During 20 years of active trading experience I have researched, tested, and analyzed a number of trading systems and techniques. Some have shown promising results, some do not. I add tools to my trading toolbox based on their effectiveness. Trading systems are not effective because Aunt Millie or uncle Bob told you about them, they are effective because they work. Most trading systems, are affected by market conditions, volume patterns, and other factors. Using a trading technique that has not been analyzed in different market conditions, or failing to match trading techniques to the current market environment is asking for trouble. Making money in the stock market requires knowledge of what to trade, when to trade, and a variety of trading tools designed for different market conditions. Just as a carpenter will use several different tools when building a house, traders will use different tools to build their account. Using the same trading tool in all situations is like trying to build a house with just a hammer. Carpenters have tools designed for specific jobs, and so should traders. The successful trader has a tool box with a variety of trading tools for use in different market conditions. The trader, like the carpenter, must go beyond just acquiring the tools. Traders must understand which tool to use for a specific task, and have a clear understanding of how the tool works, and what can and cannot be done with it. Some tools, like a screwdriver, are fairly easy to learn how to use. Other tools, like a table saw, require a lot more training and experience to get the most out of. Most carpenters serve an apprentice period where they work with, and learn from, someone with years of experience. It is amazing how many people will just start trading their hard earned money without ‘learning the trade’ first.
The more traders understand exactly how and when their trading patterns work, the more effective use they will be able to make of each tool in the trading toolbox. Back testing does not guarantee future results. There are no guarantees in trading, and no way to know if any particular trade will be profitable or not. Backtesting helps remove some of the emotion, hunches, and unknowns in trading. It can show you how a particular system has performed in different market conditions in the past and what types of filters may be most interesting in prioritizing trading opportunities. Examples of six complete trading systems and how they perform in different market conditions is covered in ‘How to Take Money from the Markets’
Steve is the author of two trading books: “Money-Making Candlestick Patterns, Backtested for Proven Results’, in which he shares backtesting research on popular candlestick patterns and shows what actually works, and what does not. “How to Take Money From the Markets, Creating Profitable Trading Strategies” in which he uses the results of extensive backtesting techniques to smash trading myths and get to the truth of what has worked and what has not. The book provides six fully analyzed and tested trading systems and shows how they have performed in different market conditions. Steve is the publisher of the, ‘Timely Trades Letter’ in which he shares his market analysis and specific trading setups for stocks and ETFs. To receive a sample of the ‘Timely Trades Letter’ send an email to sample@daisydogger.com. Steve’s website:www.daisydogger.com provides additional trading information and market adaptive trading techniques.
