Investment Entry Point Definition and How to Optimize

What Is an Entry Point?

An entry point refers to the price at which an investor initiates a position in a security.  A trade entry can be initiated with either a buy order for a long position, or sell order for a short position. The entry point is usually a component of a predetermined trading strategy for minimizing investment risk and removing the emotion from trading decisions. A good entry point is often the first step in achieving a successful trade.

Understanding Entry Points

In order to participate in an investment, one must engage in a transaction, buy or sell, that allows them access to the desired security and the price at which they transact is the entry point. For example, an investor researches and identifies an attractive stock, but feels that it's overpriced. They will buy if the price decreases to a certain level. This is defined as the entry point. Exercising patience and waiting for the right time to buy helps investors earn better returns on their investments. Determining both an entry point and exit point in advance is important for maximizing returns. Investors must ensure there is sufficient distance between the entry and exit point to allow a risk-reward ratio that is conducive to sustained portfolio growth.

Optimizing Entry Points

Trending Markets: Good entry points in a trending market come after a short counter-trend move or a period of consolidation. Investors can use trendlines, moving averages, and indicators to help determine suitable entries. For example, on the chart below, there was a confluence of support that produced a high probability entry point at the $34 level. Prices had returned to the trendline; the stochastic oscillator was below 20, which suggested the stock was oversold; and the 60-day moving average was acting as support. Additionally, a spinning top candlestick pattern formed after a period of selling which hinted that the counter-trend move was concluding. As can be seen on the chart, this did turn out to be a good entry point.

Range Bound Markets: Suitable entry points in range bound markets are typically near key support and resistance levels. Using trendlines to connect peaks and troughs helps to define support and resistance areas on a chart. For instance, the chart below has a trading range between $22 and 27.5. A high probability entry point for a long trade would be near the support trendline, while a high probability entry point for a short position would be close to the resistance trendline. Investors who use this method for selecting an entry point may wait for a head-fake move above or below a significant support or resistance level before taking a trade.

Streamlining Entry Points

Trade entries can be streamlined by using a strict set of rules. For example, an investor’s trading strategy may only generate an entry point when a stock crosses its 200-day moving average and the moving average convergence divergence signal line crosses 0. To automate the process further, entry points can be programmed into trading algorithms that automatically place trades when the conditions are met. Algorithms should also include exit points and risk management rules.