Giles Coghlan LLB, Lth, MA
Financial Source
One of the attributes that can be most highly rewarded is that of patience. The ability to not act when others do. Looking over last year’s trading results, there were only 3 or 4 leveraged trades that really made the year. Many more trades were unleveraged and resulted in a little gain here and a little loss there. Many discretionary traders note a similar phenomenon. A few very successful trades would make the trading year.
And yet, despite knowing this, the lure of the markets means it is very hard for traders to actually stay out of the market. Trading is enjoyable for its own sake. Trading is also addictive and can result in compulsive behavior. Therefore, one attribute that will really benefit you is this: stay patient. So, on that note, here are some tips on how to stay patient.
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Use a checklist. The power of a checklist in trading can help you avoid mistakes and potentially slow down an impulsive entry.
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Have your trading terminal closed? You analyze the charts on a different platform than the one you trade on. This can provide a precious block stopping you from entering impulsively.
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De-leverage. Surprisingly, risking too much will cause you to enter and exit prematurely. If you have a hard time accepting your money at risk then this will make it hard to leave positions run. You will enter and exit too frequently.
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Use a checklist when you have an open trade. It is easy to lose conviction on a trade over time. So, you entered a market last week, but now you don’t have that conviction. By going back through your checklist you can re-evaluate an open trade to see if you still have a high conviction. Making it more ‘scientific’ in your thinking will help you know whether to hold the position.
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Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD bounces toward 1.1750 as US Dollar loses strength
EUR/USD returned to the 1.1750 price zone in the American session on Friday, despite falling Wall Street, which indicates risk aversion. Trading conditions remain thin following the New Year holiday and ahead of the weekend, with the focus shifting to US employment and European data scheduled for next week.
GBP/USD nears 1.3500, holds within familiar levels
After testing 1.3400 on the last day of 2025, GBP/USD managed to stage a rebound. Nevertheless, the pair finds it difficult to gather momentum and trades with modest intraday gains at around 1.3490 as market participants remain in holiday mood.
USD/JPY advances to near 157.00 on BoJ's cautious tightening
The USD/JPY pair trades in positive territory for the fourth consecutive day around 157.00 during the early European session on Friday. The cautious pace of the Bank of Japan’s (BoJ) monetary tightening weighs on the Japanese Yen (JPY) against the Greenback. Traders will take more cues from the US Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report for December, which is due next week.
Editors’ Picks
Gold Price Annual Forecast: 2026 could see new record-highs but a 2025-like rally is unlikely Premium
Gold hit multiple new record highs throughout 2025. Trade-war fears, geopolitical instability and monetary easing in major economies were the main drivers behind Gold’s rally.
AUD/USD Price Annual Forecast: Is 2026 the year the Aussie breaks above 0.70? Premium
In a context where AUD/USD rate differentials, institutional credibility, and geopolitical dynamics are once again central, 2026 could mark a new phase in the balance of power between the Australian Dollar and the US Dollar.
USD/INR Price Annual Forecast: Indian Rupee could disappoint both optimists and pessimists alike in 2026 Premium
The Indian Rupee (INR) has seen a consistent depreciation against the US Dollar (USD) for the last several years and turned out to be the worst-performing Asian currency in 2025.
Top 10 crypto predictions for 2026: Institutional demand and big banks could lift Bitcoin
Bitcoin’s (BTC) adoption story is unraveling and the king crypto could see institutional demand return in 2026. Crypto asset managers like Grayscale are betting on Bitcoin’s rally to a new all-time high next year, and themes like Bitcoin as a reserve asset are emerging.
S&P 500 Price Annual Forecast: 2026 to benefit from decent growth as Trump runs it hot Premium
BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, ran an online survey in early December asking respondents whether attractive returns for risk assets would continue for a fourth straight year in 2026.
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