Sometimes you just need Dramamine. The world has its hot spots and the market goes through its peaks and valleys. We ride the roller coaster and we take our motion sickness medicine. It’s a time of upheaval and uncertainty. We hear over and over that the sky is falling, but I continue to be the eternal optimist. How can we be optimistic in world conditions that bring fear to so many? Well, first I have faith. I don’t want to sound like a arrogant practitioner of religion, but I believe that above everything else, there is a plan, an eternal plan, that if followed, brings peace. I’m not ashamed of my faith or of my optimism. That optimism is not rooted in naivety, but has solid footing. Frankly, I don’t think the world is going to become more peaceful, but does that sway me from living? No! Too many people tend to duck and run for cover the minute even a small sign of trouble looms on the horizon. I love life too much to always stand under cover. There will always be those that want to hide under a rock, but I am not going to live in fear. Fear brings negativity and frankly the principle of self-fulfilling prophecy comes into play. If we believe bad things will happen - they will.
What we need now, more than ever is resolve. We need to continue to financially shore up what we have and, in the vernacular of today, we just need to “Man Up.” Instead of expecting a hand out, we can collectively and individually give a hand up to ourselves and those around us. It comes from work and from implementing solid trading principles. It comes from continual education and having the foresight, vision and frankly “guts,” to step out of the proverbial box.
As an Options trader and instructor I often hear that “Options are too risky.” While Options have risk, it surprises many that Options, if managed correctly, are usually more safe than owning stock. One of the flaws in trading today is believing in the old, antiquated and outdated philosophy that we should buy stock and hold it for 20-30 years and then sell it and retire wealthy. If 2008 wasn’t a wake up call to re-tool that kind of strategy, then the current instability and rising volatility should be.
There has never been a greater need to have a trading plan. That plan has to adapt to changes in the market. As traders we MUST learn to react to current market conditions and apply solid strategies instead of hoping that the market will change because of our superior mind power.
Over the next few posts I want to talk about using the Greeks as part of a Master Trading Plan. Learning about the Greeks is an essential part of the trader’s toolkit. Some view the Greeks as forbidden territory, however they are absolutely necessary in having a solid plan. The basic Greeks are Delta, Theta, Vega, Gamma and Rho. There are other Greeks, but for now we are going to concentrate on the fundamental Greeks that can have a huge impact in the way we trade.
We hear from some, “Those were the days.” For them, their life is in the past. I think “These are the days!” We have much to be thankful for and many opportunities to embrace. Now is our time! We will take the market and ride it. Hang on - it’s going to be a lot of fun!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
Thanks for the pep talk -- good medicine. Keeping a positive outlook is often one of the most difficult parts of this adventure, so it helps to remember that good things ARE going to happen if we work hard, follow our plan, and have the right attitude. I also try to remember that some of the greatest fortunes are made when the world seems to be falling apart.
ReplyDelete