Hard times

[rhysmr2]

For me this week has felt impossible! today feels like the hardest day I've ever traded. Think I've lost on every race so far

[hgodden]

It is thin. Fortunately I've lowered my expectations (and stakes) at times to avoid me bashing my head against the wall. I seem to remember this time last year it dipped a bit before picking up nicely again pretty soon so try not to worry too much

[LeTiss]

For me this week has felt impossible! today feels like the hardest day I've ever traded. Think I've lost on every race so far

Just out of interest Rhys, have you noticed that the markets have changed over the past year?

I know you're a successful full-time trader, but you appear to be posting a number of comments relating to bad days or heavy losses lately

[Bet Angel]

According to my records it was similar at the same time in previous years, so have heart. I lost 5 from the first 7 races today so that tells you how hard it is at the moment. It all goes in cycles though, so I am resigned to the fact that the best part of the year is over and I need to knuckle down.

The markets do seem a lot thinner over all this year. I struggle to get decent stakes matched and so one of few things that has declined this year is my stakes. This can only mean there is less real money in the market than in previous years.

I get offers for footy, tennis, arcade, casino all that stuff, but none come through for horse racing. Betfair don't seem to be driving much demand for the racing.

[Exacta]

I get offers for footy, tennis, arcade, casino all that stuff, but none come through for horse racing. Betfair don't seem to be driving much demand for the racing.

Racing is probably a lower margin product.

[Krzysztof]

Very thin and volatile. Had 2 losing days in a row last 2 days, nothing huge but loss is a loss. Hope these tough conditions will change soon.

[oddstrader]

its very hard today - just skitty and very reacvtive

[SpikeyBob]

Today is my worst days trading for a few months and looking at other peoples comments you are not alone Rhys. I only just managed to scratch yesterday as well. Tough days at the moment for everyone by the sounds of it.

[rhysmr2]

Glad to hear it's not just me then! thanks for the comments guys, It's good to know we all have hard times sometimes, I've pulled my losses back but only just.

LeTiss, Overall this year my profits are up on last year. I had some big losses a couple of months back and I've never really got back into my stride.

I would say I feel the markets are a little harder these days but I'm also more experienced so I still expect to progress. I guess all traders hit a plateau at some point but I don't feel I'm anywhere near my potential yet.

I don't know why I always comment about my losses, I just have the urge to tell people, maybe it helps me?

[SpikeyBob]

Oh well, early bath for me. I'm packing in early before I lose any more of my bank. Worst day in over 6 months for me, I just can't get a handle on these markets. Good luck to those of you sticking with it.

Spikey

[rhysmr2]

Oh well, early bath for me. I'm packing in early before I lose any more of my bank. Worst day in over 6 months for me, I just can't get a handle on these markets. Good luck to those of you sticking with it.

Spikey

Sorry to hear that Spikey, The markets do seem rock hard today, really hard to read.

[hgodden]

Oh well, early bath for me. I'm packing in early before I lose any more of my bank. Worst day in over 6 months for me, I just can't get a handle on these markets. Good luck to those of you sticking with it.

Spikey

Sorry to hear that Spikey, The markets do seem rock hard today, really hard to read.

As well as it being thin, the big bot that runs through the market on all the low priced runners is playing many tricks today, as soon as it starts to turn one way and you think its about to be pushed out it will slam back the other way. It's no coincidence that people struggle in these kind of conditions and thrive, for example, in conditions like we had a couple of saturdays ago when people were reporting it to be their best day of the year etc, on that day things were far smoother and most of the changes and money coming into the market you could actually believe

[oddstrader]

Oh well, early bath for me. I'm packing in early before I lose any more of my bank. Worst day in over 6 months for me, I just can't get a handle on these markets. Good luck to those of you sticking with it.

Spikey

Sorry to hear that Spikey, The markets do seem rock hard today, really hard to read.

As well as it being thin, the big bot that runs through the market on all the low priced runners is playing many tricks today, as soon as it starts to turn one way and you think its about to be pushed out it will slam back the other way. It's no coincidence that people struggle in these kind of conditions and thrive, for example, in conditions like we had a couple of saturdays ago when people were reporting it to be their best day of the year etc, on that day things were far smoother and most of the changes and money coming into the market you could actually believe

good point

[andyfuller]

I would say I have found the week a grind and in line with what I would expect at this time of the year given that we are in the transition period.

I actually found this afternoon the best afternoon of the week managing to only lose on one race and that was only £2.08 which is here nor there.

I guess as ever it comes down to strategy and approach, if you are an aggressive trader then I would be very surprised if you have been able to do very well given the markets but for me a more conservative trader I have found there have been ample opportunities today and other days. As I say what doesn't suit one person will suit another, not everyone can lose after all.

I can't say I am expecting too much from the next few months, will be looking forward to March.

[giulio2010]

1.01 LAY ALL CARL 14:55..saved my day. good luck 2morrow.