The past is the past. We all make mistakes as traders. Nobody is perfect. Some of the best traders I know, even with indicators that give them an incredible edge, are still wrong 30-40% of the time. The thing I always harp on is risk management. If you lost big on SMCI, then the primary flaw in your strategy was how much capital you exposed to it. I know it's tempting when things are ripping to leave cash on the sideline, but it's more devastating to lose a bunch of cash from something unforeseen. No matter your conviction, you must adhere to strict risk management. If you aren't able to identify support breaks using technicals, aren't able to get insight fundamentally that a reversal is coming, then the only way you can manage your risk is through your entry and allocation.
This is going to be an interesting week. Do we sell more, or does the dip get bought? In late 2021 and into early 2022, everyone was caught off guard when the market reversed because they were so accustomed to the dips getting bought. There was simply nothing that could stop the market. Until it stopped. Retail is always the last to know and first to be trapped. Right now, commercial hedgers (large institutions, companies, and commodity producers who use S&P to hedge their position or production, are only 12% in S&P, a small uptick over 0% last week. Large speculators (groups that are almost always with the trend until it's obvious to get out) are nearly 90% in, down from nearly 100% last week. Small speculators (mainly retail and smaller groups) are still almost 100% in. What we saw on Friday was the small guys getting trapped. The question is, does it continue down and large speculators keep moving out? Commercial hedger are really the only dip buyers, and they are mostly in commodities, currencies, and bonds. What level of S&P are they willing to hedge their trades in step in? Did we hit it Friday? We will find out.
And all of this is just speculation on general market movement. If the tide shifts in a big way, none of this matters. And we will be the last to know. Risk management is key. Better to miss out and get in late than lose.