Common intra day trading mistakes done by beginners

It is all right to make mistakes while starting something new. It is just part of the learning process. Online share trading is no exception. It is only likely that new traders would err in judgement, much more so if they opt for intra day trading—the ultimate trial by fire for a trader. But the key to success is always hidden in the lessons you take from those mistakes.

Intra day trading requires a sound knowledge of the stock market as well as discipline. Lack of these insights is the reason most newbies give in to the temptation of making quick bucks. These newcomers often make irrational trading decisions which result in loss of both money and faith.

Read on to find out about some common blunders in intra day trading for beginners.

Breaking stop-loss line: Some traders remain undecided when they see their picks are performing at a low. When a stock plummets, they hesitate to take a call: to sell or not to sell. This hesitation can waste precious time and the stock may go far below the initial stop loss line. This may trigger heavy losses. That is why it is important to stick to your strategy, no matter what happens in the market.

Chasing trends: New traders often seek confirmation when they enter a position. This conflict influences their initial strategy and leads them into buying a higher stock than intended. The same happens when they see a downward trend—they start selling at a lower price.

Trading without a plan: Experienced traders will always work on their plans before they start trading. Their plans include the exact entry and exit points, the amount of capital to put in, and the maximum loss they can bear.

Losing patience for the right trade: It often takes time to get the right trade in accordance with the technical analysis. All new traders should have the patience required for this. They should target those trades that match their risk profile instead of over trading from their account. Professional traders know these tricks: they know the right time and the right price for a trade.

Putting in too much: New traders are like gamblers as they want to turn a small amount of money into a larger one. Most beginners do not realise the odds in the stock market and take the wrong approach. That is why money management is as important as a trading strategy—it helps to protect your capital. It also gives you a buffer in losing trades. For example, if you decide not to use more than 10% of your capital in any trade, you would never lose everything in a single trade.

Not taking profits timely: Most new traders book their profits as soon as they earn or do not take them at all. In most cases, traders get confused about whether to hold a stock long or sell it to make a quick profit. However, it is important to remember that you are trading to make profits. Trading with all the money you have gained is quite risky. A bad day can make you run out of funds soon. To avoid this, it is advisable to determine the exit points before entering a position.

The bottom-line

Getting the most out of your investments is no big deal if you can avoid these mistakes. Online share trading becomes easier when you choose to open an account with a reliable brokerage firm like Kotak Securities. Intra day trading for beginners may seem a bit of a struggle at first. But with proper planning and the right strategies, you can make profits right from the word go.