The Human Factors of Trading and How To Control Them

Let me start by introducing myself. I am a full-time trader, trainer, and software developer in the futures markets.

- Steve Wheeler

Founder and CEO of NaviTrader.com (www.navitrader.com) Professional Trader and System Designer/Developer www.navitrader.com

Introduction

I run a real time Live Market Trader-Training Room to help Traders improve their skills. I have traded for over 25 years, and concentrate primarily on the currency (FOREX), crude oil, gold, and stock index futures markets, such as the S & P E-mini. In a previous career, I was a practicing C.P.A. in the state of Florida.

Trading is a challenging career and I quickly learned that I needed to have the right tools and skills if I was going to be able to stay in the career for the long haul. Over the years, I fine-tuned my skills and developed a full suite of charts and indicators known as the Trendicators TM and a market analyzer known as the TradeFinderTM, as well as a number of automated trading systems and automated buy, sell and trade management systems to help me.

What follows are the fundamental elements every trader needs to be consistently profitable in the futures markets. I have also included information below that is crucial to your overall success and in managing your risk, which is paramount for remaining in the Trading arena for the long-haul.

Preparation for trading profitably consists of market observation over a period of time so that the trader can build confidence in knowing what usually happens in the market and how to profit from the recurring market behavior that repeats itself every day. To take advantage of cycles in the markets, observe the typical move that a market moves after it moves up or down out of a range contraction pattern.

The real objective is to build knowledge of probabilities of market behavior so as to take consistent profits out of specific trading instruments. The following are observations of market behavior that will help to put the probabilities in your favor.