When selecting stocks to trade, I use a volatility filter incorporated into my scans. I want to enter trades breaking out that are not too volatile. This is because a) volatility tends to increase when a breakout occurs and b) Selecting stocks that are not too volatile means that, in theory, your intial stop (by whatever method you choose) would be closer, meaning you can take a bigger position for the same amount of risk.
In addition, as I am a trend follower, the ideal state of the market for me is a quiet, trending market.
Here is a daily chart of the SPX:

Now, looking at this objectively, all I can see since the beginning of March is that:
1) Price has been moving up;
2) Volatility has been low.
This therefore satisfies my criteria for a quiet, trending market - the last few weeks have therefore been ideal for me to be looking for trading stocks on the long side that meet my criteria. The market has also been a drain on your capital if you've been trying to pick the top of the market.
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