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Beyond Technical Analysis

The Power of a Trading Journal: Key to Consistent SuccessHave you ever pondered what distinguishes successful traders from those who struggle for consistent profits? One key tool, often underestimated, is the trading journal. Both research and practical experience demonstrate that traders who diligently track their performance and critically assess their decisions tend to enhance their trading skills and overall results over time. While financial markets can seem erratic, a well-maintained trading journal can provide clarity regarding your trading behavior and highlight areas ripe for improvement. Understanding the Trading Journal At its core, a trading journal serves as a comprehensive record of your trades, detailing every decision and its corresponding outcome. However, it goes beyond a mere tally of wins and losses; it acts as a robust instrument for self-reflection and growth. By keeping an organized log, traders can identify recurring patterns, refine their strategies, and cultivate greater discipline in their trading practices. In essence, a trading journal empowers you to track your performance while offering meaningful insights for informed decision-making. What Constitutes a Trading Journal? A trading journal is a personalized record of your trading journey designed to document every aspect of your experiences. Unlike a basic transaction log, it encompasses insights into your decisions, emotional states, and strategies, thereby providing an in-depth perspective on your trading habits and performance over time. This journal functions as a roadmap, enabling you to analyze your actions, learn from missteps, and recognize successful patterns to replicate in future trades. Essential Components of a Trading Journal 1. Trade Details: Log fundamental information for each trade, including the date, instrument, entry and exit points, position size, and the outcome. 2. Trade Analysis and Rationale: Capture the reasons behind each trade, such as market analysis, utilized indicators, or significant news events influencing your decision. 3. Emotional Insights: Document the emotions felt before, during, and after each trade, which will help you identify emotional triggers impacting your decision-making. 4. Results and Lessons Learned: Reflect on the trade’s outcome and the insights gained. Did it align with your expectations? What could be improved next time? By consistently maintaining these entries, your trading journal will allow for systematic performance tracking, enabling you to conduct insightful trade analysis and continuously enhance your trading methodology. The Key Benefits of a Trading Journal Maintaining a trading journal provides numerous benefits that can significantly elevate your trading performance over time. From honing decision-making skills to fostering emotional discipline, a trading journal is an invaluable asset for anyone committed to enhancing their trading approach. 1. Enhanced Decision-Making: Analyzing past trades enables you to discern patterns in your decision-making process, both successful and otherwise. You might uncover that certain strategies work better under specific market conditions or that impulsive trades frequently lead to losses. Understanding these patterns grants you valuable insights for making informed, calculated choices in future trades. 2. Improved Emotional Control: Trading often involves a rollercoaster of emotions, with factors like fear and greed skewing decision-making. Documenting your feelings during trades can help you identify emotional triggers and develop strategies to manage them, maintaining objectivity and preventing emotions from derailing your trading plan. Over time, this fosters emotional control, which is crucial for sustained trading success. 3. Increased Consistency and Discipline: A trading journal encourages consistency by promoting adherence to your trading plan and strategies. By recording every trade—regardless of its outcome—you cultivate a disciplined mindset that helps you avoid impulsive decisions and maintain a structured approach aligned with your objectives. How to Establish Your Trading Journal Creating a trading journal is quite simple; the key lies in selecting the right format and knowing what to document. Follow this guide to set up a journal that effectively tracks your trading performance and identifies growth opportunities. Selecting Your Format: 1. Digital Applications: Tools like Evernote, OneNote, or specialized trading journal software offer accessibility, data backup, and automation. Many apps include analytics features for streamlined performance tracking. 2. Spreadsheets: Utilizing Excel or Google Sheets affords flexibility and customization. You can craft a spreadsheet tailored to your needs, complete with specified fields, formulas, and visualizations. 3. Paper Journals: For those who prefer a tactile approach, a traditional notebook can suffice. While writing by hand fosters reflection, it lacks digital conveniences like searchable records. Crucial Information to Record: To enhance the effectiveness of your trading journal, make sure to include these key data points: - Entry and Exit Points: Log the precise times and prices at which trades are entered and exited. - Position Size and Trade Details: Note the trade size, instrument, and any pertinent details. - Motivation for the Trade: Document the analysis or strategy that influenced your trade decision, whether rooted in technical analysis, fundamental factors, or broader market trends. - Emotional State: Record your feelings throughout the trading process to better understand emotional influences. - Trade Outcome and Lessons: Reflect on the trade's success and any insights gained, noting what worked well or what didn’t. Starting a trading journal requires minimal time but can significantly affect your long-term ability to track performance and improve. Read Also: Reviewing Your Trading Journal for Growth A trading journal can only yield benefits if you regularly review and analyze its contents. Consistent reviews enable you to identify patterns, adjust strategies, and enhance your trading acumen. Setting Review Periods: Designate time—weekly, biweekly, or monthly—to review your journal. These sessions reinforce your commitment to your goals and reveal areas needing adjustment, ensuring ongoing learning from your trades. Spotting Patterns and Mistakes: Analyze your trades for recurring themes. Determine if you consistently act on particular signals or if emotional responses lead to poor decision-making. Acknowledging frequent mistakes marks the first step toward correcting detrimental behaviors. Implementing Adjustments: Leverage insights from your journal to modify your trading strategies. If a specific method isn’t yielding results, revise or replace it accordingly. If certain emotional triggers lead to losses, develop coping mechanisms to mitigate their influence. By committing to regular reviews, you can transform your trading experiences into invaluable lessons that foster better habits and skills. Read Also: Maximizing the Benefits of Your Trading Journal To fully reap the rewards of a trading journal, it's crucial to engage with it effectively. Here are tips to enhance your journaling experience: 1. Maintain Consistency: Regularly enter details after every trade or at least daily. This practice captures relevant details while they’re recent, building a robust record for analysis. 2. Practice Honesty: Accurately document both successes and failures. A truthful account allows for clearer insights into areas needing improvement, as self-awareness plays a vital role in progress. 3. Utilize Visuals: Incorporate charts, graphs, or screenshots to enrich your journal. Visual aids facilitate pattern recognition and provide a more comprehensive understanding of your trading performance. Read Also: Conclusion: The Transformative Role of a Trading Journal A trading journal is an essential tool for any trader pursuing consistent success. By meticulously recording trades, scrutinizing decisions, and learning from both victories and defeats, you can sharpen your skills, master your emotions, and cultivate a disciplined approach to the markets. Beyond merely documenting past trades, a trading journal offers critical insights that can profoundly influence your long-term performance. By consistently utilizing this resource, you can decipher your unique trading habits, refine strategies, and ultimately boost your confidence in decision-making. ✅ Please share your thoughts about this article in the comments section below and HIT LIKE if you appreciate my post. Don't forget to FOLLOW ME; you will help us a lot with this small contribution.
Education
by FOREXN1
16
SOLUSD: How to Draw Quarter's Theory LevelsApplying Quarter’s Theory to SOL/USD helps traders identify key psychological price levels where institutional players might step in. With Solana’s volatility, these quarter levels (25%, 50%, 75%, and full dollar increments) act as crucial areas for potential reversals or breakouts. Current Market Outlook SOL/USD is currently trading around a major quarter level, signaling a potential shift in momentum. If buyers push above $150, the next logical upside target is $175, while a breakdown could send prices back to $125—both key quarter points. How to Trade It Aggressive traders can enter at quarter levels with tight stops, aiming for quick price movements. Conservative traders should wait for a breakout confirmation and a retest before executing trades. Renko charts can help filter noise and confirm trend strength, making it easier to spot clean setups. Is SOL/USD Gearing Up for a Big Move? With SOL/USD sitting at a crucial level, the next move could be significant. Will we see a drop toward $125, or is a deeper pullback coming? What’s your take? Drop a comment below!
CRYPTO:SOLUSDEducation
by TLTurnerTV
2
AUDUSD: How to Draw Quarter's Theory LevelsThe Quarter’s Theory , popularized by Ilian Yotov, is based on the idea that the market moves in predictable 25, 50, and 100-pip increments. When applied to AUD/USD, these psychological price levels become crucial for identifying potential reversals and breakouts. Current Market Outlook AUD/USD is currently trading near a key quarter level, indicating a potential reaction zone. The pair is hovering around 0.6500, a psychological price barrier that often serves as support or resistance. If buyers step in, the next upside target is 0.6750, while a break lower could send prices to 0.6250. How to Trade It Aggressive traders can look for confirmations near quarter levels and enter trades with tight stops. Conservative traders might wait for a breakout and retest before committing. Combining Quarter’s Theory with Renko charts can help filter out noise and confirm strong trends. Will AUD/USD Hold or Break? Quarter’s Theory gives traders a structured way to navigate price movements. Whether AUD/USD holds or breaks through the current quarter level will determine the next significant move. Are you watching these levels? Drop your thoughts below!
Education
by TLTurnerTV
Learning Risk Management in Forex – A Step-by-Step ApproachAlthough I traded since 2004, but I actually started my trading learning journey in 2022. All what I did before was a waste of time. I did another mistake in 2022. I wanted to teach myself technical analysis, and come up with a trading methodology that was suitable for me. That in itself is not a mistake, but starting with that aspect of trading was my mistake. I realized that the first step should have been how to learn risk management in Forex trading. As I continue my forex trading journey, I’ve realized that risk management is not just an add-on to a strategy—it’s the foundation of long-term survival. I’m sharing what I’m learning in the hopes that it helps others who are also figuring things out. Here are a few key lessons I’ve come across: Set a Fixed Risk Per Trade – Many experienced traders risk no more than 1 to 2 percent of their capital per trade. I’ve started applying this to keep losses manageable. Define a Clear Stop-Loss Level – I used to place stops based on random numbers, but now I focus on market structure instead. This has made a difference in protecting my trades. Use a Favorable Reward-to-Risk Ratio – I’ve been experimenting with a 1:2 ratio, meaning I aim for at least twice the reward compared to the risk. It helps keep my winners bigger than my losses. Adjust Lot Size Based on Risk – This is something I’m paying more attention to. Calculating lot size based on risk per trade and stop-loss distance keeps things consistent. Avoid Emotional Decision-Making – Sticking to a plan is harder than it sounds, but I’m learning that discipline is just as important as technical analysis. I will write more about this and go deeper in each part of Forex trading risk management until I reach a level where I find myself set on my risk management plan. I'm documenting more of my trading journey on my profile—feel free to check it out if you're interested. How do you approach risk management in your trading? Let’s discuss in the comments.
Education
by TheInvestor_Diary
2
AI crypto’s ultimate security shield or its biggest threat?Hello and greetings to all the crypto enthusiasts,✌ Reading this educational material will require approximately 3 minutes of your time . For your convenience, I have summarized the key points in 3 concise lines at the end . I trust this information will prove to be insightful and valuable in enhancing your understanding of market and Bitcoin. Personal Insight & Technical Analysis of Bitcoin: 📉 Bitcoin's price is nearing a crucial support level. If this level breaks, we could see at least an 8% decline, with the main downside target set at $87,000. The market’s reaction will be key to short-term price movements. 🚨 Bybit Faces a Massive $1.5 Billion Hack, Triggering a $5.5 Billion Capital Outflow 💸 Bybit, one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges, has recently suffered a catastrophic security breach , resulting in the theft of approximately $1.5 billion💰. The aftermath of this incident has led to a staggering $5.5 billion in total capital outflows 📉, as panicked investors rush to withdraw their funds. In response, Bybit is actively seeking emergency liquidity through loans 🏦 to fulfill withdrawal requests and has developed new software aimed at accessing frozen assets. The attack, reportedly linked to North Korea’s Lazarus Group, marks one of the largest heists in cryptocurrency history 🚨. During this exploit, Bybit’s cold wallet—primarily holding Ethereum—was compromised, leading to substantial losses. Data from DeFiLlama 📊 indicates that Bybit-associated wallets saw their total assets plummet from approximately $16.9 billion to $11.2 billion following the breach. The exchange is currently conducting an internal investigation🕵️ to pinpoint the exact vulnerabilities that led to this unprecedented event. 👨‍💼 Bybit CEO’s Response and Emergency Measures In a recent X (formerly Twitter) Spaces session🎙️, Bybit’s CEO, Ben Zhou, addressed the crisis, explaining that the company had immediately mobilized its team to process withdrawal requests and respond to user concerns. Zhou revealed that approximately 70% of customers' Ethereum holdings were lost in the attack, forcing Bybit to seek urgent loans to cover withdrawal demands. However, he clarified that Ethereum was not the most withdrawn asset—instead, the majority of users opted to withdraw stable coins 💵, likely seeking a safer alternative amid uncertainty. Bybit has assured affected users that they will be fully compensated ✅, reinforcing the exchange’s commitment to customer protection despite the severity of the incident. This event is now being regarded as the largest crypto theft in history ⏳, and potentially one of the most significant financial cybercrimes ever recorded. 🌍 The Broader Impact on the Cryptocurrency Market The implications of such an attack extend far beyond Bybit itself. The erosion of investor confidence in cryptocurrency exchanges and blockchain security is a primary concern. Repeated breaches of this scale could deter both retail and institutional investors 📉, prompting increased regulatory scrutiny 🏛️ and possibly slowing the adoption of digital assets. This raises an even more pressing question: What does the future hold for cybersecurity in the crypto space?🤔 🤖 The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Crypto: Savior or Threat? While blockchain technology has long been touted as highly secure, the rise of sophisticated hacking techniques—potentially augmented by AI🧠—presents new challenges. This leads to some thought-provoking questions: Could AI become a powerful tool for cybercriminals, making crypto networks more vulnerable than ever? ⚡At its peak capability, could AI potentially hack and dismantle the entire cryptocurrency ecosystem in an instant? 🛡️ Or, conversely, will AI evolve into an unparalleled security mechanism, capable of preventing such breaches altogether? These are the questions that have been keeping me, as the writer, awake at night 🌙—questions without definitive answers. However, I have gathered some insights 📚 that may help illuminate the discussion. 📈 AI’s Expanding Role in Cryptocurrency Markets 💡 Artificial Intelligence is already playing a transformative role in cryptocurrency trading and security 🔄. Advanced AI-driven algorithms 🖥️ can analyze vast amounts of market data, identify trading patterns, and generate buy/sell signals with unprecedented accuracy 📊. This technology is increasingly assisting traders in making data-driven decisions, optimizing portfolio performance, and mitigating risks ⚖️. Beyond trading, AI has limitless applications in the crypto industry 🚀. From automated fraud detection to risk management, AI-driven systems can continuously monitor blockchain transactions, identify suspicious activity, and enhance market transparency. AI can also be leveraged to optimize investment portfolios 📈 based on specific financial goals and risk tolerance. ⚔️ The Double-Edged Sword of AI in Crypto Security While AI presents enormous potential for strengthening crypto security🛡️, it also introduces new existential risks. As AI continues to evolve, it could become powerful enough to exploit vulnerabilities at an unprecedented scale🚨, potentially threatening the very foundations of blockchain security. Ultimately, only time will provide the answers⏳ to these pressing questions. 🌟 Will AI emerge as the ultimate protector of decentralized finance? 💥 Or will it become the very force that brings about its downfall? The future of cryptocurrency security remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—the integration of AI into the crypto world is inevitable, and its consequences will shape the industry for years to come. However , this analysis should be seen as a personal viewpoint, not as financial advice ⚠️. The crypto market carries high risks 📉, so always conduct your own research before making investment decisions. That being said, please take note of the disclaimer section at the bottom of each post for further details 📜✅. 🧨 Our team's main opinion is: 🧨 🚨 Bitcoin is at a critical support level—if it breaks, we could see an 8% drop, targeting GETTEX:87K 📉. Meanwhile, Bybit got hacked for $1.5B, triggering $5.5B in withdrawals, with 70% of customer ETH lost, but they promise to compensate users. Now the big question—will AI be crypto’s ultimate security shield or its biggest threat ? Give me some energy !! ✨We invest countless hours researching opportunities and crafting valuable ideas. Your support means the world to us! If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comment box. Cheers, Mad Whale. 🐋
Education
by MadWhale
15
Tokenomics: How to avoid scams and fake projects?I've decided to write about the scams, Ponzi schemes, and fake projects in the crypto industry. I'm a developer with 30+ years of experience in Web2, gaming (Unity, Unreal), and Web3. With this background, I can quickly spot fake projects riding a hot narrative that will never deliver or that mislead investors about their business model. Meme Coins vs. Big Projects – Who's the Real Scam? The common belief is that meme coins are scams. While some are, others have better tokenomics and fundamentals than major Layer 1 projects. On the other hand, big funded projects aren’t necessarily more honest—their scams are just more sophisticated, preying on investors' lack of technical knowledge. Most Common Crypto Scams & Red Flags 1️⃣ Coins promising cheaper services using their own token 🚩 Many projects claim that using their token will make their services cheaper (e.g., Filecoin, Render). Why is this a scam? If the coin succeeds and its price rises, then the service becomes more expensive—making it worse than the competition. This contradicts their entire business model, proving it's unsustainable. 2️⃣ DeFi protocols without 1:1 backing 💰💀 Many bridges and lending protocols use their own token as collateral—this is a disaster waiting to happen (e.g., Thorchain, Thorswap). As long as the token holds value, the system works. But if FUD spreads, a bank run will wipe out liquidity and make the protocol insolvent—there’s no safety net. 3️⃣ Gaming projects claiming to use AI agents 🎮🤖 (It’s a lie!) It is technically impossible to have AI-powered NPCs in a game at scale (e.g., Astra Nova). AI agents require 12GB+ of VRAM per instance—you cannot have hundreds running in a game. Many GameFi projects slap "AI" on their marketing because investors don’t know better. 🔍 How to spot a fake GameFi project: No shadows on characters (e.g., BigTime, Valhalla) = outdated pre-2000s tech "Arcade games" = nobody cares about them League of Legends clones = LoL is 15+ years old! Claims of 80+ devs = At EUROTLX:4K + per dev, that’s $380K/month in salaries—do the math! Legit Meme Coins Can Be Better Than "Big Projects" Example: CRYPTOCAP:PEPE 🐸 Despite being a meme, CRYPTOCAP:PEPE has better tokenomics than most of the top 200 projects. ✔️ No staking = No inflation (fixed supply, no endless token dilution). ✔️ No central ownership = No rug pulls (tokens distributed to the community). ✔️ Strong market makers (e.g., Wintermute). ✔️ No fake narrative—it’s just a meme, no BS. ✔️ Huge liquidity & low slippage on major exchanges. Final Thoughts 🚫 Don’t judge a project by its marketing—check its fundamentals! ✅ Avoid inflationary projects ✅ Avoid projects with too many insiders ✅ Avoid narrative-based scams that sell you fairy tales 💡 Hope you found this post insightful! DYOR! 🧐
CRYPTOCAP:OTHERSEducation
by CryptoNikkoid
6
The Crypto Market’s True PowerLet’s shift focus from price volatility to the foundational driver of crypto’s value: network effects. While traditional markets rely on centralized moats (e.g., Facebook’s user base, Visa’s payment rails), crypto’s network effects are decentralized, programmable, and inherently disruptive. This isn’t just theory, it’s a blueprint for identifying asymmetric opportunities. The Strategic Depth of Network Effects: - Bitcoin’s Security Flywheel: Metcalfe’s Law quantifies network value as the square of its users, but Bitcoin adds a critical layer: security. Each incremental miner strengthens its Proof-of-Work consensus, exponentially raising the cost of a 51% attack. This isn’t adoption, it’s antifragility. - Ethereum’s Developer Ecosystem: Ethereum’s dominance isn’t rooted in first-mover advantage alone. Its network effect hinges on developer density. Every new dApp (Uniswap, Aave) attracts liquidity, users, and complementary protocols, creating a self-reinforcing ecosystem. Traditional platforms can’t replicate this composability. The Uncharted Risk-Reward Dynamic: - Forks as Network Experiments: Unlike closed systems, crypto’s open-source code allows forks (e.g., Ethereum Classic, Bitcoin Cash) to test value divergence. This isn’t fragmentation, it’s Darwinian market validation. - Protocol Upgrades as Catalysts: Events like Ethereum’s Merge recalibrate incentives overnight. Leaders must monitor developer momentum and governance alignment; missteps here aren’t setbacks, they’re existential threats. Why This Matters: Network effects in crypto aren’t linear, they’re recursive. Prioritize ecosystems where liquidity, developer activity, and user growth compound. These are the battlegrounds where 10x returns emerge. 🛠️ Interoperability: The Strategic Race to Unify Crypto’s Fragmented Landscape The future of blockchain isn’t monocultural, it’s a multi-chain ecosystem. However, interoperability remains crypto’s Gordian Knot. Solving it isn’t technical minutiae; it’s a trillion-dollar opportunity. The Strategic Challenge: - Siloed Blockchains = Friction: Bridging assets between chains remains fraught with risk (e.g., Wormhole’s $320M exploit). This isn’t a UX problem, it’s a structural barrier to institutional adoption. - The Stakes: Interoperability is TCP/IP for Web3. The protocol that standardizes cross-chain communication will capture the foundational layer of crypto’s value stack. The Contenders: - Polkadot’s Parachain Model: Auctioning blockchain “slots” to prioritize scalability and security. - Cosmos’ IBC Protocol: Enabling sovereign chains to interoperate without sacrificing autonomy. - Layer 2s as Mini-Ecosystems: Ethereum’s rollups (Arbitrum, Optimism) are scaling vertically, but horizontal integration remains unsolved. The Emerging Frontier: - Cross-Chain DAOs: Governance systems managing assets across Ethereum, Solana, and Avalanche could redefine organizational infrastructure. This isn’t incremental, it’s revolutionary. Strategic Insight: Interoperability isn’t a technical checkbox, it’s a power struggle for crypto’s architectural control. Bet on protocols with modular design, robust security audits, and developer traction. ⚖️ Regulatory Arbitrage: Navigating Crypto’s Geopolitical Chessboard Regulation isn’t a compliance hurdle, it’s a strategic lever reshaping crypto’s geographic and economic frontiers. The Global Divergence: - U.S. Uncertainty: The SEC’s “regulation by enforcement” creates a chilling effect. Ripple’s case is precedent-setting: Is crypto a security, currency, or a new asset class? Clarity will unlock, or cripple, innovation. - EU’s MiCA Framework: While providing regulatory certainty, its stringent stablecoin rules risk stifling DeFi’s permissionless ethos. - Asia’s Pragmatism: Post-China ban, hubs like Singapore and Dubai are courting crypto enterprises, balancing innovation with oversight. The Existential Threat: CBDCs - Central Bank Digital Currencies (e.g., China’s digital yuan) aren’t just digitized fiat, they’re tools for surveillance and monetary control. Crypto’s response? Decentralized governance. Wyoming’s DAO LLC law and decentralized identity solutions (e.g., ENS) are early plays to codify self-sovereignty. Why This Demands Attention: Regulatory outcomes will determine whether crypto remains a tool for individual empowerment or becomes an instrument of the legacy financial system. 💥 DeFi’s Silent Crisis: The Smart Contract Risk Mispricing DeFi’s $50B+ ecosystem hinges on one assumption: smart contracts are secure. The data suggests otherwise. The Reality: - $1.5B Lost in 2023: Exploits like Euler Finance and Curve’s reentrancy hack highlight systemic fragility. Unlike TradFi, there’s no FDIC insurance, losses are final. - The Institutional Barrier: Until smart contract risk is mitigated, pension funds and corporates will remain sidelined. The Mitigation Race: - Audits ≠ Safety: Firms like CertiK and OpenZeppelin provide baseline checks, but bugs persist. - Insurance’s Scaling Problem: Nexus Mutual and Cover Protocol lack capacity to underwrite large-scale DeFi. - Formal Verification: Projects like Chainlink’s Proof of Reserve and algorithmic audits (e.g., Certora) are emerging as non-negotiables for enterprise adoption. Strategic Takeaway: DeFi’s next phase requires institutional-grade security infrastructure. Allocate capital to protocols prioritizing formal verification and real-time monitoring. 🔮 Quantum Computing: Crypto’s Unspoken Existential Risk While markets obsess over Fed rates, a stealthier threat looms: quantum decryption. The Threat Matrix: - Breaking ECC: Quantum computers could crack Bitcoin’s elliptic-curve cryptography within a decade, exposing private keys. - Response Timeline: Post-quantum algorithms (e.g., NIST’s Kyber) are in development, but blockchain migration will be chaotic. The Strategic Play: Ethereum’s quantum-resistant R&D and privacy chains (e.g., Monero, Zcash) are hedging this risk early. Projects ignoring quantum preparedness risk obsolescence. Why This Can’t Be Ignored: Quantum risk isn’t hypothetical, it’s actuarial. Leaders must pressure-test portfolios against this scenario. 📊 Tokenomics: Engineering Incentives for Sustainable Growth Tokenomics isn’t speculative jargon, it’s the economic backbone of crypto projects. The Levers of Value: - Supply Dynamics: Bitcoin’s halving cycle vs. Ethereum’s EIP-1559 burn, scarcity narratives matter. - Governance Centralization: UNI and COMP holders wield power, but low voter turnout risks plutocracy. - MEV’s Hidden Tax: Front-running bots extract SEED_TVCODER77_ETHBTCDATA:1B + annually from DeFi users. Solutions like Flashbots MEV-Share aim to democratize this value. The Winning Formula: Projects like Curve (veToken model) demonstrate how aligned incentives bootstrap liquidity. Conversely, misaligned tokenomics (e.g., Terra’s UST) trigger death spirals. Strategic Imperative: Scrutinize token distribution, utility, and governance. Sustainable models prioritize long-term holders over mercenary capital. 🌍 Crypto’s Macro Thesis: Hedge Against Fiat Instability Crypto’s correlation with equities is a red herring. Its true value emerges during systemic crises. The Data-Driven Case: - Geopolitical Hedging: Russia and Venezuela’s hyperinflation drove P2P Bitcoin adoption. - Inflation Response: While BTC’s 2022 performance disappointed “digital gold” proponents, its 2023 rebound amid banking collapses (SVB, Credit Suisse) reaffirmed its safe-haven narrative. The Long Game: As central banks test CBDCs and fiscal instability grows, crypto’s role as a hedge against systemic trust erosion will intensify. ✍️ Crypto’s Core Thesis: A New Economic Primitive Crypto isn’t an asset class, it’s a foundational shift in how value is created, governed, and exchanged. The Vision: - Programmable Money: Smart contracts automate value transfer (e.g., streaming salaries via Sablier). - Decentralized Governance: DAOs like MakerDAO and Aragon are rewriting corporate playbooks. The Reality Check: Crypto is a mirror of human coordination, fraught with scams, inefficiencies, and brilliance. The winners will be those who harness its primitives to solve real-world problems, not speculate on narratives. Final Note: Leaders who dismiss crypto as a speculative toy will miss the forest for the trees. This is the rebuild of the internet’s infrastructure, participation isn’t optional; it’s strategic.
Education
by MonoCoinSignal
4
Knowledge is not enough to be a successful traderWhile having strong knowledge and an effective strategy is essential for success, they alone are not enough to become a profitable trader. It is important to integrate other key aspects, such as: Risk Management Capital Protection: Adopt strict risk management by using stop-loss orders and limiting your capital exposure on each trade. Diversification: Spread your investments across multiple assets to reduce the impact of potential losses on any single position. Emotional Mastery and Managing Greed Stress Control: Remain calm in the face of market fluctuations to avoid impulsive decisions Discipline: Stick to your trading plan even during periods of high volatility. Managing Greed: Greed can lead to taking undue risks. It is crucial to remain objective and not be swayed by the lure of profit, which could compromise rigorous risk management. Patience and Perseverance Patience: Waiting for the right opportunities is essential. Rushing into trades can lead you to enter the market under unfavorable conditions. Perseverance: Trading is a continuous learning process. Learn from your mistakes and persevere, even after losses, to adjust and improve your strategy. Adaptability and Continuous Learning Market Evolution: Market conditions are constantly changing. A profitable trader knows how to adjust their strategy based on new trends and information. Feedback: Keeping a trading journal to analyze your performance, identify your mistakes, and progress over the long term is fundamental. By combining these skills – strict risk management, emotional control (including managing greed), as well as patience and perseverance – you give yourself the best chance to achieve sustainable success in the financial markets.
Education
by Traderscope
MINDSET: Trading is The Only True Path to Financial FreedomFinancial freedom—it’s the goal everyone chases but few ever reach. The world sells you a million ways to get rich: grinding a 9-to-5, climbing the corporate ladder, starting a business, investing in real estate. But the truth? Trading is the only path that offers complete financial autonomy. No bosses, no employees, no overhead—just you, the markets, and the ability to scale your wealth indefinitely. The Illusion of Traditional Wealth-Building People spend decades in careers that leave them dependent on someone else’s paycheck. Even business owners and investors face external risks—regulations, economic downturns, and unpredictable market shifts that limit their control. Trading, however, is a pure meritocracy. The market doesn’t care about your background, degrees, or connections. It rewards skill, discipline, and adaptability. Why Trading Stands Alone Unlimited Earning Potential – Unlike a job, where your salary is capped, trading offers the ability to scale indefinitely. Complete Time Freedom – Once profitable, you decide when and how much you work. A few well-placed trades can replace weeks of grinding at a traditional job. No Middlemen – You don’t need clients, customers, or employees. Your success is fully in your hands. Geographical Independence – As long as you have an internet connection, you can trade from anywhere in the world. The Harsh Reality: Trading Isn’t Easy Now, let’s be real—most traders fail because they treat it like a lottery ticket instead of a skill. They chase signals, blow accounts, and then blame the markets. But those who master the psychological and technical aspects of trading gain something no job or business can provide: total financial sovereignty. Are You Ready to Take Control? Trading is the only financial vehicle where you set the rules and have the power to create generational wealth—without relying on an employer, a system, or a customer base. The real question is: Are you willing to put in the work to claim that freedom? Let’s talk in the comments. #TradingFreedom #NoMore9to5 #FinancialIndependence
OANDA:XAGUSDEducation
by TLTurnerTV
Harsh Truth About Forex & Gold Trading: In Books VS In Reality Most traders start their trading journey by studying theory first, reading books or taking video courses before putting these newfound skills into practice. But once they start trading on a real market, they quickly realize that things are not as straightforward as the books make them out to be. In this educational article, we will take a critical look at the difference between theoretical knowledge and practical experience. 📍And first of all, do not get me wrong. I am not trying to imply that trading books or courses are bad. Theoretical knowledge is essential for successful trading, and of course the books are the best source of that. The problem is, however, that books can be misleading . The examples in books are always tailored. When the authors are looking for the examples of the patterns, of key levels, they are looking for the ideal cases. 📍The problem becomes even worse, when one start studying the trade examples in books. And of course, the authors choose the brilliant winning trades with huge take profits and tiny stop losses. I guess you saw these pictures of "sniper" entry trades with 5/1 R/R. The inexperienced trader may start thinking that the markets are perfect and act in total accordance with the books. That all the trades that he will take will bring tremendous profits. That the identified patterns will work exactly as it was described. 📍The harsh truth is that books and courses are simply the compositions of different examples, cases and market situations. In reality, each and every trading setup is unique . The reaction of the price to the same pattern will be always different . Please, realize the fact that books are only good for acquiring the knowledge. But in order to survive on financial markets, you need the experience . And the experience will be gained only after studying thousands of real market examples in real time. 📍Here is the example of a double top pattern that we were trading with my students on AUDJPY. In books, double tops are always perfect . Once the market breaks the neckline, the price retests that and then quickly drops. So the one can set a tiny stop loss and a big take profit. However, after a retest of a broken neckline, AUDJPY bounced and the market maker was stop hunting the newbies. Our stop loss was way above the head, and we managed to survive. Even though the pattern triggered a bearish movement, the reaction of the market was far from perfect. Be prepared, that the market will much different from what you see in the books. Good luck to you! ❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
OANDA:XAUUSDEducation
by VasilyTrader
4
Closing Auctions: How Order Imbalances Shape Market Prices█ The Final 15 Minutes: How Closing Auctions Determine Market Pricing Every trading day ends with one of the most crucial events in financial markets — the closing auction. While many traders focus on intraday price movements, understanding the dynamics of closing auctions can provide valuable insights and profitable trading opportunities. █ What Are Closing Auctions? Closing auctions are special trading sessions held at the end of the day across major and minor exchanges worldwide. They determine the official closing price of securities based on Market-on-Close (MOC) and Limit-on-Close (LOC) orders submitted before the market officially closes. These auctions are essential because institutions, index funds, and ETFs use the closing price for portfolio valuation, index tracking, and arbitrage strategies. In recent years, closing auction volumes have surged, now accounting for about 11% of total daily trading volume. █ Why Have Closing Auctions Grown in Importance? The increasing popularity of Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) is one major factor behind the growth of closing auctions. ETFs must ensure their prices align with the net asset value (NAV) of their holdings, and arbitrageurs use the closing auction to correct price imbalances. Additionally, large institutional investors prefer closing auctions to execute substantial trades with minimal market impact. These factors have led to a rise in order imbalances — where buy and sell orders significantly diverge — during the closing session. █ How Do Order Imbalances Affect Prices? Studies have found that stocks with large order imbalances tend to experience price distortions in the last 15 minutes of trading. Stocks with high buy imbalances typically outperform those with high sell imbalances during this period. However, about 83% of this price impact reverses over the next three to five days, suggesting a short-term trading opportunity. ⚪ Example: At 3:55 PM, the exchange releases imbalance data: Buy Imbalance: +500,000 shares (demand is high) Sell Imbalance: -200,000 shares (supply is lower) Since there are more buy orders than sell orders, buyers are forced to increase their bid prices to get filled. As a result, the price moves up sharply, reflecting the strong demand. This is exactly what we see in the chart—the buy-side midpoint jumps higher than the sell-side midpoint drops, confirming a buy-heavy imbalance in the closing auction. █ A Profitable Trading Strategy Based on Order Imbalances Based on historical data, traders can exploit these patterns using two different strategies: ⚪ Momentum Strategy (Short-Term): Buy stocks with the largest buy-side imbalances and short stocks with the largest sell-side imbalances 15 minutes before the market close. Close positions at the market close. ⚪ Reversal Strategy (Over Multiple Days): Do the opposite—short stocks with the highest buy imbalances and go long on stocks with the highest sell imbalances at the close, holding positions for about five days. Backtests of this strategy show that the momentum approach can yield approximately 32 basis points per trade, translating to an annualized return of 80% when executed systematically. However, traders must account for transaction costs and slippage. █ Real-World Example: NYSE Closing Auction Data for AAP (02/20/2025) To better understand how closing auction imbalances impact price movements, let's analyze the NYSE imbalance data for AAP on February 20, 2025. The data provides three key insights: Imbalance Trends: At 15:55 and 15:56, AAP had significant sell imbalances (-40,849 and -40,718, respectively). However, this shifted at 15:57, showing a smaller sell imbalance (-13,023), followed by a net buy imbalance at 15:58 (+11,403) and 15:59 (+6,764). The final imbalance before dissemination was -34,286. Paired Quantity Increase: The paired quantity, representing executed trades, consistently increased from 258,135 at 15:55 to 311,382 by the final dissemination, indicating heightened auction activity as the market prepared to close. Impact on Clearing Price: AAP's price began at $42.17 but surged to $44.66 by 15:58, aligning with buy imbalances. However, the price slightly retraced to $44.34 at final dissemination, reinforcing the tendency for short-term reversals after strong closing auction moves. This example highlights how traders can monitor closing auction imbalance data to anticipate price behavior in the final minutes of trading. For a more interactive exploration, check out the NYSE’s Closing Auction Imbalance Analysis Tool. █ What Does This Mean for Retail Traders? Pay Attention to the Closing Session: Many traders overlook the last 15 minutes of the market, but this period offers crucial insights into order flows and institutional activity. Watch for Order Imbalances: Exchanges like the NYSE release imbalance data at 3:45 PM, giving traders a window to react before the market close. Avoid Chasing Closing Prices: Since price reversals are common, buying into a strong closing auction rally may lead to short-term losses. Use Data & Tools to Your Advantage: Platforms like Polygon.io provide real-time and historical imbalance data, which can enhance trading decisions. █ Key Takeaways Closing auctions play a crucial role in determining end-of-day prices, affecting institutional strategies and index valuations. Order imbalances in the last 15 minutes of trading can create short-term price distortions, often reversing in the following days. Traders can capitalize on these imbalances using either a short-term momentum strategy or a multi-day reversal strategy. Understanding and leveraging closing auction dynamics can provide a significant trading edge. Closing auctions are more than just an end-of-day formality—they reveal important market sentiment and provide trading opportunities. Whether you are a day trader looking to capitalize on short-term price movements or a swing trader seeking to exploit reversals, understanding the role of order imbalances in closing auctions can give you an edge in the market. By incorporating these insights into your strategy, you can navigate the complexities of the market more effectively and make more informed trading decisions. ----------------- Disclaimer The content provided in my scripts, indicators, ideas, algorithms, and systems is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendations, or a solicitation to buy or sell any financial instruments. 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 an evaluation of their financial circumstances, investment objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs.
OANDA:NAS100USDEducation
by Zeiierman
1
To Short or Not to Short that is the question???Let me explain the risk-reward profiles for long and short positions: Long Position: When you buy an asset (go long), you purchase it hoping its value will increase Maximum loss: Limited to your initial investment (if asset goes to $0) For example, if you buy a stock at $100, your maximum loss is $100 per share Maximum gain: Theoretically unlimited, as the asset's price can keep rising If the stock goes to $200, $300, $1000+, your profit keeps growing Short Position: When you short an asset, you borrow and sell it, hoping to repurchase it cheaper later Maximum gain: Limited to your initial sale price (if the asset goes to $0) For example, if you short a stock at $100, your maximum gain is $100 per share Maximum loss: Theoretically unlimited, as the asset's price can keep rising If the stock rises to $200, you lose $100; at $300, you lose $200, and so on The asymmetric risk-reward comes from math: Long positions: Asset can't go below $0, but has no upper limit Short positions: Can only profit until $0, but losses grow with each price increase Shorting comes with several additional costs that make it more expensive than going long: Borrowing Costs (Short Interest) You must pay interest to borrow the shares you're shorting Rates can range from very low (0.25%) to very high (50%+) annually for hard-to-borrow stocks This cost reduces your profits or increases losses over time Margin Requirements Need to maintain a margin account with collateral Higher margin requirements for short positions (typically 150% of position value) Risk of margin calls if the position moves against you Dividend Payments Short sellers must pay any dividends to the lender of the shares This is an additional cost that long position holders don't face Can significantly impact profitability for high-dividend stocks Stock Recall Risk The lender can recall their shares at any time This may force you to close your position at unfavorable prices It is particularly risky during short squeezes These costs mean that even if your directional view is correct, you might still lose money on a short position due to holding costs. Asymmetrical Moves "Markets take the stairs up but the elevator down" The opposite happens more often! During bubble collapses and market crashes: Downside moves can be gradual as denial, hope, and orderly selling create a stepped decline Some investors average down, providing temporary support Circuit breakers and trading halts can slow dramatic falls During upside rallies, especially short squeezes: Price can explode upward very rapidly as shorts rush to cover Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) creates buying panic Margin calls force immediate buying Limited available shares can cause bidding wars Now let's evaluate the same thing for Options Trading: in a hypothetical situation, a call option can theoretically move toward infinity, whereas a put option has a limited downside. Here’s why: A call option gives the holder the right to buy an asset at a fixed strike price. If the underlying asset’s price keeps rising indefinitely, the call option’s value also increases indefinitely. In theory, there's no upper limit to how high a stock price can go, meaning a call option's price can rise infinitely. A put option , on the other hand, gives the holder the right to sell an asset at a fixed price. However, the lowest a stock can go is zero, which means the maximum intrinsic value of a put option is limited to its strike price. For example, if a put has a strike price of $100 and the stock price drops to $0, the put would be worth at most $100 per share. Unlike a call option, a put option has a finite maximum gain. Thus, while a call option has unlimited upside, a put option is constrained by the fact that an asset’s price can only fall to zero. The final Verdict: Do not short PLTR or other bubbles, if you want to do so, at least buy Put options to limit your risk!
NASDAQ:PLTREducation
by Moshkelgosha
Adverse excursion: a key concept for risk managementAs a professional trader, I can tell you about the adverse excursion and its crucial importance in the world of trading. Adverse excursion: a key concept for risk management Adverse excursion refers to the unfavorable movement of the price of an asset after a position is opened. More precisely, it is the difference between the entry price and the worst point the price reaches before the position becomes profitable again or is closed. Maximum Adverse Excursion (MAE) The concept of Maximum Adverse Excursion (MAE), developed by John Sweeney, is particularly useful. It measures the maximum floating loss suffered by a position before it turns in your favor or is closed. The MAE is a powerful statistical tool for analyzing drawdowns in an open position. Trading Efficiency Using MAE has several benefits for traders: Optimizing Stop-Loss: By analyzing MAE over a series of trades, the optimal level for placing stop-loss orders can be statistically determined. Evaluating Trading Systems: MAE helps evaluate the performance of trading systems and identify areas for improvement. Refining Risk Management Strategies: By understanding the maximum adverse moves, traders can refine their strategies to better preserve their capital. Improving Trading Efficiency: MAE analysis can help improve decision-making and execute trades with greater accuracy and confidence. Practical Application To effectively use the concept of adverse excursion, it is crucial to collect data on a large number of trades. For example, if you observe a series of MAEs like this: 15, 23, 18, 16, 0, 11, 31, 17, 8, 0, 19, 26, 0, 38, 22, you can deduce valuable information about the behavior of your trades and adjust your stop-loss levels accordingly. In conclusion, the adverse excursion and especially the MAE are powerful tools for any serious trader. They allow to optimize risk management, improve the performance of strategies and make more informed decisions. As they say in the trade, "who controls his risks, controls his profits". _______ Using the Maximum Adverse Excursion (MAE) has several significant advantages over traditional stop-loss placement methods: Data-driven optimization The MAE allows for a more precise and data-driven approach to stop-loss placement: Statistical analysis: By examining the distribution of the MAE over a large number of trades, the optimal level for placing stop-loss orders can be statistically determined. Performance visualization: The graphical representation of the MAE provides a clear overview of trade performance, allowing the most effective stop-loss levels to be visually identified. Balancing protection and performance The MAE helps to find an optimal balance between capital protection and trading performance: Retention of winning trades: The stop-loss can be placed to retain 75-85% of winning trades, thus avoiding prematurely cutting potentially profitable positions. Elimination of large losses: At the same time, this approach eliminates trades that suffer large losses, thus protecting capital. Adaptation to the specific strategy The MAE adapts to the unique characteristics of each trading strategy: Customization: Unlike generic methods, the MAE takes into account the specific behavior of the trades of a given strategy. Flexibility: This approach can be applied to a variety of strategies, whether short-term trading, swing trading, or long-term positions3. Improved risk management Using the MAE contributes to better overall risk management: Deep understanding: The MAE provides a more nuanced understanding of how trades evolve, allowing for better risk assessment. Reduced stress: By having a solid basis for placing stop-losses, traders can reduce the stress associated with real-time decision-making. Complementarity with other tools The MAE can be used in conjunction with other techniques: Combination with the MFE: The analysis of the Maximum Favorable Excursion (MFE) in parallel can help to optimize not only the stop-losses, but also the profit-taking. Cross-validation: The results obtained by the MAE analysis can be compared with those of traditional parameter optimization methods for greater confidence in the strategy.
BITSTAMP:BTCUSDEducation
by Le-Loup-de-Zurich
The Inside Out InvestorThere is a common misconception that investing in stocks is always stressful and emotionally overwhelming. Many people think that this activity is only available to extremely resilient people or crazy people. In fact, if you know the answers to three key questions, investing becomes a rather boring activity. Let me remind you of them below: 1. Which stocks to choose? 2. At what price should the trade be made? 3. In what volume? As for me, most of the time, I'm just in waiting mode. First, I wait for the company's business to start showing sustainable growth dynamics in profits and other fundamental indicators. Then, I wait for a sell-off of strong company shares at unreasonably low prices. Of course, this requires a lot of patience and a positive outlook on the future. That's why I believe that being young is one of the key advantages of being a beginner investor. The younger you are, the more time you have to wait. However, we still have to get to this boring state. And if you've embarked on this long journey, expect to encounter many emotions that will test your strength. To help me understand them, I came up with the following map. Next I will comment on each of its elements from left to right. Free Cash horizontal line (from 0% to 100%) - X axis When you first open and fund a brokerage account, your Free Cash is equal to 100% of the account. Then it will gradually decrease as you buy shares. If Free Cash is 0%, then all your money in the account was invested in shares. In short, it is a scale of how much your portfolio is loaded with stocks. Vertical line Alpha - Y axis Alpha is the ratio of the change in your portfolio to the change in an alternative portfolio that you do not own but use as a reference (in other words, a benchmark). For example, such a benchmark could be an ETF (exchange-traded fund) on the S&P500 index if you invest in wide US market stocks. Buying an ETF does not require any effort on your part as a manager, so it is useful to compare the performance of such an asset with the performance of your portfolio and calculate Alpha. In this example, it is the ratio of your portfolio's return to the return of the S&P 500 ETF. At the level where Alpha is zero, there is a horizontal Free Cash line. Above this line is positive Alpha (in which case you are outperforming the broader market), below zero is negative Alpha (in which case your portfolio is outperforming the benchmark). Let me clarify that the portfolio yield includes the financial result for both open and closed positions. Fear of the button This is the emotion that blocks the sending of an order to buy shares. Being captivated by this emotion, you will be afraid to press this button, realizing that investing in shares does not guarantee a positive result at all. In other words, you may lose some of your money irretrievably. This fear is absolutely justified. If you feel this way, consider the size of your stock investment account and the percentage amount you are willing to lose. Remember to diversify your portfolio. If you can't find a balance between account size, acceptable loss, and diversification, don't press the button. Come back to her when you're ready. Enthusiasm At this stage, you have a high share of Free Cash, and you also have your first open positions in stocks. Your Alpha is positive. You are not afraid to press the button, but there is a certain excitement about the future result. The state of enthusiasm is quite fragile and can quickly turn into a state of FOMO if Alpha moves into the negative zone. Therefore, it is critical to continue learning the chosen strategy at this stage. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. FOMO FOMO is a common acronym used to describe a psychological condition known as fear of missing out. In the stock market, this manifests itself as fear of missing out. This condition is typical for a portfolio with a high proportion of Free Cash and negative Alpha. As the benchmark's return outpaces your portfolio's return, you will be in a nervous state. The main worry will be that you didn't buy the stocks that are currently the growth leaders. You will be tempted to deviate from your chosen strategy and take a chance on buying something on the off chance. To get rid of this condition, you need to understand that the stock market has existed for hundreds of years, and thousands of companies trade on it. Every year, new companies emerge, as well as new investment opportunities. Remind yourself that you are not here for one million dollar deal, but for systematic work with opportunities that will always be there. Zen The most desirable state of an investor is when he understands all the details of the chosen strategy and has effective experience in its application. This is expressed in positive Alpha and excellent mood. Taking the time to manage your portfolio, developing habits and a disciplined approach will bring satisfaction and the feeling that you are on the right track. At this stage, it is important to maintain this state, and not to chase after thrills. Disappointment This stage is a mirror of the Zen state. It can develop from the FOMO stage, especially if you break your own rules and invest on luck. It can also be caused by a sharp deterioration in the condition of a portfolio, which was doing well in the Zen state. If everything is clear in the first case, and you just need to stop acting weird , then in the second situation you should remember why you ended up in a state of Zen. Investments are always a series of profitable and unprofitable trades. However, losing trades cannot be considered a failure if they were made in accordance with the principles of the chosen strategy. Just keep following the accepted rules to win in the long run. Also remember that Mr. Market is crazy enough to offer prices that seem absurd to you. Yes, this can negatively affect your Alpha, but at the same time provide opportunities to open new positions according to the chosen strategy. Euphoria Another way out of the Zen state is called Euphoria. This is typical dizziness from success. At this stage you have little Free Cash, a large share of stocks in your portfolio and phenomenally positive Alpha. You feel like a king and lose your composure. That is why this stage is marked in red. In a state of euphoria, you may feel like everything you touch turns to gold. You feel the desire to take a risk and play for luck. You don't want to close positions with good profits. Furthermore, you think you can close at the highs and make even more money. You are deviating from the chosen strategy, which is fraught with major negative consequences. It only takes a few non-systemic decisions to push your Alpha into the negative zone and find yourself in a state of disappointment. If your ego doesn't stop there, the decline may continue. Tilt A prolonged state of disappointment or a rapid fall of Alpha from the Euphoria stage can lead to the most negative psycho-emotional state called Tilt. This term is widely used in the game of poker, but can also be used in investments. While in this state, the investor does everything out of strategy, his actions are chaotic and in many ways aggressive. He thinks the stock market owes him something. The investor cannot stop his irrational actions, trying to regain his former success or get out of a series of failures in the shortest possible time. This usually ends in big losses. It is better to inform your loved ones in advance that such a condition exists. Don't be embarrassed by this, even if you think you are immune to such situations. A person in a state of tilt withdraws into himself and acts in a state of affect. Therefore, it is significant to bring him out of this state and show that the outside world exists and has its own unique value. Now let's talk about your expectations, as they largely determine your attitude towards investing. Never turn your positive expectations into a benchmark. The stock market is an element that is absolutely indifferent to our forecasts. Even strong companies can fall in price if there is a shortage of liquidity in the market. In times of crisis, everyone suffers, but the most prepared suffer the least. Therefore, the main task of a smart investor is to work on himself until the moment he presses the coveted button. There will always be a chance to do this. As I said, the market will not disappear tomorrow. But to use this chance wisely, you need to be prepared. This means that you should have an answer to all three questions above. Then you will definitely catch your Zen.
AMEX:SPYEducation
by Be_Capy
TradeCityPro Academy | Risk to Reward👋 Welcome to TradeCityPro Channel! Let’s dive into another educational segment. After discussing capital management and risk management, we now turn to one of the most crucial concepts before entering technical analysis: Risk to Reward! 📌 Understanding Risk-to-Reward in Real Life Before we start, let me give you an example of risk to reward from the real world, outside of financial markets. Imagine you are considering investing in a startup technology company that has launched a new product. Risk: You estimate that you might lose $500 of your investment due to uncertainty about the product's success and intense market competition. Reward: However, if the product succeeds and the company grows, you could make a profit of up to $2000. In this example, the risk-to-reward ratio is 1:4, meaning for every $1 at risk, you could earn $4 in reward. This ratio can help you decide if this investment is appealing. If you believe the risk is acceptable and the potential reward is valuable, you might choose to invest. ⚠️ The Reality of Risk-to-Reward in Trading In the real world, if you are a logical person, we all adhere to risk to reward principles. However, it’s puzzling how, in financial markets, you often close your profitable trades as quickly as possible while staying in losing trades for months. This indicates a failure to adhere to risk to reward principles. Before I explain risk management and related concepts, make sure you've viewed the previous sections on risk management and capital management. Remember, if you're not setting stop-loss orders, this lesson might not be very useful for you. 🔍 What is Risk-to-Reward in Trading? In financial markets, risk to reward refers to the ratio between the level of risk an investor takes with a specific investment and the potential reward from that investment. This concept helps investors evaluate whether a particular investment is worth the risk. When trading, if you are about to open a position, set a stop-loss. If your stop-loss is triggered, resulting in a $10 loss, your target profit should be at least $20, creating a risk to reward ratio of 2. I won’t open a position with less than this! It's important to note that risk to reward alone doesn't hold much meaning. It gains significance when considered alongside win rate. The chart I will share clarifies the relationship between win rate and risk to reward. Look at the chart below. If your risk to reward is 1 and your win rate is 50%, you are breaking even—neither gaining nor losing. For risk to reward ratios below 1, you need a win rate of 100% to break even. Our logical risk to reward ratio is 2, where a 40% win rate keeps you profitable. We should allow our minds room for error rather than always striving for accuracy. 🛠️ Understanding Trading Tools Let’s take a simple look at our tools. The chart showcases two types of tools: short position and long position, applicable for both falling and rising markets. The tool displays your risk to reward ratio in the middle, with the stop-loss percentage below and the profit percentage above for long positions, and vice versa for short positions. 📈 Why Should You Use a Risk-to-Reward of 2? Why do you implement a risk to reward of 2? Consider this: if I opened 10 positions this week, with 6 hitting stop-loss and 4 reaching targets, my total loss would be $60. However, due to adhering to a risk to reward ratio of 2, my total profit would be $80, resulting in a net gain of $20! This illustrates the importance of adhering to risk to reward principles. Even if we lose more trades than we win, we can still be profitable in the end. The key is to focus on the overall outcome rather than individual battles. ❌ What Happens If You Don’t Maintain a Standard Risk-to-Reward? Now, consider what happens if I don’t maintain a standard risk to reward. For instance, if I open a position with a risk to reward ratio of 0.5, even if I make a profit, a subsequent loss could negate that gain. If you are involved in financial spaces, you may have encountered signal channels that share their positions, encouraging you to follow for profitable outcomes. For example, if they claim to profit from 95 out of 100 positions, you might feel that winning sensation. But what is their risk to reward ratio? A ratio of 0.1 means that if they hit just a few stop-losses, you could end up in a loss. Be cautious of misleading advertisements and high-return claims. If you manage to achieve a 5% to 10% profit monthly and sustain it for a year, even starting with $100, your trading record will be respected, leading to more funding opportunities. Avoid falling into traps set by opportunistic individuals. 🚀 Practical Trading Considerations Consider this: if you want to open a position but your target is above a major resistance level, and the likelihood of reaching it seems slim, I personally prefer not to open that position. It indicates that my entry point may not be optimal. ❤️ Friendly Note In closing, I encourage you to keep your positions until you reach your risk to reward target. Avoid checking the chart until you hit that point. Set alerts and make decisions only then. Always adhere to these rules for all your positions, not just one. Don’t worry about losing out on profits; instead, approach trading with calmness. Finally, remember that a profit in a position is not truly realized until it is closed and transformed into something tangible—food, clothing, a house, or a car.
Education
by tradecitypro
9
2025 ICT Mentorship: Institutional Market Structure Part 22025 ICT Mentorship: Lecture 3_Institutional Market Structure Part 2 Greetings Traders! In Lecture 3 of the 2025 ICT Mentorship, we dive deep into the core principles of market structure, focusing on how institutions truly move the market. Understanding this is essential for precision trading and eliminating emotional biases. Key Insights from the Lecture 🔹 Distinguishing Minor vs. Strong Swing Points – Learn to differentiate between structural noise and true market shifts. 🔹 Marking Market Structure with Precision – Objectively analyze price action to refine your decision-making process. 🔹 Institutional Market Structure Techniques – Align with smart money to enhance accuracy and consistency. Why This Matters Mastering market structure allows traders to anticipate price movement, reducing impulsive trades and reinforcing a disciplined approach. By integrating institutional strategies, we position ourselves for more accurate and confident executions. Stay focused, keep refining your skills, and let’s continue elevating our trading game. Institutional Market Structure Part 1: Enjoy the video and happy trading! The Architect 🏛️📊
Education
by The_Archi-tect
13
Profit and Learn: Is the U.S. Dollar Still Money?In this episode of Profit and Learn, we dive into the future of the U.S. dollar. Is it still the undisputed king of global finance, or is its dominance fading? With rising competition from alternative assets, central bank policies, and global de-dollarization efforts, we explore whether the dollar remains the ultimate store of value, medium of exchange, and unit of account. Join us as we break down market sentiment, policy threats, and the role of crypto and commodities in shaping the dollar’s future. Is the dollar “too strong” for its own good, or are we seeing the early signs of its decline? 💰 Is the dollar still money? Tune in to find out!
TVC:DXYEducation
by moneymagnateash
Probabilistic thinking. Using Technical logic to get odds.Markets are simple if you think about it. moderate and long range resistance -- is the best odds for rally. "horizontal" or 50-50 supports -- risky. steep supports mean high demand, strong trends. Buying at such supports, at worst it bounces to the upside. (High market with strong trend can mean reversals) rule: break outs always must coincide with 200dma rallies. Bonus. High market, strong trend -- best odds for reversal . 50-50 resistance, with weak support --> trickster market. (trap) strong trend but no flying 200dma --> trap. 50-50 resistance with strong trend, high market, but weak 200dma ---> good odds for reversal. keeping it simple. P.S. this method shows why odds favor BTC reversal . Or why 110/120k had to be peak point. for now.
CME:BTC1!Education
by citsvar
The AI Revolution in Quantitative TradingHow AI-Driven Quantitative Trading Will Render Traditional Analysis Obsolete In the fast-evolving world of finance, artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how investment strategies are developed and executed. One of the most significant transformations is occurring in the realm of quantitative trading, where AI algorithms are beginning to overshadow traditional methods like fundamental and technical analysis. This article explores how AI-driven quantitative trading might lead to the obsolescence of these conventional approaches in the near future. Understanding Traditional Trading Methods Fundamental Analysis involves scrutinizing financial statements, management effectiveness, industry conditions, and economic factors to determine a company's intrinsic value. Investors using this method look for stocks that are undervalued or overvalued based on their intrinsic worth. Technical Analysis, on the other hand, relies on historical price movements and trading volumes to predict future market behavior. Chartists and traders look for patterns and indicators to make buy or sell decisions. Both methods have been foundational in trading for decades, providing insights based on human interpretation of data. The Advent of AI in Quantitative Trading Quantitative Trading uses mathematical models to identify trading opportunities. With the integration of AI, these models have become more sophisticated: Machine Learning: AI systems can learn from vast amounts of data, spotting complex patterns that might be invisible or too subtle for human analysts. Over time, these systems adapt, refining their predictive models to improve accuracy. High-Speed Data Analysis: AI can process and analyze data at a speed and scale unattainable by human analysts, allowing for real-time trading decisions based on global economic indicators, news, and market sentiment. Algorithmic Execution: AI-driven algorithms can execute trades at optimal times to minimize impact costs or maximize profit from fleeting market inefficiencies. How AI Might Outpace Traditional Analysis Speed and Scale: AI can analyze millions of data points in seconds, something that would take humans days or weeks. This speed allows for quicker reactions to market changes, giving AI-driven systems a significant edge. Complexity Handling: AI can manage and interpret complex, multi-dimensional data sets that traditional analysis might oversimplify. For instance, AI can incorporate sentiment analysis from social media alongside traditional financial metrics. Learning and Adaptation: Unlike traditional methods, AI systems continuously learn and adapt. If market conditions change, AI can recalibrate its strategies automatically, reducing the lag time associated with human intervention. Reduction of Bias: Human traders might be influenced by psychological biases or emotional reactions. AI, devoid of such biases, can make more objective decisions based purely on data. The Future Landscape While the complete extinction of fundamental and technical analysis seems unlikely due to their established practices and the human element they retain, their dominance in trading decisions could significantly wane: Niche Applications: Fundamental analysis might become more niche, used by specific investors or for qualitative assessments where human judgment still holds value, such as in evaluating corporate governance or long-term strategic fit. Complementary Tools: Technical analysis might shift from being a primary decision tool to more of a complementary one, used in conjunction with AI to validate or provide alternative perspectives to algorithmic predictions. Educational Shift: There might be a shift in how finance is taught, with more emphasis on programming, data science, and machine learning rather than traditional chart reading or financial statement analysis. Challenges and Considerations Regulatory Scrutiny: As AI becomes more entrenched, regulatory bodies might increase oversight to ensure market fairness and prevent systemic risks from highly correlated AI strategies. Ethical and Transparency Issues: The "black box" nature of some AI algorithms could lead to transparency concerns, making it harder for regulators or investors to understand decision-making processes. Market Stability: If too many traders rely on similar AI models, it could lead to synchronized market behavior, potentially destabilizing markets. Conclusion While human judgment will always play a role in financial markets, the overwhelming advantages of AI-driven quantitative trading suggest that traditional fundamental and technical analysis-based approaches will become increasingly marginalized. The future belongs to those who can effectively harness the power of AI and machine learning in their trading strategies. However, this transition won't happen overnight, and there will likely be a period where human-driven and AI-driven approaches coexist. The key for market participants is to understand and adapt to this changing landscape, leveraging AI tools while maintaining the flexibility to respond to new challenges and opportunities as they emerge. The extinction of traditional trading approaches may be an overstatement, but their role will certainly diminish as AI-driven quantitative trading continues to demonstrate superior performance and capability. The future of trading belongs to those who can successfully integrate artificial intelligence into their investment process while maintaining the adaptability to navigate an ever-evolving market environment.
NASDAQ:IBKREducation
by Moshkelgosha
1
Overtrading Chaos: Classroom Insights & Quick FixesWatching my students get caught up in the whirlwind of overtrading was like watching a rollercoaster ride gone wrong - all that excitement turned into stress, quick decisions based on gut feelings rather than strategy, and seeing their accounts shrink before my eyes. Here's what I've noticed firsthand: -Emotion Over Logic: They were making choices fueled by the fear of missing out or trying to get back at the market after a loss, not because it was the smart move. Spot on. Emotional trading is the quickest path to financial ruin. It's all about managing those emotions. -Exhaustion: The constant screen time was draining them, both physically and mentally. This is why I always preach about the importance of having a life outside of trading. Burnout is real and it clouds judgment. -Costly Habits: Those small fees and spreads started adding up, eating away at their profits with each impulsive trade. Always remember, every trade has a cost. Overtrading is like death by a thousand cuts. But here’s the good news - I've got some immediate steps I take to turn things around: 1)Trade Log Love: I get them to write down every trade, focusing on the reasons behind their decisions. It’s amazing how this simple act helps them learn from their actions. A trade log isn't just about accountability; it's about education. Every trade is a lesson. 2)Take a Breather: I enforce a little break after each trade. It's like hitting the reset button for your brain, ensuring the next trade isn't just a reaction to the last. This is critical. It’s about breaking the cycle of reactive trading. Think of it as forced discipline. 3)Quality Time: I shift the focus to waiting for those golden opportunities, teaching them that sometimes the best trade is the one you don't make. Patience in trading is not just a virtue; it's a strategy. The markets reward those who wait for the right moment. Come join me as I navigate through the overtrading storm, helping my students, and maybe you too, become more thoughtful, strategic traders! This is what I call practical wisdom. Overtrading is a symptom of not having a solid plan. I'd recommend this course of action to any trader looking to turn their habits around. Kris/Mindbloome Exchange Trade Smarter Live Better
OANDA:XAUUSDEducation
by Mindbloome-Trading
Understanding Buying Climax, Stop, and Spring in VSAMastering Institutional Trading: Understanding Buying Climax, Stop, and Spring in Volume Spread Analysis (VSA) Observation – Understanding Buying Climax, Stop, and Spring in Market Structure A buying climax (BC) occurs when price surges sharply alongside high trading volume, signaling strong buying activity. However, this aggressive move often exhausts demand, leading to a stop, where price movement either pauses or begins to reverse. At this point, the market assesses whether buyers can sustain the uptrend or if selling pressure will take over. In Volume Spread Analysis (VSA), a classic sequence is: 1. Buying Climax (BC): A sharp move up with high volume. 2. Stop Bar: Price consolidation or minor pullback after the climax. 3. Spring Bar: A downward shakeout followed by a reversal, indicating the presence of renewed buying interest. A spring bar after a stop is a bullish signal, suggesting that previous selling pressure has been absorbed and institutions may be accumulating positions. If confirmed by a strong up bar with high volume, this signals a potential breakout, as it demonstrates that buyers are stepping back into the market. The strength of the bar following the spring is crucial. A wide-range bullish candle with rising volume confirms that buying pressure is resuming, increasing the probability of an uptrend continuation. However, weak volume or failure to clear key resistance levels can indicate a fakeout, leading to further downside. 🔥 XAUMO Institutional Analysis – Gold (XAU/USD) Tokyo Session (Feb 18, 2025) Market Context – Tokyo Session vs. Prior Market Structure 📍 Current Price: $2,902.98 📍 Key Institutional Levels from Yesterday: • Resistance Rejection: $2,906.30 (VSA Liquidity High) • Support Zone: $2,891.67 - $2,888.11 (Institutional Demand Area) • XAUMO 2RC/Black Swan Stop Zones: $2,892.92 (Key Bullish Trigger or Stop Hunt Zone) Tokyo Session Key Observations ✅ Buying Climax (BC) → Strong price rally with high volume. ✅ Stop Bar Formation → Market paused following the aggressive buying. ✅ Spring Bar Emergence → Potential bullish reversal structure forming. ✅ VSA Condition: Neutral → The market is in transition; no clear trend yet. ✅ Volume Change: -10.7% (Slight decline, indicating caution among buyers). ✅ Spread Change: +23.27% (Wide price movements suggest liquidity testing by institutions). 📊 XAUMO Institutional Breakdown – Understanding Buying Climax & Spring 1️⃣ Buying Climax (BC) – Institutional Aggression & Liquidity Test 🔹 Yesterday, price reached resistance at $2,906.30 and pulled back. 🔹 A sharp rally (BC) on high volume suggested aggressive buying by institutions. 🔹 Liquidity was likely absorbed in the $2,892.92 - $2,891.67 range before the price pushed back up. 📌 XAUMO Key Takeaways: • A buying climax signals strong demand, but the pause suggests Smart Money is evaluating the next move. • The next confirmation move is crucial—continuation or reversal depends on volume and structure. 2️⃣ Stop Bar – Institutional Liquidity Testing 🔹 After the BC, price stalled and formed a stop bar (consolidation). 🔹 This stop represents either accumulation (buying) or distribution (selling). 📌 XAUMO Key Takeaways: • Break below $2,892.92 → Indicates deeper liquidity absorption; potential downside continuation. • Holding above $2,891.67 → Suggests institutions are accumulating for a bullish breakout. 3️⃣ Spring Bar – The Institutional Shakeout Before a Move? 🔹 Price dipped towards $2,891.67 before rebounding—forming a spring bar. 🔹 This can be a bullish signal, but confirmation is needed. 📌 XAUMO Key Takeaways: • If the next candle is a strong up bar with increasing volume → Confirms bullish continuation. • If the price struggles above $2,905+ or volume remains weak → Expect a fakeout and potential dump. 🚀 XAUMO Institutional Trade Plan – Tokyo Session Execution 📈 Scenario 1: Bullish Breakout (Spring Confirmation & Volume Increases) 💰 Buy XAU/USD @ $2,903.50 - $2,905 📍 Stop Loss: $2,892.92 (Institutional Stop Zone) 🎯 Target Levels: 1️⃣ $2,910 2️⃣ $2,916 3️⃣ $2,923 ✅ Probability: 75% 📌 Why? • The spring bar bounced from liquidity → Possible upside confirmation. • If the next bar shows strength, buyers are stepping in → Expect breakout above $2,906. 📉 Scenario 2: Bearish Rejection (Failure at $2,905 - $2,906 Again) 💰 Sell XAU/USD @ $2,905 📍 Stop Loss: $2,910 🎯 Target Levels: 1️⃣ $2,895 2️⃣ $2,892 3️⃣ $2,888 ✅ Probability: 70% 📌 Why? • If price rejects resistance at $2,906.30, Smart Money is distributing positions. • Volume drop (-10.7%) suggests buyers aren’t fully committed. • Break below $2,892.92 could trigger more sell pressure towards $2,888. 📢 XAUMO Execution Strategy – Final Institutional Outlook ✅ Next hourly bar confirmation is critical → The spring must be followed by a strong up bar for a bullish breakout. ✅ If price holds $2,892 - $2,891.67, upside potential remains valid. ✅ If price fails at $2,906 and volume weakens, expect another rejection and potential downside move. 🔥 Smart Money moves strategically—wait for confirmation before entering! 🚀 📖 XAUMO Institutional Strategy – Simplified for Beginners 1️⃣ Buying Climax (BC): The price surges fast, attracting late buyers, but Smart Money is already planning their next move. 2️⃣ Stop Bar: The price pauses or reverses. This is where institutions test liquidity to see if there’s enough demand for a move higher. 3️⃣ Spring Bar: A small drop that shakes out weak traders before a possible reversal. If confirmed, it means Smart Money is accumulating. 🔹 Next Step? • If buyers come back strong, price breaks higher (bullish). • If volume remains weak, Smart Money sells into the rally, and price drops again (bearish). 💡 Tip: Don’t rush in! Institutions don’t reveal their moves immediately—wait for confirmation before entering a trade. 🚀
FX:XAUUSDEducation
by ICHIMOKUontheNILE
Chart Patterns That Keep Showing Up (Are Traders Predictable?)In the grand theater of financial markets, traders often fancy themselves as rational actors, making decisions based on cold, hard data. Yet, time and again, their collective behavior etches familiar patterns onto price charts, as if choreographed by an unseen hand (the Invisible Hand?) All across the world economy , markets trade in patterns. The trick is to spot those patterns before they unfold. These recurring formations, known as chart patterns, are a testament to the predictability of human psychology in trading. Let's rediscover some of these enduring patterns, exploring why they persist and how you can leverage them. 🚿 The Head and Shoulders: More Than a Shampoo Brand Imagine a market trend as a partygoer who's had one too many. Initially, they're lively (the left shoulder), then they reach peak status of euphoria (the head), but eventually, they slump with one last “let’s go party people” (the right shoulder). This sequence forms the Head and Shoulders pattern, signaling a trend reversal from bullish to bearish. Traders spot this pattern by identifying three peaks: a central, higher peak flanked by two lower, similar-sized peaks on each side. The neckline, drawn by connecting the lows between these peaks, becomes the critical support level. A break below this line suggests the party's over, and it's time to exit or short the trading instrument. Conversely, the Inverse Head and Shoulders indicates a reversal from bearish to bullish, resembling a person doing a headstand—a strong sign the market's ready to flip. Ready to hunt down the charts for some Head and Shoulders? Try out the Head and Shoulders drawing tool . ⛰️ Double Tops and Bottoms: Déjà Vu in Trading Ever experience déjà vu? The market does too, in the form of Double Tops and Bottoms. A Double Top resembles the letter "M," where the price hits a high, retreats, and then tests that high again before declining. It's the market's way of saying, "I've been here before, and I'm not going higher." The Double Bottom, shaped like a "W," occurs when the price drops to a low, rebounds, and then retests that low before rising. It's akin to the market finding a sturdy trampoline at support levels, ready to bounce back. These patterns reflect traders' reluctance to push prices beyond established highs or lows, leading to reversals. ⚠️ Triangles: The Market's Waiting Game When traders are indecisive, prices often consolidate, forming Triangle patterns. These come in three flavors: Ascending Triangle : Characterized by a flat upper resistance line and a rising lower support line. Buyers are gaining strength, repeatedly pushing prices up to a resistance level. A breakout above this resistance suggests bullish momentum. Descending Triangle : Features a flat lower support line and a descending upper resistance line. Sellers are in control, and a break below support signals bearish continuation. Symmetrical Triangle : Both support and resistance lines converge, indicating a standoff between buyers and sellers. The eventual breakout can go either way, and traders watch closely for directional cues. Triangles epitomize the market's pause before a storm, as participants gather conviction for the next move. Feel like looking for some triangles on charts? Jump straight to our easy-to-use Triangle Pattern drawing tool . 🏁 Flags and Pennants: The Market Takes a Breather After a strong price movement, the market often needs a breather, leading to Flags and Pennants. These are short-term continuation patterns that indicate a brief consolidation before the trend resumes. Flag : Resembles a parallelogram sloping against the prevailing trend. It's like the market catching its breath before sprinting again. Pennant : Looks like a small symmetrical triangle that forms after a sharp move. Think of it as the market pitching a tent before continuing its journey. Recognizing these patterns helps traders position themselves for the next leg of the trend. 🧠 The Psychology Behind Pattern Persistence Why do these patterns keep appearing? The answer lies in human psychology. Traders, despite access to vast information, are influenced by emotions like fear and greed. This collective sentiment manifests in predictable ways, creating patterns on charts. For instance, the Head and Shoulders pattern emerges because traders, after pushing prices to a peak, become cautious. Early sellers take profits, causing a dip. A second rally (the head) attracts more participants, but if it fails to sustain, confidence wanes, leading to a sell-off. The final attempt (right shoulder) lacks conviction, and once support breaks, the downtrend ensues. Understanding the emotional drivers behind these patterns allows traders to anticipate moves and strategize accordingly. 🎯 Using Patterns to Your Advantage While recognizing patterns is valuable, it's crucial to approach them with a discerning eye: Confirmation is Key : Don't act on a pattern until it's confirmed. For example, in a Head and Shoulders, wait for a break below the neckline before taking a position. Volume Matters : Volume often validates a pattern. A genuine breakout is usually accompanied by increased trading volume, indicating strong participation. Contextual Awareness : Consider the broader market context. Patterns can yield false signals in volatile or news-driven environments. Risk Management : Always set stop-loss orders to protect against unexpected moves. Patterns suggest probabilities, not certainties. 🧬 The Evolution of Patterns in Modern Markets In today's algorithm-driven trading landscape, one might wonder if traditional chart patterns still hold relevance. Interestingly, even sophisticated trading algorithms (those used by hedge funds and investment managers) are programmed based on historical patterns and human behavior, perpetuating the cycle. Moreover, as long as markets are driven by human participants, emotions will influence decisions, and patterns will emerge. The tools may evolve, but the underlying psychology remains constant. 🤗 Conclusion: Embrace the Predictability In the volatile world of trading, chart patterns serve as a bridge between market psychology and price action. They offer insights into collective behavior, providing traders with a framework to anticipate movements. By studying these recurring formations, traders can align their strategies with market sentiment, turning the predictability of human nature into a trading edge. What’s your go-to technical analysis pattern? Are you and H&S trader or maybe you prefer to trade double tops? Share your approach in the comments!
Education
by TradingView
18