The Trader: Breaking the loop
Many traders know exactly what they should be doing, but still find themselves repeating the same costly mistakes. Michael Taylor looks at the mental loops
30th October 2026
Michael Taylor
Michael Taylor made the move to trading the stock market with his own capital on a full time basis in December 2016. As well as ShareScope, Michael contributes to Investors Chronicle and other online publications. He has also written a free book on getting started in the UK stock market, along with a stock trading handbook – both of which are available to download from his website at www.shiftingshares.com
I believe that anyone can learn to trade if they are able to remain objective and are willing to put the hours in. I lost a lot of money early on by not having a proper strategy and following the crowd. If you want to make money then you need to generate your own ideas – I use SharePad to find and plan my trades, and ShareScope to run on my trading screens.
The Trader: Using my Financial Audit sheet
Making the leap to full-time trading means understanding the financial pressure that comes with it. Michael Taylor explains how his Financial Audit sheet can help
23rd October 2026
The Trader: Super Intelligence is here
AI is already reshaping the way investors research companies, and Michael Taylor believes those who learn to use it effectively can gain a meaningful edge.
9th October 2026
The Trader: The opportunity cost is real
Being fully invested can feel like the obvious way to maximise returns, but today cash and bonds can offer meaningful returns without the same volatility.
25th September 2026
The Trader: The uncomfortable truth about discomfort
Doing nothing can be one of the hardest disciplines in trading, especially when a stock you missed suddenly takes off. Michael Taylor looks at why
11th September 2026
The Trader: The game is rigged
UK small caps can offer private investors an edge, with less institutional competition and greater scope for overlooked opportunities. Michael Taylor explains how disciplined stock
28th August 2026
The Trader: Your P&L follows your lifestyle
Michael Taylor looks beyond charts and risk management to explore how sleep, stress and lifestyle can affect trading performance and decision-making. He shares practical ways
14th August 2026
The Trader: How to become a better loser
Michael Taylor explains why learning to lose well is one of the most important skills a trader can develop. He looks at position sizing, stop
24th July 2026
The Trader: The Power of the Pen
Michael Taylor explains why one of the most valuable investing tools isn’t powered by AI or an app. He argues that pen and paper can
3rd July 2026
The Trader: Why the SpaceX IPO matters to you
Updated: 19 June 2026 Michael Taylor examines why investors should pay close attention to the upcoming SpaceX IPO, even if they have no intention of
12th June 2026
The Trader: How to protect yourself from a US Bubble
Michael Taylor follows up his US market bubble analysis by focusing on the practical steps investors can take to protect themselves if volatility strikes. From
22nd May 2026
The Trader: Is the US Stock Market in a Bubble?
Michael Taylor examines whether soaring US valuations are flashing warning signs of a market bubble, and what it could mean for UK investors. From the
8th May 2026