2019-07-17 · Episode 1

Go Ask A Trader · Episode 1

13 chapters
1:32:32

The speaker outlines the process for asking questions and requesting coaching, emphasizing the importance of audience participation and the structure of the session. They explain how questions will be addressed, prioritized, and handled, including the use of a forum for unaddressed questions. The session then transitions into a discussion about the trader's experience with options trading, including their strategies, market trends, drawdowns, and risk management approaches. Specific topics include the road trip trade, put protection, delta analysis, and the trader's personal goals and adjustments in their trading system.

01 0:00Introduction, Disclaimer, and Session Overview

The session begins with an introduction to the 'Go Ask a Trader' session, emphasizing its educational nature and providing a disclaimer about its non-recommendatory intent. It includes a detailed risk disclaimer, highlighting the substantial risks involved in trading options and the use of hypothetical computer-simulated trades. The speaker also expresses excitement about the session and emphasizes the importance of audience participation for its success.

IntroductionDisclaimerEducational PurposeRisk DisclaimerHypothetical TradesAudience Participation
02 1:38Q&A Process, Coaching Requests, and Trading Insights

The speaker outlines the process for asking questions and requesting coaching, emphasizing the importance of audience participation and the structure of the session. They explain how questions will be addressed, prioritized, and handled, including the use of a forum for unaddressed questions. The session then transitions into a discussion about the trader's experience with options trading, including their strategies, market trends, drawdowns, and risk management approaches. Specific topics include the road trip trade, put protection, delta analysis, and the trader's personal goals and adjustments in their trading system.

Q&A ProcessCoaching RequestsSession DurationSession structureCoaching requestQuestion handling
03 14:44Understanding Strategy Weakness and Risk Management

This chapter discusses the weaknesses of trading strategies, emphasizing the importance of drawdowns and expectancy ratios. It also covers the consequences of losing streaks, the impact of losing periods, and the role of risk management in trading strategies.

Strategy WeaknessExpectancy RatioLosing StreaksStrategy BehaviorRisk ManagementLosing Periods
04 17:43Strategy Evaluation, Adaptability, and Market Understanding

This chapter covers the critique of misguided strategy expectations, the importance of backtesting and following guidelines, and the need for adaptability in trading strategies. It also discusses the importance of understanding market conditions, recognizing when a strategy is no longer effective, and adapting to changing market behavior.

trip tradestrategymisguided beliefsstrategy understandingtrading activityeducation
05 29:25Understanding Trade Positions and Risk Awareness

The speaker discusses the importance of visualizing trade outcomes, identifying weaknesses in trade plans, and understanding risks associated with price shocks. They emphasize the need for risk awareness rather than fear.

trade visualizationtrade weaknessesposition planningRisk AwarenessTrading Strategy UnderstandingShock from Price Movement
06 32:56Strategy Implementation, Diversification, and Long-Term Trading

The speaker covers diversification strategies, trade expectations, skill testing, and the impact of timing variance on trading outcomes. They also discuss the role of luck, consistency in trading systems, and long-term trading approaches, emphasizing the importance of feedback and continuous learning.

DiversificationStrategy ImplementationRisk ManagementTrade ExpectationsSkill TestingMarket Movement Prediction
07 44:09Understanding Trading Fundamentals and Learning Strategies

This chapter covers the importance of planning, managing maximum losses, backtesting, and the role of consistency in trading. It also introduces the concept of strategy hopping and the need for traders to focus on learning rather than just following guidelines.

short-term gainslong-term planningtrade dynamicsmaximum loss managementcontinuous resettrading strategies
08 47:27Realistic Expectations and Advanced Trading Concepts

This chapter discusses the importance of realistic expectations, backtesting, and the subjectivity in trading. It also introduces advanced concepts such as skew shift, butterfly pricing, and the complexity of the topic, highlighting the need for advanced programs and resources for options trading.

Focus on learningGuidelines for tradingTrading by guidelinesCycles in tradingRealistic expectationsBack testing
09 59:03Data Issues, Charting, and Vertical Skew

The speaker discusses data availability issues and charting techniques, including vertical skew and software limitations. They mention the need to use specific tools like Option View and the volatility model for skew analysis and highlight uncertainties in accessing vertical skew data.

Data issuesChartingVertical skewSoftware limitationsModelingData conversion
10 1:02:02Delta, Skew, and Market Behavior Analysis

The speaker explores the relationship between delta and skew in different market conditions, discussing how skew affects delta and the cost of butterfly strategies. They also analyze historical market data, compare skew across timeframes, and discuss market sentiment and fear indicators through tools like the T plus zero line and skew graphs.

DeltaSkewVolatilityButterfly CostSkew GraphOption View
11 1:13:04T Plus Zero Line and Market Sentiment Analysis

The speaker discusses the T plus zero line as an indicator of market sentiment and downside fear, referencing historical data and expectations for price movement and delta. They also mention a significant down move in May 2018 and the implications of the T plus zero line being closer to the center.

T plus zero linemarket sentimentdownside fearprice movementhistorical data
12 1:16:29Skew Analysis and Vertical Placement Strategies

The speaker explains the use of shorter timeframes for skew analysis, the importance of reference points in butterfly strategies, and the placement of verticals in different volatility environments. They also discuss the function of verticals in managing risk and market movement.

skew analysistimeframesbutterfly strategytrading strategieshigh volatilitylow volatility
13 1:27:38Risk Management and Trading Objectives

The video discusses how market participants manage risk to protect their positions against potential shocks. It emphasizes the importance of context in decision-making and highlights that the goal of winning in trading is not definitive. Traders are encouraged to consider their specific situation, goals, and what they are willing to lose. The need for clarity in trade goals and strategy selection is also stressed.

Risk ManagementDecision-MakingContextTrading AnalysisPersonal StrategySelf-Reflection