When you trade stocks, you are taking a view on a company’s future performance by buying or selling shares of its stock. There is a wealth of information available online about stock trading, you can click for more info or read on to learn more. Stock trading always involves a certain degree of risk. However, with proper risk management, traders can help minimise losses and maximise profits. When trading stocks, it’s crucial to have a risk management strategy in place to protect your capital. There are various risk management tactics that stock traders can use in Singapore.

Diversification

Diversification is one of the most common risk management strategies used by investors. Investing in various assets can spread out your risk and minimise the impact of any one investment. Regarding stocks, you can achieve diversification by investing in different sectors or industries. For example, you could invest in healthcare, tech, and financial stock. This way, if one sector performed poorly, your other investments would help to offset any losses.

Stop-loss orders

You can place a stop-loss order with a broker to sell a security when it reaches a specific price. This price is typically below the current market price. Stop-loss orders can help to limit losses and protect profits. For example, you buy a stock at SGD10 per share. You could place a stop-loss order at SGD9, which would sell the stock automatically if it falls to that price. This way, you can prevent further losses if the stock price falls.

Hedging

Hedging is a risk management strategy involving offsetting positions in different assets. For example, you could hedge your position by buying put options if you own a stock. Put options entitle you to sell shares at a specific price. If the stock price falls, you can exercise your put option and sell the shares at the agreed-upon price, limiting your losses.

Portfolio rebalancing

Portfolio rebalancing is selling assets that have increased in value and buying assets that have decreased in value. This strategy can help to manage risk by ensuring that your portfolio is diversified. For example, if you have a portfolio comprising 50% stocks and 50% bonds, and the stock market increases by 10%, your portfolio would now be 60% stocks and 40% bonds. To rebalance, you would sell some of your stocks and use the proceeds to buy more bonds, bringing your portfolio back to its original allocation.

Risk reduction

Risk reduction is a strategy involving taking action to reduce the overall risk in your portfolio. For example, you could sell volatile stocks and are prone to large swings in price. You could also invest in assets that provide a steady income stream, such as bonds. Risk reduction can help to minimise losses and protect your capital. Remember investors are paid for taking on risk, so normally ‘safer’ assets will see reduced returns, although not always.

Risks of trading stocks in Singapore

Volatility

The stock market is volatile, so prices can rise and fall rapidly, leading to losses if you are not careful. When trading stocks, it’s essential to monitor the market closely and be prepared for sudden changes.

Market risk

Market risk is that the stock market will decline in value, which can happen due to several factors, such as a recession or political unrest. When investing in stocks, it’s essential to be aware of the potential for market risk.

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that you will not be able to sell your shares when you want to. It can happen if there are not enough buyers in the market. When investing in stocks, it’s essential to consider the market’s liquidity.

Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk that a company will not be able to meet its debt obligations, leading to losses if you are invested in the company’s shares. When investing in stocks, it’s essential to research a company’s financial health before investing.

Inflation risk

Inflation risk is that the value of your investments will decrease due to inflation. It can happen if the rate of inflation is higher than the rate of return on your investments. When investing in stocks, it’s crucial to consider inflation risk.