Day trading is risky business. But like any other form of business, there are ways to prevent losses. One of them is by having a definite trading plan. And in order to have a definite plan, you need to know trading systems and how they operate.
The first question that comes to mind is: what are trading systems? These are sets of rules that affect the way one trades. These systems have been tested and proven for many years, making it an effective tool in making day trading choices. If you use the systematic approach, decisions are based not on your gut or discretion but on the system itself.
What benefits does the use of trading system have? For one, it is something that can be measured. Unlike discretionary systems which cannot be quantified, the rules for this system are rather clear and well-defined.
Also, trading systems, when used properly, can help minimize losses. For as long as you follow the plan by heart, losses can be eliminated.
With the systematic approach, you are also able to control emotions that may seriously affect the way you trade. Because you rely on the system and not on your heart or emotions, decisions are more likely to be logical and sound than when you use your own judgment.
Use of this system also gives you peace of mind, which is not possible if you are using the discretionary approach. Because the system has been tried and tested in the past, then, chances are it will still work at present. And since it has been proven to make money before, then most likely you will also earn money now if you use the same system.
Because the system does the thinking for you, you now have more time to do other things than to think of strategies or plans on every transactions made. Use of trading systems may seem boring because it takes out the mind-challenging aspect of trading, but on the other hand you can now do things other than trade.
However, one setback of these trading systems is the unreliability of data. While these systems may provide us with in-depth information on market trends and the like, how the system came up with such figures may be questionable. Nonetheless, there are more advantages for systematic trading compared to discretionary trading, making it a more effective tool in day trading.