≈ Tonight at 8:30 PM EST. ≈

By definition, a system is a set of detailed methods, procedures, and routines created to carry out a specific activity, perform a duty, or solve a problem.

Simply put, system = rules.

But how good are rules without a perfect execution? The outcome will range from nothing (no execution) to a disaster (bad execution).

For humans, there is a gap between rules and execution. When a given system depends on us to execute it, we fail to deliver what it needs. Why? Because we:

• Think too much;
• Contextualize too much;
• Hesitate too much;
• Feel too much;
• Analyze too much;
• Fear too much;
• Hope too much.

No wonder why computers are so fast: they just execute the rules inside the system they were built to be running. When you click OK, SAVE, or PRINT on a computer screen that’s just it: RUN THE RULES. This is what computers do. We don’t.

How to bridge that gap, then?

We have one suggestion: adopt the “System-Thinking approach”. It consists of a mindset that neutralizes our feelings and emotions, which are bad for trading systems. The “System-Thinking approach” brings order to the chaos, removing the (too much) human part from trading.

How to adopt it? Get the rules and execute them over and over and over again until it becomes as natural as drinking a glass of water.

Tonight we will be holding the second MasterMind Group for the S.T.E.P. System. The S.T.E.P. is the perfect example of a system that has a great set of rules but the outcome can range from nothing to a disaster if you don’t execute them well.

Attend the MMG tonight at 8:30 PM EST. Only students who have completed the course will be granted access to the webinar. See you there!

Chart of the Day

The Bearish Retracement

Module 5 of the S.T.E.P. System course covers the trading rules for the Bearish Retracement set up. This is a real case study on Marathon Petroleum Corporation (NYSE: MPC) from one of the Options Report.

Video of the Day

Trading Concept Check: What is a target

Profit-taking is a rudimentary part of active trading, learning to take profits, scale-out, trail stops & otherwise lock in gains are essential skills all traders need to master.

Today’s line up

Tales of a Technician

Diversifying a big portfolio

Last week’s foray into the passive investing side of the business was so fun, I’m returning to the well. If you missed Thursday’s Options Theory piece, go read it first because it provides the context needed for today’s follow-up. Once again, I’m using a query (multiple queries, actually) from the great Jimbo to organize today’s post. It was asked in response to last week’s Options Theory article.

Traders Lounge 11 AM EST

Join the coaches in this live lounge, ask questions, discuss ideas or just sit back and listen to veteran traders discuss market conditions.

Coaches Show Replay

If you missed last night’s episode where Coach Mark Justice and Grant Larsen talked about Trading Psychology or would like to watch it again, check it out here.

Halftime Report 12:30 PM EST

The Halftime Report starts at 12:30 EST and covers what news is driving the market, chart analysis from the movers and shakers of the day and fun in a way that only Matt and Tim can deliver.

Trading Justice Episode 338: Chris Blasi on Gold, Silver and the upcoming boom in precious metals

In this episode of the Trading Justice Podcast, we welcome Chris Blasi to discuss investing in gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Chris is the President of Neptune Global and a veteran investor in the metal’s markets. Listen to the episode on the player below.

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