Updated 2026-08-26 · General education
Loss is not an edge case
Any trade can lose money. Gaps, slippage, fees, thin liquidity, and unexpected events can make the realized outcome worse than the intended one. A plan should start with the amount you can lose without disrupting essential needs.
Position size changes the same idea
Two people can hold the same view and face very different risk because their position sizes differ. Express exposure relative to available risk capital and consider how several positions may move together.
Leverage compresses reaction time
Borrowed exposure magnifies movement and can trigger forced closure. Stops may not execute at the expected level, especially during fast or discontinuous markets.
A useful pre-trade checklist
Write down the rationale, maximum intended loss, invalidation condition, liquidity assumptions, expected costs, and exit method. If an automated rule is involved, include monitoring and shutdown procedures.
Review process, not just profit
A profitable outcome can follow a poor decision, and a considered decision can still lose. Review whether you followed the defined process and whether the assumptions were reasonable at the time.