A Major Stock Market Trade Mistake You Shouldn't Make PDF Print E-mail
Written by Reece Mathews   
Sunday, 02 May 2010 15:10
You'll never run out of stock market trade methods to consider. Even with the best systems available to most traders however, some still fail to make significant profits. Many failing traders share one mistake that has cost them their fortunes. If you don't want to lose yours, you need to be able to know what this mistake is and keep away from it.
by ReeceMathews


You'll never run out of stock market trade methods to consider. Even with the best systems available to most traders however, some still fail to make significant profits. Many failing traders share one mistake that has cost them their fortunes. If you don't want to lose yours, you need to be able to know what this mistake is and keep away from it.

The mistake that investors make is the overwhelming focus that they put on entry indicators. Some believe incorrectly that they can identify a fantastic indicator that can unlock the key to a faultless entry. In their minds, they entertain the possibility that this indicator can get them into the beginning of an upward trend and can tell them when to head for the exit door.

In reality, there is no flawless indicator for the ideal trade entry. Investors who continue thinking that there is, are on the track to losing. In all honesty, a number of traders who make this fatal mistake are already aware that there is no perfect indicator. The reason why they still hope and pray that there is one is the feeling of control that they derive out of pulling the entry point trigger. This initial control is a psychological element that makes them believe that they will continue exerting influence over the trading process even when the trend takes a turn for the worse.

There is of course, always a chance that you can be right on the mark with your entry point. You shouldn't lead yourself to think though that you will maintain control over every aspect of a stock market trade. As most sensible traders already know, the stock market does not play favorites and will not consult you when it makes a move.

It goes without saying that planning your point of entry remains a vital component of trading systems. You should know though that a good entrance is not the most crucial part of a trade. Good profits don't just come from well-timed entries. They also come from timely exits and sensible cash management guidelines.

If you look at the bigger picture, entry points, exit points and risk management are the components of a trading plan. Many specialists give importance to entry and exit points but put more focus on defining risk management rules.

The concept isn't always easy for stock market trade neophytes to understand. It is not however as complicated as some would imagine. Money management is alternatively known as risk management. This is because it is a system of determining just what level or amount of risk you are willing to take on. Once you know the kind of losses you can endure, you will find it easier to expand your potential to profit from the market.

Many things are involved in managing risk. It's easy to think at first that all you need is to identify how much cash you are willing to let go of. Real comprehensive risk management plans however also put under consideration such factors as trading float, stops and trade size.

In summary, you shouldn't put too much effort into looking for the perfect trade entry. Although this factor is important, you should put more effort into creating a sensible risk management plan. This is the best way to make sure you will often be happy with the trades that you perform.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.