# Common Trading Mistake on “Exciting” Days

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Hey friend,

We got some retail sales and housing market data this morning.

Retail sales showed a strong increase after last month’s dip – one that also came in ahead of expectations.

However, housing prices came in somewhat below expectations.

Of course, the big news is the Fed decision – and post-decision press conference – happening in a couple of hours.

Let’s see how the markets have been moving.

## The Daily Direction

![](https://tradersdailydirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-16-at-10.20.01-AM-1024x251.png)

**Note:** All indexes closed lower yesterday but opened generally higher this morning – sending the medium-term directions of the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq back into upward territory.

## The Daily Nugget

**_Don’t confuse a catalyst with a setup._**

A Fed decision can send a stock flying.

So can earnings.

A new contract.

A takeover rumor.

Whatever.

But the headline itself doesn’t automatically give you a good trade.

The setup should already be there.

Maybe the stock has been tightening up for days.

Maybe there’s a clear resistance level.

Maybe you already know where you’d get out if the move fails.

Then the catalyst hits and suddenly buyers push it through.

That’s very different from seeing a stock jump 10% on news and deciding you need to get involved.

One is a setup getting triggered.

The other is just a move you noticed late.

So this afternoon, don’t ask which stock reacted the most.

Look for the stock that was already set up well before the reaction came.

![](https://tradersdailydirection.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/TASignature-300x75.png)

**_The Traders Agency Team_**

**P.S. [In just a few hours at 3 p.m. Eastern today](https://secure.tradersagency.com/firetrader/?tambid=37131&id=TA37309)**, Ross is sitting down for a LIVE post-Fed strategy session.

He’ll break down the market’s reaction and show you the breakout pattern that appeared before moves like:

Rhythm Pharmaceuticals’ +163% in seven weeks…

Nine Energy Service’s +270% in 10 weeks…

And Iris Energy’s +148% in just two days.

He’ll also show you how he uses the setup to determine where to buy, where to take profits, and where to get out if the trade fails.

[**Click here to lock in your free seat for today’s LIVE session if you haven’t yet…**](https://secure.tradersagency.com/firetrader/?tambid=37131&id=TA37309)

And Ross will see you in just a bit at 3 p.m. ET.

**_P.P.S._** _If you’re planning to attend on a mobile device, make sure you download the presentation app now so you don’t miss anything when it starts. See you there._

_iOS:_ [**_https://apps.apple.com/us/app/goto/id1465614785_**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/goto/id1465614785)  
_Android:_ [**_https://play.google.com/store/search?q=goto&c=apps_**](https://play.google.com/store/search?q=goto&c=apps)