brownsfan019

Some actual proof of trading and profitability would be marvelous too. While highly unlikely to actually get proof that the service in question trades and/or can make money doing it, it would be nice to see some proof that the trading methodology can actually make money. As we know though, it's highly unlikely to see any proof of profitability from services when asked. Most will ignore the question or deflect it to some excuse they have crafted to answer the question.

3/2/2009 $656.25 3/3/2009 $125.00 3/4/2009 $0.00 3/5/2009 $328.13 3/6/2009 $203.13 $1,312.51 Not a bad week on this account. Hypothetically if this was a $10k account that's a return of 13% in a week. I think consistency is key for longevity in this business and if I can continue to keep the accounts performing at respectable levels, then I'll be happy. Now, if I can focus the entire time trading and take all the trades I see, then we can get that number up even more. note - in all fairness these numbers do not include commissions. I wished OEC's reports would factor commissions in. The nice thing about bonds is that the commissions are lower than the indexes (for now at least).

James - as you know, this can create a sticky situation for you. I agree 100% that this needs done but you need to cover your butt legally. Example - I posted a review of a site that I compiled and w/in 24 hours of posting here and on ET their attorney was demanding take down. My only suggestion is you keep the reviewers anonymous. You might also want to create a separate website URL to keep it different - something like TLReviews.com or something like that. Or if you really want to take this to the next level, create a completely separate website and do it the right way - keep away from TL and really focus on creating an atmosphere of honest reviews. I've often thought that could be a viable website for someone that wanted to test a multitude of vendors.

3/6/09 Nothing special from Fri. Had I been focused more would have gotten a few other trades on but wasn't there 100% on Fri apparently. Overall, an ok week on this account.

Chris, Here's an interesting thing you will note about the ES and the bonds - they don't always move in perfect inverse correlation. There are many times that I scratch my head when they move in tandem! So my suggestion is to watch both and see how they look to you, based on how you trade. Most times they are moving opposite but there are times where it moves in perfect harmony together. My guess is that some computer programs out there are trying to arb them and the big boys have to keep them in check or else everyone would do it.

One thing nice about really looking at your P/L is you can sometimes hone in certain aspects of the trade and see where improvements can be made. For example, I probably should have not taken those ZN trades which would have left me P/L at +$500. I'd like to see this account regularly performing at $500-$1000 on average per day, so if I was a little more patient it could have happened. But sometimes you can fall into the 'this is the house's money' mentality and risk more than you might otherwise.

You know what is interesting about this thread? First, not surprising there's only 2 of us posting here. I've posted in other parts of the forum and when you ask people to post here if they could use a little added motivation, provide some motivation to others, etc. - it's very quiet in here. For example, there's some serious discussion about VSA, Wyckoff, etc. etc. but I don't think we've ever seen one blotter showing one person making money using those systems. Not one... Second, I notice that on this smaller account, the $ result is ok, but nothing to get excited about. One interesting thing about trading is that if you are making money and want to make more, you can just up your size. Granted that's a double edged sword, but we operate in a very nice business where you can do the SAME amount of work and get paid MORE. That's rare if you think about it - doctors, lawyers, brokers, etc. - all get paid more by working more. Here, you can still work the hours you like, trade more and make more money. I bring this up b/c it's easy to get lost in the shuffle as you trade more (size, accounts, etc.) that these smaller accounts may not seem like much initially, but you can work them up over time. And when the time is right you can increase size to increase profits w/o having to do more work. It's hard to find too many business that will keep increasing your pay for doing the same amount of work.

Just wanted to share my experience lately which has been to trade bonds from 8am - Noon EST and then stop. I don't place specific daily targets, just trade what I see. Personally my crutch currently is taking all the trades and staying focused the entire time, which is why I started this thread. Having been at this game for a few years now, I really believe that it takes a very focused and disciplined person to trade all day, every day; so for me what has helped was limiting the work hours and getting back to focusing more. Focusing on quality trades during the hours where I know strong moves can occur vs. wandering off while trying to focus on charts all day that at times could easily put me to sleep. So while I think the question is a valid one, I think the real question is - when does your system perform the best? And then - would it be advantageous to focus intently during those times or try to trade all day?

That's very true Eiger. He's got a great blog. Top notch.

3/4/09 Came out to be a wash, forgot to post. 3/5/09 An OK day. A couple woulda, coulda, shoulda in hindsight. Those 2 losing ZN trades were not the best trades in the world. One of those - well, I made $XXX so far, let's take a shot - and it bit me in the behind.

http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=220252&title=cnbc-gives-financial-advice This is great. :rofl:

Ok, just curious if you actually trade these penny stocks yourself or just post on here for fun.

Hey guys - I started a new thread where we can post our daily trades and get some feedback. I know there's quite a bit that follow DB's methods here, so I would assume there's some $$$ being made here! Stop on over here and let's get some feedback & accountability going on this forum!

Ryan - that's the point of this thread - to help each other out. For me, it's nice to know I gotta post my #'s somewhere. Hopefully more will follow or eventually I won't need the thread anymore and it will fizzle out.

Well done sir! And thanks for joining us! (well, me for now).

Hi VSA Friends! Here's your chance to show the forum what it's all about! Any takers?

Do you trade your reco's in a live account? If so, let's see some blotters! Looks like some nice picks here. Keep it up.

Anyone else want to participate? I'm sure DB, Steve, etc can blow me out of the water, so hopefully some of the other vets will participate! 3/4/09 Talk about a roller coaster day. Unfortunately I missed 2 profitable trades early on which would have changed things some, but coming out to the positive is a good thing today. I thought for sure my 2nd post here was going to show a nice loss, but was able to catch a very nice sudden and quick push in bonds. Hopefully this thread will force me to make sure I catch all winners and not miss them. In hindsight the P/L should have been a little smoother vs. the one I produced.

And here we go... 3/2/09 I'll be posting from an account that trades 1-2 contracts. I find it easier to track the results on a per contract basis and it keeps me grounded. Overall, a decent day. My end number was close to what it 'should have been' - meaning the plan was not followed exactly, but pretty close. My focus on bonds is from 8am - Noon EST and today's trades were capped off fairly early. That's part of the reason why I love these things! Can get nice moves in the AM and then go do other stuff! More bond info here.

Being accountable to someone/something is an important part of any business, incl. trading. Whether you have been around the block or brand new, knowing that you need to report your #'s can be a great motivation to do your job properly. Prior to being a full-time trader, I was a stockbroker and we had quotas to meet every month and you knew that hitting those #'s were incredibly important to keeping your job. You also knew that hitting those #'s consistently meant that your chances for success increased dramatically. With that said, I was hoping we could post and discuss the current day's trades and move on. We don't have to create a 5 page thread about 1 trade or 1 day, but just a place to post your thoughts on the day and move on. My goal would be something quick and easy so we can get as much participation as possible. Exactly what you post is up to you. The quickest method that comes to mind is taking a screen shot of your daily P/L. Maybe include a sentence or two on your day. For example: (recent P/L statement) Or you can post your thoughts on the day, whether you followed your plan and/or if you are happy w/ the day's results. If you are not comfortable posting a screenshot of your actual P/L, that's ok! Feel free to post your own version of the daily scorecard that you'd like to create. Could be as simple as: In the end it's more about being accountable and feeling that there will be people watching and waiting to see your results on the day. For the goal-oriented traders it can hopefully provide a benefit. Personally I have started this thread b/c I'd like to step up my trading results. I feel like I've been 'floating' along in recent memory and could probably use some motivation to get even more done and do my job with better focus. ============== Update - adding a few questions I've received about the account being presented: What size account is this? $10,000. When do you plan to increase the # of contracts being traded? I think I will bump it up at $20,000. Is this the only account you have? While I am trading in a few accounts, I am presenting the account that is a realistic starting point for many people. Funding an account w/ $10k is very reasonable and something that most can follow.

Me too James!! And I can't believe under $30.

For those that follow Brett's work, he has a new book coming out. The Daily Trading Coach :101 Lessons for Becoming Your Own Trading Psychologist I'm surprised at the cost only being $29.70 on Amazon for a brand new book. Attached is a free sample chapter. Steenbarger Ch1 preview.pdf

Ok here Frank - but - I have also had some troubles w/ that custom indicator add-on. In the past, I download it like the software says and then when I login it keeps saying you must download the plug-in. Which I do (again). And sometimes again and again. My suggestion at 12:45am EST on a Sun night is either boot down the entire computer and try again, or contact OEC. No idea if someone is there now or not.

looks good here james