Author Profile
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Brian M. Cullen
New World Trading Trading Experience: 5 years
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Overview:
Whether you are an “old pro” or a relative newcomer to the commodity markets, one constant remains the same…market knowledge! As a market strategist, my passion for doing the “homework” for my clients is my best asset. Knowing when to establish a new position or exit an existing one is essential for consistency and successful trading. I find recognizing how inter-market relationships affect one another to be vital. To have patience in a calm market or intelligence during a volatile market are both qualities I try to instill in all of my clients. I rely on technical analysis of the market sectors while always staying true to the fundamentals of individual market movements.
Background:
My career began by working with equities and equity options at Charles Schwab. Since then I have held various positions within the financial industry, from head clerk at a trading firm on the floor of the CBOE to being a “market maker” for Stafford Trading in the SPX and OEX pits. Most recently, I was a market strategist for Lind-Waldock then Refco for their Private Client Group division dealing exclusively in the commodity markets.
Market Focus:
I primarily focus on the grain markets as well as the foreign currencies. I am also a seasonal energy trader. There are opportunities in many markets and I work closely with my clients to find out which markets are best suited to their interests and trading style.
Trading Strategies:
I take on positions (long or short) and rely on selling premium to subsidize such positions in some cases, always keeping in mind the client’s risk tolerance. For my more aggressive clients who are aware of the risks, I will assist them write “naked” options if they so desire.
Risk/Money Management View:
For clients interested in lower cost positions, I will look to get involved in spread trading, which requires less margin. While there is still risk involved, it is lesser to a degree and more easily managed, for the most part. I am a firm believer in utilizing STOP orders. STOP orders are important to your strategy, whether they are “trailing” STOPS used to lock-in profits or STOP-LOSS orders to protect against adverse movement in the market in relation to your position.
Technical and/or Fundamental Focus:
I rely heavily on technical analysis, primarily breaking down charts by using various moving day averages, oscillators and the RSI function. However, I also understand the importance of fundamentals. I always keep an eye on key economic data and read the latest research reports from day to day, taking into account “the facts.”
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