Beyond Technical Analysis
EDUCATION: The $5 Drop: How Trump’s Tariffs Sent Oil TumblingOil markets don’t move in a vacuum. Politics, trade wars, and global economic shifts all play a role in price action. Case in point: the recent $5 drop in oil prices following Trump’s latest tariff announcement.
What Happened?
Markets reacted swiftly to Trump’s renewed push for tariffs, targeting key trading partners. The result? A ripple effect that sent oil prices tumbling as traders anticipated lower global demand. The logic is simple—higher tariffs slow trade, slowing trade weakens economies, and weaker economies use less oil.
Why It Matters to Traders
For traders, this kind of volatility is both an opportunity and a risk. Sharp price drops like this shake out weak hands while rewarding those who position themselves with clear strategies. If you trade crude oil, understanding the macro picture—beyond just supply and demand—can make or break your positions.
The Next Move
Is this just a knee-jerk reaction, or the start of a larger trend? Smart traders are watching key levels, tracking institutional order flow, and looking for confirmation before making their next move.
How do you react when headlines move the market? Do you panic, or do you position yourself with a plan? Drop a comment and let’s talk strategy.
Entry Psychology Hey guys, Ray here, and I just entered a trade here.
Doesn't matter buy or sell,
or what currency your trading.
We all enter the market and none of us can ever know the "perfect price".
Therefore, our Stop Loss is inadvertently a key factor in our entries, lot sizes, and psychology.
In this video I explain what I mean...
Please comment if you found this insightful!
Hidden Forces: Decoding Buyer & Seller Activity on ChartsTotal Volume vs. Volume Delta: The total volume on the chart includes both buys and sells, making it less useful for analysis. Volume Delta, however, shows whether buyers or sellers dominated within a candle.
A green Delta candle means more aggressive retail buying; a red one means more retail selling. This helps analyze market sentiment beyond price movement.
Price & Delta Relationships:
1. Price and Delta move together → Organic movement, likely driven by retail.
2. Delta moves, but price doesn’t → Retail is heavily biased in one direction, absorbing limit orders. Possible smart money trap.
3. Price moves, but Delta doesn’t → Retail didn’t participate in the move. Lack of belief or failed market-making attempt.
4. Price moves against Delta → Strong indication of market manipulation. Large players using aggressive strategies against retail.
Market Manipulation & Smart Money:
* Whales leverage retail psychology and order flow to position themselves.
* Retail often gets caught in fake moves, unknowingly providing liquidity to big players.
Final Thought: By analyzing Delta and price movement together, we can spot hidden large buyers and sellers and understand market dynamics beyond surface-level price action.
Why DCA Does Not Work For Short-Term TradersIn this video I go through why DCA (Dollar Cost Averaging) does not work for short-term traders and is more suitable for investors. I go through the pitfalls than come through such techniques, as well as explain how trading should really be approached. Which at it's cost should be based on having a positive edge and using the power of compounding to grow your wealth.
I hope this video was insightful, and gives hope to those trying to make it as a trader. Believe me, it's possible.
- R2F Trading
2025 ICT Mentorship: Premium & Discount Price Delivery Intro2025 ICT Mentorship: Lecture 4_Premium & Discount Price Delivery Intro
Greetings Traders!
In this video, we dive into the fundamental concept of Premium and Discount Price Delivery—a crucial aspect of smart money trading that helps us understand how institutions approach the market with precision and efficiency.
Understanding Currency Pairs
Before we explore premium and discount dynamics, it's essential to grasp the basics of currency pairs. A currency pair, like EUR/USD or GBP/USD, represents the value of one currency against another. For example, EUR/USD shows how many U.S. dollars (the quote currency) are needed to purchase one euro (the base currency). Just like any other tradable asset, currency pairs fluctuate in value due to various economic and market factors.
Trading Is Part of Everyday Life
Believe it or not, everyone in the world is a trader. Whether you're buying groceries at a store or negotiating for goods and services, you're participating in trading activities daily. Some people aim to purchase items at a discount, while others can afford to pay a premium—it’s simply part of life.
However, banks and financial institutions take trading to another level. They don’t just trade haphazardly—they operate with extreme precision, aiming to make high-quality investments by executing trades at premium prices and targeting discount levels. This strategic approach allows them to capitalize on market inefficiencies and ensure profitable outcomes.
Why Premium and Discount Matter?
The concept of premium and discount price delivery is foundational for understanding how the market moves. By recognizing where the market is trading at a premium (overvalued) versus a discount (undervalued), traders can make more informed decisions and align their strategies with institutional order flow.
Stay tuned as we break down how to identify these zones on a chart and how to incorporate them into your trading strategy. Make sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an update!
Happy Trading,
The_Architect
What happens if you give a TikTok trader a billion dollars?In this video, I covered the topic of accumulation and distribution of large positions.
I explained why big market players prefer using limit orders when building and offloading their positions.
I also talked about how retail traders — who I often call TikTok traders — tend to rely on market orders, and why the price is more likely to move against the masses of TikTok traders.
Understanding this is crucial when analyzing what’s really going on "under the hood" of the market. I’ll dive deeper into this in my upcoming posts.
So don’t miss out! Subscribe!
Different Ways to Manage Your TradesFinding the perfect trade setup is just one part of the equation. How you manage that trade can be the difference between consistent profits and missed opportunities. In this video, I’ll break down the different ways you can manage your trades and how each method impacts your results.
We’ll cover essential trade management techniques, including setting fixed take-profits and stop-loss levels, using trailing stops to lock in gains, scaling out of positions with partial profits, and actively monitoring trades for dynamic adjustments. Each method has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the key is finding what aligns with your trading style, risk tolerance, and market conditions.
I’ll also share insights on how I utilize trade management to maximize returns while keeping risk under control. Whether you prefer a hands-off approach or actively managing your trades in real time, this video will help you refine your execution and make smarter decisions.
Watch the full breakdown now, and let me know in the comments, how do you manage your trades?
- R2F Trading
Set Up & Data Collection | Day 1 of 21 | Back Test With Me21-Day Backtesting Plan
A Step-by-Step Challenge to Master One Pair and Develop an Unshakable Trading Edge
Backtesting is the foundation of trading mastery. This 21-day plan is designed to help you deeply understand GBPUSD, refine your strategy, and build the confidence needed to trade with precision. Each day introduces a specific focus, challenge, and takeaway, progressively strengthening your ability to read market movements.
Week 1: Laying the Foundation – Market Structure & Patterns
📅 Day 1: Set Up & Data Collection
Task: Gather at least 6 months of historical GBPUSD data on your charting platform.
Challenge: Define your testing parameters (e.g., timeframe, session focus, lot size).
Takeaway: Clarity in what you’re testing prevents randomness in your results.
Are you up for our 21 Day Backtesting Challenge?
Drop Your Thoughts in the Comment Section, boost the post, share with your friends and follow me on Trading View if you had an aha moment.
-TL
Master Your Emotions: The 3 Trading Psychology Hacks Most traders don’t struggle because they lack a strategy—they struggle because emotions get in the way. After coaching hundreds of traders, I’ve seen the same patterns over and over: hesitation, FOMO, revenge trading, and self-doubt.
I get it. I’ve been there too. You see the perfect setup but hesitate. Or worse, you jump in too late and watch the market turn against you. It’s frustrating, but there’s a fix.
In this video, I’m breaking down the biggest trading psychology mistake I see and the simple 3-step process that has helped my students trade with confidence, even in the most volatile markets.
If you’ve ever felt like your emotions are sabotaging your trades, this is for you. Let’s fix it.
Kris/Mindbloome Exchange
Trade Smarter Live Better
SOLUSD: How to Draw Quarter's Theory LevelsApplying Quarter’s Theory to SOL/USD helps traders identify key psychological price levels where institutional players might step in. With Solana’s volatility, these quarter levels (25%, 50%, 75%, and full dollar increments) act as crucial areas for potential reversals or breakouts.
Current Market Outlook
SOL/USD is currently trading around a major quarter level, signaling a potential shift in momentum. If buyers push above $150, the next logical upside target is $175, while a breakdown could send prices back to $125—both key quarter points.
How to Trade It
Aggressive traders can enter at quarter levels with tight stops, aiming for quick price movements.
Conservative traders should wait for a breakout confirmation and a retest before executing trades.
Renko charts can help filter noise and confirm trend strength, making it easier to spot clean setups.
Is SOL/USD Gearing Up for a Big Move?
With SOL/USD sitting at a crucial level, the next move could be significant. Will we see a drop toward $125, or is a deeper pullback coming? What’s your take? Drop a comment below!
AUDUSD: How to Draw Quarter's Theory LevelsThe Quarter’s Theory , popularized by Ilian Yotov, is based on the idea that the market moves in predictable 25, 50, and 100-pip increments. When applied to AUD/USD, these psychological price levels become crucial for identifying potential reversals and breakouts.
Current Market Outlook
AUD/USD is currently trading near a key quarter level, indicating a potential reaction zone. The pair is hovering around 0.6500, a psychological price barrier that often serves as support or resistance. If buyers step in, the next upside target is 0.6750, while a break lower could send prices to 0.6250.
How to Trade It
Aggressive traders can look for confirmations near quarter levels and enter trades with tight stops.
Conservative traders might wait for a breakout and retest before committing.
Combining Quarter’s Theory with Renko charts can help filter out noise and confirm strong trends.
Will AUD/USD Hold or Break?
Quarter’s Theory gives traders a structured way to navigate price movements. Whether AUD/USD holds or breaks through the current quarter level will determine the next significant move. Are you watching these levels? Drop your thoughts below!
MINDSET: Trading is The Only True Path to Financial FreedomFinancial freedom—it’s the goal everyone chases but few ever reach. The world sells you a million ways to get rich: grinding a 9-to-5, climbing the corporate ladder, starting a business, investing in real estate. But the truth? Trading is the only path that offers complete financial autonomy. No bosses, no employees, no overhead—just you, the markets, and the ability to scale your wealth indefinitely.
The Illusion of Traditional Wealth-Building
People spend decades in careers that leave them dependent on someone else’s paycheck. Even business owners and investors face external risks—regulations, economic downturns, and unpredictable market shifts that limit their control.
Trading, however, is a pure meritocracy. The market doesn’t care about your background, degrees, or connections. It rewards skill, discipline, and adaptability.
Why Trading Stands Alone
Unlimited Earning Potential – Unlike a job, where your salary is capped, trading offers the ability to scale indefinitely.
Complete Time Freedom – Once profitable, you decide when and how much you work. A few well-placed trades can replace weeks of grinding at a traditional job.
No Middlemen – You don’t need clients, customers, or employees. Your success is fully in your hands.
Geographical Independence – As long as you have an internet connection, you can trade from anywhere in the world.
The Harsh Reality: Trading Isn’t Easy
Now, let’s be real—most traders fail because they treat it like a lottery ticket instead of a skill.
They chase signals, blow accounts, and then blame the markets. But those who master the psychological and technical aspects of trading gain something no job or business can provide: total financial sovereignty.
Are You Ready to Take Control?
Trading is the only financial vehicle where you set the rules and have the power to create generational wealth—without relying on an employer, a system, or a customer base.
The real question is: Are you willing to put in the work to claim that freedom?
Let’s talk in the comments.
#TradingFreedom #NoMore9to5 #FinancialIndependence
2025 ICT Mentorship: Institutional Market Structure Part 22025 ICT Mentorship: Lecture 3_Institutional Market Structure Part 2
Greetings Traders!
In Lecture 3 of the 2025 ICT Mentorship, we dive deep into the core principles of market structure, focusing on how institutions truly move the market. Understanding this is essential for precision trading and eliminating emotional biases.
Key Insights from the Lecture
🔹 Distinguishing Minor vs. Strong Swing Points – Learn to differentiate between structural noise and true market shifts.
🔹 Marking Market Structure with Precision – Objectively analyze price action to refine your decision-making process.
🔹 Institutional Market Structure Techniques – Align with smart money to enhance accuracy and consistency.
Why This Matters
Mastering market structure allows traders to anticipate price movement, reducing impulsive trades and reinforcing a disciplined approach. By integrating institutional strategies, we position ourselves for more accurate and confident executions.
Stay focused, keep refining your skills, and let’s continue elevating our trading game.
Institutional Market Structure Part 1:
Enjoy the video and happy trading!
The Architect 🏛️📊
Profit and Learn: Is the U.S. Dollar Still Money?In this episode of Profit and Learn, we dive into the future of the U.S. dollar. Is it still the undisputed king of global finance, or is its dominance fading? With rising competition from alternative assets, central bank policies, and global de-dollarization efforts, we explore whether the dollar remains the ultimate store of value, medium of exchange, and unit of account.
Join us as we break down market sentiment, policy threats, and the role of crypto and commodities in shaping the dollar’s future. Is the dollar “too strong” for its own good, or are we seeing the early signs of its decline?
💰 Is the dollar still money? Tune in to find out!
Institutional Market Structure: How to Mark It!2025 ICT Mentorship: Lecture 2
Video Description:
📈 Unlock the Secrets of Institutional Market Structure!
Hey traders! Welcome to today’s video, where we lay the foundation for mastering how the market truly moves. Understanding market structure is the key to improving your trading precision and analysis.
In this session, we’ll break down the difference between minor swing points and strong swing points—a crucial distinction for objective and accurate structure analysis. You’ll learn how to mark market structure properly, keeping emotions in check and aligning with solid trading psychology.
🎯 What You’ll Gain:
✅ Identify market structure like a pro
✅ Enhance your objectivity and reduce impulsive decisions
✅ Master institutional techniques for improved accuracy
If you’re ready to take your trading to the next level and build a strong foundation, hit play and let’s dive in!
💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more game-changing insights. Share your thoughts below—I’d love to hear how this helps your trading journey!
Enjoy the video and happy trading!
The Architect 🏛️📊
Portfolio Selection for the Week – 10th February 2025This portfolio selection is for educational purposes only!
The key to successful trading lies in consistency. Consistent decision-making, combined with a positive edge, is what leads to long-term success in the markets. This is why we regularly conduct portfolio selection.
At present, the Japanese Yen (JPY) is the strongest currency, followed by the US Dollar (USD), Australian Dollar (AUD), and Canadian Dollar (CAD). On the weaker side, we see Swiss Franc (CHF), Euro (EUR), New Zealand Dollar (NZD), and British Pound (GBP).
Most currency pairs have been experiencing secondary trends. Once this phase concludes, we can look to align trades with the dominant market trend.
If you find this content valuable, hit the boost and share your thoughts in the comments!
Wishing you a profitable trading week! 🚀📈