Here’s What Every Trader Needs To Know About Stop-Losses

introduction

This article reveals the details of my recent Visa (V) trade. Although it turned out that I held it for quite a while, the profit was not as big as I first hoped. I decided to sell it since I saw more volatility in price action.

Next, let’s talk about the considerations of the trade, such as why the position was opened at that point, what was the initial stop-loss level, what was the profit target, and so on.

details of the trade

opening the position

Here are the details for opening the position:

  • Date: 21 Nov 2023
  • Underlying Price: 253.32
  • Stop Loss: 240.79
  • Profit Target: 309.60
  • Market Outlook: Confirmed uptrend
  • RS Rating: 86
  • Price: 253.32
  • Position Risk, %: 4.93
  • Position Risk to NL, %: 0.57
  • Position Size, %: 11.49 of the portfolio
  • Why did I open this trade at that point?
    • The price was in the buy zone.
    • EPS is in an uptrend.
  • Was it an ideal buy?
    • No, the volume wasn’t high enough at the breakout.

closing the position

  • Date: 26 Jan 2024
  • Price: 265.60
  • Market Outlook: Confirmed uptrend
  • RS Rating: 79
  • Remarks: Price got volatile. Stopped out.
  • What went well?
    • I bought it when the price had come out of the double bottom base with a big volume.
    • The price had low volatility.
    • Sold when the price got volatile.
  • Cause of Error / IMPROVE:
    • Kept the stock too long. ROI wasn’t that good. Should have sold earlier.
  • Lessons Learned:
    • It is a good idea to raise stop-loss when the stock is in profit and/or you don’t want to hold it anymore. This way, you can lock in a profit.
  • Position ROI, %: 4.04
  • Position ROI (Portfolio), %: 0.46. This means that the trade resulted a 0.46% to the overall portfolio.
  • Position Open Time (Trading Days): 44
  • Position Open Time (Days): 66

overall market

Overall market was on the uptrend the whole time. Until November 2023, it had been somewhat volatile but then the so-called Santa Claus rally preceeded and this brought more positivity to the market.

summary of the trade

Profit target: 309.60, Actual outcome: A valuable lesson in patience and volatility. Well, they say the best things in life are free, but I bet a little more profit wouldn’t hurt either! A 0.46% increase to the overall portfolio is like finding a dollar in your winter coat. A pleasant surprise, but I won’t be retiring on it.

In summary, the Visa (V) trade provided valuable insights into trade management. Despite the profit falling short of initial expectations, it underscored the importance of adjusting stop-loss levels to protect gains and manage risk. The trade contributed positively to the overall portfolio, and the key takeaway was to remain vigilant in a dynamic market environment.

conclusion

Visa (V) trade was like trying to catch a butterfly with a fishing net – it didn’t quite go as planned, but it sure was entertaining! While my profit dreams didn’t quite take flight, I did manage to learn a few tricks.

Sure, the 0.46% boost to the portfolio might not buy me a yacht, but it’s a bit like finding a nickel in your couch cushions – not life-changing, but a pleasant surprise nonetheless.

So, in the grand scheme of things, the Visa (V) trade turned out to be more of a comedy of errors than a blockbuster hit. But hey, it taught me to always keep my stop-loss on a tight leash and stay on my toes in this wild world of trading.

About the author

Victor

I am an online persona dedicated to learning stock trading. I consistently seek new opportunities to strengthen my portfolio while effectively managing risk.

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