Thinking > Writing > Talking > Trading

The What, Where, How, and Why Behind My Actions

Sep 23, 2022

If you’re reading this, you already know. Trading comes with a multitude of risks, both known and unknown, that must be identified and managed.

Nothing here should be viewed as investment or financial advice.

Please read the disclosures.

"Your value will be not what you know; it will be what you share." - Ginni Rometty.

Writing is one of the best exercises for the brain.

Writing down thoughts helps to clarify personal beliefs. Sharing this writing with others fosters conversation and can benefit both the author and the reader.

That is my objective here: helpful conversation.

To be helpful probably requires some context. So, I thought I'd explain what I'm doing and how I view the markets. Knowing more about my trading style and objectives, you will find more helpful information in the charts and articles I publish.

Everyone's goals are different.

I am primarily an active trader seeking to generate cash flow, earn a living, and manage a portfolio for growth when conditions are right. If you're also an active trader, exchanging ideas and strategies should help us both.

Possibilities are what you will get from me. No predictions or prognostications. Never certainty. I’m the first to admit I have no definite idea what will happen next. Anything is possible on any given day. All we can do is follow the price, manage risk, and stack the odds in our favor.

The charts I share are my point of view. You may see things entirely differently. If you do, I'd love to hear about it. That's what makes a market.

Potential trade ideas or sample game plans are just that: potential. Each person must consider each trade, idea, or setup independently. Style, tactics, tools, time frame, and position sizing could be (and very likely are) vastly different for me than for you.

I am a technical trader.

Charts and price action are my tools of choice. I like strong fundamentals as much as the next trader. And using technicals and fundamentals together is a great combo. But, despite having a BS in Finance, I don’t consider myself a fundamental expert. I’m certainly not a CFA. And I don’t spend hours reviewing earnings projections, cash flow statements, or other fundamental research. I stick to what I’m good at — the charts and the price action.

I am a swing trader targeting trades that typically last from a few days to weeks. That is my preference, but I will day trade when market conditions dictate. And I will hold a position for months if it continues to act right.

I also manage longer-term portfolios that are much more investment-oriented. Ultimately, however, I view everything as a trade. Even long-term positions must start with a proper entry for setup, be appropriately sized for the portfolio, and have an active and dynamic exit strategy.

I regularly analyze the markets on many different timeframes. You will often see me share charts ranging from 2 minutes up to monthly. Most commonly, though, is a daily chart with a 30-minute view beside it.

I trade stocks and options, both long and short. This allows me to participate in any market type. I generally prefer to trade in the direction of the prevailing trend. However, I will take shorter-term countertrend trades as well.

I use options because they provide precise risk management and favorable reward-to-risk ratios if done correctly.

Throughout the day, I am active in the T3Live Inner Circle Virtual Trading Floor (VTF) and on X (follow me here). VTF technology simulates a physical trading floor where traders sit at stations next to one another, chatting and sharing observations in real time throughout the market session.

Founded by David Prince and led by him, Rick March, and Kira Turner, the Inner Circle is a community of elite traders, including hedge fund managers, family office heads, corporate executives, financial advisors, and even professional poker players.

Fundamental, Macro, and Technical Analysis all combine to find and discuss the best opportunities in current markets.

X is my news feed. I have a carefully curated list of accounts I follow that routinely share valuable news, ideas, and education. I try to be active in the discussion, sharing charts, thoughts, and observations when I think they are helpful. On Saturday mornings, I go through my weekly charts and share them in a thread.

A few times a week, I write a more in-depth article examining what is happening in the market and outlining some thoughts and observations. That is what this website is for. Subscribe here if you haven’t already.

Thanks for taking the time to get to know me a little better. I have read and studied so many who've gone before me. And I believe that sharing, collaboration, and even discourse are good for us all. I want to add what I can and look forward to a good conversation. I genuinely hope you find this helpful.

Kind regards,

Andy

The Disclosures

***This is NOT financial advice. This is NOT a recommendation to buy, sell, or trade any security. The content presented here is intended for educational purposes only.

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The Inner Circle

The Inner Circle is a Virtual Trading Floor (VTF) at T3 Live. It’s the group I’ve been working and trading with since 2022. You may have noticed the logo in the watermarks on my charts.