Stock market investing can be lucrative, but there are risks involved as well. The market is notoriously volatile, and it’s typical for stocks to see big price swings unexpectedly in a short amount of time. As a result, in order to safeguard your investments and avoid capital losses, it is important to have a risk management plan in place.

The use of stop losses is one such tactic. An order to sell a stock once it hits a specific price level is known as a stop loss. A stop loss is designed to reduce an investor’s losses in the event that the stock price takes an adverse turn and is a vital instrument for guarding against capital loss. Stop losses enable investors to guard against substantial losses and reduce their exposure to market volatility. Investors who hang onto a stock for too long in the hopes that the price will rise without a stop loss in place risk losing money as the price of the stock declines.

Advantages of stop losses

For stock market investors, using stop losses is a crucial risk control tactic. Stop losses have several advantages

Protection from market turbulence

The stock market is notorious for its turbulence, and prices can change drastically in a brief amount of time. By limiting losses when the price of a stock drops below a set threshold, stop losses can help shield investors from the negative impacts of market volatility. This enables investors to control their danger and safeguard their capital.

Aids in emotion control

The ability to restrain one’s emotions when trading is one of the biggest obstacles for investors. Fear and greed can cause investors to make irrational decisions, such as holding onto losing stocks for too long or selling profitable stocks too quickly. Stop losses, which offer a set exit point, can assist investors in removing emotion from the equation. This can lessen irrational behavior and strengthen one’s trading control.

Lowers the chance of substantial loses

Investors might hang onto a losing stock for too long without stop losses in the hopes that the price will rise again. In the event that the stock price keeps falling, this could result in sizable losses. Stop losses can assist investors in limiting their exposure to risk and cutting their losses.

Allows for a methodical strategy to trading

Investors must decide on their risk tolerance and trading plan before setting a limit loss. As a result, investors are able to trade with restraint and decide what to do based on their objectives and risk tolerance. Additionally, it aids buyers in avoiding rash choices influenced by irrational feelings or market speculation.

How to set up stop losses:

The first thing you need to do is to identify your risk tolerance. This represents the level of risk you are prepared to accept when making a trade. Your financial situation, trading history, and investment objectives are just a few of the variables that will affect your risk tolerance. Setting a risk tolerance that is reasonable and in line with your financial goals is crucial.

Calculate the stop loss rate.

Establishing the stop loss % is based on your definition of your risk tolerance. Your stop loss order is set  at a percentage of the stock’s worth. We recommend setting the stop loss at 25% of the stock’s assigned value as a usual practice, but this can change depending on the risk tolerance of the individual trader.

If you decide to buy a stock at $100 and place your stop loss order at 25%, for instance, your stop loss order will be activated when the stock price reaches a low of $75.

Placing a stop loss order

Setting the stop loss order with your broker is the last stage in a stop loss tactic. When you place your trade, the majority of online trading platforms let you establish stop loss orders. Make sure your stop loss order is placed at the appropriate percentage level and that you are familiar with how the order operates before placing it.

It’s crucial to remember that halt loss orders do not ensure complete loss avoidance. The stock may gap up or down in a volatile market, which means that it may trade below or above the stop loss line as it may take time for the order to be fulfilled. Stop loss orders are also susceptible to slips, which happens when the order is filled at a price that differs from the stop loss level because of market circumstances.

Why we recommend setting a stop loss of 25%

Gives protection without being too cautious: A 25% stop loss gives protection from market instability while helping prevent selling a commodity too soon by allowing some price fluctuations before the stop loss is activated.

Enhances discipline: Placing a stop loss of 25% forces investors to determine their risk appetite and investing approach. This lessens impulsive decision-making and strengthens buying discipline.

Examples of where the 25% stop loss has been successful

The financial crisis of 2008 is one instance in which investors saved millions by implementing a 25% halt loss. During this time, investors who used a 25% stop loss were able to reduce their losses and avert major market declines.

Another illustration is the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. During this time, many stocks saw substantial price declines, but investors who used a 25% stop loss were able to curtail their losses and safeguard their investments.

If you want to ensure long-term success in the stock market, stop losses must be a part of your trading plan. You can safeguard your assets and reach your financial objectives by using stop losses and a disciplined approach to trading. Before making any investment choices, we advise investors to consult with a financial advisor. We also advise investors to keep an eye on their portfolio on a regular basis to make sure their investments are in line with their objectives and risk tolerance.

It’s critical to establish your risk tolerance, choose an appropriate stop loss percentage, and set the stop loss order properly when establishing stop losses in order to improve trading discipline, limit losses, and provide a buffer against market volatility.