(copied from one of my previous posts--might as well start my journal with it)

Was only 2 weeks ago that I decided to make the transition from passive Investor to active trader.

The challenges are formidable.

I have to upgrade my net connection, upgrade my pc hardware, get a new desk, reorganize furniture, change brokers, etc.... Having said that I expect everything to be in place by the end of march. In the meantime I am learning how to read charts, different instruments, watching webinars, videos, etc.....

I really like Al Brooks methods. "Gimme a chart and I'll trade it" That is basically my long term goal.

I'm slowly getting a grip on the various factors that make up a successful trader--psychology, strategy,methods, RR, Money management, journals, etc..., and again PSYCHOLOGY---

I have a full time job, family, badminton 3 nights a week, softball most Sundays--so while I remain focused on the task--it is going to take time--lots of it.


here's a real newbie question for all of you --Are there any charts that plot volume in candlestick format? ie.. draw a candlestick for every 100 contracts traded.

My study regimen? I will watch again all of Al Brooks webinars-- I also find useful Patstrading daily u tube videos

nightly chart watching--

asiaexpat 

(copied from one of my previous posts--might as well start my journal with it) Was only 2 weeks ago that I decided to make the transition from passive Investor to active trader. The challenges are formidable. I have to upgrade my net connection, upgrade my pc hardware, get a new desk, reorganize furniture, change brokers, etc.... Having said that I expect everything to be in place by the end of march. In the meantime I am learning how to read charts, different instruments, watching webinars, videos, etc..... I really like Al Brooks methods. "Gimme a chart and I'll trade it" That is basically my long term goal. I'm slowly getting a grip on the various factors that make up a successful trader--psychology, strategy,methods, RR, Money management, journals, etc..., and again PSYCHOLOGY--- I have a full time job, family, badminton 3 nights a week, softball most Sundays--so while I remain focused on the task--it is going to take time--lots of it. here's a real newbie question for all of you --Are there any charts that plot volume in candlestick format? ie.. draw a candlestick for every 100 contracts traded. My study regimen? I will watch again all of Al Brooks webinars-- I also find useful Patstrading daily u tube videos nightly chart watching--

You are starting a journey that I too started over two years ago now....if I had it to do over again I would have started with James Dalton and Brett Steenbarger. Learn to read what the market is telling you.

Good luck!

XS

asiaexpat 

here's a real newbie question for all of you --Are there any charts that plot volume in candlestick format? ie.. draw a candlestick for every 100 contracts traded.

Most charting platforms, like Ninja , have a volume chart type.

Congrats on the journal - I'm in Bangkok too.

I'll stay subscribed to watch a fellow Bangkokian develop!

DionysusToast 

Congrats on the journal - I'm in Bangkok too. I'll stay subscribed to watch a fellow Bangkokian develop!

I think I've seen your username on thaivisa.com

Do you know if there is any social collaboration among the community of daytraders living around thailand? Ive got a vacant hosting account just aching for a new website

So I finally figured out how to download free historical data and actually got a simulation session up and running.

5 minute Emini

I know there is some debate about simulation but I found it extremely useful.

My intention for this session was to get use the controls and mechanics of the ninja platform--Chart Trader/vs DOM etc.... but it quickly evolved into an all out trading session.

I was in way over my head.

I made all the rookie mistakes--poor entry selection, didn't follow my "rules", sold too soon, traded way too much, trying catch every swing. .... think I made like 27 trades in 3 hours. I got tired and impatient and lost $300 in the last 1/2 hour.

I was scalping--reached my target once and got stopped about 4 or 5 times. each of the stops cost me 100$.

Seems like every time I entered a trade within seconds I was already 1 or 2 ticks down --Then I went into " I was wrong and how to get out mode" So I would scalp for 2 or 3 ticks. etc.... etc... Just poor management. wanted to get my money back-- I'm competitive--even trading phoney cash.

On the positive side--I quickly identified a channel and made some good trades--even a couple trend lines I created were surprisingly useful.

I enjoyed it, Great experience-- Im starting again now.

xiaosi 

You are starting a journey that I too started over two years ago now....if I had it to do over again I would have started with James Dalton and Brett Steenbarger. Learn to read what the market is telling you. Good luck! XS

I would agree, learn everything you can about Market Profile!! I wish I would have started there!!!

I finally got everything up and running--bought a ninja license etc...----

Today is the first day I could actually trade for real.

I was nervous---watching the ESmini open and trying to wait patiently for an entry point.

Finally took the plunge and exited 24 minutes later with a 4 tick winner.

It was tough waiting-- the temptation was to take 2-3 ticks but I was confident I could get more. I still dont know the what the final outcome would be if I just let it ride out.---


I need to figure out how to post the chart

asiaexpat 

I think I've seen your username on thaivisa.com Do you know if there is any social collaboration among the community of daytraders living around thailand? Ive got a vacant hosting account just aching for a new website

Not seen anything - we are few & far between.