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I am starting this journal to document being funded through Apex.
I currently trade through AMP futures, a small account using micros and will purchase a demo account to try new tactics and strategies. I am only a part time trader, about 4-6 hours a week, with many years in the market- starting in the late 90's. Ive made it and gave it back over the years, mostly using the market to gain small sums at periods of time. After a few years on the sidelines- due to job and other factors, started back trading with the intent of going full time. Nearing the age of - I dont give a crap anymore- almost empty nest, I dove back in in late 2018 and been trading since. Had a great run until the start of this year and just went into a slump that lead to a blowout.
In may of this year (22), I found Bookmap and their Discord room with a channel called Trader's Lab hosted by a man named Tom B. After a few weeks listening to him on his daily streams and learning fundamentals about the market that I really didnt understand until that time. Then, I got a really big understanding of the psychological side of trading from Tom's room and a guy name Randee Howell, a trading psychologist.
So In mid October, I started an Apex account to practice with something on the line, to make SIM trading a little more real and spent 16 days trading 2-4 micro ES contracts. The first six days, I kept losing because i was still working on adding at pullbacks. Eventually, I had the market conditions in my favor and the new tactics worked on the sim and I was able to climb back form near failure to profit goal.
The account is 25k in APex and I had 1500 drawdown with a goal of $1500.
Since this is now funded, I will trade this as I do my ASmp account and plan on adding CL and NQ as possible tickers to trade ( had already had plans to add before this happened).
On my trading:
A very big part of what I do is to manage my mental state before, during and after the trade. I trade even lots and get risk neutral very fast - IE I sell one lot at the stop price as the move goes in my favor. My R:R I aim for is 2.5 to 3:1 or more depending on target. I have a very tight stop, usually 3 points or less and a target of 10 points or more.
Here is an example of a recent trade: Entry around 17, scale out at 20.5 for 3.5 points and at that point, worse cases is a scratch. Mental game is now lessened, I have a very little risk and my brain now is able to stay open to manage the trade.
In another post, I will go into more detail on choosing the trade!
Can you help answer these questions from other members on NexusFi?
My selection for areas to trade in are based upon the Volume profile, context, and meaningful events.
First, I use a HTF volume profile and look for price to come into Low volume nodes (lvn). Depending on the circumstances, I then wait for the triggers I use to get into a trade - A stop run with a low volume pullback! This chart represents a great LVN opportunity. chart LVN
Context matters as well, so the context is important into selecting the trade. Since the Market is mostly in Balance (chop as most traders refer it), i try to determine if it is gonna be mean reversion type of day or will we see a trend! The Profile and HTF chart help determine that and based upon those readings, the plan ofr the day is hatched. So if we are balanced, as in most days, then I will short the tops and long the bottoms when key area are identifiable.
On meaningful events- like HOD, LOD, Key levels - like a HTF, Im looking for the outside edge of VP within the context of the day. So if its Balanced and we come into HOD with a stop pick, then buyer exhaustion, thats trigger that I take short. And since the Stop pick has taken out the weakest shorts, then its a high probability trade if the other factors line up - (likely target has enough range- ie the middle of the profile typically). So if I enter with a 3 point stop, for instance, I want my target to 9-12 points away for good R:R
As of right now, Im only trading ES but I have both the NQ and CL open and watching. This coming week, I will start doing prep for CL like I currently do for ES and looking for the same set ups on CL (BTW, Micros on EACH)
My understanding has changed since May and I am now more focused on the Psychological part of my trading than I am the technical side. We can all learn to chart its managing the emotions while we are in the trade that has been detrimental to me (and likely most traders.)
My only trading goal during the day is to make One good trade, look for the one and once its complete, then look for one good trade! Repeat as necessary. Its an easy goal to accomplish and does NOT force me to get into FOMO or revenge trading. Its active management of my chemicals flowing through my brain at the time. I breathe with purpose, I have emotional anchors that keep me in the state I choose and I anticipate the chemical rush (emotional response) as I trade. More on emotional management later.
First trade of the week, posted while still in the middle, but have my scale. Worst case scenario is a scratch trade from here. Went long at 3959, scaled the first one at 3962 and a stop at 3957. Target right above vwap at 3967. If target hits, just under 3:1 RR
For Monday, Edited, I took two trades, first one Monday Morning was a small loss of 4 ticks on 2 mes contracts. Second one, got 8 points total on two mes contracts. Will post a screen shot in another post, for some reason it wont load on an edit.
Took this trade on a possible stop run at 3960 area. i got my 3 points and risk neutral and then pulled back into trail stop for a total of 5.25 points. The entry was at 3960.75 and the stop was 3959.50. First Lot sold at 63.75 and the second lot sold on 63. it was an ETH session.
Took this trade off of the open , entry at 4010, got a scale at 4013 and final lot sold at 4027. My stop was at 4008. The reason for the trade was the potential for a bounce off of the 4010 area (the top of a HTF, HVN) and the open was likely to see shorts covering. The location at 4010 offered a location with low risk entry.
