What's the difference between hope and greed?

A practical trading example:

A trader may be in a trending market and hopes to get a decent move out of it. So, instead of finding an exit point, he or she may put in a stop to exit the position. The stop could be moved along as the trade moves into more and more profit.

This way the trader hopes to follow the trend through as long as it goes (depending on the tightness of the stop and time frame).

But, as he or she expects to be brought out of the trade with a stop, (in other words the price need to retrace some before exiting) then the trader is not afraid to 'leave some profit on the table. Therefore this could be an example of a trader hoping to get as much as reasonable possible, but not being greedy and trying to get every last cent out of the move.

This is only 'one' possible example to try and highlight the difference, there are other examples to show this as well.

I should say that the difference between hope and greed originates in the 'heart' of the trader. So, one persons hope may be another's greed - it depends on the attitude of the person.

We all want as much out of a trade as possible, but it is those who are overly greedy who are likely to have the biggest upsets when it doesn't go exactly to plan :)
 
Imho hope is just as bad as greed when it comes to trading.
They will both affect you adversely and should therefore both must be eliminated from your trading mindset.
Glenn
 
It does not matter what they are, but you must eleminate them from your posture if you are to succeed.

You ought to replace hope with ecxpectation and greed with satisfaction.
 
dbphoenix said:
Why do you ask?

Because greed, like love is a much misunderstood term. In trading terms, greed and hope are very close. Hope is a much better word to use than greed.

I could ask what is greed? Anyone answer that one?
 
Dispassionate said:
Because greed, like love is a much misunderstood term. In trading terms, greed and hope are very close. Hope is a much better word to use than greed.

I could ask what is greed? Anyone answer that one?

Greed and hope are very close because they're both grounded in fear. Understand the dynamics of fear and you have a handle on all of its manifestations: hope, greed, doubt, anxiety, relief, rationalization, bargaining, denial, and so on.
 
Hope is usually from a position of weakness. And usually disappoints.

Greed grows as we do better, simply because we can, humanity is fuelled by greed as we try to become more dominant over the next man. This very forum should've made that plain enough. If you are a westerner, you are greedy, so get off your sanctimonious high horse if you're about espouse the virtues of benevolence and sharing. ;)
 
zigglewigler said:
If you are a westerner, you are greedy, so get off your sanctimonious high horse if you're about espouse the virtues of benevolence and sharing. ;)

When it comes to greed, easterners aren't too shabby, either. :)
 
My loose use of 'westerner' really refers to western lifestyles, which have spread beyond the Western origins, so now includes as you say 'easterners', oh dear what a muddle, but I exclude from your immediate locality all dem folks in ten gallon hats bedding down with cows at night, that are another kind of 'westerner' all together! ;)
 
zigglewigler said:
Hope is usually from a position of weakness. And usually disappoints.

Greed grows as we do better, simply because we can, humanity is fuelled by greed as we try to become more dominant over the next man. This very forum should've made that plain enough. If you are a westerner, you are greedy, so get off your sanctimonious high horse if you're about espouse the virtues of benevolence and sharing. ;)
And I fully endorse what you say here because it is correct.

Additionally, competitive situations are catalysts for greed where reward is commensurate with effort, and consequently, results.

Isn't it a bore when just as a discussion begins to get interesting that it is derailed with nonsense ?
 
When people say that fear and greed drives markets, it's such a cliche, and I really don't agree with the greed part (I think it is more hope) which is why I have posted this question.
 
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No, you can't put a politically correct shine on this one. It's greed, greed, greed and fear. Both acceptable and necessary for us mortals to prosper, greed as distinct from gluttony, it's not a deadly sin so don't worry about being afflicted. ;)
 
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