Overtrading is an issue faced by many traders and investors. It could lead to major losses for any seasoned or novice trader, if not corrected in time. This is why it is extremely important to get more insights into what overtrading is to help these investors and traders make informed investment decisions to avoid any financial strains.
Understanding the Meaning of Overtrading
Any trader, whether flying solo or working on behalf of a company, would and should always have certain guidelines regarding the level of risk they can take. During trading, to keep on indulging in it, even after this risk level has been reached could spell trouble. The issue here is that, despite this behaviour being quite risky for the trader or the company, only they can regulate it since no external entities will do so.
However, overtrading, where brokers are concerned, is a slightly different practice and one that is prohibited under securities law. When a broker overtrades, they buy and sell stocks solely to generate commissions. This is done on the investor’s behalf and can lead to the trades becoming counterproductive for them with only the commission costs consistently climbing.
When it comes to individual traders, overtrading could be a result of making up for a significant loss or a number of smaller losses. They go in with the idea of recouping the capital they had lost by increasing the size and frequency of their trades. Since this type of overtrading is done through the trader’s account, it is not regulated by the SEC.
There might be numerous reasons for overtrading but the result is only one: poor utilization of investment, potential losses and increased broker fees.
What are the Problems Associated with Over Trading?
Overtrading can cause many financial problems and it is important to understand their scope to avoid the practice altogether. Listed below are some of the main issues associated with overtrading:
Transaction Costs
Trading frequently increases transaction costs.
These costs usually include brokerage fees, taxes, and other charges and can eat into any potential profits that an investor gains.
This is why trading strategies need to be designed to consider these costs to prevent them from eating into the profits.
High Risk
When there are numerous trades involved, conducting thorough research on them might not be feasible
This could lead to poor investment decisions and potentially high losses.
This is why overtrading could be quite risky.
High Stress
It can be difficult to constantly monitor the market and execute trades
This can result in emotional stress for the investors or traders involved in the trade.
Because of this stress, decision-making abilities could be affected leading to further losses and a repeat of the overtrading cycle.
Falling Portfolio Performance
When traders frequently buy and sell, they end up missing out on potential gains
As a result, they end up missing out on potential gains and lose sight of holding on to high-quality investments long-term.
Overtrading can thus result in investments from realising their full potential.
Capital Depletion
When investors trade continuously with no strategy, they can end up losing the capital they had set aside to trade with
This can end up limiting future investment options and profit opportunities.
Types of Overtrading Among Investors
Though there are various reasons to trade, there are different types of trades that traders can
Overtrading Vs Undertrading
To make successful trades, it is important to understand the balance between overtrading and undertrading. Listed below are some of the main differences
Aspect
| Overtrading
| Undertrading
|
Trade Frequency
| Multiple trades
The frequency of trades is high
| Few trades
The trade frequency is low
|
Associated Risk
| Because of the lack of thorough analysis, the risk is high
| Less risky but the chances of missing out on good opportunities are high
|
Transaction Costs
| Due to frequent trading, the transaction costs are high
| Since the trades are fewer in number, the transaction costs are low
|
Impact on Emotions
| Stressful and can be very fatiguing
| More emotionally stable and low on stress
|
Impact on Portfolio
| Since overtrading lacks a strategic approach, the impact on a trader’s portfolio will be poor
| The impact of undertrading is usually stable but provides less growth for the portfolio
|
Capital Management
| High chances of capital depletion
| Higher chances of capital preservation
|
Key Causes of Overtrading
To help traders address the issue of overtrading, it is important to pinpoint its causes. Listed below are some of the main reasons for this.
Absence of a Trading Plan
When traders enter the stock market without a trading strategy, the chances of them trading impulsively are high
With the market fluctuations at play and a lack of a structured approach in place, this could spell potential losses
This is why a well-defined trading plan is important, as it helps prevent any impulsive trades driven by short-term market movements.
Trading Based on Emotions
Many emotions can make traders indulge in overtrading
FOMO or the fear of missing out can make traders buy impulsively
The feeling of panic can make them indulge in rapid selling.
When emotions are high, logic takes a backseat.
This in turn leads to poor trading decisions and increases the risk potential.
To trade with discipline, it is important to recognize and deal with these emotions.
Desire for Quick Profits
Sure the chances to make quick profits are always there in the market and this is one of the reasons traders indulge in overtrading
But with quick trades comes a lack of thorough analysis.
This could result in significant losses for a trader
Overconfidence
When traders are overconfident, they think they can predict market movements
With this belief, comes the need to trade excessively
As a result, traders could face significant losses.
Market Volatility
With high market volatility comes the need for traders to want to react quickly to price changes.
This results in overtrading and though volatility could result in profits, it could also go the other way
Strategies to Avoid Overtrading in the Stock Market
Listed below are some of the strategies to help avoid overtrading in the stock market:
Have a Trading Plan:
Having a trading plan in place can help avoid overtrading to a great extent
Such a plan should have a trader’s investment goals, their risk tolerance.
By sticking to such a plan they can avoid impulsive decisions.
Limit Setting:
Quality Over Quantity:
Manage Emotions:
Traders should not let their emotions get the best of them when trading
Stress management techniques could help traders control their emotions while trading leading to less overtrading and more mindful trading.
Conclusion
By understanding overtrading meaning and identifying the problems, traders can implement strategies to avoid them and as a result, avoid facing losses during their trading journey as well
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Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing.
This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.
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