Recent content by Eighteen Aces

I used the Knopman material and passed. I am new to the industry and have not taken any other FINRA exams. Here's what I recommend: Read the book twice. Do at least 3000 practice questions (yes 3000). Score in the 90's on full length practice exams. Take the "Benchmark Exam" two or three...

I used the Knopman material and passed. I am new to the industry and have not taken any other FINRA exams. Here's what I recommend: Read the book twice Do at least 3000 practice questions (yes 3000) Score in the 90's on full length practice exams Take the "Benchmark Exam" two or three times...

I would never make a promise like that. If someone gave me their money to invest, I would tell them they might lose every penny. If anyone ever promises you anything in investing... run fast and far.

I rarely have more than 3 trades on at once. I don't like the idea of being all-in, or completely exposed, especially since I trade with margin. As for profit taking... I think every trade is unique. For example: I am currently long GILD. The trade is in profit right now, my target is to sell...

Thanks for the advice, James! I do have one question. It seems you are implying that my probability of loss is directly related to, or influenced by, my level of returns. Pardon my ignorance but, how does that work?

Thanks for the input! I wouldn't use leverage either if I had an account the size of yours. I have the same problem with volatility in my account. Too many ups and downs. Need to minimize the draw downs. I try to keep things under control by limiting my position sizes, and sticking mostly to...

Not full time. Not yet. I have an unrelated day job and do most of my trading on my smart phone.

That's right. AMBA. Revs and EPS were great, guidance was terrible.

"The funny thing is that 2013/2014 benefited investors over traders." ...My biggest winner in 2013 was a position I held for 10 months. Something I haven't done since. "...2015 would have been very hard without a little skill/luck." ...For 2015, I made most of my profits in Q1 and Q2. Q3 and...

You're right! I am fishing for replies. I thought that was the point of asking a question on a forum. And, it seems your reply generated some attention to the post. So, I suppose I owe you one for that. I assure you I am here to learn, not just get clicks. I am familiar with the Barrons link...

I opened a small brokerage account in 2011 ($20,000), made about a dozen trades right away with minimal gains, then took a large withdrawal from the account and quit trading altogether for about a year and a half. I started trading in earnest again in 2013. As of January 1st, 2013 my account...

Normally I apply 20% or less of my buying power to each trade. I do not use stops for swing trades (although I can see how stops would be necessary for day-trading). Profit-taking varies from trade to trade depending on the situation. Some trades I might look for 1% profit, others I might look...

I have been trading stocks at the retail level for just over 3 years. I am averaging about 23% returns annually, mostly swing-trading. I made 25% in 2015. Is this any good? Or, do I have work to do?