      When a sharp trend stalls or retraces, your best bet is to lighten upyour position and wait for confirmation of a top or bottom in the trend. Ifthe trend actually has topped or bottomed out, it is time to close thetrade. If the stall or retracement was just that, a stall or retracement,size back into your position when the trend resumes. If you are shortstock, be careful about lightening up your position or liquidating on astall or retracement. If the market is very bearish, you are lucky to beshort, and I would recommend staying there. Chances are that you havelocked in a good profit and can afford to give back 40 percent or so beforebailing out.