How can I set reasonable stop-loss levels? My approach is to limit the loss on each trade to within 2% of the principal, so even if I fail several times in a row, I won't be severely hurt.
How exactly do I do this? Let's take a principal of 1000U as an example. If I use 10x leverage to open a position, that means a position size of 200U. The stop-loss point for this trade would be a loss of 20U—that's a 2% reduction of the principal.
How to determine the number of points for the stop-loss? The mainstream approach is based on the volatility of the currency. Bitcoin is usually set around 1000 points, Ethereum around 30 points. This range can accommodate normal market fluctuations without being too loose.
There's a particularly important detail here—don't set the stop-loss too high. Many people are greedy, thinking, "What if the market moves 3000 points in the opposite direction?" So they set the stop-loss at 2000 points. It sounds like insurance, but it's actually suicidal. Calculate the risk-reward ratio: if the stop-loss is 2000 points and the target gain is 3000 points, then when you win, you only earn 1.5 times the stop-loss loss. But if you set the stop-loss at only 1000 points and the same 3000-point gain, your reward is 3 times the risk—that's a completely different return.
This is the core logic of risk management. Don't always think about turning the tide in one shot; control your risk per trade and let time and compound interest do the heavy lifting.
This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.
13 Likes
Reward
13
5
Repost
Share
Comment
0/400
ColdWalletAnxiety
· 6h ago
Wow, the logic of the risk-reward ratio is really brilliant. I used to be the kind of fool who greedily set high stop-losses. Only after losing a lot did I realize what self-destructive trading really means.
View OriginalReply0
BankruptcyArtist
· 6h ago
That's correct, but many people set their stop-losses too wide and comfort themselves by saying it's safer, when in fact it's self-destructive.
View OriginalReply0
MEVHunterBearish
· 6h ago
The risk-reward ratio is indeed a blind spot for most people. Setting too wide a stop-loss may seem reassuring but actually ends up hurting yourself.
View OriginalReply0
SchroedingerMiner
· 6h ago
The profit and loss ratio really determines whether you end up making a profit or a loss.
View OriginalReply0
defi_detective
· 6h ago
Honestly, I've heard the 2% stop-loss rule too many times, but few actually implement it.
How can I set reasonable stop-loss levels? My approach is to limit the loss on each trade to within 2% of the principal, so even if I fail several times in a row, I won't be severely hurt.
How exactly do I do this? Let's take a principal of 1000U as an example. If I use 10x leverage to open a position, that means a position size of 200U. The stop-loss point for this trade would be a loss of 20U—that's a 2% reduction of the principal.
How to determine the number of points for the stop-loss? The mainstream approach is based on the volatility of the currency. Bitcoin is usually set around 1000 points, Ethereum around 30 points. This range can accommodate normal market fluctuations without being too loose.
There's a particularly important detail here—don't set the stop-loss too high. Many people are greedy, thinking, "What if the market moves 3000 points in the opposite direction?" So they set the stop-loss at 2000 points. It sounds like insurance, but it's actually suicidal. Calculate the risk-reward ratio: if the stop-loss is 2000 points and the target gain is 3000 points, then when you win, you only earn 1.5 times the stop-loss loss. But if you set the stop-loss at only 1000 points and the same 3000-point gain, your reward is 3 times the risk—that's a completely different return.
This is the core logic of risk management. Don't always think about turning the tide in one shot; control your risk per trade and let time and compound interest do the heavy lifting.