough to justify the move, - [Grab Trading Opportunities Big or Small](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/07/05/grab-trading-opportunities-big-or-small/) - It's easy to fall into the rut of trading the same size for every stock across the board, but on occasion you'll inevitably run across a stock that fits a lot of your criteria but isn't quite ideal. Instead of passing on the trade entirely due to the light volume, simply taking a smaller position in the trade if it goes would still allow room for some profits.... - [Uptick Rule Ends, Short Selling Gets Easier](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/07/03/short-selling-uptick-rule-ends/) - For those who have not already heard, the SEC has voted to remove the "short sale tick test", Rule 17 CFR 240.10a-1 for all equity securities. Effective Friday, July 6, traders will be able to short all securities on an up, down, or zero tick. WOW! All these years of having to wait for an uptick to grab a trade on the short side... - [Holiday-Shortened Trading Week](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/07/01/holiday-shortened-trading-week/) - The trading ranges are still intact for the major averages, and we have a holiday-shortened trading week this week with the market open until 1pm ET Tuesday and then closed through Wednesday. That could keep the volume light and conditions choppy, so keep that in mind if you're trading these next couple of days and - [Pride vs. Plan in Trading](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/06/25/pride-vs-plan-in-trading/) - If survival as a trader depends upon self-control, then it all boils down to how well you balance out your internal pride with your trading plan to make it all work. This week's Free Newsletter over at TheStockBandit.com discusses this exact topic, so be sure to stop by and read it for more of my - [The Key to Trading Survival](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/06/18/trading-survival-key/) - They say "you've gotta be in it to win it" and that's as true as it can be in the world of trading. Since that's the case, it's only fair to say that to survive as a trader is the most important thing you can do, with all other things being secondary. This week's Free - [Back to the Highs](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/06/17/back-to-the-highs/) - The bulls rebounded quite nicely last week after the biggest dip we've seen in the major averages since the Feb/March decline. We're back to the highs already though, which means the bulls are still sitting in great shape. This week we could be in for a bit of digestion with a short-term rest, as that - [U.S. Open Golf Can Help Your Trading](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/06/16/us-open-golf-can-help-your-trading/) - Last year during this same time I wrote a series on Trading and Golf to outline a number of lessons between the two games (yes, trading is a game!). So with the U.S. Open final round set to air tomorrow afternoon, no doubt it will take center stage for a great number of traders. There - [Finding Short Sale Candidates](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/06/12/finding-short-sale-candidates/) - Last week's market pullback after a very long upside run might have been a change of character. In fact, with Friday's bounce now having failed, the charts are suggesting some further downside may be in store. When considering the psychological changes that can come with a sudden, sharp correction after such a steady uptrend, there - [Looks Aren't Everything](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/06/11/looks-arent-everything/) - There sure are a lot of stocks still in bull mode, even after last week's dip. I'm seeing a lot of stocks which have the right look to them, but not every single one of them make for ideal trading candidates. Some of them are OK on the surface, but looking a little deeper reveals - [Dead Cat Bounce or Another Higher Low?](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/06/10/dead-cat-bounce-or-another-higher-low/) - Last week we saw bookend gains, but the downside in the middle was just too much to overcome. The indexes finally took a dip which lasted more than a couple of hours, and that's actually a healthy thing whether you're bullish or bearish. This week should be an interesting one as we wait for more - [When Patterns Fail](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/06/07/when-patterns-fail/) - Things turned ugly this week for the first time in a while, and a lot of charts actually needed this shakeup. The CNBC headlines and dreary comments of "the worst week since March" don't actually say much, especially since all we've done pretty much since then is climb higher each week. But it's been a - [Trading Multiple Timeframes](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/06/04/trading-multiple-timeframes/) - It's such a strong market right now that if you're trading the long side, there are lots of opportunities across multiple timeframes. An excellent way to diversify your trading (which I've discussed before) and boost your bottom line is to Trade Multiple Timeframes. This week's Free Newsletter over at TheStockBandit.com discusses precisely that. So, if - [CyberTrader Fully Integrating With Schwab](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/04/25/cybertrader-schwab-integration/) - I've been a Schwab client for about a decade now, and I've been trading through CyberTrader for about 4 years. CyberTrader is owned by Schwab, so it's been no surprise to see quality customer service provided by both of them. I've used Schwab for my longer-term accounts and CyberTrader for my active trading accounts, but - [Gauging Urgency in Chart Patterns](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/05/24/gauging-urgency-in-chart-patterns/) - As a chart pattern trader, it's all about the price action for me. My research isn't based on company fundamentals or what some analyst is predicting for the next year - it's based solely on supply and demand as reflected in the chart. I trade common patterns like flags, pennants and triangles, all of which - [I'm A Loser](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/05/21/losing-means-winning/) - It's tough to admit it, but I come clean in this week's Free Newsletter over at TheStockBandit.com and say that I am a loser. We all go through stretches of tough trading, but if you know what you're doing and you manage those losses properly, it's amazing what can happen. I've said before that trading - [A New Look and Some Revisited Lessons](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/05/20/new-look-revisited-lessons/) - Hope you like the new look here at TheStockBandit.net - I am excited about it! As we wrap up the weekend, here's a few links you might find of interest from this week last year. Of course, there's also the Market View page at TheStockBandit.com which was updated today (and every Sunday evening). There's no - [Parabolic Blowoff Top](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/05/15/parabolic-blowoff-top/) - It's been 7 years since we saw a lot of these chart patterns emerge, but even today there are stocks which get in uptrends at steeper and steeper angles until, POP, the party ends. These moves don't happen frequently, but when they do there are some big opportunities for pain and gain in both directions. - [The Numbers Game of Trading](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/05/14/numbers-game-of-trading/) - This week's Free Newsletter over at TheStockBandit.com discusses the topic of The Numbers Game of Trading. Those of us who aren't in the buy-and-hope crowd are traders, and it really is a numbers game. Learning to approach your trading with this mentality can have a very positive impact on not only your profitability but also - [Market Indexes Trying to Base](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/05/13/market-indexes-trying-to-base/) - The market indexes gave us a little of everything last week, with some rest, a selloff, and a rebound. Overall some needed rest was put in, but more of the same would sure be healthy. But with a solid uptrend still in place, there's no telling if the bulls will allow it or not. We - [One Year Ago This Week - May 12-18, 2006](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/05/12/one-year-ago-may-12-18-06/) - Here are a few of posts in case you missed them from one year ago this week: We all know we need discipline to succeed as traders, but most talk of it is in relation to losses. Don't neglect The Other Side of Discipline. The Great Expectations Series looks at the importance of trading goals - [Shifting Market Exposure](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/05/11/shifting-market-exposure/) - This market has made an incredible run, and we're finally starting to see some profit-taking. However as traders, we sure don't have to predict where things are headed as long as we let the charts be our guide. That's great news if you're not the owner of a crystal ball, and it also means our - [Timeframes Dictate Trading Plans](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/05/08/timeframes-dictate-trading-plans/) - Last week at TheStockBandit.com, we caught some quick moves in a few stocks which were provided as day trading candidates. Each of them had earnings which were about to be released, which we won't hold into, but yet their chart patterns were still very high-quality. So instead of looking for, say, a 15% move in - [Finding Value in Losing Trades](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/05/07/finding-value-losing-trades/) - This week's Free Newsletter over at TheStockBandit.com discusses the topic of Finding Value in Losing Trades. We all have losing trades, that's just a function of trading. However, as long as we keep them small and manageable, we'll be alright. More importantly, if we can learn to evaluate them properly, we can improve. A loss - [Small-Caps Need Rotation](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/05/06/small-cap-rotation/) - The major market averages have been climbing steadily for some time now, with the large-caps leading the way. The DJIA and S&P 500 have each tacked on big gains in recent weeks, while the NAZ has followed along. Lagging the others is the RUT small-cap index, but it cleared a big hurdle again on Friday - [Protecting the Downside in Trading](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/04/30/protecting-the-downside-trading-stocks/) - This week's Free Newsletter over at TheStockBandit.com discusses the topic of Protecting the Downside in Trading. Every one of us are at times driven by the big emotions that trading the markets inevitably brings, but if we do our job and protect the downside first, the other things will take care of themselves. When I - [Will the Market Rest?](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/04/29/will-market-rest/) - The market indexes have for the most part gotten rather extended in the short-term, with the big-cap averages leading the way. Some quality follow-through since the upside breakout has been very positive to see, but at this point the next best thing could be a rest. Can the buyers stay away for long enough to - [Let the Charts Decide the Next Move](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/04/23/let-charts-decide-next-move/) - This week's Free Newsletter over at TheStockBandit.com discusses the topic of Letting the Charts Decide the Next Move. With the market having made such a big recent move, the bears are jumping out of the woods again to call for a market top. While the odds are against them, the entire process of predicting moves - [One Year Ago This Week - April 21-28, 2006](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/04/21/one-year-ago-late-april-2006/) - Here are a couple of posts in case you missed them from one year ago this week: Ever wonder how much to trade? I took a look at position sizing and point to some quality links from Trader Mike. Here are 5 great reasons why I trade on the CyberTrader Pro platform through my broker, - [Dip-Buyer Domination](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/04/20/dip-buyer-domination/) - The DJIA is going for its 15th up day in the last 16 sessions. That's only 1 losing day in the last 3+ weeks! Have we seen pullbacks? Sure, but they've remained very shallow thanks to one phenomenon: Dip-Buyer Domination. There seems to have been an amazing amount of cash sitting on the sidelines just - [Beware The Mid-Day Mess](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/04/18/beware-mid-day-mess/) - Experienced traders know that a huge amount of the volume on a given trading day is seen in the first hour and the final hour. This isn't too surprising, especially considering the buildup of buy and sell orders which start to pile up after the market closes and continues through the night and into the - [What to Avoid During Earnings Season](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/04/16/earnings-season-what-to-avoid/) - This week's Free Newsletter over at TheStockBandit.com discusses the topic of how What to Avoid During Earnings Season. With the allure of big gaps in price following news, many traders have the urge to game earnings announcements in hopes of a quick score. However, it rarely works out though for those without an edge. So - [Grandmas, Ferraris and Big Profits](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/04/09/grandmas-ferraris-big-profits/) - This week's Free Newsletter over at TheStockBandit.com discusses the topic of how Wider Stops Can Mean Huge Rewards in trading. It's not always easy to give stocks plenty of room to move, but it can pay off huge - especially when you're trading the volatile momentum stocks. TSL is a stock we just caught a - [A Critical Juncture for the Market](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/04/15/critical-market-juncture/) - The market's getting close to a critical juncture here with the late-February gap zone now getting tested and the 52-week highs in the major indexes not far overhead. Will this be the week that things get moving in a quicker fashion? Will the rising wedge patterns be confirmed or negated? Can the indexes reclaim new - [One Year Ago This Week - April 2006](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/04/14/mid-april-2006/) - Here's a handful of posts in case you missed them from one year ago this week: Don't say these 5 Expensive Words! They rarely pay off, and yet we've all said them at times... Is it time to Check Your Rolex? Deciding which kind of trader you should be depends on your timeframe as much - [#1 Advisory Service in S&C Magazine!](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/04/20/stocks-commodities/) - The Bandit Broadcast was just listed as the #1 Advisory Service in Stocks & Commodities magazine! - [Recovering From Losing Trades](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/04/13/recovering-from-losing-trades/) - As traders, we all go through stretches which are not-so-fun! But as they say in other realms of life, it's not how you fall down that counts - it's how you get back up. One of my biggest losing trades came in EPIC a few years ago. The stock had some good momentum and lots - [Tips for Finding Day Trading Candidates](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/04/12/day-trading-candidates/) - With more traders taking a shortened timeframe in recent months, discussions are turning to just what makes for a good day trading (or scalping) candidate. Some scalpers have a handful of stocks they exclusively trade, but if you don't, here's a checklist to run when looking for trades to catch a piece of the action: - [Beware the Double Whammy!](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/04/11/beware-double-whammy/) - Recovery plays are always higher-risk, and while a stock may be closer to $0 than it once was, it can still fall 100% from your entry level. However, there still seems to be some appeal to traders and investors in search of "a good deal." Be sure you know what you're getting into when that's - [Setting Stop Loss Levels and Profit Targets](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/04/03/stop-loss-and-profit-targets/) - The perfect entry is a lot easier to find than the perfect exit. Just look at your last few trades, because while you might be able to pick out a well-defined chart pattern to determine a trade entry, it's never quite as easy to nail the exit. (Which is another reason that cleaner is better - [Trading Plans & Self-Honesty](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/04/02/trading-plans-and-self-honesty/) - This week's Free Newsletter over at TheStockBandit.com discusses the topic of Trading Plans & Self-Honesty in trading. It's hard to argue that knowing yourself is the first step towards developing the right trading plan. Our strengths and weaknesses must all be evaluated when it comes to devising the proper plan for our own trading, so - [Trading Responsibly](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/03/27/trading-responsibly/) - You're not the only trader who falls into bad habits from time to time. Sure, we all will occasionally blow a stop when we get a little overconfident, but I'm not even referring to those kinds of habits..... I'm talking about the ones outside the actual process of trading. Irresponsible trading is in many ways - [Goodness & Greatness in Trading](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/03/26/goodness-and-greatness-trading/) - This week's Free Newsletter over at TheStockBandit.com discusses the topic of Goodness & Greatness in trading. You can be great at just one thing in trading and good at the rest and still find success in the markets. The key is knowing which one thing requires greatness! Knowing how to seek out the plays you - [Trading Chart Patterns: Why Cleaner is Better](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/03/22/trading-chart-patterns/) - Gut feel comes with experience, but the only problem is that it's based on feel. That means that discretionary trades which are based on feel are subject to your moods. So, whether you've been on a hot streak, a cold streak, you're distracted or just plain tired, your trading method itself will vary. We all - [Day Traders Return](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/03/16/day-traders/) - Yes it's true, Day Traders are Making a Comeback on Wall Street! For years there have been quite a few of us, but I suppose the steady uptrend which started last summer and ran for nearly 8 months is part of the reason. Dirt-cheap commissions at direct-access brokerages also contributes to the rise of day - [Changes of Market Character, or Just Emotion?](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/03/15/market-character-emotion/) - It has been an interesting couple of weeks, to say the least! The slow and steady uptrends that traders had grown accustomed to came to an abrupt halt on February 27th, as key uptrend lines were broken to the downside and the indexes started their first meaningful corrective phase in nearly 8 months. The question - [Downside Damage Creates Opportunities](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/03/13/market-selloff-creates-opportunities/) - It all started 2 weeks ago today. The major indexes hit an air pocket after enjoying steady gains for more than 7 months, sending share prices plummeting as key uptrend lines were broken. The landscape changed on that day, and those of us who were paying attention didn't have to pay for it. At TheStockBandit.com, - [Gauging Oversold Conditions](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/03/06/gauging-oversold-conditions/) - This week's Free Newsletter over at TheStockBandit.com discusses the topic of Gauging Oversold Conditions. Just because a bounce is needed doesn't mean that one is imminent, particularly a lasting one. This market is getting short-term oversold, but there will be ample supply overhead (thanks to trapped longs) which could keep trades on the long side - [TeleChart Platinum Sale](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/03/05/telechart-platinum-sale/) - I just received an email from Worden Brothers regarding a 1-week sale for TeleChart Platinum, their real-time charting program. I've been a TeleChart user for 8 years now, and this is the best sale price I've seen on their Platinum version (buy 8 months, get 4 free). It works out to $58 per month if - [Tuesday's Selloff: Cause or Effect?](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/02/28/cause-or-effect/) - This column was originally published today at 12:20pm EST on the Bandit Bulletin, my intraday trading diary over at TheStockBandit.com. It's being republished here as a bonus for TheStockBandit.net readers. For more information on subscribing to TheStockBandit.com, please check out our stock pick service. Tuesday's selloff was huge to say the least, as the major - [When Bulls Become Sellers](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/03/01/when-bulls-become-sellers/) - Tuesday's big decline did more than just damage the technicals of the market. Not only were uptrends broken and bases in individual stocks completely negated with the high-volume drop, but there was a major shift in the psychology of the bulls. For more than 7 months now, every single dip has been a good buying - [Support and Resistance Role Reversals](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/02/26/support-and-resistance-reversals/) - As traders, we all know that things can quickly change, especially in the market. A good level for buying today might be a better level for selling next week - you just never know so you have to pay attention! This week's Free Newsletter over at TheStockBandit.com discusses the topic of Support and Resistance Role - [Being Right vs. Making Money](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/12/03/being-right-vs-making-money/) - We're all pretty much on the same page when it comes to the two topics of being right vs. making money, but there's only 1 key concept to put into practice in order to make the 2nd overcome the 1st...... - [Two Freebies to Start 2007 Right](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/01/02/two-freebies/) - It's the start of a brand new trading year, so why not kick it off with a pair of freebies? Be sure to check out this week's Free Newsletter where I discuss trading goals (just in time). I talk a lot here about having some direction in trading, and .... - [Trading on the Winning Team](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/01/16/winning-team/) - I'm an independent person and I love to do things my way. Many of us do! But when trying to make our way in the market, we can't ignore the importance of being on the right side of things, and that means going with the flow. Trading on the winning team is far and away - [Potential Market Shifts](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/01/21/potential-market-shifts/) - As traders, we always have to stay aware of our surroundings. Ideally, we're seeking to maintain an edge on our competition, and that means trying to determine with some degree of accuracy what may happen next. I'm no fortune-teller and I never make market predictions, so instead I constantly ask a handful of questions regarding - [Profit Targets: One or Two?](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/01/29/profit-targets/) - I am a big proponent of planning trades as thoroughly as possible before getting in. I prefer to set my stops in one place and exit the trade all at once if I am wrong, but taking profits is another topic. At times, one profit target makes sense. Other times call for multiple profit targets. - [Realities of Trading](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/02/06/trading-realities/) - Hope your trading is off to a good start this week! Wanted to give you a heads-up on this week's free newsletter over at TheStockBandit.com for my thoughts on 3 very basic but important realities of trading. I feel strongly that the acceptance of these principles can not only smooth out the equity curve of - [Trading With Indicators](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/02/12/trading-indicators/) - Hope you made some jingle today to start off your week on a profitable note! Just wanted to let you know that this week's free newsletter is up over at TheStockBandit.com. This week I discuss Trading With Indicators, along with a few pointers for when and how to use them. Price is always the most - [Trading With Patience](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/02/19/trading-with-patience/) - I'm a pretty impatient person, and that doesn't always serve me well! When it comes to cutting losses, it is great. When it comes to speeding tickets or losing patience with a trade, it is less than ideal! This week's Free Newsletter over at TheStockBandit.com discusses the topic of Trading With Patience, so check it - ["Knight" Writer](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/02/13/knight-writer/) - I am humbled and honored to now be a member of Don Worden's Roundtable of Knights Who Think for Themselves. Tonight when I made my final TeleChart download, I saw that I have been dubbed "Sir Psychological Capital" by Mr. Worden! As I've noted before, Mr. Worden often presents submitted notes from TeleChart Users along - [Trading Lessons & Worden TeleChart](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/02/08/trading-lessons-worden-telechart/) - In my previous post, I discussed the importance of learning from our trading mistakes to become better traders, citing one way we learn at TheStockBandit.com is through the Trade of the Week lesson. In this post, I want to show you a way to learn more from trades of your past - by keeping them - [Proper Positioning for Traders](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/02/07/proper-positioning-traders/) - Toddo wrote a great article over at MarketWatch that I highly recommend reading. His 5 points of proactive thoughts on how to position yourself properly in today's market is a quick read that we all stand to benefit from. Check it out, even if you only skim! Jeff White President, The Stock Bandit, Inc. www.TheStockBandit.com - [Trading Intentions vs. Trading Actions](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/02/01/trading-intentions-vs-actions/) - We're all weak from time to time! Even the most disciplined suffer from moments of weakness. But, it's how we learn from those moments that will determine our growth. Case in point: The other day I was heating up some leftovers from Macaroni Grill. It wasn't enough for 2 servings, but it was more than - [Day Trading: The CNBC Debate](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/01/27/day-trading-cnbc/) - As I watched CNBC's clip on the return of day trading Friday, I was entertained by the banter. On one side was Trey Robinson, an acquaintance of mine from CyberTrader who just happens to be the Director of Business Development (who would possibly know more about the scope of traders in the market today?). On - [When To Use Line Charts](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/01/25/line-charts/) - Most of us use bar charts or candlestick charts, but you don't see a lot of line charts these days. The reason why is that a line chart is generally drawn using only the closing level of a stock, so it paints the end result and leaves out a lot of the "noise" along the - [Slow Movers Can Be Steady](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/01/22/ascending-triangle-pattern-iaci/) - Every stock moves differently than the next, and a big part of trading well includes matching your personality with the personalities of the stocks you trade. After all, if you're an impatient type-A person, you're probably not trading MSFT because the thing moves so slowly. On the other hand, you may like the slow and - [Trading Articles](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/01/11/trading-articles/) - I just wanted to give you a heads-up regarding all of my archived trading articles. There has always been a full list of them available over at TheStockBandit.com (more than 150 articles), and along with the chart patterns page, it's one of the most heavily bookmarked pages of the site. But now they're all arranged - [3 Signs You're Trading Too Big](https://thestockbandit.net/2007/01/09/trading-too-big-2/) - Are You Trading Too Big? The market tends to expose our every weakness. Whether it’s emotional extremes, a lack of preparation, or simply being stubborn, trading will reveal your Achilles’ heel! One common mistake we all make from time to time is trading too large of a position. This may be the case when an - [Tuesday T-Shirt Trivia!](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/03/14/tshirt-trivia-1/) - As part of my ongoing effort to clothe homeless traders, I'm starting a weekly fun segment.... - [Slay Your Trading Giants](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/08/09/trading-giants/) - They are waiting for you when you wake up. Or maybe they kept you from sleeping entirely. They’ll come around before the opening bell, and they may not leave when the closing bell rings. If you don’t skip a trade because of them, then you sure might hear them after your order gets filled. - [The Slow Drift](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/09/29/slow-drift/) - The indexes are inching higher but not at a thrilling pace. I wouldn't want to be short..... - [The Best Way to Upgrade Your Hardware](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/12/18/upgrade-hardware/) - Promotions always have a catch, but as far as I can tell, this one doesn't. It's the best way to upgrade your trading hardware (and make the move to a dual display), because it's free with a new account if you visit..... - [Minor Changes Make Major Differences](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/12/13/minor-changes/) - A recent change in my trading approach has made a big difference. It all started when I noticed that .... - [The Welcomed Return of Emotion](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/11/29/emotion-returning/) - This market was due for a good shakeout, and it's already improving the trading environment for us short-term traders..... - [Thank Goodness for Backups!](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/11/13/thanks-for-backups/) - Over the weekend you may have noticed a little disappearing act by TheStockBandit.net for a couple of days. Thanks to resolved server issues and having made regular backups to restore this blog, all is back to normal and it's nice to be back! Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused and hopefully you figured it out if you pulled up the site to see something very different than normal. I'll have something here for you in a day or two but wanted to let you know everything is fully functional again. - [Trading Multiple Positions](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/10/31/trading-multiple-positions/) - Brand new traders are best served by sticking to one trade at a time, but as a trader gains experience, there are certainly some advantages to trading multiple positions.... - [Multiple Timeframe Charting](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/10/23/multiple-timeframe-charting/) - I often run across a stock with a tradable pattern, but a second look will often change my mind.... - [5 IPO's and How to Trade Them](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/10/18/ipo-trading/) - IPO's are making a comeback these days in the market. With the indexes climbing steadily higher, new issues are garnering attention as sexy trading vehicles once again. Back in the day, trading IPO's was a wild ride which everyone wanted in on.... - [Perma-What?](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/10/11/perma-what/) - The market won't trend higher at this rate forever, that is a given..... - [Look Out IB!](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/10/04/look-out-ib/) - Interactive Brokers will have their hands full once CyberTrader implements these new enhancements, and I'm excited about the possibilities of managing trades and orders with the coming features...... - [StockTickr Does it Again](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/09/21/stocktickr-chart-review/) - As many cool features as StockTickr already offers, their latest included feature is an excellent idea which should show value to any trader... - [Gotta Love Second Chances](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/08/07/second-chances/) - Second chances are so nice to get, even if we don't deserve them! If you pay attention in this choppy market environment, you'll often find that you get multiple chances to get into a trade (and profit).... - [Keep it in Perspective](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/08/01/perspective/) - Toddo's excellent post at MarketWatch is a great reminder to keep the game in perspective.... - [One-Question Interview at StockTickr: Lessons I've Learned in the Downtrend](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/07/26/one-question-interview-stocktickr/) - Big thanks to Dave over at StockTickr for his One-Question Interview with yours truly.... - [It's A Fine Line](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/07/17/fine-line/) - I was reading this article on trading with conviction recently and it got me thinking about..... - [How I Use Worden's TeleChart 2007](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/07/11/telechart-my-routine/) - I just reviewed Worden's TeleChart in my last post. Now I'll shed some light on how I actually use the product from day to day, and why it's such a valuable tool for my trading style....... - [Worden's TeleChart and TCNet](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/07/10/worden-telechart-review/) - I'm a huge fan of Worden's charting software, and I've been a user of it for 8 years, and it's a truly amazing product. Needless to say, I'm not going anywhere! Let's take a look at some of the features of Worden's charting program..... - [Why Upside Has Been Limited](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/06/28/limited-upside/) - Lately we've seen occasional bounces with flashes of brilliance, but the upside has been significantly limited. Let's look at the dynamic of how this happens...... - [Great Equipment Won't Make You Great](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/06/21/great-equipment/) - Every year in the golf world, newer and better equipment is revealed to make the game easier to play. Trading is similar in that each year, new ... - [Like it or not...](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/06/22/like-it-or-not/) - Maybe you took up trading to make some extra money or start a new career. Maybe you took up golf to pass some free time and enjoy the outdoors in a relaxed setting. Like it or not, you're going to learn something in them both!... - [Miss 'em Close!](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/06/20/miss-close/) - In golf, it's not how good your hits are but rather how well you miss it... - [Grind it Out](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/06/20/grind-it-out/) - Spending every day at the golf course might have meant lots of long, hot hours in the sun, but it didn't mean that I had my best game every time I showed up. Some days.... - [Always Room to Improve](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/06/19/room-to-improve/) - There is a fine line between being picky and searching out ways to do better... - [Embrace Your Own Style](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/06/18/embrace-your-style/) - Taking note of someone else's technique can help to improve your own, but remember to embrace your own style. - [Practicing is Different Than Playing](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/06/17/practicing-isnt-playing/) - Lots of beginning traders will attempt to "make money" on demo mode and expect to be able to take their method into the market with real dollars and achieve the same results, but ..... - [Expectations Can Be Harmful](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/06/15/expectations-can-be-harmful/) - Facing the first fairway or the start of a new trading month inevitably brings us to expect something from ourselves... - [Be Honest With Yourself](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/06/15/be-honest/) - When evaluating your results, be mature about it.... - [It's Not How, It's How Many](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/06/14/how-many/) - They say on the scorecard in golf that there's not enough room to draw a picture, only a number.... - [Have a Routine](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/06/14/have-a-routine/) - When you're able to concentrate on the things within your control, everything else becomes a blur.... - [Conservative Confidence](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/06/14/conservative-confidence/) - The idea is to select a conservative strategy which will allow you to confidently execute it.... - [Perfection Isn't Required](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/06/13/perfection/) - Bob Rotella wrote the best.... - [One Shot (Trade) at a Time](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/06/12/one-shot/) - It's easy to say and hard to to! Golf is ideally played one shot at a time, taking each individual opportunity as one occasion to hit a shot you've practiced. Trading is so similar!... - [Trading & Golf Series - Introduction](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/06/12/trading-golf-intro/) - Trading and Golf are two of my biggest passions, and I've spent many years improving my skills in both endeavors. Each of them teach similar lessons on a regular basis, so I figured why not point some of them out! - [Headed for the Beach!](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/06/01/beach-time/) - I've talked before about not trading, but it's time for me to do that for a different reason - VACATION!... - [StockTickr Trading Journal](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/05/24/stocktickr-pro-review/) - Good money management can mean all the difference in the world when it comes to your trading results... - [Preparation](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/05/21/preparation/) - There's a great post over at Invest2Success Blog about Winning Trader Traits which I wholeheartedly agree with... - [The Other Side of Discipline](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/05/14/taking-profits/) - Riding winners and cutting losers is the ideal way to approach the market, but remember that even the winning trades must be closed out too in order to pay yourself.... - [CyberTrader Client Summit](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/05/12/cybertrader/) - I just wanted to send a big THANKS to the great folks at CyberTrader for inviting me to participate in the first-ever CyberTrader Client Summit last Thursday night and Friday. - [WSJ Online Quote](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/05/08/wsj-quote/) - I sure appreciate the Wall Street Journal Online quoting me in tonight's article, What to Expect From Another Decade Of Investing Online. - [CyberTrader Pro](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/04/25/cybertrader-pro/) - Bar none, it is the most important thing when it actually comes down to placing and monitoring your trades – the trading platform. - [The Learning Curve](https://thestockbandit.net/2005/12/19/learning-curve/) - I had traded for a while on a part-time basis before I walked into my first day trading office at Protrader. I was amazed how much money people were making in there! Two guys my age on that day had each cleared $40k for the day in profits. WOW – how soon can I get - [How Much?](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/04/24/how-much/) - Compounding money has been called the 8th Wonder of the World. It truly is amazing what can be done when you make regular incremental gains. It's no wonder then that successful active trading should include an understanding of the best ways to size positions properly...... - [Masters Trivia Results](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/04/04/masters-trivia-results/) - Congratulations to Jason T. of Scottsdale, AZ for answering all 3 of today's trivia questions correctly! - [Three for Three](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/03/28/trivia-3-results/) - Congratulations to Keith B. of Minneapolis, MN on winning today's trivia.... - [Interview at Stocktickr](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/03/21/stocktickr-interview/) - Here's a big thanks to Stocktickr for the interview with yours truly this week! I hope you can learn something from it. Check it out, and feel free to post questions here on this blog or there below the interview as I'll be happy to answer them. And if you haven't checked out Stocktickr's site - [Coast to Coast, Congrats are in Order!](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/03/21/trivia-2-results/) - Congratulations to Debra O. of Eugene, OR on winning today's trivia! Her fast execution would certainly make her broker very proud! The correct answers were: - [Tuesday T-Shirt Trivia Two](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/03/21/trivia-2/) - One of the nice things about trading is that you can wear a t-shirt and jeans every day. But, wearing part of this morning's Krispy Kreme jelly doughnut blowout doesn't look too pretty. Win today's trivia and get yourself a replacement! - [Attention Topless Traders!](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/03/20/trivia-2-announce/) - Don't miss Tuesday T-Shirt Trivia at www.TheStockBandit.net tomorrow at 11am ET! - [Trading Your Personality](https://thestockbandit.net/2005/12/12/trading-personality/) - It’s been said too many times to count - that you must trade according to your personality. In the movies they might call it “being true to yourself” or something cheesy, but it’s a necessity in this job. Recently I was asked which chart patterns I prefer to trade, continuation chart patterns or reversal chart - [The Results Are In!](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/03/14/trivia-1-results/) - Congratulations to D.M. of Chapel Hill, NC for winning the first ever T-Shirt Trivia at TheStockBandit.net! The correct answers were: - [Seeing the Future?](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/03/09/crystal-ball/) - Although we might accurately predict the next move of a stock or the market itself, as traders we must... - [2-Way Street](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/03/03/2-way-street/) - Although this blog has historically been kind of a one-way street with my thoughts going out to you, I’d like to change up the dynamic of it a bit and get some interaction going with you! - [Something for FREE?](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/03/03/market-commentary/) - A few new features have been added to the public pages over at..... - [Stocktickr: Now Open!](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/03/02/stocktickr/) - Stocktickr is a great tool for not only tracking your trades, but also your motives behind them. This great tool is no longer only available by invitation but is now open to everyone.... - [Watch Trades for Clues](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/02/06/trading-clues/) - Some trades are profitable while still offering us clues as to just how well they are working. While our primary objective is to turn a profit with our trades, it is certainly important to monitor the behavior of our trades to do our best to determine what we should expect going forward.... - [What A Breakout Looks Like](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/01/24/stock-breakout/) - Last night in my stock newsletter, I highlighted ICE for a swing trading candidate on the long side if it could make new highs at $48.50. - [Links for a Day Off](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/01/16/day-off/) - With the market closed, it's good to be able to do some catching up. Here's a slew of links I've recently run across which you might find interesting while passing time on a quiet Monday. - [Trade-Ideas Pro](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/01/12/trade-ideas-pro/) - Among the trading tools that I use, Trade-Ideas Pro is right up there among the most important. The folks who run Trade-Ideas are dedicated to providing an excellent product at an affordable price, while making continual improvements and enhancements. - [TradeKing](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/01/10/tradeking/) - Thanks to the kind folks over at TradeKing for featuring my blog this week on their Financial Pulse page! If you haven't checked out their list of blogs you owe it to yourself - it's quite a list! - [2006 In The House](https://thestockbandit.net/2006/01/02/2006/) - It's been nice to have a break from the market the past 10 days or so, and now I'm ready to get back to the action. Hope your holidays were as great as mine! Market chatter will resume tomorrow, but for now here's a handful of links I ran across since my last post that - [GOOG - Big Move Potential](https://thestockbandit.net/2005/12/22/goog-high-flyer/) - I’ve day traded GOOG a lot in the past week. It’s got great volume and moves a lot every day. The beauty of it is that I can be wrong several times in it, taking small losses each time, and then catch one move and make back much more than I may have lost, even - [Trading Goals – 5 Steps Toward Reaching Them](https://thestockbandit.net/2005/12/16/trading-goals/) - With New Year’s rapidly approaching, most of us will take the time to review 2005 and make at least a mental list of what we’d like to accomplish in 2006. It might be your waistline that you choose to focus on, but if it’s trading, here are 5 ideas for making them happen. Be realistic. - [Averaging Down](https://thestockbandit.net/2005/12/15/averaging-down/) - It’s common to hear that as a trader, you should never average down. After all, throwing good money after bad isn’t the best way to come out ahead in the long run. Investors with longer timeframes are happy to see lower prices to allow them to improve their cost basis, but a trader who makes - [The Do-Not-Trade List](https://thestockbandit.net/2005/12/13/do-not-trade/) - In the world of small inconveniences, few things are worse than getting caught by some telemarketer at 7:05pm just after sitting down to some Pei Wei spicy chicken. I loved the introduction of the “do-not-call” list, and I quickly added my numbers to it. Similarly, I’ve almost always had a “do-not-trade” list. There’s a ton - [Diversification for Traders](https://thestockbandit.net/2005/12/09/diversification-trader/) - They send me junk all the time, as if I really care. Those long-term accounts of mine are magnets for the endless supply of “investment” idea brochures and write-ups. It’s all about diversification, they say. But I’m a trader! Can I still diversify? YES, and I should. But it isn’t the same. It’s not about - [Selling Your Stock - When and Why](https://thestockbandit.net/2005/12/08/selling-stock/) - There’s another side to look at. It’s not all about buying. It’s not all about knowing where the entry is and when you should get in. Trading well doesn’t just come down to some timing indicators that tell you when to get long. To make money in this game, you’ve got to sell, and you’ve - [Trading Without Emotion](https://thestockbandit.net/2005/12/07/trading-without-emotion/) - Making and losing money in the blink of an eye while trading evokes all sorts of emotions. It’s so easy to get excited when a trade develops exactly like your plan. It’s equally easy to get frustrated and mad when a stock goes the wrong way and you know another trader is collecting on your - [Downtrending Stocks - Don't Buy!](https://thestockbandit.net/2005/12/06/downtrending-stocks/) - Everyone wants a great deal. If you don't think so, just consider the day-after-Thanksgiving sales with people lined up outside the stores at 5am to buy merchandise on sale. We want things now and we want them cheap! When it comes to stocks, however, I know better. They say to buy low and sell high. ## Pages - [About Jeff White](https://thestockbandit.net/about-jeff-white/) - I'm Jeff White, the founder of TheStockBandit.com, a subscription-based stock pick website catering to active traders. I started trading back in 1998, and I'm a full-time independent trader for my own account. I love the market! Here on my blog, I discuss trading topics and concepts of all kinds. One day I might discuss chart - [Contact](https://thestockbandit.net/contact/) - For general information: - Visit TheStockBandit Facebook page - Follow @TheStockBandit on Twitter - Find Jeff White on Google+ If information regarding our products or services, please visit TheStockBandit.com. We look forward to trading with you. We may be reached by mail at: TheStockBandit, Inc. 1224 N. Hwy 377 Suite 303-240 Roanoke, TX 76262 Thanks - [Trading Links](https://thestockbandit.net/trading-links/) - These trading links continue to be beneficial to me and I hope you also find them useful! Trading Books: Useful Trading Links: Stock Market Articles Trading Books - Recommended Reading for Trading Chart Pattern Recognition Yahoo Finance Stocktickr Stock/Trading Blog Sources: Kirk Report StockBlogs.com SeekingAlpha.com Phat Investor Stock Market Blogs Bannronn's Online Trading Blog Index - [Archives](https://thestockbandit.net/archives/) - Here you can click the relevant links to all articles sorted by month. - [Subscribe](https://thestockbandit.net/subscribe/) - Subscribe to TheStockBandit.net! https://feeds.feedburner.com/Thestockbanditnet Subscribe by Email Powered by FeedBlitz Get the latest content from TheStockBandit.net delivered right to your inbox, 100% SPAM-FREE! I personally promise that I will never give away, share, trade, or sell your email address to anybody at any time. - [Trading & Golf Series](https://thestockbandit.net/trading-golf-series/) - Welcome to my Trading & Golf Series! Many traders like myself are golfers, and the similarities between the two are numerous. This series is intended to point out a few similarities I've found and lessons which apply to both endeavors. I don't know all there is to know about either one, but I've spent quite - [Great Expectations Series](https://thestockbandit.net/great-expectations-series/) - Welcome to the Great Expectations Series for Traders! Every one of us has expectations we place on our trading, but how often do we really stop to examine them? I think our goals are paramount to good trading, but it's our expectations which help to define those goals. Over the course of the next several ## Categories - [Technical Analysis](https://thestockbandit.net/category/technical-analysis/) - [Trading Psychology](https://thestockbandit.net/category/trading-psychology/) - [Announcements](https://thestockbandit.net/category/announcements/) - [Chart Reviews](https://thestockbandit.net/category/chart-reviews/) - [Market Commentary](https://thestockbandit.net/category/market-commentary/) - [Trading Tips](https://thestockbandit.net/category/trading-tips/) - [Trade Management](https://thestockbandit.net/category/trade-management/) - [Tools of the Trade](https://thestockbandit.net/category/tools-of-the-trade/) - [Book Reviews](https://thestockbandit.net/category/book-reviews/) - [Offbeat](https://thestockbandit.net/category/offbeat/) - [T-Shirt Trivia](https://thestockbandit.net/category/t-shirt-trivia/) - [Trading & Golf Series](https://thestockbandit.net/category/trading-golf-series/) - [Day Trading](https://thestockbandit.net/category/day-trading/) - [chart patterns](https://thestockbandit.net/category/chart-patterns/) - [Trading Videos](https://thestockbandit.net/category/trading-videos/) - [Swing Trading](https://thestockbandit.net/category/swing-trading/) - [Trader Development](https://thestockbandit.net/category/trader-development/) ## Tags - [Volatility](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/volatility/) - [Stock Market](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/stock-market/) - [Confidence](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/confidence/) - [Cash](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/cash/) - [Capital Preservation](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/capital-preservation/) - [Downtrend](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/downtrend/) - [Trading Range](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/trading-range/) - [Opinions](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/opinions/) - [Market Conditions](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/market-conditions/) - [Capitulation](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/capitulation/) - [Investing](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/investing/) - [DJIA](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/djia/) - [SP500](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/sp500/) - [NASDAQ](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/nasdaq/) - [SEC Fees](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/sec-fees/) - [Twitter](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/twitter/) - [Trade-Ideas](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/trade-ideas/) - [P&L](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/pl/) - [Losing](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/losing/) - [Jeff White](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/jeff-white/) - [Trader Interview](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/trader-interview/) - [Attitude](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/attitude/) - [Testing](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/testing/) - [Position Size](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/position-size/) - [Adaptation](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/adaptation/) - [Momentum](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/momentum/) - [Reversals](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/reversals/) - [Short Selling](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/short-selling/) - [Indexes](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/indexes/) - [Correction](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/correction/) - [Trading Education](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/trading-education/) - [Webinar](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/webinar/) - [StockFinder](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/stockfinder/) - [Watch Lists](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/watch-lists/) - [Organization](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/organization/) - [Trading Strategies](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/trading-strategies/) - [Overbought](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/overbought/) - [Oversold](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/oversold/) - [Parabolic Uptrend](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/parabolic-uptrend/) - [Risk](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/risk/) - [Stop Loss](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/stop-loss/) - [Trailing Stop](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/trailing-stop/) - [Charles Kirk](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/charles-kirk/) - [Time Stop](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/time-stop/) - [AAPL](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/aapl/) - [Bearish Engulfing](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/bearish-engulfing/) - [H Pattern](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/h-pattern/) - [options](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/options/) - [Commissions](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/commissions/) - [Trading Gaps](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/trading-gaps/) - [Fear](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/fear/) - [Probability](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/probability/) - [Relative Strength](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/relative-strength/) - [Swing Trading](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/swing-trading/) - [Day Trading](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/day-trading/) - [Trading Videos](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/trading-videos/) - [Trading Psychology](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/trading-psychology/) - [chart patterns](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/chart-patterns/) - [Technical Analysis](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/technical-analysis/) - [Chart Reviews](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/chart-reviews/) - [Trader Development](https://thestockbandit.net/tag/trader-development/)