Understanding Stop Loss in Stocks: A Comprehensive Overview


Intro
Navigating the stock market can feel like sailing into uncharted waters. With temperatures fluctuating and waves rising and falling, it's imperative for investors to keep their heads above water. This is where the concept of stop loss comes in. A stop loss is not just a feature; it's a vital safety net. It helps investors manage risk and limits unnecessary losses.
In this comprehensive overview, we will explore the multifaceted nature of stop loss orders. From defining the term to dissecting various types and examining their benefits, this narrative aims to furnish you with the insights crucial for informed trading decisions. Moreover, we will touch on the psychological dimensions of trading that make employing such measures not just useful but often necessary. By the end, you should possess a robust understanding that enhances your trading strategy, enabling you to navigate market tumult with greater confidence.
Investment Dictionaries
Key Terms and Definitions
Before diving deeper into the application of stop loss, it's essential to familiarize ourselves with some fundamental terms. Here are a few key concepts that will aid in understanding the broader picture:
- Stop Loss Order: An order placed with a broker to buy or sell once a stock reaches a certain price. This serves to limit an investor's potential loss on a position.
- Market Order: An order to buy or sell a stock immediately at the current market price. Itās all about immediate execution.
- Limit Order: This specifies the maximum or minimum price at which you are willing to buy or sell, ensuring you don't have to settle for less than you want.
- Trailing Stop Loss: This type of stop loss moves with the market price. When the price appreciates, the stop loss rises, helping lock in profits while limiting losses.
Understanding these terms lays a solid foundation for our discussion on stop loss strategies.
Common Investment Strategies
Investors commonly employ several strategies, and stop loss fits into many of these frameworks. Here are a few prevalent approaches:
- Long Positioning: This basic strategy involves buying stocks with the expectation that their value will rise, making a stop loss crucial for protecting gains.
- Short Selling: In this strategy, an investor borrows shares to sell them at a higher price, hoping to repurchase them later at a lower price. Here, implementing a stop loss helps manage risks, as losses can mount quickly if the market moves against positions.
- Swing Trading: Swing traders often capitalize on short-term price movements. Stop loss orders assist in safeguarding against abrupt market shifts.
"Stop losses aren't just safety nets. They're proactive tools that can steer a ship through rocky waters."
By integrating stop loss strategies into your investment process, you can create a shield against the inherent unpredictability of the market.
Expert Advice
Practical Tips for Novice Investors
For those new to the investment scene, here are some straightforward pointers to keep in mind:
- Set Realistic Stop Loss Levels: Avoid being overly aggressive. Setting a stop loss too close may lead to getting stopped out frequently due to normal market noise.
- Review Your Strategy Regularly: Market conditions change, and so should your approach. Regular assessment can aid in refining your stop loss settings.
- Stay Emotionally Detached: Emotional trading can lead to rash decisions. Trust your stop loss orders and stick to your plan.
Advanced Techniques for Experienced Investors
For seasoned traders, the focus shifts to enhancing existing strategies:
- Implement Conditional Stops: Rather than a static stop loss, use a conditional stop that adapts to price movements and market conditions.
- Use Technical Analysis: Analyzing charts and market trends can help determine more strategic placement of stop losses.
- Diversify Your Portfolio: A diverse set of investments can reduce the overall risk, making stop loss orders even more effective within a balanced portfolio.
By heeding these pieces of advice, both new and experienced investors can incorporate stop loss strategies effectively into their investment practices.
Defining Stop Loss
In the realm of stock trading, the term "stop loss" is often tossed around like confetti at a celebration. However, what lies beneath this term can significantly impact both the novice investor and seasoned trader. Understanding stop loss is not merely an academic exercise; it plays a crucial role in risk management. This concept empowers investors to cement a strategy that guards against the dreaded downward spiral of asset values.
What Is Stop Loss?
A stop loss is an order placed with a broker to buy or sell once the stock hits a certain price. It can be thought of as a safety net. For instance, if you bought shares of a company at $50 and set a stop loss at $45, should the stock price tumble to that level, the order is executed automatically. Essentially, this mechanism helps to limit potential losses on a trade. One could say itās akin to having a seatbelt on in a car; you hope you never need it, but you're glad it's there in case of an emergency.
Stop loss orders can take different forms, with the basic aim of setting a predefined exit point. Investors value this because it removes the emotional decision-making process during a market downturn. By employing a stop loss, traders can focus more on their overall investment strategy rather than reacting impulsively to market fluctuations. The precision in execution cannot be understated, making it a vital part of modern trading.
Origins of the Stop Loss Concept
The inception of the stop loss concept can be traced back to the early days of stock trading. While itās easy to think that investing is a modern endeavor, the roots of risk management strategies go deep into history. In the 1920s, as the stock market began to grow rapidly, so did the recognition that some tools were necessary to safeguard investments. Early investors quickly learned that market conditions could turn on a dime, highlighting an urgent need to protect capital.
The original mechanisms were somewhat rudimentary, involving manual methods of monitoring and decision-making. As technology and trading practices evolved, so did the sophistication of stop loss orders. Nowadays, traders can implement these orders electronically, allowing for greater efficiency and the ability to navigate the fast-paced trading environment of today.
Any savvy investor knows that understanding where you came from helps craft a clearer vision for the path ahead. The development of stop loss orders encapsulates the lessons learned from past market behaviors, reminding us all that prudence in trading is just as valuable as intuition.
"In investing, what is comfortable is rarely profitable." ā Robert Arnott.
Investing with a well-defined stop loss is not just about protecting oneself from loss; it's about establishing discipline that contributes to long-term success.
By grasping the essence of stop loss and recognizing its historical significance, one can navigate the complexities of investing with a sense of preparedness that would benefit any investor, from the rookies finding their footing to the veterans who have seen their fair share of market cycles.
Types of Stop Loss Orders


Understanding the types of stop loss orders is crucial for any investor looking to safeguard their investments and strategically manage risk. These orders provide a structured approach to potentially minimize losses while trading in the unpredictable stock market. The right choice in this regard can significantly improve an investorās resilience against losses and market volatility.
Basic Stop Loss Order
A basic stop loss order is a straightforward tool used by investors to limit their losses on a stock position. When you set a basic stop loss, you specify a particular price point at which your shares will automatically be sold if the stock drops to that level. The order is placed with your broker, and it remains active until you cancel it or the trade executes.
For example, letās say you purchase shares of Company XYZ at $50 each. If you set a stop loss order at $45, once the stock hits that price, your shares will be sold at the next available price. This could mean selling at $44.80, for instance, due to market fluctuations. The idea is to cut losses before they worsen.
One of the drawbacks of a basic stop loss order is that it does not guarantee execution at the stop price, especially in fast-moving markets where prices can jump.
Trailing Stop Loss
The trailing stop loss introduces a dynamic aspect to the basic stop loss order. Instead of setting a fixed price point, this type allows the stop price to adjust automatically as the market price moves up. This order helps investors lock in profits while still maintaining a safety net against excessive losses.
Imagine buying shares of Company ABC at $30. You place a trailing stop loss at $2 below the market price. If the stock rises to $35, your stop loss would automatically move up to $33. This way, even if the stock later falls, you protect your initial gains while still leaving room for the stock to rise further.
The beauty of this method lies in its ability to adapt. It not only helps in preserving gains, but it also encourages you to remain in a winning position without having to react constantly.
Guaranteed Stop Loss
A guaranteed stop loss order takes the concept of stop loss a step further by ensuring that your order will be executed at your specified stop price, regardless of market conditions. This type of order is particularly useful during periods of high volatility, where standard stop loss orders might not get the execution price you anticipated.
For instance, if you own stocks in Company PQR at $100 and set a guaranteed stop loss at $90, no matter how drastic the market drop, your shares will sell at $90. This quality gives investors a significant peace of mind, knowing they have a fail-safe.
However, it is important to note that not all brokers offer guaranteed stop loss orders, and when available, they often come with added costs. Investors must weigh the benefits against the potential fees.
"Using the correct type of stop loss order is less about finding the perfect tool and more about aligning that tool with your overall trading strategy."
By carefully evaluating the types of stop loss orders available, investors can essentially cater to their unique risk tolerance and investment goals. Each type has its strengths and weaknesses, and understanding those can sharpen your overall trading strategy.
The Importance of Stop Loss
Understanding the importance of stop loss in stock trading isn't just a nice-to-have knowledge; it is essential for anyone who aims to safeguard their investments. Stop loss is inherently tied to risk management, allowing investors to navigate the often-choppy waters of the stock market with a semblance of control. Let's break down the elements that highlight the critical role of stop loss in trading.
Risk Management
Risk management lies at the very core of prudent investing. By utilizing stop loss orders, investors are establishing a safety net against volatility that can rapidly erode value. Essentially, these orders act like a blinking light, alerting the trader when an asset's price drops to a predetermined level. This method not only prevents emotional trading decisions but also helps in keeping losses at bay.
Consider this: an investor buys shares of XYZ Corporation at $100. To mitigate potential loss, they set a stop loss at $90. If the market swings against them, their shares will sell automatically, ideally preventing further losses as the price potentially plummets to, say, $70. This is not merely a precaution; it's an active strategy that emphasizes the need for systematic exits in the face of unfavorable market conditions.
Protecting Gains
Another compelling reason to incorporate stop loss orders is their ability to protect profits. Picture yourself in a situation where your investment has surgedāfrom $100 to $150. While it's thrilling to watch your investment grow, the market is unpredictable. A stop loss can be applied to lock in gains. By moving your stop loss from $100 to, let's say, $140 as the stock appreciates, you secure your profit while still allowing room for potential upside.
This technique is especially powerful when market conditions turn turbulent. It is common for traders to see their investments rise only to be caught off-guard when the price retracts unexpectedly. Setting strategic stop loss levels can mean the difference between walking away with a profit and staring at a loss. After all, capital preservation is just as importantāif not moreāthan merely growing your portfolio.
Investment Discipline
Lastly, stop loss orders engender a discipline that is vital for success in the stock market. When emotions like fear and greed take the reins, logical decision-making tends to take a backseat. A firmly set stop loss provides a defined exit strategy, thereby allowing investors to maintain disciplined trading habits.
- Avoiding Overtrading: An established stop loss means traders are less likely to jump in and out of trades aimlessly, which can lead to over-trading and unnecessary commissions.
- Reducing Emotional Stress: By having predetermined exit points, the emotional burden of watching a stock price fluctuate is significantly lessened. Knowing that a safety net is in place often leads to calmer trading.
- Consistency: Successful trading relies on consistent strategies over time. Stop loss orders can be part of a systematic approach, giving investors more confidence in their trading decisions.
In summary, the importance of stop loss in investment cannot be overstated. It is an essential tool for risk management, a mechanism for protecting gains, and a promoter of discipline in trading practices. As the adage goes, "Hope is not a strategy"; having a stop loss is the strategy that allows smarter investment decisions to flourish.
How to Set a Stop Loss
Setting a stop loss is fundamentally about safeguarding your investments within the emotional rollercoaster of trading. Investors often find themselves in situations where the market is unpredictable, and making quick decisions can lead to significant losses. Thus, understanding how to properly set a stop loss can not only protect capital but also lend a semblance of control in otherwise chaotic situations. This process involves careful consideration of various factors, each offering its own insights that can inform the right strategy.
Choosing the Right Level
To successfully implement a stop loss, first, an investor must choose the right level at which to place it. This decision is not merely a technical exercise; it must take into account the broader market atmospherics and specific stock characteristics.
Market Conditions
Market conditions stand as a pillar for establishing an effective stop loss level. When the market is on a bullish streak, traders might opt for more lenient stop loss levels since prices tend to move upwards. Conversely, in a bear market, tighter stop losses can be implemented to avert greater losses.
The key characteristic of market conditions is volatility. If the market is experiencing wild swings, a tighter stop loss might lead to unnecessary executions of orders that can close positions prematurely. The unique feature here is adaptability; traders must adjust their stop loss levels based not just on their positions, but also on the overall environment.


While it can be tempting to set stop losses too close to current prices during a bullish run, this may result in a whipsaw effect. And no one likes to get caught in that trap.
Volatility Considerations
Volatility considerations are equally crucial. Stocks with high volatility often present a double-edged sword. On one hand, they can yield considerable gains, but on the other, they can just as easily topple into significant losses if one is not careful. Therefore, understanding a stock's volatility before deciding on a stop loss is vital in managing risk.
The unique aspect of volatility is its unpredictability. This tends to make it a popular choice among traders seeking short-term profits. Yet, for long-term investors, high volatility means the stop loss may need to be wider to prevent them from exiting a potentially profitable position too soon.
In summary, volatility can either offer opportunities or lead to mishaps, and those considerations must shape your decision-making.
Different Strategies for Placement
Once investors have decided how to set the level, the next step involves choosing a strategy for placement.
Percentage Method
The percentage method is a straightforward approach where investors determine a stop loss based on a pre-set percentage of a stock's price. This strategy stands out because it simplifies the decision-making process, particularly for beginners. By deciding on, say, a 5% stop loss, an investor knows theyāre willing to risk that amount before facing cuts in their capital.
The primary benefit of this method is its user-friendliness. On the flip side, though, this method might not account adequately for varying volatility among different stocks. Hence, while it serves as a convenient option, careful assessment of individual stock movements can provide additional insights to refine decisions further.
Support and Resistance Levels
Support and resistance levels offer an alternate strategy for setting stop losses. These levels are critical areas where the price has historically struggled to go above (resistance) or drop below (support). When placing stop losses here, traders maintain a keen awareness of these thresholds can enhance their strategic positioning.
The uniqueness of this method lies in its foundation in historical price action. Traders become attuned to patterns that repeat themselves over time, lending depth to their decision-making. However, one downside is its reliance on past price movements, which may not always prognosticate future behavior. Therefore, cautious interpretation of historical data is vital.
Common Misconceptions About Stop Loss
When it comes to stock trading, understanding common misconceptions about stop loss is crucial for investors. Misunderstandings can lead to poor decisions, undermining the whole reason for implementing this strategy. By addressing these misconceptions, traders can enhance their investment discipline and decision-making process.
Stop Loss Guarantees Success
One prevalent myth is the belief that stop loss orders guarantee success. While they can significantly reduce losses, itās essential to recognize that not all circumstances are equal. A stop loss sets a predetermined exit point, but it does not shield investors from market volatility, slippage, or gaps in price. For instance, if a stock opens at a price well below the set stop loss due to bad news over the weekend, the order may execute at a much lower price, resulting in a greater loss than anticipated.
"A stop loss is a tool, not a magic wand. It helps, but doesn't solve every problem."
Moreover, it's important to understand that these orders donāt account for unforeseen market conditions. Just because one sets a stop loss doesn't mean they will avoid all risk, particularly amidst sharp market fluctuations. This misunderstanding can lead investors to adopt a careless mindset, thinking they won't have to actively manage their positions.
Setting Too Tight a Stop Loss
Another frequent misconception revolves around setting stop losses too tightly. Investors might think that a narrow stop loss will protect them better from adverse price movements. In practice, this can be counterproductive. Stocks often experience minor price fluctuations that may trigger a tight stop loss.
This behavior might be observed in a volatile market where stocks might swing by a few percentage points regularly. If a trader places their stop loss too close to the current price, even a brief downturn could trigger the sale. As a result, they could end up exiting a position that might have otherwise turned around and yielded profits.
In contrast, determining the proper distance for a stop loss should be based on a stockās historical volatility, support and resistance levels, and overall market conditions. Therefore, setting a stop loss requires a careful balance ā too tight and the investor risks being shaken out of a good trade, too loose and the investor might incur significant losses.
In summary, understanding these common misconceptions can drastically improve an investorās ability to utilize stop loss strategically. Awareness helps prevent misguided judgments and aids traders in using stop loss as part of a disciplined investment strategy.
Psychological Factors in Trading
When it comes to trading stocks, the mental and emotional components play an extensive role in decision-making. Investors often underestimate how much their emotions like fear and greed can influence their choices in the heat of the moment. The presence of psychological factors can make or break a trader's strategy, especially regarding risk management strategies like stop loss orders. What's vital is understanding these psychological elements for better-informed and calmer trading.
Managing Fear and Greed
Fear and greed can be considered two sides of the same coin in the trader's mind. On one hand, fear can induce a hasty exit from positions prematurely, while greed can lead to holding on too long, hoping for more gains. It's important to recognize these influences as they can wreak havoc on your trading plans.
When the market takes a turn for the worse, fear might kick in. This could lead you to set your stop loss too tight, fearing further losses. News reports and market analyses might send tremors of anxiety through your decision-making process. However, it's crucial to not let your instincts take control. A well-planned trading strategy should include an appropriate stop loss placement based on market conditions rather than emotions.
Conversely, during a bullish phase, one might feel overly optimistic, allowing greed to take over. Suddenly, your stock is trending well, and you're reluctant to set a stop loss at allāthinking you'll squeeze every last penny. This is where a disciplined approach becomes immensely valuable. Utilize stop loss to protect gains while still allowing room for upside movement. Understanding how fear and greed affect your mindset helps in making measured decisions across various market environments.
Maintaining Emotional Discipline
It's often said that trading is more about controlling emotions than about the analytical aspect itself. Implementation of stop loss orders can serve as a guardrail, helping to sustain emotional discipline. One moment of emotional thinking can jeopardize all previous analysis and plans, leading one to deviate from their trade strategy.
To establish emotional discipline, you need to create a structured plan detailing both entry and exit points. When every trade is premeditated, the tendency to make impulsive decisions diminishes. Setting a stop loss helps create a safety net, which instills a sense of security in your trading approach.
Several tips can contribute to maintaining emotional discipline:


- Stick to Your Strategy: Always refer back to your established plan and avoid emotional trading.
- Practice Mindfulness: Staying present can help avoid panic during volatile market conditions.
- Take Breaks: Regularly stepping back from the screens can help regain perspective and reduce anxiety.
"The key to maintaining emotional discipline in trading is creating a plan that minimizes the impact of fear and greed on your decisions."
Practical Tips for Effective Use
Effective use of stop loss orders requires a comprehensive understanding of both the market conditions and your own trading strategies. The importance of implementing practical tips cannot be overstated, especially when aiming to preserve capital and facilitate better decision making. Just as a seasoned traveler checks their route before heading out, investors should frequently reassess their stop loss positions and utilize available technology for their notifications. Below are two vital practices for maximizing the benefit of stop loss orders.
Regularly Review Your Stop Loss Positions
The market is as unpredictable as the weather. Thus, regularly reviewing your stop loss positions is crucial. Market trends change rapidly and can be affected by numerous factors including economic reports, political shifts, and global events. This makes it essential to revisit your stop loss settings periodically. Hereās why you shouldnāt overlook this practice:
- Adapting to New Market Conditions: A stock that was once showing bullish signs might reverse course. Your stop loss shouldnāt remain static if the underlying conditions shift. Keep an eye on indicators and adjust your stop accordingly.
- Avoiding Avoidable Losses: A well-set stop loss might get triggered too soon in a volatile market, leading to unintended loss. By reviewing your positions, you can adjust them to avoid unnecessary sell-offs.
- Personal Evaluation: Assess whether your original reasons for investing still hold weight. The investment landscape can lead you to rethink your strategies.
Itās not uncommon to find investors who set and forget their stop losses. However, actively engaging with this aspect of trading helps align your investment strategy with the current market dynamics.
Utilize Technology for Alerts
Investors live in a fast-paced environment, so leveraging technology for alerts can be a game changer. Modern trading platforms offer various tools to keep you updated. By using technology effectively, you can make timely decisions that protect your investments. Here are a couple suggestions:
- Automated Alerts: Many trading platforms allow you to set alerts when a stock approaches your designated stop loss threshold. This provides a failsafe mechanism, ensuring you're informed about critical price movements without being glued to a screen.
- Mobile Applications: Applications like Robinhood and E*TRADE allow for real-time monitoring and adjustments to your stop loss orders. These mobile tools empower investors to act quickly, even on the go.
- News Notifications: Staying updated with financial news can help you anticipate market movements. Economic data releases or major shifts in company management can trigger significant price changes. Alerts can remind you to check your portfolio during crucial periods.
To maximize your investments, remember: Technology can be your ally, helping you remain agile in your decision-making.
In todayās trading environment, neglecting advancements in technology can set you back. Combining routine reviews with timely tech notifications can significantly enhance your trading strategies and overall market performance.
Stop Loss in Different Market Conditions
In the ever-changing world of stock trading, understanding how stop loss orders deserve a careful examination within various market environments is indispensable for any investor. The dynamics of each market, whether it's bullish, bearish, or sideways, can dramatically influence the effectiveness of stop loss strategies. Each market condition brings its own unique set of challenges and opportunities, ultimately impacting how stop losses should be set and adjusted as market conditions fluctuate.
By keeping a finger on the pulse of these conditions, traders can safeguard their investments more effectively, making informed decisions that align with their risk tolerance and financial goals. This section will delve deeper into how stop loss orders can be tailored to fit different market moods, exploring practicalities that may boost investor confidence.
Bull Markets
In a bull market, where stock prices are on the rise, implementing stop loss orders can feel a bit counterintuitive. After all, the general sentiment is positive, and prices tend to climb steadily. However, using stop loss strategies remains crucial even in these robust times. Investing initially in stocks during a bull run may lead to gains that investors would naturally want to protect.
Key Approaches:
- Setting wider stop loss orders: Investors can afford to be a bit lax with their stop losses. Given the upward trend, establishing a wider stop loss allows for natural price fluctuations without triggering the order too soon.
- Adjusting with price movements: As your investment gains momentum, consider raising your stop loss to lock in profits, ensuring that you're safeguarding those hard-earned gains if there's an unexpected downturn.
This dynamic nature of bull markets means that constant vigilance is necessary. The most successful traders recognize that while the market may seem stable, external factors can quickly alter its course.
Bear Markets
Bear markets present a different challenge altogether. The sentiment during these times is often gloomy, leading to widespread fear and often, rapid sell-offs. This is where stop loss orders become invaluable. They act as a safety net to protect your capital in a predominantly downtrending market.
Strategies to Consider:
- Tighter stop loss placement: In a bear market, it's typically wise to set your stops closer to your entry price. This avoids significant losses, providing a safeguard against the cascading price drops.
- Employing a trailing stop loss: This type of stop loss can also be effective in bear markets. It allows you to stay in the trade as long as possible while gradually adjusting it downward to capture gains or minimize losses when the downward momentum kicks in.
Here, the emphasis on managing risk becomes even more crucial. Prompt action is paramount, as the market can turn on a dime, potentially exposing an otherwise stable portfolio to sudden dips.
Sideways Markets
Sideways markets, characterized by price stagnation without clear upward or downward trends, present a unique set of challenges for investors. The lack of significant price movement can induce a sense of frustration. Nevertheless, stop loss strategies still play an important role, offering a framework to navigate this unpredictability.
Recommended Methods:
- Setting stop loss orders at support levels: Identify key support and resistance levels, placing stop losses just below support. This limits potential losses if the stock dips, allowing for some room to breathe within the sideways movement.
- Market monitoring: Continuous evaluation is needed in sideways markets, as patterns can shift with sudden news or economic changes. Having a watchful eye for market indicators can help inform more strategic adjustments to stop loss orders.
In this stable environment, flexibility becomes key; it allows investors to respond to external factors and emerging opportunities, thus navigating through calm waters without compromising solid trading principles.
"The essence of effective trading is not just about winning; it's about managing losses just as deftly."
In summary, adapting stop loss strategies according to market conditions can serve as a cornerstone of a robust investment approach. Each environment necessitates distinct tactics and perspectives, underscoring the importance of customization to individual investing styles and goals.
Ending
The conclusion of this article significantly emphasizes the need for investors to continuously reassess their investment strategies. As market conditions shift and investor sentiments fluctuate, staying adaptable becomes crucial. Stop loss orders serve as a valuable tool in this reassessment process, enabling traders to minimize losses while maintaining their investment discipline.
Reassessing Your Investment Strategy
Reassessing your investment strategy isn't just about tweaking a few numbers here and there. Itās more like re-evaluating your whole approach to the market. With the changing tides of the financial landscape, what worked a year ago may not hold ground today.
- Adaptation to Market Changes: As investors, understanding that market conditions are often dynamic is key. What looks promising in a bull market could spin into a bear trap if the situation takes a turn. Frequently re-evaluating your stop loss levels ensures that you are not only reacting rather than merely following trends blindly.
- Risk Tolerance Re-evaluation: Your personal circumstances or risk appetite might shift due to various factors, such as a significant life event or a broader economic change. With that in mind, adjusting your stop loss accordingly can help protect your capital based on your current risk tolerance.
- Performance Review: Regularly assessing how your investments perform can reveal trends that inform future decisions around stop loss placements. For instance, if a specific stock consistently hits a particular threshold before bouncing back, it might be wise to set a stop loss that reflects that behavior, rather than an arbitrary flat number.
- Psychological Factors: Emotions can skew decisions. An assessment allows for a more logical approach, keeping fear or greed in check. Having concrete data and analytics when evaluating your strategy helps reinforce objectivity in decision making.