I learned everything about trading from my mistakes.
After 15 years of market-making options on LIFFE, I started day trading futures & Forex from 2004.
I began by trying to predict reversals and pick tops and bottoms.
It didn’t work!
My results changed when I focused on simply riding the trend—not fighting it.
Here are the 3 tools that helped me the most (and still do):
✅ 1. Moving Averages
These show you the bigger picture. I use the 50, 100, and 200-day moving averages to get a feel for the market direction.
- Price above the MA? Likely an uptrend.
- Price below? Probably a downtrend.
Crossover signals are also a great way to catch a new trend early and stay in longer.
✅ 2. Trend Lines
This one is underrated.
Just connect swing highs or lows—it helps you see if a trend is still intact or breaking down. It’s amazing how often price respects these lines.
✅ 3. Chart Patterns
Patterns like triangles and head & shoulders can be great clues.
They tell a story about who’s winning the tug of war between buyers and sellers.
Spotting these early can give you a nice edge.
Since making trend identification a core part of my strategy, my trading’s become way more consistent—and a lot less stressful.
Trade smarter, not harder.
#DayTrading #TradingJourney #TrendTrading #TechnicalAnalysis #ChartPatterns #MovingAverages #TraderMindset #LessonsLearned