The monetary cost can be secondary compared to the emotional costs a trader must suffer in these types of markets. Being whipsawed in trend less or high risk markets can be quite frustrating and crush any lingering desire to resume trading. After such an experience, a trader may become mentally broken and ill prepared or incapable to act at the appropriate time when real opportunities do arise.

People often trade out of sheer boredom or for the excitement of just doing something to pass the time. Others will stake a position just to make sure they do not miss the next big move. This is not really trading but more a form of entertainment which can be very expensive but of questionable value. Still other traders believe that as soon as they put a position on, the market must begin moving in their direction. The market may have other ideas. Even active short-term traders do not always trade but wait for opportune times to unfold.

A trader must not confuse activity with profitability. Many traders watch others become involved in a market and feel they are somehow being left out of the action. Some feel they must constantly trade to catch all the moves or believe the market must make large moves instead. Others hear stories of people making big money and fear being left out of the gravy train. Keep in mind that the train is sometimes empty or even becomes derailed.