Exploring the challenges of transitioning from research to execution in trading new strategies, emphasizing the differences between paper trading and real-world execution. Tips provided for navigating this transition effectively and managing confidence in live trading.
Distinguish between research and execution modes to prevent premature adjustments based on limited trade outcomes.
Allow numerous trades to validate the strategy's long-term viability despite short-term outcomes not reflecting effectiveness.
Deep dives
Understanding the Normalcy of Tweaking Strategies
When starting a new trading strategy, it is common to make adjustments along the way, even for well-established strategies. Backtesting has limitations, and market conditions can differ from historical data. Transitioning from research to execution mode can be challenging, especially if initial trades result in losses, leading to temptation to alter the strategy. It is crucial to distinguish between research and execution modes to prevent premature adjustments based on limited trade outcomes.
Embracing Probabilities and Large Numbers in Trading
Recognizing the significance of probabilities and large numbers in trading is essential. Despite expecting a certain win rate, short-term trading outcomes do not always reflect the strategy's effectiveness. Allowing numerous trades to unfold is necessary to validate the strategy's long-term viability. Avoid letting initial trade performances sway your confidence, as genuine strategy assessment requires a comprehensive sample size of trades.
Transitioning from Paper Trading to Real Money Trading
When transitioning from paper trading to real money trading, emotional and execution differences become apparent. Paper trading results may be skewed positively due to immediate fills and lack of real-world execution nuances. Trading small sizes with real money provides a more accurate trading experience, enabling traders to assess their psychological resilience and adaptability. Paper trading can serve as a starting point for complex strategies, aiding in platform familiarization and mitigating execution errors.
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Summary:
Trading a new strategy can be difficult so in this episode, I'll give 3 tips to help you balance between the research and the execution your strategy so you can trade with confidence.
Note: This is not financial advice and I am not a financial advisor.