Valentin's Day Trading Journal

[Valentin 84]

Day 102 - June 8 , 2020 

36 Tickets

4 Symbols

Green Day

 

Personal: Good nights sleep, meditated, read 101 daily coach in AM. A little late to premarket show, didn't complete full watchlist - but mentally felt good. 

Watchlist:

 

 

RVOL at open

BA: 280%

BYND: 77% at open, but got up to over 150% shortly

WORK: 237%

ENOB: 50,000% ?

Trades
 

WORK (1) - Long - Reversal (-1 Not in Playbook, Manual risk entry)

SPY pushing up, and had 31 level drop the bid and reclaim, took it long on break of hammer. Small position. Missed the breakdown so wanted to get back in on it.

Improvement: Missed the ideal entry on the breakdown at 31.50 then wanted to get in as a revenge for missing it - ideal entry is momentum short here on break of 31.

 

WORK (2) - Short - Technical Breakdown (-1 Not in Playbook, Manual risk entry)

After missing the first short and chasing a long to get stopped out, volume was validating a continued breakdown, weak buying on the pullback and increasing selling on the breakdown. I realized this could break so got short on the breakdown against previous day low , stopped out. not following my rules - this is right at previous day low which I should have played.

Improvement: Had PDL marked as well as 30.50 half number….did not follow my rules and had FOMO

 

WORK (3) - Short - VWAP Bounce and Reject (-1 Not in Playbook, 1- Adjusted Stop, Manual risk entry)

Was thinking of letting WORK go as I didn’t have a good read on it, untill we had a failed breakout and shooting star doji around the mirror level. Took it short on the rejection. Covered partial in front of 31, and the rest at Breakeven.

WORK (4) - Long - Mirror Level (-1 Not in Playbook, Manual risk entry)

Took WORK long off Mirror level 31.35 which was support in past. Acted as resistance troughing the day and now looks like a refreshing bid there. SPY has been on down trend, but looked like it did a double bottom bounce off VWAP


 

 

WORK (5) - Long - Ascending Triangle (Manual risk entry)

Struggled to break through 31.5 level but working at it with increasing volume. Finally broke through took it long. Didn’t quite get to my first target due to wide stop - stopped out on huge wick.

Improvement: Ideal entry is the retest of that 31.50 level (Wick)


 

 

WORK (6) - Long - Ascending Triangle (Manual risk entry)

Last trade of the day, wasn’t thinking straight and got caught chasing a FOMO play on WORK…32 was refreshing over and over hit with size a few times but wouldn’t lit. Finally lifted but I didn’t want to chase. Saw it try to sell off but then get bought back up to I took it on the next breakout. Stopped out below wick.

Improvement: Should not be chasing this in the final 10 minutes - absolutely no need.


 

 

BYND (1) - Long - Technical Breakout (-1 Not in Playbook, 1- Adjusted Stop)

Watching BYND and BA - both moving up on strength, missed the ABCD on BYND. Ended up taking the breakout. Did not follow my entry - no risk calc. Sold into the pop, then formed indecision candle on fake breakout followed by a few bearish dojis - out on the break of 143.7 which looked like a held bid dropped.

Improvement: Need to have confidence and buy the ABCD Hammer - was watching it just didn’t pull trigger, wanted closer to VWAP


 

 

BA - Long - Ascending Triangle  (Lvl 2, refreshing offer, Hotkey Entry)

Took it long into 230 limit player. Spy wasn’t helping me here so I Panicked…spy breaking LOD but looking to bounce off 200MA. Calculated move was into 234 (2R)

 

 

BYND (2,3) - Long - Asymmetrical Triangle (Add on momentum, -1 Adjusted Stop)

2. Took it long on the break through 144 on large vol, looking for it to break through HOD+. Consolidated a little more and gave m a chance to add - should have taken it. Broke out and covered into HOD in front of 145, and then broke out again but formed indecision candle with extreme volume - covered another 1/3 thinking this could be the top. Then covered final Infront of level I had marked on the daily (monthly high).
3. Consolidated around that daily level but seemed a little extended so  I took half size into the APEX, and  added a momentum lot as we broke out. Covered a little too quick into HODs, and adjusted stop. Had extreme volume but small wick - showed anomaly so I tightened stop and got stopped out.

Good: These are perfect setups. Strong buying throughout, low volume on pullbacks, confirmed trend.

Improvement: Need to let part of the trade run or breakeven. Could have had a real nice winner here as it continued up another 10+ points.

 

BYND (4) - Long - Bull Flag (-1 Not in Playbook, Manual risk entry)

BYND strong all day, thinking we could see another rally to HOD as SPY was pushing up. Took it on break of bull flag, covered into previous level. Hit HOD but thought we had more space to fun, stopped out on the rest at Breakeven.

 

ENOB - Short - Failed Pop (Potential Descending triangle-ish, -1 Not in Playbook, -1 Adjusted Stop, Manual risk entry)

Not on watchlist, not in my playbook, tiny size. Overall wasn’t  happy putting this trade on. Lots of things could have went wrong here - only thing I liked was volume validation, increasing selling, decreasing buying and it being over extended quite a bit which could see some nice continuation - ended up getting out early.


 

Trade Review
 

Overall was a pretty good day. Continuing to see the playbook trades statistically beating all my trades. But struggling to stay to my plan. LISTEN TO YOUR STATS

 

WORK was absolutely brutal for me today, kept fighting the trend, catching a knife, and then shorting into major support. Step back look at the bigger picture - also noticing My first 15 minutes seems to be pretty rough. Implementing a no trading rule first 5 minutes, and last hour - I seem to be too excited and jumping into poor setups at open, and losing mental power to control bad trades at close.

 

Daily Report Card

1.Playbook Setups Only (ABCD, VWAP Break N Go, Triangles looking to add 1-2 more) =  5/12 = 41%

2. Placing trades with defined risk, and profit targets (No adjusting) = 8/12 = 66%
NO MORE ADJUSTING UNTIL A PARTIAL IS TAKEN

[Valentin 84]

Day 103 - Jun 9 , 2020 

41 Tickets

4 Symbols

Red Day

Personal: At computer late again. Watchlist was created last minute. Did not feel ready.....still traded. Need to be more cognisant of this and sit the first 15-30out. 

Trades
BYND (1) - Short - Technical Breakdown (-1 Not in Playbook, Manual Entry)

Was looking for this to come back up to VWAP for a tighter entry. Ended up taking the short on the breakdown.  Took partial off as I didn’t like the wick. Rest I was looking to cover into 147.45 level (monthly high)


 

 

M (1) -Short - ABCD off Mirror Level (Manual Entry)

M Sold off and caught a bit at the open around 10. Broke through the mirror  level and went to retest - took it short off that level, thinking we would retest LOD, Took it off at previous low and then target - PDC.

 

M (2,3) - Long - Reversal and Double Bottom (-2 Not in Playbook, Manual Entries)

1. Taking M long off PDC big bids, SPY pushing higher. Tight risk, thinking we could see a nice reversal up back to 10ish, (14risk 37c gain). Sold in panic, coming right down to support. Poor trade here - just didn’t like the volume selling off.
2. Going against my playbook, when I would have been looking for a Descending Triangle, ended up taking it long. Lots of support below at 9.55-9.5. Also SPY looks like it wants higher. SPY went higher but M selling off, confirmation I shouldn't be in here. 

 

 

BA (1,2) - Short - Technical Breakdown  / Failed Pops (-2 Not in Playbook, revenge trading)

SPY dropping, and BA overall weak. Rejected off premarket level - thinking we could come down to test LOD. Idea was to let it be, come back above VWAP and breakdown again. Ended up taking it as it broke down through 220 on heavy volume - FOMO, stopped out. Short again, as it broke down through VWAP second time, stopped out. Sticking with this short trying to force it, took it again on the double shooting star doji - stopped out.

Improvement: Need to do a 2 strikes and you are out  rule. I notice I tend to do this 1-2x a week, and all end up being losers. Revenge trading - emotional.


 

 

M (4) - Long - Ascending Triangle (Manual Entry)

Small size, didn’t like overall trend. But thought we could see it come back up to VWAP - volume, VWAP and PDC was validating the move. Broke down and stopped below PDC.

 

 

M (5) - Short - Descending Triangle 

Took M Short into the Descending triangle, got the break and covered into LOD. Consolidated and formed another triangle so I added looking for the continuation breakdown. Stopped out at breakeven.

Good: Solid setup, happy with covered and the add.

 

BA (3) - Long - Ascending Triangle

Took it long into the 50MA on the 1 min, thinking it will hold. 223.80 level to strong of a seller.

 

 

AAL (1) - Long - Technical Breakout (-1 Not in Playbook)

Took it long as it looked like it was breaking out, making higher highs and lows above the VWAP and VPOC. Didn’t get the breakout, rejected off trendline and stopped me out.
 

AAL (2) - Short - Asymmetrical Triangle

Took it short once it broke through marked level and VPoC and rejected that level. Was looking to add one rejection of that level - didn’t have the confidence too. Rode it down and covered in front of 18.1 bid. Left the rest on to Breakeven.

Improvement: Got to 2R - no way I should be giving back all the way to Breakeven.

 

 

BYND (2) - Long - Descending Triangle Break (-1 Not in Playbook)

Was on a steady down trend and then hit premarket low and bounced, with exhaustion volume followed by a hammer - bottoming sign. Waited for it to hold PML and then break through trendline and got long.  Took partial off into 157 and left the rest run till my stop loss.

Improvement: Ended up being a losing trade due to size I left on till the end - need to have better management here. Took partial, and the rest should be at Breakeven?

 

 

BA (4) - Short - Lvl2 / Technical Breakdown (Bids at 217 getting taken out, Manual Entry,  -1 Not in Playbook)

Didn’t follow my rules - no trading in last 15 minutes. But saw BA breaking down heading into a big bid at 217 - bid was decrementing so I hit it before the drop, added again as we had top wicks. Closed into the close and then again shortly after.

Improvement: Shouldn’t be taking this into the close.

Trade Review

Had a tough day today, problem was with trade management and Position sizing. Taking difference size trades, which is causing me to hold on to positions even though I have reached my 2/3/4R due to size of them being considerably smaller than others.

 

Still having the same problem with taking too many random setups. Not sure how I am going to battle this one….honestly just cant figure it out, get too excited and take rookie trades.

 

Things I did well: Notice a few great playbook opportunities - M (ABCD), M (descending Triangle), AAL - Asymmetrical Triangle.

Things I need to improve: CONSISTANT POSITION SIZING, MY PLAYBOOK TRADES ONLY, STICK TO EXIT PLAN
 

Daily Report Card

1.Playbook Setups Only (ABCD, VWAP Break N Go, Triangles looking to add 1-2 more) =  4/12 = 41%

2. Placing trades with defined risk, and profit targets (No adjusting) = 12/12
NO MORE ADJUSTING UNTIL A PARTIAL IS TAKEN

 

Edited June 10, 2020 by Valentin

[Valentin 84]

Day 104 - Jun 10 , 2020 

41 Tickets

4 Symbols

Green Day

Personal: Felt good in the morning, rested, did research but went for a much different watchlist today. Lower priced, lower float.

Watchlist: 

Trades

GNUS (1) - Long - ABCD (Manual Entry, broken rule - trade first 5 min)

Took ABCD off VWAP thinking we could see a rally through to HOD. Pre-mature, got FOMO and took it too  early and stopped out as it wasn’t a true ABCD.
Improvement: Broke a few rules - didn’t wait for 5 minutes to close, also to sudden of a move - want to see it slowly come back to VWAP on light vol.

 

 

NKLA - Long - Asymmetrical Triangle / Bull Flag

NKLA sold off at the open but had a nice engulfing on strong volume making its way to VWAP. Consolidated and formed a Bull Wedge above VWAP and Premarket Support with volume validation, took it long on the breakout. Pushed but failed to breakout, took partial off as I didn’t like the price action, and covered rest at VWAP Break.

Good: I like this setup - validation from VPoC, Volume and VWAP and also a potential runner.

 

 

CHWY (1) - Long - VWAP Break N Go

CHWY was consolidating at LOD around 49 - saw the fake breakdown hammer on volume and wanted to go long - missed the nice move. Ended up breaking through VWAP and consolidated just above, pullback on lower volume validating strength. Took it on the breakout with increased volume. First partial was onn fake breakout thinking it was coming down. Spoked up again and sold on the next 1min low. Made its way through PDC but was looking for HOD for final partial.

Improvement: Too wide of a stop, 2R was just at all time high - not a hit probability play.

 

 

GNUS (2) - Long - Ascending Triangle

GNUS testing 5.2 multiple times at the open but rejected and broke down. Came back up tested and dropped. Finally it broke through but bids couldn’t hold - next candle they pushed through and held above so I went long. Sold into pop, came back to retest breakout point - NEED TO ADD, held on covered more into HOD pops, and into PMH in front of 5.8. Came back down was patient with the final, did an add but had a hotkey error and sold right away, so put the risk back on, had a fake breakout and due to poor avg I just took it all off.

Good: Overall great trade. Waited for Bids to break above and hold through that level. Sold into pops and important levels. Volume validation, VWAP and VPoC close to Apex - perfectly played.

Improvement: Definitely need to be adding on that pullback into the level, should be at 2x full size either there, or on the minor consolidation just above there. Also need to do a better job of adding. I like the place im adding for the pop into HOD - but hotkeys need to be better.


 

CHWY (2) - Long - Reversal (Mirror Level, -1 Not in Playbook, -1 Adjusted Stop)

CHWY sold off and caught support right at PML and mirror level at 50. Held there for a bit and broke down on minor volume and got bought right up. Took it long as it broke out off a hammer on 5 min after what looked like holding the PM support level.

Improvement: Cant be adjusting stop here - let the stock play out.

 

 

SPY - Short - Technical Breakdown (-1 Not in Playbook, Playing PnL, Manual Entry)

Was busy with work all day, then noticed SPY selling off heavy into the close. Saw it as it was coming to PDL with a big bid supporting it. Bid was decrementing with velocity, so I took it short on the breakdown for quick scalp into the close - target just under 319 at 2 previous reversal pivots.

Good: Reading level 2

Improvement: Playing PnL - was just under breakeven, took this as a scalp to come out green - this is a terrible habit, need to stop doing this.

 

Trade Review

Felt good today, although PnL was slightly green Had a few nice setups, stuck to the game plan majority of the trades.

 

Things I did well: Wait for confirmation on my playbook setups, looking for multiple validation points (VWAP, VPoC, Level 2, Volume)
Things I Need to improve: Follow rules - NO trading in first 5 mins, Taking my setups only, have to be on point with my hotkeys, need to do a better job of planning the trade R/R before jumping in.
 

Daily Report Card

1.Playbook Setups Only (ABCD, VWAP Break N Go, Triangles looking to add 1-2 more) =  4/6 = 66%

2. Placing trades with defined risk, and profit targets (No adjusting) = 4/6 = 66%
NO MORE ADJUSTING UNTIL A PARTIAL IS TAKEN

 

 

[Valentin 84]

Day 105 - Jun 11 , 2020 

30 Tickets

3 Symbols

Red Day

Personal: Good sleep, meditated, read 101 daily coach - ready to go.

Watchlist: Had a few good stocks on the watchlist, but a few too many which didn't allow me to complete watchlist fully.

 

Trades
MRNA (1) - Long - 5ORB  (-1 Not in Playbook)

MRNA was looking for an ABCD at 9:34 - didn’t fit criteria of 5 min rule. Took it on a 5 min orb (technical Breakout as it broke through PMH. Stopped out. 

Improvement: Not in my playbook, not comfortable with these, chasing hoping for a pop. Need to study these and test in afterhours SIM in order to implement properly



 

 

F (1) - Short - Double Top (Lvl 2 - Offers holding and stepping down with size, -1 Not in Playbook)

F was heavy on the offer from the 6.46 Premarket level, took it short as it confirmed the double top. Offer keeps stepping down, bids would drop and offer would continue stepping down with size. Didn’t like the 5min volume, but 1min shows sellers have come in. Idea was to take some off if offers get lifted. Took some off as 6.33 Bids held quite strong and took the offers easily. SPY making its way down which should help. Took more off as I didn’t like bids stepping up liftin offers. 3rd cover was panic cover thinking we held VWAP - no reason. Held the rest for levels made in Pre market.

Good: Validation with Levels (PM level), Level 2, Volume

Improvement: Trade Management - LET THEM PLAY OUT!!! No reason to be taking 2/3rd partials.


 

 

ACB - Short - Descending Triangle  (-1 Adjusted Stop)

ACB has lots of room to run to the downside, no catalyst and very little volume (could be easily manipulated)But like the volume gap between 13.34 and 12.15. Big bid at 13.30 think it will get taken out and then test 13. Wide stop, might tighten if it breaks 13.30 and tries to come back. Adjusted stop to break of that level - playing PnL here otherwise could have let this run all day. With a few good areas to add.

Improvement: Stop adjusting your stops, keeps ruining your trades over and over. DO NOT PLAY YOUR PNL.

 

MRNA (2) - Long - Channel breakout (-1 Not in Playbook)

Not sure what setup this is….but Liked the pushing up against 63.2 and took it as it was about to breakout, 63.2 ended up holding and dropped to stop me out. Came back up this time I noticed 63.2 break and bids stepping above so I took it long. Consolidated a big and then spiked - took half off into VWAP. Added on the pullback as volume was decreasing. Came back down to the mirror level at 63.2 and had a refreshing bid - was thinking to add again. Stopped out.

Improvement: Need to be more patient on the add - once it comes down to 63.22 and holds and then breaks from tight consolidation rather than getting excited and jumping in first pullback.


 

 

F (2) - Short - Descending Triangle (Lvl 2, bids dropping offers stepping down, -1 Adjusted Stop)

HUGE offer on Lvl 2 stepping down the whole way…short as soon as the level broke, Took the big bid out on heavy volume but then buyers came right back and lifted the offers. Took half off as that happened - didn’t like fake breakdown got scared out of position, adjusted the rest and stopped out - top tick. Ended up come back down, took it short again through the same level and covered into drops - same thing volume came in thinking its bottom, so I got out most of it. Left partial on, and took it off when we failed to retest previous low.

Good: Validating setup with clear level 2 signal. Put risk back on as the setup was still valid.

Improvement: No need to adjust the stop here.

Opportunity: Need to be adding into the Retest, my stats show that this is a profitable trade, especially after taking partials. Offers a much more defined risk.




F (3) - Short - Mirror Level breakdown (-1 Adjusted stop, -1 Not in Playbook)6

Looking weak off VWAP rejection but didn’t have conviction. Came down and broke through the Mirror level and I chased a short with a wide stop, looking to add. Had an idea that it might hold 6.21 level and do a bounce and to short on 2nd try…but seemed weak and had the MA cross so I took it short.. Adjusted stop (again….), stopped out and then took it again on the next short. Getting out of control here noticing im catching the rookie trades…short the breakdown now

Improvement: Adjusting stop, adjusting stop, adjusting stop - when will this stop….Taking losses for nothing. Also taking the rookie excitement trades shorting the breakdown.

 

 

Trade Review
Felt good throughout the day, but still making many stupid mistakes. Adjusting stops 3 times - every single time I got stopped out, but my initial stop would have turned out to be winners. I have been taking less impulse trades which I am happy with however, still taking random setups which are not in my playbook, and that have proved to be poor setups for me statically.

 

This weekend will be a heavy review weekend, re-schedule my daily tasks. Feel like im spending too much time on things that aren't that useful. Looking to incorporate more SIM trading sessions at night, hitting up previous plays and working on Entry and Exits.
 

Things I did well: Validate with Volume and Level 2, better job of leaving the trade on for the bigger move.

Things I Need to improve: Trade Management (Trading my PnL, Adjusting stops, impatient adds)
 

Daily Report Card

1.Playbook Setups Only (ABCD, VWAP Break N Go, Triangles looking to add 1-2 more) =  2/6 = 33%

2. Placing trades with defined risk, and profit targets (No adjusting) = 3/6 = 50% (all 3 would have been winners)
NO MORE ADJUSTING UNTIL A PARTIAL IS TAKEN

 

Edited June 12, 2020 by Valentin

[Valentin 84]

Hey Guys - changed the way I import the images. Think its a little clearer this way and easier to see. Thoughts? 



 

Edited June 12, 2020 by Valentin

[tntp45 52]

Images are much cleaner !

 

[Valentin 84]

Day 106 - Jun 12 , 2020 

31 Tickets

3 Symbols

Red Day

Personal: Decent rest, felt great and ready for the morning.
Watchlist: 




Trades
PLAY (1,2) - Short -  Failed Pop (-1 Adjusted Stop, -2 Not in Playbook)

1.Was looking for an ABCD if it made it to VWAP - but formed a bearish doji so took it on the break on the failed pop - got too excited and took it too early, stopped out.
2. Broke down through LOD, same thing was waiting for a pop back into VWAP for an ABCD - doji came and I made the exact same mistake….wtf

Improvement: Need to have patience - this is not my setup, exact same FOMO happened twice, knew I need to wait then got in once bearish doji formed…brutal. ABCD happened on the 5min, if I waited for the VWAP test and reject could have had a perfect ABCD



OXY (1) - Long - Technical Breakout (Chasing, -1 Not in Playbook)

So I recently implemented a DAS time limit - 5min rule at the open without trading in order to let price discovery happen - stats validate this. Saw a nice reversal with hammers coming off PMSupport, tried to enter but DAS rejected order. Was choked that I missed the hammer bottom, ORB….it broke out, then consolidated above PMH was looking to get in after first hammer but decided not to as it would have been chasing, another hammer formed and exactly what happened - FOMO chased HOD breakout. Partialed quick as I realized I was chasing and stopped out for a loss



AAL (1) - ABCD (SUB: Double bottom W off VWAP, -1 Adjusted Stop)
AAL sold off and then pushed to HOD, came back into VWAP consolidated there gave me a decent entry for ABCD up to HOD. Took it long with stop below previous consolidation, SPY started to drop so I panic covered half of the position, held the VWAP (as I was initially anticipating) and moved up - added the risk back on. Covered quick into pops as I didn’t want to give any back, and held the rest till it confirmed lower low.

Improvement: STOP ADJUSTING, same story over and over…took a loss on a partial for no reason.

OXY (2) - Short - Technical Breakdown off Asymmetrical Triangle

OXY weak broke below VWAP and couldn’t get back above, too it short as it was breaking down but then realized we were heading into previous support levels and into MA's - seemed like a low probability play and didn’t like the R/R so I took it off - happy with the decision. Tried to hold up formed a narrow candle, and then tried ot push but rejected, giving me confirmation for the short so I put the short back on. Sold into LOD , then panicked on the 2nd cover thinking we might bounce. Then again into PML, and again panicked thinking we would bounce…left the final partials into extended moves.

Good: Happy with taking the risk off, and then adding once it confirmed and gave me a better R/R.

Improvement: No need to be covering twice into the same level (2nd cover and 4th). Trade management is hurting me on these winners. A trade like this should make your day…..but due to heavy partialing it was just average.



AAL (2) - Long - Asymmetrical Triangle (-1 Adjusted Stop, Manual entry)

AAL looking to break out from Asymmetrical triangle took it as it brook through trend and VWAP on volume. volume looks like its all buying on the 5min but lots of selling on the 1min and SPY rejected off VWAP  - took half off. And then got stopped out.  Formed a small ascending triangle after the shakeout - took it long (manual risk size - 1/4size) and got the pop, sold into it and held final bit for close.

Improvement: Need to be taking same risk on every trade. Out of this trade - full size on loser, 1/4 size on winner….winner looks much better, but the overall trade was red.  

Trade Review
Feel like I am making progress on a few things, but then again feel like I'm so far away from being consistent. Just cant seem to shake a few habits, FOMO, Impatience and Adjusting stops. I have also noticed I have been getting into some great moves 5R+ but my trade management kills the returns as I partial to heavy, or too quickly.
 

2 great trades - both playbook trades, could have taken advantage of them a little more by following exit plan.

2 terrible trades - PLAY, chased both times, not in playbook, rooki

2 Decent trades - AAL end of day breakouts, would take these again - but need a better exit strategy.

 

Things I did well: Holding on for the bigger move, Consistent risk sizing

Things I need to improve: No more Adjusting stops, Sticking to my playbook setups only, partialing to early  (sticking to my exit plan)

 

Daily Report Card

1.Playbook Setups Only (ABCD, VWAP Break N Go, Triangles looking to add 1-2 more) =  3/6 = 50%

2. Placing trades with defined risk, and profit targets (No adjusting) = 3/6 = 50% 
NO MORE ADJUSTING UNTIL A PARTIAL IS TAKEN

23 minutes ago, tntp45 said:

Images are much cleaner !

 

Thanks Tom - will change it up from here.

[Valentin 84]

Personal: Felt great, had a good rest. A little late to Premarket show but did some meditation and read 101 daily coach.

Goals for the day:

 

Watchlist

 

RVOL at open:

• IRBT - 475%
• NETE - 17,120%
• GNU - 489%
• OXY - 83%

Trades
 

GNUS (1) - Short - ABCD Reverse (4.71 stop - 14c)

Looking weak with selling volume increasing. , but had a somewhat positive catalyst so I was hesitant - ended up taking short on the bearish doji and as it broke PM support level. Didn’t like the entry as it didn’t quite get up to VWAP and coming right into MA so took some off right away. Left half as this could be a nice drop though - setting up for a descending triangle on 4.4 break.



IRBT - Long - Ascending Triangle Breakout (83.78 risk hotkey)

Was watching this as it consolidated at highs around 84.5 but didn’t have conviction due to selling volume on the 1min. Ended up breaking out above PMH and holding above, chased it on the breakout thinking we could see a squeeze with a high Short Float (32%). SPY pushing HOD and strength on IRBT breakout.

Improvement: Wasn’t a clean triangle, no 3 touches on trendline. Too wide of a stop - need to get tighter stop or better entry

Note: Short Float 32% - was looking for a squeeze.

 

OXY (1) - Short  - Triple Top (-1 Not in Game Plan, Manual Risk entry)

OXY coming up to around same level rejection of previously with buying volume slowly decreasing. Took half size looking to add once it breaks VWAP to test LOD, stopped out.

Improvement: Not in my game plan - deserved loss.


GNUS (2) - Long - Asymmetrical Triangle (-1 Adjusted Stop)

Sold off but found support at 200MA made tripled bottom and tested VWAP, forming an asymmetrical triangle. Took it as it broke through VWAP and previous high looking to test HOD. Wasn’t too happy with my entry as I placed my stop too far - covered into pops and left the rest to run as it broke and failed to hold VWAP.

Improvement: Very poor R/R due to wide stop. Needed to break HOD above 5.1 to get 2R…

 

OXY (2) - Long - Bull Flag (-1 Not in Playbook, -1 Adjusted Stop = missed out on 5R because of it)

OXY was pulling back off its highs setting up a flag below PDC. Initially thinking short, but all the selling was bought right up on - 5min candles were obvious. Took the breakout as it held above the trendline and sold into PDC quick pop. Ended up adjusting stop as SPY was turning over. Partial is good into a level, but absolutely no reason to be adjusting here…puking the trade right into support…

Improvement: ADJUSTING STOP KILLED ME HERE - same old bad habit ruins the trade.
Notes: .21c risk, 18.17 stop vs 18.38 entry - 18.8 2R, 19.01 3R, 19.22 4R, 19.43 5 R

 

GNUS (3) - Short - Asymmetrical Triangle

Stopped out on my long, and was looking for potential short as we broke VWAP looking for LOD break. Shorting right into the 50MA on the 5 min. Was working and saw this breakdown down, didn’t have a clear plan and chased it, just went short with stop above the VWAP break N go level - poor entry. Cover as 4.5 big bid dropped but reclaimed on large vol. and then again as we broke downtrend

Improvement: Can't be chasing this - especially when I was distracted. VWAP Break N Go would have even a better entry with same stop but much tighter risk.

 

SPY (1) - Long - 3 Bar Play 5 min (-1 Not in Playbook, -1 Adjusted Stop = missed out on 11R + because of it)

SPY was looking strong, took it as it broke out from tight consolidation on the 5 min with a tight stop. Looking for it to test PDC. 1st partial as soon as it popper - way too quick, 2nd partial adjusted as lots of volume came in but failed to push, and 3rd was adjusted stop. Way too much over managing…no reason to be covering, just panicking and taking risk off for absolutely no reason.

Improvement: Micromanaging killed the trade. Panic covering on all 3 partials.

Notes: 302.89 stop, 303.32 entry, 43c risk, 304.18 2R, 304.61 3R, 305.04 4R, 308.05 11 R

 

SPY (2) - Short - Technical Breakdown (-1 Not in Playbook, -1 Adjusted Stop)

Absolutely no reason to be short here other than "Extended"…volume is selling after that jump - adjusted my stop instantly as I realized this was not a good trade. 

Improvement: shouldn’t even be taking this why am I shorting market backed on positive news and volume spike, with trump set to speak very shortly.

 

OXY - Long - Asymmetrical Triangle (-1 Adjusted Stop)

Not a great entry as my stop is super wide. Probability of this spiking up to .34 maybe .45 is high, would need SPY to go on a tear if I want this to breakout

Note: Why did I put my stop so far? Could have done 19.14 or 19.09…. Put it way too far out forcing me to get a huge move. Stoped out as it curled down 

Trade Review

Goal 1: Playbook Setups Only = FAIL

Goal 2: No Adjusting = FAIL
 

Did a big review over the weekend, and stats couldn't be any clearer. My 2 Daily Report Card goals are my 2 biggest reasons for my losses. I came into today really excited and focused, looking to stick with ONLY PLAYBOOK SETUPS and Not Adjusting stops. In order to do this I am looking to implement talking my self through every trade (did not do today).

First thing in the In AM felt a little better only trading my setups (2 trades) feeling patient until I got into OXY on a triple top - no confirmation no nothing, shooting star doji got me excited and went down hill from there.

 

Things I did well: Consistent position sizing, consciously starting to think about the setup when I put it in (not enough)

Things I did poorly: Sticking to my game plan, trade management - was micromanaging positions WAY too much, not talking my self through the trade and checklist.

 

Daily Report Card

1.Playbook Setups Only (ABCD, VWAP Break N Go, Triangles looking to add 1-2 more) =  4/9 = 44% 

2. Placing trades with defined risk, and profit targets (No adjusting) = 5/9 = 44% 
NO MORE ADJUSTING UNTIL A PARTIAL IS TAKEN

[Valentin 84]

Day 112 - Jun 22 , 2020 

29 Tickets

4 Symbols

Green Day

 

Pre-Market

Personal: Felt great and rested up. Couple of days off so was excited to get back into it.

Watchlist:

RVOL at open:

SPCE: 1000%

NIO 260:

NVTA: 378 up to 1100 5 min in.

NVAX 130%


Trades
 

SPCE - Long - VWAP Break N Go
Took it long as it broke through VWAP and rejected on low volume then started breaking out again.

Good: Volume validation, patience
Improvement: Got my 2R but then didn’t adjusted, after 2R it should be back to breakeven at the worst.


 

 

MRNA - Short - Descending Triangle (LOD Scalp)

Selling off hard at the open, formed a minor descending triangle got in a bit late wanted to get a entry. Felt a little over extended and Low probability continuation so I took it for a quick scalp.

Improvement: For these scalps should be going much tighter risk, larger size and out right away keeping 10% for longer time


 

 

NVTA - Asymmetrical Triangle

Took it on the vol spike breakout as SPY looks like it's turning back up. This could be a nice runner with high short float. Didn’t like the doji reversal candle so I was a bit timid. Took profits into previous high and then again (not sure why the second time…) Continued partialing into highs and then 27 whole number. Adjusted as I gave a fake breakout candle.

Improvement: Poor trade management Didn’t follow exit strategy….got up to 4R

 

GPS - Short - Descending Triangle (Sub: 3Bar Setup on the 2nd, -1 Adjusted Stop)

Took GPS short on descending triangle as 11.38 BID was decrementing quick. SPY also rolling over, should help. Broke down and came back up. 11.37 seems to be a much stronger level than anticipated. Buyers keep stepping up and ended up close to top ticking my stop loss before drop came.  Looks like I Had the ride idea, wrong timing - didn’t get a good entry point on the next descending triangle to I waited for consolidation and took the break toward LOD, tight stop took first partial and stopped at breakeven.

SPCE (2) - Long - Ascending triangle (-1 Adjusted Stop missed out on 3.5R)

16.6 Mirror level acting as resistance to top of ascending triangle. Took it as it broke on volume and bids pushed above. Panic covered every single exit, then adjusted stop initial stop was 16.44 - would have held and pushed to 3.5R.

Improvement: Good entry with absolutely embarrassing trade management. Ruined my trade.

 

SPCE (3) - VWAP Break and Go (Sub: ABCD intraday, -1 Adjusted Stop)

SPCE looking like its ready to continue to upside. Has a nice trendline below holding and acting as support. Held VWAP and looking for push to HOD. Ended up getting in a bit late, entry was break of 17 3bar play out of asymetrical…causing me to have wide stop and getting poor R/R

Improvement: Adjusted stop again…

Trade Review

Goal 1: Playbook Setups Only = PASS (this is a win…seems like first time hitting 100%)

Goal 2: No Adjusting = FAIL

 

Took a couple days off and went camping, rested up. Patience started of great.. Then slowly died down. Ended up having absolutely poor trade management which ruined a couple of trades. Ongoing battle with adjusting trades.

Implementing a consequence system with severe penalty (10R Donation to a cause that I do not like). Saw this in a video recently, and need to try this. Otherwise I just keep going through, failing my report card with no consequence…losing couple hundo to a cause I do not like should help…..Will update on this.

 

Things I did well: Take My Playbook trades only!!! Finally

Things I did poorly: Trade management is killing me…Adjusting stops outside of my trading plan

 

Daily Report Card

1.Playbook Setups Only (ABCD, VWAP Break N Go, Triangles looking to add 1-2 more) =  6/6 = 100%

2. Placing trades with defined risk, and profit targets (No adjusting) = 3/6 = 50%

 

Edited June 23, 2020 by Valentin

[Valentin 84]

Day 113 - Jun 23 , 2020 

20 Tickets

6 Symbols (too many)

Red Day

 

Pre-Market

Personal: Tired in AM, was late to premarket show - decided to sleep a bit longer as I realized how fatigued I was.

Watchlist:

 

Trades

FB - Long - Ascending Triangle Breakout

FB hit all time highs, had some FOMO on this one after watching it spike up….went into a ascending triangle and took it on the breakout - Not my style trading FB, QQQs were down and Volume was not validating.

Note: Was going to stop out right away, but that would go against my rule of adjusting stop

Improvement: There was no reason to be in here. Volume selling, QQQs selling, ATH, not on watchlist - terrible trade

 

GNUS - Long - Bull Pennant (-1 Not in Playbook)

GNUS came out with good news in premarket, debt free and has 55M cash on hand. Had its runup  24% and then consolidated, took it on the break of pennant thinking this could rally. Another trade not sure why I am taking it. Looks like a descending triangle, really extended. Lots of daily resistance on the daily.

Improvement: Not in playbook, but bull pennant is stronger when its asymmetrical, not looking like a descending triangle Engulfing candle on major selling volume + descending triangle - clear sign not to enter long at this point.

 

AAL - Long - Asymmetrical Triangle Breakout

Took AAL as It broke out above 14.06 PM Support on increasing volume. Spy had a huge drop and AAL quickly followed.

 

3 losses in a row - time for a break. Things aren't going my way. Also Looking strictly at charts, need to get more validation from Vol and Lvl 2.
 

 

INO - Long - Bull Pennant (-1 Not in Playbook)

INO holding PMH and broke through bull pennant, took it long thinking we could see a nice continuation to HOD +. Stopped out, held VWAP and had a huge rally.

Improvement: Be PATIENT, Wait for better entry when it pulls back into VWAP. Perfect ABCD entry at VWAP on the 5min.right at the PMH.



 

TBIO - Short - Technical Breakdown (-1 Not in Playbook)

Not sure what I was going for here - LOD breakdown on an extended stock with a setup that’s not in my playbook. Brutal FOMO on this one. Only positive is that I Didn’t adjusted my stop until I got my first partial like it says in my playbook.
Note: Was thinking of taking it off at breakeven at 11:27, don’t like the price action. SPY pushing think this will be a double bottom and rally (NO ADJUSTING THOUGH). Also my 2/3/4 R placement would have required the stock to move down 20%?!?! WTF…..

 

SPCE - Short - Descending Triangle  (Add2Winner)

Nice Descending Triangle against 16.85 Base - took it short on the breakdown, not a great fill as I was wanting to see the big bid at 16.85 decrement and get a little tighter entry against that level but sellers blew through the bid on huge size causing slippage. Took off 10% on the extended drop, Add on the retest and rejection of that level (almost 2R size at this point). Quick drop took some off, and then waited until we retested LOD and partialed into drops.

Good: Good patience on the re-entry - this is in my game plan, finally confidence to do it.

Improvement: Could have added more on the limit player holding 13.87 right at the breakdown level, risking few cents.

 

Trade Review

Goal 1: Playbook Setups Only = FAIL

Goal 2: No Adjusting = PASS

 

Noticing I'm chasing the top too much - even if its on pullbacks, I need to let it come back down to VWAP and then enter - this would have worked perfectly or would have provided a much better entry on 3 plays (FB, GNUS, INO).

Really need to focus on talking myself through plays - doing it sometimes, but others I just enter. Couple of entries were brutal - but working on not adjusting stops in order to stop the bad habit so will have to let them play out.

 

Things I did well: Not adjusting stops, Add2Winner

Things I did poorly: Chasing highs, taking trades not in my playbook, not accounting for Risk/Reward before entry.

 

Daily Report Card

1.Playbook Setups Only (ABCD, VWAP Break N Go, Triangles looking to add 1-2 more) =  3/6 = 50% 

2. Placing trades with defined risk, and profit targets (No adjusting) = 6/6 = 100%

[Christopher 129]

Hey @Valentin! A good rule of thumb that's been helping me out a lot lately is to never take a trade in the direction of the trend if it's extended from the 9 EMA on the 5. Stocks ALWAYS pull back 100% to the time and they are much more likely to  reach the 9 on the 5 than not on a pullback, so to take a trend play when it's extended is just asking for it imo. I like your trading style and chart setup a lot ! 

I'd try adding the 9 to your 5 min chart and give it a go for a week

For example on your $SPCE trade the 9 probably looked something like this, and the other entry you identified would have been great, specifically because it was respecting 16.85 AND was close to the 9! 

just imo! Hope all is well

-Chris

Edited June 24, 2020 by Christopher Patterson

[Valentin 84]

12 hours ago, Christopher Patterson said:

Hey @Valentin! A good rule of thumb that's been helping me out a lot lately is to never take a trade in the direction of the trend if it's extended from the 9 EMA on the 5. Stocks ALWAYS pull back 100% to the time and they are much more likely to  reach the 9 on the 5 than not on a pullback, so to take a trend play when it's extended is just asking for it imo. I like your trading style and chart setup a lot ! 

I'd try adding the 9 to your 5 min chart and give it a go for a week

For example on your $SPCE trade the 9 probably looked something like this, and the other entry you identified would have been great, specifically because it was respecting 16.85 AND was close to the 9! 

just imo! Hope all is well

-Chris

Very interesting Chris thank you for the feed back.  

I Definitely need to experiment with MA's a little more. Was getting a little distracted with having too much on my screen so tried to cut back a bit and really focus on price action / LVL 2. But once i am more comfortable I will definitely get those back in there and take a deeper look.

Played around with the 9MA on 5min for a few of my trade reviews today and can see what you mean about the over extension and pull back., thanks for bringing it to my attention!!

 

 

[Valentin 84]

Day 114 - Jun 24 , 2020 

17 Tickets

3 Symbols 

Green Day

 

Pre-Market

Personal: Very well rested, woke up early got my whole AM routine in 

Watchlist: Watch list was a little bit, but picked a few god ones and stuck with them once market opened.

 

 

 

 

RVOL at open:

PLUG - 828%

DELL - 1322%

INO - 541%

FSLY - 330%


Trades

PLUG - Long - Asymmetrical Triangle (Breakout)
Looking strong gapping up with high short interest - Took it long as it broke out from triangle consolidation, stop below VWAP. Thinking this could run. Chased and caught the top - stopped out.

Improvement: To Extended - need to wait a little longer to set up a clear play. Failed breakout at 9:41, should get out right away - also need to create an exit rule for this. Think i need to do a review of setup - this seems way to condensed to be a proper triangle.

 

INO (1) - Long - ABCD

INO nice push off the open made new high and then pulled into VWAP, took it long as it broke through VWAP on the way back up. Saw big bid at 22  - using that as stop loss. Ended up rejecting off Pre market level and stropped me out.

Good: Was patient and followed plan to wait for VWAP test and break back through. Happy with the setup.

Improvement: Noticed volume was selling, but this thing is a runner, positive catalyst and high short interest - didn’t want to miss it.

INO (2) - Long - Asymmetrical Triangle Breakout

Same thesis as previous trade, got in on ABCD a little early…This one was similar but felt more of a triangle. Had a nice tight consolidation took it long with stop below same 22 level with big bids behind it. Got the breakout, partial into 22.95 previous resistance - good. Then took more off at the same level, not a good partial - panic. Took more off at 2R - good, then some more almost right away - this is terrible.

Improvement: FOLLOW YOUR PLAN - missed out on 7.4R. Need to recognize that pullbacks are a good thing. Take partials into levels, then BUY BACK when it retests and holds those levels (yellow arrows) first was PMH 22.95 and second was previous HOD.

FSLY - Short - Descending Triangle (SUB: VWAP Break n Go)

FSLY was looking week, saw the descending triangle form but didn’t catch it in time so wanted to wait for confirmation on retest and reject. Did exactly that - got some slippage on entry but risk was still pretty tight. Broke down

Good: Great patience - waited for the right entry with defined risk after confirmed retest and reject from mirror level.

Improvement: Need to stick to my exit strategy - first partial was lower than 1R - WTF…... Did not follow my daily prep plan - idea was 73.22 was a major level and to get short if it broke.

<------- Detailed Playbook trade Review 
 

Trade Review

Goal 1: Playbook Setups Only = PASS

Goal 2: No Adjusting = PASS

Very happy with my day - although I could have done A LOT better on profits as well as my trade management there are a lot of positive takeaways. 2 days in a row now without adjusting stop (have to add a few extra rules into my trading plan for this) but feeling a lot calmer in the trades.
 

One thing I noticed today is I am gun shy when I am in green on the day - don’t want to give back profits? Wants to end the day green? This has to stop - hiding my realized PnL, just showing open positions from now on.
 

Things I did well: Patience on entries, stick with my stops

Things I did poorly: Trade management - taking profits too early, missed a few of my playbook setups.

 

Daily Report Card

1.Playbook Setups Only (ABCD, VWAP Break N Go, Triangles looking to add 1-2 more) =  4/4 = 100%

2. Placing trades with defined risk, and profit targets (No adjusting) = 4/4 = 100% 

[Kendrick C. 7]

Hi Valentin,

I see you trade a lot descending / ascending triangle breakout, but it loses due to slippage and false breakouts.

Wouldn't it be better to enter when the legs are forming with reversal patterns and set the stop loss to previous leg, then wait for the breakout?

 Just my 2 cents.

[Valentin 84]

17 hours ago, Kendrick C. said:

Hi Valentin,

I see you trade a lot descending / ascending triangle breakout, but it loses due to slippage and false breakouts.

Wouldn't it be better to enter when the legs are forming with reversal patterns and set the stop loss to previous leg, then wait for the breakout?

 Just my 2 cents.

Hey Kendrick thanks for the feedback.

Honestly that is something I am battling with right now...I have just recently incorporated triangles into my playbook and am just working on "perfecting" the setups with entry/exit. Still very much a rookie at them....

From the top of my mind, I tend to have a much lower win rate buying before the breakout occurs, but the R/R is considerably better....Now that I have a decent sample size (120+ trades) I will do a deeper dive and look into Win Rate as well as R/R on those trades......as it might statically be better for me to buy in anticipation. Looking forward to a solid review this weekend!!