what are the two worst things a trader can do?

[SkyChef]

1) Predict.
2) Unaware of doing (1)

 

[dealmaker]

1) trading too big for account size & knowledge IE not managing risk
2) mistaking high probability for certainty

 

[viruscore1]

being on the wrong side of the trade, then dollar cost average

 

[johnbennett103]

1) Not having/executing a sound trading plan with adequate capital
2) Not exiting a trade at a pre-determined risk level (stop)

 

[Pekelo]

being on the wrong side of the trade, then dollar cost average

So you listened to me after all, thanks for your input.

 

[Pekelo]

1) Predict.

This is stupid, every trade is a prediction.

 

[lovethetrade]

what are the two worst things a trader can do?
Start trading and blow a 2nd account.

This is stupid, every trade is a prediction.

Yes and no. The actual signal involves an expectation but from that point on there should be no expectation or prediction as to what the market will do, otherwise you have a flawed and non-optimal exit strategy.

 

[comagnum]

what are the two worst things a trader can do?

Going after tiny gains - you need real big winners to make it in this game.
Over trading - this is given as a primary reason in most studies as a leading culprit for failure.

 

[viruscore1]

So you listened to me after all, thanks for your input.

nope, just because i say something, doesn't mean i expect anyone to listen

 

[viruscore1]

Your underlying spikes down and your stopped out, then recovers immediately missing the bounce, only to shoot upward to big profits and ex-dividend the next day. Ok that's more than 2. And that is why stop loss is going away.