The wave principle is a high-probability forecasting toolHello, dear friend!
As a fan of the Elliott Wave Principle, I have dedicated the past three years to studying, gaining experience, and improving my skills as an analyst and trader. Although the journey has been and continues to be challenging, it has been remarkably rewarding.
My goal is to share personal insights and experiences and provide valuable perspectives on the financial markets. I believe that success in this profession requires a disciplined approach, effort, perseverance, and patience, along with constant practice. By adopting this method, one can potentially become a skilled analyst.
The Elliott Wave Principle serves as a powerful tool for performing real-time chart analysis and market guidance based on specific rules and guidelines. With this knowledge, a strong trading strategy can be developed, and informed decisions can be made.
My dear friend, I will be with you on this path, and together we will navigate the peaks and valleys of the successful financial markets.
The aforementioned analytical concept was implemented on September 28, 2023.
Sincerely (Mr. Nobody)
Chart Patterns
Learn Risk Management.Applying risk management in forex trading is crucial for long-term success. Here are some key steps:
1. **Define Risk Tolerance:** Determine how much you're willing to risk on each trade. This is typically a percentage of your trading capital.
2. **Set Stop Losses:** Place stop-loss orders to limit potential losses on each trade. These orders automatically close a trade if the price moves against you beyond a certain point.
3. **Calculate Position Size:** Determine the size of your position based on your risk tolerance and the distance to your stop loss. This ensures that you're not risking more than you're comfortable with on each trade.
4. **Diversify:** Avoid putting all your capital into one trade or currency pair. Diversifying your trades can help spread risk.
5. **Use Leverage Wisely:** While leverage can amplify profits, it also increases risk. Be cautious and use leverage conservatively.
6. **Stay Informed:** Keep up with market news and events that could impact currency prices. Being aware of potential risks allows you to adjust your trading strategy accordingly.
7. **Regularly Review and Adjust:** Continuously monitor your trades and risk exposure. Adjust your risk management strategy as needed based on your performance and changing market conditions.
By following these steps, traders can effectively manage risk and increase their chances of success in forex trading.
Navigating Interest Rates with Micro Yield Futures Pair TradingIntroduction to Yield Futures
In the complex world of financial markets, Treasury Yield Futures offer investors a pathway to be exposed to changes in U.S. treasury yields. Among these instruments, the Micro 10-Year and Micro 2-Year Yield Futures stand out due to their granularity and accessibility. These futures contracts reflect the market's expectations for the yields of U.S. Treasury securities with corresponding maturities.
Micro 10-Year Yield Futures allow traders to express views on the longer end of the yield curve, typically influenced by factors like economic growth expectations and inflation. Conversely, Micro 2-Year Yield Futures are more sensitive to changes in the federal funds rate, making them a ideal for short-term interest rate movements.
Why Pair Trading?
Pair trading is a market-neutral strategy that involves taking offsetting positions in two closely related securities. This approach aims to capitalize on the relative price movements between the two assets, focusing on their correlation and co-integration rather than their individual price paths. In the context of Micro Treasury Yield Futures, pair trading between the 10-Year and 2-Year contracts offers a strategic advantage by exploiting the yield curve dynamics.
By simultaneously going long on Micro 10-Year Yield Futures and short on Micro 2-Year Yield Futures (or vice versa), traders can hedge against general interest rate movements while potentially profiting from changes in the yield spread between these maturities.
Analyzing the Current Market Conditions
Understanding the current market conditions is pivotal for executing a successful pair trading strategy with Micro 10-Year and Micro 2-Year Yield Futures. Currently, the interest rate environment is influenced by a complex interplay of economic recovery signals, inflation expectations, and central bank policies.
Central Bank Policies: The Federal Reserve's stance on interest rates directly affects the yield of U.S. Treasury securities. For instance, a hawkish outlook, suggesting rate hikes, can cause short-term yields to increase rapidly. Long-term yields might also rise but could be tempered by long-term inflation control measures.
Strategic Approach to Pair Trading These Futures
Trade Execution and Monitoring
To effectively implement a pair trading strategy with Micro 10-Year and Micro 2-Year Yield Futures, traders must have a solid plan for identifying entry and exit points, managing the positions, and understanding the mechanics of yield spreads. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
1. Identifying the Trade Setup
Mean Reversion Concept: In this strategy, we utilize the concept of mean reversion, which suggests that the yield spread will revert to its historical average over time. To quantify the mean, we employ a 20-period Simple Moving Average (SMA) of the spread between the Micro 10-Year and Micro 2-Year Yield Futures. This moving average serves as a benchmark to determine when the spread is significantly deviating from its typical range.
Signal Identification using the Commodity Channel Index (CCI): To further refine our entry and exit signals, the Commodity Channel Index (CCI) is employed. The CCI helps in identifying cyclical turns in the spread. This indicator is particularly useful for determining when the spread has reached a condition that is statistically overbought or oversold.
2. Trade Execution:
Going Long on One and Short on the Other: Depending on your analysis, you might go long on the Micro 10-Year Yield Futures if you anticipate the long-term rates will increase more relative to the short-term rates, or vice versa.
Position Sizing: Determine the size of each position based on the volatility of the yield spreads and your risk tolerance. It's crucial to balance the positions to ensure that the trade remains market-neutral.
Regular Review and adjustments: Regularly review the economic indicators and Fed announcements that could affect interest rates. Keep an eye on the spread for any signs that it might be moving back towards its mean or breaking out in a new trend.
Contract Specifications
To further refine our strategy, understanding the specific contract details of Micro 10-Year and Micro 2-Year Yield Futures is crucial:
Micro 10-Year Yield Futures (Symbol: 10Y1!) and Micro 2-Year Yield Futures (Symbol: 2YY1!):
Tick Value: Each tick (0.001) of movement is worth $1 per contract.
Trading Hours: Sunday to Friday, 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (New York time) with a 60-minute break each day beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Initial Margin: Approximately $350 per contract, subject to change based on market volatility.
Pair Margin Efficiency
When trading Micro 10-Year and Micro 2-Year Yield Futures as a pair, traders can leverage margin efficiencies from reduced portfolio risk. These efficiencies lower the required capital and mitigate volatility impacts.
The two charts below illustrate the volatility contrast: the Daily ATR of the yield spread is 0.033, significantly lower than the 0.082 ATR of the Micro 10-Year alone, nearly three times higher. This lower spread volatility underlines a core advantage of pair trading—reduced market exposure and potentially smoother, more predictable returns.
Risk Management in Pair Trading Micro Yield Futures
Effective risk management is the cornerstone of any successful trading strategy, especially in pair trading where the goal is to mitigate market risks through balancing positions. Here are key risk management techniques that should be considered when pair trading Micro 10-Year and Micro 2-Year Yield Futures:
1. Setting Stop-Loss Orders:
Pre-determined Levels: Establish stop-loss levels at the outset of the trade based on historical volatility, maximum acceptable loss, and the distance from your entry point. This helps in limiting potential losses if the market moves unfavorably.
Trailing Stops: Consider using trailing stop-loss orders that move with the market price. This method locks in profits while providing protection against reversal trends.
2. Position Sizing and Leverage Control:
Balanced Exposure: Ensure that the sizes of the long and short positions are balanced to maintain a market-neutral stance. This helps in minimizing the impact of broad market movements on the pair trade.
Leverage Management: Be cautious with the use of leverage. Excessive leverage can amplify losses, especially in volatile market conditions. Always align leverage with your risk tolerance and market assessment.
3. Regular Monitoring and Adjustments:
Adaptation to Market Changes: Be flexible to adjust or close the positions based on significant changes in market conditions or when the initial trading assumptions no longer hold true.
4. Utilizing Risk Management Tools:
Risk Management Software: Set alerts on TradingView to help track the performance and risk level of your pair trades effectively.
Backtesting: Regularly backtest the strategy against historical data to ensure it remains effective under various market conditions. This can also help refine the entry and exit criteria to better handle market volatility.
Effective risk management not only preserves capital but also enhances the potential for profitability by maintaining disciplined trading practices. These strategies ensure that traders can sustain their operations and capitalize on opportunities without facing disproportionate risks.
Conclusion
Pair trading Micro 10-Year and Micro 2-Year Yield Futures offers traders a sophisticated strategy to exploit inefficiencies within the yield curve while mitigating exposure to broader market movements. This approach leverages the distinct characteristics of these two futures contracts, aiming to profit from the relative movements between long-term and short-term interest rates.
Key Takeaways:
Market Neutral Strategy: Pair trading is fundamentally a market-neutral strategy that focuses on the relative performance of two assets rather than their individual price movements. This can provide insulation against market volatility and reduce directional risk.
Importance of Strategy and Discipline: Successful pair trading requires a disciplined approach to strategy implementation, from trade setup and execution to ongoing management and exit. Adhering to a predefined strategy helps maintain focus and objectivity in trading decisions.
Dynamic Market Adaptation: The financial markets are continuously evolving, influenced by economic data, policy changes, and global events. A successful pair trader must remain adaptable, continuously analyzing market conditions and adjusting strategies as needed to align with the current economic landscape.
Comprehensive Risk Management: Effective risk management is crucial in pair trading, involving careful consideration of position sizing, stop-loss settings, and regular strategy reviews. This ensures sustainability and longevity in trading by protecting against undue losses.
By maintaining a disciplined approach and adapting to market changes, traders can harness the potential of Micro Treasury Yield Futures for strategic pair trading, balancing risk and reward effectively.
When charting futures, the data provided could be delayed. Traders working with the ticker symbols discussed in this idea may prefer to use CME Group real-time data plan on TradingView: www.tradingview.com This consideration is particularly important for shorter-term traders, whereas it may be less critical for those focused on longer-term trading strategies.
General Disclaimer:
The trade ideas presented herein are solely for illustrative purposes forming a part of a case study intended to demonstrate key principles in risk management within the context of the specific market scenarios discussed. These ideas are not to be interpreted as investment recommendations or financial advice. They do not endorse or promote any specific trading strategies, financial products, or services. The information provided is based on data believed to be reliable; however, its accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. Trading in financial markets involves risks, including the potential loss of principal. Each individual should conduct their own research and consult with professional financial advisors before making any investment decisions. The author or publisher of this content bears no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided or for any resultant financial or other losses.
Exploring Auction Market Theory in Forex TradingAuction Market Theory (AMT) is a conceptual framework used to understand the dynamics of financial markets, viewing them as auctions where buyers and sellers interact to determine prices.
Although the AMT was initially developed to understand & analyse price action movements in the stock market, some of its core concepts can also be applied to any market, including forex.
Within the forex market, currency pairs are traded 24/5, with price driven by a multitude of factors such as economic data releases, geopolitical events, and market sentiment. Despite this complexity, AMT provides a framework for understanding market dynamics through the concepts of value, balance, and imbalances .
Value represents the equilibrium price at which buyers and sellers agree on the fair value of an asset. Market balance occurs when supply and demand are roughly equal, resulting in stable price ranges, while imbalances arise from deviations from this equilibrium due to shifts in market sentiment or unexpected events. These imbalances can create trading opportunities for astute traders who can identify them and act accordingly.
Lets now take a look into how this can be visually identified on a line chart using only price action.
Example 1
On the left, we can see an area of market balance. This is usually evident when the market is range bound as we can see in this case.
The midpoint of the range is the point of equilibrium. Value can be interpreted as the equilibrium price at which buyers and sellers agree on the fair value of a currency pair.
This equilibrium is constantly shifting as new information becomes available and market participants reassess their expectations.
When these expectations shift as a result of either economic data releases, geopolitical events, and/or market sentiment, price shifts away from the balanced price range and creates an imbalance within the market.
Identifying value areas are important because these can act as an area of future support/resistance for price. Notice how in this example, after price displaces from the balanced range, it later came back and found support near the fair value within that range.
Practical Application
One practical application of AMT in forex trading is through the analysis of price action and market profile. By observing how price behaves at different levels and how volume interacts with price movements, you can gain insights into market sentiment and potential areas of support and resistance.
For example, if a currency pair consistently fails to break above a certain resistance level despite multiple attempts, it may indicate strong selling pressure at that level, presenting an opportunity for short trades. Conversely, if a currency pair finds strong support at a particular price level, traders may look for buying opportunities as the market reverts to equilibrium.
To conclude, Auction Market Theory offers a valuable framework for understanding the dynamics of the forex market. By analysing price action, volume, and market profile through the lens of AMT, you can gain a deeper understanding of market sentiment and identify potential trading opportunities. While no theory can guarantee success in trading, incorporating Auction Market Theory into your analysis can help you make more informed trading decisions.
Please leave a comment if you've found this post helpful or if you have any questions.
Happy Trading
Three Factors Keeping Oil Prices in CheckAT A GLANCE:
Despite ongoing geopolitical conflict, oil prices and volatility are relatively low
A rise in U.S. crude production and weak demand in China are helping oil inventories maintain average levels
Considering many factors like the Russia-Ukraine war, OPEC+ cutting production by 3.6 million barrels per day and conflict in the Middle East, many traders might be surprised to find out that oil prices are only around $82 per barrel and that implied volatility on crude options are trading at relatively low levels below 40%.
Inventories Remain at Average Levels
So why are crude oil prices not higher and more volatile? Part of the answer lies in inventories. Crude and product inventories are right around their seasonally adjusted averages for the past five years. This suggests that at least some cushion exists in the event of a supply disruption.
Given that oil production is about 3.5% lower globally than it would have been without OPEC+ production cuts, how is it possible that oil inventories are still at average levels? There are two reasons. First, a boom in U.S. production has replaced about one third of what OPEC cut.
The second reason is weak demand. China buys about 10 million barrels per day in the international markets, and its economy has been growing much more slowly than it was a few years ago. Slow growth in China often hits oil prices with a lag of about 12 months and may be among the factors preventing a further rise in global crude prices.
Higher Prices Expected?
That said, traders are displaying some signs of nervousness. The skew on CME Group’s WTI CVOL index is quite positive at the moment, suggesting that some traders are buying out of the money call options to protect themselves from the possibility of much higher prices.
If you have futures in your trading portfolio, you can check out on CME Group data plans available that suit your trading needs www.tradingview.com
By Erik Norland, Executive Director and Senior Economist, CME Group
*CME Group futures are not suitable for all investors and involve the risk of loss. Copyright © 2023 CME Group Inc.
**All examples in this report are hypothetical interpretations of situations and are used for explanation purposes only. The views in this report reflect solely those of the author and not necessarily those of CME Group or its affiliated institutions. This report and the information herein should not be considered investment advice or the results of actual market experience.
The 0.5% After Hours Pump And DumpIt is very problematic when you look at the after-hours screen then you see
that gosh you was wrong on your prediction
--
The truth is this is not a prophecy you can be wrong on any price action
so always keep an air of doubt in your thesis
--
An announcement was made on public news that This stock might suffer because of low sales for the year the earnings report is coming out this morning
--
when this does when shall know if this gap down will happen also
take note of the pre-market hours coming out soon
--
There is a very little cure for fear but right now we
just have to hold on tight to our thesis and
--
probability and see what happens at the
pre-market hours time frame.
--
When i was looking at the after-hours data doubt sank deep inside my heart thinking
--
"Am i wrong about the probability of this stock crash?"
--
Trading is a ruff game of capitalism you need to have thick skin or else
you will be swinging around and round with the crowd doubting your price predictions
and trend analysis
-
Please read the disclaimer below
--
Disclaimer:This is not financial advice do your own research before you buy or sell anything trading is risky and you will lose money
All Roads Leads to RomeIf you wish to analyze the index using traditional Japanese candles and Heikin-Ashi candles, and compare that using Bollinger Bands, Elliott Waves, Fibonacci series, and Ichimoku Kinko Hyo indicators. And you want to conduct the analysis on various time frames including daily, hourly, and every five minutes to discover the confluence between these indicators, you will find what pleases you in this tutorial video.
#traders4traders
***This channel is intended for educational purposes only and should not be construed as an investment proposal.
Disclaimer:
The content provided is for Educational purposes only. It should not be interpreted as legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of advice. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks and may lead to potential losses, including the loss of principal. It's important for investors to recognize that past performance does not guarantee future returns, and market fluctuations can impact investment value. Stocks discussed here are not synonymous with, nor should they be seen as a replacement for time deposits or similar saving instruments. Investing in securities of smaller companies may involve higher risks compared to larger, more established firms, possibly resulting in substantial capital losses. Decisions to buy, sell, hold or trade in securities, commodities and other investments involve risk and are best made based on the advice of qualified financial professionals. The practice of "Day Trading" involves particularly high risks and can cause you to lose substantial sums of money. Before undertaking any trading program, you should consult a qualified financial professional. Please consider carefully whether such trading is suitable for you in light of your financial condition and ability to bear financial risks. Under no circumstances shall I be liable for any loss or damage you or anyone else incurs as a result of any trading or investment activity that you or anyone else engages in based on any information or material you receive through TradingView
💰WHAT IS SUPPLY AND DEMAND? In trading, the fundamental concept of supply and demand serves as the cornerstone for understanding price movements. Supply represents the quantity of a particular asset available for purchase, while demand signifies the desire of buyers to acquire that asset. When supply exceeds demand, prices typically decrease as sellers compete to attract buyers. Conversely, when demand surpasses supply, prices tend to rise due to heightened competition among buyers.
To contextualize this concept using Bitcoin as an example, let's consider its decentralized nature and limited supply. Bitcoin's supply is predetermined and capped at 21 million coins, with new coins created through mining at a diminishing rate. Meanwhile, demand for Bitcoin fluctuates based on various factors such as market sentiment, institutional interest, regulatory developments, and macroeconomic trends.
By analyzing supply and demand dynamics, traders can gauge market sentiment and anticipate potential price movements. High volume players, such as institutional investors or large-scale traders, often leave discernible footprints in the market through their buying and selling activities. Tracking these players' actions can provide valuable insights into shifts in supply and demand dynamics.
In practice, traders employ various techniques and rules to identify supply and demand levels on price charts. These may include analyzing price structure, volume profiles, support and resistance zones, and price action patterns. By accurately identifying supply and demand areas, traders can make informed decisions regarding market entry, exit, and risk management strategies.
Follow for more
EURUSD Trade study short/longTrade study using Asian range.
Trade went below opening candle in London session indicating bullish but wasn't noticed. Price also took the Asian lows before moving up. Price then consolidated before taking the Asian high, then took the recent swing low at lower timeframe indicating out POI. Price then eventually achieved our target Price Asian range low then took Thursdays (Asian high +4) before taking our initial Target (Asian range -1). Trading in Friday is complicated but with proper risk management we was able to take a 1:1.2rr trade
Using proper risk management is always necessary which I didn't do for some reason
NOTE : PRICE ALWAYS MOVES FOR A REASON
Trade Like a Sniper - Episode 4 - XAGUSD - (10th May 2024)This video is part of a video series where I backtest a specific asset using the TradingView Replay function, and perform a top-down analysis in order to frame ONE high-probability setup. I choose a random point of time to replay, and begin to work my way down the timeframes. Trading like a sniper is not about entries with no drawdown. It is about careful planning, discipline, and taking your shot at the right time in the best of conditions.
A couple of things to note:
- I cannot see news events.
- I cannot change timeframes without affecting my bias due to higher-timeframe candles revealing its entire range.
- I cannot go to a very low timeframe due to the limit in amount of replayed candlesticks
In this session I will be analyzing XAGUSD, starting from the Monthly chart.
- R2F
HOPE TRADING: This is how you lose big money in tradingHope Trading: How Traders Lose Money in Trading
This image shows how traders lose their money in trading due to hope. Hope is good but also you should believe in your analysis if your SL hits then accept that you are wrong now and should not hope in the wrong direction.
In the world of trading, hope can be both a friend and a foe. While optimism is essential, relying solely on hope can lead to significant losses. Let's explore why:
1. The Power of Hope:
- Hope keeps traders motivated and optimistic.
- It encourages persistence during challenging times.
- However, hope alone is not a winning strategy.
2. The Danger of Blind Hope:
- Traders often cling to hope even when their analysis suggests otherwise.
- Ignoring stop-loss (SL) levels due to hope can be disastrous.
- Hope can blind us to market realities.
3. Balancing Hope and Analysis:
- Believe in your analysis, but remain open to adjusting your strategy.
- If your SL is hit, accept that you were wrong and cut your losses.
- Avoid hoping for a miraculous turnaround.
4. Risk Management:
- Set clear risk limits and stick to them.
- Use SL orders to protect your capital.
- Hope should never override risk management rules.
Remember, hope is valuable, but it must be grounded in sound analysis and risk management.
Thanks
Happy Trading
Using Fibonacci & FPT To Identify Trends/Entries/ReversalsLearn how powerful Fibonacci Retracements and Fibonacci Price Theory are when adequately deployed.
It can tell where and when to target entries, trends, risks, and reversals.
Anyone can do this when they learn to efficiently manage the ranges and use Fibonacci tools in Trading View.
It's time you took a few minutes to learn the PRICE is the ultimate indicator. You don't need to use dozens of other indicators (unless you want to add to the core Fibonacci techniques).
Watch this video, then follow my research/videos.
✨Unlock Market Mastery: How Wyckoff Theory Made Me a fortune!
The Wyckoff Model is a trading approach based on several key principles:
1. Law of Supply and Demand: Prices move based on the balance between supply (sellers) and demand (buyers).
2. Law of Cause and Effect: The market goes through phases of accumulation (building up) and distribution (selling off), leading to subsequent mark-up (price increase) and mark-down (price decrease) phases.
3. Law of Effort and Result: The relationship between the effort (volume) put into the market and the resulting price movement.
4. Accumulation and Distribution: Recognizing patterns where large players accumulate or distribute assets.
5. Analysis of Price, Volume, and Time: Understanding market movements by analyzing these three factors together.
While the Wyckoff Model provides valuable insights, it's important to note that it rarely appears perfect and is often overlooked by many traders. However, experienced traders can spot its patterns across various markets. Higher volume and liquidity markets tend to offer better opportunities.
In my years of trading Bitcoin, I've refined the Wyckoff Model into what I call the Trinity Model, which has been instrumental in many of my successful trades. Follow and boost for more insights! 📈✨🚀
Trading EURUSD | Judas Swing Strategy 07/05/2024At 8:35 AM EST, EURUSD initiated a liquidity grab above the 00:00 - 8:30AM EST Zone with a Bullish Marubozu candle. This move could potentially trap breakout traders, as it appears to signal an upward move, only for the price to swiftly reverse course.
To avoid getting trapped, we waited for price to create a Break of Structure (BOS) to the opposite side (sell side) to indicate price wanted to sell. Subsequently, our focus shifted to identifying the initial Fair Value Gap within the displacement leg that broke structure.
Our preferred entry strategy involves patiently awaiting price retracement into or touching the Fair Value Gap (FVG), with execution of the trade occurring upon the close of the first candle entering or touching the FVG. This approach was not arbitrary, rather, it emerged as the result of thorough backtesting of numerous entry techniques. We have found it consistently provides better entry points and occasionally prevents us from taking trades that might otherwise trigger a stop loss within the same entry candle.
Following our trade's execution, we endured a brief drawdown of about 20 minutes. We were undeterred by this temporary setback because we had a prudent risk management approach in place, we had allocated only 1% of our capital to this trade, while eyeing a potential 2% gain. We maintained confidence in our strategy, given its extensive backtesting, which has demonstrated a win rate of 52.78% on EURUSD.
While our data typically indicates an average trade duration of 8 hours and 27 minutes, our target was achieved in 2 hours and 15 minutes, securing a 2% gain on the trade where we had risked 1%
TrendsThe trend represents the directional movement of prices and plays an essential role in most technical trading systems. Technical analysis differentiates between trending and non-trending markets, also called flat trending markets. Trending markets can be either moving upwards or downwards. The upward-moving market is called the bull market, while the downward-moving market is called the bear market. Normally, a market is considered to be in an uptrend when the price reaches higher peaks and higher troughs. On the contrary, the market is regarded to be in a downtrend when the price reaches lower troughs and lower peaks. The non-trending market occurs when there is no significant uptrend or downtrend, and the price moves within a certain range. Thus, the flat trending market is notorious for its sideways-moving price action.
Key takeaways:
Trends can vary in length and are classified into four main categories: primary, secondary, minor, and intraday.
The primary trend is the most significant trend, lasting for months or years. It's characterized by the overall direction of the market.
The secondary trend opposes the primary trend and usually lasts for weeks or months.
Identifying trends is crucial for technical traders. Methods range from simple tracking of recent lows and highs to more complex mathematical formulas.
Trend classification
Trends tend to be of different lengths. According to these lengths, trends fall into four main categories: primary trend, secondary trend, minor trend, and intraday trend. The primary trend is the only inviolable trend and lasts for a long period, usually months or years. The secondary trend runs counter to the primary trend and is often measured in weeks or months. Further, the minor trend is measured in days, and the intraday trend is represented merely by daily fluctuations in price.
The primary trend
The primary trend can be subdivided into three distinctive phases. The first phase of the primary uptrend begins with the revival of investors' confidence from the prior primary downtrend. That is followed by the second phase, in which asset prices increase in response to growing corporate earnings. In the third stage, speculation becomes the dominant force driving markets higher. This environment, when asset prices are rising on the hopes, dreams, and expectations of individual investors, tends to foreshadow the beginning of the primary downtrend. Its first phase commences with the abandonment of hopes and dreams upon which investments were made. That is followed by selling pressure due to falling corporate earnings in the second phase, which later escalates into panic selling in the third stage.
Illustration 1.01
The illustration displays the weekly chart of Nasdaq continuous futures (NQ1!) for the period between late 2001 and 2008. The primary bull market began after the bottom of the “dotcom” bubble and lasted until the peak of the real estate and credit crisis in 2007.
Illustration 1.02
The image above presents the daily chart of gold (XAUUSD) during the 2008 bear market when it dropped 34%.
The secondary trend
The secondary trend is the intermediate-term trend. Its direction is opposite to the primary trend, and it represents any significant price drop in the primary bull market or price rise in the primary bear market. The secondary trend usually lasts for weeks or months. Its measure in percentage terms tends to range between 33% and 66% of the range of the primary trend. This trend is considered to be prone to market manipulation as opposed to the primary trend.
Illustration 1.03
The picture shows Bayerische Motoren Werke's (BMW) daily chart throughout 2020 and 2021. The white dashed-line box indicates the primary uptrend, and the grey dashed-line boxes indicate the secondary trends, counter to the primary one.
The minor and intraday trend
The minor trend lasts for a few days or weeks, yet always less than the secondary trend. It is more difficult to identify than previous types of trends since its amplitude in percentage terms is significantly less when compared to the primary and secondary trends. The same applies to the intraday trend that lasts for a few seconds up to several hours; it represents daily changes in the price and is regarded to have little predictive value.
Trend identification
Identifying a trend is crucial for a trend-based technical trader, and there are plenty of methods how to identify it correctly. These methods can be simple or very complex. The simplest method of identifying trends can be done by tracking recent lows and recent highs in the price of an asset. Other simple methods involve using lines, trendlines, and curves; more complex methods usually involve the use of mathematical formulas in order to generate a set of valuable data.
Please feel free to express your ideas and thoughts in the comment section.
DISCLAIMER: This article is not intended to encourage any buying or selling of any particular securities. Furthermore, it should not be a basis for taking any trade action by an individual investor or any other entity. Therefore, your own due diligence is highly advised before entering a trade.
Hunting for Trend Days Part 3: Case Studies and PsychologyWelcome to the final instalment of our series on hunting for trend days. In Part 1, we covered the fundamental characteristics of trend days and essential tools for identifying them early. Part 2 delved into advanced strategies for maximising opportunities and effectively managing trades during trend days. Now, let's explore case studies of successful trend day trades and delve into the psychology behind trading trend days.
Case Studies:
Here are some real-world examples of how trades can be taken and managed on trend days using the techniques covered in Part 1 and Part 2.
Each example will be viewed through the prism of the three C’s – Context, Catalyst, and Consistency .
Context refers to conducting higher timeframe analysis on the daily candle chart. Catalyst refers to the confluence of evidence that a trend day is taking place. And Consistency refers to how we consistently select and manage trend day trades on the 5min candle chart.
Case Study 1: EUR/USD
Context:
The higher timeframe daily candle chart provides valuable context for the impending trend day. We can clearly see that daily trading ranges have been contracting for several consecutive days. This puts day traders on high alert for an expansive range day in either direction.
15th Jan 2024: EUR/USD Daily Candle Chart
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
Catalyst:
The following day, at the start of European trading, EUR/USD has already broken and held below the prior days low (PDL). EUR/USD has also broke below the daily compression pattern (highlighted above) and the market is holding below a downward sloping volume weighted average VWAP. This is enough confluence of evidence that a trend day is taking place and traders can start to position themselves accordingly.
16th Jan 2024: EUR/USD 5min Candle Chart
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
Consistency:
Entering managing trades on trend days should not be over complicated, the most important aspect is consistency of method and approach.
A simple trend following day trading entry and exit technique can be employed on trend days:
Entry: Break below swing support and 9 period EMA
Exit: Break and close above 9 period EMA.
(Blue arrows = Entry, Red arrows = Exit)
16th Jan 2024: EUR/USD 5min Candle Chart
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
Case Study 2: Apple (AAPL)
Context:
Again, the higher timeframe context is key. As Apple’s share price approached a key level of long-term support the daily ranges started to contract and the market started to consolidate within a falling wedge pattern. This puts day traders on high alert for an expansive range day in either direction.
10th APR 2024: AAPL Daily Candle Chart
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
Catalyst:
Prior to the trend day developing there were several early warning signs within the first hour of trading. Having gapped slightly higher at the open, the shares broke and held above the PDH. Price was also holding above an upward sloping VWAP and breaking above the falling wedge consolidation pattern that formed on the daily candle chart.
11th APR 2024: AAPL 5min Candle Chart
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
Consistency:
Again, a simple trend following day trading entry and exit technique proves effective.
Entry: Break below swing support and 9 period EMA
Exit: Break and close above 9 period EMA.
(Blue arrows = Entry, Red arrows = Exit)
11th APR 2024: AAPL 5min Candle Chart
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
Psychological Insights:
1. Patience and Discipline:
Successful trading during trend days requires patience and discipline. It's essential to wait for confirmation of the trend and avoid impulsive decisions based on emotions or fear of missing out (FOMO). Stick to your trading plan and only take high-probability setups that align with your strategy.
2. Flexibility and Adaptability:
While it's crucial to have a trading plan, it's also essential to remain flexible and adapt to changing market conditions during trend days. Be willing to adjust your strategy based on evolving price action and market dynamics, and don't hesitate to cut losses when necessary.
3. Emotional Control:
Managing emotions such as greed, fear, and overconfidence is critical for successful trading during trend days. Avoid letting emotions dictate your trading decisions and maintain a rational and objective mindset at all times. Remember that losses are part of trading, and it's essential to stay focused on long-term profitability.
Conclusion:
Pursuing trend days can present both opportunities and challenges for day traders. While traders may benefit from consistent trending price movements, it's crucial to identify trend days early, apply effective trading strategies, and maintain psychological discipline to navigate the potential risks successfully.
We hope this series has provided valuable insights and practical techniques for navigating trend days with confidence and competence. Remember to continuously refine your skills, adapt to changing market conditions, and always prioritise risk management.
Happy trading, and may the trend days be ever in your favour!
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.
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 84.01% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
DCA - is for those who do not like to be nervousIn the fast-paced and often volatile world of cryptocurrency, finding best investment strategy can be a daunting task. While many traders seek quick gains through active trading, a more prudent and less stressful approach exists: Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA).
What is DCA?
DCA is an investment strategy that involves investing a fixed amount of money into a particular asset at regular intervals, regardless of the asset's price. This approach aims to reduce the impact of market volatility on investment returns by averaging out the purchase price over time.
Why is DCA the Sleep-Well Strategy?
DCA offers several advantages that make it an ideal strategy for investors seeking long-term growth and peace of mind:
Emotional Discipline: DCA eliminates the emotional decision-making that often plagues traders. By investing consistently, regardless of price fluctuations, you avoid the urge to buy high and sell low.
Reduced Risk: DCA averages out the purchase price, reducing the overall impact of market volatility. You may buy some coins at higher prices, but you'll also benefit from lower prices, evening out your investment cost.
Long-Term Focus: DCA encourages a long-term investment mindset, discouraging impulsive decisions based on short-term price movements. It's about building wealth gradually and consistently over time.
DCA vs. Trading:
DCA stands in stark contrast to active trading, which involves buying and selling assets frequently to capitalize on short-term price movements. While active trading may appeal to experienced traders with high-risk tolerance, it often leads to emotional decision-making and can be time-consuming and stressful.
DCA: A Proven Strategy with Remarkable Returns
To illustrate the effectiveness of DCA, let's examine the returns of some prominent cryptocurrencies over the past few years, assuming a monthly DCA investment of $100:
Bitcoin (BTC): Investing $100 monthly in BTC since January 2019 would have yielded a staggering 112% return, with a total investment of $12,000 growing to $25,440.
Ethereum (ETH): A DCA approach for ETH since January 2019 would have resulted in an impressive 770% return.
Solana (SOL): DCA into SOL since January 2021 would have generated a remarkable 304% return
Fetch.ai (FET): Investing $100 monthly in FET since January 2019 would have yielded an exceptional 776% return
Understanding the Coins: Technology and Applications
Bitcoin (BTC): The world's first and most popular cryptocurrency, Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that enables peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries.
Ethereum (ETH): A decentralized blockchain platform, Ethereum supports a wide range of applications, including smart contracts, decentralized finance (DeFi), and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
Solana (SOL): A high-performance blockchain known for its scalability and speed, Solana aims to provide a faster and more efficient alternative to Ethereum.
Fetch.ai (FET): An AI-powered decentralized platform, Fetch.ai facilitates the development of autonomous agents for various applications, including open marketplaces and data monetization.
Conclusion:
DCA is a powerful investment strategy that allows individuals to build wealth in cryptocurrency while minimizing risk and emotional stress. By consistently investing fixed amounts, regardless of market fluctuations, DCA investors can reap significant rewards over the long term. Embrace DCA, sleep well, and let your investments grow steadily towards a brighter financial future.
Volume candles and how they can be used to make trade decisionsHello,
Volume candlesticks are a very unique dataset that give us more information than the candlesticks we are used to. First, a candlestick is a type of price chart used in technical analysis that displays the high, low, open, and closing prices of a security for a specific period. Now with the Volume candlesticks, they are a type of chart that allows for a visual assessment of the volume of trades for each candle. These are still candlesticks, but the width of each candle depends on the volume of trades during the period of formation of this candle. The greater the trading volume during the formation period of the candle, the larger the width of the candle.
What does a candlestick say?
A candlestick will tell you what the market is doing and especially what the big traders are doing. Different candlesticks would tell you different situations in the market. Now let us look at classical examples using the charts herein. We will combine our knowledge on both the candlesticks and Volume candlesticks that is now available on Tradingview.
From our chart above all these small candlesticks tell us that the stock is in a correction. A correction is a situation where the market is moving in a sideways movement. Trading corrections are very difficult for most traders and it is advisable to avoid them if you have no or little trading experience. All the candles in our above zone also do not have substantial width or length telling you that the volumes traded during corrections are usually low and hence the reason why markets rarely move during such times.
understanding types of candles and their meaning
It is easy to note that the volumes began coming at the bottom. This can be seen on this chart
This is where the width of the candles began becoming bigger. This is a great significance that it's time to begin thinking of buying this stock since it was correcting and in an upward trend. The width kept becoming bigger and price kept moving upwards.
At the top after the candle closed the thinnest, it is easy to conclude that the volumes have now dried up and therefore the beginning of a bigger correction is coming. This is a great time for you now to take your profits and focus on the next trade as you await the bigger correction to complete.
We shall keep you updated when we see volumes return on this stock. This strategy coupled with technical analysis, fundamental analysis and market data is very strong in the trading cycle.
All the best
High Volume Times to Trade / Part 1 🔣Hello traders welcome back to another Concept video. In this video, we detail some of the best times to trade the Eur/Usd Currency pair. This happens to be at Session opens. We go through the 3 Session opens and walkthrough examples of increasing volume ( Large candles). Session opens can provide a great catalyst for 1) a continuation of momentum of the preceding trend or 2) a dramatic reversal. The Euro and the U.S. Dollar are not open during the Asian session and so the candles are much smaller and the average volatility is much less. However, the same concept applies regarding the former.
Technical Analysis DOES NOT WORK in GOLD Trading
Does technical analysis really work in Gold trading?
In this article, we will discuss whether the traditional, classic methods of technical analysis: support and resistance, breakouts, patterns can be reliable in this specific market.
We will explore the dynamics of Gold prices so far this year and discuss the most efficient way to trade Gold.
So if you are a gold trader or simple interested in the market analysis, you should not miss this eye-opening discussion!
First, let's discuss how Gold market behaves from the beginning of the year from technical analysis perspective.
Gold started this year in a strong bullish trend, the market opened after setting a new higher high on a daily the second of January.
After a formation of a higher high, the market became overbought and a correctional movement initiated. The price formed a bullish flag pattern and reached the level of the last higher low - a very important support.
After the test of structure, the price bounced and violated a resistance line of a flag with a strong bullish candle.
From the technical perspective, it was a very strong trend-following signal and a bullish continuation was anticipated.
However, it turned out that it was a false signal, and instead of going higher, the market dropped, setting a new lower low.
Why this false signal is so important is that the breakouts, key levels and price action analysis are the most reliable on a daily time frame.
Such a strong combination: bullish trend, bullish pattern, key support; has a very high accuracy on a daily.
That was the first time this year, when technical analysis on a daily was completely screwed .
It felt like the market was turning bearish.
The price violated a level of the higher low, setting a new lower low.
For Smart Money traders, it is a very important event that is called a Change of Character. It strongly confirms a bearish reversal on the market.
One more bearish confirmation that I spotted was a completed head and shoulders pattern formation with a confirmed violation of its neckline. That signal also confirms a bearish reversal.
And again, these 2 bearish confirmations were the false signals.
The price went back above the neckline and a bullish movement initiated.
This time, a classic price action pattern did not work , and smart money concepts gave a false signal.
Then I spotted a very bullish signal - the price violated a major falling trend line and closed above that.
It clearly indicated that the market was returning to a global bullish trend.
And again, that signal was completely false.
And the price dropped.
Trend line breakout in the direction of the trend - a classic trend-following confirmation did not work.
Then we saw 2 strong bearish signals: a bearish breakout of a rising trend line and a key horizontal support with a high momentum bearish candle. It felt like now it confirms that the market is bearish and it should drop lower to the closest key support.
And again, technicals failed miserably and after a retest of a broken horizontal structure and a trend line, the price just went higher completely neglecting them
From the beginning of the year, technical analysis: key levels, patterns, smart money, breakouts do not work on a daily.
All the signals that were spotted so far failed.
If you just started trading, you may easily come to the conclusion that technical analysis does not make any sense on Gold.
And you will be completely right, in that period it does not work at all.
I am trading Gold and Forex for more than 9 years, and year after year I noticed that there always are the periods when some techniques, some strategies do not work. Sometimes these periods are very short, but some time they can be quite long.
The only proven way to overcome such periods is consistency and proper risk management .
Risking a tiny portion of your trading account per trade, you will be able to survive the stubborn market.
The market always returns to normal conditions and starts respecting the technicals again. However, no one knows when.
There is a famous quote by John Keynes:
"Markets can remain irrational longer than you stay solvent""
And only proper risk management will keep you solvent longer than the market stays irrational.
❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
Options Blueprint Series: Ratio Spreads for the Advanced TraderIntroduction to Ratio Spreads on E-mini Dow Jones Futures
In the dynamic world of options trading, Ratio Spreads stand out as a sophisticated strategy designed for traders looking to leverage market nuances to their advantage. Regular options on the E-mini Dow Jones Futures are a popular choice (YM).
Defining the E-mini Dow Jones (YM) Futures Contract
Before delving into the specifics of Ratio Spreads, understanding the underlying contract on which these options are based is crucial. The E-mini Dow Jones Futures, symbol YM, offers traders exposure to the 30 blue-chip companies of the Dow Jones Industrial Average in a smaller, more accessible format. Each YM contract represents $5 per index point.
Key Contract Specifications:
Point Value: $5 per point of the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
Trading Hours: Sunday - Friday, 6:00 PM - 5:00 PM (Next day) ET with a trading halt from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM ET daily.
Margins: Varied based on broker but generally lower than the full-sized contracts, providing a cost-effective entry for various trading strategies. CME Group suggests $8,400 per contract at the time of this publication.
Ratio Spread Margins: Often require a careful calculation as they involve multiple positions. Traders must consult with their brokers to understand the specific margin requirements for entering into ratio spreads using YM futures. Margins for Ratio Spreads are often equal to the margin requirement when trading the outright futures contract.
Understanding Ratio Spreads
Ratio Spreads involve buying and selling different amounts of options at varying strike prices, but within the same expiration period. This strategy is typically employed to exploit expected directional moves or stability in the underlying asset, with an additional emphasis on benefiting from time decay.
Types of Ratio Spreads:
Call Ratio Spread: Involves buying calls at a lower strike price and selling a greater number of calls at a higher strike price. This setup is generally used in mildly bullish scenarios.
Put Ratio Spread: Consists of buying puts at a higher strike price and selling more puts at a lower strike price, suitable for mildly bearish market conditions.
Mechanics:
Execution: Traders initiate these spreads by first determining their view on the market direction. For a bullish outlook, a call ratio spread is suitable; for a bearish view, a put ratio spread would be applicable.
Objective: The primary goal is to benefit from the premium decay of the short positions outweighing the cost of the long positions. This is enhanced if the market moves slowly towards the strike price of the short options or remains at a standstill.
Risk Management: It's crucial to manage risks as these spreads can lead to limited losses if the market moves against the trader, or surprisingly to many, to unlimited losses if the market moves sharply in the desired direction. Proper stop-loss settings, adjustments and continual market analysis are imperative.
Focused Strategy: Bullish Call Ratio Spread
In the context of the E-mini Dow Jones, considering the current upward trend with potential slow advancement due to overhead UFO (UnFilled Orders) Resistances, a Bullish Call Ratio Spread can be particularly effective. This strategy allows traders to capitalize on the gradual upward movement while keeping a lid on risks associated with faster, unexpected spikes.
Strategy Setup:
Selecting Strikes: Choose a lower strike where the long calls are bought and a higher strike where more calls are sold. The selection depends on the resistance levels indicated by the UFOs.
Position Sizing: Typically, the number of calls sold is higher than those bought, maintaining a ratio that aligns with the trader's risk tolerance and market outlook.
Market Conditions: Best implemented when expecting a gradual increase in the market, allowing time decay to erode the value of the short call positions advantageously.
Real-time Market Example: Bullish Call Ratio Spread on E-mini Dow Jones Futures
Given the current market scenario where the Dow Jones Index is experiencing a bullish breakout, it’s crucial to align our options trading strategy to take advantage of potential slow upward movements signaled by overhead UFO Resistances. This setup suggests a favorable environment for a Bullish Call Ratio Spread, aiming to maximize the benefits of time decay while managing risk exposure effectively.
Setting Up the Bullish Call Ratio Spread:
1. Selection of Strike Prices:
Long Calls: Choose a strike price near the current market level (Strike = 39000).
Short Calls: Set the higher strike prices right at or above the identified UFO Resistances (Strike = 41000). The rationale here is that these levels are expected to cap the upward movement, thus enhancing the likelihood that these short calls expire worthless or decrease in value, maximizing the time decay benefit.
2. Ratio of Calls:
Opt for a ratio that reflects confidence in the bullish movement but also cushions against an unexpected rally. A common setup might be 1 long call for every 2 short calls.
Execution:
Trade Entry: Enter the trade when you observe a confirmed break above a minor resistance or a pullback that respects the upward trend structure.
Monitoring: Regularly monitor the price action as it approaches the UFO Resistances. Adjust the position if the market shows signs of either stalling or breaking through these levels more robustly than anticipated.
Trade Management:
Adjustments: If the market advances towards the higher strike more quickly than expected, consider buying back some short calls to reduce exposure.
Risk Control: Implement stop-loss orders to mitigate potential losses should the market move sharply against the position. This could be set at a level where the market structure changes from bullish to bearish.
This real-time scenario provides a practical example of how advanced traders can utilize Bullish Call Ratio Spreads to navigate complex market dynamics effectively, leveraging both market sentiment and technical resistance points to structure a potentially profitable trade setup.
Advantages of Ratio Spreads in Options Trading
Ratio Spreads offer a strategic advantage in options trading by balancing the potential for profit with a controlled risk management approach. Here are some key benefits of incorporating Ratio Spreads into your trading arsenal:
1. Maximizing Time Decay
Optimized Premium Decay: By selling more options than are bought, traders can capitalize on the accelerated decay of the premium of short positions. This is particularly advantageous in markets exhibiting slow to moderate price movements, as expected with the current Dow Jones trend influenced by UFO resistances.
2. Cost Efficiency
Reduced Net Cost: The cost of purchasing options is offset by the income received from selling options, reducing the net cost of entering the trade. This can provide a more affordable way to leverage significant market positions without a substantial upfront investment. The Net Debit paid is 403.4 (690 – 143.3 – 143.3) = $2,017 since each YM point is worth $5.
Note: We are using the CME Group Options Calculator in order to generate fair value prices and Greeks for any options on futures contracts.
3. Profit in Multiple Market Conditions
Versatile Profit Scenarios: Depending on the setup, Ratio Spreads can be profitable in a stagnant, slightly bullish, or slightly bearish market. The key is the strategic selection of strike prices relative to expected market behavior, enabling profits through slight directional moves while protected against losses from significant adverse moves.
4. Flexible Adjustments
Scalability and Reversibility: Given their structure, Ratio Spreads allow for easy scaling or reversing positions depending on market movements and trader outlook. This flexibility can be a critical factor in dynamic markets where adjustments need to be swift and cost-effective.
Risk Management in Ratio Spreads
While Ratio Spreads offer several benefits, they are not without risks, particularly from significant market moves that can lead to potentially unlimited losses. Here’s how to manage those risks:
Stop-Loss Orders: Setting stop-losses at predetermined levels can help traders exit positions that move against them, preventing larger losses.
Position Monitoring: Regular monitoring and analysis are crucial, especially as the market approaches or reaches the strike price of the short options.
Adjustments: Being proactive about adjusting the spread, either by buying back short options or by rolling the positions to different strikes or expiries, can help manage risk and lock in profits.
Conclusion
Ratio Spreads, particularly in the format of Bullish Call Ratio Spreads demonstrated with E-mini Dow Jones Futures, offer a sophisticated strategy that balances potential profit with manageable risks. This approach is suited for traders who have a nuanced understanding of market dynamics and can navigate the complexities of options with strategic finesse.
When charting futures, the data provided could be delayed. Traders working with the ticker symbols discussed in this idea may prefer to use CME Group real-time data plan on TradingView: www.tradingview.com This consideration is particularly important for shorter-term traders, whereas it may be less critical for those focused on longer-term trading strategies.
General Disclaimer:
The trade ideas presented herein are solely for illustrative purposes forming a part of a case study intended to demonstrate key principles in risk management within the context of the specific market scenarios discussed. These ideas are not to be interpreted as investment recommendations or financial advice. They do not endorse or promote any specific trading strategies, financial products, or services. The information provided is based on data believed to be reliable; however, its accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. Trading in financial markets involves risks, including the potential loss of principal. Each individual should conduct their own research and consult with professional financial advisors before making any investment decisions. The author or publisher of this content bears no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided or for any resultant financial or other losses.
"The Bodies Tell The Story.. The Wicks Do The Damage" - ICTIn this video I'm going to go through one of ICT's most famous sayings, which is "The bodies tell the story, and the wicks do the damage". If haven't taken the time to understand what he means, then you are seriously putting yourself at a disadvantage if you are using his concepts. This is one of the most crucial and useful pieces of the ICT puzzle. You often hear him say that the wicks are painting outside of the lines, which he sees as permissable when he is trading his PD Arrays. So without further ado, I'll try my best to provide some insight.
For illustrative purposes I'll use his Market Maker Sell Model. Just to note that this is not a video teaching about his market maker models, so the focus will not be on that or his other concepts. If you don't understand a certain term or concept, please check out ICT's YouTube Channel or the countless other resources online. This video will be predominantly shedding some light on candle bodies and wicks.
I urge you to go into your own charts and do your own study. This will truly be something eye opening if it is the first time you've actually decided to take notice.
- R2F