Chat With Traders

Rick Bandazian Jr. is a seasoned trader with over 15 years of expertise in event-driven and merger-arbitrage strategies. He shares insights on his journey from banking analyst to independent trader, highlighting the critical role of patience and discipline in trading. Rick delves into mastering merger-arbitrage, emphasizing meticulous research and understanding market catalysts. He also discusses balancing trading strategies with risk management while illustrating how his volunteer firefighting work enriches his sense of community.

Laurens Bensdorp, author of bestselling trading books, shares his journey from a struggling discretionary trader to a systematic pro. He reveals how he developed over 55 automated trading systems that optimize returns and minimize losses. The discussion highlights the evolution from mean reversion to trend-following strategies and emphasizes the critical role of risk management. Bensdorp also touches on the psychological challenges traders face and hints at future projects, including his upcoming book on IRA accounts.

Sam Miesse, a quant trader who remarkably grew his account from $10K to $3.8M in three years, discusses the intriguing intersection of technology and trading. He shares how a background in predictive analytics inspired his foray into small-cap stocks and how he developed a rigorous trading model after extensive data collection. Miesse explores the psychological challenges of trading, particularly managing emotions during significant losses, and reflects on the meme stock phenomenon's impact on the market.

Mark Ritchie II is a seasoned swing and growth trader and the Managing Partner at RTM Capital Advisors. He shares fascinating insights into his trading journey, influenced by his father, emphasizing disciplined risk management and the power of price action. Mark discusses the importance of emotional control and starting small, scaling up when a strategy proves effective. He reveals his systematic stock screening process and how he navigates varying market conditions while maintaining capital efficiency. Mark’s journey showcases the blend of personal growth and strategic trading.

Join Alfonso Peccatiello, founder of The Macro Compass and a veteran portfolio manager, as he shares his deep macro insights. He discusses his unique journey from a small Italian village to leading a $20 billion fixed-income portfolio. Delve into his framework thinking in trading strategies, the complexities of market crowding through the lens of the Japanese carry trade, and the importance of robust risk management. Alfonso also highlights strategies to diversify portfolios by exploring alternative investments, challenging traditional concepts of market dynamics.

Steve B is a seasoned independent trader with over a decade of experience, known for his mentorship in the trading community. In this insightful conversation, he delves into his unique 'Confluence Trading' approach, emphasizing structured trading checklists and the critical role of psychological resilience. He shares his personal journey from traditional education to active trading, exploring risk management and the significance of community networking. Steve also highlights the balance needed for successful day trading and maintaining personal well-being amidst market demands.

Robb Reinhold, Head Trader at Maverick Trading, shares groundbreaking insights from his year-long Flat Earth Trading Society experiment. He emphasizes that consistent position management is more vital than the perfect stock entry. Robb discusses the psychology behind trading decisions, including the Dunning-Kruger effect and the dangers of over-researching. He highlights the necessity of disciplined exits and how aligning strategies with personal traits can lead to greater success. Get ready to rethink your trading approach!

Jason Shapiro, a seasoned trader known for his contrarian strategies, returns to share insights from his 30 years in the industry. He explores the profitability of consistently going against the crowd and how market positioning and sentiment guide his trades. Shapiro dives into the dangers of overcrowded trades, adapting strategies during market volatility, and the psychological elements affecting trading. He also analyzes the current market dynamics, including euphoria versus bearish narratives, and the implications of financial risk shifts from banks to governments.

Greg Magadini, a former proprietary trader who transformed $50,000 into $1.3 million, discusses his dynamic journey through trading. He shares insights on volatility trading in the crypto market, particularly in the wake of the FTX crisis, and the unique challenges compared to traditional equities. Greg highlights innovative strategies that identify market inefficiencies while emphasizing emotional resilience in trading. He also opens up about founding a crypto options analytics company and navigating the complexities of trading with both personal and external capital.

Sam Daghash, professional coach, & cofounder discusses the importance of self-awareness in trading, mindset reprogramming, managing emotions, setting personal rules, and building confidence. Exploring priming techniques for better decision-making and overcoming emotional turmoil for trading success. Highlighting the significance of confidence, belief systems, and emotional intelligence for traders.