Beyond Buy-and-Hold: Using Technical Analysis to Manage Risk + Communicate Clearly With Clients (with David Keller, CMT)

In this episode, Adam Koós sits down with David Keller, CMT (host of Market Misbehavior) for a practical conversation about using technical analysis the way advisors actually need it: to manage risk, stay disciplined, and help clients understand what's happening without jargon. You'll hear how Adam's early-career experience through the 2000–2002 bear market shaped his shift away from "hope-and-hold" messaging—toward a model-driven, trend-aware process—plus the exact types of charts he believes advisors should keep in front of them during client conversations. Episode Timestamps (YouTube Chapters) 00:00 – Welcome + why this conversation matters for advisors 01:05 – Adam's background: med school path → financial advisor (starting 10 days before 9/11)04:30 – The turning point: why "it always comes back" wasn't good enough for clients 06:45 – Why technical analysis clicked: "playoff teams" (relative strength) + "locker room" (risk-off) 10:05 – Risk management reality: tornado sirens, whipsaws, and why discipline matters 13:10 – The emotional side of advice: what clients really want during volatility 16:00 – The 3 charts Adam always wants in front of him during client meetings 20:20 – Seasonality vs trend: staying invested without ignoring August–September weakness 24:00 – Common advisor mistake: going "100% TA" (too rigid) + building better model balance 27:10 – Why Adam started coaching other advisors + the systems that drive growth 30:20 – Final takeaways + where to connect   Key Takeaways 💡 Technical analysis isn't just "tools"—it's a communication advantage. Simple, visual frameworks (like a stoplight chart) help clients stay grounded. 💡 Relative strength = "investing in playoff teams." You're not predicting the Super Bowl—you're prioritizing leaders and rotating as conditions change. 💡 Risk management requires accepting false alarms. "Tornado sirens" (whipsaws) are part of avoiding the rare storms that can do real damage. 💡 Give clients as little as they need—no more. Overly complex charts can confuse instead of calm. 💡 A financial plan is the emotional anchor. Clients handle volatility better when the portfolio is connected to a real plan and clear goals. Key Quotes 🗣 "We're not trend predictors—we're trend followers."🗣 "If every investment was an NFL team, we're investing in the playoff teams… not trying to pick the Super Bowl winner."🗣 "There's about seven tornado sirens before you actually get a tornado."🗣 "Clients don't understand your candlestick chart… give them as little as they need, but no more."🗣 "When markets get emotional, clients want to know two things: 'Am I okay?' and 'Do you have my back?'" Connect With the Guest (David Keller, CMT) Website: https://www.marketmisbehavior.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DKellerCMT About David: Background + bio Follow and Connect with Libertas Wealth Management Facebook:    / libertaswealth  Instagram:    / libertas.wealth  Threads: https://www.threads.com/@libertas.wealth LinkedIn:    / libertas-wealth  Twitter (X): https://x.com/LibertasWM TikTok:    / libertaswealthmanagement  YouTube:     / @libertaswealth  Podcast YouTube Playlist:     • The Retirement Fiduciary Podcast  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29Jrqu0... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Email: [email protected] Website: www.libertaswealth.com Phone: 614-543-1350 ________________________________________ Connect with Adam Koós LinkedIn:    / adamkoos