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UNDERSTANDING COMPLEX PULLBACKWhat is a two-legged pullback ? A two-legged pullback in the market is a pattern of price action in which the market retreats in two separate steps or movements before resuming its primary trend. This is a counter-trend move. After a strong trending move, price needs to sort of take a break and there is a double attempt to reverse the trend. When the price hits a strong zone, the price pulls back from it and if the trend does not continue, a second pullback occurs. Here the second pullback is approximately equal to the first one. We use this model for 2 purposes in the market: - Projection of the next move - End of pullback If you look at the market, it likes power of two, be it a double top/bottom, a double test of the uptrend, followed by a breakout. Let's look at the example of the recent movement on EURUSD. As we can see the asset has been in a strong bearish trend for a long time. The price bounced off the support and made the first pullback and then the second one. Note that the first pullback ended where there were no strong levels. But when we have the second pullback, we can see that it ends right at the strong resistance. This was an additional signal to enter a trend trade. A two-legged pullback in the context of the market Traders using the two-legged pullback strategy usually wait for both legs of the pullback to complete before entering a trade. It is very important to look at the context of the market here. If it happens that the second leg breaks through the lower high or higher low, it is a reason to be wary because it is usually a sign of a trend shift. The first leg can be projected and wait for the price at these levels. If it coincides with a strong level, it is a trade with a high probability of success. Let's look at some examples The recent example of gold shows well the interaction of a two-legged pullback with a strong level. The first time we got a pullback A. The price paused and then went up. The question remains where we should wait for price. We simply take the A pullback and project it and get the approximate end of the C pullback. This pullback ended on a strong resistance, which led to the price reversal . The EURUSD, too, after a strong bearish movement, rolled back to the resistance, making a two-legged pullback. Note that the EURUSD touched a strong level and fell. Although it did not lead to a complete reversal of the price, but we got a reaction and a short term trade. Here you can see a perfect example that there can be a third leg, which exactly led to the price reversal. The UKOIL example perfectly shows a trending trade. The price bounced off the resistance, and as you noticed there was a two-legged move before that. When A and B have formed, we use the projection method to wait for the price at the end of C. The last example is a great example of a perfectly formation of the two-legged pullback. The price has not yet triggered the level. But what do we have here? A downtrend, a two-legged pullback and a strong resistance at 1.66000. Will the trend continue, what do you think? Let's see. Traders, If you liked this educational post, give it a boost and drop a comment.
Education
by Lingrid
7
WHAT IS A PRICE DECELERATION?✴️ What Is A Price Deceleration? A price deceleration is when the market slows down after a trend movement. It occurs when the price of an asset begins to slow down its ascending or descending impulse. It usually occurs at key levels, such as support and resistance. The price finds it difficult to make highs at resistance and lows at support. It all looks like an upward or downward wedge at levels or just channels. Price deceleration can occur at the end of a trend movement or at the end of a pullback. When the price approaches key levels, the bulls are reluctant to buy and the bears are reluctant to sell, which is characterized by price deceleration and poor highs and lows trading. As a result, this leads to a pullback or a complete reversal of the trend. Therefore, this one works well for price reversals. ✴️ Price Deceleration Identification One of the key features of a deceleration and then a price reversal is divergence. The pattern is formed when the price touches the channel border for the fourth time. Thus, we determine the first clues of the future price reversal or price continuation. Another important sign of deceleration is a decrease in the slope angle or steepness of the trend line, as well as a decrease in the size of price swings. It means that the price is squeezed before the impulse movement. Price usually shoots up and accelerates after the squeeze. ✴️ Confirmation Of Price Deceleration Oscillators are used to confirm the deceleration. For example, the relative strength index (RSI) shows divergence very well. Price, after a strong movement like a big ship, still makes some motion moving forward. So, it does not stop immediately. At this time, RSI shows that there is no strength in this movement and goes in another direction, confirming divergence and a soon reversal. Once we have four touches forming the channel, we can look for entry opportunities. Usually the 3rd or 4th touches of the border lead to reversal IF it is confirmed by RSI divergence. ✴️ Plan Your Entry and Exit Points Once we have identified the price deceleration, we need to plan entry and exit points. If the price touches the upper channel and the oscillator shows a bearish divergence, it can be called a confirmation. Usually, if there is a divergence, the price immediately goes in the opposite direction. The engulfing candlestick or pinbar can be used as a trigger to enter the market, as it perfectly shows the current market sentiment and the dominance of one of the sides, be it bulls or bears. The optimal risk/profit ratio in trades is 1:2, because if the trade is counter-trend, there is a probability that the price will go further along the trend. More Examples BTC/USD USD/CAD XAU/USD
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Education
by DeGRAM
25
Joe Ross Trading StrategyHello everyone This post will be devoted to the trading methods of the famous trader Joe Ross. There is very little information about Ross on the internet, mostly copied from his books, so let's try to study this situation more deeply. The information is not for beginners. Support and resistance, trend lines, the concept of flat market, all this should be already worked out. You should already know and be able to apply them. You should also take into account that this Ross strategy used only in a trending market. It is not applicable in a sideways movement or choppy. 1-2-3 Setup 1-2-3 setup according to Ross is a reversal formation, that is, its development is information for thinking about the change of the current trend. This setup works absolutely on any timeframe and asset, which once again confirms its quality and flexibility. Bullish Setup This setup is formed at the end of the downtrend and consists of 3 key points. EURUSD chart, 1 hourly timeframe will be used as an example. What is the point of the setup; after the bearish movement, when the price consistently made new lower highs and lows, a breakout of the last local high was formed. This means that there may have been a change of movement and market sentiment. The setup is considered complete after the breakout of point 2. It is not the closing of the candle above point 2 that is considered a breakout, but the creation of a new high above this mark. After that it is taken as a condition that there is a new bullish trend. So, what we have in the case of a set-up occurring: • A clear 1-2-3 pattern • The pattern is finally formed and considered formalized after breaking the high/low at point 2 We identify the peaks, then we look for some sort of 1-2-3 formation to begin to emerge. If the last high is broken in a bullish setup, we look to see if this formation is clearly visible. If yes, we can enter the trade. Bearish Setup How this formation is built and what to pay attention to when marking charts. As we can see on the 1st chart, point 1 has formed a new low with its shadow. And here, when moving to the potential point 2 and then to point 3, the most important thing to pay attention to when marking this setup (for the example, we take a bullish setup) is hidden, namely: • The highs of the candles from point 1 to point 2 must be higher than the previous ones. In other words, each new candle makes a new high. As soon as the next candle is formed without making a high - we have point 2 • When moving from point 2 to point 3, each candle should make deeper lows, while the upper highs of the candles should not be higher than point 2. If shorter, we have a decline going down like a ladder • As soon as the next candle closed without forming a new low - ready, we have point 3 Ross Hooks (RH) The next step, and it is the main one in trading this method, is Ross's Hooks. This is the fundamental part of his strategy, which, by the way, uses it more than half a century. So, we have a 1-2-3 setup. There is a breakout of point 2 and the price goes up further. Each new candle makes a new low, while the highs does not go above the point 3. As soon as the next candle fails to make a new low, we have a Ross Hook (RH). Let's look at an example for clarity: We broke through point 2, created a new low and rolled back. The first RH and confirmation of the trend change to a downtrend appeared. Further price movement will be based on attempts to break through RH and pullback after the breakthrough and further attempts to establish new lows. It would be interesting to note that at the current stage we do not care what candles formed this trend, there is no need to pay attention to Price Action setups. Even this simplified view shows the development of the trend, its growth and direction. Later we will see how to apply hooks and trade with them in combination with Price Action setups. Ross Reversal Hooks Ross Reversal Hook (RRH) is formed by a pullback from RH and the formation of a new low in the current trend. Let's take a look at the same example above: Ross Trend Detection Methods So, let's summarize the main methods of determining the Ross trend and its pros and cons. Cons: • Firmly identifying a trend change happens quite late. In other words, a part of the trend movement is lost. • It is extremely rare that a 1-2-3 formation is formed, then RH, and the trend changes sharply to the opposite. Pros: • Despite the late entry, we have fairly reliable entries with low risks to our capital. • We have a strict orderly system and we can clearly see if there is a trend on the current timeframe or not. • The 1-2-3 and Rh formation works perfectly on any timeframe. • The period of trend change can be detected at an early stage if we apply filtering and Price Action methods. Now let's discuss trend detection methods in conjunction with basic Price Action methods. Forex trading is highly dependent on a few major factors. These are leverage size, spread size, lot size to trade, asset to trade. Now, as for the definition of trends. Ross' principles are applicable to any timeframe, so, having defined your trading timeframe (let's say 1 hour), you should proceed to 4 hourly, 1 daily, 1 weekly timeframes. On each of them, in accordance with the rules of technical analysis, mark the trend lines, starting from the higher timeframe. As a result, we get a picture on the trading timeframe, within which we can see the price movement at the current moment of time. And, having a complete picture, we mark 1-2-3 setups, hooks (if any) and the potential for further price movement. Finding the Best Trend Depending on the Timeframe How to determine if a trend is good? How to quickly and easily determine the timeframe, which is most interesting when trading using the Ross technique. Simply put, there should be a good growth, then a pullback of no more than 3 bars, possibly with the formation of RHR and a break of RH. If we see choppy market, a bunch of dojis, inside bars, incomprehensible moves; this timeframe is not quite well chosen. In particular, on GBPAUD a good timeframe can be seen on the 4 hourly timeframe, but on the hourly one the same trend does not look so good. Let's see: 4H 1H And it happens that on the hourly timeframe there is a perfect trend, but when you switch to the 4-hour or daily timeframe, there are confusions. The same is true for 15 minutes, and so on. The main thing is to learn to determine whether a trend is ""nice"" or not by just looking at it. It is also very useful to look at the previous trends on the selected timeframe. History repeats itself and trends can behave similarly precisely because there will be support and resistance lines in approximately the same places. RHs Filtering Methods Here we come to one of the most difficult parts of the Ross trade. RH filtering is something you need to pay the most attention to. Even if you don't trade Ross, but know his filtering methods - it helps a lot in terms of identifying such moments, what we call "false breakout", "collecting stops" and so on. Support and resistance line Trend line A price break or gap Accumulation The first and easiest way of filtering is, of course, in support and resistance lines. If we see that the hook hit the monthly resistance when trading on a 4 hourly timeframe, it is a good reason to think about whether a trend change will follow. But on the other hand, a breakout of the maximum of such a hook combined with strong resistance can be a good buy signal. Also, if the trend is long enough and the hook is formed at the resistance level, there is a good chance that the trend will turn sideways. The next way of filtering is the trend line or channel lines. They are good for determining the end of a pullback in a trend and the formation of reversal setups. This post is a simplified representation of Joe Ross's strategy, there are so many nuances, subtleties, and filters. Ross in his books shows combinations of his hooks with such indicators as Stochastic, ATR, Bollinger Bands, moving averages and much more. In practice, as soon as there is some "confusion" of the price, which is out of the framework of the normally current trend, you should put this tactic aside and use other ones. Hooks work exclusively in a trending markets. Traders, If you liked this educational post, give it a boost and drop a comment.
Education
by Lingrid
11
ACCUMULATION/DISTRIBUTION INDICATOR ✴️ Accumulation/Distribution (A/D) is a standard pack of technical analysis tools of many trading platforms. Today we will get to know this tool in detail and see how it works on Forex. This indicator can be especially interesting for supporters of the VSA method, as it takes into consideration trading volumes in its analysis. The author of the tool, world-known theorist and practitioner of technical analysis of stock markets Mark Chaikin, managed to describe the market phases with the help of volumes and price behavior: Accumulation - purchases of shares by investors and speculators; Distribution - sales of stocks at fixation of income. The forex market looks somewhat different: the accumulation or growth phase is interpreted by the A/D curve as an increase in the strength of the bulls, while the distribution or decline is perceived as an increase in the pressure of the bears' positions. ✴️ How indicator works Accumulation/Distribution is considered a technical tool for confirming or rejecting a trend. The growth or fall of prices on the chart must necessarily coincide with the direction of the indicator curve. All divergences are interpreted in the direction of A/D, i.e. any divergence is considered as a signal of the soon reversal of the currency pair. Indicator divergences from price are the most popular signals in technical analysis, but only A/D indicators have a high leading predictive accuracy. The indicator formula uses real volume indicators compared to price range changes, thanks to which Chaikin has achieved the best algorithmic display of VSA theory principles on the chart. ✴️ How to use the indicator in trading The most common strategy for applying Accumulation/Distribution is considered to be the oscillator method proposed by the author himself. It consists in finding the difference between two exponential moving averages with a period of 3 days and 10 days, taken from A/D values. Due to the settings of A/D to generate leading signals of trend change, the Chaikin oscillator (CHO) indicator has an important feature of signals synchronized with the current change in prices, despite the use of exponential averages, which traditionally lag due to averaging the result of calculations. The strategy of trading on the oscillator signals is to open positions: Long - the CHO curve crosses the zero line from bottom to top; Short - the CHO curve falls below the zero line. M. Chaikin suggested using divergence signals, divergence of tops and bottoms of the chart and oscillator trends as a trade filter, interpreting them in favor of CHO. The chart above shows how an uptrend is not confirmed by the next top of the curve, which means that we open a Short position at the zero line crossing from top to bottom. The situation is similar with a falling trend: if it is not confirmed by new CHO lows, we open a Long position after the indicator crosses the zero line. Positions are closed by reversal on the reverse signal, it is possible to insure the open order with a stop-loss moved to the breakeven zone. At the first opening of the trade, it is located at the nearest maximum or minimum, usually coinciding with the top CHO. Some traders who trade exclusively counter-trend divergence signals choose Accumulation/Distribution. As soon as a divergence is identified on the chart - a pending order is placed: Sell limit at the maximum not confirmed by the A/D indicator; Buy limit at the minimum at which the A/D divergence occurred. In other cases, the Accumulation/Distribution indicator is used as part of trading systems as an overbought/oversold oscillator filter. The picture below shows a simple MA + RSI strategy, where one of the conditions for a sell signal is the A/D divergence in the overbought zone. Having confirmed the trend reversal in this way, the trader waits for the prices to cross the MA and opens a Sell order on the market. ✴️ In conclusion Accumulation/Distribution is a sample of perfect synchronization of trading volume indicators with the dynamics of market quotes. The indicator is easy to interpret and use, it will not cause problems with its application even for a beginner, as it has no settings that would have to be selected. Like any other tool of the chanalysis, A/D indicators are better used as a part of trading systems or together with other developments of Mark Chaikin. They are published on the Chaikin Analytics website, repeatedly recognized as the best portal for quantitative analysis of financial markets.
Education
by DeGRAM
2
CONTRACTING AND EXPANDING TRIANGLESTriangle patterns are powerful technical indicators that provide traders with valuable insights into potential market trends and price movements. Among the various types of triangle patterns, horizontal triangles, contracting triangles, and expanding triangles are widely recognized for their reliability and effectiveness. Horizontal triangles, also known as symmetrical triangles, occur when the price consolidates between two converging trendlines. These trendlines are drawn by connecting a series of lower highs and higher lows. Horizontal triangles signify a period of indecision in the market, as buyers and sellers battle for control. There are two types of horizontal triangles: Contracting Triangles and Expanding Triangles. Contracting Triangle: Contracting triangles, also known as descending or ascending triangles, are characterized by converging trendlines with one trendline slanting upward or downward. These patterns indicate a gradual decrease in price volatility and suggest an imminent breakout. Characteristics: 1. Converging Trendlines: One trendline is drawn horizontally, acting as support or resistance, while the other trendline slants in the opposite direction. 2. Decreasing Range: The price range between the trendlines gradually narrows as the pattern progresses. 3. Breakout Anticipation: Traders expect a breakout in the direction opposite to the slant of the converging trendlines. Entry and Exit points 1. Entry Point: Wait for a confirmed breakout above the upper trendline (in descending triangles) or below the lower trendline (in ascending triangles) to enter a trade. 2. Stop-Loss Placement: Set a stop-loss order slightly outside the triangle pattern to mitigate potential losses if the breakout fails. 3. Target Price: Measure the height of the triangle pattern and project it in the direction of the breakout to determine a potential target price. Expanding Triangle: Expanding triangles, also known as broadening triangles, are characterized by diverging trendlines, indicating increased volatility and uncertainty in the market. These patterns often precede significant price reversals. Characteristics: 1. Diverging Trendlines: The upper and lower trendlines move in opposite directions, creating a widening pattern. 2. Increasing Range: The price range between the trendlines expands as the pattern develops, reflecting growing market volatility. 3. Breakout Anticipation: Traders anticipate a breakout in the direction opposite to the widening of the triangle pattern. Entry and Exit points 1. Entry Point: Wait for a confirmed breakout above the upper trendline or below the lower trendline to initiate a trade. 2. Stop-Loss Placement: Set a stop-loss order slightly outside the triangle pattern to limit potential losses if the breakout fails. 3. Target Price: Measure the height of the triangle pattern and project it in the direction of the breakout to determine a potential target price. Horizontal triangle patterns offer traders valuable insights into potential market trends and price movements. By understanding the characteristics and formation of these patterns, traders can effectively identify entry and exit points, set appropriate stop-loss orders, and determine target prices. However, it is essential to combine triangle patterns with other technical analysis tools and indicators for a comprehensive trading strategy. With practice and experience, traders can harness the power of triangle patterns to enhance their trading decisions.
Education
by UnknownUnicorn15614419
4
WHAT EXACTLY IS A TRADING EDGE?In the world of the forex market, having a trading edge can make all the difference between success and failure. A trading edge refers to a set of unique advantages or strategies that give us an increased probability of making profitable trades. It is the secret weapon that separates the winners from the losers in the highly competitive trading arena. In this post, we will explore some key elements that contribute to a trader's edge and how they can be effectively utilized. One of the crucial components of a trading edge is the ability to identify and execute high-probability setups. These setups are specific market conditions or patterns that have historically shown a higher likelihood of resulting in profitable trades. Traders with well-defined setups can quickly assess the market and take advantage of favorable opportunities. However, having a setup alone is not enough; we must develop a comprehensive strategy to guide our decision-making process. A trading strategy encompasses our overall approach to the market, including entry and exit rules, risk management parameters, and trade management techniques. A well-thought-out strategy provides a systematic framework to follow, reducing emotional decision-making and increasing consistency. To maximize our trading edge, we must pay attention to both pre-market and post-market analysis. Pre-market analysis involves evaluating market conditions and news events before the opening bell. This allows us to anticipate potential price movements and adjust our strategy accordingly. Post-market analysis helps review trades, identify strengths and weaknesses, and make adjustments for future trades. Keeping a trading journal is another essential tool for enhancing our trading edge. A journal serves as a record of all trades, including entry and exit points, reasons for entering the trade, and lessons learned. By regularly reviewing the journal, we can identify patterns in the decision-making process and refine our strategy accordingly. The market itself plays a significant role in our trading edge. Understanding the overall market sentiment, trends, and key levels of support and resistance can provide valuable insights for making informed trading decisions. Traders who stay informed about market dynamics are better equipped to adapt their strategies to changing conditions. The time of day and time frame chosen for trading can also contribute to our trading edge as well. Different trading strategies may work better during specific times of the day (sessions) or on particular time frames. Some traders prefer short-term intraday trades, while others focus on longer-term swing trades. Identifying the most suitable time frames and trading hours can significantly increase our chances of success. News events are another factor that can impact a trader's edge. Economic releases, corporate earnings announcements (for stock traders), and geopolitical developments can cause significant market volatility. Traders who stay updated on news events and understand their potential impact on the market can adjust their strategies accordingly or even capitalize on these events. Effective money management and risk management are vital aspects of maintaining a trading edge. Money management involves determining the appropriate position sizing and risk per trade, ensuring that losses are controlled and profits are maximized. Risk management techniques, such as setting stop-loss orders and trailing stops, help protect against excessive losses and preserve capital. Our first job is not to make a profit but to preserve our capital. Establishing a routine and following specific rituals can also contribute to our trading edge. A routine helps to maintain discipline and consistency in trading. Routines, such as reviewing charts, analyzing news events, and mentally preparing before each trading session, can help us get into the right mindset for making sound decisions. What do you do in the morning after waking up? Go straight to the chart? Meditate for 15 minutes? What are you going to do if a family incident occurs or if the power goes out? Creating a watchlist and trade plan is the final piece of the puzzle for enhancing our edge in the markets. A watchlist consists of potential trade opportunities that meet our setup criteria. By having a pre-defined list of stocks or forex pairs to focus on, we can avoid being overwhelmed by numerous options. A trade plan outlines the specific steps to be taken for each trade, including entry and exit points, risk management parameters, and profit targets. In conclusion, a trading edge is a combination of various elements that contribute to our success in the financial markets. By developing a set of high-probability setups, implementing a well-defined strategy, staying informed about market dynamics and news events, and effectively managing money and risks, we can gain a significant advantage in the markets. Maintaining a routine, following rituals, and having a watchlist—all of these become part of the trade plan that gives us an edge in the markets. And if we apply discipline and consistency to it, we have a much higher chance of being successful in trading. Traders, if you liked this educational post, give it a boost and write in the comments.
Education
by Lingrid
13
CHECKLIST AS PART OF THE TRADING PLANHello, friends! We all know that it is important to have a trading plan and a profitable strategy, and, of course, to follow them. Now, the issue of discipline and following your own trading rules is where most of the problems start. However, there is one simple tool, literally a piece of paper, that can help you significantly improve your discipline in trading and, as a result, your key performance indicators and profits. With that simple tool being the checklist. In this article we will talk about why it is important, why it is important for a trader and how to properly compile and apply it. Why do traders plan their trades? Great traders and world-famous investors plan how, when and why they are investing. They realize that to achieve their ultimate goal, they need a map outlining the route of their trading plan that will help guide them to make the right decisions at the right time. A trading plan will provide you with structure and help you develop discipline in your trading actions. It will help you track your trading process, assign responsibility and measure your success. It will provide you with a framework to clearly visualize your current situation at any given time, and will help you identify your goals, outline your strategy, and determine your risks and returns. Whether you are an experienced trader or just a beginner, a well thought out trading plan is sort of the vehicle you need to get to your destination. Not only is it important to have your trading plan, but it is equally important to stick to it. Some of us easily stick to it, while others are in a constant struggle with their concept and the reality of carefully following the rules, they have defined in their strict trading plan. Do you really have a trading plan that you would follow by properly executing your market entries and exits? I'm a big advocate that we should all have a clear system to support our decision making that will help us remain objective and unbiased about when to buy and sell. However, should any good system that you should follow be so unambiguous? Should you trust it or doubt it? Your discipline and commitment to your trading plan can be measured, reviewed and improved. You can incorporate key performance indicators into your trading strategy and determine how closely you follow your rules and trading plan. The number of mistakes you make based on aspects such as noise, emotion or oversights can be counted and questioned - as a result, you can improve your trading plan. Identify your mistakes by comparing when your system gives you a buy or sell signal, when and why you actually executed it. If most of your trades are not executed according to your system or rules, you may be managing your positions intuitively rather than following the rules. This approach to trading lacks consistency and will negatively impact your returns in the long run. At the same time, there are cases where trading based on emotion will minimize losses and lock in profits, but only a narrow range of professional traders have intuitively mastered this ability on a consistent basis. In the end, for the remaining traders, emotion-based trading does not work because it cannot be replicated, and it only leads to insolvency and frustration. What may work today will not work tomorrow and always. In addition, this kind of trading increases stress and creates bad habits for repeated indecision. If your trading plan is solid most of the time, then it is worth sticking to it. Thus, it is important to make an effort to check the reliability and stability of your trading plan before you start trading or increase your risks. Traders often abandon their plans when they do not have enough personal experience to follow the plans and thus naturally lack confidence. What would make it easier to follow your plan? So how do you follow your plan? One of the things that gets in our way is, oddly enough, our brain. We think and guess too much. From this we can assume that if we reduce the activity of our wandering mind and leave only logic, efficiency will increase. A good way to accomplish this is to make and print out a checklist for entering and exiting trades. What is a checklist? A checklist contains a number of necessary items for any work. In our case for trading. The checklist is used to check if all the conditions are in line with your market entry strategy. You tick each of the conditions, if at least one of them is not fulfilled, do not enter the market. Everything is very simple. Suppose your strategy is based on two indicators combined with support/resistance levels, you trade intraday, one of these indicators is a trend indicator and the other is an oscillator. Then your checklist could look like this: 1) Now American / London session? - Yes/No 2) Is there an entry signal on the X indicator? - Yes/No 3) Is the Y indicator in agreement with the signal of the X indicator? - Yes/No 4) Does the signal have a level support? - Yes / No 4) Isn't there another level in the way of the proposed trade, which will prevent it from reaching the target? - Yes / No 5) Is there no important news coming out in the next half an hour? - Yes / No 6) Am I feeling well right now (i.e. I am not sick, depressed, tired)? - Yes / No You run through this list and mark the items with a pencil. If the answer to all questions is YES then enter the trade. If there is at least one NO do not enter. Everything is so simple and you do not need to think. By thinking I mean the wandering mind mode, which leads to unnecessary trades, early entries/exits, etc. The checklist removes these mental "what ifs", "I guess", "it seems", etc. All items on the checklist match - enter. If at least one item doesn't match - don't enter. How to Make a Checklist for Your Strategy How to make a checklist? Very simple. Take the rules of your strategy and reduce them to a list of items so that against each item you can put a check mark, if the conditions on the chart correspond to it, or answer one-word Yes / No. I also advise you to include a point about your current moral state, because it is not worth trading when you are tired, sick, depressed, etc. Conclusion A checklist is essentially a checklist of items from your trading strategy and trading plan. Its purpose is to reduce the influence of a "wandering mind" on your trading. Also, the checklist helps you not to forget about anything. Every time, before opening a trade, run through each point on your list: if even one item does not correspond to the current situation - do not enter the market. And may the profit be with you!
Education
by DeGRAM
3
UNDERSTANDING DIVERGENCEWhat is divergence? Divergence in trading is one of the key tools used by us traders to analyze the market and make decisions about entering or exiting trades. It is based on observing differences between two different indicators such as price and oscillator. The advantage of using divergence in trading is that it allows us to identify possible market reversals in advance and take measures to protect positions. It can also be used to confirm other signals such as support and resistance levels or trend lines. However, it should be noted that divergence is not always a sufficient signal to enter or exit a trade. It should be confirmed by other tools and market analysis. It is also important to remember that divergence can be false and signal of a temporary deviation from the main market movement. We’ll explain it later below. How can we identify a divergence? We will use a bearish divergence as shown above as an example. A bearish divergence occurs when the price makes a new high, but the oscillator does not confirm this movement and makes a higher high. This indicates that the strength of buyers is weakening and a bearish trend is possible. We can use various oscillators such as RSI (Relative Strength Index), MACD (Moving Average Convergence/Divergence) or stochastic oscillator to identify bearish divergence. We have to observe the price movement and the oscillator values. If the price forms a new high but the oscillator forms a lower high, this could be a bearish divergence signal. However, for the divergence to work it must be at significant levels as mentioned earlier. We use market analysis techniques such as support and resistance, trend lines or trading volume if you trade stocks. This will help us to make sure the signal is reliable and make an informed trading decision. Types of divergences There are usually 2 types of divergence that can be used by traders to analyze the market: Trend Reversal Divergence and Trend Continuation Divergence . 1. Trend Reversal Divergence. This is the most common type of divergence that occurs when the price of an asset forms a new high or low and the oscillator does not confirm this movement and forms a lower high or higher low. That is, the price moves in one direction, but for example RSI in another direction as if hinting that this price movement does not have the strength that it had before. 2. Trend Continuation Divergence. This type of divergence occurs during a correction in a major trend. It can indicate that the primary trend may continue after the pullback is complete. If we have a market in moving against the main trend, this pullback should also have the strength/momentum that it should end. For example, if the price makes LL then HL, and RSI makes LL then another LL, it is a sign that the bearish movement (pullback) has no strength to move lower. There are several forms of divergence that can indicate different trend strength. Let's look at bearish divergence as an example: 1. Strong Divergence. In this case, the price forms a new high and the oscillator forms a much lower high. This is considered the most reliable bearish divergence signal and can indicate strong buyer weakness and the possible onset of a bearish trend. 2. Medium Divergence. Here the price barely makes a new high or turns into a double top and the oscillator on another hand makes a lower high. There is no super strong divergence in this case, it may indicate a less strong and weakening of the buyers and a possible trend shift. 3. Weak Divergence. In this case, the asset price forms a new high and the oscillator also forms a lower high, but the difference between the two is minimal. This can be a less reliable signal of a bearish divergence and in many cases, it can be a signal of trend strength. That is, we can expect a possible small pullback. Below you can see that UKOIL has made new highs but the RSI barely made lower high which confirms the strength of the trend. Example of hidden divergence In conclusion, divergence in trading is a powerful tool for analyzing the market. It allows traders to detect possible market reversals and make appropriate trading decisions. it is important to note that divergence can be a warning signal of a possible trend change, but it does not guarantee it. We should use additional tools and analysis methods to confirm the signal and make an informed trading decision.
Education
by Lingrid
15
PRICE ACTION: DOJI PATTERNWhat to do with Doji? Beginning forex traders, having come across the candlestick pattern Doji, get lost and start making rash actions. They close and open positions, change stop-loss, etc. Naturally, such rush leads to losses. So how to be with doji, what to do when such a candlestick appears on the chart? What is Doji? A doji is a candlestick that has equal or almost equal opening and closing prices. There should also be shadows on both sides of the candlestick that are about the same size. A doji indicates an agreement between buyers and sellers, or the absence of players, or a testing of a level. This formation can either be a reversal formation or it can lead to a continuation of the trend. We can say that the Doji is the yellow color of a traffic light. How to trade the Doji? The Doji candlestick pattern can be taken as a reversal signal only in one case. If the following conditions are met (simultaneously): • Doji was preceded by a strong, and clearly visible extended trend. • Before the doji there was a full-body candlestick of medium or large size (relative to the current chart) in the direction of the trend. • There is a confirmation, i.e. after the doji there was a candle opposite to the dominant trend. • Only if these three conditions are present, we can consider an entry against the trend after the doji appears. In all other cases, the doji is simply ignored. Stop Loss is placed behind the doji's extreme point, Take Profit at the nearest support/resistance level. Since the doji pattern is not strong, we do not take big targets. Important Points • It is highly desirable to have a support/resistance level as well as for any Price Action setup. • The doji maximum is a level, the break of which will mean that the trend is still in force. • Other timeframes should not be overlooked • On timeframes less than H1 the doji means NOTHING. • Always wait for confirmation • If the market is moving sideways, just ignore the doji. • Only the FIRST doji is important • Short shadows are desirable for a reversal UKOIL EURUSD Conclusion The Doji pattern is mostly just a confusing trading pattern. In 95% of cases, it should simply be ignored. You can only trade the Doji if you fulfill 3 conditions at the same time: a clear trend, a full-body, non-small candlestick in the direction of the trend before the Doji, and a confirming candlestick against the trend after the Doji.
Education
by DeGRAM
4
MYFXBOOK TRADER VERIFICATIONIn the world of forex trading, Myfxbook has become a popular platform for traders to share and analyze their trading results. However, as with any online platform, there is a risk of encountering fake or fraudulent accounts that mislead users. It is crucial to be able to spot these fake Myfxbook accounts to ensure credibility and make informed decisions when following or investing in traders' strategies. In this article, we will discuss how to identify potential fake accounts and ensure the validity and reliability of Myfxbook traders. 1. Unrealistic returns One of the first signs of a fake Myfxbook account is consistently high and unrealistic returns. While it is possible to achieve high profits in forex trading, one must be cautious when faced with accounts that consistently generate unrealistically high returns without any significant losses or drawdowns. Without a capital growth chart of a trader on Myfxbook, it is impossible to draw clear conclusions about his trading results. A capital growth chart allows you to see how a trader manages his trades and how his account rises or falls over time. Also look at the difference between gains and absolute gains, as these two parameters, can be confusing to most traders. It can be used by scammers to trick traders. Scammers can increase a small account by 100% and then deposit an additional $20,000 to make it appear as if all profits were made in a larger trading account. The main difference between the two is that: gains show growth from initial deposits, while absolute gains show growth from current and subsequent deposits. 2. Absence of fluctuations and drawdowns Genuine trading accounts usually show ups and downs, periods of profit and drawdowns. If a Myfxbook account shows a steady uptrend without any significant fluctuations or drawdowns, this may be an indication of a fake account. Real traders experience moments of losses and corrections that are reflected in their trading history. No trader, no matter how experienced, can completely avoid losing trades. A red flag is an account at Myfxbook that does not have a single losing trade or negative pips. Realistically, losses are part of trading and a true account should reflect both winning and losing trades. If the chart shows constant growth without natural drawdowns, it may indicate that the trader may be using for example a martingale system (or other martingale variants), which will eventually lead to a capital loss. It is important to pay attention to the stability of capital growth, the absence of sharp jumps or declines, as well as the general trend of growth. 3. Abnormal trading duration Pay attention to the duration of trades displayed on your Myfxbook account. If trades consistently last only a few seconds or minutes, this may indicate a scalping technique that can be difficult to execute profitably. Although some traders specialize in scalping, it is important to check the consistency and effectiveness of such strategies. Also note whether the Myfxbook account has been recently updated and whether there are signs of active trading. If the account is not active for a long time, it may indicate that most of the open trades were losing or the strategy is no longer working. But the trader can all show a graph of the yield curve before and deceive newbies. 4. Suspicious trading history Carefully examine the trading history presented on the Myfxbook account. Look for any irregular patterns or actions that seem too good to be true. Several winning trades in a row without a loss or a high volume of trades made within a short period can be potential signs of a fake account. A trader with a long history and consistent profits may be more reliable than someone with limited data. But since trading is about probability rather than certainty, past performance is no guarantee of future results. Note whether a backtest or a real trading strategy has been downloaded. Many traders may upload a backtest to show the amazing results of a trading strategy in order to lure new traders. 5. Verification through Myfxbook If strategies are to be made public or used for business and advisory purposes, they must be verified. Without verification, the user may not know if the strategy is reliable or if it is a scam. One of the most reliable ways to verify the reliability of a Myfxbook account is through the Verified Track Record feature. It requires account verification with partner brokers and adds an extra layer of verification of the account and trading results. If most of the information is hidden it is 100% scam, as a common method used by scammers is the martingale trading strategy. It involves taking a risk with a huge transaction size that covers all costs and losses for a certain period of time, that is, if it succeeds. And scammers have to hide it. As forex trading continues to gain popularity, it's important to be careful and vigilant when encountering traders on platforms like Myfxbook. Identifying fake or fraudulent accounts is necessary to protect yourself from potential fraudulent activities and misrepresentation. By looking for signs of unrealistic returns, analyzing fluctuations and drawdowns, verifying them with Myfxbook's verification feature and being cautious about suspicious trading histories, you can make sure that the Myfxbook accounts you follow or invest in are reliable and trustworthy. Remember, doing thorough research and due diligence is key to making informed decisions in the forex market.
Education
by UnknownUnicorn15614419
8
HIGHER HIGH AND LOWER LOW STRATEGYHello, fellow forex traders! Today we are going to learn about a strategy called HIGHER HIGH AND LOWER LOW. It is quite possible that the strategy is known to you under a different name, as it belongs to the classic ones. The strategy is based on Price Action, i.e. on the price movement and no indicators are required. Nevertheless, indicators can be used for better clarity and to simplify the search for setups. What is the essence of this strategy? In any strategy there must be some basis on which it should work. When creating your own strategy, you also need such a foundation, for example, some inefficiency of the market, or its regularity, and on this basis, you can build points for entry-exit and correction of the position. First of all, let's remember the classical definition of a trend. An uptrend is a series of successively rising highs and rising lows. That is, each high (H) is higher than the previous one and each low (L) is higher than the previous one. The opposite is true with a downtrend. In a downtrend, the highs consecutively decline and the lows also decline. Perhaps you have already guessed what kind of structure we will be looking for on the chart. That is, what is the very first sign that will allow us to understand when we should pay attention to the market and wait for a possible entry point. Let's assume that we have an uptrend. We have point H, followed by a correction at point L. This is followed by a higher high, labeled in this strategy as HH (Higher High). Then, as soon as we see a break in the trend structure, i.e. a lower low LL (Lower Low), we get ready to look for a sell point. Similarly, with the downtrend. First, we determine the low L, then the high on the correction H, the lower low LL and finally the higher high HH. This means that the structure of the downtrend is broken. We pay attention to this situation and wait for a possible entry point to buy. Let's start by considering a sell entry. We enter on the pullback to point H. This structure works because there are big players in the market, and big players need liquidity. That is, in order to make a large sale they need a large number of buy orders to " dump" the currency. The zone between H and HH is a zone of high liquidity. Accordingly, there are many people willing to buy here, as they hope for the continuation of the uptrend. You can enter with a pending order; in which case the sequence is as follows. We wait for the formation of the LL point (trend break). Then set Sell Limit at level H. As in the case of selling, in the reverse pattern we have a zone of increased liquidity between points L and LL. There are many people who want to sell here, those who hope for the continuation of the downtrend. Someone bought too early, someone panics and closes positions, also many people may have stop-losses in this zone. Accordingly, it is a good opportunity for a big player to buy, and we enter the market together with it. We are waiting for the formation of the HH point. Then set Buy Limit at the level of L. Risk management We place the stop loss behind the extreme point of the high liquidity zone. HH - in case of sells, LL - in case of buys. Stop-loss is placed at the points where we can say for sure that we are wrong. We have two targets. For sells, the first target is at the L level, the second at LL. For buying, on the contrary, we take the first profit from H, the second from HH. If the distance between the target 1 and 2 is too small, it makes sense to take only the first target. In other cases, you can take the average value between the two points to set take profit. Some examples Let's look at an example. Here we see the formation of a low, correction H and a lower low - LL. Then the price draws a zigzag without going beyond the boundaries of the points we have marked. For clarity, don't forget to draw levels. You can ignore the zigzags inside the levels. When there is a higher maximum - HH, that is, the structure of the downtrend is broken, we start looking for buys. In this case, we need a pullback to the L point. After the formation of the HH point, we set Buy Limit at the L level and wait. In this case, the price reached our order and then went up. The entry point can be quite far away from the set-up that was formed. In this case, we had an upward trend. First we mark the first high, then the low and the higher high - HH. Then, following the ZigZag clues, we find the lower low LL, which is quite far away. The entry point for selling will be located at the H level. At this level we are looking to sell. At first glance, the distance is large. Accordingly, the price subsequently bounces from the level marked by us. We place the stop-loss slightly above the extreme point - HH. In this case, the take/stop ratio is very good. As you may have already guessed, this strategy combines the theory of support/resistance levels. Candlesticks with large shadows in the rebound zone show how the big players gained positions by destroying the buys. Accordingly, the price then went down, reaching our take profit. Summary Try not to look for setups in price chaos that are not there. Trade only the right setups with a good ratio of profit to risk. This method I find great for reversal at supply and demand zones. Also, this strategy can be used in combination with other strategies. In general, it is a good foundation for your development as a trader.
Education
by Lingrid
11
PRICE ACTION: PIN BARSThe pinbar setup is a popular candlestick pattern that is widely used by traders in the forex market. It consists of a single candlestick with a small body and a long shadow, which resembles a pin. This pattern often indicates a potential reversal or continuation of a trend. In this post, we will discuss the best methods to trade the pinbar setup at key levels, trendlines, moving averages, and Fibonacci levels, accompanied by examples for better understanding. ✴️ 1. Key Levels: Key levels are certain prices at which strong support or resistance is expected. They can be used to determine entry and exit points for trades. For example, if the price reaches a support level and forms a pinbar, it can be a buy entry signal. On the other hand, if the price reaches a resistance level and forms a pinbar, it could be a signal to enter a sell trade. Psychological levels and open interest levels can also be used to identify key levels. ✴️ 2. Trend Lines: Trend lines are used to determine the direction of a trend. They can be drawn by connecting two or more high or low points on a chart. An uptrend is characterized by consecutive high and low points, a downtrend is characterized by consecutive low and high points, and a sideways trend is characterized by horizontal lines. Pin bars can be used to confirm or deviate from trend lines. For example, if price reaches a trend line and forms a pinbar, this can be a signal to enter a trade in the direction of the trend. ✴️ 3. Moving averages: Moving averages are used to determine trend direction and the smoothness of price movements. A simple moving average (SMA) is calculated by summing the prices for a certain period and dividing by the number of periods. An exponential moving average (EMA) pays more attention to more recent data. Pinbars can be used in conjunction with moving averages to confirm or deviate from a trend. For example, if price crosses a moving average from top to bottom and forms a pinbar, this can be a signal to enter a sell. ✴️ 4. Fibonacci Levels: Fibonacci levels are horizontal lines that are used to determine support and resistance levels. They are calculated based on Fibonacci numerical sequences and can be used to identify possible price reversal points. For example, if the price reaches a Fibonacci level and forms a pinbar, this can be a signal to enter a trade. Different Fibonacci levels such as 38.2%, 50% and 61.8% can be used to identify possible support and resistance levels. ✴️ Conclusion Pinbar forex trading using key levels, trendlines, moving averages and Fibonacci levels can be an effective method for identifying entry and exit points for trades. It is important to remember that no single indicator or strategy is a guarantee of success, so a strict approach to risk management and the use of additional tools and analysis to confirm pinbar signals is essential. I hope this post will help you develop your own strategy for trading pinbars in the Forex market.
Education
by DeGRAM
4
ELLIOTT WAVE CORRECTIVE PATTERNS Elliott Wave corrective movements are deviations from the main trend and serve to correct errors or imperfections that occurred during the formation of an impulse movement. These corrective movements are defined by complex wave structures that can be repeated in different variations and combinations. The wave structure consists of two types of movements - impulsive and corrective. An impulsive movement is directed in the main direction of the trend, while a corrective movement is the opposite of this direction. Correction waves are the inverse of impulse waves, and they are executed as three-type structures. Elliott described 21 correction patterns of ABC type. There are three main types of Elliott Wave corrective movements. All of them are quite simple and consist of only three patterns. - Zig Zag - Sideways or flat - Triangles 1. Zigzag Corrections: This type of corrective movement consists of three waves, with the second wave diverging in the opposite direction from the trend in the first wave and the third wave returning to the main trend. Zigzag corrections can be either upward or downward. 2. Non-wave-like (Flat) Corrections: In this case, the corrective movement is a sideways movement in which the second wave deviates from the main trend and the third wave returns to it. Non-Waveform corrections can be flat or complex, depending on the structure and duration. 3. Triangular (Triangle) Corrections: In this case, the corrective movement is a triangle formation, which consists of five small waves connected to each other by triangle diagonals. Each wave of a triangle correction can be impulsive or corrective in nature. Elliott Wave corrective movements can be combined and repeated in different ways to form complex and interesting wave structures. Studying and understanding these corrective movements allows traders and investors to predict future price movements and make appropriate market decisions. Corrective movements of Elliot waves are important for analyzing past, current and upcoming market cycles. They allow to determine possible entry and exit points of trades. However, it is worth remembering that financial markets are complex and subject to various factors, so the analysis should be done with caution and taking into account other factors and analysis tools.
Education
by Lingrid
4
IMPORTANCE OF COMBINING TIMEFRAMESA trader usually works on a strategy that is strictly tied to one timeframe. This timeframe is used to determine the trend direction and search for strategy signals. Alexander Elder proposed to perform additional analysis and confirm the trend movement on two more timeframes of higher order. This technique was first described in his work, called "Elder's Three Screens". Combining timeframes was designed to: • Increase the winrate • Improve the accuracy of entries Alexander Elder suggested adding one more chart with a higher timeframe to the trading timeframe to get an overall picture of the trend and determine its direction. And to look for entry points into trades on the third screen with the smallest timeframe. Theoretically, the trend matching on two higher timeframes increases the percentage of profitable trades. Moving the strategy algorithm to a smaller timeframe reduces the size of stop-loss and recorded losses. For example, a trader analyzes the general trend on a daily chart and determines its direction. Let's assume that the currency pair is growing the price is above the moving average MA (200). According to the rules of the strategy, it is necessary to go to the 4-hour chart and wait for the confirmation of the trend on this timeframe. The currency pair price should also rise above the MA (200). After the combination of trends on D1 and H4, it is necessary to wait for a similar signal on M15 or M5. Then it will be possible to look for an entry point into a trade to buy according to the strategy. The practical results of combining timeframes according to Elder's strategy are of little value. Even if the general trend on the daily chart is upward, different price movements can occur on a lower timeframe, for example, on a 15-minute or 5-minute chart. Despite the global trend of the oldest American stock index, only 50% of days over the last 30 years closed above the closing price of the previous day. It turns out that the ever-growing Dow index has an even distribution of positive and negative days. In the Forex market, in general, we can also expect a roughly even distribution, especially if we take into account the range nature of the currency market, i.e. the accuracy of the Elder filter from the higher timeframes works 50/50. Therefore, relying only on the trend of the higher timeframe is not recommended for intraday traders (day traders). However, if this kind of signal filtering gives you psychological confidence, you can use this tactic. Psychology and emotional comfort are an important component of trading. ✴️ How To Reduce Stop-loss And Increase The Efficiency Of Trading Strategy By Combining Timeframes There is another approach of combining timeframes in trading, which is found in the works of Tom Dante. This tactic is based on Dante's work and allows you to combine several timeframes using structural analysis of price movement. Instead of simply filtering signals, the trader looks for matching patterns on different timeframes, which can indicate more reliable entry points into the trade. Increasing winrate and reducing stop-losses can be achieved by using a strategy that works equally well on different timeframes. For example, Price Action is ideal for these requirements. As in the classic Elder strategy, everything starts with analyzing the general trend on the D1 chart. Only the trader is busy looking for support/resistance levels, key candlestick formations and other Price Action signals. In the example below, there is a level breakout on the D1 chart. If the trader decides to go short, the stop loss should be behind the candlestick high or at the nearest resistance level from the broken line. Then you can move to the 4-hour chart and look for structural support or resistance levels that can confirm the overall trend. And on the H1 chart, you can look for confirmations to enter the trade in the form of candlestick formations or other technical indicators. This way, you combine information from multiple timeframes to more accurately determine when to enter the market. It is not recommended to go below the hourly chart if D1 has become the starting point for combining timeframes. A trader can also simplify the combination strategy to two timeframes, for example, D1 and H1. In the example above, the H1 chart shows a bounce from a broken level, which can be used as a signal to open a short. In this case, the stop loss will be just above the local maximum of the hour candles, which is much smaller than the stop loss on D1. ✴️ Combining the D1 timeframe with H1 enables the trader to: • Reduce stop loss and increase the order lot; • Increase profit by using take profit to close the position, which is set on the D1 chart. Stop Loss on H1 allows you to increase the profit/risk ratio by times when trading on D1. Without combining timeframes, risk and profit would be 1 to 1 or at least 2 to 1. ✴️ Let's summarize the simple rules of structural analysis of the strategy of combined timeframes: 1. Find a pattern on the D1 timeframe 2. Move to H4/H1 and wait for a signal using the same strategy 3. Open a trade according to the rules of the strategy on H4/H1 4. Set Stop Loss on H4/H1 5. Set take profit on D1 ✴️ Conclusion It is worth noting that the proposed strategy will require additional Price Action skills. Searching for patterns requires great attention and patience to wait for confirming signals on each timeframe. However, this approach can improve the accuracy of entries and reduce the probability of false signals. Risk management is the most important aspect of timeframe combinations. When using lower timeframes, you can determine more accurate stop loss and take profit levels based on the higher timeframes. This helps to reduce risk and increase potential profits. Like every new strategy, the idea of combining structural market analysis requires practice on a demo account to find more appropriate trading systems and to practice correlating signals.
Education
by DeGRAM
5
TRADING IN PRICE CHANNELSPrice spends most of its time in trading ranges. On the chart, this results in the formation of a horizontal, ascending or descending trading channel. Trading channels are one of the most common and important chart patterns. Indeed, in most cases, price tends to consolidate in a limited range, which is a manifestation of buying activity by market participants. What is a Trading Channel? A trading channel, whether upward or downward, is simply the range in which price moves. It creates areas of resistance and support in the market where buy and sell orders cause a rebound to the center of the range itself. Building a trading channel is very simple. Just draw a trend line, then project a parallel one. Once a trading channel is formed, you can enter the market whenever price touches one of the channel boundaries. This approach works best inside horizontal trading channels. If you are in an ascending or descending trading channel, I suggest you only trade in the direction of the main trend. How to use trading channels to determine the best entry points into the market? Let's discuss the subtleties of this trading style. We will talk about how to build a trading channel, what are the pros and cons of trading in these channels. The Idea of Trading in Price Channels The price of a pair on the currency market fluctuates within a certain corridor, which can be represented as a channel. Moving price in the channel is the main principle on which all channel trading strategies are built. Trading in the price channel brings profit in case of a clear definition of the channel in which the price moves. For this purpose, a certain timeframe is taken, and on it the levels, to which the price reached but did not cross them, are determined. These levels are the upper and lower boundaries of the corridor. And herein lies the main problem for many traders - the correct building of the price channel. In fact, a regular chart building is enough for trading, and a regular chart corridor is already the simplest trading strategy that does not require additional tools for confirmation. Nevertheless, many traders find it necessary to use a variety of ways to confirm the signal. These can be candlestick patterns, various level indicators, divergences, etc. Two Situations Are Considered In Trading In Channels: price has broken the channel border; price did not break the channel border. At the same time, each strategy has its own breakout criteria and its own rules for opening positions. In addition, the type of channel used for trading plays a very important role. The most common types of channels are ascending and descending channels. The Advantages Of Including Channels In Your Trading Arsenal: - low trading risks; - simple rules, understanding of which will not be a problem for a beginner; - high profitability. However, like any other method, the trading in the channels requires clear adherence to the rules of opening positions and compliance with money management. There Are A Number Of Key Points To Keep In Mind When Trading In Channels: - the best timeframes for trading are M30 and higher; - positions are opened at bounce from the borders inside the channel; - the channel is built in the direction of the trend: upward - by two minimums and one maximum, downward - vice versa; - a position is opened only after the price reaches the channel boundary; - it is allowed to place a pending order outside the channel in case of its breakout. In many cases, the effectiveness of trading signals in the trading channels depends on the stability of the channel. If there are signs of a trend change or the end of the channel, it is better not to trade. If the price breaks the channel border and goes outside of it, in most cases, the price movement will be approximately equal to the width of the previous corridor. This gives the trader an opportunity to plan and open a trade in time. The efficiency of trading in channels increases if you use oscillators, with the help of which you can determine price reversals. As well as the validity of the breakdown of the corridor boundaries. Some examples: One recent example is gold. Gold is in a descending channel. And it was possible to sell when the price reached the upper border of the descending channel. The upper border of the channel coincided with resistance, which was a double confirmation. Let's also focus on the oil. The price has formed a beautiful channel. The price bounced from round levels and from the channel border. In the article about demand and supply I mentioned that the price is at the supply zone and it can bounce from the zone and the price did go down breaking the ascending channel which can be a sign of a trend reversal. On the New Zealand dollar, we had two beautiful selling opportunities. Here too, as in gold, the channel border coincides with resistance, which gives additional confidence in the trade.
Education
by Lingrid
11
ORDER FLOW SIMPLIFIED✴️ What is Order flow in trading? In brief, it is the flow of trades of a major player. Order flow is searched for after liquidity has been captured or if the price enters the area of interest. Price is fractal and therefore the same areas of interest can be applied to different timeframes. The Order Flow trading method allows you to enter a trade even if you missed the original entry into the position. ✴️ How order flow is applied in trading A large market participant is able to create a zone of interest in any market, and when the price goes to this zone - it places a large flow of buy and sell orders to move the price in one or another desired direction. When the price reaches the area of interest, the large participant will start putting pressure with orders. For example, if the price comes to the sell zone of interest, a large player may start spamming sell orders, which will rebalance the orders and force the price to move in the desired direction. A trader who takes order flow into account is able to determine the direction in which the large player is pouring orders. This will allow you to enter trades in the direction of the current pressure of the large market participant, and reduce your risks. When the bearish order flow is working, the minimums are being reprinted. The situation is the opposite with a bullish order flow. ✴️ How the order flow works - So, the order flow is a manipulation of a large market participant for a position set and price movement in the desired direction. That is, we distinguish the entire momentum without pullbacks as order flow. - Very often a large player holds two trades simultaneously, one of which is a deceptive position in order to gather liquidity from the crowd. - It is difficult to enter from Order Flow point by point; it is much more effective to find an order block. - Price most often tests the Order Flow zone. - The Order Flow zone works only for one touch, you should remember that! You should not trade Order Flow when re-entering it, the efficiency will be much lower. - On higher timeframes, Order Flow looks like an order block. ✴️ How the order flow is formed To find a sell order flow, you need to check the following signs: - A structure has broken down, or there has been a liquidity grab - Liquidity has been taken - A new low has been formed, below the previous low. Confirmation of bearish order flow comes when the price touches the sell zone of interest, confirming the interest of a major market participant. Here's what to look out for to find bullish order flow: - The downward structure has been broken - Liquidity has been taken - A higher price high has been formed. In the case of a bearish confirmation, everything is exactly the same as with a bullish confirmation, only it is the other way around. When the price starts to come back after an unclosed trade of a big player and touches the bullish interest zone, leaving the order flow zone, this is the entry point. ✴️ Bearish Order Flow When a bearish order flow of a major market participant is functioning the price falls below the previous lows. During the correction we will be able to catch the entry point to buy, at the moment of liquidity refresh, when the price will recover to the orders of a large player. The price follows liquidity. Of course, it is possible that the structure will break and there will be no new lows, but statistically most often we will see movement in the past direction of the downtrend. Our goal with bearish order flow is to open smart short positions. Ideally, we should wait for a liquidity update and a test of the zone of interest. Just don't put stops too close, because close stops are often a delicious target for large market players. It is more reasonable to put a stop where the whole downtrend pattern will be broken for sure. A stop that is too close is likely to be hit by the price and you will take a loss. ✴️ Bullish Order Flow Bullish order flow occurs when asset prices rise and exceed previous highs. During correction periods, price will take liquidity off sellers. Our objective here is to catch the correction to the zone of interest to enter long positions as carefully as possible. Our priority is long trades after the test of the zone of interest and taking out the sellers' liquidity. The main thing, as in the previous case, is not to put a stop too close. Remember that stops right behind the zone will be a target for big players. According to market mechanics, large market participants need liquidity to fill their positions to one side or the other. If you want to enter a trade very precisely - it is worth paying attention to the zone of interest itself, for example, an imbalance or a order block. ✴️ Conclusions Order Flow is the traces of a major player on the price charts. When we retest from the money flow zone, we are waiting for a pullback from it in the direction of the major trend. It is more reasonable to enter pointwise from the order blocks because it is very difficult to put a short stop on the Order Flow zone and a long stop is not so favorable for us in the long term. Also, a good entry point can be an imbalance to buy or sell in imbalance points concentrated large aggregate demand or supply. The order flow in this situation will act as the main complementary indicator for entering a position.
Education
by DeGRAM
9
DOUBLE BOTTOM FORMATIONThis model is a W-shaped pattern. It is formed at the "bottom" of the market. It serves as a reversal model. When identifying a double bottom formation, look for price patterns that occur when a price has reached a support level twice and failed to break through it. For example, consider a chart with two distinct lows, with a trough in between. The price may then make a sudden upward movement, which would be followed by two more lows. More on this below: Set entry and exit points: Once the double bottom pattern has been identified, it's important to set entry and exit points. The entry point should be when the market breaks above the high between the two bottoms. The stop loss should be placed below the lower bottom and the take profit should be placed a few pips above the high between the two bottoms. There are 3 methods of entry on it. 1. On the breakout of the neck level. - The breaking candle should not be a candle of indecision, even if it closes above/below the neckline. The breakout candle should be without big spikes. 2. On a pullback to the broken neckline. - Signals from price action like (Pinbar, Inside Bar, PPR, etc.) should appear. Without them, in fact, just on the bounce from the level, you should not enter, there is a big risk. 3. On the 2nd peak level (the riskiest method). - Candlestick patterns or built-in price action formations should be formed. Built-in formations are the pattern that formed inside some more significant pattern. That is, we have a W-shaped pattern. The price makes the second peak and another pattern can be formed on this second peak. It can be 1-2-3 formation or Head and Shoulders, etc. Monitor the trade carefully. Monitor the trade closely and adjust the stop loss and take profits as necessary. If the double bottom pattern fails and the price breaks below the lower bottom, close the trade and re-evaluate the market. If the double bottom pattern fails, it is important to re-evaluate the market, because this could mean the end of the current trend.
Education
by UnknownUnicorn15614419
8
IMPULSE AND CORRECTIVE MOVEMENT What is an impulsive price movement? This is a situation when the market moves with great force in one or another direction, passing large distances in a short period of time. What is a corrective price movement? It is a price stop. After an impulsive movement, the price needs a rest. Unlike an impulsive movement, a corrective movement lasts long enough and is often just in consolidation (sideways movement). There are exceptions, when the price after a strong movement is not in a sideways, but rather in a microtrend against the main movement with a weak price impulse and goes a short distance up\down (depends on the trend direction). On the chart you can see the descending price channel, I have marked the important places. Next, I will describe everything in order. First, I will tell you how to determine a true or false breakout of a level in the trend and how to work from these levels using impulses (these levels are called mirror levels (swing) that change their level from resistance to support). A: there was a break of the support level with good momentum, up to this point there was a bullish movement and sideways movement. The break of level A broke the rising highs and we can already say that there was a trend reversal. Where we will proceed from the mirror levels of the trend. A mirror level is a level that from support became resistance and vice versa. After breaking the level, a corrective movement to the same broken level began. Do you remember what I was talking about in the beginning? About the fact that the price does not always go sideways after the breakout, it can also go against the general movement, but with less impulse. But in this case as you can see price went sideways after it broke through the level, then slowed down and started to roll back to the broken level, this is exactly the place where we can look for an entry into the trade. B : As I said, there was an impulsive break of the level and then a corrective movement against the main downward movement, after which the price approached the broken support level and broke it again. Most likely, the breakout was due to some news, most often the price makes a reversal without such sharp movements. This is the place where all candlesticks are filtered and decisions are made. Pay special attention to what candles are formed at such levels. Ideally, it should be like this: candles decrease in size and form dojis (i.e. candles of uncertainty). You can expect a pinbar or maribose in such places. Now remember the 2 types of corrective movements: - price moves against the main direction, but with less momentum - price is in consolidation after the breakout In this example the price is just in a sideways movement and does not make impulsive movements, it is simply resting after breaking another support level in place. In this case we also have 2 moments to enter. 1. When approaching the broken support level, which is now a resistance level. We have all the right conditions for entry: the price has no momentum, respectively, it will most likely bounce off the resistance level and continue moving downwards; uncertainty candlesticks have appeared (in this case they were dojis); and the last criterion is the appeared Outside bar setup (B point). 2. In the second case, the entry is made on the breakout of the support C Unlike the place where the price goes against the movement, in our case (sideways) the price after the breakout can go further without correction to the broken level, but there are also criteria for this: the candle that breaks through the C level should be without big spikes; the price must breakout with good momentum (notice how the price stopped out at the support level, so we should expect a true breakout with good momentum, as was the case in this example) Next example when the price rolled back immediately after breaking out of a level without sideways move at the D point. Pay attention to how the price gives signals that it has no strength to move further. These are small candles that were then engulfed by one big red candle and the price made an impulsive movement downward. Impulse and corrective moves: conclusions Impulse movement • Candlesticks have large bodies. • Price moves a long distance in a short period of time. • Each subsequent candle closes higher/below the previous one (a clear sign of a good impulse). • Candlesticks have the same color and sentiment (In a bullish trend is green/blue candlesticks. In a bearish trend is red/black. Well, or any other colors that you use). A corrective movement • Candlesticks have small bodies. • Candles of uncertainty are formed (dojis, haramis). • Price moves small distances over a long period of time. • Candlesticks have a combined color (different colors). When the price approaches the support and resistance levels or trend line borders, you should pay attention to these factors and, if they are met, you can enter the trade.
Education
by Lingrid
16
HIGHEST OPEN / LOWEST OPEN TRADE✴️ Hello, ladies and gentlemen! Today we are going to talk about a popular strategy called Highest open Lowest open. This strategy was first published on forexfactory forum. The strategy is based on following the natural movements of the market, which you may consider unpredictable. Here, we will make money on those very movements. In this strategy, you will have to wait, you will have to be disciplined. The idea behind this strategy is as follows: There are two assumptions. First, during the day there are always seemingly chaotic zigzag movements of the price. Secondly, any candle, be it bearish/bullish, will have tails. Third, someone needs to be taken out of the market. As we remember, there are bulls, bears and there are pigs as described in many famous trading books. 1) So, let's mark the High/Low points of the current day and the previous day on the chart. 2) After that, on the current day, let's mark the highest and lowest points of the H1 candle opening. It is the opening price of the candle that is meant. These opening points can and will shift during the day, and this is normal. The entries of the strategy are quite short, and such a shift of the markup during the day can occur. This (for the moment) is the end of our markup. ✴️ Strategy Rules When do we buy or sell? So, we buy when the price goes below the lower line and comes back. That is, when the price is behind the line (for example, the lower line), we place a Buy Stop order on the line to enter on its breakout. To sell, we enter on the same principle: the price goes above the upper line, set an order on the border, inside the channel. It is not necessary to use a pending order for this, if you want, you can enter the market. But, how can we understand that the price has really been below the lower level or above the upper level? After all, it may well be that the price will break the level by only one pip, which, of course, will not be a signal to enter. But, for this reason, we have the concept of "entry timeframe", which can be M5, M15 or M1. So, when the M5 candle closes above the signal line and, accordingly, a new M5 candle opens we can enter to sell when the level is reached. The same is true for buying. M5 candle should close below the signal level, and at the opening of a new candle we set a pending order. Or, we wait until the level is reached and enter the market. At the same time, the opening price should not exceed the maximum and minimum of the day! ✴️ Trade details: TP and SL, Money Management The start time of trading is 8 am New York time. But in general, you can trade practically at any time. Since everyone has different time zones, you can choose a trading time that suits you, and the strategy will still work. We set the stop loss for the daily high, or for the daily low. The method of profit taking can be different. First, there is a basic rule: when the trade is in profit +5 pips, we move the stop to breakeven +1 pips of profit. Secondly, you can exit with a profit of 10 pips, or when a profit of 10 pips or more is reached, move the stop to breakeven +5 pips. Also, you can exit the position in partial portions, it is already from personal preferences. But it is better to follow the rule of putting the stop at breakeven. So, why did we mark the High-Low of the previous day? If the high or low of the previous day is broken, it means that there was a breakout and you should be careful here. It is quite possible that the price will run far beyond the marked level after the breakout. Also, the situation with several entries within one hour is quite possible. If the price on M5 constantly breaks the level and returns, you can enter at every suitable signal. Since the profit is small in most cases, it is better to use pairs with low spread in trading. This way you will be able to move the stop to breakeven faster. There can be a lot of entries on the strategy during the day. Especially if you use several pairs. Therefore, there is no sense to risk more than 1% of your capital per trade. Moreover, it is better to use 0.5%. ✴️ Examples Now let's look at a few examples. On the H1 chart, we mark the highest opening point, and move to the M5 chart. Here, we can see how the price closed beyond the level, below the high of the current day. On the breakout of the level, we enter to sell. We set the stop loss slightly above the maximum of the day. When the profit of 5 pips is reached, we turn on the trailing stop. In this trade we would have earned about 50 pips, with an initial stop of 10 pips. We move the level again to the opening of the next candle, and wait for the crossing on M5. This, in fact, is the process of trading. Once again, we are talking about the current daily highs and lows. Thus, if the highest or lowest opening price changes, we move the line accordingly. Also, when setting a stop, we take into account the current High and Low. If there is a breakout of the previous day's High or Low, enter with caution, as the price may well rush towards the breakout. ✴️ Conclusion This strategy requires attention, the ability to wait, discipline, calm and accurate calculation. Nevertheless, it is a powerful weapon in skillful hands. That proves the popularity of the strategy on the forexfactory forum. The strategy itself is quite simple.
Education
by DeGRAM
7
SUPPLY AND DEMAND LEVELS How do we determine the levels of supply and demand on a chart? To find supply, we will look at the highs of price movements, and to find demand, we will look at the lows. We need to note highs and lows with fast and strong price movements. Fast rises for demand and troughs for supply. The less the price stays at a level the better for us. The first thing we need to do, just like when marking support and resistance levels, is to look at the highs and lows on the charts. Note that the closest area to the current price has been tested on the chart below. And the lower one has not been tested yet. It has only been touched by price once, so this area is stronger than the one that has already been tested. At the marked levels, we observe that the price was at them for a short time. It reversed almost immediately and went down with large candles. The important factor here is the time that the price "did not stay" at the level. The less time the price was on the level, the more significant this level is. And it is worth keeping in mind the size of the candles. The bigger these candles are, the stronger the reaction. In addition, supply and demand levels become mirrored. Just like support and resistance. If we pay attention to the highlighted area on the UKOIL chart below, we can see that there was first supply and then a strong breakout. The price overcame the supply, took its remain orders and went higher. And now this area has become a demand area: As you can see, there was a quick bounce from it here. Our goal is to determine the demand at the low levels and the supply at the peaks. We find strong and fast price movements on the chart. A rise for demand and a fall for supply. These should be big candles and the price should not crowd in one place for a very long time. There should not be a long retracement. The less the price spends on the level, the better. In addition, pay attention to round levels. Such as 1,100; 1,500; 1,300 and so on.... Do not go back too far on the chart, because what happened on it earlier is not so important for the methodology of supply and demand levels. These are not support and resistance levels after all. And once again I want to repeat to you that the most important thing is that these levels should be visible not only to you, but also to other players. In order for them to work them out. What happens at these levels and why do they work? At these demand levels, large players place limit buy orders, and at supply levels they place sell orders. Why does this happen? Because at these levels it is easier for the large players to execute the order by collecting the positions of smaller players. Every time the price reaches the supply area, we have sell orders executed by the big players. They take the buy orders that other players open and use them to execute their sell orders. When the buy orders run out, the price falls again. When it rises to the same level again, many sell orders of the big players are executed again with the help of stops and buy orders of smaller traders. When the opposite orders run out, the price falls again. The point is that a large position cannot be opened simply without a significant change in price. That is why big players, banks, market makers have to play around and set some kind of traps for other traders in order to open larger positions at their expense. Now let's look at this area of the supply: It was a supply level, but on two occasions many sell orders of big players were executed on it. On the third time, as you can see, there were no big players left, so the price decided to break this level and went higher. From this we conclude that supply tends to run out, just like demand. Once it is over, there is nothing to stop the price from breaking this level and going higher. Therefore, it is considered that for profitable trading the supply and demand levels are suitable only for the first time, when the price has just touched the level. Then we can sell or buy on the retest of the level. But when the price comes back to it again (for the third time), we should not enter the trade it, as the breakout is very likely. I should note that a higher candlestick maximum does not always mean that a new supply area has been created. And a lower low does not mean that a new area of demand has been created. It can be just a spike, a trace from the execution of a large number of orders. In this trade, it is worth paying attention to higher time frames. If you trade on H4, look at daily and weekly charts. So that your buying on H4 does not fall into the supply area on the weekly charts. Use multiple timeframes in your trading and don't forget to look at the level on the higher timeframes.
Education
by Lingrid
14
WHAT IS EXPECTATION IN TRADING✴️ What is expectation in trading? Every trader should be familiar with the concept of mathematical expectation, we will briefly discuss this aspect again. Take a look at the figure above. In the end, the total net profit (or loss) comes from both the frequency of profitable and losing positions (however many there are) and their average size. The goal of any market analysis, any strategy, is to try to have more profitable trades (and therefore fewer losing trades). And while entry point analysis can have its advantages, at the end of the day, we can't predict the future. The average size of profitable and losing positions, on the other hand, gives us much more information and, in fact, a very large degree of control. For if we take a risk in our position of, say, three percent, our average loss will not exceed minus three percent. And the only thing we have to do for that is to close positions when the risk gets to three percent or less. No forecasting or analysis is needed at all. Similarly, we can also increase the average size of our profitable positions by simply holding them (i.e., not closing them) and adding to them (i.e., opening more positions in that direction) as they bring us large profits. So, in the end, it's all about minimizing losses and maximizing profits. Going back to the figure above, this means we should focus on the mass of weights. Being profitable in trading over the long term, comes down to minimizing losses and allowing profits to grow. It's not about whether you act right or wrong - it's about how you manage your profits and losses. ✴️ Problems with mathematical expectation Mathematical expectation isn't hard to understand. And to help understand it, very simple analogies are often used, such as gambling: dice, roulette, or even the lottery. Thanks to expectation, it is easy to prove that all such games are ultimately losers if played for quite a long time. And here we come to the heart of the problem. The concept, or you could say the myth of "expectation of one's system". A more popular term for traders is "edge". Legend has it that you should have positive expectations of your trading system. But this is a futile endeavor because, unlike gambling, the system may not have, and probably does not have, a consistent percentage of profitable positions. After all, markets do not move randomly. Thus, in financial markets, we only know our historical frequency of profitable and losing positions, unlike in a dice game where we also know the upcoming expectation. The myth that we need to have positive expectations of our system before trusting it with our money has dire consequences. It feeds the belief that you need to have an edge (in terms of math expectation) to be profitable in the long run. It also feeds the unhelpful need for backtesting. Any system that has negative expectations and is naturally backed up by backtesting is discarded. Good systems are criticized because they may be out of sync with the markets for a while, i.e. not profitable for a while. And it comes down to adjusting the yield curve on historical data, i.e. over-optimization. What do traders do in search of a system with positive expectations? The same thing: they do not take into account the probability distribution in the measurement domain. And if Nassim Nicholas Taleb's Black Swan has taught us anything, it's that we simply can't do that. We can't apply measurements beyond the interval in which those measurements were made. And we certainly have to realize that we have to look at expectations as a whole. It is precisely not the probabilities that are killing us, it is the outcomes. And once again, even probabilities (and perhaps similar distributions) are not stable in financial markets. Markets are chaotic, fractal in nature, with exponentially changing behavior (and not always). ✴️ What can we do to improve our mathematical expectation? The good news is that when a trader starts thinking with his head instead of relying on expectations, he/she doesn't have to do anything to his "system". Trading expectations (as opposed to expectations of one's system) is simply using the knowledge that we have much more control over the size of our profit/loss (average size of profitable and losing positions) than we have over probability (frequency of profitable and losing positions). And, because we don't focus on historical expectations, trading expectations can work for us. By keeping losses small and increasing our profits (and adding to profitable positions), we gain true advantages. The following experiment was conducted: the simulator opened random positions, from which the expectation and net profit were calculated. This model averaged several million sets of 30 long positions during a bear market. The average net loss was -12 percent; only about one-third of all positions were profitable. Now, by simply opening the same positions, cutting the losses to minus three percent (using a stop loss) and at the same time adding to the profitable positions, we achieved an average net result for the same positions of 1.8 percent profit (on average in a falling market). So, by using expectations in our favor, we actually changed the values of expectations! Traders who believed that initially negative expectations were useless would never have been able to do this because they had abandoned the system from the start. This doesn't mean that losses can be turned into profits exactly, but in the long run expectation works by closing out losing positions and adding to profitable positions. But when looking at the possible history of trades on the chart in the past, traders are often fooling themselves. Thus, none of the trading systems are either profitable or unprofitable, they look that way only in relation to the method of position size management and money management applied. ✴️ Conclusion To summarize, it is one thing to see how a forex strategy has behaved in history, but to expect it to behave the same way in the future is another. Traders should focus less on testing on history and more on the current situation: to cut losses and even more on maximizing their profits and adding to profitable positions. Follow this rule long enough and you will experience the true power of mathematical expectation in Forex trading.
Education
by DeGRAM
5
Signal Providers: Red Flags to Watch Out ForSignal providers are becoming increasingly popular among traders, offering automated trading recommendations or strategies to take advantage of forex. However, it is important to be aware of potential red flags that may indicate that a signal provider is not trustworthy. In this post, we will look at some of the most common "red flags" that signal providers can exhibit and how to recognize them. We'll discuss when to be suspicious, what to look out for, and how to avoid being scammed by signal providers. Unrealistic returns One of the most common red flags to look out for when researching signal providers is unrealistic claims about future returns. If they promise huge returns with no risk and little investment, it could be a sign that they are not being honest and realistic about the strategies they offer. Always do your own research to ensure that the results claimed by the signal provider are accurate and that you are getting a fair deal. These can be third party marketplaces that help verify trades. Hidden charges Be aware of any hidden costs or fees that the provider may charge. Many providers may advertise low rates or free services, but they may hide additional costs or fees that will be charged after a period of time. Be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully to understand what fees may be associated with the service. You should also contact customer service to see if there are any additional costs or fees that you have not considered. Competing interests Be wary of signal providers that have potential conflicts of interest, such as those that receive commissions from the trades they recommend. This can lead to biased recommendations and put your money at risk. Only use providers that have no conflict of interest and are unbiased. Inadequate customer service Signal providers with poor customer service should also be avoided. If a provider is unresponsive or unwilling to answer your questions, it could be a sign that they cannot be trusted. In addition, signal providers that do not provide adequate support to their customers can be a red flag. If you are being ignored for a long time, there is a high probability that you have been scammed for money. Lack of personalization If a signal provider does not offer any customization options for their strategies, it could be a sign that they do not provide personalized services. Always go for those providers who are willing to customize their strategies to suit your individual needs. Insistent demand to deposit your money Finally, look out for those providers who are pressuring you to fund your account immediately. These are big hints of unclean services. If they use aggressive sales tactics or make unrealistic promises, it could be a sign that they are not trustworthy. Always do your own research and make sure you understand all the risks and benefits of different investment options before depositing money. For example, you buy a subscription signal provider after a few days you are charged extra money for 100% utilization of the service. By understanding the red flags that signal providers may show, you can be sure to protect yourself from potential scams and fraud. If you have any doubts or concerns, be sure to do your own research and only use providers that you trust. Be sure to watch out for warning signs that may indicate a possible fraud or scam. These include, but are not limited to: if the provider asks for your banking information, if the provider asks for your social security or credit card numbers, if the provider asks for your personal information or money in an unusual or too random way. Run away from such signal providers.
Education
by UnknownUnicorn15614419
9
THE J-CURVE EFFECTHello traders. In today's post, we will look at such a concept as the J-curve. This curve is found in various fields and can visually represent various phenomena. However, today we will look at the J-curve as a phenomenon of trading. In the post, you will learn what a J-curve is and what its essence is. According to Investopedia , the J-curve is a trendline that illustrates a sharp gain after an initial decline. This pattern of movement looks like a capital "J" on a chart. The J-curve is useful for displaying an event or action's impact over a certain amount of time. Frankly, it demonstrates that problems will worsen before they get better. Let's remember how we started our journey into trading. We used to open trades with enthusiasm. The psychology of trading, oddly enough, was close to perfect. You start to get “good” at it. Sometimes the luck goes your way and you make money on a particularly good week. Things keep going. Until you blow your capital. And then another. And then another one. What seemed to be working somehow stops working. You decide to be smarter and win back by doubling the lot size each time. Or you open two trades, one up and one down. Sometimes it works, but at the end of the month your losses drained your account, and you lost substantial amount of money. The descent down the curve has begun. Then you decide to find a "more profitable strategy" for trading and at this point you are at a drawdown. Maybe you have spent months on this, or maybe a week was enough to realize that it's not that simple. It seems that there is no way to do without studying. And if you want to make money on it steadily, and not to make money on gambling to immediately lose it again, you need to study something. After several lost accounts, you never really got anywhere in the end. You are depressed. All that information, indicators, candlesticks, bars, patterns, books, courses, webinars, paid and free advice, trader chat rooms and YouTube channels, all this only led to the fact that you, a year later, lost even more money. You often experience fear. You are scared to open the chart, scared to look at how the price is going, whether the prediction will come true or not. It is so scary that after opening a trade you sometimes close the browser or terminal window just to avoid looking at it. In some moments of despair absolutely you do not understand anything. All of this is some kind of mess, complete nonsense. According to statistics, more than 60% of traders give up in the first 3 months and leave with an enormous hole in their wallet. After a year, another 30% will give up. Only 5-10% remain in the market after a year, and not all of them will get a stable profit in the following years. This is the bottom of the J curve and at this point you are in crisis, which for most will be catastrophic. But still, something keeps you from giving up. You continue to waste time and money trying to learn. You lose a couple more accounts. It's a big hole in your pocket. But gradually the losses diminish until they stop completely. You are tired of losing money by haste, in a blind game with the market. You learn to work with drawdowns. You know, it's because of trying to get back money that there were so many impulsive trades. So many trying to see a trend where there is no trend. You have too often gone into a trend time after time in the belief that it will continue. You constantly bet on a reversal of the price, and it never thought to turn. You try hard to build your strategy and gradually come to a system consisting of several elements, which shows better results than other options. It still constantly gives unsuccessful trades, but you no longer want to break the monitor with your fist. Suddenly it becomes clear it's all about trader discipline and time management. It's about stability and consistency. The fact that you know how to behave not only in case of profit, but also in case of loss. You learn how to psychologically cope with failures. You realize that it is the uncontrollable desire to recover the numbers on the balance that most often led to disaster. You have already bounced off the bottom of the J curve and are slowly climbing up. You are not a consistently profitable trader yet, but you are making much effort to become one. Sometimes there is nothing interesting on the chart for a week. Sometimes you work cautiously for a month or more, spending 90% of your time waiting for the right market conditions. The account is still standing still. Sometimes for months. You're increasing it, then you're back to the original amount. You realize things are going pretty well. You haven't lost any money at all in the past month. You at break even point on the J-curve. At some point, you are surprised to notice that you are increasingly successful in profitable trades despite regular failures. Time is going by. The account begins to increase steadily. The first month was a small profit. Second. Third. You are at the highest point of the J-curve. Exponential growth. So, what brings traders success? Trading is a business, and like any business or startup, things don't go smoothly at the beginning. That's why you have to survive before you thrive. The number-one key element is effort—trying to improve every day. Backtesting the strategy to make it suitable for you. Journaling your trades and emotions and all of these, of course, takes time. The more time you put into it, the faster you will get to the break-even point. You need to invest money in your trading education. Maybe it's a course or book. Or backtesting tool that will accelerate learning curve and improve your trading skills. The combination of these three elements creates success ( TIME + EFFORT + MONEY = SUCCESS ). If you take one of these out of the equation, the learning process may slow down. Some traders become profitable after 5–10 years, some after 12–18 months. All depend on balancing the equation.
Education
by Lingrid
9