10 Day Trading Tips for Beginners
Day
trading is the act of buying and selling a financial instrument within the same day or
even multiple times over the course of a day. Taking advantage of small price
moves can be a lucrative game if it is played correctly. Yet, it can be
dangerous for beginners and anyone else who doesn't adhere to a
well-thought-out strategy.
Not all brokers
are suited for the high volume of trades day trading generates. On the other
hand, some fit perfectly with day traders. Check out our list of the best brokers for day trading for those that accommodate individuals who would
like to day trade.
The online
brokers on our list, Interactive Brokers and Webull, have professional or advanced versions of their
platforms that feature real-time streaming quotes, advanced charting tools, and
the ability to enter and modify complex orders in quick succession.
Below, we'll
take a look at ten day trading strategies for beginners. Then, we'll consider
when to buy and sell, basic charts and patterns, and how to limit losses.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Day trading is only profitable in the long run when traders take it
seriously and do their research.
- Day traders must be diligent, focused, objective, and unemotional
in their work.
- Interactive Brokers and Webull are two recommended online brokers
for day traders.
- Day traders often look at liquidity, volatility, and volume when
deciding what stocks to buy.
- Some tools that day traders use to pinpoint buying
points include candlestick chart patterns, trendlines and triangles, and
volume.
1. Knowledge Is Power
In addition
to knowledge of day trading procedures, day traders need to keep up with the
latest stock market news and events that affect stocks. This can include the Federal
Reserve System's interest rate plans, leading indicator announcements, and
other economic, business, and financial news.
So, do your
homework. Make a wish list of stocks you'd like to trade. Keep yourself
informed about the selected companies, their stocks, and general markets. Scan
business news and bookmark reliable online news outlets.
2. Set Aside Funds
Assess and
commit to the amount of capital you're willing to risk on each trade. Many
successful day traders risk less than 1% to 2% of their accounts per trade. If
you have a $40,000 trading account and are willing to risk 0.5% of
your capital on each trade, your maximum loss per trade is $200 (0.5% x
$40,000).
Earmark a
surplus amount of funds you can trade with and are prepared to lose.
3. Set Aside Time
Day
trading requires your time and attention. In fact, you'll need to give up most
of your day. Don’t consider it if you have limited time to spare.
Day
trading requires a trader to track the markets and spot opportunities that can
arise at any time during trading hours. Being aware and moving
quickly are key.
4. Start Small
As a
beginner, focus on a maximum of one to two stocks during a session. Tracking and
finding opportunities is easier with just a few stocks. Recently, it has become
increasingly common to trade fractional shares. That lets you
specify smaller dollar amounts that you wish to invest.
5. Avoid Penny Stocks
You're
probably looking for deals and low prices but stay away from penny
stocks.
These stocks are often illiquid and the chances of hitting the
jackpot with them are often bleak.
Many
stocks trading under $5 a share become delisted from major stock exchanges and
are only tradable over-the-counter (OTC). Unless you see a real
opportunity and have done your research, steer clear of these.
6. Time Those Trades
Many
orders placed by investors and traders begin to execute as soon as the markets
open in the morning, which contributes to price volatility. A seasoned player
may be able to recognize patterns at the open and time orders to make profits.
For beginners, though, it may be better to read the market without making any
moves for the first 15 to 20 minutes.
The
middle hours are usually less volatile. Then movement begins to pick up again
toward the closing bell. Though the rush hours offer opportunities, it’s
safer for beginners to avoid them at first.
7. Cut Losses With Limit Orders
Decide
what type of orders you'll use to enter and exit trades. Will you use market orders or limit orders? A market order is
executed at the best price available at the time, with no price guarantee. It's
useful when you just want in or out of the market and don't care about getting
filled at a specific price.
A limit
order guarantees price but not the execution. {1} Limit orders can
help you trade with more precision and confidence because you set the price at
which your order should be executed. A limit order can cut your loss on
reversals. However, if the market doesn't reach your price, your order won't be
filled and you'll maintain your position.
8. Be Realistic About Profits
A
strategy doesn't need to succeed all the time to be profitable. Many successful
traders may only make profits on 50% to 60% of their trades. However, they make
more on their winners than they lose on their losers. Make sure the financial
risk on each trade is limited to a specific percentage of your account and that
entry and exit methods are clearly defined.
9. Stay Cool
There
are times when the stock market tests your nerves. As a day trader, you need to
learn to keep greed, hope, and fear at bay. Decisions should be governed by
logic and not emotion.
10. Stick to the Plan
Successful
traders have to move fast, but they don't have to think fast. Why? Because
they've developed a trading strategy in advance, along with the discipline to
stick to it. It is important to follow your formula closely
rather than try to chase profits. Don't let your emotions get the best of you
and make you abandon your strategy. Bear in mind a mantra of day traders: plan
your trade and trade your plan.
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