Forex Trading Greed: A Pitfall for Trader Success

Greed is a feeling, or rather an approach to existence, that is dangerous from a moral point of view. When it comes to Forex trading, however, it becomes especially dangerous from an economic standpoint. It represents a negative factor for the success of traders. It puts capital at risk and compromises the trader's decision-making ability. Greed could be mistaken for ambition. The urgent and all-consuming need to accumulate money could be mistaken for determination. The truth is different: greed in Forex trading makes the individual less lucid, less able to face challenges with the right dose of rationality. The foundation of a successful career in Forex trading is not courage, intuition, or the desire to impose oneself. On the contrary, balance, a sense of responsibility, and analytical qualities are essential. All elements that have nothing to do with greed. Greed is, in fact, a very widespread feeling among those who gamble, as well as the reason for the ruin of some. When greed takes over, the "plan" is overshadowed by the irresistible desire to earn more and immediately. This is a dangerous drift, which can lead to losing (partially or totally) one's capital. Also because greedy traders find it extremely difficult to follow a precise plan, especially if based on money management. This term refers to money management, the act of deciding and following a strategy derived from a cost-benefit calculation. Those who practice money management know how much they will eventually lose or win, and how much they can afford to lose. Therefore, they adapt the entire strategy based on this evidence. Yet, greed is a very common feeling among traders. The emotional pressures are indeed very heavy. It is enough to make several successful trades in a row to become greedy. The advice, therefore, is to never lose one's compass, to recognize when the game is becoming dangerous, and finally to stop, in order to regain mental energy and clarity. Another piece of advice is to bind oneself more and more closely to one's money management plan. In this way, it will be the force of habit, if not a real knowledge of the potential damage, to curb any "predatory instincts". Of course, it takes experience to remain deaf to the sirens of easy money, but with a little experience, it is possible to achieve this result.