Is Proper Trade Timing One of Your Priorities?

Do you find yourself making some resolutions every so often? For many traders, it is as simple as "Make more money," or "Become an all-around better trader." I like to encourage traders to be much more specific,  and there is a particular objective that I think gets overlooked far too often: Proper trade timing.

Now trade timing is ultimately not about being "right" about the markets, or picking more precise turning points. Actually, trade timing is often about exercising more patience and precision, and trading with greater efficiency and less risk. It is a proven means to more successful trades, so as you take time to assess where you are right now in your trading, decide where you want to go, and most importantly, chart a path for getting there.

Takeaways

• How trade timing can help you

• Why technical analysis can help you

• Learn to think before you trade

Be "Right on Time"!

Often lost in our desire to identify set-ups, or even be "right" about the direction of the markets, is the fact that trade timing is crucial to both! Technical traders read charts every day, and even once a set-up is identified, if the corresponding entry is taken too early or too late, profitability can be affected or even erased entirely. That is why really mastering a chart pattern or trade set-up, takes more than learning to identify it; you have to also know when to enter (and exit) in order to get an optimal risk reward ratio profile. As a result, do not just practice pattern recognition! Also practice more precise trade timing, where you execute at the exact location of price where probability and risk adjusted return are in your favor. And, if you do, you may also receive the benefit of additional signals that further justify your position.

Real life trade timing example

As seen on the weekly EURGBP chart above, price is clearly range-bound and moving higher to test established overhead resistance. It seems like a quality trading opportunity is in the offing, and I've heard plenty of buzz already about traders looking to "Get in early ahead of the curve." However—and this is the key point of this example—the timing is not right just yet!

Instead, as is consistent with our trading methodology, we would ideally wait for price to approach or even formally test resistance, then put in a qualifying signal like a bearish pin bar reversal. Executing there and in that fashion would provide the optimum reward/risk profile, as well as offer a valuable confirmation signal. One that just so happens to be the cornerstone of our trading strategy! And this is merely one example of why trade timing is so critical. So what should you do from here?

Start to place a proper emphasis on trade timing

Both in the technical analysis and pre-planning stages, and even when journaling your trades, make trade timing a priority! Consider it a key component to each trade so you think about it each time, and you monitor it afterwards. In total, you should consider making it one of your stated objectives, to "Practice and encourage more efficient trade timing," rather than using blanket statements like "Make more money trading." You may soon see that better trade timing is a gateway to that very end, anyway!

Some strategies to help with trade timing

Rely on your watch list: When you see a quality set-up that is still in the development stages—like the EURGBP example above—add it to your formal watch list, and document your intentions to take that set-up at a later time, provided all parameters satisfy the requirements of your trading strategy. This will keep you intently focused on the set-up, whilst also making you accountable for observing the proper trade timing.

Make trade timing one of your metrics: Make trade timing a component of larger trading plan. This should include compliance as well.  This should especially be the case whenever assessing your performance and/or documenting the results of your trades in your trade journal. Remember, plan compliance, not profits or win rate. It is always most important when rating the quality of your short- and even mid-term trading performance.

See also: Worthwhile Trading Goals That Have Nothing to Do with Money

Aspire for "sniper-like" patience/precision: Rather than a "machine-gun" style, which sprays "bullets" (trades) across a general area. A sniper is calculating and precise. They plan extensively but shoot only once or twice to engage their target. Consider this analogy as a guide, and certainly set your sights upon optimal trade timing, but realize there is no perfect trade.

Conclusion

It is often subtle differences that separate experienced, profitable traders from the majority who struggle and ultimately fail. So what is the "secret?" Well, it is not necessarily what market(s) and set-up(s) they trade, but instead, it is all about how—and especially when—they trade it. So ask yourself, if trade timing is the subtle difference that could take your trading to the next level, then why not make that one of your top priorities?

Focus more intently on trade timing to promote higher probability; do it to increase reward and decrease risk; and perhaps most of all, do it because other traders often do not!