Most beginners don't lose because the market is impossible — they lose to a handful of avoidable mistakes, repeated. Recognise these early and you're already ahead of the crowd.
1. Over-leveraging
Using maximum leverage turns a normal move into a blown account. Size by risk, not by how much leverage your broker allows. See leverage and margin explained.
2. Trading without a plan
No entry logic, no stop, no target — just vibes. Decide all three before you click.
3. Moving the stop-loss
Widening a stop to avoid a loss is how small losses become account-ending ones. Set it, respect it.
4. Revenge trading
Losing, then immediately "winning it back" with a bigger, angrier trade. This is where accounts die.
5. Risking too much per trade
One trade should never threaten your account. Risk a small, fixed percentage every time.
6. Chasing the price
Jumping in after a move has already happened, with no plan and a terrible entry.
7. No journal
If you don't track your trades, you can't learn from them. Note every trade and whether you followed your plan.
8. Over-trading
More trades is not more profit. Quality and patience beat quantity.
9. Ignoring costs
Spreads, fees and overnight charges quietly erode returns. Factor them in.
10. Expecting to get rich quick
The fastest way to lose money is to expect to make it instantly.
Want to build the right habits from day one? Read risk management for traders and trading psychology.
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Educational content only — not financial advice. Trading is high-risk.