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Introduction

Trading can sometimes seem like an enigma. It’s filled with unexpected twists and turns that can often leave traders feeling uncertain about their next move. But it doesn’t have to be that way. If you understand some core concepts and strategies, you can potentially turn the tides in your favor.

Understanding Cash as a Position

Firstly, it’s crucial to understand that ‘cash is a position too.’ This statement is often misunderstood. Many people believe that they always need to be in a trade, but sometimes the best trades are the ones you don’t make. In essence, there is no need to rush into trades. It’s crucial to consider the best possible opportunities and not just any opportunity that comes your way.

Spotting Trends

Traders often focus on daily charts, but it’s important to zoom out and use weekly charts as well. The trend is much clearer on a weekly chart. For instance, consider the market downturn in 2022 and the uptrend in 2023. Spotting these trends can provide a significant advantage for making consistent profits.

2022 vs 2023 chart
2022 Downtrend vs 2023 Uptrend

Focus on Dominant Trend Direction

One common mistake that new traders often make is trying to trade in both directions. It’s much easier to make consistent profits if you focus on trading in the direction of the dominant trend. This means, trade long in an uptrend and short in a downtrend.

The Importance of Market Structure

Market structures repeat over time. Identifying these structures and understanding what they mean for your trading strategy is an important part of becoming a successful trader.

Understanding Lower Lows and Higher Highs

One of the key factors in determining the market structure is spotting lower lows and lower highs for a downtrend, and higher highs and higher lows for an uptrend. Understanding this concept can provide a clear trading direction and help confirm the market structure.

Higher highs and higher lows on QQQ in 2023
Higher highs and higher lows on QQQ in 2023

Conclusion: Trading is Simple

Trading is simple when you allow the market to guide you. While it can seem complicated, understanding when to stay in cash, recognizing when not to trade, and following trends can significantly improve your trading experience. Patience is key, and with the right mindset, you can develop a winning trading strategy.

We hope this blog post has been helpful in understanding some key trading strategies. If you’re interested in further improving your trading skills, check out our website and follow us on social media for more insights and tips. Don’t forget to share this post with your fellow traders!

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