How long should i be in a trade for

Hi everyone, i just want to know how long everyone is usually in a trade for? in terms of intraday/day trading. im sometimes struggling and dont understand how some people are in a trade for 10-15 mins. Maybe when NYC/london is open i can see but otherwise i dont know how

Look for tp and support for sells or resistance for buys areas

Use this plugin

https://ctrader.com/algos/indicators/show/45/

Intra-day isn’t something I do much at all. But I can never see the point of an intra-day position opened or held after NY closes.

yeah okay thank you

The time spent in a trade really depends on the strategy and the market conditions. For intraday trading, I focus on scalping, where trades last 5-15 minutes during high volatility periods like the London/New York overlap. Others might hold trades for a few hours, aiming to catch larger moves within the day. If you’re struggling with quick exits, it might help to focus on higher timeframes (like 15-minute or 1-hour charts) and wait for clearer setups.

i usually like to hold trades quite a while if im being honest.

i tend to use 1hr,4hr and 15 mis and then trade throughout the entire day to make gains

Do you have to be feeling a bit deceptive, then, if you want to get out of a trade quickly, Tomo? :hushed:

1 Like

Hmmm. :thinking: Personally, I’m not really able to get in a trade and close it within just 5-15 minutes. :sweat_smile: I know it works for a lot of people, but it’s too fast for me. :sweat_smile: I tend to stay in a trade for a couple of days. :open_mouth: Maybe a week if price is moving in my direction. :smiley: I guess it’s really up to your trading schedule and personality. :blush:

1 Like

Here’s my stats for November.

image

I can be in for minutes and sometimes weeks.

The longer trades are usually trades that moved in the opposite direction I wanted, and I’m waiting for them to come back around.

And I trade all sessions. I’m all over the place. I’d love to get up super early and trade more London session, but it doesn’t fit my life atm.

1 Like

Hi tomo22, the time you want to stay in the trade would depend on the lot size and the market conditions. The NYC/London times are extremely volatile, hence the price fluctuations are extremely fast and the positions close within 10-12 minutes. Apart from this session, the market is sometimes slower and trades take time. You should focus on your entry and exit time.

1 Like

Surprising! So you’re doing exactly the opposite of the “cut losses short” principle, then? Does it work well, for you? :neutral_face:

1 Like

For now, it has been. Less losers, but I get the odd giant loser. I had enough winners so I’m still profitable. But I’m working on a better plan so the losers don’t get that big.

2 Likes

hi @TheodoreThring,

im not sure. I have never really experienced being in a trade for 5-15 minutes before. I am more accustomed to using HTF such as 15min, 1hr and 4hr and patiently, waiting for setup.

usually trades will head in the opposite direction of what individuals anticipate and then they will return to TP so that’s why i prefer to stay in a trade longer than 5-15 mins , but i might try 5-15mins for experience

1 Like

hi @ChelseaR,

I agree

I get it. I wasn’t trying to suggest that you should trade from faster charts, or to reduce your trade duration. Sorry if I gave that impression! :slight_smile:

hi @TheodoreThring, no need to apologize :smile:

I prefer to trade that lasts anywhere from 30M to 1H, depending upon market volatility. Also, the London/NYC overlap is popular but I don’t always limit myself to that window. Sometimes, I trade on recent developments, like major economic events, which can create great opportunities to profit in a short amount of time. It’s all about staying flexible and adapting to market volatility.

Are you hitting stops/TP usually in that window?

hi @Trevor3649 thanks for your insight

1 Like

Yeah, most of the time I hit my targets, but it depends on market movement. Staying flexible really helps.