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Why we cut profits early and let losses run? In this article I would address the real trading psychology behind it. Lets start with a simple test !

Most traders new to Forex are often guilty of letting their losses run and cutting their profits short, even experienced traders do it every once in a while. Before we begin, answer the two questions below. When faced with a scenarios below which option would you prefer?

Most traders would chose Option B in Scenario 1 and Option A in Scenario 2. Compare these results with your own answers. If you chose the same then unfortunately you will be among 95% of traders who fails at Forex. Read Forex Loser’s Checklist, and see if you qualify. Lets look at psychology behind your decisions.

The two scenarios are quite interesting. Our perception of gain and loss changes our behaviour. When the options of a risky scenario involve profits, traders are risk-averse (risk-avoidance); however when options of a risky scenario involve losses, traders are risk-seeking. The other words, traders tend to seek risk in face of possible loss and avoid risk when profits are at stake.

This asymmetrical way of risk-taking has great implications on trading decisions we make as a trader. Our decision are based “subjectively”, taking in account recent events rather than looking at overall net trading balance. Let me explain:

After a profitable trade, the decision to close trade and take profit on next trade depends on gains made on previous trade. A trader starts to think ” I’ve made enough on the first trade, lets not lose it all and give away all the profits. Take early profit and call it a day”. At the same time, on a losing position trader delay cutting losses and hold on to trades hoping that it will reverse. The result is that trader realize profits way too early while allowing losses to accumulate.

Another interesting aspect of trading is the impact of losses on our minds. The feeling of losing an amount is much worse than pleasure gained from winning the same amount. Hence traders, hate losing 10,000 more than they love winning 10,000. Psychologically losses have twice the impact, no wonder why a trader don’t want to close a loosing position and willing to risk more.

A good trader is not a trader who makes millions in fraction of a second. A good trader is one who know where to cut his positions. It is not about making money; it is about losing as less as possible when we are wrong. Thus managing the psychological asymmetry in risk-taking is the key for succeeding as a trader. Bottom line “An experienced trader stands out from a new trader not by how he makes money, but how he loses money”

Do you agree? Leave comment below.

Forex Trading Systems

Are mechanical Forex trading systems really any better? Can Automated Forex systems outperform discretionary Forex systems?  Let’s find out.

Some people prefer mechanical Forex trading systems while others prefer a more discretionary approach. My personal approach lies somewhere in between. Let’s look at each of them closely:

By definition, a mechanical or manual Forex trading system provides well defined entry and exit criteria and clearly describes trade setups and execution.  Such trading systems can be quite easily transformed into automated trading systems which can aid back testing, research and analysis.

The merit of such Forex systems lies in the fact that the guesswork is taken out of equation and trader only needs to follow clearly defined set of rules.  It helps to avoid emotions coming into the way of trading and with little discipline such systems can be easily be followed. Not only that but it also helps in reducing stress factor which is a bonus.

On the negative side of mechanical Forex trading systems we got problems with changing market conditions. No set of rules can cover all market conditions and there will be times when such systems would fail miserably.  Situation could become worse if the market conditions do not change for a sustained period of time. Automated Forex systems written based on such trading methods will be unable to cope with unpredictable market conditions.

These Forex systems bring out the artistic characteristics of traders. This is where the logic gets fuzzy and experience becomes paramount in making trading decisions.  A typical discretionary Forex trading system would use chart patterns and trend lines, which by a means are not determined by exact set of rules.

Adaptability and customization are two big advantages of any discretionary trading system.  Such Forex system can easily adapt to changing market conditions and rules can easily be changed to accommodate any unforeseen market scenarios. Experience and intuition are the cornerstones of any discretionary Forex trading systems and they can never be programmed into an Automated trading system.

On the flip side, such trading systems are hard to back-test and have unstable trade results caused mainly by emotions and stress level.  Such systems require much more trading experience and higher degree of discipline.

In my opinion, anyone new to Forex trading should start off with mechanical trading systems, it helps to develop discipline and gain experience. It takes time to develop feel of the market and it then becomes easier to move towards more discretionary trading systems. My current method has clear set of rules that identify potential trades, I them use my experience to narrow down and chose the ones that I see fit for the current market conditions. With more work and analysis I hope to improve over time.