Finding Your Trading Edge

Posted: Aug 09, 2010 |Comments: 0 |

The winning traders are not ones who have never lost. To be a winner in trading game, you have to think in terms of long run. Hence, if you want to be one of winners, you have to find trading methods that work over the long run what is known in gambling as an edge.

By thinking in terms of long run, one question that you ask yourself is "What happens if I keep doing this?"
If there is more chance to win the game, it is a positive expectation game while the negative expectation is vice versa. The negative expectation game is the one that you have more chance to lose.
An edge refers to one's systematic advantage over an opponent. Without an edge in games of chance, you will lose money in long run.

So, what about your trading? Consider your trading method, what happens if you keep using it? If it will give you profits over long run. That means you are trading with an edge.

To find your trading edge, you need to locate entry points where give you greater than normal probability that market will move in the same direction with your trades and within your desired time frame. Besides entry strategy, as I have always mentioned that good trades also comprise of exit strategy. Therefore you have to pair the designed entry with an exit strategy in order to maximize your edge.

Entry strategy must be paired with appropriated exit strategy. Thus, trend-following entry strategies can be paired with many different types of trend-following exit strategies. Also, swing trading entries can be paired with many different types of swing exit strategies and so on.

Elements of an Edge

To get more understanding of an edge, let's dig further into the components that make up the edge for a trading system. The following are the elements of an edge described by Curtis M. Faith in his book "Way of the Turtle".

Portfolio selection: The algorithms that select which markets are valid for trading on any specific day

Entry signals: The algorithms that determine when to buy or sell to enter a trade

Exit signals: The algorithms that determine when to buy or sell to exit a trade

It is possible for an entry signal to have an edge that is significant for the short term but not for the medium term or long term. So, find the signals that give you an edge to your trading styles, personality and money management.

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/day-trading-articles/finding-your-trading-edge-2997550.html

    Article Tags:

    trading edge

    ,

    exit strategy

    ,

    trading methods

    ,

    entry strategy

    ,

    turtle trading

    ,

    trading system

    There are four central concepts which should be part of every trading approach. They are Trade with the trend, Cut losses short, Let profits run, and Manage risk. You should make sure your strategy includes each of these necessities for success.

    By: Harry Robinsonl Finance> Investingl May 24, 2011

    The growing Indian market is attracting investors on the ground of the promising and assured return. The online trading is very popular these days and most of the people prefer it for quick money.

    By: Capitalaiml Finance> Day Tradingl May 26, 2012

    Learn the fundamentals of committing cash in Stocks, Ties, Common resources, Merchandise, Actual estate We create Getting Inventory Industry straightforward for you with a comprehensive guide to committing. Any effective stock market buyer must be acquainted with the fundamentals of stock market committing.

    By: wellindiaarticlel Finance> Day Tradingl May 24, 2012

    Online share trading is one of the most popular financial markets in the world today; however, any people are hesitant in starting due to not knowing a lot about it. This article will help explain what online share trading is all about, how you can get involved for a low initial investment and what to consider before, during and after trading.

    By: Tom Robertsl Finance> Day Tradingl May 23, 2012

    The stock market is mostly used to create money. . I am sharing my investment strategy as a retail investor. Most financial experts recommend investors to initially contact a financial advisor. Able to provide advice, it can ensure that the money an investor get a good return or not.

    By: Deeptil Finance> Day Tradingl May 18, 2012

    This article has discussed about the importance of Stop orders. Stop orders act like the life jackets

    By: manasal Finance> Day Tradingl May 18, 2012
    Taro Hideyoshi

    The successful traders love what they are doing. And as long as they can keep on trading, they will be happy.

    By: Taro Hideyoshil Finance> Investingl Feb 25, 2012
    Taro Hideyoshi

    Who are the complete strategy traders and what are the differences between the regular strategy traders and the complete strategy traders?

    By: Taro Hideyoshil Finance> Day Tradingl Feb 11, 2012
    Taro Hideyoshi

    Making more money is not the only reason that strategy trading is a good method in trading. This article will talk about a few benefits of strategy trading.

    By: Taro Hideyoshil Finance> Currency Tradingl Nov 12, 2011
    Taro Hideyoshi

    A key of success for the turtles is Risk management, sometime you will find it called money management or position sizing.

    By: Taro Hideyoshil Finance> Day Tradingl Nov 02, 2011
    Taro Hideyoshi

    A strategy trader trades a strategy which means the strategy trader is restricted by a set of trading rules. These trading rules make up the strategy.

    By: Taro Hideyoshil Finance> Day Tradingl Oct 25, 2011

    Discuss this Article

    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast