Discretionary Vs Mechanical Trading System

Currency traders use different approaches in their trading. Some use discrete trading system and others use mechanical trading systems. Majority of successful traders use self developed mechanical trading systems that they developed themselves. There are always advantages and disadvantages of different trading systems. The majority of unsuccessful traders depend on discrete trading method that depends on their experience and technical knowledge.

Many traders develop their own trading systems. There are many actively developed trading systems also known as Expert Advisors or Robots for sale. Theses robots are basically computer programs that are based on some mechanical trading system. It can vary widely in prices. The prices can be from a few hundred dollars to a few hundred thousand dollars.

Sometimes these computer programs are developed for a certain bank or a corporation. The significant advantage of these programs is that they generate signals that can be used by the trader for trading.

The discrete trading method used by many traders is like an artist trying to adapt to different market conditions and using flexibility and tactics corresponding to the particular market condition.

The main disadvantage of the discrete trading approach is the unstable trade results due to the stress factor influencing the trader. The traders mood and health can greatly affect the outcome of each trade.

A mechanical trading system prevents the trader from quick adjustment of trade tactics and strategies under changing market conditions. However, it almost completely removes the influences of the stress factor. It also reduces the negative pressure on a trader which is obviously a big plus.

It also doesnt allow the quick customization of the trading system in cases like the change of the account size. There are eight requirements that any ideal trading systems should fulfill.

1. It should allow for the maximum adjustment to any traders psychological character.

2. It should be universal and does not depend on a particular market condition at any moment of time.

3. The trading system should be simple, logical and understandable comprising of ready to use elements and units.

4. The trading system should provide specific price signals for the trader to open and close positions at the levels chosen some time in advance.

5. It must allow some room for the traders creativity.

6. Without violating its main principles and elements of the trading system, there should be some flexibility to modernize and adjust the trading system in accordance with the changing market conditions.

7. The trading system should relieve the trader from emotional and psychological stress in trading and should be ruled based that do not depend on emotions.

8. It should be customizable so that different traders can use the same method with different account sizes and different risk/reward appetites.

No one trading system can fulfill all these requirements. Change of market conditions could lead to negative results from a previously effective trading system.

The only way of satisfying these conditions is through developing a diversified trading system consisting of a set of systems that can be used as the basis for specific trade tactics at any given moment. Trade systems based on these requirements could be complex and adjustable.