Quote from NoDoji:
OK, let's see, should I believe the words of a systems analyst and the self-described writer quoting him, or should I believe the words of the most profitable traders in the world?
Michael Marcus:
Q. Do you always pick a point where you will get out before you get in?
A. Yes, I have always done that. You have to.
Q. I would imagine in your case you canât actually put a stop in because your orders are too large.
A. Yes, but my broker can hold it.
Bruce Kovner:
âWhenever I enter a position, I have a predetermined stop. That is the only way I can sleep. I know where Iâm getting out before I get in.?
Richard Dennis
Q. Do you always define your maximum risk point when you get into a trade?
A. You should always have a worst case point. The only choice should be to get out quicker.
Paul Tudor Jones:
Q. Do you always know where you are getting out before you put a trade on?
A. I have a mental stop. If it hits that number, I am out no matter what.
Gary Bielfeldt:
Q. How much risk did you allow when putting on a trade?
A. Generally anywhere from ? to 1 ? points.
Q. So if you tried to pick a spot that looked good and it didnât work, you would bail out and try again at another spot?
A. Right.
Ed Seykota:
Q. Do you decide where you are getting out before you get in on a trade?
A. I set protective stops at the same time I enter a trade.
Larry Hite:
Q. What makes Mint different? How have you been able to achieve return/risk ratios far above the industry average?
A. So the very first rule we live by at Mint is: Never risk more than 1 percent of total equity on any trade.
David Ryan:
Q. Since you use an extremely rigorous selection process, do you have a high percentage of winners in your stock picks?
A. No, only about 50/50, because I cut the losers very quickly. The maximum loss I allow is 7 percent, and usually I am out of a losing stock a lot quicker.
Marty Schwartz:
Q. From time to time, you have alluded to your trading rules. Can you list them?
A. That brings me to my next rule: Before taking a position, always know the amount you are willing to lose. Know your âuncle point? and honor it.
Mark Weinstein:
Q. Any final advice you have for a beginning trader?
A. You have to learn how to lose; it is more important than learning how to win. Limit losses quickly.
Tom Baldwin:
Q. Do you have to be somewhat of an egomaniac to be a good trader?
A. Actually, the best traders have no ego. You cannot let ego get in the way of a trade that is a loser; you have to swallow your pride and get out.
Tony Saliba:
Q. Do you always know the maximum risk in a position that you hold?
A. Yesâ¦no matter what happens, I know my worst case. My loss is always limited.
Let me think on this for a while...