Painting the Tape – Episode 14: Going Off Script

Hosts: Leo, AJ, Stowe

[00:00] Introduction & Banter
Meet the hosts and catch up on recent trading days, including reflections on trading during major news events, the impact of holidays, and the challenges of market bias.

[03:00] Market Volatility & Trump Markets
Discussion about trading during high-volatility news cycles, especially in "Trump markets," and how sudden news can create unpredictable moves. The hosts share stories about trading through these events and the importance of staying flexible.

[10:00] Trading Bias and Sizing
The group discusses the difficulty of adjusting trade size and stops on the fly, the dangers of getting stuck in a process, and how to adapt to changing market conditions.

[20:00] Stats That Live Rent-Free
A deep dive into the psychological impact of trading statistics—overnight highs/lows, Monday G-line, and more. The hosts debate which stats are useful, which are misleading, and how stats can influence (or mislead) trading decisions.

[35:00] Actionable vs. Useless Stats
Leo and Stowe debate the difference between actionable and non-actionable stats, and how context is everything. They discuss how to use stats for targets, not just entries, and the importance of understanding the "path" behind a statistic.

[45:00] Power Hour & Market Profile Nuances
The team explores specific market profile stats, like new lows in L and M periods, and how these can be used to avoid trouble or spot opportunity. They discuss the rarity of closing at session lows and how to use stats to stay out of bad trades.

[55:00] Holiday Trading & Market Conditions
A candid conversation about trading during the holidays, the myth of "sitting out" for better results, and how each trader's approach to time off is personal. The hosts reflect on thin books, liquidity, and how market structure changes around the holidays.

[1:10:00] Thin Books, Order Flow, and Adjusting to Volatility
The hosts explain what a "thin book" means, how to read the depth of market (DOM), and why low liquidity leads to bigger moves. They share tips for adapting to these conditions and the importance of routine.

[1:30:00] Closing Thoughts & Listener Call to Action
The episode wraps up with final thoughts on adapting to market conditions, the value (and danger) of trading stats, and a reminder to stay flexible. The hosts invite listener feedback and encourage reviews on podcast platforms.