Hidden Costs of Trading You Must Know
In this educational article, we will discuss the hidden costs of trading.
1 - Brokers' Commissions
Trading commission is the brokers' fee for opening a trading position.
Usually, it is calculated based on the size of the trade.
Though most of the traders believe that trading commissions are too low to even count them, the fact is that trading on consistent basis and opening a couple of trading positions weekly, the composite value of commissions may cut a substantial part of our profits.
2 - Education
Of course, most of the trading basics can be found on the Internet absolutely for free.
However, the more experienced you become, the harder it is to find the materials . So you typically should pay for the advanced training.
Moreover, there is no guarantee that the course/coaching that you purchase will improve your trading, quite often traders go through multiple courses/coaching programs before they become consistently profitable.
3 - Spreads
Spread is the difference between the sellers' and buyers' prices.
That difference must be compensated by a trader if one wished to open a trading position.
In highly liquid markets, the spreads are usually low and most of the traders ignore them.
However, being similar to commissions, spreads may cut the substantial part of the overall profits.
4 - Time
When you begin your trading journey, it is not possible to predict how much it will take to become a consistently profitable trader.
Moreover, there is no guarantee that you will become one.
One fact is true, you should spend a couple of years before you find a way to trade profitably, and as we know, the time is money. More time you sacrifice on trading, less time you have on something else.
5 - Swaps
Swap is the fee you pay for transferring a position overnight .
Swap is based on a difference between the interests rates of the currencies that are in a pair that you trade.
Occasionally, swaps can even be positive, and you can earn on holding such positions.
However, most of the time the swaps are negative and the longer you hold your trades, the more costly your trading becomes.
The brokers' commissions, spreads and swaps compose a substantial cost of our trading positions. Adding into the equation the expensive learning materials and time spent on practicing, trading becomes a very expensive game to play.
However, knowing in advance these hidden costs, the one can better prepare himself for a trading journey.
Beyond Technical Analysis
How I used Volume Spread Analysis to avoid FOMO trading!As a trader, I often battle with the fear of missing out (FOMO), a common pitfall among traders that can lead to impulsive, unprofitable trades. After reviewing my journal, I determined that chasing breakouts was costing me a significant portion of my account, so I studied Volume Spread Analysis (VSA) to help me reduce my urges. Here is how is used VSA to avoid FOMOing a trade.
Before we get started, let's clarify two definitions:
Volume: Measures the number of times buyers and sellers exchange 1 unit of an asset at an agreed-upon price. It doesn't inherently indicate whether a trend is bullish or bearish, but rather that a trade has occurred. Low volume suggests that few transactions have taken place because buyers and sellers couldn't agree on price. High volume suggests that buyers OR sellers felt they were getting a bargain at the current price, leading to many transactions.
Spread/Range: The difference between the high and low of a candlestick. A narrow spread indicates little variance between what someone is willing to buy for and what someone is willing to sell for. A wide spread suggests that buyers and sellers have significantly different ideas of what the fair price is.
In short, Volume Spread Analysis (VSA) interprets the relationship between trading volume and candle spread. When volume and spread agree, they are considered harmonious, and the trend will probably continue. If volume and spread disagree, there is a divergence, and the trend may be weak or could even reverse. In general, there are three main harmonious conditions:
Narrowing spread should have narrowing volume.
Average spread should have average volume.
Widening spread should have widening volume.
I spotted a bear flag consolidation on QQQ and decided I would trade the breakout to the downside. I took a break and came back to the chart just after the breakdown had occurred, missing my ideal entry. The candle spread was widening and my first thought was "I have to get in! This thing is free falling!" PAUSE! I reminded myself that I cant make every dollar in the market. If I miss this trade, there will always be another. "Be patient and wait for the market to come back to you."
This is the chart after the initial break. What can we observe? QQQ broke the low of day with high volume and a widening red candle. Based on our definitions from earlier, we know that high volume means that buyers or sellers think they are getting a bargain so they are willing to transact as much as they can at current price. Given that price is falling, we can assume that the volume is due to aggressive selling. We remain patient and continue to watch for something to trade against.
Next, we see a narrower range candle with a long lower shadow and above average volume. By definition, strong volume with a narrow range is a possible divergence. We know that narrow range candles mean that buyers and sellers generally agree on current price, but why would it close near the highs if the selling was so aggressive? Given that there is a long lower shadow and then a bullish candle close, we can infer that sellers were not willing to sell below $467.89. The buyers absorbed the selling at those prices.
Fast forwarding, we notice that the volume and candle size has shrunk back to the average meaning buyers and sellers are in agreeance. The number of people willing to transact is decreasing. We also notice that a small range has formed. Buyers have not stepped in to buy above the previous low of day at $469.35 and the sellers have shown no effort to get back below $467.89. Now we have something to trade against instead of FOMOing in! We will look for a break of this range with increased volume.
On the next candle we see bulls break out of the range with aggressive volume and a wide spread candle. Something of note is that the volume on this bull candle is less that the volume of our initial sell candle. If those sellers were still present, wouldn't they be selling at these higher prices and forcing the candle range to be narrow? This shows us that bulls are now in control and the selling from earlier was just a hoax.
As we can see, the rest is history. If I FOMOed into the short as I had planned, this trade would have resulted in a loss. Being patient allowed me to realize that there was nothing to miss out on and actually allowed me to find a better trade.
Key Notes
Always journal your trades and review them
Never FOMO into a trade. Be patient and wait for the trade to come to you!
You dont need to take every trade to make money in the market. It is okay to miss a trade if it means protecting your account.
Volume spread analysis is not 100%, but it can be useful in determining the strength of a trend.
A Dilemma: Do Stock prices moves Options or Vice Versa???This interesting question touches on the complex relationship between stock prices and option prices. Let's break down this dilemma:
1. The theoretical relationship:
In theory, stock prices drive option prices. Options are derivatives, meaning their value is derived from the underlying asset (in this case, the stock). The Black-Scholes model and other option pricing models use the stock price as an input to calculate option values.
2. The practical reality:
In practice, the relationship can become more complex, especially in the short term. There are scenarios where options trading can influence stock prices, creating a feedback loop.
3. How options can influence stocks:
- Delta hedging: Market makers who sell options often hedge their positions by buying or selling the underlying stock. This can create buying or selling pressure on the stock.
- Large option positions: Significant option volumes can signal bullish or bearish sentiment, potentially influencing trader behavior in the stock market.
- Pinning: As expiration approaches, there can be forces that "pin" a stock to a particular option strike price due to hedging activities.
4. The max pain theory:
This theory suggests that option trading can influence stock prices, particularly near expiration, pulling the stock price toward the maximum pain point.
5. Short-term vs. long-term effects:
While options can influence stock prices in the short term, fundamental factors (like earnings, economic conditions, etc.) tend to dominate in the longer term.
6. Market efficiency considerations:
In highly liquid markets, any predictable influence of options on stocks should, in theory, be quickly arbitraged away. However, markets aren't always perfectly efficient.
7. Regulatory perspective:
Regulators are aware of potential market manipulation through options and monitor for such activities.
In conclusion, while the primary relationship is stock prices influencing option prices, there can be feedback effects where options trading influences stock prices, especially in the short term. This creates a complex, interconnected system that traders and analysts must navigate carefully.
Max Pain theory in options trading is an interesting concept. Here's a concise overview:
Max Pain refers to the strike price where option buyers (collectively) would experience the maximum financial pain, or loss, at expiration. Conversely, it's the price at which option sellers would profit the most.
Key points:
1. It's based on the idea that option sellers (often market makers) try to manipulate the underlying asset's price toward maximum pain.
2. Calculated by determining the price at which the value of all outstanding options would be minimized.
3. Used by some traders to predict where a stock's price might gravitate as expiration approaches.
Max Pain theory is controversial. While some traders swear by it, others are skeptical of its predictive power. It's important to note that many factors influence stock prices, and Max Pain is just one potential consideration.
NVDA:
Total open interest: 28.4 million contract
while SPX, SPY, QQQ, IWm, and TSLA's open interest is: 21,20.5,13.5,6.9 million respectively.
Total open interest is an important metric in options and futures trading. Here's a concise overview:
1. Definition:
Total open interest refers to the total number of outstanding contracts (options or futures) that have not been settled or closed.
2. Calculation:
It's the sum of all open positions across all strike prices and expiration dates for a particular underlying asset.
3. Significance:
- Market activity indicator: Higher open interest generally indicates more active and liquid markets.
- Trend confirmation: Increasing open interest can confirm the strength of a price trend.
4. Interpretation:
- Rising open interest + rising prices: Often indicates a bullish trend.
- Rising open interest + falling prices: Often indicates a bearish trend.
- Falling open interest: May suggest a weakening of the current trend.
5. Contrasts with volume:
- Volume measures the number of contracts traded in a given period.
- Open interest represents the number of active contracts at a point in time.
6. Uses:
- Assessing market sentiment
- Gauging the strength of price movements
- Identifying potential support/resistance levels
7. Limitations:
- Doesn't indicate the direction of trades (long vs. short)
- Can be misleading if not considered alongside other factors
Strategic Gold Plays: Maverick-Rabbit Precision in Key PatternsBased on your archetype, a combination of the Bold Maverick and the Analytical Rabbit, you have a natural tendency to take calculated risks while also ensuring that those risks are backed by thorough analysis. This hybrid nature likely drives you to engage in trades that have high potential rewards, but only when they meet specific analytical criteria.
Chart Analysis and Coaching on Your Positions
Overview:
Context: This is a 15-minute chart of XAUUSD (Gold vs. USD).
Structure: The chart shows a clear bullish trend with higher highs and higher lows. There are multiple channel formations, liquidity zones (LQZ), and key levels identified (including a 4H Over Ride/LQZ level).
1. Position Analysis:
First Entry - Inside the Ascending Channel:
Entry Reasoning: You likely identified the ascending channel as a bullish continuation pattern and entered within it.
Archetype Reflection: As a Bold Maverick, you're comfortable entering before a full breakout, assuming the trend continuation. However, as an Analytical Rabbit, you probably also considered the channel support before entry.
Coaching: This entry aligns with your dual archetype. You took the position inside the channel, expecting price to continue its upward momentum. However, consider tightening your stop loss in case of a fake breakout to protect your position.
Second Entry - Near the LQZ:
Entry Reasoning: You likely saw price approaching the Liquidity Zone (LQZ), expecting a bounce or reaction at this level.
Archetype Reflection: Analytical Rabbits love analyzing levels like LQZ, while Bold Mavericks might anticipate a reaction before confirmation.
Coaching: Good job recognizing the importance of the LQZ. You probably set a trailing stop to capture profit while letting the trade run. Just be cautious with overconfidence—always have a plan if the price moves against you.
Third Entry - At the 4H Over Ride / LQZ level:
Entry Reasoning: This level is crucial as it represents a 4H Liquidity Zone (LQZ), a significant potential reversal point.
Archetype Reflection: This is a classic Bold Maverick move—anticipating a strong reaction at a higher timeframe LQZ. The Analytical Rabbit side of you likely analyzed the 4H timeframe and identified this as a high-probability zone.
Coaching: This is an aggressive yet well-informed entry. Ensure your stop loss is adjusted to below the LQZ to minimize risk in case the market turns against your position.
2. Trailing Stop Loss (SL) Usage:
Position: You’ve used trailing stop losses, which is a smart move, especially given the bold yet analytical approach.
Coaching: Trailing stops can help lock in profits as the price moves in your favor. Ensure that the trailing distance is neither too tight (to avoid premature exit) nor too wide (to protect against significant pullbacks). This aligns with the Analytical Rabbit’s cautious nature.
3. Key Levels and Patterns:
Ascending Channel: The price is respecting the channel boundaries, which validates your initial entries.
LQZ & 4H Override: Price has shown reactions at these levels, indicating they are well-chosen.
4. Risk Management:
Balance Between Risk and Reward: Your trading strategy seems to balance the Bold Maverick’s appetite for risk with the Analytical Rabbit’s focus on minimizing unnecessary exposure.
Coaching: Given your dual archetype, keep refining your entry and exit points. Use the rule of three (waiting for confirmation after three touches on key levels) to align with your analytical side.
Conclusion:
Your trading approach is a robust mix of intuition and analysis. You're combining bold entries with a solid understanding of market structure. Continue to refine your strategy, especially in the context of multi-timeframe analysis and liquidity zones, to maximize your trading effectiveness. Make sure to always have an exit strategy and avoid letting the Maverick side take over without sufficient backing from the Rabbit’s analysis.
Smart Money and the why behind it
I have used @TradingView for near enough 10 years now. What I like about the platform is the simplicity and the tools.
I often get asked about things like strategy or other people's techniques - "What do you think of SMC or this guy or that guy"
Look, when it comes to trading - Liquidity is something very little people understand. Gurus talk about it and draw pretty lines but still fail to break it down as to why it's there in the first place.
"Ah it's where the big boys buy or sell"
so to help visualise this lets use some of these tools here on Tradingview.
Look at my first chart here;
What I have done is jumped up a timeframe and placed a volume profile tool on my chart, then simply used the drawing tool to draw a squiggle around the relevant nodes.
I then dropped back to the smaller timeframe and switched on a couple of indicators to help visualise where the liquidity is.
if you look at the lines 15minutes and 30minutes both in green and cast your eyes to the right, can you see they sit just below (as price is coming from above) to those higher volume nodes from that higher timeframe?
Let's use another tool here on TradingView;
This one is called a fixed range volume profile.
the two blue lines extended out are known as the value area high and low. Often this is set to around 70-75% but I like to reduce that a little. The red line is called a PoC or point of control. This basically means the highest transactional point of the range you fixed.
However, if you look over to the left this time you will see two higher volume nodes (mountains) and therefore look at the 15m and 30m lines again with fresh eyes.
In this next image I have increased the range and dragged it over to include more data. I could write full strategies on this tool alone.
The first thing you should notice is the PoC has now jumped up higher. Think logically about this for a second.
We are seeking lower timeframe liquidity down low and the area of interest and value is showing price was accepted up high.
So, after grabbing liquidity, would we anticipate the price to continue down lower or come back to play in the accepted zone?
This is where a lot of newer traders fail, especially when trading smart money concepts "SMC" for short. They fail to understand the bigger picture.
Another little tool in the same box-set is the Timeprice indicator.
Much like session volume this gives a pretty clean view and of course settings can be adjusted. I like the look on this one, it's very modern. But the real value isn't until you zoom in and zoom in and you see why it's called Time - Price. I'll leave that for another post.
But continuing the theme of this post; look at the clusters of the time price indicator and note where the PoC sits on the 15m liquidity level. Then below the 30m liquidity is the lower side of the value area. Are you starting to see a theme?
In this last image; I have simply highlighted liquidity to keep my chart clean.
You will see candles showing the last buys before the selloff. Then a consolidation under the liquidity - this is basically a Wyckoff structure prior to a mark down move.
We then drop into the liquidity pocket and here is where most SMC traders would be jumping long. We see a very nice little rally, then a large fast drop through the liquidity, this hitting many stops and triggering new short positions.
which is why as these shorts get triggered, you anticipate the pullback - to what level? Well look left and the charts will tell you.
I hope this has opened a few eyes - go away and have a play with these indicators on @TradingView and feel free to aks if you have any questions.
Disclaimer
This idea does not constitute as financial advice. It is for educational purposes only, our principle trader has over 20 years' experience in stocks, ETF's, and Forex. Hence each trade setup might have different hold times, entry or exit conditions, and will vary from the post/idea shared here. You can use the information from this post to make your own trading plan for the instrument discussed. Trading carries a risk; a high percentage of retail traders lose money. Please keep this in mind when entering any trade. Stay safe.
Bitcoin’s Rounded Top [Wyckoff Distribution]: 5 Phases to KnowHello, Trading Community!
Today, we dive into the fascinating world of the Wyckoff Distribution model as it applies to Bitcoin's current market structure. Please remember that this article is purely for educational purposes and is not intended as trading advice.
While we explore potential scenarios, including the possibility of Bitcoin heading down to $30,000 or even $25,000, these claims are speculative and should be considered hypothetical.
The Wyckoff Distribution Model: A Roadmap for Market Tops
The Wyckoff Distribution model offers a comprehensive framework for understanding how major market players distribute their holdings before a significant downturn. It is divided into several phases:
Phase A: The market begins to show preliminary signs of selling pressure after an extended uptrend. This is the first hint that the balance of power is shifting from buyers to sellers.
Phase B: The market enters a consolidation phase, moving sideways as large investors gradually distribute their positions.
Phase C: A deceptive breakout, known as the Upthrust After Distribution (UTAD), occurs here, often trapping unsuspecting retail traders.
Phase D: The onset of a decline, marked by clear Signs of Weakness (SOW), indicates that the distribution phase is nearing its end.
Phase E: The final phase, where the market confirms the distribution and continues to fall, marking the completion of the process.
Breaking Down Bitcoin's Key Price Points
Let's take a closer look at the crucial price points that have defined Bitcoin's current structure within the Wyckoff Distribution model:
Buying Climax (BC) - $73,660
This is the pinnacle of buying activity, where demand reaches its peak before supply starts to dominate. For Bitcoin, this level marked the highest point in the current cycle before a significant sell-off began.
Automatic Reaction (AR) - $60,795
Following the Buying Climax, the market experienced an Automatic Reaction—a sharp drop as sellers stepped in. This level is critical as it signifies the start of the distribution process.
Upthrust (UT) - $71,180
The Upthrust represents a rally that tests the resistance near the Buying Climax. However, it fails to sustain those levels, hinting that the market's upward momentum is weakening.
Upthrust After Distribution (UTAD) - $71,680
The UTAD often serves as a bull trap, where the price makes a final push above the resistance only to quickly reverse. This move confirms that distribution is taking place.
Sign of Weakness (SOW) - $54,344
After the UTAD, the market drops significantly, signaling a clear Sign of Weakness. This level demonstrates that sellers are gaining control, pushing the price to new lows.
Last Point of Supply 1 (LPSY 1) - $70,040
The first Last Point of Supply (LPSY 1) is a weaker rally that fails to reach previous highs. This is a key indicator that the market's bullish momentum is fading, and distribution is nearing completion.
Last Point of Supply 2 (LPSY 2) - $65,105
Currently, Bitcoin is in Phase E, at the LPSY 2 point. This level is crucial as it typically marks the final confirmation of distribution before a sustained downtrend.
Navigating Phase E: The Final Act of Distribution
As Bitcoin navigates through Phase E, the LPSY 2 level becomes a focal point. This phase is characterized by further price declines as the market confirms the distribution. Here’s what to watch for:
Lower Highs and Lower Lows: Expect the price to continue forming lower highs and lower lows, reinforcing the bearish trend.
Volume Patterns: During this phase, volume analysis becomes critical. Look for decreasing volume on upswings and increasing volume on downswings, which confirms the presence of distribution.
Final Thoughts
The Wyckoff Distribution model provides a structured way to understand how markets transition from bullish to bearish trends. With Bitcoin currently exhibiting a Rounded Top structure and sitting at LPSY 2 in Phase E, the evidence suggests that we may be on the cusp of further declines. By staying vigilant and analyzing key price levels and volume patterns, traders can better position themselves to navigate this challenging market environment.
In this complex market phase, understanding the underlying forces at play can be the difference between protecting your capital and being caught off guard by the next big move.
Stay tuned for more!
Think Like a Pro: How to Be Your Own Trading PsychologistEver Felt Like Your Worst Enemy in Trading? Here’s How to Overcome it!
Have you ever been in that moment where you're staring at the screen, and every fiber of your being is screaming, "This trade is going south," but you still hold on?
It’s like watching a train wreck in slow motion—except you’re the conductor, and somehow, you’re glued to your seat.What if you could turn that inner chaos into clarity?
Imagine becoming your own trading psychologist, mastering the mental game to transform your trading experience. It’s possible, and it’s within your reach.
The Mirror Doesn’t LieThe biggest challenges in your trading aren’t just the volatile markets or the unpredictable news— they’re the emotions that cloud your judgment. Fear, greed, hesitation, overconfidence— these emotions can lead you to make mistakes that are both costly and frustrating.
But here’s the key: the problem isn’t the emotions themselves, but how you manage them. Recognizing this can help you see the market—and your trades—in a completely new light.
The Secret Sauce: Self-AwarenessThe first step toward mastering your trading psychology is learning to recognize your triggers.
What sets you off? Is it a losing streak? A sudden market spike? Maybe just a stressful day.
Identifying these triggers is crucial to controlling your trading behavior.Once you recognize your triggers, managing them becomes much easier.
It’s like seeing a storm on the horizon—you can’t stop it, but you can definitely prepare for it.
Setting hard rules for when to step away from the screen, and more importantly, when to stay focused, can make all the difference in your trading results.
Actionable Tips: Turn Insight into Action
So, how can you apply this in a practical way?
Here are a few strategies that can help you take control of your trading psychology:
Journal Everything : Start by journaling not just your trades, but your thoughts and emotions before, during, and after each trade.
You’ll begin to see patterns emerge, showing when you might be about to go off the rails.
Mindful Breaks: Set timers to remind yourself to step away from the screen for a minute or two. This gives you the space you need to reset, especially when things get intense.
The “Pause” Button: Before entering a trade, take a moment to pause and ask yourself, “Am I acting out of emotion, or is this a rational decision?”
This simple act can prevent countless bad trades.
Create a Pre-Trade Routine: Just like athletes have pre-game rituals, creating a routine to get into the right headspace before trading can be incredibly beneficial.
This might involve reviewing your journal, setting goals for the session, or doing a quick mental check-in.
Don’t Go It Alone: Trading doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Platforms like TradingView are excellent for connecting with other traders.
Whether you’re joining a chat, reading other traders’ ideas, or commenting on their posts, engaging with the community can provide valuable insights and feedback.
Sometimes, the best advice comes from others who’ve been in your shoes and can help you see things from a different perspective.
The Result? A Psychological EdgeBy mastering your trading psychology, you can stop sabotaging yourself.
Instead of reacting impulsively to the market, you can respond with clarity and purpose.
The challenges of trading will still be there—this is the market, after all—but with the right mindset, you can turn them into opportunities.
If trading psychology has been a struggle for you, know that you’re not alone, and there’s a way forward.
By looking inward, recognizing your patterns, and applying a few simple strategies, you can gain the psychological edge you need to succeed.
Trading isn’t just about reading the market; it’s about understanding yourself. And once you master that, the possibilities for your trading are endless.
Let me know what you think below:)
Risk-off & The Yen Carry Trade Explained Hi guys,
I'm trying something new here.
In this video I explain what risk-off is and what causes it. I break down the recent yen carry trade and what went on there.
It's good to study these events so that next time you have the knowledge in the bank. That way you can plan and make better decisions.
Let me know if you like this sort of thing and I can do more.
Cheers,
Sam
How to Overcome Trading Psychology ChallengesHow to Overcome Trading Psychology Challenges
Dealing with common trading psychology challenges involves identifying and addressing the emotional and psychological factors that impact performance. This means you need to know how to manage fear, greed, hope, and regret carefully. In this post, we’ll talk about forex trading psychology and proper emotional control.
What Is the Psychology of Trading?
Trading psychology focuses on the mental state of a trader and the emotions that could predetermine trading decisions. It represents the various aspects of an individual’s character and behaviours that influence their trading actions. The psychology of trading is just as crucial as knowledge about assets (currencies, stocks, and commodities), your previous experience, and your skill in determining price movements.
Understanding Trading Emotions and Psychology
Trading is all about psychology and actions that are based on what you feel. That’s why it’s paramount to learn as much as you can about this topic. This list may help you better understand common traders' problems and your personal feelings. You should know that you are not alone, and many people face similar cases.
Identify your emotions. Recognise the emotions that you experience while trading, such as greed, hope, and regret. Let’s break down these concepts:
- Greed is the desire to make more money than is reasonable or realistic.
- Fear is the feeling of anxiety or panic when faced with market volatility/uncertainty.
- Hope is the belief that a trade will turn around and become profitable.
- Regret is the feeling of disappointment or remorse after making a losing trade.
By clearly differentiating between these emotions, you will understand exactly what you are experiencing right now and how it could potentially affect your trading decisions.
Create a plan. It’s a great idea to develop a trading plan that matches your trading style and includes a strategy you want to follow, with entry and exit points and risk management techniques. A good plan could help you stay focused on your goals.
Practise risk management. Consider managing risk by using stop-loss orders and position sizing. This way, you may avoid large losses. Losses often trigger emotional reactions and lead to more irrational decisions, so keep this in mind and don't fall for the tricks your brain is playing on you.
You can practise various strategies on our free TickTrader platform. For example, we have a strategy back tester, a detailed charting system, and advanced technical analysis tools. And to make it even more convenient for you, we have created a highly customisable, user-friendly interface where you can personalise each element of the settings panel. Test these instruments in various markets with FXOpen.
Keep a trading journal. Experts believe that when you record your trades and the emotions you experienced during each of them, you will identify patterns in your behaviour and make adjustments to your initial plan.
How to Have Emotional Control
There are a lot of techniques on how to remain calm during trading, and we’ve chosen the most popular ones. Here’s what you could consider doing:
1. Practise mindfulness — mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing, can help you stay calm and focused.
2. Take breaks — regular breaks during trading are wonderful tools to clear your mind and reduce stress. They help you avoid making impulsive decisions.
3. Stay disciplined — stick to your plan and avoid any decisions based on emotions.
4. Seek support — talk to other traders or a mental health professional if you are struggling with emotional control.
Another important thing to talk about is confidence and awareness. If you make trades “blindly”, anxiety increases. And conversely, the more you know, the calmer you feel. Explore our blog to learn more about trading. Once you feel confident, you can open an FXOpen account to put your knowledge into practice.
This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
YOU ONLY NEED 3 TIMEFRAME TO BE PROFITABLE !!!most of the time people on the internet bombard us with so many information when it comes to trading. like use this use that you have to use 5 or 6 timeframes, but in fact using this much could make you even more confused . so in this post I will share the easiest way for you you can to capitalize on timeframe analysis.
THE HIGHER TIMEFRAME - for bias which tells us in what way the price is going.
( up, down, range)
THE MIDDLE TIMEFRAME - to identify our zone for example if your trading system uses FVG you can locate your zone their. i personally use supply and demand so at this time i zone out my i will draw my supply or demand.
THE LOW TIMEFRAME - in this stage use it for entry confirmation.
this multi timeframe analysis can work on every time which means you can scalp , day trade or swing trade .
for example you can use
1 HOUR FOR BIAS
15 MIN ZONE IDENTIFICATION
5 CONFIRMATION
thanks for taking your time and read this post.
tell us your thought in the comment.
Enhancing Trading Proficiency: Top Educational ResourcesEnhancing Trading Proficiency: Top Educational Resources
Staying abreast of the ever-evolving market trends and honing trading techniques are critical aspects of becoming a successful trader. Luckily, a plethora of educational resources are readily available to aid traders in enhancing their skills and decision-making abilities. In this FXOpen article, we will discuss the best websites, books, online trading classes, and other information sources that can help traders succeed.
The Best Educational Resources for Traders
We recognise the importance of having a readily accessible knowledge base to find prompt answers to your trading queries. Below, we have curated a list of the most sought-after educational resources for traders, covering a diverse range of topics, from technical analysis to risk management.
1. Investopedia: A highly popular website that offers comprehensive learning materials suitable for traders at any experience level. Alongside trading, Investopedia delves into investing and personal finance, presenting a vast array of articles, tutorials, and videos.
2. TradingView: This social platform is a haven for traders, providing access to various trading tools, including charts of a wide range of financial instruments from different trading platforms, as well as technical analysis tools. Additionally, it hosts a vibrant community where traders can engage in discussions and share educational ideas.
3. ChartSchool: Specialising in technical analysis and charting, ChartSchool presents articles covering essential topics such as chart patterns, indicators, and other technical tools. If you harbour an interest in technical analysis, this resource furnishes all the necessary information to deepen your understanding of various instruments.
At FXOpen, we regularly update our blog with market analysis and educational articles for traders with any level of experience.
Top Trading Courses to Be Aware Of
Corporate Finance Institute: an online education platform that offers courses on finance, accounting, and investment banking. It provides in-depth knowledge and practical skills for traders. CFI’s courses cover topics like financial modelling, valuation, risk management, and portfolio management.
Babypips: a platform that provides one of the best stock trading courses for traders. Any online trading course from this platform for forex trading education will be of great help. Babypips offers a structured curriculum and interactive quizzes.
Coursera: an education platform that offers great trading courses. The courses taught by industry experts focus on financial markets, trading strategies, and risk management. Coursera trading courses are flexible, and there’s the possibility of self-study.
Udemy: an e-learning platform that allows instructors to create and publish online courses. With Udemy’s course development tools, instructors can upload various materials — videos, audio files, source code, and PDF files — to enhance their students’ learning experience.
Websites That Publish Economic News
In this section, we’ll explore the top websites that publish economic news and highlight their key features. Here is a list of them:
- Financial Times: a renowned news outlet. With a team of journalists, the Financial Times provides analysis and commentary on the latest economic events and trends. In addition to informative articles, the site offers market data.
- Fortune Magazine: a platform that publishes articles on business news and technology. The website features interviews with top executives and entrepreneurs and lists of top companies such as the Fortune 500. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to stay ahead in the world of business.
- Forbes Economy Market News: a well-known business and finance publication. The website has a special economic news section with articles about global financial markets. The site also provides tools like market data, stock quotes, and investment information.
- SEC Website: a website of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The SEC is dedicated to protecting investors, ensuring fair and efficient markets, and promoting capital formation. The SEC seeks to create a marketplace environment that is credible to the public.
- Yahoo Finance: a resource that helps traders effectively manage their investments and stay abreast of the latest market trends and news. The site provides current news, portfolio management tools, international market data, and social interaction — all designed to help readers manage their financial lives with ease.
Books by Famous Traders
In addition to articles and courses, we decided to gather a list of books that will be interesting to traders:
- The Market Wizards – Conversations with America’s Top Traders by Jack D. Schwager
- The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham
- Technical Analysis of the Financial Markets by John J. Murphy
- The Psychology of Trading by Brett N. Steenbarger
- How to Trade In Stocks by Jesse Livermore
If you are ready to try your hand at the real market, you can open an FXOpen account and check out our TickTrader trading platform. Our blog will also help you make rational decisions when trading.
This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
Identifying Market Correction EndpointsCorrection or trend? How deep is the correction if it exists? When can we expect a reversal? These are common questions among traders who utilize trend strategies. The foundation of trend trading systems rests on the understanding that a trend can become 'exhausted.' Prices cannot rise indefinitely nor plummet to zero. Unlike stocks, currency pairs operate within ranges established by central banks, leading to frequent reversals and corrections.
Corrections differ from trends in both depth and duration. If the price retraces more than one-third of the previous trend's length after a reversal, it is often considered the beginning of a new trend rather than a mere correction, which is the basis for counter-trend strategies. However, local corrections can occur, enabling the trend to continue. Entering the market at the end of a correction allows traders to secure positions at optimal prices, which is the essence of swing trading.
📍 METHODS FOR DETERMINING THE END OF A CORRECTION
1. BY PATTERNS. This straightforward and logical approach relies on market psychology. As a trend ascends, more buyers enter the market. When news prompts some to sell, a correction occurs, causing temporary price declines. However, buyers often see this as a chance to purchase at lower prices. A key indicator of the end of this correction is a candle with a small body and a long downward wick, suggesting that selling pressure has subsided and buyers are stepping back in.
2. BY CANDLE BODY SIZE. The size of candle bodies reflects price movement. When candle bodies decrease in size during a correction, it indicates waning interest in the asset. In an upward trend that turns bearish, if the correction shows small candle bodies, it likely signals a recovery of the trend. Conversely, during a downtrend, large downward candlesticks signify strong selling, while small bodies during corrections suggest minimal price movement.
3. CHANGE IN TRADING VOLUMES. Similar to the analysis of candle bodies, observing changes in trading volumes can signal the end of a correction. A decline in volume may indicate that the correction is over. However, a limitation of this method in Forex trading is the absence of aggregated volume data, necessitating reliance on indicators that may show tick volumes or specific broker volumes.
4. FIBONACCI LEVELS. Based on mathematical concepts, Fibonacci levels help identify potential retracement points. The end of a correction is most likely to occur at the first or second Fibonacci level after a reversal. If the price retraces to the 50% level, it often indicates the potential continuation of the initial trend.
5. TECHNICAL INDICATORS. Technical indicators, particularly oscillators like the Stochastic and Relative Strength Index (RSI), can be valuable tools for identifying the end of a correction. When these oscillators reach overbought or oversold territories and subsequently reverse their direction, it often signals that the correction has concluded, indicating a potential resumption of the original trend.
6. FUNDAMENTAL FACTORS. Local reversals frequently occur in response to news events. For instance, a cryptocurrency might be on the rise, but negative news—such as a significant fund dumping its holdings or regulatory actions by the SEC—can lead to a temporary price pullback. However, if positive news later arises, it can trigger renewed buying interest, signaling the end of the correction and a potential return to upward momentum.
📍 CONCLUSION
In trading, there are no infallible tools for pinpointing trends, corrections, or their respective beginnings and endings. A correction can seamlessly shift into a new trend, while a reversal following a correction may lead to a false breakout. Given these uncertainties, it is prudent to combine multiple analytical tools into a cohesive signal system. By doing so, we can enhance our decision-making process and improve ability to interpret market movements. Additionally, it is essential to test this system against historical price data to ensure its effectiveness and reliability in various market conditions. This comprehensive approach allows us to better navigate the complexities of the market and make more informed trading decisions.
Traders, If you liked this educational post🎓, give it a boost 🚀 and drop a comment 📣
Winning Forex Trading (5 Step Guide)5-Step Guide to Winning Forex Trading
Here are the secrets to winning forex trading that will enable you to master the complexities of the forex market. The forex market is the largest market in the world in terms of the dollar value of average daily trading, dwarfing the stock and bond markets. It offers traders a number of inherent advantages, including the highest leverage available in any investment arena and the fact that there is market action every trading day. Rarely, if ever, is there a trading day in the forex markets when “nothing happens.”
Forex trading is the last great investing frontier – one market where a small investor with just a little bit of trading capital can realistically hope to trade their way to a fortune. It is also the most widely-traded market by large institutional investors, with billions of dollars in currency exchanges happening all around the world every day that there’s a bank open somewhere.
Trading FX is easy. Trading it well and producing consistent profits is difficult.
To help you join the select few who regularly profit from trading the forex market, here are some secrets to winning forex trading – five tips to help make your trading more profitable and your career as a trader more successful.
Winning Forex Trading Step #1 – Pay Attention to Daily Pivot Points
Paying attention to daily pivot points is especially important if you’re a day trader, but it’s also important even if you’re more of a position trader, swing trader, or only trade long-term time frames. Why? Because of the simple fact that thousands of other traders watch pivot levels.
Pivot trading is sometimes like a self-fulfilling prophecy. What we mean by that is that markets will often find support or resistance, or make market turns, at pivot levels simply because a lot of traders will place orders at those levels because they’re confirmed pivot traders. Often times when significant trading moves occur off pivot levels, there is really no fundamental reason for the move other than a lot of traders have placed trades expecting such a move.
Not saying that pivot trading should be the sole basis of your trading strategy. Regardless of your personal trading strategy, you should keep an eye on daily pivot points for indications of either trend continuations or potential market reversals. Look at pivot points and the trading activity that occurs around them as a confirming technical indicator that you can utilize in conjunction with whatever your chosen trading strategy is.
Winning Forex Trading Step #2 – Trade with an Edge
The most successful traders are those who only risk their money when an opportunity in the market presents them with an edge, something that increases the probability of the trade they initiate being successful. Quality trading is better the quantity trading with FX trading.
Your edge can be any of a number of things, even something as simple as buying at a price level that has previously shown itself as a level that provides significant support for the market (or selling at a price level that you’ve identified as strong resistance).
You can increase your edge – and your probability of success – by having a number of technical factors in your favor. For example, if the 10-period, 50-period, and 100-period moving average all converge at the same price level, that should provide substantial support or resistance for a market, because you’ll have the actions of traders who are basing their trading off any one of those moving averages all acting together.
A similar edge provided by converging technical indicators arises when various indicators on multiple time frames come together to provide support or resistance. An example may be the price approaching the 50-period moving average on the 15-minute time frame at the same price level where it’s approaching the 10-period moving average on the hourly or 4-hour chart.
Another example of having multiple indicators in your favor is having the price hit an identified support or resistance level and then having price action at that level indicate a potential market reversal by a candlestick formation such as a pin bar or doji.
Winning Forex Trading Step #3 – Preserve Your Capital
In forex trading, avoiding large losses is more important than making large profits. That may not sound quite right to you if you’re a novice in the market, but it is nonetheless true. Winning forex trading involves knowing how to preserve your capital. In FX trading you have four options: lose small, lose big, win small or win big- never lose BIG!!!
“The most important rule of trading is to play great defense.” (Tudor Jones is an excellent trader to study and learn from. Not only does he have a nearly unparalleled record of profitable trading, but was instrumental in creating the ethics training program that was adopted as a requirement for membership on all U.S. futures exchanges.)
Why is playing great defense – i.e., preserving your trading capital – so critically important in forex trading? The fact is that the reason most individuals who try their hand at forex trading never succeed is simply that they run out of money and can’t continue trading. They blow out their account before they ever have a chance to enter what turns out to be a hugely profitable trade. Always, start with Demo account and then trade real money with small trades.
It’s only a slight exaggeration to say that having and faithfully practicing strict risk management rules almost guarantees that you will eventually be a profitable trader. If you just manage to preserve your trading capital by avoiding suffering crippling losses, so that you can continue trading, eventually a huge winner – a “home run” trade – will pretty much just fall into your lap and exponentially increase your profits and the size of your account. Even if you are far from being “the world’s greatest trader,” the luck of the draw, if nothing else, will have you eventually stumble into a trade that produces more than enough profit to make your year – or possibly even your whole trading career – a massively profitable success.
Winning Forex Trading Step #4 – Simplify your Technical Analysis
Here are pictures of two very different forex traders for you to consider:
Trader #1 has a large, swanky office, a top-of-the-line, specially-made trading computer, multiple monitors and market news feeds, and plenty of charts, all of which are loaded with at least eight or nine technical indicators – five or six moving averages, two or three momentum indicators, Fibonacci lines, etc.
Trader #2 works in a relatively spare and simple office space, uses just a regular laptop or notebook computer, and an examination of his charts reveals just one or two – perhaps three at most – technical indicators overlaid on the market’s price action.
If you guessed that Trader #1 is the super-successful, professional forex trader, you probably guessed wrong. In fact, the portrait drawn of Trader #2 is closer to what a consistently winning forex trader’s operation more commonly looks like.
There is virtually an endless number of possible lines of technical analysis that a trader can apply to a chart. But more is not necessarily – or even probably – better. Considering a virtually limitless number of indicators typically only serves to muddy the waters for a trader, amplifying confusion, doubt, and indecision, and causing a trader to miss seeing the forest for the trees.
A relatively simple trading strategy, one that has just a few trading rules and requires consideration of a minimum of indicators, tends to work more effectively in producing successful trades. In fact, we know one very successful forex trader, a gentleman who takes money out of the market almost every single trading day, who has exactly ZERO technical indicators overlaid on his charts – no trend lines, no moving averages, no relative strength indicator, and certainly no expert advisors (EAs) or trading robots. K.I.S.S. strategy can/does work in FX trading. Naked charts and just price action (PA) can work if done correctly.
Simple market analysis requires nothing more than an ordinary candlestick chart. His trading strategy is to trade high-probability candlestick patterns – such as pin bars (also known as the hammer or shooting star patterns) – that form at or near support and resistance price levels that are identified simply by looking at the market’s previous price movement.
But in order to enjoy that trade, you have to have sufficient investment capital in your account to profit from such a trading opportunity whenever it happens to come along.
Paul Tudor Jones is not the only market wizard to counsel traders to utilize an approach to trading that basically consists of, “Just avoid losing all your money until a trading opportunity comes around that is somewhat akin to having a million dollars dumped on the ground in front of you, and all you have to do is pick it up.” No, trading opportunities like that don’t happen every day – but they do happen regularly, and more often than you might imagine.
To reiterate (because it can’t be emphasized too much): The most important practice for successful trading is minimizing your losses – by avoiding overtrading or taking on too much risk in any single trade – and thereby preserving your investment capital. You should risk the same amount of your account on all FX trades, just adjust your risk accordingly with your stops.
Winning Forex Trading Step #5 – Place Stop-loss Orders at Reasonable Price Levels
This axiom may seem like just an element of preserving your trading capital in the event of a losing trade. It is indeed that, but it is also an essential element in winning forex trading.
Many novice traders make the mistake of believing that risk management means nothing more than putting stop-loss orders very close to their trade entry point. It’s true that part of good money management means that you shouldn’t put on trades with stop-loss levels so far away from your entry point that they give the trade an unfavorable risk/reward ratio (i.e., risking more in the event the trade loses than you reasonably stand to make if the trade proves to be a winner). However, one factor that frequently contributes to lack of trading success is habitually running stop orders too close to your entry point, as evidenced by having the trade stopped out for a loss, only to then see the market turn back in favor of the trade and having to endure watching price advance to a level that would have returned you a sizeable profit…if only you hadn’t been stopped out for a loss. Let your stops have breathing room for pa, so you do not get stopped out of most of your trades. Keep risks the same, but adjust lot sizes with trades.
Yes, it’s important to only enter trades that allow you to place a stop-loss order close enough to the entry point to avoid suffering a catastrophic loss. But it’s also important to place stop orders at a price level that’s reasonable, based on your market analysis.
An often-cited general rule of thumb on proper placement of stop-loss orders is that your stop should be placed a bit beyond a price that the market should not trade at if your analysis of the market is correct.
Forex Trading Conclusion
The forex market has its own unique characteristics. In order to trade it profitably, a trader must learn these characteristics through time, practice, and study.
Traders will do well to keep in mind these tips for winning forex trading revealed in this guide:
Pay attention to pivot levels
Trade with an edge
Preserve your trading capital
Simplify your market analysis
Place stops at genuinely reasonable levels
Of course, that isn’t all the trading wisdom there is to attain regarding the forex market, but it’s a very solid start. If you keep these basic principles of winning forex trading in mind, you will enjoy a definite trading advantage. Wish you the greatest success.
How Market Dynamics Can Improve Your Trades█ Understanding Optimal Trading Strategies: How Market Dynamics Can Improve Your Trades
As traders, whether seasoned professionals or newcomers to the market, we're constantly looking for ways to improve our trading strategies and reduce costs. One area that often goes overlooked is the dynamic nature of supply and demand in the market and how it can impact your trades. In this article, we'll break down the key insights from a study on optimal trading strategies and show you how this knowledge can be applied to enhance your trading performance.
█ The Basics: What You Need to Know About Supply and Demand Dynamics
When you place a trade, you're interacting with the market's supply and demand. Traditionally, many traders think of supply and demand in static terms—like the bid-ask spread or how deep the market is at any given moment. However, the reality is that supply and demand are dynamic—they change over time, especially after a trade is executed. One of the most important concepts from the study is market resilience. This refers to how quickly the market returns to its normal state after a trade has been placed. In simple terms, resilience is how fast new buy or sell orders come in after you've placed your trade. Understanding this can be a game-changer for your trading strategy.
█ The Strategy: Combining Large and Small Trades for Optimal Results
The study suggests an optimal trading strategy that might seem counterintuitive at first. Instead of splitting your trades evenly over time, it recommends a mix of large and small trades. Here’s how it works:
Start with a Large Trade: Begin with a significant trade that moves the market slightly. This "shakes up" the market and attracts new orders from other traders who see the opportunity.
Follow with Smaller Trades: After the initial large trade, continue with smaller, more frequent trades. These smaller trades allow you to absorb the new orders that come in without pushing the market too far in either direction.
Finish with Another Large Trade: As you approach the end of your trading window, place another large trade to complete your order. At this point, you're less concerned about future market conditions since your goal is to finalize the transaction.
█ Why This Strategy Works
This approach leverages the dynamic nature of the market. By starting with a large trade, you create a temporary imbalance that encourages other traders to place orders, which you can then capitalize on with your smaller trades. The key is understanding that markets don’t just respond to one trade—they continuously adjust. By strategically timing your trades, you can reduce the overall cost of execution.
█ How Retail Traders Can Apply This Knowledge
Even if you're trading smaller volumes, you can still benefit from understanding market dynamics. Here’s how you can apply these principles to your own trading:
Observe Market Depth and Liquidity: Before placing a trade, take a look at the market depth (how many buy and sell orders are available at different price levels) and consider the market's resilience. If the market is less liquid, be cautious about placing large trades all at once.
Adjust Your Trade Sizes: Instead of placing a single large order, consider breaking it up. Start with a larger trade to test the market, then follow up with smaller trades to take advantage of the new orders that might come in.
Be Mindful of Timing: Spread out your trades over time, especially in less liquid markets. This can help you avoid moving the market too much and keep your trading costs lower.
█ For Retail Traders Without Access to the Order Book: How to Spot Big Players
Not all retail traders have access to the order book or sophisticated market data. However, you can still benefit from the principles of dynamic supply and demand by analyzing price charts directly. Here's how you can do it:
⚪ Look for Imbalances in the Price Chart: When a large player enters the market, their trades can create noticeable imbalances in the price action. For example, if you see a sharp move in price followed by a series of smaller movements in the same direction, it could indicate that a big player has started trading and is following up with smaller trades, just as the strategy suggests.
⚪ Fair Value Gaps (FVG): Fair Value Gaps are areas on a price chart where there is little to no trading activity, often due to a large, quick movement in price. These gaps can serve as clues that a large order has just been executed, leading to a temporary imbalance. When the market later returns to these gaps, it can be an opportunity to place trades in the direction of the original move, anticipating that the large player might continue to influence the market.
█ The Big Takeaway: Trading Isn’t Just About Prices—It’s About Timing
Understanding that supply and demand in the market are constantly changing can give you a significant edge. By timing your trades strategically and mixing large and small orders, you can reduce the impact of your trades on the market, ultimately saving on costs and improving your returns. Whether you're a retail trader managing a small portfolio or a professional handling large orders, these principles can be applied to improve your trading strategy. And even if you don’t have access to the order book, studying price imbalances, Fair Value Gaps, and other price action cues can help you detect the underlying intentions of big players, allowing you to trade more effectively in their wake.
The next time you plan a trade, remember: it's not just about what you trade, but how and when you trade that can make all the difference.
█ Reference
Obizhaeva, A. A., & Wang, J. (2013). Optimal trading strategy and supply/demand dynamics. Journal of Financial Markets, 16, 1–32.
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Disclaimer
This is an educational study for entertainment purposes only.
The information in my Scripts/Indicators/Ideas/Algos/Systems does not constitute financial advice or a solicitation to buy or sell securities. I will not accept liability for any loss or damage, including without limitation any loss of profit, which may arise directly or indirectly from the use of or reliance on such information.
All investments involve risk, and the past performance of a security, industry, sector, market, financial product, trading strategy, backtest, or individual's trading does not guarantee future results or returns. Investors are fully responsible for any investment decisions they make. Such decisions should be based solely on evaluating their financial circumstances, investment objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs.
My Scripts/Indicators/Ideas/Algos/Systems are only for educational purposes!
Never Trade Without Stop Loss!
Hey traders,
Talking to many struggling traders from different parts of the world, I realized that the majority constantly makes the same mistake : they do not set a stop loss .
Asking for the reason why they do that, the common answer is that
these traders consider the manual position closing to be safer, implying that if the market goes in the opposite direction, they will be able to much better track the exact moment to cut loss.
In this article, we will discuss why it is crucially important to set a stop loss and why it is the number one element of your trading position.
What is Stop Loss?
Let's discuss what is a stop loss . By a stop loss , we mean a certain price level where we close our trading position in loss. In comparison to a manual closing, the stop loss (preferably) should be set at the exact moment when the order is executed.
On the chart above, I have an active selling position on Gold.
My entry level is 2372, my stop loss is 2381.
It means that if the price goes up and reaches 2381 level, the position will automatically close in a loss.
Why Do You Need a Stop Loss?
Stop loss allows us limiting the risks in case of unfavorable movements .
On the chart above, I have illustrated 2 similar negative scenarios : 1 with a stop loss being placed and one without on USDJPY.
In the example on the left, stop loss helped to prevent the excessive risk , cutting the loss at the beginning of a bearish wave.
With the manual closing, however, traders usually hold the negative positions much longer , praying for a reversal.
Holding a losing trade, emotions intervene. Greed and fear usually spoil the reasoning, causing irrational decisions .
Following such a strategy, the total loss of the second scenario is 6 times bigger than the total loss with a placed stop loss order.
Always Set Stop Loss!
Stop loss defines the point where you become wrong in your predictions. Planning your trade, you should know in advance such a point and cut your loss once it is reached.
Never trade without a stop loss.
How to Develop a Trading MethodYou don’t have to develop your own methods but never just depend on learning somebody else's method as if all you had to do was follow instructions. You need to understand and make it your own. Even if you don’t want to design your methods, approach this as a learning exercise.
Let's structure how to go about developing a method. First start with a bassline and then work your way through the process.
1. Start with a repeatable market structure pattern. You can also use an indicator, trendline or whatever it is you relate to and can see
2. Understand the essence of your pattern and use this as a bassline to develop from
3. Structure objective trade rules around that pattern. How are you going to enter, place a stop, manage trade, and exit
4. Test it and learn.
Shane
Risk Management: The Key to Trading SuccessCut the Cord: A Trader's Survival Guide
How to Cut Losses Wisely: A Trader's Guide
Mastering the Exit: A Trader's Handbook
As a trader, it's inevitable to encounter losing trades. However, the key to success lies in how you manage these losses. By implementing effective strategies, you can minimize their impact and stay on track towards your financial goals.
1. Manage Your Risk:
Never risk more than you can afford to lose. Diversify your portfolio, spread your investments across different assets, and avoid over-leveraging. By managing your risk, you can protect your capital and prevent a single losing trade from causing significant damage.
2. Set Stop-Loss Orders:
Your stop-loss order acts as a safety net, protecting your capital from excessive losses. Determine a specific price point at which you'll exit a trade if it moves against you. This helps prevent emotional trading decisions and ensures you stay disciplined.
3. Consider Trailing Stop-Loss Orders:
A trailing stop-loss is a dynamic order that adjusts automatically as the price moves in your favor. It allows you to lock in profits while still protecting against potential losses. This can be a valuable tool for managing your positions effectively.
4. Stick to Your Trading Plan:
A well-defined trading plan is your roadmap to success. It outlines your strategies, risk management rules, and exit points. Adhering to your plan, even during challenging times, helps avoid impulsive decisions that can lead to further losses.
5. Stay Informed:
Keep up-to-date with market news, economic indicators, and industry trends. Understanding the factors driving price movements can help you anticipate potential risks and make informed decisions.
6. Cut Your Losses Quickly:
Don't hold onto losing trades in the hope that they will recover. Cut your losses promptly to minimize the damage and preserve your capital for future opportunities.
7. Learn from Your Mistakes:
Every losing trade is an opportunity to learn and improve. Analyze your trades, identify the reasons for the losses, and adjust your strategies accordingly. By learning from your mistakes, you can become a more successful trader.
8. Take Breaks:
Emotional fatigue can lead to poor decision-making. When you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed, take a break from trading to allow yourself time to recharge and regain perspective.
9. Seek Guidance:
If you're struggling to manage losses or unsure about your trading strategies, consider seeking advice from a mentor or professional trader. They can provide valuable insights and help you develop effective risk management techniques.
10. Maintain a Positive Mindset:
Trading can be emotionally challenging, but it's important to maintain a positive mindset. Focus on your long-term goals, learn from your setbacks, and believe in your ability to succeed.
Remember, losing trades are a natural part of trading. By adopting these strategies, you can effectively manage your losses, protect your capital, and increase your chances of long-term success.
I am not Sebi registered analyst.
My studies are for educational purpose only.
Please Consult your financial advisor before trading or investing.
I am not responsible for any kinds of your profits and your losses.
Most investors treat trading as a hobby because they have a full-time job doing something else.
However, If you treat trading like a business, it will pay you like a business.
If you treat like a hobby, hobbies don't pay, they cost you...!
Hope this post is helpful to community
Thanks
RK💕
Disclaimer and Risk Warning.
The analysis and discussion provided on in.tradingview.com is intended for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon for trading decisions. RK_Charts is not an investment adviser and the information provided here should not be taken as professional investment advice. Before buying or selling any investments, securities, or precious metals, it is recommended that you conduct your own due diligence. RK_Charts does not share in your profits and will not take responsibility for any losses you may incur. So Please Consult your financial advisor before trading or investing.
e-Learning with the TradingMasteryHub - 3 Strategies You Need
Welcome to the TradingMasteryHub Education Series!
Are you ready to take your trading to the next level? Join us for another exciting lesson in our 10-part series where we dive deep into strategies that can transform your trading game. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your strategy, these lessons are designed to guide you on your journey to mastering the markets.
Three Proven Strategies That Can Make You a Fortune, When You Follow Them with Discipline!
In trading, having the right strategy is crucial, but even the best strategy won’t work if you don’t stick to it. Today, we’re uncovering three live-proven strategies that can potentially lead to massive gains—when executed with discipline and precision.
1. The Trend-Following Strategy: Ride the Waves
Trend-following is all about identifying and capitalising on sustained market movements. This strategy involves buying when the market is in an uptrend and selling when it’s in a downtrend. The key is to use indicators like moving averages and the ADX (Average Directional Index) to confirm the strength of the trend.
The beauty of trend-following lies in its simplicity. By aligning your trades with the market's momentum, you increase your chances of catching big moves. But remember, patience is key. Wait for clear signals before entering a trade, and always protect your position with a well-placed stop-loss to minimise risk.
2. The Breakout Strategy: Capture Explosive Moves
Breakout trading focuses on identifying price levels where the market has repeatedly struggled to break through—these are your key support and resistance levels. When the price finally breaks out of these levels, it often leads to significant moves.
To execute this strategy, use tools like the Volume-Weighted Average Price (VWAP) and Relative Volume (RVOL) to confirm the strength of the breakout. A high RVOL indicates that the breakout is supported by strong market participation, increasing the likelihood of a sustained move. The trick here is to act quickly but carefully, entering the trade as soon as the breakout is confirmed and setting your stop-loss just below the breakout level to protect against false moves.
3. The Mean Reversion Strategy: Profit from Market Extremes
Mean reversion strategies work on the principle that prices eventually return to their average or "mean" after extreme moves. This approach is particularly effective in range-bound markets where prices oscillate between defined levels.
To implement this strategy, you’ll need indicators like the RSI (Relative Strength Index) or Bollinger Bands to identify overbought and oversold conditions. When the market shows signs of exhaustion at these extremes, you can enter a trade expecting a reversal back toward the mean. The key to success here is timing—enter too early, and you might get caught in a continued move against you; enter too late, and the best part of the move may already be over.
The Key to Success: Discipline and Consistency
While these strategies have the potential to deliver significant returns, they only work if you follow them with discipline. That means sticking to your trading plan, setting realistic profit targets, and most importantly, managing your risk. Remember, no strategy is foolproof—losses are part of the game. The goal is to stay consistent, manage your emotions, and keep learning from each trade, win or lose.
Conclusion and Recommendation
These three strategies—trend-following, breakout trading, and mean reversion—are time-tested and can be incredibly profitable when applied correctly. But success in trading doesn’t come from the strategy alone; it comes from the discipline to follow your plan, manage your risk, and stay calm under pressure.
As you incorporate these strategies into your trading routine, focus on maintaining a strong risk/reward ratio and a consistent approach. Over time, this discipline will build the confidence and experience you need to potentially turn these strategies into a fortune.
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Subscribe, share, and engage with us in the comments. This is the start of a supportive trading community—built by traders, for traders! Join us on the journey to market mastery, where we grow, learn, and succeed together.
What You'll Learn:
- Proven trading strategies
- How to confirm trade setups
- Risk management and execution
- And much more!...
Best wishes,
TradingMasteryHub