Learning & Development1. HAVE A PROCESS AND STICK TO IT
Trading should be systematic, not emotional. Develop a plan and stick to it. As Paul Tudor Jones said, “Let the process trade for you.” This reduces emotional interference and instils discipline
2. DON’T CONFUSE FEELINGS WITH FACTS
Build a process that minimises emotional interference. Focus on what the charts and data show, not what you feel. “Trade what you see, not what you think.” – Paul Tudor Jones.
3. USE STOP LOSSES AND AVOID ADDING TO LOSING POSITIONS
Define your stop loss before entering a trade and respect it. This controls losses and prevents the mistake of adding to a losing position, which can magnify losses.
4. LET PROFITS RUN
Avoid the urge to close profitable trades too early. If the trend is in your favour, allow the trade to reach its potential. “The trend is your friend.”
5. UNDERSTAND AND MANAGE YOUR EMOTIONS
Awareness of emotions like greed and fear is crucial. Controlling these impulses helps prevent impulsive trades and revenge trading. “Emotional control is the most essential factor.” – Jesse Livermore.
6. POSITION SIZING IS CRITICAL
Don’t risk too much on any single trade. Position sizing strategies, like the Kelly Criterion, can help manage risk by limiting each trade to a small percentage of your capital.
7. KNOW YOUR EDGE
Have a clear understanding of what gives you an advantage in the market and stick to it. Avoid relying on instinct alone – your edge should be based on research and analysis.
8. KEEP A JOURNAL
Logging your trades helps you learn from both mistakes and successes. Track your thoughts, emotions, and trade rationale to improve over time.
9. PATIENCE IS KEY
Your goal is to be profitable, not to win every trade. The market rewards patience over impulsive behaviour. “The stock market transfers money from the impatient to the patient.” – Warren Buffett.
10. CONTINUALLY LEARN AND IMPROVE
The market is always evolving, so continuous learning is essential. Study technical analysis, psychology, and your own patterns to stay sharp and adaptable.
Trainer Bio…
James Brodie
Head of Learning & Development
James has over 20 years of front-office trading experience having worked for investment banks and a hedge fund in London, New York, Tokyo, and Singapore. He also has over 10 years of lecturing & facilitation experience, travelling to 21 countries, and teaching with over 40 clients. He specialises in Commodity Markets, Global Financial Markets, Technical Analysis, Behavioural Finance, Risk Management & Performance Enhancement.
James is also a Chartered Market Technician (C.M.T.) and was a Board member of the Chartered Market Technicians Association for 7 years. He has appeared on Bloomberg television numerous times conducting live interviews on current market risks and trends. He was also the Chief Investment Officer for a Singapore-based Hedge Fund where he programmed algorithmic trading systems based on rules developed from his trading experience and technical analysis background.
As Onyx’s Head of Learning and Development James designs & delivers specific courses around commodity markets, technical analysis, strategic trading, behavioural finance, risk management & relevant programs that address knowledge gaps. He also uses live charts to discuss these topics in the current market environments.
James’ clients have included, Abrdn, Barclays, Citibank, Credit Suisse, DE Shaw, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, JP Morgan, BP, Nomura, ArcelorMittal, Noble Group and Manulife Asset Management.
James also rowed for Great Britain and won medals at three consecutive World U23 rowing championships. He is a three-time national rowing champion of Great Britain, has completed 8 Ironman triathlons around the world, and has twice swum from Alcatraz to shore!
