Raymond (@rayvahey) is from the UK, but currently resides in Thailand. Understanding early in life that any profit is better than money sitting idly in a bank account, he began trading in his late teens. Today, he has amassed over 20 years of trading experience and is a rising Popular Investor on eToro. We asked him a few questions about his trading style and strategy. See his answers below.
- Please introduce yourself briefly. What is your occupation? Where do you come from? What are your hobbies?
I’m Raymond from the UK and I currently live in Thailand. I am an entrepreneur with a background in software engineering. I’m married with children, so when I have spare time, I enjoy spending it with my family. I’m also a keen follower of technology, especially decentralised technology.
- What investment experience have you had?
I first started investing small amounts in blue chip companies in my late teens. My teacher introduced the idea to me during college and even though I was not profiting very much at the time, I understood there was a lot more potential and it was more interesting than just letting money sit in a bank account. As the years went by, it is something that I have developed as a productive hobby, and my knowledge has grown over twenty plus years. That really accelerated with online trading which I got into in 2009 if my memory is correct.
- How did you learn about the eToro?
It was suggested by a friend who had also been trading elsewhere at the time and he sold me on the social aspect, especially being able to see what other people were trading in real time, asking questions and reading what they post.
- How long have you been trading on eToro?
I started trading on eToro in July 2016.
- In setting your asset allocation plan for 2020, what are your views on Bitcoin, crude oil and gold?
Both Bitcoin and gold have had good starts to the year. For Bitcoin, I will be carefully watching the $11,000 mark, which is roughly where it comes into resistance, based on its previous long-term peaks. If it can get through that level, we may be looking at new all-time highs. Otherwise, I think the more likely scenario is some ranging and pullbacks until the later part of the year. Gold doesn’t seem as constrained and we may see it trend up through 2020. As for oil, I’m expecting a lot of range trading.
- If one of your Bitcoin positions is losing money now, what measures would you usually take?
That really depends on the nature of the trade. If it invalidates my technical setup, then I would end it; if not, then I’m more prepared to let it run.
- Why do you think eToro customers should follow you?
There are three reasons why I think eToro customers should follow me: I have had a lot of experience in trading, I have had a good track record since I joined eToro in 2016, and I am accessible.
- What are your goals for this year? What is your plan?
I would like to finish another year in the green with an annual return similar to that of 2019.
- How has being a Popular Investor changed your life?
It is early days, but I feel like I have a greater level of responsibility, as there are a lot of people counting on me doing well and I do not want to let them down. I also believe trading in public on eToro makes you a better trader, as I know I’ve become more aware of what I’m doing well and where I need to improve, which is a lot easier to overlook when you are trading in private.
- You performed really well in 2019 (32% profit), but your portfolio also suggests that you have a relatively high risk score. Would you like to address this for your followers?
All trading comes with risk and I think it is important to say that past results are not a guarantee of future ones. But I will try my best to repeat that performance in 2020 and hopefully maintain a low drawdown and reduce my risk from last year as well. Also, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has decided to follow me on this journey.
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