I admit it - I AM A USER!

Yes, you read that right. I will use any stock, ETF, information on a stock, analysis and information of a stock by anyone, for my own financial benefit and gain. And I will use all the power necessary (legally :-) and within my means) to gain an advantage to know when to buy and when to sell a stock.

Bet that caught your attention. The point of this post is that stocks are meant to be used when the time is right. Do not get emotionally attached to a stock or ETF or even a conviction of market direction. Just because you 'think' or 'believe' a stock or sector should go up or down does not mean that it will. The market can be an emotional, irrational beast and will go where it WANTS to go. Not where we want it to go.

Notice how the good traders are always using stock price movement and market sentiment to their advantage? Go to StockTwits, and observe some of the excellent traders there. Notice how they don't let their emotions dictate their trading. They are swift, nimble AND quick to drop a trade when they feel it is not working, and have NO problem going in the opposite direction if that's where the action is. Don't let your conviction and emotions get in the way of your trading success.

Remember, trading is about making money and taking profits. The market gives you nothing but an opportunity. USE that opportunity wisely. It is a jungle out there and everyone wants YOUR money - no one cares about you. Not if you can do something about it.

I will say it again, above all else, make sure you have a trading plan, a strategy (or several) and a money management plan that protects your profits and limits your losses.

Good luck with your trading.