You can’t make money in the market unless you take a serious approach to trading. To achieve substantial returns on a regular basis, you have to choose a stock trading system that has passed the test of time.

First, let us find out what a trading system means. It is a group of specific parameters that determine entry and exit points for a given equity.

Some of the common technical analysis tools that build these parameters are: moving averages, stochastic, oscillators, relative strength and Bollinger bands. Sometimes, two or more of these forms combine to create a rule. For instance, the MA crossover system uses two moving average parameters (the long-term and the short-term) to create a rule that tells you to buy when the short-term crosses above the long term, and sell when the opposite holds. In some cases, a rule uses only one indicator. A system might have a rule that prevents any purchase unless the relative strength is above a certain level. However, it is a combination of all these kinds of rules that forms a trading system.

As the success of the overall system depends on the performance of the rules, system traders try optimization in order to manage risk, increase gains, and ensure long-term stability. This is done by the modification of different parameters within each rule. Optimization, however, can improve results only marginally. The combination of parameters used is the key to the success of a system.

In an effective system, the head rules over the heart. It throws all emotion out of trading. Investors, who fail to cope with losses, often second-guess their decisions and end up losers. If a pre-developed system is followed, system traders need not make any decision as the system is not empirical but automated. Reducing such human inefficiencies yield more profits.

Trading systems are, however, complex. They require a good understanding of technical analysis, the ability to make empirical decisions, and a solid knowledge of how parameters work.