How to be a Profitable Trader

In factories, to ensure consistent production of quality products, there are Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to follow.  Strict adherence to the SOP will ensure a consistent yield of high quality products and profits for the company.   Similarly, trading profitably encompasses more than just technical knowledge.  Having a trading SOP and sticking to it will help you yield better results.

Defining your SOP

• Allocate a percentage of risk (of your capital) to be taken per week/month e.g. 5% or 10% of capital. Work within this budget.

• Determine position sizing for each trade. One of the method used is the Risk-Adjusted-Position-Sizing. In our trade manager Alom, we have 3 ways to control risk:
  1. Risk base on percentage exposure (e.g. risk 1% of your account value)
  2. Risk base on allocated amount (e.g. risk $100 per trade)
  3. Risk base on fixed lot size (e.g. trade 0.1 lot each time)

• Set a stop loss and stick to it. Many times, money is lost not from poor trade analysis but from stopping yourself out prematurely or holding on beyond the Stop Loss level.

• If you have missed your desired buy/sell price, reassess for the next best entry price. Do not chase a run away trade.

• Wait for triggers, do not jump the gun. Patience is a virtue in trading.

• Set Take Profit levels and/or shift Stop Loss levels once there is a day/week close below/above any market defined support/resistance levels. Ride a good trade but also be mindful not to let a profitable trade turn to a loss making trade.

Forex trading can be an emotional roller coaster.  You are not a robot and many times your emotions get the better of you.  Profitable Trader needs a SOP will help keep your emotions and account in check and avoid bankrupting your account.  You may not attain 100% success for all trades entered but how you manage your trades will determine your overall profit/loss.