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ITPM Flash Episode 75 – Trouble in Paradise Review
- The Institute Trader
- Apr 30
- 4 min read
What Ben Berggreen Wants Traders to Know Right Now
Markets have been mayhem lately—big swings, uncertainty, and plenty of panic. In ITPM Flash Episode 75 – Trouble in Paradise, senior mentor Ben Berggreen dives headfirst into what’s really going on out there and how retail traders can stay grounded. It’s not about making wild bets—it’s about thinking like a pro.
Here’s a breakdown of his core messages, packed with timeless advice that’ll serve you well in any market.
1. The "Buy and Hope" Strategy Is Failing
Ben kicks off the episode by calling out the elephant in the room: if you’ve been long-only in tech stocks this year, you’ve had a rough ride. Markets are swinging all over the place, and the old “buy and hold” mentality just isn’t cutting it.
“This is a trader's market,” he says. "One where you're not just preserving capital, but positioning yourself to profit—both long and short—if you know what you’re doing".
It’s a reminder that adaptability is key. Blind optimism? That’s not a strategy.
2. FOMO and Panic Are Running the Show
According to Ben, many of the recent market moves are being driven by FOMO (fear of missing out) and panic reactions—not sound analysis. That kind of behaviour leads to poor entries, emotional exits, and unnecessary losses.
Instead of getting sucked into the hype, traders should stick to process and fundamentals. If you’re jumping into trades out of fear or greed, you're gambling—not trading.
3. This Is When Traders Get Tested
Volatile markets test your process, discipline, and patience. Ben calls this a “classic” trader’s environment—where the unprepared get shaken out, and the focused find opportunity.
His advice? Don’t chase headlines. Instead:
Focus on macro trends
Build trades that reflect current market conditions
Keep risk tight and your plan tighter
4. Economic Warning Signs Are Flashing
Ben briefly walks through macro developments:
Weak ISM data, especially in services
Fed downgrading growth forecasts
Inflation pressures still lingering
All of this paints a picture of an economy that’s wobbling. And when that happens, discretionary spending drops, hitting sectors like travel, hospitality, and entertainment the hardest.
It’s an important lesson: trade what's actually happening—not what you hope will happen.
5. When the Consumer Pulls Back, It Hits Hard
Ben highlights a key macro theme: when people feel the economic pinch, they stop spending on the “fun” stuff—travel, amusement parks, expensive dinners, etc.
Why does this matter? Because those slowdowns ripple across markets and affect entire industries. Airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and entertainment companies all feel the squeeze.
And while there may be trade opportunities in those sectors, Ben stresses the importance of being early, not late. If something’s already been hammered, the easy money’s likely gone.
6. Don’t Ignore Global Sentiment
Another gem from Ben: markets aren’t just about earnings—they’re about perception.
He talks about anti-US sentiment and how a weaker US dollar might eventually boost inbound travel—but not right now. With geopolitical tensions and trade wars, that rebound could take longer than expected.
Bottom line? Timing matters. Don’t trade a future narrative that hasn’t shown up yet.
7. Stay Grounded in Reality
A big theme throughout the episode is realism. Ben encourages traders to ask themselves:
Is this stock or sector fundamentally strong?
Is the macro picture supportive?
Am I managing my risk properly?
If the answer to any of those is “no” or “I’m not sure,” you probably shouldn’t be in that trade.
“Have a plan. Execute. Stay tuned into what’s going on,” he reminds us. Sounds simple, but most people ignore that advice until it’s too late.
Key Takeaways from ITPM Flash Episode 75
Here’s a quick roundup of what Ben Berggreen really wants traders to walk away with:
Don’t rely on the old strategies—adapt or risk falling behind.
Avoid emotional trading—fear and greed kill portfolios.
Track macro trends—they often move markets more than headlines.
Be early, not late—late trades rarely pay off.
Take full ownership—no blaming the Fed, the news, or the market.
Final Thoughts
ITPM Flash Episode 75 – Trouble in Paradise is more than just a market update—it’s a call to action. It’s a reminder that real trading isn’t about hoping for the best. It’s about staying sharp, flexible, and committed to your process.
If the markets have been giving you whiplash lately, it might be time to take a step back and reassess. Are you trading with intention, or just reacting to the noise?
Want to learn how to trade like a pro?
Ben and the mentors at ITPM offer in-depth trader education that goes way beyond YouTube.👉 Check them out at The Institute of Trading and Portfolio Management (ITPM)
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. The content reflects the personal opinions of the author based on publicly available information at the time of writing and should not be relied upon as the basis for any investment decisions. Earnings reviews may contain forward-looking statements that are inherently uncertain and subject to change.
Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and due diligence, and to consult with a qualified financial advisor or licensed professional before making any investment or trading decisions. The author and publisher make no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided and accept no liability for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from the use of or reliance on the information herein.
