The Institute Trader Blog

A retail trader's perspective on trading US markets from Melbourne, the timezone reality nobody talks about, and the mindset that separates the people who last from the people who quit.

Walk the evolution of a retail trader from unconscious incompetence to a real process. How ITPM cut years off my path to a systematic edge.

In volatile, risk-off markets, trading becomes less about action and more about awareness. This article breaks down how situational awareness in trading helps you stay disciplined, manage risk, and avoid forcing trades when market conditions don’t support your edge.

A sharp year-end review of 2025 trading. Lessons learned, themes like AI and the K-shaped economy, and how I am setting up for 2026 with clarity, structure and discipline.

Too many retail traders treat the markets like a casino, hoping for quick wins without ever building a repeatable process. But as Anton Kreil and the ITPM team emphasize, without structure, you're just gambling. This post dives deep into why randomness breeds failure—and how a process-focused approach can finally put the odds back in your favor.

ITPM mentor Edward Shek breaks down why most traders unknowingly lose money through poor execution. In this quick guide, we highlight key takeaways on options trading, risk management, and how to avoid the “silent tax” holding your performance bac

My 2025 ITPM trading results. 122 trades, 40 percent win rate, 3.41 R, 271,878 AUD net P&L. How the long-short options process performed for me.

ITPM, led by Anton Kreil, teaches that elite trading performance starts with a structured strategy — not mindset. This post breaks down why psychology only matters after your system is dialed in, and how the ITPM approach builds long-term, professional traders.

Discover the biggest obstacles to trading for beginners and how to overcome them. Learn how ITPM and Anton Kreil teach structured portfolio management, risk control, and long/short strategies to achieve consistent, risk-adjusted returns.

Five honest lessons from a multi year retail trading journey from approximately 25,000 AUD to approximately 400,000 AUD. Process over prediction.

Learn how to trade U.S. equities from Australia using the ITPM process. Discover how time zone differences can become a trading advantage with the right preparation and discipline.

I want to share some insights I’ve picked up from Edward Shek over time and convey the same practical message to fellow traders in the ITPM community. We'll explore real-world trading strategy, macro analysis, and risk management in an honest, accessible way.

Market breadth isn’t just about counting advancing and declining stocks—it’s a window into market health. Through ITPM’s Anton Kreil-inspired approach, traders combine top-down and bottom-up macroeconomic analysis with breadth indicators to better position themselves and evaluate the market’s likely outcomes.

Edward Shek, one of ITPM’s standout mentors and former institutional trader, recently hosted an insightful webinar that tackled the real-world mechanics of profitable trading. From sizing positions correctly to knowing when to strike, his session was a goldmine for anyone serious about getting consistent results in today’s choppy markets.

Man in blue shirt looks stressed, holding his face. Graphs with red and green arrows in backdrop. Text: "Consensus is where you get killed."

When chaos hits the market — tariff talks, inflation surprises, or earnings roulette — savvy traders don’t panic. They pivot. The secret? Risk-adjusted returns. This powerful strategy, widely taught by Anton Kreil at ITPM (Institute of Trading and Portfolio Management), helps traders build portfolios that win regardless of market direction. Here’s how it works — with real-world trade setups and tips you can apply.

Learn how to navigate fast markets and black swan events with a strategic long/short portfolio approach.

Unlock trading success with actionable strategies, focusing on unconscious competence, a reliable 3/5 system for stock evaluation, and...

Struggling to find the right trading tools? I’ve compiled a list of resources and websites that helped me improve my trading journey.

Uncover Anton Kreil's expert insights on when to roll a winning trade and avoid common mistakes.