Tag Archives: Profit Management

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, Retrospective

Sunday Retrospective for March 16

Posted on by Conor Browne

Improving Execution Speed and Trade Selection

• Consistent hesitation on confirmed entries caused missed opportunities, with a focus on reducing decision lag at execution.

• Review of profit targets being hit but not fully capitalized on, prompting a discussion on holding partial positions longer.

• Sector allocation adjustments, shifting focus toward tech mid-caps as energy stocks underperformed expectations.

• Highlight of strong early-session setups, reinforcing the need for pre-market readiness and immediate responsiveness.

• Adjustment of risk parameters, increasing position size on high-conviction trades while tightening stops on lower-quality setups.

• Emphasis on eliminating emotional re-entry trades, committing to only executing re-entries if technical setups are fully re-established.

Summary

the team focused on execution speed issues, particularly hesitation when entering trades despite meeting all confirmation criteria. Ernie stressed the need to reduce decision-making lag and build confidence in fast execution.

The team also reviewed missed profit potential where trades hit initial targets but failed to capitalize on further extension due to conservative exits. As a response, strategies were discussed to hold partial positions longer when setups remain strong.

Sector allocation was revisited, moving away from underperforming energy stocks in favor of mid-cap tech names showing promising momentum. Additionally, early-session setups were highlighted as particularly effective this week, reinforcing the importance of being prepped and ready to act right at the open.

Ernie led a discussion on adjusting risk parameters, advocating for increased size in high-conviction trades while minimizing risk on speculative setups. Finally, the team committed to eliminating emotional re-entry trades and maintaining strict discipline by only re-engaging if a clear technical setup re-forms.

Archive, Zoom Daily

Daily Meeting for Thursday December 19

Posted on by Conor Browne

Strategic Adjustments and Enhanced Risk Control for Market Trends

• Assessment of recent trades impacted by fluctuating market momentum and proposed strategy adjustments.

• Refinements to the “big ass fly” strategy to accommodate intraday volatility and sharper reversals.

• Emphasis on proactive risk mitigation through tighter correlation between position sizes and volatility levels.

• Exploration of sector-specific trades with a focus on healthcare and energy driven by recent macroeconomic indicators.

• Introduction of updated stop-loss protocols to minimize losses during unpredictable price swings.

• Encouragement to align trades with broader economic patterns while adhering to predefined setups.

Summary

the team evaluated the impact of fluctuating market momentum on recent trade outcomes, with a focus on refining strategies for improved adaptability. Ernie emphasized updates to the “big ass fly” strategy to better handle intraday volatility and sharper reversals, ensuring it remains effective in current market conditions.

Proactive risk mitigation strategies were discussed, highlighting the need for a tighter correlation between position sizes and volatility levels. Sector-specific opportunities in healthcare and energy were analyzed, driven by recent macroeconomic trends that have created potential high-value setups.

New stop-loss protocols were introduced to minimize losses during sudden price swings, adding another layer of protection to the team’s trading framework. Ernie concluded by encouraging the team to align their trades with broader economic patterns while remaining disciplined in following predefined setups.

Archive, Retrospective

Sunday Retrospective for October 20

Posted on by Conor Browne

Adapting Strategies for Low-Volatility and Long-Term Focus

• Reflection on the week’s low-volatility market conditions and their impact on trading strategies.

• Emphasis on the importance of patience and avoiding overtrading in stagnant market environments.

• Review of the “big ass fly” strategy’s performance, with recommendations for adjustments to better suit low-volatility periods.

• Discussion on risk management techniques, focusing on preserving capital while seeking small but consistent profits.

• Exploration of technical indicators and market signals that can help in identifying potential breakout points in quiet markets.

• Setting goals for the upcoming week, including maintaining discipline, refining trade setups, and staying focused on long-term objectives.

Summary

the team reviewed the trading activities of the past week, marked by persistently low volatility. The discussion highlighted the challenges posed by such conditions, with Ernie emphasizing the need for patience and the importance of avoiding the temptation to overtrade in a stagnant market.

The “big ass fly” strategy was analyzed, with recommendations for adjustments to make it more effective in the current market environment. The session also covered risk management techniques designed to protect capital while aiming for small, consistent profits, a critical approach when market movements are minimal.

The team explored the use of technical indicators and market signals that could help in identifying breakout points, offering opportunities in otherwise quiet markets. Ernie concluded the meeting by setting goals for the upcoming week, encouraging traders to remain disciplined, refine their trade setups, and focus on long-term objectives rather than short-term gains in a challenging trading environment.

Archive, Zoom Daily

Daily Meeting for Thursday October 10

Posted on by Conor Browne

Refining Volatility-Driven Strategies and Maintaining Trade Discipline

• Review of how recent volatility has influenced trade execution and adjustments needed in the current strategies.

• Emphasis on refining the “big ass fly” strategy to improve performance during rapid market fluctuations.

• Discussion on the importance of managing emotions and maintaining discipline when trades do not follow expected patterns.

• Introduction of new tools for identifying key market turning points, enhancing trade entry and exit precision.

• Exploration of advanced risk management techniques, including more dynamic position sizing based on real-time market data.

• Encouragement to stay patient and avoid overreacting to market noise, focusing instead on long-term strategic goals.

Summary

the team focused on the impact of ongoing market volatility and how it has affected trade execution. Ernie provided an in-depth review of the “big ass fly” strategy, recommending refinements to enhance its performance in fast-moving markets. Managing emotions and maintaining discipline during periods when trades deviate from expectations was a key point of discussion, with Ernie stressing the importance of sticking to planned strategies.

The session also introduced new tools designed to help traders better identify market turning points, which are critical for optimizing trade entry and exit decisions. Additionally, more dynamic risk management techniques, such as adjusting position sizing in response to real-time market conditions, were explored.

The meeting concluded with a reminder to stay patient and avoid overreacting to daily market noise, reinforcing the importance of focusing on long-term strategic goals rather than short-term fluctuations.

Archive, Zoom Daily

Daily Meeting for Wednesday October 9

Posted on by Conor Browne

Fine-Tuning Trade Execution and Risk Management in High-Volatility Conditions

• Emphasis on improving trade execution, focusing on timing and precision in volatile markets.

• Discussion on adjusting the “big ass fly” strategy to better suit rapid market shifts and short-term volatility.

• Review of recent market patterns, identifying key indicators for optimizing entry and exit points.

• Introduction of risk mitigation techniques, such as scaling out of positions to lock in profits while minimizing downside risk.

• Analysis of external market factors, including geopolitical events and their influence on volatility spikes.

• Reinforcement of the importance of adhering to disciplined trade planning and avoiding impulsive reactions during market turbulence.

Summary

Ernie and the team discussed the ongoing challenges of trading in a highly volatile market, focusing on improving trade execution and timing. The “big ass fly” strategy was reviewed, with recommendations for adjusting it to align with rapid market movements and heightened short-term volatility. Key technical indicators were highlighted as critical tools for optimizing both entry and exit points.

Risk mitigation techniques, such as scaling out of trades to lock in profits while reducing downside exposure, were introduced. Additionally, the group analyzed external factors like geopolitical events and their potential to cause volatility spikes, urging traders to stay informed and cautious.

Ernie concluded the session by reinforcing the importance of adhering to a disciplined trading plan, reminding the team to avoid impulsive reactions, especially during times of heightened market turbulence. The focus remained on consistent execution and risk management to navigate the unpredictable market landscape.

Archive, Zoom Daily

Daily Meeting for Thursday September 26

Posted on by Conor Browne

Strategic Adaptations for High-Volatility Trading and Market Resilience

• Analysis of the current high-volatility market conditions and their impact on existing trading strategies.

• Emphasis on the necessity of dynamic risk management, including the adjustment of stop-loss orders and position sizes in response to rapid market changes.

• Introduction of new trade setups designed to exploit volatility spikes, with a focus on the “big ass fly” and related strategies.

• Discussion on the role of mental discipline in high-stress trading environments, particularly the importance of sticking to predetermined plans.

• Review of the impact of recent economic and geopolitical developments on market behavior, highlighting the need for vigilance and adaptability.

• Encouragement to prioritize process over short-term outcomes, maintaining consistency in strategy execution regardless of market noise.

Summary

the team focused on the ongoing high-volatility environment and how it continues to challenge traditional trading approaches. Ernie provided an in-depth analysis of how these market conditions are affecting various strategies, particularly those like the “big ass fly” that thrive on volatility. He emphasized the importance of dynamic risk management, advising traders to be ready to adjust stop-loss orders and position sizes quickly in response to the rapidly changing market landscape.

The session introduced new trade setups specifically designed to capitalize on volatility spikes, with detailed discussions on how to implement and manage these trades effectively. Mental discipline was also a key topic, with Ernie reminding participants of the critical need to adhere to their trading plans, especially in high-stress situations where the temptation to deviate can be strong.

The impact of recent economic and geopolitical events on market behavior was reviewed, reinforcing the need for traders to stay informed and adaptable. The meeting concluded with a call to prioritize process over short-term results, maintaining a consistent approach to strategy execution despite the market’s noise and fluctuations.

Archive, Zoom Daily

Daily Meeting for Tuesday September 24

Posted on by Conor Browne

Optimizing Strategies for High-Volatility Markets

• Detailed analysis of the recent increase in market volatility and its implications for trading strategies.

• Discussion on the effectiveness of using wider stop-loss orders in a volatile market to avoid premature exits.

• Emphasis on the importance of scaling trades according to market conditions, with a focus on risk management and capital preservation.

• Introduction of new strategies to exploit volatility spikes, including adjustments to the “big ass fly” and other advanced setups.

• Examination of the impact of external economic factors on current market behavior, with particular attention to recent policy announcements.

• Encouragement to continue refining strategies based on real-time market data and to remain flexible in trading approaches.

Summary

the team focused on adapting trading strategies to the current high-volatility market environment. The discussion began with an analysis of how the recent surge in volatility has affected trade execution and the importance of using wider stop-loss orders to avoid being stopped out prematurely. Ernie emphasized the need to scale trades appropriately according to market conditions, reinforcing the principle of capital preservation over aggressive profit-seeking.

New strategies were introduced to take advantage of volatility spikes, including adjustments to the “big ass fly” strategy and other advanced setups tailored for turbulent markets. The meeting also covered the influence of external economic factors on market behavior, particularly in light of recent policy announcements that have added to market uncertainty.

The session concluded with a strong recommendation to continue refining trading strategies based on real-time data and to maintain flexibility in approach, allowing for quick adjustments as market conditions evolve.

Archive

Daily Meeting for Friday September 20

Posted on by Conor Browne

Strategic Adjustments in a High-Risk, Low-Volatility Market

• Discussion on trading in an environment with low volatility (zombie land VIX) and how to adjust strategies accordingly.

• Emphasis on maintaining small trade sizes and avoiding overexposure due to the lack of clear market structure and high perceived risk.

• Explanation of the importance of capital preservation over profits, especially when market conditions are uncertain and edges are diminished.

• Introduction of the concept of expanding and contracting trading exposure based on market conditions, akin to adjusting driving speed in varying weather.

• Exploration of the potential benefits and risks of combining different trading strategies, such as the “big ass fly” with out-of-the-money flies, particularly in volatile conditions.

• Practical advice on using Thinkorswim’s analyze tab for portfolio management and understanding the impact of volatility on real-time profit curves.

Summary

Ernie provided guidance on navigating a market environment characterized by low volatility and the challenges it presents for traders. He emphasized the importance of small trade sizes and careful risk management due to the lack of clear structural elements and the high perceived risk at all-time highs. The discussion highlighted the need for capital preservation over profit-seeking, particularly in uncertain market conditions where trading edges are slim.

Ernie introduced the idea of expanding and contracting trading exposure based on market opportunities, comparing it to adjusting driving speed in varying weather conditions. He also explored the potential benefits and risks of combining different trading strategies, such as the “big ass fly” with out-of-the-money flies, especially during periods of high volatility.

The session concluded with practical advice on using Thinkorswim’s analyze tab to manage portfolios and understand how volatility affects real-time profit curves, reinforcing the importance of disciplined and informed trading in a challenging market environment.

Archive, Zoom Daily

Daily Meeting for Monday September 16

Posted on by Conor Browne

Advanced Futures Trading Insights and Risk Management

• Overview of trading with futures contracts, emphasizing the importance of understanding expiration and rollover periods.

• Explanation of the bond and treasury markets, including the differences between short, medium, and long-term treasuries.

• Discussion on the challenges of managing futures contracts, especially during the rollover periods and the potential pitfalls of trading continuous contracts.

• Advice on minimizing risks and avoiding common mistakes when trading futures, with a focus on the critical importance of understanding all aspects of the futures market.

• Detailed examination of trading strategies such as statistical arbitrage, calendar spreads, and the implications of trading options on futures.

• Introduction of mental toughness and discipline strategies, comparing trading routines to those of professional athletes and the need for consistent process management.

Summary

This meeting focused on advanced futures trading strategies and the critical importance of understanding every aspect of the market to avoid costly mistakes. The discussion highlighted the complexities of managing futures contracts, particularly during rollover periods, and the common misconceptions about continuous contracts. Participants were reminded of the differences between bonds, notes, and bills in the treasury market, as well as the significance of the bond market in influencing the Federal Reserve’s decisions on interest rates.

Ernie provided in-depth advice on minimizing risks in futures trading, emphasizing the importance of mastering market fundamentals and understanding the intricate details of trading strategies like statistical arbitrage and calendar spreads. The session also underscored the necessity of discipline and mental toughness in trading, drawing parallels to the training routines of professional athletes. Additionally, practical tips were offered for managing risk and ensuring that trades align with personal knowledge and risk tolerance, reinforcing the need for continuous improvement and adherence to trading processes.