More Than a Matter of Taste. The Timeframe is EverythingHigher Timeframes (daily, weekly, monthly)
Lower Timeframes (intraday timeframe)
Influential educators often propagate misleading ideas that cost the community money. One of the most harmful and, sadly, widely accepted opinions is: "Since the market is fractal, all timeframes are equal. The timeframe is just a matter of taste." Today, I want to debunk this myth, relying not only on my studies on the subject but also on the most basic logic.
Mass Psychology:
Higher timeframes, by aggregating more emotions over longer periods, reflect the psychology of investors more clearly and consistently, thus, a historical record will be more reliable and complete in larger time frames.
Manipulation:
Higher timeframes require a larger volume of capital to be manipulated since the interests forming the price action are backed by generally well-capitalized participants who operate with long-term goals.
News:
Movements in higher timeframes are less influenced by short-term news, offering a more stable and often more predictive perspective of the market.
Randomness:
Randomness increases with shorter timeframes. An example of this is the decrease in the success rate of trading systems as we move to lower timeframes. Profitable (documented) systems on daily charts can become unusable on 4-hour or 1-hour timeframes.
Additional Elements:
-There are well-documented profitable trading systems in works by technical analysts like Larry Connor or Thomas Bulkowski, always with a focus on daily or higher timeframes. To date, there are no documented systems for timeframes like 5 or 15 minutes, nor is there a scalper with a transparent record of predictions demonstrating the profitability of their approach.
-All classic indicators (MACD, RSI, Bollinger Bands, Keltner Channels, Donchian Channels, Williams Alligator, Ichimoku Cloud, Parabolic SAR, DMI, etc.) have been created based on a daily or higher timeframe.
-All known classic methodologies (Dow Theory, Chartism, Elliott Wave Theory, Harmonic Patterns, Wyckoff Method, Gann Theories, Hurst Cycles, Japanese Candlestick Patterns, etc.) were developed with a daily or higher timeframe focus.
-All renowned technical analysts have applied a daily or higher timeframe approach to generate wealth.
On Some Authors:
-Richard W. Schabacker (the true father of Technical Analysis) in his book "Technical Analysis and Stock Market Profits" (1932) structured market fluctuations into Major Movements (monthly chart or higher), Intermediate Movements (weekly chart), and Minor Movements (daily chart). His analyses were based on understanding these timeframes, and his methodology, now known as "chartism" (though extremely misunderstood and manipulated), warned that it should be used in these timeframes.
"The longer it takes for the chart to form any pattern, the greater the predictive significance of that pattern and the longer the subsequent move will be, the length, size, and strength of our formation."
He also addressed the topic of manipulation and the high cost of consistently manipulating timeframes like the weekly one.
-Dirk du Toit in his book titled "Bird Watching in Lion Country" comments:
"The smaller your timeframe, the greater the randomness of what you are observing. If you are watching price changes every five or fifteen minutes, the degree of randomness is very high, and your likelihood of anticipating the next correct price movement, or series of price movements, is very low."
"A coin, like a five-minute chart, has no memory. Just because it has come up heads eight times in a row, it doesn't start to 'adjust' to provide the required probability balance of a 50/50 ratio in a certain number of tosses. Five or fifteen-minute charts are the same. Trying to predict whether the next five-minute period will end up or down is exactly like flipping a coin."
-In the documentary titled "Trader" (1987), we observe that despite Wall Street's aggressive style, Paul Tudor analyzed price action on daily and higher timeframes, comparing the historical record of his charts with events as significant as the 1929 Crash. He even used classic methods like Elliott Wave Theory to detect long-term opportunities.
Conclusions:
In an occupation in decline, turned into an entertainment industry, we should be extremely cautious. It's no coincidence that aggressive marketing is focused on selling us the dream of getting rich quickly. In the past, only a minority could access markets, but now we are all potential customers regardless of our capital. Platforms know that "hard work" and "long-term consistency" are unmarketable phrases. They want to exploit masses of gullible people, and to fill their coffers, they will show an easy path to "financial freedom." The chances of surviving in this environment of deceptive advertising are nil if one does not question everything. Do we not look to the past to make decisions under the premise that history tends to repeat itself? Then we should look to the classic works in these times of uncertainty. It's a long and lonely path, but it's the only path. 99% of current educators and writers are not technical analysts. None record their predictions, none trade in real-time. They are merely opportunists feeding off people's hopes. It's better to dust off the works of the fathers of Technical Analysis than to spend the next 5 years reading about psychotrading and seeking magical solutions on YouTube. Question everything. The only thing you can never question is your capabilities.
Chart Patterns
From Novice to Scalping Master: The Art of Reading CandlesticksMastering Scalping Trading Through Candlestick Patterns
In the realm of financial markets, scalping trading has emerged as a popular strategy for many investors seeking to capitalize on short-term price movements. Differing from long-term investment approaches, scalping entails making quick trades based on small price fluctuations, often holding positions for mere minutes or seconds. To succeed in this fast-paced environment, traders must hone their analytical skills and mastery of various tools—among which candlestick patterns are paramount. Understanding these patterns can provide traders with insights into market sentiment and potential price reversals, proving especially beneficial in the context of scalping. This essay delves into the intricate world of candlestick patterns, categorizing them into bearish and bullish formations, and examining some of the most significant patterns that traders should master.
The Foundation of Candlestick Patterns
Candlestick charts, originating from Japanese rice traders in the 18th century, have evolved into a universal tool for market analysis. Each candlestick provides a visual representation of price movement within a specific time frame, encapsulating opening, closing, high, and low prices. By analyzing these candlesticks, traders can infer market sentiment and potentially anticipate future movements. A comprehensive understanding of bullish and bearish candlestick patterns is critical for any trader seeking success in scalping.
Bearish Candlestick Patterns
Bearish candlestick patterns indicate a potential reversal of an upward trend, signaling that prices may decline in the near future. Among the most notable bearish patterns is the Three Black Crows, characterized by three consecutive long-bodied candlesticks, each opening within the previous body and closing lower. This pattern suggests a strong downward momentum and a high likelihood of further declines.
Another prominent pattern is the Bearish Engulfing pattern, wherein a small bullish candle is followed by a larger bearish candle that completely engulfs the previous one. This stark contrast denotes a shift in control from buyers to sellers and serves as a powerful bearish signal. The Three Inside Down pattern, consisting of a bullish candle followed by a smaller bearish candle within it, and concluding with a bearish candle that closes below the first candle’s low, further exemplifies a market reversal.
Bearish Meeting Lines represent another vital bearish pattern, occurring when a bullish candle is followed by a bearish candle that opens above the previous candle’s close but closes at or near a similar price level. This pattern indicates hesitation among buyers and can serve as a cue for sellers to enter the market.
Bullish Candlestick Patterns
Conversely, bullish candlestick patterns suggest potential upward reversals, signifying that prices may rise after a downtrend. The Three White Soldiers pattern consists of three consecutive long-bodied bullish candles, each opening within the previous body and closing higher. This pattern is indicative of strong bullish momentum and may signal a significant upward trend.
The Hammer is a fundamental bullish pattern characterized by a small body and a long lower shadow, occurring after a downtrend. This candlestick shape indicates that buyers have stepped in to support the price, often suggesting the potential for a reversal. Similarly, the Bullish Engulfing pattern features a small bearish candle followed by a larger bullish candle that engulfs it, signaling a shift in control from sellers to buyers.
The Three Inside Up pattern begins with a bearish candle, followed by a smaller bullish candle within, and concludes with a bullish candle closing above the first candle’s high. It can signal the start of an upward trend. Meanwhile, the Bullish Breakaway indicates a transitioning phase where significant bullish momentum begins after consolidation.
Complex Patterns for Intricate Analysis
Beyond the primary patterns are more nuanced formations that warrant attention. The Advance Block and the Deliberation are sophisticated patterns that suggest market indecision, signaling possible directional changes. The Stick Sandwich, which features a bearish candle flanked by two bullish candles, conveys market uncertainty that can lead to bullish reversals.
The Concealing Baby Swallow offers a blend of complex sentiments. This pattern arises when a small bullish candle appears in between two larger bearish candles, indicating that buyers are beginning to gain strength against the prevailing trend. Moreover, the Matching High and Matching Low patterns can signify potential reversal points in the market by indicating that prices are struggling to maintain upward or downward momentum.
The Importance of Risk Management
While mastery of candlestick patterns is indispensable, scalpers must also emphasize risk management. The inherent volatility and rapid nature of scalping necessitate a disciplined approach to trading. Utilizing stop-loss orders, position sizing, and adhering to a trading plan are essential practices that can safeguard traders from significant losses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering scalping trading requires a comprehensive understanding of various candlestick patterns. From bullish formations such as the Three White Soldiers and Bullish Engulfing to bearish patterns like the Three Black Crows and the Bearish Engulfing, the ability to read these signals can significantly enhance a trader's effectiveness in the highly competitive realm of scalping. Additionally, by integrating sound risk management strategies, traders can navigate the complexities of market fluctuations with greater confidence and proficiency. The combination of analytical skill, experience, and strategy within the framework of candlestick analysis positions traders to thrive in the dynamic world of financial markets.
How I Stopped Missing The Best Trade Entries!!I’ll be honest—when I started trading, I had no idea what I was doing. I’d open a 15-minute chart, see what looked like a good setup, and jump in. Sometimes I got lucky, but more often than not, the market turned against me.
I remember one trade in particular that still stings when I think about it. I was trading EUR/USD on the 15-minute chart, and I spotted what I thought was the perfect breakout. Without hesitating, I entered.
An hour later, the market completely reversed, and I was stopped out. Frustrated, I zoomed out to the daily chart, and there it was: I’d entered a buy trade right into a major resistance zone during a long-term downtrend.
That trade taught me a hard truth: if you don’t look at the bigger picture, you’re setting yourself up for failure.
How I Changed My Approach
After that trade, I knew I had to change how I looked at the market. I started using multiple timeframes, and it made all the difference. Here’s how I do it:
1️⃣ Start Big (Monthly and Weekly Charts):
I always start with the monthly or weekly chart to get the big picture. Is the market trending up, down, or just moving sideways? Are we approaching any major levels that could cause a reversal?
For example, if the monthly chart shows a strong downtrend, I know I’ll only be looking for sell setups. That keeps me from fighting the overall momentum.
2️⃣ Zoom In (Daily and 4-Hour Charts):
Once I’ve got the big picture, I move to the daily or 4-hour chart. This is where I refine my plan. I look for key levels like support and resistance or patterns like consolidations and pullbacks.
These timeframes help me figure out where the market is likely to go next, and they’re where I start building my trade idea.
3️⃣ Precision Entries (30-Minute and 5-Minute Charts):
Finally, I drop to the lower timeframes—30-minute and 5-minute charts—to time my entry. This is where I wait for confirmation. Maybe it’s a candlestick pattern, a breakout with volume, or a pullback to a key level I spotted earlier.
This part takes patience. There have been so many times I’ve almost jumped the gun, but waiting for that confirmation has saved me more times than I can count.
My Secret Sauce
Here’s the approach I stick to every single time:
1. Align with the bigger picture. If the monthly and weekly charts are trending down, I only look for sell setups. I don’t care what the smaller timeframes say—sticking to the big picture keeps me disciplined.
2.Identify key levels. On the daily and 4-hour charts, I mark the major support and resistance zones where the market is likely to react.
3.Wait for confirmation. When the price reaches one of my levels, I don’t jump in right away. I wait for the 30-minute or 5-minute chart to give me a clear entry signal.
Here’s the real kicker: I’ve learned to walk away if nothing aligns. No trade is better than a bad trade, and patience has become my best tool.
Switching to multiple timeframes has completely changed the way I trade. It taught me to be patient, to respect the market, and to stop forcing trades that don’t make sense.
If you’ve been struggling with timing your entries or feel like you’re always one step behind, I get it—I’ve been there. Try this approach. Start with the bigger picture, work your way down, and let the market come to you.
And if you’ve got questions or want to know more about how I trade, send me a DM or check out my profile. I’m happy to help—you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Kris/Mindbloome Exchange
Trade What You See
The Hardest Part About Trading Isn't The Charts-Its Your MindWhen I first started trading, I thought the key to success was all about the strategy. If I could just figure out the right indicators or master technical analysis, I’d be unstoppable.
But the truth hit me hard. I wasn’t losing because I didn’t understand the charts—I was losing because I didn’t understand myself.
Here’s how I learned that the biggest battle in trading isn’t with the market—it’s with your own mind.
Lesson 1: Stop Obsessing Over Results
I used to get way too caught up in the outcome of every single trade. A win would make me feel on top of the world, but a loss? That would send me into a spiral. I’d overanalyze, doubt myself, and sometimes even swear I was done trading altogether.
One day, I realized I was focusing on the wrong thing. Instead of asking, “Did I win or lose?” I started asking, “Did I follow my plan?”
That simple shift changed everything for me. I started measuring success by how consistent I was, not by whether every trade was a winner. The funny thing? Once I started doing that, the wins came more naturally.
Lesson 2: Losses Aren’t Failures
I’ll never forget the trade that wiped out 30% of my account. It was gut-wrenching. I felt like I’d failed—not just as a trader, but as a person.
It took me a long time to understand that losses are part of trading. Even the best traders take hits. What separates the pros from the rest is how they handle those losses.
Now, instead of beating myself up, I treat losses as a chance to learn. Did I miss something in my analysis? Did I break my rules? Sometimes, the market just didn’t cooperate, and that’s okay.
Lesson 3: Don’t Let Emotions Run the Show
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve let emotions wreck me. Chasing losses, revenge trading, doubling down on bad positions—I’ve done it all. And every single time, it made things worse.
The biggest game-changer for me was journaling my trades. Not just the technical stuff, but how I felt during the trade.
-Was I calm or anxious?
-Was I trading because it was a good setup or because I felt like I had to?
It was eye-opening to see how much my emotions were driving my decisions. Now, if I feel frustrated or off, I don’t even touch the charts. I’d rather miss a trade than make a bad one.
My Biggest Takeaway I Learned
Trading isn’t just about the market—it’s about you. The strategies, the charts, the setups—they’re important, but they’re not enough. You need to master your mind if you want to master the market.
I’m not perfect, and I still have tough days. But every step I’ve taken to manage my emotions, stay consistent, and focus on the process has brought me closer to where I want to be.
If you’re struggling with the mental side of trading, I get it. I’ve been there. Send me a DM or check my profile—I’m happy to share what worked for me and help however I can. You don’t have to do this alone.
Kris/Mindbloome Trading
Trade What You See
Why Most Traders Fail (And How I Turned It Around)I still remember my first trade like it was yesterday. I had no idea what I was doing, but I convinced myself I was going to crush it. Spoiler alert: I didn’t. In fact, I wiped out 20% of my account in less than an hour. I sat there staring at my screen, wondering what the hell just happened.
If you’ve been there, I get it. Trading isn’t easy—it’s brutal at times. The truth is, most traders fail not because they’re bad at it, but because they’re unprepared for what trading really demands.
I’ve made every mistake you can think of, but here’s the good news: I’ve also learned how to turn it around. This isn’t theory—it’s my story.
Lesson 1: Winging It Will Destroy You
When I started, I thought trading was just about picking the right stock or currency and riding the wave. I’d watch a few YouTube videos, scan some charts, and think, “Yeah, this looks good!” It wasn’t. I was basically gambling with my money.
What finally clicked:
-I needed a plan, plain and simple. One day, I sat down and wrote out what I’d do: what I’d trade, how I’d manage risk, and when I’d call it a day.
-The first time I actually stuck to my plan, I didn’t even win big. But for the first time, I felt in control, and that was everything.
Lesson 2: Risking It All = Losing It All
There was this one trade—I'll never forget it. I bet way more than I should’ve because I was sure I’d win. When it went south, I froze. I couldn’t bring myself to close it, and the losses just piled up. By the time I got out, half my account was gone.
What saved me:
-I learned to only risk a small percentage of my account—1-2% per trade. Yeah, it felt slow, but it kept me in the game.
-I started using stop losses religiously. No more crossing my fingers and hoping for the best.
Lesson 3: Emotions Are Your Worst Enemy
I used to get so caught up in the highs and lows. A big win would make me feel invincible. A big loss? Devastated. I’d jump into revenge trades, trying to get my money back, and just dig myself deeper.
What changed:
-I started journaling every trade—not just the numbers, but how I felt. I noticed patterns, like how I’d overtrade when I was frustrated.
-Now, if I feel off, I walk away. No charts, no trades, just a reset.
Lesson 4: Overtrading Was My Addiction
I thought trading more meant making more. So I’d take setups that were “meh” at best, just to feel like I was doing something.
What helped:
-I stopped looking for trades—I started waiting for them.
-Now, I focus on one or two great setups a day. The rest? I let them go.
Lesson 5: You Don’t Have to Know Everything
At one point, I was drowning in information. I had 15 indicators on my chart, followed 20 gurus on Twitter, and read every trading blog I could find. It was overwhelming, and it didn’t help.
My aha moment:
-Simplicity wins. I stripped my charts down to the basics: price action, support/resistance, and a couple of indicators I actually understood.
-I stopped chasing the “perfect” strategy and focused on mastering one approach.
You Can Do This
I’ll be honest—there were moments when I wanted to quit. Blowing up accounts, feeling like a failure, wondering if I was cut out for this... it was hard. But looking back, I’m glad I didn’t give up.
If you’re struggling, I get it. I’ve been in your shoes, and I know how overwhelming it can feel. Send me a DM or check out my profile —I’m here, happy to share what worked for me and help however I can.
Trading isn’t about being perfect. It’s about progress. So take a breath, refocus, and keep going. You’ve got this.
Kris/Mindbloome Exchange
Trade What You See
The Prop Trader’s Secret: How to Trade for Real MoneyTrading for Profit vs. Trading to Make Money
There’s a critical difference between trading to be profitable and trading to make money. While they may seem like the same thing, they’re not—and as a trader, you must decide which approach you want to take. If your goal is to be a prop trader who actually makes money, here’s 3 ways you shift your mindset and strategy.
1. Make Frequent Withdrawals
Traders focused on making money consistently withdraw profits. I learned this the hard way during my early trading days, seven years ago. Back then, I was obsessed with being "profitable." My focus was on hitting arbitrary profit targets—green months, green quarters, and a green year. While that mindset works for hedge funds, it’s not ideal for prop traders.
To succeed in the prop trading space, you need to prioritize frequent withdrawals.
Hit a strong run and make 2.5%? Withdraw.
Have a profitable day and the withdrawal window opens tomorrow? Even if you’re only up 1%, withdraw.
Frequent withdrawals create a feedback loop: the more often you secure profits, the more motivated and disciplined you’ll be to continue nailing winning trades. Prop trading comes with inherent uncertainty, so obsessing over 10% profit targets or arbitrary milestones only sets you up for disappointment.
2. Follow the 1-1-1 Rule
Stick to the 1-1-1 rule:
Take 1 trade per day.
Risk 1% per trade.
Focus on 1 financial instrument.
Adhering to this rule will transform your trading. You’ll avoid overtrading, reduce your exposure to losing streaks, and eliminate the emotional tilt that often leads to blowing accounts.
This discipline has kept me consistently profitable over the years. Whether you’re trading GBPUSD, EURUSD, XAUUSD, or US30, pick one instrument and master it. The path to trading success is as much about mastering yourself as it is about mastering the market.
3. Focus on Small Risk-to-Reward Ratios (R:R)
Small R:R trades may not sound exciting, but they’re the backbone of consistent profitability. Catching a 1:10R move might feel like the ultimate trading achievement, but are you here to be "profitable" or to make money? Make up your mind.
Most traders chase high R:R setups, only to give back 80% of their gains after one emotional mistake. Instead, focus on smaller, attainable targets:
Learn to consistently spot 1:2, 1:3, and occasionally 1:4 R setups.
On a $200k account, a single 1:3R trade at 1% risk generates $6,000.
After locking in a winning trade, withdraw your profits and repeat the process. Over time, these smaller, consistent gains will make you far richer than grinding for massive R:R setups and risking it all in the process.
The Bottom Line
Prop trading is about discipline, consistency, and the ability to extract real money from the markets—not just hitting arbitrary profit goals. By making frequent withdrawals, following the 1-1-1 rule, and focusing on attainable R:R setups, you can trade with confidence, avoid burnout, and get make real money! Isn't that why we're all here?
Happy Trading
DREAMS DON"T WORK UNLESS YOU DO
What is the 3-5-7 rule in trading?
The 3–5–7 rule is a pragmatic framework to simplify risk management and maximize profitability in trading. It revolves around three core principles: We chose to limit risk on individual trades to 3%, overall portfolio risk to 5%, and the profit-to-loss ratio to 7:1.
Falling Wedge Pattern: Cocoa FuturesThis is the map of how to trade this rare chart pattern.
This is a textbook sample of Falling Wedge continuation pattern that played out with impressive accuracy.
We have a strong uptrend in 2024 that has been changed
by a large consolidation that took place for the rest of 2024
as it has built the large Falling Wedge (continuation) pattern.
One should focus on the following crucial points and measurements:
1. breakout point where price rises above trendline resistance
it acts as a buy entry trigger (green segment)
2. stop loss - it is located below the lowest valley preceding breakout (red segment)
3. widest part of the pattern - use it to measure the distance to the target adding it to breakout point (blue arc)
4. target (yellow dashed segment)
all of above key parameters are highlighted on the chart.
It's amazing how accurately the price grew towards the target booking over 60% profit.
Next time you can use this map as a guidance.
Trade Management Using Time StopsTrade management is one of the most crucial skills for any trader, especially when it comes to knowing when to cut your losses early. One of the key methods to achieve this is through the use of Time Stops, which provide a systematic way to assess your trades and manage risk.
While traditional stop losses are indispensable for protecting your capital against adverse price moves, they don’t always address the psychological challenge of cutting losing trades early. This is where Time Stops can step in as a complementary tool. By targeting trades that show no meaningful progress within a defined timeframe, Time Stops help reduce the size of your average loss—an often overlooked but critical factor in developing a positive trading edge.
It’s important to remember: Time Stops don’t replace traditional stop losses. Instead, they add an additional layer of discipline to your risk management.
What Are Time Stops?
Time Stops involve exiting a trade after a predetermined amount of time, regardless of whether your stop loss has been triggered. The idea is simple but effective: if a trade isn’t working as expected within the allotted time, it’s better to exit and preserve capital for better opportunities.
This approach works particularly well with strategies where winning trades are expected to show results quickly. These include breakouts, where price moves decisively through a key level, and reversals, which rely on sharp changes in direction. Time Stops provide a structured way to manage trades that fail to live up to these expectations.
Why Use Time Stops?
Time Stops offer several potential advantages:
• Emotional Discipline: One of the toughest aspects of trading is deciding when to exit a trade that hasn’t hit its stop loss but isn’t progressing as expected. Time Stops provide a clear, objective rule for exiting such trades, removing emotional decision-making and promoting a disciplined approach.
• Potentially Enhanced Trading Edge: By incorporating Time Stops, you align your exits more closely with your strategy’s performance expectations. This can help refine your approach by filtering out trades that fail to meet their initial criteria, allowing you to focus on opportunities with greater potential to match your strategy’s objectives.
• Maintaining Flexibility in Trade Allocation: Time Stops help ensure that your focus remains on trades that align with your strategy’s core conditions. By identifying trades that are unlikely to meet expectations early, you can keep your trading approach agile, allowing for greater readiness to act on new opportunities.
Strategies That Can Benefit From Time Stops
Time Stops are particularly effective in strategies that depend on quick, decisive price movements. Let’s examine examples for reversals and breakouts.
Reversal Strategy Example: Tesla Daily Timeframe
Tesla forms a two-bar reversal pattern on the daily candle chart at a key swing resistance level, with negative divergence on the RSI indicating potential weakness. A short trade is placed with a traditional stop loss above the two-bar reversal high and resistance level.
Tesla Daily Candle Chart
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
To incorporate a Time Stop, you decide to allow three days for the trade to show signs of a reversal. However, Tesla tracks sideways without breaking lower, suggesting the expected momentum has not materialised.
Tesla T+3
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
Using a Time Stop in this scenario prevents prolonged exposure to a setup that hasn’t delivered, allowing you to reallocate focus to trades with stronger potential.
Tesla Stopped Out
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
Breakout Strategy Example: EUR/USD Hourly Timeframe
EUR/USD breaks out on the hourly chart with increased volume, signalling a potential upward move. You enter a long trade with a stop loss below the swing low.
EUR/USD Hourly Candle Chart
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
With a Time Stop, you give the trade ten hours to demonstrate progress. While price consolidates above the breakout level initially, the anticipated follow-through does not occur within the allotted time. In this instance, the Time Stop allows you to exit and refocus on setups with stronger momentum.
EUR/USD +10 Hours
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
EUR/USD +24 Hours
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
EUR/USD Stopped Out
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
Using Time Stops Effectively
To implement Time Stops successfully:
• Set a timeframe: Define the period based on your strategy and market. Momentum trades may require hours, while longer-term setups may need days.
• Analyse your strategy: Review historical data to identify how quickly successful trades typically progress. Use this as a benchmark for your Time Stop.
• Use Time Stops alongside traditional stop losses: Time Stops handle trades that stagnate, while stop losses protect against adverse price moves.
Summary:
Time Stops are a valuable addition to a trader’s toolkit, particularly for strategies like breakouts and reversals, where winners are expected to perform quickly. They help enforce discipline, refine focus, and manage trades that fail to meet expectations.
By combining Time Stops with traditional stop losses, traders can approach the markets with greater structure and objectivity. Over time, this disciplined approach can support the pursuit of consistent results while managing risk effectively.
Disclaimer: This is for information and learning purposes only. The information provided does not constitute investment advice nor take into account the individual financial circumstances or objectives of any investor. Any information that may be provided relating to past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results or performance. Social media channels are not relevant for UK residents.
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Mastering XAUUSD Gold Trading: A Trading Plan For Success!🌟 In this video, I share my detailed trading plan and emphasize why a well-structured strategy is 🔑 to success. Learn how to trade Gold 🪙 using a trend continuation approach while leveraging TradingView's powerful tools and features to gain a real edge in the markets. 🖥️✨
Here’s what we’ll cover:
📊 Trend Analysis: A top-down review of market direction to identify opportunities.
📈 Market Structure & Price Action: Key insights into how price moves and behaves.
🎯 Trade Planning: Using higher timeframe support and resistance levels to set stop loss and target points.
🛠️ TradingView Features: Practical tools to refine your analysis and boost efficiency.
This video is an in-depth guide to trading effectively with a proven strategy, enhanced by TradingView's unique capabilities. 🚀 Please remember, this is not financial advice. 📜
How To Do Multi-TimeFrame Analysis With TradingViewHey,
In this video I provide the two key laws that helped me with trading;
1. An imbalance on the higher time-frames is a range on the lower time-frames.
2. A run on the higher time-frames is a trend on the lower time-frames.
From this point of view, I share with you how I analyze the charts from Monthly to Weekly to Daily chart, and how I like to time the next few days of price-action.
The chart I use in this tutorial is GBP/USD.
Kind regards,
Max Nieveld
Planning Your Financial Future: A Balanced Approach to InvestingTake a moment to reflect: What do you want to achieve in life? Will you be able to consistently set aside money in the months and years to come? If you're planning to invest, it’s important to think long-term and adopt a strategy that minimizes risk while maximizing growth opportunities.
Rather than investing a large sum all at once—for example, $20,000—it’s often more effective to spread your investment over time. For instance, you could invest $1,000 each month for 20 months. This approach, known as dollar-cost averaging, allows you to buy at different price points, effectively averaging out the highs and lows of the market. It also helps you remain emotionally detached from market fluctuations since both rising and falling prices can work in your favor.
If you maintain a steady cash flow from your job and invest regularly in something like the S&P 500, this method can work even better. Additionally, you can adjust your strategy by contributing less during times when the market is overbought and saving that extra cash for opportunities when the market offers significant discounts.
Remember, everyone’s financial situation is unique. Your paycheck, expenses, and goals will shape your strategy. While I can't tell you exactly how to invest, this method of disciplined, consistent investing with flexibility for market conditions has worked well for me—and it might work for you too.
How to Trade a Platform: Position-Style Entry and Exit SignalsPlatform Position Style Trading is a trading style that is ideal for those of you who have a career and can only trade once a week to a few times a week. It is also great for retirees who do not want to sit all day monitoring your stocks.
It is a very low-risk trading style with higher profit potential, as the hold time is a week to a few weeks.
The platform is the Buy Zone for Dark Pools who trade OFF the public exchanges on unlit Alternative Trading Venues. There are 50 ATS venues. There are 15 public exchanges where all retail trading is transacted.
The Dark Pools create small incremental price action that is always horizontal as they control price to the penny spread and have a tight price range that pings their TWAP orders and other professional types of orders not available to retail traders.
Professional traders who trade as a business independently, search for the liquidity draw and the tight price action so they can nudge an HFT or MEME group to drive price up speculatively while the pros take huge profits.
If you learn to get in with the professional traders, then your profits will be significantly higher. Risk is minimal because Dark Pools accumulate over several months, often 3 - 6 months, and that provides you with the time to enter. Then, you can ride the momentum or velocity run up with the professionals. The TT Accum/Dist and Volume Oscillators provide entry confirmation signals before the price moves up and exit signals BEFORE the price moves down. Hybrid Leading Indicators are important for trading the modern stock market which is automated and transacts on the millisecond scale on the professional side.
The Future of Cryptocurrencies: Navigating Beyond BitcoinI've been diving deep into the crypto world, and it's clear that Bitcoin and Ethereum aren't the only players anymore. As we're pushing through 2025, the crypto landscape is buzzing with altcoins, DeFi projects, and wild blockchain innovations. Here's how I've learned to navigate this exciting, yet sometimes wild, space:
Beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum
I used to think Bitcoin and Ethereum were the be-all and end-all of crypto, but man, was I wrong. Now, I'm exploring altcoins because:
-Diversification: I spread my crypto eggs across multiple baskets to catch the next big wave while keeping my portfolio balanced.
-Innovation: Altcoins are where the coolest new tech is happening. From privacy features to new ways of reaching consensus, it's like a tech playground out there.
Current Trends in Altcoins
-DeFi Developments: I've fallen down the rabbit hole of DeFi. Platforms like Aave or Compound? They're letting me lend, borrow, or farm yields directly on the blockchain. It's like the Wild West of finance, but I'm loving the autonomy and potential returns.
-Layer 2 Solutions: Ethereum's scaling problems got me looking at projects like Polygon (MATIC) and Solana (SOL). These are speeding up transactions and cutting costs, making blockchain tech more usable for everyday stuff, from gaming to buying digital art.
My Investment and Trading Strategies
Researching Altcoins:
-Technology: I geek out on the tech. Does it solve a real problem?
-Team: I check if the team behind it seems legit or if they're just in it for the quick buck.
-Community: A lively community is a good sign. It's like having a cheerleading section for your investment.
-Real-world Use: I'm all about coins that have a practical use. It gives me confidence in their longevity.
Portfolio Allocation: Here's how I juggle my crypto stash:
50-60% in Bitcoin and Ethereum for stability.
20-30% in well-established altcoins with solid fundamentals.
10-20% for the moonshots – those high-risk, high-reward projects that keep the thrill alive.
Managing Risks in Crypto Trading
- Volatility : Crypto can be a rollercoaster. I use dollar-cost averaging to smooth out the wild rides and set stop losses because, let's be real, I've learned the hard way that the market can tank when you least expect it.
-Security: I'm super paranoid about security. I keep my significant holdings in hardware wallets and do my homework on every ICO – because scam coins are real, folks.
Case Studies
- Success Story: I've been watching Cardano (ADA), which has been on fire with its focus on security and real-world applications, especially in Africa. It's been a good reminder that tech with purpose can go places.
-Cautionary Tale: The Terra (LUNA) crash was a wake-up call. It showed me how quickly things can go south in the crypto world, especially with stablecoins.
Technological Innovations
- NFTs: I've seen NFTs go from digital art to owning pieces of virtual land. They've changed my view on what digital ownership can be.
-Cross-Chain Solutions: Projects like Polkadot and Cosmos are fascinating because they're trying to make all these different blockchains talk to each other. It's like building a universal translator for crypto.
Looking Ahead
-Regulatory Landscape: I keep an eye on regulations because they could either make or break some altcoins I'm interested in.
-Integration with Traditional Finance: I'm seeing more and more traditional finance players dipping their toes into crypto. It's exciting to watch.
Next Big Use Case: I'm always on the lookout for the next big thing, like Web3, which could totally shift how we interact online.
If you want to know more, send me a DM or head over to my profile. If you liked this post, please don't forget to boost, share, and comment below.
Kris/Mindbloome Exchange
Trade What You See
Price Action Trading: Key ConceptsPrice Action Trading: Key Concepts
Price action is a popular trading method where traders analyse raw price movements on a chart, without relying on technical indicators. Traders identify patterns, trends, and key levels that help them understand market behaviour. This article explores what price action is, the key concepts, and how to get started with a price action strategy.
What Is Price Action Trading?
Price action is the movement of an asset’s price over time, and it’s one of the purest forms of market analysis. When using price action, indicators like moving averages or oscillators take a back seat, with traders focusing solely on the movement of the market itself. In studying how prices behave in real-time or historically, traders can spot trends, patterns, and potential turning points in the market.
At its core, price action is about reading the market’s “story” through its movements. Traders look at how an asset has moved in the past—whether it’s rising, falling, or ranging—to understand what it might do next. This analysis often revolves around key levels, such as support (where prices tend to stop falling) and resistance (where they tend to stop rising).
Because price action relies purely on market data, it offers a clear view of sentiment without the “noise” of external indicators. This makes it a go-to method for traders who prefer a straightforward approach. Price action also can be used in any market—whether it’s forex, stocks, or commodities—and across various timeframes too, from short-term day trading to long-term investing.
Understanding this style isn’t automatic—it requires practice, observation, and an eye for patterns. However, once traders get the hang of it, price action can provide valuable insight into the market’s behaviour and help them analyse future trends.
Key Price Action Concepts
Now, let’s take a look at some core price action concepts.
Support and Resistance
Support and resistance levels are foundational in price action analysis. These are key levels that the market has historically struggled to move past. Support represents a level where the market tends to stop falling, acting like a “floor,” as buying pressure increases. Resistance is the opposite, serving as a “ceiling” where upward movements tend to halt, as selling pressure grows.
Traders use support and resistance to identify potential levels where the market might reverse or pause. If a price breaks through one of these levels, it can signal a continuation of the trend, while a bounce off the level might indicate a reversal.
Trends
At its simplest, a trend shows the direction in which a given market is headed. In an uptrend, prices are making higher highs and higher lows, showing consistent bullish momentum. In a downtrend, the opposite is true: prices make lower lows and lower highs, indicating bearish sentiment.
Swing highs and lows are critical when spotting trends. A swing high is a peak formed when the market moves up and then reverses down. A swing low is the opposite. Tracking these highs and lows allows traders to identify the current trend.
Trendlines and Price Channels
A trendline is a straight line that connects multiple swing highs or swing lows in a trending market. It visually represents the direction of the trend and helps traders spot potential areas where the market may find support or resistance.
When two parallel trendlines are drawn—one connecting swing highs and the other swing lows—it forms a price channel. Channels help traders see the range in which the price is moving, and it’s common for prices to bounce between the upper and lower boundaries of the channel. Breakouts from them can signal a shift in trend direction.
Candlestick Patterns
Candlestick patterns are formed by the movement of price over a specific period and are widely used in price action trading.
Some common candlestick price action trading patterns include:
- Pin Bar/Hammer/Shooting Star: A candle with a long wick and small body, indicating a rejection of higher or lower prices. It can suggest a potential trend reversal.
- Engulfing Pattern: A two-candle pattern where the second candle fully engulfs the previous one, signalling a shift in momentum. A bullish engulfing pattern suggests buyers are taking control, while a bearish engulfing pattern shows sellers are gaining strength.
- Doji: A candle with little to no body, where the open and close prices are nearly identical. It suggests indecision in the market and can signal a potential reversal, depending on where it appears in a trend.
Chart Patterns
Price action chart patterns are shapes that form on a chart, which traders use to determine future price movements. They can indicate the continuation or reversal of a trend.
Some common chart patterns include:
- Head and Shoulders: A reversal pattern that signals a shift from an uptrend to a downtrend (or vice versa). It consists of three peaks, with the middle one being the highest (the "head") and the outer two being lower (the "shoulders").
- Double Top/Double Bottom: These reversal patterns form when the price tests a level twice and fails to break through, indicating a potential reversal.
- Triangles: Symmetrical, ascending, or descending triangles indicate consolidation periods before a breakout.
Breakouts
A breakout occurs when an asset moves outside a defined support, resistance, or trendline level. Breakouts can signal that the market is gaining momentum in a particular direction.
When prices break beyond a support or resistance level, it can suggest that traders are pushing prices in a given direction and that momentum is likely to continue. Traders often watch for breakouts from chart patterns like triangles or channels.
Reversals
A reversal happens when a market trend changes direction. In an uptrend, a reversal would occur when prices stop making higher highs and higher lows and start forming lower lows instead. Reversals are often marked by candlestick patterns or chart patterns like head and shoulders or double top/bottom.
Retracements
A retracement is a temporary reversal in the direction of a trend, where the asset moves against the prevailing trend but eventually continues in the same direction. Traders often use tools like Fibonacci retracement levels to identify potential areas where the market might retrace before resuming its original trend.
Volume
Volume measures how much of an asset is being traded over a certain period. In price action trading, volume is used to confirm the strength of market movements. For example, if the price breaks through a significant resistance level with high volume, it can indicate that the breakout is more likely to be sustained. On the other hand, breakouts on low volume might suggest the move lacks conviction and could reverse.
Volatility
Volatility refers to the degree of price movement in the market over time. Price action traders pay attention to volatility because it can influence how they interpret patterns and levels. In periods of high volatility, an asset may break through key levels quickly, while in low volatility periods, it might stay within a narrow range.
How Traders Read Price Action
Let’s now look at an overview of how the process typically unfolds:
1. Beginning with a Clean Chart
Price action trading doesn’t rely on indicators, so the first step is to clear the chart of anything unnecessary. Traders focus on raw market data, meaning you’ll only initially need candlesticks or bars in a price action chart.
2. Identifying Market Structure
Once the chart is clean, traders assess the market structure. This means figuring out whether the market is trending or ranging. In a trend, prices make consistent highs and lows, moving upwards or downwards. If the market is ranging, the price moves horizontally within a set range between support and resistance levels.
3. Looking for Patterns and Key Levels
Next, traders focus on spotting recurring patterns and identifying key levels where the price has previously reacted. Patterns such as candlestick formations and chart setups (e.g., triangles or head and shoulders) give insight into what the market might do next. These patterns help traders anticipate reversals or breakouts based on past behaviour. Key levels like support and resistance guide where the price might stall or reverse.
4. Analysing Price Movements in Real-Time
As the price moves, traders observe how it reacts to these key levels or patterns. Does it slow down near resistance, or does it break through with momentum? Does it pull back to support before continuing upward? These real-time reactions tell traders whether the market is maintaining its trend or if a reversal could be on the horizon.
5. Confirming with Volume and Volatility
Traders often look at volume and volatility to further validate what’s happening on the chart. Higher volume can suggest stronger market moves, while volatility reveals how quickly the market is shifting. These extra layers of analysis provide confirmation of whether a breakout or reversal is likely to hold.
Building a Price Action Trading Strategy
Creating a price action trading strategy is about developing a personalised approach based on key patterns and setups that resonate with you. The steps mentioned above form the foundation of price action trading. However, traders usually build their own strategy over time, focusing on a handful of setups they find effective.
Initially, traders choose a few concepts to work with and avoid getting overwhelmed by too much information. For example, you could look for pin bars that appear during retracements at support or resistance in line with a trend. Another approach might be identifying a breakout after a double top or bottom, especially if it’s backed by high volume. Alternatively, traders often use candlestick patterns to trade the upper and lower boundaries of a price channel.
Setups like these can be backtested in trading platforms with FXOpen, using historical data to understand why and where certain setups work. It does take time to develop an eye for price action patterns, but it’s worth the effort to be able to identify opportunities well before lagging technical indicators do.
Lastly, risk management is crucial when trading price action. Before you try out any setup, try to understand the best risk management practices for that pattern. For instance, traders might place a stop-loss just beyond a pin bar’s wick or slightly below the lows in a double bottom to limit potential losses if the market moves unexpectedly.
The Bottom Line
Price action offers traders a straightforward way to analyse market movements and make decisions based on real-time data, prioritising repeating patterns rather than indicators. To put price action trading into practice, consider opening an FXOpen account to access more than 700 live markets and our advanced low-cost, high-speed trading environment.
FAQ
What Is Price Action?
The price action meaning refers to the movement of an asset's price over time. Traders analyse these movements, without relying on indicators, to identify trends, patterns, and potential turning points in the market.
How to Read Price Action?
Reading price action involves analysing market movements on a clean chart. Traders identify trends, key levels of support and resistance, and chart and candlestick patterns.
What Is Price Action Trading?
Price action trading is a strategy where traders make decisions based on the raw movements of an asset. Instead of using technical indicators, they focus on chart patterns, trends, and levels of support or resistance to analyse the market.
What Is the M Pattern in Price Action?
The M pattern, or double top, is a bearish reversal pattern that looks like the letter "M." It forms when the price tests a resistance level twice but fails to break through, signalling a potential move downwards.
Do Price Patterns Work?
Price patterns can work, but they are not foolproof. They are often used to identify potential market movements, but outcomes may vary depending on market conditions and other factors.
Do Professional Traders Use Price Action?
Yes, many professional traders use price action as a core part of their trading strategies. It provides a direct way to analyse market behaviour without relying on external indicators.
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.
top 8 simple steps to successful trading
1- Determining the trend
Before looking for entry points, it is important to clearly determine whether the market is in a trend or a sideways movement (flat). After all, it is in the continuation of the trend that signals usually work best.
Moving averages (EMA) and other trend indicators help to visually understand whether the price is rising, falling or “sleeping” in a sideways trend.
Regression channels and Bollinger Bands can further clarify the direction of movement and market volatility.
An example of trend visualization:
In this screenshot we can see how the moving averages are located above each other (bullish trend) or below each other (bearish trend). This is the first step: to understand where the river is “flowing”.
2- Identify levels and zones of interest
Support and resistance levels are a fundamental element of technical analysis. Prices often “walk” from one level to another, and large volumes visible in the horizontal profile of the market signal zones of interest for players.
Support/resistance levels are formed based on historical price extrema.
The horizontal profile of volumes shows where the greatest buying/selling activity is located.
Market participants' stop-losses (approximate levels) help to understand where a liquidity spike may occur.
Example of defining levels:
On the screenshot we can see the highlighted price areas and horizontal volume levels, which are worth paying attention to in order to find an entry.
3. finding entry points
When the trend is already defined and the main levels and zones of interest are marked, it is time to look for specific entry points. This is where signals from smart technical analysis indicators are especially important:
Smart signals help you recognize the beginning of a trend movement or a possible reversal.
Evaluating the strength of signals gives you an idea of the reliability of the current pattern according to many criteria (for example, on a trivial scale from 1 to 10).
Built-in technical analysis (“auto-trading” or “auto-marketing”) can confirm your observations.
An example of searching for an entry point:
In this example, you can see how buy signals (Long) appear at the moment of the beginning of an upward impulse when bouncing off supports.
4. Confirm the set-up with additional factors
There is no Golden Grail, so it is always desirable to have as many confirming factors as possible. These can be divergences, indicators of buyer/seller pressure, as well as signs of manipulation by big players.
Divergences in several indicators (RSI, MACD, etc.) often foreshadow a trend reversal or slowdown.
Buyer/seller pressure shows who controls the current market (bulls or bears?).
Manipulations by big players form false breakdowns, reversals and “knocking down stops”.
Example of setup confirmation:
On the screenshot you can see an example of divergence, as well as areas where, judging by the volumes, there was obvious activity of the “big hand”.
5. Confirming the trend we have identified via Midas Up
After the first trend analysis, it is useful to double-check it with additional indicators. There may be new signals of reversal or impulse movement that we missed.
Money supply movement: figure out how active the participants are and in which direction the volumes are flowing.
Trend tape and oscillators: filter market noise and confirm the start/end of a momentum move.
Price momentum: Often heralds powerful upward or downward spurts.
An example of a trend confirmation:
Note how several indicators confirming the same direction are combined in the screenshot.
6. Analyzing the behavior of large players
Large players (market makers, funds, etc.) have money and influence enough to significantly change the price. Observing their actions is one of the key aspects of successful trading.
The pressure of the big players shows who is entering the market and in what volumes.
Large whale buys/sells indicate points where significant liquidity is exchanged.
Whale buying/selling in the market confirms a powerful price movement.
Example of major player analysis:
In the screenshot we can see indicators of large trades, which often become triggers for reversals or acceleration of the movement.
7. Confirm the entry point by analyzing the current momentum
Even after knowing the general trend and observing the activity of big players, it is important to evaluate the moment of entry itself - especially when the market has already started moving in the chosen direction or is slowing down.
Pulse reversal points indicate the optimal moment to enter or exit.
Evaluation of the signal strength level (for example, 6 out of 10 or 9 out of 10) indicates the probability of successful execution.
The built-in technical analysis can additionally generate “Long” or “Short” signals.
Example of impulse analysis:
You can see how the combination of signals (candlestick patterns, volumes, indicators) indicates a possible long upward impulse.
8. Confirm the setup with additional factors
If one indicator gives a signal, it does not always guarantee a profitable trade - you need to look for confirmation from different sources. Here we can use:
Volume candlestick detailing - determining the true strength of the movement.
The weighted average price helps to smooth out sharp fluctuations and better navigate the trend.
Overheating by oscillators (RSI, Stoch) warns of a possible correction.
Example of additional factors:
In the screenshot we can see how several indicators of overheating and volume simultaneously indicate a high probability of correction, which can save from false entry or late entry into the market.
Conclusion
Consistent market analysis is a step-by-step process that requires a comprehensive approach:
We identify the trend and try to trade in its direction.
We look for key levels and zones with high liquidity and increased attention of big players.
Find entry points based on smart signals, candlestick patterns and volumes.
Confirm the set-up using factors like divergences, activity of big players and buying/selling pressure.
We double-check the trend with indicators, analyze the dynamics and momentum of the movement.
We study the behavior of major players, because they are the ones who form the main market movements.
We confirm the moment of entry by analyzing the current momentum and strength of signals.
We add finishing touches - analyze volumes, market overheating by oscillators and other factors.
Use various tools in a complex - and then the probability of closing a deal with a profit will increase significantly.
Have a good trade!
DO or DIE (MUST READ)Why Risk Management Trumps Entry and Exit Strategies in the Stock Market
In the fast-paced world of stock trading, new traders often obsess over finding the perfect entry and exit points. They scour charts, analyze patterns, and follow indicators, believing that mastering these elements is the secret to success. While timing the market is undeniably important, seasoned traders will tell you that there’s something far more critical: risk management.
The Illusion of Perfect Entries and Exits
It’s tempting to think that the key to wealth lies in catching the exact bottom or selling at the peak. However, the market is unpredictable, and even the most advanced algorithms can’t consistently forecast short-term price movements. This is why experienced traders don’t rely solely on perfect entries or exits—they build a solid risk management framework to protect their capital.
Here’s a truth many ignore: even a flawless entry can lead to a loss if risk management is ignored. Conversely, disciplined risk management can make a less-than-ideal entry profitable in the long run.
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Why Risk Management is a Game-Changer
1. Capital Preservation is Key
The first rule of trading is simple: don’t lose money. Successful trading is a marathon, not a sprint. Without adequate risk management, even a single bad trade can wipe out months of profits. By setting stop losses, position-sizing correctly, and avoiding over-leveraging, you ensure that your account can survive unexpected downturns.
2. Emotional Discipline
Trading is as much about psychology as it is about strategy. A poorly managed trade that spirals into a large loss can lead to panic, regret, and revenge trading—where you make impulsive decisions to recover losses. Proper risk management minimizes the emotional toll by limiting your exposure to any single trade.
3. The Power of Probability
Trading is a numbers game. No strategy, no matter how sophisticated, has a 100% win rate. Risk management ensures that even if you lose 50% of your trades, you can still be profitable. For example, risking 1% of your capital per trade with a reward-to-risk ratio of 3:1 means you can lose two-thirds of your trades and still come out ahead.
4. Consistency Over Quick Wins
Many traders dream of doubling their accounts overnight, but the reality is that consistent, incremental gains build lasting wealth. Risk management ensures that your trading journey is sustainable. A consistent approach also gives you the mental clarity to refine your strategy over time.
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The Core Components of Risk Management
Position Sizing: Determine how much of your capital to allocate to each trade. A general rule is to risk only 1-2% of your total account per trade.
Stop Losses: Always know where you’ll exit if the trade goes against you. This isn’t just about limiting losses—it’s about maintaining discipline.
Diversification: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Spreading your trades across different sectors or instruments reduces the impact of any single loss.
Risk-Reward Ratio: Aim for trades where potential profits outweigh potential losses. A 3:1 reward-to-risk ratio is a common benchmark.
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Risk Management: The Difference Between Amateurs and Pros
Amateurs often view trading as gambling, chasing high rewards without considering the risks. Pros, on the other hand, treat trading as a business. They know that managing risk is their top priority, not just finding great setups.
Consider this analogy: a captain doesn’t set sail without accounting for potential storms, no matter how promising the weather looks at the start. Similarly, a trader must always account for potential market turbulence, no matter how perfect the setup appears.
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Final Thoughts
In the stock market, your ability to manage risk defines your longevity. Entry and exit strategies are important, but they’re just pieces of a much larger puzzle. Without risk management, even the best strategy will fail when markets turn volatile.
So, the next time you plan a trade, remember: it’s not about how much you can make—it’s about how much you can afford to lose. Mastering risk management isn’t just a skill; it’s a mindset that separates surviving traders from thriving ones.
Your trading capital is your lifeline. Protect it fiercely.
Identify Memecoin scams complete guide🔸Learn to identify memecoin scams effectively by recognizing red flags, using essential tools, and understanding various scams like airdrop scams, honeypots, and MeV attacks. The video offers insights from an experienced trader and provides access to a master list of meme coin trading tools for safer trading practices.
🔸Crypto scams are rampant, especially targeting traders unfamiliar with red flags. Knowing these scams can save you from losing your hard-earned money in the meme coin market.
🔸Airdrop scams are common, where scammers send fake tokens to wallets. Interacting with these tokens can lead to a complete drain of your wallet.
🔸Avoiding certain wallets for meme coin trading is crucial. Fantom, while popular, may expose traders to more risks compared to faster and more secure alternatives.
🔸Identifying scams in the cryptocurrency market requires vigilance on token activity and chart patterns. Recognizing indicators such as rug pulls and honeypots can protect investors from losses.
🔸Rug pulls often manifest through sudden price spikes with no selling activity, indicating potential manipulation by developers. This pattern serves as a red flag for investors.
🔸Honeypots are tokens that allow buying but prevent selling, trapping investors. Understanding this concept is crucial for avoiding scams.
🔸Verifying the legitimacy of a token involves checking for duplicate tokens and ensuring liquidity is locked. These steps help ascertain the safety of investments.
🔸Analyzing social media presence is crucial for determining a developer's reliability. Active communication and transparency on platforms like Twitter can indicate a legitimate project.
🔸Using bots to check the history of Twitter accounts can expose recycled profiles often associated with scams. This method enhances the security of investment choices in crypto.
🔸Community takeovers often occur after a developer rugs, allowing the community to reclaim control and potentially revitalize the project. This can lead to a more decentralized management.
🔸Verifying the authenticity of a project's website is crucial. Scammers may create fake sites, so utilizing domain age checkers helps to ensure the legitimacy of the information.
🔸Understanding the dynamics of token holders is crucial in the crypto market. Analyzing the behavior of bundle snipers can reveal potential risks associated with token investments.
🔸Analyzing token holders and their activities can help identify potential red flags. Tools like trench radar scanner assist in monitoring bundle activities and assessing risks.
🔸Visualizing bundle data can enhance decision-making in token investments. Understanding the distribution of holdings among wallets helps assess the stability of a token.
Stock Market Logic Series #13The double bottom and double top patterns are among the most powerful and reliable indicators in technical analysis. These formations provide traders with insights into potential trend reversals, making them valuable tools in a trader's arsenal. However, one must approach these patterns with patience and discipline to truly harness their power.
Statistically, the price often does not move decisively on the first attempt, and waiting for confirmation can significantly improve the likelihood of a successful trade entry.
A double bottom pattern occurs when a stock's price hits a low point, rebounds, and then retests the same low point before moving upward. This pattern suggests that the selling pressure is diminishing, and buyers are starting to take control. Conversely, a double-top pattern forms when the price reaches a high point, retraces, and then retests the same high point before moving downward. This indicates that buying pressure is waning, and sellers are gaining the upper hand.
One of the key aspects of trading these patterns is patience. It's essential to wait for the price to confirm the pattern before entering a trade. For a double bottom, this means waiting for the price to break above the resistance level formed between the two lows. For a double top, it involves waiting for the price to break below the support level formed between the two highs. By waiting for these confirmations, traders can avoid false signals and increase their chances of entering a profitable trade. This is because you will not fall into the trap of HINDSIGHT backtesting and it is clear that an M or W happened.
HINDSIGHT backtesting is that you have the hindsight advantage when you backtest, but you don't have it when you do REAL-TIME trading.
FYI, TradingView gives you the ability to do a reply of bars ... This gives you the dramatic advantage of seeing if your trading rules are REAL-TIME approved.
Patience is particularly crucial because, statistically, the price often makes multiple attempts to break through these key levels. Impatient traders who jump in too early may find themselves caught in a false breakout or worse an "imaginary breakout", resulting in losses. By waiting for the price to confirm the pattern, traders can ensure that the trend reversal is genuine and increase their odds of success.
Imaginary breakout is when you imagine the price will do what you believe it will do, and it never does it. This cognitive error causes you to enter trades you would have never taken when you backtested your strategy.
John Bollinger, the creator of the Bollinger Bands, recognizes the power of double bottom and double top patterns. Bollinger Bands are a popular technical analysis tool that measures market volatility and provides a dynamic range within which prices are likely to move. When combined with double bottom and double top patterns, Bollinger Bands can further enhance a trader's decision-making process.
TradingView also functions as the best Trading Journal , I have my whole series of stock market logic ideas which I always refer back to. Also, you can add inside the journal idea a picture of the chart that is automatically stored and displayed on the TradingView ideas.
What you see on the chart is a confirmed validated M-pattern (the pink is the manifestation of the pattern), then after it you see a period of "NOT LONG".
This gives you a "TELL" that the probability of the rallies... they are fake.
Then, you see a confirmed W-pattern (the pink is the manifestation of the pattern), then after it, you see a period of "LONG".
This gives you a "TELL" that the probability of the corrections... they are fake.
When YOU, yes YOU, "KNOWS" statistically, when a fake pricing happens... this is a very lucrative business opportunity...
BITCOIN MARKET CYCLEThe common misconception among market participants is that, they say we’re just at the beginning of the bull run, but what many don’t realize is that we’re actually nearing its end. The bull run began in November 2022, and we are approaching what is known as the "blow-off top." During this phase, there will likely be a mini altcoin season in Wave 5. In this Wave 5, many self-proclaimed gurus and influencers will hype the market, claiming, "We’re just getting started!" This will entice market participants to keep chasing gains, only to end up trapped when the bear market sets in because they failed to take profits.
Always remember to be smart, study the market cycle carefully, and make informed decisions. Taking profit at the right time is key to avoiding losses.