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They would have to learn to handle the anxiety and unpredictability that goes with it. And they would have to tolerate processing large amounts of data very quickly without being able to carefully analyze it, as is their preference. Then they would have to learn to make buy and sell decisions based on this data. |
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Along with these alterations to their style, they would also have to adopt at least a bit of the risk-taking, go-for-broke mentality that is the stuff of the skilled day trader. The successful day trader must be nimble, able to make decisions very quickly. They don't have time to carefully consider their moves. They must react instinctively and be able to change directions on a dime. This is not an easy thing for the obsessive-disciplined type to learn. Most don't even want to try. |
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Some can make the transition and are able to use their ability to show restraint positively in limiting the number of trades they make. They also have a good grasp on when to cut their losses and are less likely to lose their entire investment capital. |
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Another strength is that often they are quick learners. So, while going against their personality is tough, it is easy for them to learn the mechanics of day trading as well as the technical aspects. For example, they may learn a few stocks inside and out, knowing the typical daily patterns, trading ranges, and stay up on all the news of the company. |
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They may become specialists in trading only one or two stocks, achieving a measure of comfort and knowledge that allows them to dart in and out without too much anxiety. I ran into a number of obsessive types who did exactly this. As long as they did not venture beyond the one or two stocks, they were able to manage their anxiety. |
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Combination of Trading Styles: Example |
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I believe some of the best professional traders actually combine traits of the obsessive-disciplined style with the gambling-emotional style, described later in this chapter. |
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For example, James J. Cramer is a professional trader who manages a hedge fund (a fund that holds stocks that try to balance each other whether the market is up or down), and writes three or four short columns daily for the online stock web site "The Street.com," of which he is a founder. |
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A frequent past guest host on CNBC's Squawk Box, until his own site began a show on cable television, he often expressed his |
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