Cute from afar, but far from cute.

Discussions about personal psychology for the individual trader.
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Sir G
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Cute from afar, but far from cute.

Post by Sir G »

This could also be called, “meaningful enlightenment from a painful experience.â€
Chuck B
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Post by Chuck B »

I remember being sick as heck back in Dec 1994 and trading the S&P. I recall that I was short 2 contracts, and I called in to go flat. However, I told the broker to sell 2 at the market. He paused and said did you say sell? I spoke with great authority and urgency and loudly proclaimed, "Sell two at the market!". I got my fill and hung up the phone. I went to lay down in bed, and about 20 minutes later I realized that I was short 4 since I screwed up. It cost me a good bit, but at the time it was pre-system trading and pre-serious-plan trading, so an error like that was bound to happen under stress :lol: .
NickR
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Post by NickR »

I traded the Singapore Stock Index for the first time several years ago. After doing my numbers I placed the order for 10 contracts and at the time thought it was a lot considering it was a stock index. I was filled by the broker but come late afternoon I seemed to get cold feet and exited the trade early. I am a trend follower so this was strange activity for me. The next morning whilst reviewing my trading statements I realised I had incorrectly calculated the tick value and had about 10x the risk I should have. Whilst it was a nasty loss I think more of the fact that I had this "cold feet" inclination to exit without being conscience of my error.
edward kim
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Post by edward kim »

In February of 2001, I caused a five-car accident (yes there were lawsuits pending that lasted a year), and I went to the hospital because I contracted a really bad illness. It took a while to recover phsyically form both situations, but I lost about 60% from March to November, 2001.

It's amazing how any imbalance outside of trading manifests itself a 100-fold in trading.

Edward
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