Tag Archives: Live Trade Adjustments

Archive, Zoom Daily

Daily Meeting for Friday April 11

Posted on by Conor Browne

Flipping the Execution Switch and Eliminating Entry Lag

• Team missed clean A-tier setup in tech, again due to hesitating at the exact pre-planned trigger.

• “Signal vs. Setup” confusion clarified—team was waiting for multiple confirmations even after primary level broke.

• Ernie reiterated: when it’s on plan and it hits, that is the trade. Period.

• Reviewed post-entry micromanagement, where several traders closed positions early despite no technical invalidation.

• Starter-size execution reemphasized, especially on first touches—to remove hesitation and build in.

• Next week challenge: execute the first A-tier setup on sight. Log outcome. Review Monday. No excuses.

Summary

the team unpacked another missed opportunity—this time in a clean, pre-planned tech setup. The level hit exactly, but multiple traders froze, waiting for extra confirmation that wasn’t part of the plan.

Ernie clarified the difference between a setup and a signal. The setup is built in the prep. The signal is the level hitting. Waiting beyond that means trading emotionally, not systematically.

The team also reviewed post-entry micromanagement habits, with several positions being closed early due to discomfort—not actual technical invalidation. The solution: starter-size execution on the first touch, which removes hesitation and allows for building into confirmation.

To close, Ernie issued a clear directive: next week, every trader must execute the first clean A-tier setup they see. No filters. No doubts. Log the trade. Review it Monday.

Archive, Zoom Daily

Daily Meeting for Tuesday April 1

Posted on by Conor Browne

Resetting Focus and Rebuilding Execution Confidence

• Missed early breakout in energy due to hesitation, even though the setup aligned perfectly with pre-market planning.

• Ernie emphasized the danger of “over-cleaning” setups, where the hunt for perfection leads to inactivity.

• Updated ‘big ass fly’ strategy reminder: start with starter size on clean breaks to get positioned, then layer in on strength.

• Focus on avoiding trade paralysis, with accountability logs tracking hesitation moments for immediate review.

• Midday discussion on prior-week carryover, where emotional residue from last week bled into today’s risk approach.

• Team goal set: execute the first clean A-tier setup without delay—no filters, no excuses.

Summary

the team reviewed another missed trade opportunity—this time in energy—where hesitation led to inaction on a clean A-tier setup. Ernie highlighted a recurring issue: the tendency to “over-clean” trades by filtering out anything that isn’t textbook-perfect, which leads to missed wins.

The ‘big ass fly’ strategy was re-grounded in its original purpose—being first in clean momentum plays using starter size and scaling on confirmation. The team re-committed to starter entries on key levels to bypass hesitation and build positioning confidence early.

Midday discussion shifted toward mindset carryover from last week, where recent mistakes or losses continued to influence risk decisions today. Ernie called this out as unnecessary drag and encouraged everyone to treat each session as a clean slate.

A clear team goal was set for the week: when the first A-tier setup presents itself, it must be executed immediately. No filters. No overthinking. Just trust the prep and act.

Archive, Retrospective

Sunday Retrospective for March 30

Posted on by Conor Browne

Trusting Prep and Executing Without Delay

• Recurring hesitation on A-rated setups, even when pre-market levels were hit precisely.

• Missed follow-through opportunities in tech, where over-filtering led to skipped trades that later performed as expected.

• Adjustment to pre-market routine, adding 5-minute visualization drills to reinforce execution readiness.

• Reinforced use of starter entries, especially during first-hour volatility, to reduce overthinking and improve positioning.

• Losses came mostly from B-tier trades, while skipped trades were predominantly from clean A-setups—highlighting misalignment in focus.

• Team-wide goal set for the week: execute the first A-rated setup without hesitation, regardless of external noise or recent results.

Summary

the team reflected on hesitation and execution misalignment. A key theme was the repeated skipping of clean, A-rated setups—despite those trades lining up exactly with pre-market plans. Ernie emphasized that hesitation is still costing more than losses and that confidence must come from the prep, not from in-the-moment overanalysis.

The team missed several strong follow-through moves in the tech sector after over-filtering during live sessions. As a result, a refinement was made to the pre-market routine: a new 5-minute visualization drill will be added to help cement confidence and readiness for high-conviction trades.

Starter entries were again recommended, particularly in the first hour, to avoid overthinking and ensure better positioning early. Notably, most losses during the week came from B-tier setups, while the most profitable opportunities were missed due to second-guessing A-setups—highlighting a misalignment in execution priorities.

The meeting closed with a clear goal: this week, each team member is to execute the first clean A-rated setup they see, without hesitation—resetting momentum and realigning execution with preparation.

Archive, Retrospective

Sunday Retrospective for March 9

Posted on by Conor Browne

Precision Timing and Decision-Making Review

• Review of delayed reaction times that led to missed entry opportunities, with an emphasis on reducing hesitation at key decision points.

• Analysis of exit strategies, focusing on instances where trades were closed too early, cutting potential profit short.

• Refinement of post-entry management, highlighting better adjustment techniques for scaling out of trades without compromising position strength.

• Discussion of emotional control lapses, where frustration following early losses influenced subsequent trade decisions.

• Sector focus shift, with recognition that attention was overly concentrated on lagging sectors, missing emerging momentum in small-cap tech stocks.

• Setting a new weekly goal to increase focus on pre-market preparation, ensuring readiness for fast-moving setups immediately after the open.

Summary

the team conducted a focused analysis of trade execution, specifically looking at delayed entries and premature exits that undermined performance. Ernie emphasized the importance of swift decision-making when setups align and recommended drills to reduce hesitation at critical points.

A significant portion of the discussion centered around refining post-entry management, particularly scaling out of positions while maintaining trade strength. The team also addressed emotional control, identifying how frustration from earlier trades led to reactionary decisions that deviated from structured plans.

Attention was brought to a sector focus imbalance—trades were concentrated on lagging sectors while better opportunities in small-cap tech were overlooked. To address this, the team set a goal for the upcoming week: enhance pre-market preparation to be ready for fast-moving setups right from the open.

Archive, Zoom Daily

Daily Meeting for Thursday January 30

Posted on by Conor Browne

Adjusting Execution Strategies for High-Volatility Trading

• Unexpected Price Swings: Discussion on handling rapid intraday reversals that disrupted planned trade setups.

• Refinement of the ‘big ass fly’ strategy: Adjustments made to accommodate wider price ranges and unpredictable momentum shifts.

• Stronger Pre-Market Preparation: Emphasis on identifying potential risk factors before market open to avoid early trade failures.

• Scaling Positions More Efficiently: Introduction of new guidelines for entering trades incrementally rather than all at once.

• Stop-Loss Adjustments in Fast Markets: Review of stop-out trades and strategies for giving trades more breathing room.

• Avoiding Overconfidence After Wins: Reminder to maintain discipline and stick to structured setups instead of increasing risk exposure.

Summary

the team focused on adapting execution strategies to better handle rapid intraday reversals that impacted trade outcomes. Ernie led a discussion on refining the ‘big ass fly’ strategy to accommodate wider price swings and sudden momentum shifts.

A key takeaway was improving pre-market preparation, with an emphasis on identifying risk factors early to avoid unnecessary trade failures. The team also introduced a more efficient method for scaling into positions, allowing for gradual exposure instead of full upfront commitments.

Stop-loss strategies were reviewed, particularly in managing fast-moving markets where trades were stopped out too early. Ernie concluded by reinforcing the importance of discipline, urging traders to avoid overconfidence after a winning streak and to continue following structured setups with proper risk control.

Archive, Zoom Daily

Daily Meeting for Wednesday May 15

Posted on by Conor Browne

Exploring Market Dynamics and Trading Strategies

• Technical Adjustments and Video Issues: The meeting starts with Ernie troubleshooting his video setup, which humorously makes him appear blue.

• Trading Strategy Discussion: Ernie and a participant discuss the specifics of a recent trading decision involving e-mini and SPX butterflies, exploring the impact of market movements and option spreads on their profitability.

• Influence of Volatility on Trading: The conversation delves into how low volatility affects option premiums and the positioning of trades, emphasizing the importance of understanding market conditions to optimize trading strategies.

• Practical Trading Advice: Ernie provides practical advice on managing trades, focusing on the importance of setting up both entry and exit strategies proactively.

• Discussion on Technical Indicators and Market Tools: There’s an in-depth discussion on various market indicators and tools, such as the DeMarc Indicator, and how these are perceived and utilized by traders.

• Real-Time Market Analysis: Ernie conducts a live analysis of current market conditions, offering predictions and insights based on observable patterns and volume profiles.

Summary

The meeting on May 15th centered around a detailed discussion of trading strategies, particularly focusing on the nuances of handling option trades under varying market conditions. Ernie, leading the session, helped clarify the complexities of trade setups involving e-mini and SPX options, highlighting how volatility and market timing impact profitability. The session also ventured into a broader educational discussion about various market indicators and real-time market dynamics, providing attendees with both specific advice and general trading strategies. Ernie emphasized the importance of being proactive and well-prepared in trading setups to effectively manage risks and capitalize on market movements.

Archive, Zoom Daily

Daily Meeting for Tuesday April 16

Posted on by Conor Browne

Navigating Market Volatility and Option Strategies: Insights and Techniques

• Market Observation and Strategy Adjustments: The session started with an analysis of recent market movements, noting an attempted recovery that faltered, impacting positions unfavorably.

• Exploring Pricing Anomalies and Market Behavior: Participants discussed the unusual pricing of options, particularly the disparity in costs between calls and puts amidst differing market directions.

• Adjusting Trading Strategies Based on Volatility: Conversations revolved around adapting trading strategies in response to varying levels of market volatility, with suggestions on shifting the duration of option holds according to the VIX levels.

• Data Analysis and Market Predictions: The importance of tracking market data such as the VIX for opening and closing was emphasized to better understand and predict market behavior.

• Practical Trading Insights and Experiences: Participants shared personal trading strategies and adjustments based on current market conditions and historical experiences.

• Technical Assistance and Troubleshooting: A portion of the discussion focused on technical issues related to trading platforms, particularly concerning the visualization of option strategies and market analysis tools.

Summary

In this daily meeting, participants engaged in a comprehensive discussion about the current state of the market, particularly focusing on recent volatility and its impact on trading strategies. The discussion highlighted the challenges and strategies related to option pricing in a high-volatility environment. Key strategies discussed included adjusting the duration of option holds based on volatility levels and utilizing technical tools to analyze market behavior. Additionally, there was a significant focus on technical troubleshooting and optimizing the use of trading platforms to better visualize and predict market trends. Participants shared personal insights and strategies, contributing to a deeper understanding of how to navigate and capitalize on current market conditions.

Archive, Zoom Daily

Daily Meeting for Friday April 12

Posted on by Conor Browne

Strategic Reflections and Profit Management in Options Trading

• Profit Tent Positioning and Gamma Risk: The meeting opens with a discussion on the current position within the profit tent, highlighting the low gamma risk due to optimal placement. This sets the tone for a strategy-focused session.

• Importance of Strategy Documents: Ernie emphasizes the significance of a newly created strategy document, urging members to download and familiarize themselves with its contents to enhance their understanding and contribute to discussions.

• Trading Strategy Adjustments: There’s a detailed discussion on adjusting trading strategies based on market responses and the effectiveness of current positions, with particular emphasis on the “replacement strategy” for managing trades expiring soon.

• Risk Management and Strategy Efficacy: Various strategies for managing risk and maximizing profits are explored, including the benefits and drawbacks of different approaches depending on market conditions.

• Real-time Trade Analysis: Members discuss specific trades and setups, sharing insights on strike positions and the impact of recent economic reports on market movements.

• Engagement and Learning: The session closes with a stress on continuous learning, engagement, and the practical application of discussed strategies to ensure members are actively improving their trading skills.

Summary

This daily meeting focuses on deep dives into specific trading strategies, particularly around positioning within the profit tent and the management of gamma risk. Ernie, the session leader, emphasizes the importance of a new strategy document which is pivotal for upcoming meetings. The discussion also covers adjustments in trading strategies based on real-time market analysis and the effectiveness of recent trades. This includes a significant focus on risk management techniques and the use of economic reports to gauge market movements. Members actively engage by sharing their trade setups and outcomes, fostering a collaborative environment for learning and adaptation. The meeting underlines the importance of continuous adaptation and learning in the ever-changing market environment, urging members to remain engaged and proactive in applying the strategies discussed.

Archive, Zoom Daily

Daily Meeting for Tuesday April 9

Posted on by Conor Browne

Navigating Gamma and Market Dynamics: Strategies for Enhanced Trading Performance

• Gamma Blast Strategy Review: Ernie introduced a document covering strategies aimed at leveraging increased gamma due to low volatility. There was a focus on understanding these strategies and clarifying their roles, particularly not as primary strategies but as supplementary options.

• Market Sensitivity and Gamma: Detailed discussions on how gamma affects the sensitivity of option strategies to price movements, emphasizing the importance of understanding these effects for effective trading strategy adjustments.

• Strategy Flexibility and Market Changes: The dialogue included insights into adapting strategies based on market dynamics, with a focus on maintaining flexibility and responding to market conditions effectively to preserve trading edges.

• Real-time Strategy Adjustments: Live examples of adjusting strategies in response to market movements were discussed, illustrating the practical application of theoretical strategies in real trading scenarios.

• Exploration of New Strategies: Ernie encouraged exploring new strategies and adjustments, especially in low volatility environments, to optimize trading outcomes.

• Feedback and Strategy Iteration: There was a significant emphasis on collecting feedback on new strategies, understanding their impact, and continuously iterating to improve trading approaches.

Summary

During the daily meeting on April 9, Ernie and the team delved deep into the nuances of trading strategies in the context of market volatility and gamma sensitivity. The discussion revolved around the newly introduced “Gamma Blast” strategy and its role in complementing the primary trading strategy rather than replacing it. Ernie clarified that these new strategies are exploratory, aiming to capitalize on the increased gamma presented by low volatility scenarios. Practical trading examples were analyzed to illustrate how theoretical strategies are applied in real-time, adjusting to market dynamics to maintain profitability and mitigate risks. The session was interactive, with team members sharing experiences and adjustments they had made in response to recent market behaviors, underscoring the ongoing process of learning and adaptation in trading.

Archive, Zoom Daily

Daily Meeting for Friday February 16

Posted on by Conor Browne

Navigating Options Trading with Zero Days to Expiration Strategies

• Understanding and Executing Trades: The discussion began with clarifying the purpose of trading strategies that don’t aim just to get prices inside the profit tent, emphasizing the management of profits based on the direction towards the strategy.

• Platform Utilization and Order Placement: There was a detailed exploration of how to use Thinkorswim to analyze trades, manage positions, and the importance of being mindful of brokerage fees, especially when dealing with futures options.

• Paper Trading and Journal Keeping: Kevin shared his meticulous approach to paper trading and journal keeping, highlighting how tracking trades and market behavior over time can enhance trading skills and decision-making.

• Exploration of Various Trading Instruments: Participants discussed trading on different platforms, including futures, indexes like NDX and SPX, and even cryptocurrencies, analyzing their volatility, liquidity, and the possibility of European style options.

• Strategies for Trade Management: Strategies to manage trades, such as “boxing” to lock in profits or limit losses, and the impact of volatility on decision-making were discussed.

• Market Behavior and Trading Adjustments: There was an insightful exchange on adjusting trading strategies based on market behavior, understanding the distribution of price movements, and aligning strategies with market realities.

Summary

This daily meeting delved into the complexities of trading with zero days to expiration strategies, emphasizing a deep understanding of market behaviors, the utilization of trading platforms like Thinkorswim, and the judicious management of trades. Kevin’s presentation on his approach to paper trading and journaling showcased the importance of diligent record-keeping and analysis for improving trading decisions. Discussions also explored the nuances of trading various instruments, including futures and indexes, highlighting considerations such as volatility, liquidity, and the specifics of European style options. The conversation touched on practical strategies for trade management, including the concept of “boxing” trades and the crucial understanding that market movements follow a predictable distribution, underscoring the necessity of aligning trading strategies with these market realities for consistent success.