Is it really just an innate talent that makes some people better at trading than others? Or is there something more? How can you be a better trader? There are ways and means, and when you find out what they are you may just be surprised.
Sleep Is For The Strong
When it comes to trading, tiredness is your enemy. If you want to be a better trader you need to sleep well and sleep long – a good 7 to 8 hours a night, unbroken if you can possibly manage it. A few hours’ sleep and a big jug of coffee the next morning might get you through, but it’s not going to keep your mind where it needs to be,which is checking the markets and your chart. A tired mind makes mistakes, it misses opportunities. You need to be as fresh as possible if you want to make money from trading.
So to be a better trader you need to sleep well, but how to do that? It can be hard, but studies have proven that an early bedtime and an early morning is the best way to get into a routine that suits your body. Don’t drink caffeine close to bedtime either oryou’ll definitely have problems getting to sleep, or staying asleep once you’ve dropped off. And if you can, make sure your bedroom is dark, cool and quiet.Lovely.
The Breakfast of Champions
In this busy world, many people skip breakfast so that they can get a head start on the day. This is not a good thing to do for anyone, but it’s certainly not recommended if you want to be a better trader. But it’s not just the act of eating something (it’scalled a break fast because you have starved yourself overnight) that wakes you up; it needs to be healthy. Try fruit and cereal and not something sugary and sweet. It might take a while to get into the habit, but you’ll feel better forit once you do. Water is essential too – drink it first thing and keep sipping all day long. You’ll be energised and your skill won’t look bad either!
Exercise is Key
To be a better trader you need a fit mind and a healthy body. Regular exercise is important as it not only burns fat and keeps you fit, but it releases endorphins (the ‘happy hormone’) which helps keep the brain active – essential when it comes to making a successful trade.
Do Other Things
All trade and no play makes everyone a dull boy (or girl), and you are no exception to that rule. To be a better trader you need to stop trading once in a while and get out and about, do other things, find a hobby or go out with friends and enjoy an active social life. The trades will still be there when you get back, and if you set everything up correctly you can just leave everything running in the back ground whilst you go out and enjoy the spoils of previous successful trades.
Have A Plan & A Routine
Planning is so important in many aspects of life, and it’s the same in trading. If you want to be a better trader then plan ahead. Have a trading plan. Not only will this make trading easier, but it will mean that you can get straight into the action rather than taking time to prepare everything before you can even start. So it saves time and stops you from getting bored. And then, once your plan is in place, you can get into your routine. Knowing what you are doing from one day to the next makes a big difference in how confident you will feel during a trade. If it’s all part of the routine it will feel safer and more positive too.
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Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD drops to daily lows near 1.1630
EUR/USD now loses some traction and slips back to the area of daily lows around 1.1630 on the back of a mild bounce in the US Dollar. Fresh US data, including the September PCE inflation numbers and the latest read on December consumer sentiment, didn’t really move the needle, so the pair is still on course to finish the week with a respectable gain.
GBP/USD trims gains, recedes toward 1.3320
GBP/USD is struggling to keep its daily advance, coming under fresh pressure and retreating to the 1.3320 zone following a mild bullish attempt in the Greenback. Even though US consumer sentiment surprised to the upside, the US Dollar isn’t getting much love, as traders are far more interested in what the Fed will say next week.
Japanese Yen refreshes three-week high vs USD; seems poised to appreciate further
The Japanese Yen retains bullish bias as BoJ rate hike bets offset dismal Household Spending data. Dovish Fed expectations fail to assist the USD in attracting buyers and keep a lid on the USD/JPY pair. Traders keenly await the US PCE Price Index for Fed rate-cut cues and a fresh directional impetus.
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD drops to daily lows near 1.1630
EUR/USD now loses some traction and slips back to the area of daily lows around 1.1630 on the back of a mild bounce in the US Dollar. Fresh US data, including the September PCE inflation numbers and the latest read on December consumer sentiment, didn’t really move the needle, so the pair is still on course to finish the week with a respectable gain.
GBP/USD trims gains, recedes toward 1.3320
GBP/USD is struggling to keep its daily advance, coming under fresh pressure and retreating to the 1.3320 zone following a mild bullish attempt in the Greenback. Even though US consumer sentiment surprised to the upside, the US Dollar isn’t getting much love, as traders are far more interested in what the Fed will say next week.
Gold makes a U-turn, back to $4,200
Gold is now losing the grip and receding to the key $4,200 region per troy ounce following some signs of life in the Greenback and a marked bounce in US Treasury yields across the board. The positive outlook for the precious metal, however, remains underpinned by steady bets for extra easing by the Fed.
Crypto Today: Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP pare gains despite increasing hopes of upcoming Fed rate cut
Bitcoin is steadying above $91,000 at the time of writing on Friday. Ethereum remains above $3,100, reflecting positive sentiment ahead of the Federal Reserve's (Fed) monetary policy meeting on December 10.
Week ahead – Rate cut or market shock? The Fed decides
Fed rate cut widely expected; dot plot and overall meeting rhetoric also matter. Risk appetite is supported by Fed rate cut expectations; cryptos show signs of life. RBA, BoC and SNB also meet; chances of surprises are relatively low.
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