As we have mentioned previously in my blog some have emailed me with concerns that program trading will rule trading soon. The market will never displace the disciplined independent trader. What is certain is that programs mandate that you adjust your trading and more selectively choose your entry points. Let’s take a look at ELN from yesterday to illustrate this … Read More
Just Trade
There was a bunch of chatter on our desk before the Close about a dead market. DQ, a solid young trader, was complaining, “The energy stocks stopped moving. They don’t move that well after 2:30. Nothing is movin.” I remarked, “So take a look at some of the financials, young fella.” MER was sitting there at 25, bobbing and weaving … Read More
Scalping
Scalping is an important trading technique for new traders to learn. Yesterday was a great example for why. But let me take a step back. Every so often we get a cocky young student who strides into my office and asks direct questions. The last young such kid started with, “do you just teach scalping techniques?” A perfectly legitimate question. … Read More
SMB Training Program Recognized
Well today was a proud day for me and my partner. Dr. Steenbarger, one of the top three trading coaches in the country, wrote a very nice blog about our training program (http://traderfeed.blogspot.com/2008/07/training-successful-traders-new-breed.html). Steve, GMan and I worked very hard to develop our training program and it is a great honor to be mentioned by Dr. Steenbarger. On our desk I always describe … Read More
Blackboxes/Algorithms Nothing to Fear
I received a GChat message from a future trader, Carter, who was interested in the impact of blackboxes or algorithms on intraday trading. I have heard Carter’s concerns from other future traders. Some believe that blackboxes will rule trading and eliminate the intraday trader. A few thoughts: 1) I have heard this argument for the past 5 years and I … Read More
Plays to Add Size
One of our traders, CBA, made a chop in HON into the Close. And even better CBA got me into the play as well. I like that excellent communication at SMB Capital. CBA is a conscientious trader. He watches tapes of his trading over the weekend (I saw him this very Saturday watching such tapes in our office), keeps a … Read More
She Just Might Say Yes
Steve and I went to our 20th high school reunion last night. A few things: 1) they served chocolate chip cookies for dessert and I ate as many as I could until there were no more (delicious!); 2) I witnessed another great example of she just might say yes. For those on our prop desk in NYC she just might say yes … Read More
Earnings Season Has Begun
Our playoffs have begun- earnings season. This is the time where we as prop traders make most of our money because there is so much price action. Interestingly, there has been tremendous price action in the financials and energy sector recently before these playoffs. Hence a dilimena. What to trade? Do we stick with the energy and finacials stocks that … Read More