DEFINITION of 'Trading Psychology'

DEFINITION of 'Trading Psychology'

The emotions and mental state that dictate success or failure in trading securities. Trading psychology refers to the aspects of an individual’s mental makeup that help determine whether he or she will be successful in buying and selling securities for a profit. Trading psychology is as important as other attributes such as knowledge, experience and skill in determining trading success. Discipline and risk-taking are two of the most critical aspects of trading psychology, since a trader’s implementation of these aspects is critical to the success of his or her trading plan. While fear and greed are the two most commonly known emotions associated with trading psychology, other emotions that drive trading behavior are hope and regret.

'Trading Psychology'For an understanding of trading psychology, consider some examples of the emotions associated with it.

Greed is an excessive desire for wealth.

Successful traders have some common psychological traits that contribute to their success. These traits include: –

• Know your limits and do not over trade.
• Risk management is the key to preserving trading capital and attaining trading success.
• Maintain trading discipline at all times.
• Know the difference between not fighting the trend and following the herd.

·         'Emotional Neutrality'

The concept of emotional neutrality arises out of the typical human reaction to profits and losses -- investors are typically pleased when their trades produce profits and unhappy when their trades produce losses. However, if investors are able to remove the impact that their emotions have on their trading decisions, proponents of emotional neutrality contend that doing so will result in improved trading performance.