How to become a professional position trader in the United Kingdom
Position trading is a long-term investment strategy traders use to take advantage of market movements over months or even years. Position traders in the UK must deeply understand macroeconomic fundamentals, geopolitical dynamics, and financial markets. This article will outline the steps position traders can take to become professionals in this field.
Learn about fundamental analysis
Successful traders should understand how macroeconomic events and geopolitical forces affect global markets. Fundamental analysis is used to assess economic variables such as GDP growth, inflation rate, unemployment rate, interest rates, foreign exchange rates, energy prices etc., and determine their impact on asset prices.
Develop a trading strategy
Professional traders spend time designing and perfecting their strategies for successful position trading. It involves understanding different market analysis types, like technical or sentiment analysis, and using them to place informed trades. Traders should also understand the risks associated with various products and tailor their strategies accordingly.
Research trading platforms
Traders must find a reputable platform to place trades. Platforms offer different features and services, so traders must research what works best. They should consider cost, reliability, customer service, trade execution speed etc. when deciding.
Open a trading account
Once traders have found a platform they are comfortable with, they can open an account with the broker or broker-dealer of their choice. Before signing up for an account, traders should read the terms and conditions to ensure they understand all fees and risks associated with the account. To sign up for a trading account, you can visit Saxo.
Monitor markets regularly
Position traders must stay on top of market movements to identify potential opportunities, which means regular monitoring of news, economic data releases, earnings reports etc. Traders should also keep track of their trades to assess performance and make adjustments where needed.
Set stop-losses/take profit orders
Stop-loss orders limit trade losses if they go against the trader’s expectations. Take profit orders pre-determine when a trader exits a position for maximum profits. Professional traders use these tools and risk management strategies to maximise their returns.
Use risk management tools
Risk management helps traders protect their capital by limiting the amount of money they put at risk in each trade. Traders should decide on a suitable % of capital to risk and use leverage appropriately while diversifying their portfolios across different assets and timeframes.
Stay up-to-date with regulations
Position trading in the UK is highly regulated, so traders must stay informed about legal requirements and changes in regulatory frameworks. It includes understanding financial instruments, market practices, taxation, etc., and obtaining licenses if required.
Keep accurate records
Traders must keep detailed records of every trade for easy reference when analysing performance or filing taxes. It includes noting the type of asset, entry/exit prices, position size and duration, etc.
Develop a trading psychology
The most successful traders understand their risk tolerance and emotions while trading and use this knowledge to stay disciplined in their positions. Position traders should practice mindfulness techniques to focus on their goals and take regular breaks.
Position trading risks
Though position trading can be lucrative, there are risks associated with it. Professional traders should always trade within their risk tolerance level and manage their capital accordingly.
Leverage
Using leverage can amplify a trader’s gains but also magnify losses. Therefore, traders should use it cautiously and always be aware of their exposure to market risks.
Volatility
Position trading requires traders to stay in the markets for potentially long periods, so they must be prepared for price fluctuations. Traders should assess an asset’s volatility before opening a position and use stop-losses or take profit orders to manage risk.
Relying on past performance
Professional traders understand that past performance doesn’t guarantee future results, so they focus on staying up-to-date with current market conditions and making informed decisions accordingly.
Missing out on opportunities
Position traders must always be ready to seize new opportunities, which means regularly monitoring the markets and being prepared to act when conditions become favourable quickly.
Market gaps
Market gaps, or sudden price changes caused by news events, can cause enormous losses for position traders. Therefore, paying close attention to market news and adjusting trades is essential.
