In a way I think I'm sorry this whole discussion got started, since its a bit off topic (technical trading: analysis of price and volume!). However, mindsets certainly play a role.
But my point is, I think others hesitate to short because of the sense that profiting while hearing others moan about losses in the same stock can be disheartening.
I have a hard-edged opinion on this. I think that the majority of non-professional players in the market are hard-wired in their brains to fail.
Sift through even a small sample of posts online here on SI. You'll see comments like "Pride of Ownership" / "Thanks to the Kluckheads that Gave US this Great Buying Opportunity" / "Backing up the truck now!".
Message 14718429
25% stop losses. Ugh!
Message 14411722
30% of a portfolio in one stock. While its stuck in a range no less.
Message 13874428
Pride and belief in management, for a stock that's gone sideways for near on 2 years.
Message 13286371 "Risks are minimal, potential rewards are very high"
LOL, Yeah, on a .90 (Canadian funds) stock on the 'Vancouver' exchange.
Sorry, I almost digress. SirRealist:
Sure, we can set aside the ethics of each and objectively state logically and objectively that a good trader sets practical valuations and simply identifies the likelihood of a price movement, then trades to best advantage.
No, the trader, at least a technical trader, doesn't care one whit about valuations. And Long or Short, the ethics are the same. Everyone is in the market to make money. Not everyone will.
Gimme price and volume and then a decision can be made as to enter or exit a trade, which direction, or to stand aside.
mw |
