Trailing refers to a technique used in trading and investing to protect profits or limit potential losses by automatically adjusting a stop-loss order based on a certain percentage or point value. Trailing is also known as a trailing stop-loss order.
Trailing is commonly employed in trend-following strategies and long-term investments. As the profit of an asset or position increases, the trailing stop-loss order also automatically increases, thereby safeguarding a portion of the profit. Conversely, if the price of the asset or position starts to decline, the trailing stop-loss order retreats, aiming to limit potential losses.
A trailing stop-loss order can be determined with a specific percentage or point value. For example, a 5% trailing stop-loss order ensures that the stop-loss order is automatically updated when the price of the asset or position drops by 5%. This way, as the price of the asset or position rises, the stop-loss order also rises, protecting a portion of the profit.
Trailing stop-loss orders offer advantages over manually adjusted stop-loss orders. Manual stop-loss orders require constant monitoring of price movements, whereas trailing stop-loss orders update automatically, saving time and effort for the investor.
Trailing can also be used to confirm the continuation or reversal of a trend. For instance, when the price of an asset or position reaches a specific percentage or point value, the trailing stop-loss order becomes active. If the price continues to rise, the trailing stop-loss order also increases, indicating the continuation of the trend. However, if the price starts to decline and triggers the trailing stop-loss order, it can be interpreted as a signal that the trend may be reversing.
Trailing is also utilized in risk management strategies. Particularly, as the profit of an asset or position increases, the trailing stop-loss order also increases, thereby limiting potential losses. This can be an effective method for investors to protect their profit and reduce risk.
In conclusion, trailing involves automatically adjusting a stop-loss order based on a certain percentage or point value to protect profits or limit potential losses. Trailing stop-loss orders are commonly used in trend-following strategies and risk management strategies. Trailing saves time and effort for investors and helps protect a portion of the profit.