The Rookie DayTrader
Visit our Home Site at The Rookie DayTrader for more tips and training. Learn to trade in the stock market. We provide a step by step learning process for the beginning investor.
We are now Mobile enabled
The Rookie DayTrader Blog is now Mobile enabled for the fillowing types:

iphone, ipod, aspen, incognito, webmate

android, cupcake, dream, froyo

Blackberry Storm/Torch blackberry9500, blackberry9520, blackberry9530, blackberry9550, blackberry9800

Palm webos

Samsung s8000, bada

Just use the address: http://www.rookiedaytrader.net

Your device type will automatically be selected.
World Market Watch
US Stock Market Indexes
Energies Monitor

Posts Tagged ‘Trading Strategy’

ETF Trend Trading Mentorship Program – Only a few spaces left for July Re-opening

ETF Trend Trading is a step by step training system created and designed by Big A, to dominate the Exchange Traded Funds market.

ETF Trend Trading is a legitimate course and does work as it’s stated. The course is an excellent option for users that is already a investor and wish to learn more about “Big A’s system”, increase their revenue from ETF. However, the course is usually unavailable to order for new customers until the end of each month. It is usually re-open for about 2-3 weeks with a webinar and accepting 75 new students before closing. The user can opt-in to reserve their course and the webinar.

A good ETF trading strategy is based on solid technical analysis. So, you will need someone to teach you about it. But, that’s not all. You can have the best strategy or system in the world and still remain unsuccessful if you can’t control your emotions and your risk.

This is what separates Big A’s ETF trend trading system from all other imitators. He explains different strategies you can use depending on your risk tolerance. There are options for conservative, moderate and risk taking investors. The key with each strategy is to limit your financial exposure to only 1-2% per trade. This will help protect you and your money.

The webinar last Wednesday with Big A was packed! He had hundreds of traders on the webinar. He gave us more powerful trading content than most paid courses. And, because the webinar was filled to capacity we are posting the recording. It will only be up until Sunday night the 11th.

Maybe you haven’t listened to the recording yet?

Click here to get access to it:

==> Visit ETF Trend Trading Website

Here’s the cheat sheet of what’s covered in the webinar:

- Two simple tricks that instantly remove 95% of your emotions in trading. Since we know fear and greed are the number one killers of traders, this info could improve your trading now.

- A little known position sizing trick that can double your returns, regardless of what market or system you trade.

- Why money managers who only risk 1-2% per trade still make great returns.

- How some hedge funds hunt stops and a simple trick to avoid being trapped.

- Why trading is not a “zero sum game” and what this means for the average trader.

- How to make strong profits using the daily charts and trading only 10 minutes per night.

- One of his profit target strategies. He has 4 in total and gives one away.

- How Jim Rogers, Warren Buffett, and others became great traders and investors.

- What the “gurus” selling hype trading courses are hiding from you AND

- Six easy ways to spot a counterfeit “trading teacher” from a mile away.

- How to not be vague with your entries and stops like when others say: “Buy a few cents, ticks, or pips above.”

- A little known, no cost, scanner tool that can help you right now.

- He also gives you an excel sheet that does ALL the math for you so you can easily see the optimal position size and risk vs. reward ratio on all trades.

All that in an hour? It certainly isn’t a waste of time!

This guy really knows his stuff. He should after placing trades as large as $50 million before he retired from money management. He shares a little of his story, but most of the hour is spent teaching you how to trade better.

I like to share valuable free info with my subscribers and this one defiantly fits-the-bill.

Click here to register for the recording:

==> Visit ETF Trend Trading Website

Even if you listened in the first time, don’t miss this chance to replay this valuable free webinar.

- About the Author: Rob Trader – Forex Expert http://tradingtoollist.co.cc/ Article Source

Day Trading Economic News Analysis: S&P 500 June 11, 2010

Understanding the direction of the market as well as the economic activity will lead to profitable trades. Keep up with our live news feed with TraderMongers.com!

S&P 500

The S&P 500 index is currently trading between these natural support and resistance levels: 1050, 1075, and the 1100. We are also trading above the 200 day moving average on the 5 minute chart at 1073. Do not expect a break below the 1075 level on Friday due to the support levels provided by both the 144 and 200 day moving averages. The markets will most likely trade sideways going into Friday’s trading.

On Thursday the S&P 500 ended the trade just above the 1085 200 day moving average on the daily chart. Expect sideways trading as we push into Friday because we are still below the 144 day Fibonacci moving average of 1111. Until we break above this level do expect a confirmed rally or recovering especially throughout these low-volume trading summer months. We still believe that any positive news is considered a temporary rally as move into August which is considered the slowest trading month.

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) Market Volatility index (VIX) measures options activity within the market and is widely used tracking the S&P 500. A common trading strategy for traders and investors includes a VIX level of 30 or above means an immediate switch from equities to cash. Traders and investors are retreating from the markets and finding safety and protection within the Treasuries, gold, and the dollar.

As long as we stay above this level expect pessimism as we approach the slow summer months. Currently the VIX is above the 144 and 200 day moving averages on the daily chart. The volatility index is just above 30.00 as of today so traders and investors may rethink their short positions or continue retreat to safer assets.

However due to the low volume in the recent rally and liquidation of mutual fund investors due to frightening instances such as the ‘flash crash,’ European debt crisis and BP Oil Spill expect volatility will return and traders will prey and make money on both ends. Traders will buy when investors are fearful and sell when they are euphoric and confident.

 

Summary of Pivot and Technical Levels

1219: S&P 500 52 Week High

1111: 144 Day Fibonacci Moving Average on Daily Chart

1100: Natural Resistance Level

1090: Important Pivot Level

1085: 200 Day Fibonacci Moving Average on Daily Chart

1075: Natural Resistance Level

1074: 144, 200 Day Fibonacci Moving Average on 5 Minute Chart

1073: 200 Day Fibonacci Moving Average on 5 Minute Chart

1050: Natural Support Level

 

 

Friday Economic Calendar

Retail Sales / 8.30 EST

Consumer Sentiment / 9.55 EST

Business Inventories / 10.00 EST

 

 

Disclaimer

The content in this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only. We offer no investment advice and nothing in this material should be construed as such. There is risk of loss when you invest; past performance is never a guarantee of future performance. Trading is the sole responsibility of the individual. No reader should act on the basis of any matter contained herein without getting appropriate professional advice. Every investor or trader should consider all offerings of products and services on their own merits and for suitability to the individual’s personal needs and circumstances.

- About the Author: Shamim Ziyaaudhin is one of the editors of TraderMongers.com a one stop trading news feed source for worldwide traders and investors. Their philosophy is to establish the standard for providing market news feed that is comprehensive, accurate, and concise. Providing technical and fundamental trading setups, economic numbers, and calendar events throughout the trading day. Shamim has a Masters in Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University and holds a degree in Psychology from Rutgers University. Click here to subscribe to Tradermongers E- News Article Source

Day Trading Economic News Analysis: S&P 500 June 1, 2010

Understanding the direction of the market as well as the economic activity will lead to profitable trades. Keep up with our live news feed with TraderMongers.com!

S&P 500

After Memorial Day weekend beginning the half way point of the year and start of the slow summer season vacations all the market indexes are trading near levels seen on January 2010. Even the summer movies have a hard time getting off of ground such as the recent Memorial Day weekend movies: Prince of Persia and Sex in the City 2.

2010 has not been a great year as revelations are revealed concerning off shore drilling, European countries debt exceeding their GDPs, and the ‘flash crash’ fallout on May 6th. These uncertainties are adding volatility to the markets and traders and investors are seeking safety within Treasuries, gold, and the dollar. The market will continue to go lower as the volume of trades continues lower as we enter the slow summer months and low risk assets become more appealing.

On Friday the S&P 500 index ended the last trading day in May at 1089. We have mentioned that the 1090 resistance level is a major level to break. It was broken on Thursday due to a short covering rally and fell back.

The S&P 500 index is currently trading below the January 2010 resistance level and ended the day on Friday on the 200 day moving average on the daily chart of 1089.

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) Market Volatility index (VIX) measures options activity within the market and is widely used tracking the S&P 500. A common trading strategy for traders and investors includes a VIX level of 30 or above means an immediate switch from equities to cash. Traders and investors are retreating from the markets and finding safety and protection within the dollar.

As long as we stay above this level expect pessimism as we approach the slow summer months. Currently the VIX is above the 144 and 200 day moving averages on the daily chart. The index is also slightly above 30 so unless it is below this level do not expect a confirmed rally or upside within the equities market.

 

Summary of Pivot and Technical Levels

1219: S&P 500 52 Week High

1115: 144 Day Fibonacci Moving Average on Daily Chart

1100: Natural Resistance Level

1091: 144 Day Fibonacci Moving Average on 5 Minute Chart

1090: Strong Resistance Level

1089: 200 Day Fibonacci Moving Average on Daily Chart

1088: 200 Day Fibonacci Moving Average on 5 Minute Chart

1175: Natural Support Level

 

Wednesday Economic Calendar

Motor Vehicle Sales

ISM Mfg Index / 9.00 EST

Construction Spending / 10.00 EST

 

Disclaimer

The content in this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only. We offer no investment advice and nothing in this material should be construed as such. There is risk of loss when you invest; past performance is never a guarantee of future performance. Trading is the sole responsibility of the individual. No reader should act on the basis of any matter contained herein without getting appropriate professional advice. Every investor or trader should consider all offerings of products and services on their own merits and for suitability to the individual’s personal needs and circumstances.

- About the Author: Shamim Ziyaaudhin is one of the editors of TraderMongers.com a one stop trading news feed source for worldwide traders and investors. Their philosophy is to establish the standard for providing market news feed that is comprehensive, accurate, and concise. Providing technical and fundamental trading setups, economic numbers, and calendar events throughout the trading day. Shamim has a Masters in Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University and holds a degree in Psychology from Rutgers University. Click here to subscribe to Tradermongers E- News Article Source

Day Trading Economic News Analysis: S&P 500 May 26, 2010

Understanding the direction of the market as well as the economic activity will lead to profitable trades. Keep up with our live news feed with TraderMongers.com!

S&P 500

The European markets are plaguing the markets as their debts will hurt the global financial sectors. On the US front the Federal Reserve banks want to raise the discount rate, which is a sign of confidence of recovery within the economy. However jobless claims are still high so any chance of currently raising interest rates are nil.

The S&P 500 index finished as it did yesterday around the natural support level of 1175. Investors and traders maybe covering their shorts the ‘Volcker Rule’ is slowly becoming a reality which limits high-risk trading near July 4th.

The index met resistance due to Monday’s previous high as well as the convergence of the 144 and 200 day moving averages on the 5 minute chart. The S&P 500 index should be trading below the 1190 Monday’s resistance. An upward breakout could possible push the towards the 1110 area.

Looking at the daily chart of the S&P 500, the index is currently trading below the January 2010 resistance level as well as the 144 and 200 day moving averages. Yesterday we mentioned that the S&P 500 will be range bound between 1175 and 1110 as we head towards the slow summer months. The index traded below this range however rallied and finished near the natural resistance level of 1175.

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) Market Volatility index (VIX) measures options activity within the market and is widely used tracking the S&P 500. Increasing volatility implies pessimism within the market and stocks sell off as traders seek protection for their assets.

A common trading strategy for traders and investors includes a VIX level of 30 or above means an immediate switch from equities to cash. Traders and investors are retreating from the markets and finding safety and protection within the dollar. As long as we stay above this level expect pessimism as we approach the slow summer months. Currently the VIX is above the 144 and 200 day moving averages on the daily chart. The index is also slightly above 30 so unless it is below this level do not expect a confirmed rally or upside within the equities market.

As long as we are below the 1075 level on the S&P 500 and the market volatility is above 30 expect choppy trading with no confirmed rallies. We still expect the market to be range bound between 1075 and 1100.

 

Summary of Pivot and Technical Levels

1219: S&P 500 52 Week High

1116: 144 Day Fibonacci Moving Average on Daily Chart

1110: Natural Resistance Level

1190: Monday’s Previous High

1086: 144 Day Fibonacci Moving Average on 5 Minute Chart

1085: 200 Day Fibonacci Moving Average on Daily Chart

1175: Natural Support Level

1069: 200 Day Fibonacci Moving Average on 5 Minute Chart

 

Wednesday Economic Calendar

Mortgage Applications / 7.00 EST

Durable Goods Orders / 8.30 EST

New Home Sales / 10.00 EST

Petroleum Report / 10.30 est

 

Disclaimer

The content in this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only. We offer no investment advice and nothing in this material should be construed as such. There is risk of loss when you invest; past performance is never a guarantee of future performance. Trading is the sole responsibility of the individual. No reader should act on the basis of any matter contained herein without getting appropriate professional advice. Every investor or trader should consider all offerings of products and services on their own merits and for suitability to the individual’s personal needs and circumstances.

- About the Author: Shamim Ziyaaudhin is one of the editors of TraderMongers.com a one stop trading news feed source for worldwide traders and investors. Their philosophy is to establish the standard for providing market news feed that is comprehensive, accurate, and concise. Providing technical and fundamental trading setups, economic numbers, and calendar events throughout the trading day. Shamim has a Masters in Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University and holds a degree in Psychology from Rutgers University. Click here to subscribe to Tradermongers E- News Article Source

Day Trading Economic News Analysis: S&P 500 May 19, 2010

Understanding the direction of the market as well as the economic activity will lead you to profitable trades. Keep up with our live news feed and the trend with Tradermongers.com!

S&P 500 Pivots

On Tuesday all the major indexes were down for the day. ‘Sell in May and go away’ theme was amplified with the European debt crisis, the oil-spill in the Gulf, and the recent 1000 point crash in the Dow Industrials. Commodities are taking a hit as copper is going low and gold is finding ground.

Gold hit a record price in dollars of $1,249 last week. Gold imports have been increasing in India prior to April and May as they prepare for a million wedding ceremonies to be held during that time period. However gold fell short 1.1% falling $13.10 to $1215 as traders and investors are retreating from the markets and finding safety within the dollar. Crude oil is finding similar wear as it is trading around $68 a barrel with the stronger dollar. However crude oil is falling 25% faster than gold according the Dennis Gartman, editor of the Gartman letter.

The S&P 500 index on the 5 minute chart shows a downward trend on Tuesday trading below its moving averages as well as January 2010 support levels. Expect the market to go sideways unless it is given direction by today’s FOMC minutes.

We have told our readers before the S&P 500 is currently undergoing a correction. The seasonal trading strategy of ‘Sell in May and go away’ is currently strong. On the daily chart of the S&P 500 we are currently trading below the January 2010 support level. Expect some support around this area unless the bears take over the market and push the index below the 144 and 200 day moving averages on the daily chart.

The market volatility index measures option activity within the market and is widely used tracking the S&P 500. Increasing volatility implies pessimism within the market and stocks sell off. Currently the market volatility is above the 144 and 200 day moving averages on the daily chart. As long as we stay above this level expect pessimism as we approach the slow summer months.

Summary of Pivot and Technical Levels:

1219: S&P 500 52 Week High

1150: Natural Support Level

 

1134: 144 day Fibonacci moving average on 5 minute chart

1131: 200 day Fibonacci moving average on 5 minute chart

 

1127 – 1141

Major resistance level for the S&P for January 2010

 

1118: 144 day Fibonacci moving average on daily chart

1084: 200 day Fibonacci moving average on daily chart

 

Wednesday Economic Calendar:

Mortgage Applications / 7.00 EST

Consumer Price Index / 8.30 EST

Petroleum Report / 10.30 EST

FOMC Minutes / 14.00 EST

 

Disclaimer

The content in this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only. We offer no investment advice, and nothing in this material should be construed as such. There is a risk of loss when you invest; past performance is never a guarantee of future performance. Trading is the sole responsibility of the individual. No reader should act on the basis of any matter contained herein without getting appropriate professional advice. Every investor or trader should consider all advice and all offerings of products and services on their own merits and for suitability to the individual’s personal needs and circumstances.

 

- About the Author: Shamim Ziyaaudhin is one of the editors of TraderMongers.com a one stop trading news feed source for worldwide traders and investors. Their philosophy is to establish the standard for providing market news feed that is comprehensive, accurate, and concise. Providing technical and fundamental trading setups, economic numbers, and calendar events throughout the trading day. Shamim has a Masters in Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University and holds a degree in Psychology from Rutgers University. Click here to subscribe to Tradermongers E- News Article Source

Forex Maximizer Professional Review

Forex Maximizer EA employs a unique strategy never seen before in the forex market

What sets it apart first and foremost is… it’s not a “scalper” robot. 

The typical scalper model micro-targets small profits of 3-4 pips – the reason scalper robots typically have “accuracy rates” as high as 90%. 

However, this is merely a well-crafted illusion – designed to look good in the short term – because in order to achieve such a high “winning rate” that looks great on back-test results, the trade-off is a dangerously high stop loss. 

That means it can take just one losing trade to take you into the red. With scalpers, you can see profits accumulated through weeks’ worth of hard work go down the drain in a matter of minutes.

=>> Visit Forex Maximizer Official Website

The Forex Maximizer EA’s strategy stays away from high-risk, low reward trades It uses a proprietary strategy called Intra-Day Trading™ that takes advantage of market moves inside the trading day – avoiding extended exposure to unwanted volatility, but at the same time collecting as many pips as possible with each and every trade. 

That means, instead of a tiny 3-4 pips per trade (and unpredictable “tipping point” catastrophes), you can make around 50-90 pips per trade (hundreds of pips reliably every week).

In addition, your winning rate will be consistently over 67% – amazing considering that the size of your average winning trade is almost equal in size to the average losing position (do the math…). Scalpers, meanwhile, often experience losing trades over 10 times larger than winners. 

The secret behind the success of the Intra-Day Trading strategy is ALBG Technology. This stands for Automatic Leverage increase according to Balance Growth, and is much superior to the typical unsafe “money management” systems found in other EA’s. 

Since one of the key problems faced by forex traders is knowing when to increase or decrease leverage, this innovation alone accounts to call Forex Maximizer the first truly “hands free”  EA I have ever traded with. 

NOTE: Forex Maximizer works with all brokers, so you can use it on 5-digit brokers, ECN, etc. It trades the GBP/USD pair, and is capable of trading in every trading session – Asian, European, and American. 

…So make sure to keep a close eye out for the full release of the Forex Maximizer EA TODAY (May 11, 12pm EST):

=>> Visit Forex Maximizer Official Website

- About the Author: Rob Trader – Forex Expert http://tradingtoollist.co.cc/ Article Source

6 Critical Factors For Successful Forex Trading

Online, Day trading has exploded across America. Some investors have been very successful and boast of huge gains made in incredibly short periods of time. However, there are many others who experience devastating losses because they have not tapped into the 6 critical factors necessary for successful Futures and FOREX Trading. Http://Free-Cash-Site.com

Success in any profession can be broken down into a number of critical factors. Trading is no different. A successful trading strategy incorporates the following 6 factors.

1. Determination of An Edge: Trading Futures is a zero sum game. There must be an identifiable edge over the other market participants.

2. Disciplined Execution:There is no point in identifying an edge if there is no discipline to follow thru. Create a plan, stick with it, then determine if the plan is successful. If it is not, change the plan. The important thing is disciplined execution.

3. Money Management: If the risk per trade is too aggressive, then there is the risk of blowing an account. If trades are too conservative, then the opportunity to optimize returns is missed. It is critical to establish the maximum expected draw down of any system and set money management rules accordingly.

4. Create a Trading Plan: A trading plan will determine what will be done in any given situation during the trade day. A plan helps keep one focused on execution and not distractions.

5. Responsibility: Responsibility lies with the trader. Gains, losses, success, or failure is determined by the skill, determination and discipline of the trader.

6. Commitment: There must be commitment to placing every trade according to plan, even through the losing periods where every trade seems to end up a loser. Trading seems to throw up extremes of good times and bad times. One must not be over confident during the good times, and one must not give up in the bad times. There also must be adequate time every day to compare actual performances against the trading plan.

http://itshrunk.com/3ed7cb

- About the Author:

Article Source

Choosing the Right Forex Broker

When you first start trading the forex market finding a broker is unlikely to be a major concern; aren’t all brokers the same anyway? Lets face it if you can find a trading strategy that you are comfortable with and become consistently profitable then that is the battle won, right? Unfortunately it isn’t that easy and the shame of it is that there are too many so-called brokers out there who want to rip you off.

Where Does This Mentality Come From?

The retail forex industry has been brought up on the fact that FX is worth $2 Trillion in volume every single day (in reality only a fraction of this comes from private speculators, the vast majority is generated by large banks and multinational corporations). This is quite a lure especially when we are reminded at how this figure completely dwarfs the stock market, and we’ve all heard how much you can make from stocks. Now add the statistic into the mix that between 90 and 95% (probably closer to 99%) of all retail speculators lose money and you have a bevy of firms climbing all over themselves to get their hands on this cash. Forex is billed as the way to become mega rich, leave your job and live the life you’ve always wanted but if it was that easy everyone would be doing it!

How do Retail Brokers Position Themselves?

To answer this question we need to briefly explain some market dynamics. The forex market is completely decentralised. This means that, unlike centralised exchanges such as the NYSE and LSE, there is no central location where each transaction can be traced and recorded nor do currencies have specialist market makers responsible for providing quotes for the entire market. Instead, the entities that act as market makers for the currency market are the World’s largest banks. These banks carry out transactions between each other on a regular basis, hence the term ‘interbank market‘. In order for you to deal directly with these large banks you need to establish credit relationships with them which takes a vast amount of money and consequently most people cannot afford to do this. So this is where the retail brokers come in; they connect you with the large banks. Because they are representing many clients they have enough equity to establish credit relationships and deal with these banks, supposedly on your behalf.

This Position is Open to Exploitation

Retail Forex Brokers are the middleman between you and the interbank market so every time you place an order to buy EURUSD for example, your broker alters their currency holding positions with their large bank partners to reflect this. Rightly so your broker charges a fee for this service which usually comes in the form of spread (the difference between the bid and the ask). The spread they offer you is slightly larger than the spread they are offered in the interbank market so your broker can make a small profit on every trade you make. Everything sounds all well and good so far, agreed?

Now let me ask you a question: suppose you work in Las Vegas as a runner placing bets at sports books for several clients. Now you’ve been doing this for a while and you recognise that some of your clients are good at picking winners and some are good at picking losers. If you could make a little extra on top of your fee for running by doing the opposite of the clients who consistently lose bets would you do it? Now suppose that 99% of your clients lose money over a long enough period of time so all you have to do is bet against them all and you will make a fortune! Sometimes around the really big sporting events you get so busy you can’t place your clients’ bets and your bets quickly enough so you figure you’ll make sure you get in with good odds and then sort out your clients once you are done, meaning they get slightly or sometimes much worse odds than you. This mindset is greedy and unfortunate and you won’t have many friends but at least you would make a good retail forex broker!

Sorry to use a gambling analogy here (trading should never be confused with gambling) but it does explain the problem quite nicely. All you have to do to apply it to our situation is switch out a few words: Las Vegas is the interbank market, runner becomes retail broker, sports book becomes large bank, bets become client trades, running fee becomes spread, big sports events are big news items and the difference between the odds you get and the odds your client gets is the slippage you hand out.

Isn’t This Slightly Cynical?

Yes the analogy used is slightly cynical; it is not the case that every broker out there is guilty of these ‘bucket shop’ tactics (rest assured that every brokerage will deny it however) but it is far too common. Even bank traders can experience slippage at volatile times but the degree to which it occurs at the retail level is unacceptable. Furthermore you cannot use volatility as a defence when you begin to hound profitable traders with constant re-quotes, accusations of illegal scalping (no such thing even exists!) and forced account closure. And what about a brokerage going bankrupt without returning your funds? Is it any wonder that this article is questioning the honesty of some retail brokerages?

What About Regulation?

The retail market is still fairly young and therefore loosely regulated. However, there are two organisations that police the sector and they are beginning to step in and protect the consumer on a more regular basis. These organisations are the National Futures Association (NFA) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Of the two the CFTC is most heavily involved in the regulation of fraud, manipulation and abusive trade practices in the retail forex sector. The CFTC.gov website is an excellent source of information on customer protection and on-going legal disputes against brokers and other entities.

Lets Talk About the Positives

It’s not all bad out there; certain firms do offer very attractive and honest services. Let us summarise some of the attributes you should consider looking for in a broker:

1. NFA and CFTC registered

2. No dealing desk, ECN style brokers

3. Variable spreads that reflect the volatility at interbank level

4. Firms that charge commission rather than a flat spread (the thinking here is the more you trade the more they make so it is in their interest to see you make profitable trades and continue to trade happily with them — less likely to be on the other side of your trades)

5. Friendly and efficient customer service

6. The offer to insure your capital in a secure bond (will protect client funds in the event of a broker’s bankruptcy)

7. Limit entries (your broker allows you to enter the market with a specified ‘chase factor’ of a few pips. If your order is not filled within the acceptable ‘chase factor’ your order is either partially filled or not filled at all — prevents ridiculous slippage at times of high volatility)

8. A good reputation within the industry (check independent sites for user reviews)

9. No BS marketing that focuses on the multi millions you will make within months of opening your account (these firms prey on inexperienced traders and gamblers who have no chance of being profitable)

10. Realistic and modest margin/ leverage (firms that offer leverage over 100:1 are encouraging you to trade big and lose you account to them quickly – you may wish to look out for a broker who offers you a choice of margin requirements)

Of course not all of these attributes can be classed as ‘golden rules’. If something is perceived as attractive then it is open to exploitation. For example, ECN brokers are becoming very popular and this has lead to several firms advertising an ECN service when they don’t really have the technology to provide one.

Do Your Due Diligence

I know it can seem tedious but researching your chosen broker is definitely time well spent. At the very least you should spend time browsing a broker’s website. You may like to make a list of things you like the sound of and things you don’t (remember, if something sounds too good to be true then it probably is). Contact their customer support and put these issues to their representatives and see if you are offered a satisfactory response (also a great test of their customer service dept. and general professionalism). I would also seriously suggest checking the CFTC website and browsing forums, discussion boards, blogs and user review websites for any information. My last suggestion here is that you share your good and bad experiences within trading communities. Although you will probably never hear about it your efforts will save your fellow trader his/ her time, money and probably a few grey hairs.

http://itshrunk.com/cb2b28

- About the Author:

Article Source

Day Trading Economic News Analysis: S&P 500 May 10, 2010

Understanding the direction of the market as well as the economic activity will lead you to profitable trades. Keep up with our live news feed and the trend with Tradermongers.com!

S&P 500 Pivots

On Friday the market indexes continued its downtrend stride as economic data is overshadowed by concerns on European sovereign debt due to the PIGS: (Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Spain) as well as the ongoing Goldman Sachs investigation. The S&P 500 index market fell another 17 points in addition to the 50 point crash on Thursday. The continued sell off takes all the gains made in 2010. The euro rose slightly against the dollar as traders who shorted the euro took money off the table before the weekend.

The PIGS crisis is pushing the possibility of the Federal Reserve raising interest rates faster than its European counterparts. However it does not seem like a viable option. Looking at the technicals, Monday’s primary pivot point is 1113. Currently the market is below this pivot point as well as the 144 and 200 day moving averages on the 5 minute chart.

As we have told our readers before the S&P 500 is currently undergoing a correction. It has lost nearly all the gains made in 2010. The index is currently below the 1127 level where it was back in mid January. The market continues to sell off due to the uncertainty of the Goldman Sachs probe leading the way for new financial regulations in the near future as well as the crisis with the European markets. Breaking the 200 day moving average of 1078 on the S&P daily chart would definitely cause a continued slide in the market.

The seasonal trading strategy of ‘Sell in May and go away’ is currently ringing true. The market volatility index hit 40.95 above what the index was last year. The index recently hit a 52 week low last month of 15.23. On the daily chart the market volatility traded above the 144 and 200 moving averages. These moving averages which were resistance levels have become support levels. The index continues to increase as traders sell off from equities

Summary of Pivot and Technical Levels:

1219: S&P 500 52 Week High

1164: 55 day Fibonacci moving average on 5 min chart

1150: Natural Support Level

1127 – 1141

Major resistance level for the S&P for January 2010

1136: 55 Fibonacci MA on 5 min chart

1120.5: Friday Primary Pivot Point

1114: 144 day Fibonacci moving average on 5 min chart

1113: Monday Primary Pivot Level

1111: Friday’s Previous Close

1078: 200 day Fibonacci moving average on 5 min chart

 

Friday Economic Calendar:

Bank of England Interest Rate Announcement

Speakers:

Ben Bernanke

Disclaimer

The content in this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only. We offer no investment advice, and nothing in this material should be construed as such. There is a risk of loss when you invest; past performance is never a guarantee of future performance. Trading is the sole responsibility of the individual. No reader should act on the basis of any matter contained herein without getting appropriate professional advice. Every investor or trader should consider all advice and all offerings of products and services on their own merits and for suitability to the individual’s personal needs and circumstances.

All Right Reserved TraderMongers.com © 2010

- About the Author: Shamim Ziyaaudhin is one of the editors of TraderMongers.com a one stop trading news feed source for worldwide traders and investors. Their philosophy is to establish the standard for providing market news feed that is comprehensive, accurate, and concise. Providing technical and fundamental trading setups, economic numbers, and calendar events throughout the trading day. Shamim has a Masters in Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University and holds a degree in Psychology from Rutgers University. Click here to subscribe to Tradermongers E- News Article Source

Day Trading Economic News Analysis: S&P 500 May 5, 2010

Understanding the direction of the market as well as the economic activity will lead you to profitable trades. Keep up with our live news feed and the trend with Tradermongers.com!

S&P 500 Pivots

We have mentioned previously, uncertainty with further regulatory agencies could cool down Wall Street as the result of Goldman Sachs probe. The market is most likely to be weak after the April 15th tax deadline. All the major indexes fell below their natural support levels. Dow Industrials finished off below 11,000, Nasdaq is below 2500, and the S&P 500 is down to 1174 regardless of the positive earnings reported on Tuesday, May 4th.

The S&P 500 broke through three previous lows within the last three days as well as the natural support of 1200. The index paused near the 55 Fibonacci moving average on the 5 minute chart.

Euro traded below $1.30 for the first time since April 2009 due to long term concerns over the Eurozone sovereign debt. The US dollar soared as investors and traders rushed to safety out of the markets. This event is pushing the possibility of the Federal Reserve raising interest rates faster than its European counterparts.

European markets suffering due to various weak countries such as Greece, Portugal, and Spain have also played their part today within bringing a weak global economy. As we approach the seasonal trading strategy of ‘Sell in May and go away’ we expect the market to have a correction or consolidate around the 1200 level before finding direction.

Looking at the market volatility index which has been trending lower since October of 2008 and recently reached a 52 week low of 15.23 – on Monday the index is approaching the 144 and 200 moving averages on the daily chart. The market may be looking to sell off due to the uncertainty of the Goldman Sachs probe leading the way for new financial regulations in the near future as well as the crisis with the European markets. On Tuesday market volatility is currently above the 144 and 200 moving averages on the daily chart and will most like begin to trend higher.

Summary of Pivot Levels:

1219: S&P 500 52 Week High

1208: Friday’s Previous Low

1200: Natural support level

1199: 144 and 200 Moving Averages

1193: Last Thursday’s Previous Low and

55 Fibonacci MA on Daily Chart

Wednesday economic calendar includes: mortgage applications, crude oil report, and ISM Non-manufacturing index.

Disclaimer

The content in this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only. We offer no investment advice, and nothing in this material should be construed as such. There is a risk of loss when you invest; past performance is never a guarantee of future performance. Trading is the sole responsibility of the individual. No reader should act on the basis of any matter contained herein without getting appropriate professional advice. Every investor or trader should consider all advice and all offerings of products and services on their own merits and for suitability to the individual’s personal needs and circumstances.

All Right Reserved TraderMongers.com © 2010

- About the Author: Shamim Ziyaaudhin is one of the editors of TraderMongers.com a one stop trading news feed source for worldwide traders and investors. Their philosophy is to establish the standard for providing market news feed that is comprehensive, accurate, and concise. Providing technical and fundamental trading setups, economic numbers, and calendar events throughout the trading day. Shamim has a Masters in Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University and holds a degree in Psychology from Rutgers University. Click here to subscribe to Tradermongers E- News Article Source