Quote from 4re:
NdJeff7,
Ok here is how I plan my exits. Now this is a plan that you can use faithfully if you just do it like a robot. Mine is based on the ES but you can multiply any of the numbers by 10 and trade it on the YM.
OK here is how I exit my trades win or lose.
1. Shoot for 2 points, if momentum is really strong go ahead and stay in until the first sign of slow down and get out.
2. If price goes 1.5 points and starts reversing take 1 point and get out with profit.
3. If price goes my direction 1 point then all the loss I will take is 1 point (Kind of a modified trailing stop)
4. anything less than 1 point move in your direction go with a 2 point stoploss
Numbers 2,3 and 4 are with the idea that I can always re enter at a later time if the signal comes up again.
This point strategy is with the focus of not letting a winning trade turn into a losing trade first and foremost.
It is very conservative but even without being an experienced trader you can use this method. I am not as faithful with it because now if I see the hint of a pullback during a trade the first thing I start looking for is either a flag or pennant formation. If I don't see that forming on a 5 minute chart I get out. For you I would like to see you stick to this method. Don't look for any chart pattern just stick to it. As you get better at chart patterns then you can incorporate patterns into your exit strategy. Right now survival and making some money is all you need to focus on. You will find that your account will keep going up if you put yourself in the right trades.
Now that I have said that. What method are you using for your trade set ups. Because if you are not using a proven method for trading then exit strategy is the least of your worries. You should not be trying to re invent the wheel here just use a simple basic PROVEN method.
Make yourself try this for one month and then evaluate your account.
I hope this helps.
Gary