Mercedes Van Essen

Traders know the importance of correct focus for lasting trading success. However, most traders do not understand what focusing is really all about. Much time and effort is spent in the vain attempt to “focus properly” and this can lead to unnecessary frustration as the desired results fail to materialize. In this article, which is […]

Buddhism contains many a wisdom, but seldom is Buddhist wisdom translated into useful ideas we can use to our advantage in our trading and investing. Yet, Buddhist tenets hold many a truth for our trading psychology. When properly understood and applied, they have the power to alter the way you think about the markets and […]

When asked whether they would like to change their lives, an overwhelming 83% answered “yes”. This is just one result of many similar surveys, all showing similar results. This survey is probably more representative of how most of us feel about our lives than any other study we could do on the human condition. It […]

It has to be said: The antics of your mind throw many a spanner into your trading works.  There is no other way of putting it, you are the unwitting victim of your mind rather than being the master of it. This simple fact, which I also discussed in my last article:” Why Fundamentals Don’t […]

I don’t think there is another industry that is as opinionated as the industry of investing. Seems that you must have an opinion in order to make sound investment decisions. Analysts go to extreme lengths to prove to you why the FTSE is going to new highs this year or why you should sell it […]

Using a trading journal to monitor progress is one of the basic trader tools that can improve performance. The practice of putting pen to paper daily integrates learning and connects you deeper while mirroring your thoughts, feelings and emotions. A trading journal gets you in a practice of observation which can open the gates to […]

Many a book on trading risk states the absolute necessity of placing stop orders. No stop, no trade. Such teachings not only place undue pressure on traders and investors, they also invite mistakes, as the pressure of procedure overrides the need to tune into the rhythm and harmony of the market and of yourself. Stops […]

A blind man with a stick can see that Europe is a mess. The present global chaos cycle which is reaching its climax in the coming years is bringing everything to the surface that has reached the end of its life cycle. This is an unpalatable fact we all have to learn to live with […]

In a world where you can trade anywhere with just a click of the mouse there is simply no room for excuses when it comes to choosing a number of trading and investment accounts tailored to your individual trading needs. The recent events of “Black Thursday” which caused the downfall of several on-line FX brokers, […]

As a contrarian trader I am always looking for way oversold plays in the market. After last night’s massive sell of in copper during the Asian session the big questions is this: Final spike down, or more substantial downside to come in the not too distant future? When raw fear grips a market investors will […]