Tier Size

BellaMike Bellafiore's (Bella's) Blogs, Trading TheoryLeave a Comment

The last few days have been a bit slow after the Open.  We must adjust.  One adjustment I make on such trading days is to lower my tier size after the Open.

I traded HPQ on the Open (chart below).  It held 45 and made a nice upmove to 45.25 where it was met with resistance.  After a struggle at 25c it made a nice upmove to 65c, where HPQ failed.  HPQ reversed and traded down to 45.06.  And then it traded back to 55c.  There were some nice moves to catch on the Open.  I was trading with about 2-3k shares.

But now its the midday.  And I must make some adjustments.  My tier size will be cut in half.  And I will only wait for important levels.  For HPQ that is above 45.65 and at 45.  There is no money in gaming the stock in between these prices.

On the Open I trade with the most size.  During the midday I trade with the least size.  And into the Close I trade with less size than the Open but more than midday.  When it is slow I lower my tier size.  If I am trading a volatile stock I lower my tier size.

Trading is a game of math.  I lower my tier size when statistically my chances of a profitable trade diminish.  And I know exactly the times and markets when my trading stats are not as good as others.  So I lower my tier size.

I will be alert into the Close.  But I will trade with less size.  If I find a stock that is play into the Close then I will raise my tier size only after becoming comfortable while trading it.  Think about making these adjustments to your trading.

Good luck into the Close.

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