Subscribe to Our Free Newsletter
 


HOME
LOGIN
SUBSCRIBE

Strategy Information

Subscriber's Q & A
Pro Timer Strategy
Conservative Strategies
SmallCap Fund Timer
Bond Fund Timer
Gold Fund Timer
Sector Fund Timer
U.S. Dollar Fund Timer
ETF & Stock Timer
Stock Market Timing
Testimonials

Subscriber Reports
WEEKLY COMMENTS
Editor 's Report
ACTIVE STRATEGIES
Sector Fund Timer
SmallCap Timer
Gold Timer
CONSERVATIVE
Conserv. S&P Timer
International Fund Timer
Conserv. REIT Timer
Diversified Timing Port.
AGGRESSIVE
S&P OTC Pro Timer
ETF Timer
Bond Timer
U.S. Dollar Fund Timer
Stock Timer

About Us
Subscriber Support
Email Policy
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Prior Commentaries
Press Releases
Editor's Blog
Site Map

Subscriptions
Free Two Week Trial
Free Timing Newsletter
Financial Links
Add Your Link

 


  •
      Weekly Report from the FibTimer Stock Market Timing Services


Fear & Market Timing Paralysis

The fact is, all traders, investors, and yes market timers, feel fear at times, at some level.

What is important is how we address it. Knowing the definition and reasons for fear can actually help market timers to overcome it.

Traders "Believe" They Know The Future

In the book "Trading in the Zone" by Mark Douglas, he describes how most traders "...believe that they know what is going to happen next."

This can cause market timers to put too much importance on the "current" trade, and to lose focus on their performance over time.

But market timing is based on "probabilities" that make us successful over time. Too much focus on a single trade causes the fear levels to rise. As this occurs, market timers become hesitant and cautious, trying to avoid mistakes. The risks of choking under pressure (not making a trade) build.

All market timers, at times, feel fear. But successful market timers manage their fear, while losing market timers are controlled by it.

   "The fear of loss can keep a market timer from executing a trade"
When faced with a particularly stressful decision, it is a perfectly normal human response to revert to the "fight or flight" response. Either we do battle, or flee. When a market timer feels such an emotional response, his or her decisions are very likely to be adversely affected.

Fear of Loss

The fear of loss can keep a market timer from executing a trade. Or it can keep him from exiting a trade when the trading plan calls for it. Either can be costly.

No one likes to have losses, but even the very best timers do. The key is to realize that you are worrying about the results of "that" trade, and not concentrating on executing the plan, which over time will make you successful.

Trading plans, such as the ones we use here at FibTimer, take time. No single trade makes or breaks the plan. Once you understand and accept that, it is much easier to make the trades without the "fight or flight" response hampering your ability to act.

Fear of Missing Out on Profits

This fear is usually felt during runaway rallies. All your friends are talking about the incredible profits they are making every day. If you really look at this in the right perspective, it is a very dangerous kind of fear.

It eventually causes you to buy in, and of course, when you and thousands of others who feel the same way react at the same time, the market is finally at its top.

Having a trading plan, and sticking to the trading plan, eliminates this fear. You "know" your plan works, so you are not susceptible to the "greed" factor that comes so easily in market rallies.

Fear of Losing Profits

This fear arises when you have a profit, and start worrying about losing it. If you take your profits, you will feel like a winner! But you know this story. The market will likely continue in the same direction, leaving you with an entirely new set of fears.

   "Fears cloud decisions. And decisions clouded by fear, that feel right at the time they are made, are more often than not... wrong."
Fears cloud decisions. And decisions clouded by fear, that feel right at the time they are made, are more often than not... wrong.

Again, back to the trading plan. You know what to expect, because you have a plan that "will" succeed over time. It "will" bring in those profits. So a commitment to the "plan" relieves you of the fears of missing out on that quick profit, and the decision that invariably turns bad.

Fear of Being Wrong

Consider these next two sentences;

1. The desire to be "right" is in direct opposition to the ability to be successful.

2. The desire to be "right" is in direct opposition to the ability to make money.

A market timer's desire to be right, to be able to tell his friends how successful he or she is, can become so powerful, that a he or she winds up second guessing, the "plan." Taking winners too quickly, or holding onto losers in the hopes that they will come back, or at least break even.

Conclusion

To sum it all up, "successful" market timers actually make their profits off the "fears" of the majority of investors, traders, and even other market timers.

They do this by "sticking to a plan" and not allowing emotions (fears) to rule their decision making ability.

FibTimer provides the plan. Based "not" on emotions, but on a sound "trading strategy."

Fear can be conquered when you have a plan. As time passes, confidence builds, and the plan will become easier and easier to follow. Stick with the plan.


Recent articles from the FibTimer market timing services;

  • Market Timing vs. Conventional Wisdom
  • The Desire For Immediate Success
  • The Case For Market Timing Diversification
  • Successful Market Timing DEPENDS On Change
  • The Basics On Fibonacci Ratios & Elliott Wave Theory
  • Rules For Market Timing Success
  • Market Timing Discipline, Not As Easy As You Thought.

       For prior commentaries still posted on the website, Click Here



    © Copyright 1996-2010, Market Timing Strategies, Inc., All Rights Reserved.     

    FibTimer reports may not be redistributed without permission.

    Disclaimer: The financial markets are risky. Investing is risky. Past performance does not guarantee future performance. The foregoing has been prepared solely for informational purposes and is not a solicitation, or an offer to buy or sell any security. Opinions are based on historical research and data believed reliable, but there is no guarantee that future results will be profitable.


  • Top of the page

     

    © Copyright 1996-2010 Market Timing Strategies Inc All Rights Reserved

    Design by LightMix