Saturday, January 12, 2008

Know More About Day Trading

Do we really understand the meaning of trading? Many of us don't know and that's the reason why people have depicted stock market as a place, which is more vulnerable for investing. If you talk about day trading, you get the same response from most of the people. Such type of trading is often compared as gambling - where you cannot predict what will happen at the end of the game.

Day trading as the name signifies is a process where buying and selling of stocks is done in the same day before the market closes. Mostly, experienced traders who better understand the market moods do such type of trading. Though it's not a hard and fast rule, but traders need to have a comprehensive knowledge of the stock market. Once you understand the market, you can go for such type of trading.

Internet has made things much easier now -- anyone can enter into the world of trading. Online trading facility today has brought a new vista for traders and anyone can invest and manage funds from any corner of the world. Moreover, online brokers and stock trading companies have further made things easier for stock trading. Open an account today, invest and manage funds from anywhere you like.

However, choosing an online trading company is also one of the major steps and needs a lot of market research. Since all kinds of information are available on the Internet, finding a good company is not that much difficult. Compare some of the major industries - compare their services and choose the one as per your requirement. The company with excellent previous records should be given prime importance. On the other hand, your broker also acts as a key role in your successful trading. Choose the stock broker, who could manage your funds and charge a low commission rate for each transaction.

Everyone knows that trading in stocks is associated with some kind of risks, but one can avoid those subtle risks through a proper research work, and through a comprehensive market analysis. You can follow some important points that are mentioned below:

Trade intelligently: This is the first and foremost point to become a successful trader. You should know when to buy and sell stocks to gain maximum profit. Target those company shares where you can expect growth. Buy and sell stocks on time -- in case the share prices fall suddenly, it is always better to sell shares unless a boom is expected.

Invest in the right direction: Once you start investing, your aim would be to gain maximum profits. However, don't invest all your profits you make from the market. It is always better to invest a proportion of profits and move accordingly. This will help you in maintaining a balance between your principal investment funds and the profits.

Keep you abreast of the market news: Since, day trading is a process of buying and selling of stocks in the same day, therefore, it is important for you to keep in touch with the latest market updates. You can access all such information from the trading Website. Keep an eye on daily

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Day Trading Questions Answered

There is so much information available to traders that sometimes I find it overwhelming or even confusing at times. Since the majority of the available and convenient information is in written form, it makes it difficult to ask questions of the author or the website. And if you do, more often than not you never hear back from them, right? And if you do, so much time has passed that you don't even remember asking the question much less why you asked the question in the first place.

Let's say a trader is not sustaining consistent profits, and his question is "What do I do?" For the answer, you can go to the internet via any number of search engines; you can go to the book store and/or library to find out how to establish consistent profits; you might even go to some seminars and courses to find the answer. If you're really on top of things, you might even ask your trading mentor.

It's a pretty broad question, but for as many traders that might be asking this question, there's probably just as many answers. Why? Because there are a number of moving parts that are necessary for sustaining consistent profits, and depending on where you are in your trading development, the answer can be different and vary for each trader. Integral components to the answer may include your trading plan, your trading style, strategies, and more.

The point is, you might "kinda sorta" find an answer to your question, but you may also find out relatively quickly that it is not necessarily customized to your current needs. To add to that, the answer to that question today may very well be an entirely different one if you ask the same question a year from now. The truth is, you need an affordable avenue for asking questions and getting direct, immediate feedback customized to your current needs and situation.

Well, I'm happy to report that there is a solution to this sometimes "path to nowhere" when it comes to answering your trading questions. Trading Everyday has launched a new FREE mini-series of seminars called "Day Trading Questions Answered". It is probably only one of very few seminars available without an agenda because the it is determined by you, the trader. Traders send their questions in advance or they can ask them when they join the seminar. The entire 90 minutes is dedicated to answering only those questions that traders bring to the table. Nothing more, nothing less. How refreshing is that?

So if you've had those nagging trading questions that you can't seem to find the answer to, you might want to consider registering for one of the sessions. Even if you don't have any questions, my bet is that you'll learn from the questions that other traders ask. It's free. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Concept of Moving Average

About my own experience, I strongly advise getting some education before you trade. Trading is an entirely learned skill. Having dedication for the markets is most important.

Moving averages are drawn for smoothening of the Charts. They smooth out the short- term wiggles to help the Trend make more clear. Short averages are used to measure or smooth short-term Trends and Longer averages are used to measure or smooth longer-term trends.

Moving averages may be : -

1. Simple

2. Weighted

3. Exponential

Simple Averages -------

The most basic is the Simple Moving Averages which takes the Prices from the previous user defined number of periods, sums them up and divides the summation by the number of Periods.

The average is overlaid on the Price Chart and Crossovers between the average and the underlying Prices are observed. When Prices are rising they are usually above the average. As long as Price remains above he average, there is strength in the market. When prices cross below the average it means that the market no longer expects to continue higher, at least temporarily. The more market participants taking this new view, the higher volume will be and the better signal.

Since an average smooths out of volatility, it serves as a proxy for the trend itself. Thus, along with an Up-trend, the average also turns up and vice versa. Market is strong when along with the Price Chart, average also starts rising. And the market is weak when along with the Price average starts falling.

There is no perfect number to use for a Moving average. Traders use it ranging from 5 DMA to 200 DMA and the same with weekly moving average. Its often provide support to prices in an Up-trend and resistance to prices in a down-trend. It works best should be selected by a "Trial and Error" method and depends on the time-frame you want to trend.

Sometimes, two or three or more moving averages are used for the purpose of Trading. The averages selected should depend on the time-frame of Trading. When the shorter- time moving average/averages move above the longer-term one, Traders can go along. Conversely, when the longer-term moving average goes below the Shorter-term moving average Traders can go short.

For Longer time-frame 30 DMA and 200 DMA are generally very useful.

For Intermediate trend 13, 20 and 30 DMA are great.

For Short-term trend determination, 5 DMA is excellent.

TRY IT YOURSELF.

To trade well, the correct state of mind is very important.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Day Trading Is Not Necessarily More Trading

In a recent trading session I was poised to take an entry for a nice looking short trade, but the pattern I was looking for never completed and the entry order was not triggered. I waited for a while, thinking that an opportunity to the long side might develop. However, none of the trading setups I look for appeared. Eventually I decided to pack it in and enter a no-trade-day in the books.

On average, this seems to happen to me on about one trading session each week.

Now, there is a perception that day traders are frequent traders, in and out of the market several times per session. Some are, but I am not. In the past, over-trading has been a problem for me, so I have very strict rules about it. I limit myself strictly to one planned trade per day, and if one of my trading patterns does not appear, I pass on the session.

This policy does some good things for me:

  • I do not rack up excessive commission fees.
  • I do not revenge trade, trying to get even for the day after a loser. (This almost always results in emotional trading on inferior setups.)
  • I do not give my profits back after a win.
  • I am careful about choosing the trade I make (because it is the only chance I am getting today!)
  • Since the majority of opportunities occur near the open, I am usually finished trading early in the session.

Most successful day traders I know do pretty much the same thing, day in, day out. Their trading methodology is boringly repetitive. They have found an edge, something which works for them, and they exploit it at every opportunity.

In my case, I look for certain setups or chart patterns to occur within a defined time period. If they do not occur, I place no trade in that session. Of course, by cutting short the period in which I am prepared to look for trades, and by limiting myself to one trade each day, I let quite a number of opportunities pass me by.

For me, this is worthwhile, not only for the reasons listed above but also for the sense of discipline and well being I get from a fixed, routine approach to the job. (Also, I know that for every opportunity missed, there will be another tomorrow!)

In my type of day trading, I probably end up taking only a few more trades than a medium term position trader. However, as my typical trades have durations of minutes as opposed to days for the position trader, my exposure to event risk in the market is much lower. This is a really important point for a conservative soul like myself.

The point to take from this is that day trading does not have to mean more trading. Quality is definitely more important than quantity. Inevitably the shorter time horizons of the day trader throw up more opportunities than fall to the longer term trader, but you do not necessarily have to take them all. Pick signals which fit your routine and maximize your winning Expectancy.

Monday, January 7, 2008

Online Stock Market Trading - Stock Trading At Finger Tips

Claims that online stock trading may be unsafe and revealing can be misleading, according to millions of users all over the world. Undoubtedly Internet trading has waved a special place in the lives of investors all over the world. Not only does it saves time but also tends to maximize the comforts of other investors. Now day traders and other investors can continue working their jobs and take care of the invested savings at one time. All they need is a PC to work and a registration with a registered online brokerage firm.

These firms are sheer at providing access to stock exchange and get tips for investing in stocks from time to time. Once an investor gets registered, the blues and reds of stock exchange start dancing on the screens and hence using the tips of experts and other research work available online, any trader can make money in stocks. As such, the comfort provided by Internet trading is not only the reason for its unleashed popularity. The other factors that contributed to it's heartedly acceptance all over the world can be listed as follows.

Easy and handy: online stock trading is the easiest way to trade in stocks. Whether in office or at home, by just few clicks everyone can get access to online investments. The companies are listed on screen and all you have to do is to buy and sell stocks. Also, no more tiring paper works and stockbroker clinging add on to independent and easy investing in stocks.

Facilities and services: with the recognition of online trading, there are many firms that are providing sheer services. The banks, for instance, provide joint trading, savings and current accounts. Also, other broking firms provide easy trading at low brokerages that attract other people to trade in stocks.

Self-trading: working through Internet does not need the traditional way stockbroker clinging and going to stock market trading. With easy accessibility the tips and expected future moves are provided online which helps an investor to trade independently. With most of the research work and expert's tips available online, there is no need for the broker to be present in person.

Cost: the cost for opening a

Stock Trading - Get Familiar!

Gut instincts and unthoughtful decisions; if these you think are the keys to success then better be ready for bitter experiences. The stock market is a total calculative and objective market that needs due care and attention to grab on to sheer returns. Hence, for fruitful returns, it is important to get familiar with various aspects of stock trading. Just a few words on that may intrude trading for better.

At first, understand the difference between any trading and investment. It should be noted that trading is easy and quick but investments take time. Don't expect huge profits over the night. It takes time for profit generation and needs whole package of consistency, patience and intelligence. In other words, discipline is the key to trade in stocks.

The grass of other side always seeks green, that's why; it is no use to copy other's investments. Utilizing one's own brains according to the conditions always pays off. It is inevitable to know the investments to be made and the type of the tools to be devised. Familiarity of the stocks to be invested in is necessary. Another tip for stock investing is being less greedy. Trying to squeeze the last drop of profits generally ends up in losses. Stock market, being fluctuating tends to have sudden moves, hence, try sell the shares at their rise rather wait them to be at their peak.

Stop running after tips and rumours- this is another valuable thing to be familiar with. Each individual has his own estimates and individual evaluations. Stock trading is basically done on future forecasts and calculations. Hence, chasing the tips and estimates may end up making losses. To avoid such situations, using self evaluation devising expert's tips is the best decision to rely on.

Future price appreciation appraisals must be the main focus rather the gains and losses. Any day trader when sell a

Stock Trading Account

You can trade in stocks only through the stock brokers. You can open an account only if you are a US citizen, or, a resident alien. In both cases you need to provide your valid social security number. You must have become a major, at least 18 years old in your state of residence before you can apply for opening a trading account.

Usually there are four main types of stock trading accounts. They are individual accounts, joint accounts, IRAs ---Individual Retirement accounts, and Education Savings accounts. You have to select one of these accounts according to your personal needs and circumstances. You must be ready to deposit a minimum of $ 2,500 irrespective of the account you open. You can fund your account via free electronic transfer directly from your current bank account. You can also pay by check or wire transfer.

The individual investment account can be opened in the name of one person. Joint account can be opened for two people. It is also mandatory that both the persons should have reached the age of majority in their state of residence.

The third type of stock trading account is IRA or individual retirement account. It is a personal retirement savings account. It offers tax advantages to investors. You can deposit a part of your earnings into a tax-deferred brokerage account. Your contributions are also tax-deductible.

Individual retirement account-IRA-- is of three types.

The first type is traditional IRA. In this account, you can defer the payment of taxes on your earnings until you start taking the money out. The money that you put in is tax deductible in the year you put it in. The investors who are up to the age of 50, or under by the end of the year, can currently contribute up to $ 5000 every year, but those who are up to the age of 70 can contribute $ 4,000.

The benefit of investing under the traditional IRA is that you do not have to pay any taxes on what you earn till the time you start withdrawing the money. This process is known as tax deferment. This account makes sense because by the time you retire, you may be in a lower tax bracket. In that case, you will have to pay less in taxes on earnings from your IRA account.

The second type of retirement category account is Roth IRA. This account is similar to the traditional IRA except that you pay taxes on the money you put in while you can withdraw money without paying any tax. Those who are up to the age of 50 can currently contribute up to $5,000 every year and those who are up to the age of 70 can contribute up to $4,000. You should opt for a Roth IRA if you think you will be in a higher tax bracket when you retire. If you invest under a Roth IRA, your investments can grow tax-free. You can withdraw money after a period of 5 years from the date of opening your account without paying any tax with the proviso that you have turned 59. The withdrawal can also be tax-free if it is used for a first time home purchase up to a limit of $10,000. You will, however, have to pay 10% penalty if you withdraw early.

The third type of account in retirement category is Rollover IRA. A Rollover IRA is a holding account. If you transfer funds or stock from a retirement plan such as a 401(k) or 403(b), the money or stock can be allowed to stay in the Rollover account for a period of 60 days. Thereafter you will have to place the funds into another retirement plan. You can control your account during these 60 days. It must be noted that you cannot avail of this facility more than once a year

The fourth type of account is Education Savings Account or ESA. This account can be opened as a trust to pay educational expenses of the designated minor beneficiary and no contributions can be made after the beneficiary has reached the age of 18. The total contributions cannot exceed $2,000.

The