Another chart compare

Thanks again to Fozz.

Here is a comparison of a portion of the CAT charts - both from TDA feeds. I can't know for certain - but the only difference I am aware of is the 15 second error on my PC's clock (my charts are white):

Big differences.

Traded differently? I don't know for sure. Probably the greatest concern would be that the entries/exits on candle changes were completely off. Not sure how many of those happened on CAT. It would have changed S/R determination and stop placement as well: e.g.: entering just after the green doji at 14:55, I would have definitely been stopped out (white chart, stop on the doji top). Too tired to examine it very closely.

Chart compare

Many thanks to Fozz for the chart to compare to.

Here is a comparison of the true time data and what I was looking at today with a 15 second delay (TNA):

Big difference. It is hard to say how the trading would of gone. But I was trying to trade on the change in candle, and I was 15 seconds late. Chances are I still would have held on too long, i.e., I would have seen the +30 to +50 unrealized and waited too long. Ya never know.

One thing for sure, I will re-set the clock every morning before trading. I usually do. But I didn't today. Strangely enough, I thought the end of the 5 minute candle fake outs were coming a little early.

Lesson learned.

Another lesson from today - and I think this one is critical. Momo stocks move away fast. If they stall on the first candle - get rid of them for whatever profit you can. If you take a look at the day's trades - I had no problem hanging onto the big moves. It was the small moves that I faltered on and tried to reverse. Better just to take the profits and wait till the next candle. The big moves will come and you will realize it when it happens.