Anatomy of a trade

Markets
The 3 E’s of a good trade
Author

Mike Aguilar

Published

November 22, 2024

3 Steps to a good trade

Paraphrasing Colin Powell: every successful military engagement requires 1) clear goal, 2) proper logistics, and 3) a well defined exit strategy.

Similarly, in investing we need

  1. Entry
  2. Execution
  3. Exit

Entry

  • Entry thesis
  • WHY are you getting into the position?
  • Ensure all of the elements of the logic chain are complete
  • What are other market participants thinking? How are you viewing the situation differently?

Execution

  • Tactics for putting on this trade/investment
  • Proper tickers
  • Cash vs options vs etc..
  • Market vs limit orders
  • etc…

Exit

  • Never walk into a trade if you don’t know how you’re going to get out
  • Plan your exit before you enter
  • Connect your exit to your entry thesis
  • Don’t fall into the disposition effect (holding losers until they break even) or other psychological biases