We’ve had an unprecedented summer full of too many day trade opportunities to count…
That being said, we’re now entering the last two weeks of August, and things have started to slow down a bit.
Not every day offers up an endless supply of trade patterns… and that’s okay. This is completely normal for the end of the summer.
And don’t worry… like clockwork, after Labor Day, things are gonna heat up fast!
By the way, if you think Mondays have taken a break, think again! That very first session of the week is a trader’s goldmine…
Every Monday, the market kicks back into gear after a weekend of rest… And that reset creates a unique opportunity!
Right at 9:30 am Eastern, as the opening bell rings, we look for a very specific setup that often shows up like clockwork.
And it has delivered some incredible wins!
Take yesterday…
Equillium Inc. (NASDAQ: EQ) had a morning run of 155%* after announcing a large capital infusion.
These are the kinds of morning spikes we hunt for every Monday!
Want to learn how to spot them for yourself?
Watch the video below for the full trade breakdown and strategy tutorial for my Monday Setup.
The last two weeks of August can feel like trading in slow motion as volume thins out, and the big players head for the beach.
But quiet markets have a way of hiding the biggest risks in plain sight.
These are the ones that don’t seem dangerous when the market’s hot, but can creep in and cost you far more than you expect…
If you’re not watching for them, they’ll catch you off guard.
Table of Contents
What Will Wreck Your Account (and How to Stop It)
Trading is emotional.
You get the rush of a win, the sting of a loss, and the temptation to “make it back” in one trade.
That last one?
That’s revenge trading, and it’s one of the fastest ways to blow up your account.
Revenge trading also comes along on slow days when you can’t find any decent setups to trade, so you start pushing the “buy” button because you feel like you have to trade something…
That leads to losses and the need to make up for them. You let frustration, anger, or desperation push you into new trades without a plan.
You’re trying to get even, and nine times out of ten, that behavior only digs you into a deeper hole.
I think it was Confucius who said, “Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.”
Revenge doesn’t just harm your target. It destroys you, too.
In trading, it will certainly destroy your trading account.
Why Revenge Trading Is So Dangerous
- It replaces logic with emotion.
- It skips research and risk management.
- It creates a vicious cycle as each bad trade leads to another.
And it’s not just your account balance at risk. Revenge trading can crush your confidence, create stress, and lock you into a negative headspace that bleeds into every decision you make.
Remember, stocks don’t owe you anything. They don’t care about your hopes and dreams.
5 Ways to Break the Cycle
#1 Control Your Emotions:
Accept that wins and losses are part of the game. Detach yourself from single trade outcomes and focus on the bigger picture.
#2 Review Your Mistakes
Use every loss as a learning tool. Keep a journal, spot patterns, and figure out what needs to change.
#3 Stick to the Plan
Use clear entries and clear exits. No winging it. If it’s not in your plan, it’s not your trade.
#4 Find Accountability
Surround yourself with trading mentors and friends who will call you out when you’re going off-script.
Join our StocksToTrade community to get advice, see live trading, learn the stocks and trades we’re watching, and much more.
Register now for one of our free live webinars.
My Final Thoughts…
Revenge trading is a career-killer. It turns smart traders into gamblers and turns small losses into big ones.
If you want to stay in the game, you have to protect your mindset as much as your account.
That means emotional discipline, strict risk management, and the ability to walk away after a loss or when the trades just aren’t there.
Trade smart, keep your edge, and never let a slow market or a loss bait you into a fight you can’t win.
Have a great day, everyone. See you back here tomorrow.
Tim Bohen
Lead Trainer, StocksToTrade
P.S.
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