Biography of Linda Bradford Raschke:
Biography of Linda Bradford Raschke :
Early Life and Academic Foundations
Born in 1959 in Pasadena, California, Linda Bradford Raschke
was raised in a family that valued intellectual pursuits and resilience. Her
father, a stockbroker, played a pivotal role in sparking her interest in the
financial markets. Linda's fascination with trading began at a young age, and
by the time she was in her twenties, she was already making waves in the
trading community.
Career Beginnings and Market Making
In 1981, Linda Bradford Raschke commenced her professional
trading career as a market maker in equity options. She began her career on the
Pacific Coast Stock Exchange and later moved to the Philadelphia Stock
Exchange, where she further honed her trading skills.
Advancement to CTA and Hedge Fund Management
By 1992, Raschke had attained registration as a Commodity
Trading Advisor (CTA), marking a pivotal step in her career. Over the years,
she served as the principal trader for multiple funds and established her own
hedge fund in 2002, where she operated as the Commodity Pool Operator (CPO).
Biography of Linda Bradford Raschke: American financier / Journey of Linda Bradford Raschke: American financier/ commodities and futures trader.
Trading Philosophy and Strategies
Linda Bradford Raschke is renowned for her momentum trading
approach, advocating specific strategies to capitalize on market trends
effectively. She advises buying the first pull-back after a new high and
selling the first rally after a new low, leveraging these market movements to
her advantage.
Insights on Market Timing
Raschke places particular importance on the first and last
hours of trading, viewing them as crucial windows that offer significant
insights into market direction. She believes the final hour, in particular,
reveals institutional investors' intentions, as they strategically adjust their
positions to influence market momentum.
Identifying Trends and Closures
According to Raschke, sustained uptrends are characterized
by consecutive strong closes. She warns that a morning rally followed by a weak
close could signal an impending end to an uptrend, underscoring her acute
awareness of market psychology and closing patterns.
Volume and Market Continuation
High volume during the closing hours is a key indicator for
Raschke, suggesting potential continuation in the market's direction the next
trading day. This observation supports her strategy of leveraging closing
trends for profitable trading opportunities.
Importance of the First Hour
Raschke asserts that the first hour of trading establishes
the framework for the entire trading day. She adopts an aggressive trading
approach if early signals indicate a strong trend, aligning her actions with
her proactive market strategy.
Emphasis on Reactive Trading
In Raschke's view, predicting future market movements is
inherently uncertain. She advocates for a reactive approach, emphasizing the
importance of responding to current market conditions rather than speculative
predictions.
Discipline and Trading Plans
Like many successful traders, Raschke emphasizes the value
of discipline and adhering to a well-defined trading plan. She believes in the
necessity of maintaining consistency in strategy to navigate the complexities
of the financial markets effectively.
Career Achievements and Recognition
With over four decades dedicated to professional trading,
Raschke garnered acclaim and was prominently featured in Jack Schwager's
"The New Market Wizards" and Sue Herera's "Women of the Street:
Making It On Wall Street — The World's Toughest Business." In 1995, she
co-authored the bestselling book "Street Smarts—High Probability Short
Term Trading Strategies" with Laurence A. Connors, solidifying her
influence in trading strategy literature.
Leadership and Education
Raschke's leadership extended beyond trading floors; she
served on the board of directors for the Market Technicians Association and
held the presidency of the American Association of Professional Technical
Analysts. Her expertise led her to present research and lectures on trading
globally, collaborating with esteemed organizations such as the Managed Futures
Association, International Federation of Technical Analysts, and Bloomberg. She
also conducted professional training sessions for traders in over 22 countries.
Retirement and Current Activities
In 2015, Raschke retired from active management but
continues to operate her own private trading activities. Her ongoing
involvement in trading underscores her enduring passion and commitment to the
financial markets.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Trading Excellence
Linda Bradford Raschke's story is a testament to the transformative power of determination and insight in the world of trading. From her humble beginnings and a fortuitous introduction to commodities trading, Raschke navigated challenges with resilience and intellect, ultimately achieving unparalleled success. Her legacy resonates not only for her financial acumen but also for her pioneering strategies that continue to inspire traders worldwide. Linda Bradford Raschke leaves behind a legacy of trading excellence, reminding us of the boundless potential within dedicated individuals to shape and excel in the dynamic landscape of global markets.
