An observation: The complexity with which #traders often approach the market is sometimes impressive. It really is simple;but not easy.
IMO, any approach that doesn't appreciate the basic auction mechanism is likely to result in layer over layer of derivatives of price & volume. Learning the auction is key for every time frame. The fundamental basis from which to form a bias. Then add indicators and tools to taste to hone in on execution.

To me, it often seems backwards. Tons of stuff on a chart to where we can't see what price is signaling.

Anecdote: A friend of mine who I felt was intelligent sold his 3 yr old Acura for $12k over book value. He has been bragging about it for 2 wks. He now needs a car and can't find... (cont) a "reasonable" deal. Very frustrated. He can't believe how much dealers are trying to "rip him off" and how "the system is rigged". Lots of conspiracy theories...which has resulted in me losing respect for the guy. I guess the (cont)

Not directed at anyone in particular, but there is a lot of well-intentioned #trading advice on fintwit about avoiding FOMO, being patient, reading price, etc. However, the underlying issues aren't being addressed: [a short thread]

#Futures If I'm avoiding FOMO, then what am I waiting for?

If I'm being patient, then what am I looking for to act?

If I'm reading price, what is it exactly that I'm reading?

A fundamental question that is overlooked as traders jump into indicators, tools, chart types, patterns, moon cycles or whatever: why should the market reward your trade? Why here? Why long or short? For what target and at what stop? Cont... #trading What inefficiency are we exploiting? Why is this price unfair? Is our evidence based in fact? Statistics? Or.... #trading

Traders: The holy grail of trading and the best advice I can give you about trading futures is below...

#ES_F #trading #futures 1) Your job is align with the market. It is not to be a mind-reader, a forecaster of economies, an analyst

Can I get on my soapbox here for a minute? Based on comments made on #TraderBite this morning about the trend up yesterday and how it contained a TON of delta divergence sell signals and seemed to rise on negative delta. Many have emails, DMed, etc. Saying they were the "imbecile" selling all the way up....

It is very gloomy out there. How about we lighten things up by taking bets on the opening price for the cash session after the limit down is released?

#ES_F #trading #futures Early exit poll results show that traders are terribly pessimistic 😁

Curious: What is your description of success in trading? Doesn't matter if it is Futures, currencies, crypto or equities.

When will you have arrived?
#trading One can be a very consistently profitable and even very rich trader, but also a very miserable person. That isn't success. Success to me is about growth, expansion, comebacks, inner-awareness, thoughtless execution, being in the flow & loving every second of it

On trading: I started trading @ professional equities arcade w/ guys who cld make/lose a doctor's annual salary in a day. I moved to futures prop & was profitable in less than a yr before I left & started my own shop. I've put 29 traders thru my group. Saw the same issues (cont) again & again. We r all very similar. I've been doing this for 19 yrs now. The thing that amazes me is how often ppl come in & do same thing every day, again & again even though results r poor. Very little emotional/self-awareness. (cont...)

On my semi-annual long-stay visit with parents in Canada. Mom has to make a 4-course feast on every meal. I'm generally fasting and on OMAD (one meal a day) for the health benefits & energy management.

Mom: You aren't eating
Me: I had a big piece of salmon and tons of veggies 1/ Mom: You are losing weight. Are you diabetic? Oh my god, you have diabetes and aren't saying!
Me: No, I eat once a day and I don't like heavy food. I'm not diabetic.
Mom: Is there something missing in the food? (starts reaching for the salt shaker)
Me: Food is always great!

2/

Many believe that long time discretionary traders have this massive plan consisting of if-then-else statements for every situation. No true, imo. It isn't an algorithm. Plans are simple and are built on a huge amount of time invested looking at charts & studying 1/2 #Futures behavior patterns. I'm partial to stats myself. No patterns. The keys: 1. Have a plan & only trade when things line up, 2. Minimize amnt risked to discover the outcome, 3. Press good trades when you are in alignment, 4. Get good R-multiple. Do this a lot & stay calm #Futures