Using Bullish Candlestick Patterns to Buy
📈 Introduction to Candlestick Charts
Candlestick charts, also known as K-line charts, are financial charts used to track the price movements of securities. Originating from the rice markets of ancient Japan centuries ago, they have now become a staple of modern stock price charts. Compared to standard bar charts, candlestick charts offer stronger visual representation, making price behavior easier to interpret.
🕯️ Composition of Candlestick Charts
Candlestick charts consist of rectangular bodies and wicks at both ends, resembling candlesticks. Each candle represents price data over a certain period of time, including the opening price, closing price, highest price, and lowest price.
Body: Reflects the relationship between the opening and closing prices.
🟢 Bullish Candle: Closing price is higher than the opening price, indicating buying pressure.
🟥 Bearish Candle: Closing price is lower than the opening price, indicating selling pressure.
Wicks: Show the highest and lowest prices within that period, reflecting price fluctuation range.
⏳ Candlestick Patterns
As time progresses, candles form various patterns such as "Three White Soldiers," "Dark Cloud Cover," "Hammer," "Morning Star," etc., providing valuable clues to market trends for investors.
📌 Bullish Candlestick Patterns
Here are some common bullish candlestick patterns:
Hammer or Inverted Hammer 🪓: Bullish reversal pattern indicating a potential end to a downtrend.
Bullish Engulfing Pattern 📉📈: Shows strengthening buying pressure, possibly signaling a trend reversal.
Piercing Line 📍: Potential reversal signal of a downtrend, indicating active buying.
Morning Star ☽: Three-candle bullish reversal formation commonly seen at the bottom of a downtrend.
Three White Soldiers 🟢🟢🟢: Composed of three consecutive rising bullish candles, indicating strong buying pressure.
🏆 Top Bullish Candlestick Patterns
Bullish Engulfing Pattern and Ascending Triangle Pattern are considered among the most favorable candlestick patterns, often heralding an upward market trend.
Chart Patterns
Mastering Naked Forex Trading: Strategies, Pros, and TipsEmbarking on the journey of "Naked Forex Trading" marks a departure from conventional trading methods, as traders eschew traditional technical indicators in favor of a purer, more intuitive approach. This article delves into the operational intricacies, diverse strategies, and nuanced pros and cons of naked trading, offering practical insights and tips to navigate this distinctive trading method successfully.
Understanding Naked Forex Trading:
Naked forex trading represents a paradigm shift in trading philosophy, where traders base their decisions solely on price action, devoid of the clutter of technical indicators. It entails analyzing raw price movements on charts, such as identifying support and resistance levels, drawing trendlines, and interpreting candlestick patterns. By embracing the " naked " approach, traders aim to gain a clearer, unfiltered perspective on market dynamics and sentiment.
Operation Of The Naked Trading Strategy:
At its core, naked trading simplifies the trading process by stripping away the complexities of technical indicators and focusing solely on price action. Traders develop a keen eye for key support and resistance levels, draw trendlines to identify market trends, and meticulously analyze candlestick patterns for potential trading opportunities. This approach emphasizes disciplined adherence to entry and exit rules based on observable price movements, fostering a deeper understanding of market dynamics.
Naked Trading Strategies:
Naked trading encompasses a spectrum of strategies, each tailored to exploit specific aspects of price action. These strategies include:
1. Identifying Support and Resistance:
Traders discern significant support and resistance levels on price charts, observing price reactions near these levels and making decisions based on historical significance and current market dynamics.
2. Drawing Trendlines:
Trendlines are sketched to delineate the prevailing market direction, enabling traders to identify potential entry and exit points aligned with the trend's trajectory.
3. Analyzing Candlestick Patterns:
Traders scrutinize candlestick patterns to gauge market sentiment and anticipate potential reversals or continuations. Patterns such as doji, engulfing patterns, and pin bars provide valuable insights into market psychology.
4. Recognizing Price Action Patterns:
Common price action patterns, including double tops, double bottoms, and head and shoulders formations, are identified to anticipate future price movements and inform trading decisions.
5. Executing Breakout Trading:
Traders identify consolidation zones or chart patterns signaling potential breakouts, entering positions when prices breach resistance or support levels, anticipating significant price movements.
6. Observing Engulfing Patterns:
Bullish or bearish engulfing patterns, where one candle fully encompasses the preceding one, serve as signals for potential reversals or continuations, guiding traders in their decision-making process.
7. Naked Trading with Moving Averages:
While purists adhere to pure price action analysis, some traders integrate moving averages to complement their naked trading strategy, providing additional confirmation of trends.
8. Monitoring Round Numbers and Psychological Levels:
Round numbers and psychological levels on price charts act as additional support or resistance levels, influencing trader behavior and serving as strategic decision-making points.
9. Pattern Recognition:
Traders develop proficiency in recognizing various chart patterns, such as triangles, wedges, and rectangles, leveraging breakouts or breakdowns from these patterns as potential trading opportunities.
10. Implementing Multiple Time Frame Analysis:
Combining naked trading strategies with multiple time frame analysis enriches traders' understanding of market conditions, providing insights into both short-term fluctuations and long-term trends.
Achieving success in naked trading demands a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics, disciplined pattern recognition, and the ability to interpret raw price charts effectively. Patience and effective risk management are essential to capitalize on high-probability trading setups and mitigate potential losses.
Pros And Cons Of Naked Trading Strategy:
The naked trading strategy offers several advantages:
1. Simplicity: Naked trading simplifies the trading process by eliminating the clutter of technical indicators, making it accessible for traders of all levels of experience.
2. Focus on Market Dynamics: By focusing solely on price action, naked traders develop a deeper understanding of market dynamics and trends.
3. Adaptability: Naked trading strategies can be applied across various financial markets and timeframes, providing flexibility and adaptability to changing market conditions.
4. Emphasis on Trader Psychology: Naked trading places a significant emphasis on understanding trader psychology and market sentiment, leading to more informed trading decisions.
5. Versatility in Strategies: Naked trading allows traders to customize their strategies based on their preferences and trading styles, incorporating a wide range of price action techniques.
However, naked trading also presents some challenges:
1. Subjectivity: Naked trading often involves subjective analysis, as traders interpret price action based on their individual perspectives, leading to potential variations in trading decisions.
2. Lack of Confirmation: Without the aid of technical indicators, naked traders may lack confirmation of signals, increasing the risk of false signals and trading errors.
3. Limited Predictive Power: Naked trading primarily focuses on historical price movements, which may limit its ability to predict future market conditions accurately.
4. Vulnerability to Whipsaws: In volatile or low-liquidity markets, naked trading strategies may be more susceptible to whipsaws, resulting in unexpected losses or missed opportunities.
5. Learning Curve: Mastering naked trading requires a solid understanding of price action analysis and market psychology, posing a steep learning curve for novice traders.
Tips For Trading Naked Without Indicators:
To optimize naked trading strategies, traders can employ the following tips:
1. Practice on a Demo Account: Open a demo account to practice naked trading and refine your skills without risking real capital.
2. Incorporate Order Flow Analysis: Use order flow analysis to gain insights into market dynamics and identify potential trading opportunities.
3. Develop Trading Psychology: Cultivate a disciplined mindset and emotional resilience to navigate the ups and downs of trading without the aid of indicators.
4. Utilize Forex Correlation and Currency Strength Meter: Leverage forex correlation and currency strength meter tools to identify correlations between currency pairs and gauge market sentiment.
5. Explore Other Price Action Trading Strategies: Expand your repertoire of price action trading strategies, such as supply and demand trading or range trading, to enhance your trading toolkit.
In conclusion Naked forex trading epitomizes the power of simplicity and reliance on price action analysis, offering traders a clear and unfiltered view of market dynamics. While it presents challenges such as subjectivity and a steep learning curve, traders can overcome these obstacles through diligent practice, analysis, and a deeper understanding of market psychology. By integrating diverse strategies, adhering to sound risk management principles, and honing their analytical skills, traders can harness the full potential of naked trading and navigate the forex markets with confidence and precision.
Using Fibonacci Spirals With Fib Price TheoryEven though I was interrupted by a phone call (lol) hear the end of this video, it still clearly illustrates how to use Fibonacci Price Sprials in conjunction with Fibonacci Price Theory to identify breakouts and targets.
Remember, I don't believe Fibonacci Price Spirals are very useful for targeting/predicting trends. I do believe they act as a means of identifying phases/cycles related to price though. And that could be helpful for traders trying to catch/identify opportunities for trades.
Hope this helps.
Tradingview Indicator (Orderblocks, FVG)Timeframes: It takes the user-defined high and low timeframes.
Lower Lows (LL) and Lower Highs (LH) Pattern (15 minutes): Calculates the lowest and highest prices in the high timeframe and identifies a pattern.
Order Block (OB) Identification: Defines the order block in the low timeframe.
Valid Order Block (Cross from opposite side): Determines if an order block is valid.
Entry Condition: Determines entry conditions, such as the formation of a specific pattern and the presence of a valid order block.
Plots: Adds shapes and lines to the chart, such as entry points and high/low prices.
This code is used to create technical analysis strategies in Pine Script. It generates buy/sell signals based on user-defined conditions and adds indicators to the chart accordingly.
Bitcoin halving: Why it’s important for BTC scarcityGood day, traders
The Bitcoin Halving has happened again.
~1st Halving (Nov 2012): BTC price was $12.0. It reached its highest price ever at $1163.
~2nd Halving (July 2016): BTC price was $638.51. Then, it skyrocketed to a new all-time high of $19333.
~3rd Halving (May 2020): BTC price was $8475. It later surged to a new record of $68982.
~4th Halving (April 2024): BTC price is now $63839. What will the new all-time high be?
What's different this time around?
1. A Bitcoin Spot ETF is in play.
2. Big institutions and investors are jumping in.
3. More people are aware of cryptocurrencies.
4. Governments are making new rules for cryptocurrencies.
5. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are being accepted globally.
Let's get to the topic
Bitcoin's halving is a critical event that helps establish Bitcoin's value as a digital asset. It reduces the rate at which new Bitcoins are created, enhancing its scarcity and potentially positioning it as a reliable store of value for the digital era, more fluid than real estate or gold.
In the most recent halving, which occurred at the 840,000th block, the reward for mining a new block dropped from 6.25 BTC to 3.125 BTC. This reduction in mining rewards means that fewer new Bitcoins are entering circulation, making existing Bitcoins more scarce.
Karim Chaib, CEO of crypto platform Dopamine App, explains why this matters:
"Scarcity is a basic economic concept that impacts asset value. By design, Bitcoin becomes scarcer over time due to the halving events, which decrease its supply at a predictable rate."
Bitcoin's halving is built into its code and occurs approximately every four years, or every 210,000 blocks. The first halving was in 2012, when the reward went from 50 BTC to 25 BTC per block. Since then, the reward has halved again in 2016 and 2020, and now stands at 3.125 BTC per block.
This predictable scarcity sets Bitcoin apart from assets like gold, which can become less scarce over time as technology improves mining efficiency. Bitcoin, with its fixed supply limit of 21 million coins, is designed to be immune to inflationary pressures.
In summary, Bitcoin's halving events ensure its scarcity over time, boosting its potential as a valuable digital asset compared to traditional stores of value like gold.
This is just for informational purposes.
Thank you for reading.
📍Part #6, FLAT - Corrective Waves-Simple-Sideways corrections.👩🏻💻Hello!
In this lecture, we will cover one of the options for corrective cycles, namely Flat.
Let's now look at the 'flat' separately as a stand-alone correctional structure. I remind you, 'flat' and 'plane' are essentially the same thing. So, the 'flat' always has a three-wave structure, and it looks like this: 3-3-5. That is, you can identify it by the third wave "C", which always has a five-wave structure. But it can also be a Ending diagonal. And all this will be within the scope of a regular 'flat' or 'plane'. If we draw a line from the base of wave A and the maximum of wave "B", and then also draw a line or level from the end of wave "A" and the end of wave "C", we will get parallel lines, which is exactly what the name Flat hints. And this wave "B" should roll back approximately 90% of wave "A" for everything to look nice. But not always, because there is also an expanded 'flat' and a running 'flat', whichever you prefer.
Well then. Let's look at the main rules and guiding norms for flats.
✅General rules✅
📍A flat always subdivides into three waves.
📍Wave "A" is always a zigzag, flat or combination.
📍Wave "B" is always a zigzag.
📍Wave "C" is always an impulse or a ending diagonal.
✅General guidelines✅
📍Wave "A" is usually a zigzag.
✅Regular Flat✅
Rules
📍Wave "B" never goes beyond beyond the start of wave "A".
📍Wave "B" always retraces at least 90 percent of wave "A".
📍Wave "C" always ends past the end of wave "A".
Guidelines
📍The rarest type of flat correction.
✅Expanded Flat✅
Rules
📍Wave "B" always ends after the start of wave "A".
📍Wave "C" always ends past the end of wave "A".
Guidelines
📍Wave "B" usually retraces 123.6 or 138.2% of wave "A", less often — 161.8%.
📍Wave "C" is often equal to 161.8% of wave "A", less often — 261.8%.
📍The most common type of flat correction.
✅Running Flat✅
Rules
📍Wave "B" always ends after the start of wave "A".
📍Wave "C" never goes beyond the end of wave "A".
Guidelines
📍Within such a flat wave "B" should end well above the origin of wave "A" and that means wave "C" might reflect a 61.8% or even a 100% relationship to wave "A".
📍A running flat indicates that the forces in the direction of the larger trend at next higher degree are powerful.
📍Wave "B" is usually no more than twice the length of wave "A".
Keep in mind that a running flat is rare.
Thank you for your attention! There will be another lecture next week! Don't miss it!
🔔Links to other lessons in related ideas.🔔
Top 4 Price Action Signals For Beginners. Best Trading Entries
I will reveal 4 accurate price action signals that even a newbie trader will manage to easily recognize.
Watch carefully because these signals alone will help you to make a lot of money trading Forex, Gold or any other financial market.
Change of Character
Change of character is a strong signal that indicates a trend violation and a highly probable market reversal.
In a bearish trend, the change of character will be a bullish violation of the level of the last lower high.
Check how the change of character accurately indicated a bullish reversal on EURJPY pair.
In a bullish trend, a bearish violation of the level of the last higher low will signify a change of character and a highly probable bearish reversal.
Bearish violation of the last higher low level and a change of character on USDJPY gave a perfect bearish signal.
Breakout of Consolidation
No matter what time frame you trader, you probably noticed that quite often the markets become weak and start consolidating .
Most of the time, the prices tend to consolidate within horizontal ranges.
Breakout of one of the boundaries of the range can give you a strong trading signal.
Check how the price acted on GBPCHF.
The breakout of the support/resistance of the range always gave an accurate signal, no matter what was the preceding direction of the market.
Trend Line Breakout of a Pattern
There are a lot of trend line based bullish and bearish price action patterns: the ranges, the wedges, the triangles, the channels.
What unites these patterns is that the violation of the trend line of the pattern gives a strong trading signal.
A bullish breakout of a resistance line of a falling wedge, a bullish flag and a symmetrical triangle will give us a strong bullish signal.
Just look how EURUSD bounced after a bullish breakout of a resistance line of a falling wedge pattern.
While a bearish breakout of a support line of a rising wedge, a bearish flag or a symmetrical triangle will indicate a highly probable bearish continuation
Here is how a bearish breakout of the support of a symmetrical triangle formation helped me to predict a bearish movement on Gold.
Neckline breakout of a horizontal pattern
There are a lot of different price action patterns.
One element that unites many of them is the so-called horizontal neckline.
In bearish price action patterns like double top, head and shoulders, descending triangle, triple top, etc. a horizontal neckline represents a support from where buyers are placing their orders.
Bearish violation of such a neckline will be considered to be an important sign of strength of the sellers and a strong bearish signal.
In bullish price action patterns like double bottom, inverted head and shoulders pattern, ascending triangle, cup & handle, etc. a horizontal neckline represents a resistance where sellers a placing their orders.
Its bullish violation will a strong bullish signal.
Below is a perfect example how a bullish breakout of a neckline of an inverted head and shoulders pattern on Bitcoin triggered a strong bullish rally.
Here is how a breakout of a neckline of a double top on USDCAD confirmed an initiation of a bearish correctional movement.
The most important thing about these price action signals is that it is very simple to recognize them. You should learn the basic price action rules and a couple of classic price action patterns, it will be more than enough for you to identify confirmed bullish and bearish reversals on any time frame and any trading instrument.
❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
👀 Three Black Crows. Bear Market Candlestick PatternThree Black Crows is a term used to describe a bearish candlestick pattern that can predict a reversal in an uptrend.
Classic candlestick charts show "Open", "High", "Low" and "Close" prices of a bar for a particular security. For markets moving up, the candlestick is usually white, green or blue. When moving lower they are black or red.
The Three Black Crows pattern consists of three consecutive long-body candles that opened with a gap above or inside the real body of the previous candle, but ultimately closed lower than the previous candle. Often traders use this indicator in combination with other technical indicators or chart patterns to confirm a reversal.
Key points
👉 Three Black Crows is a Bearish candlestick pattern used to predict a reversal to a current uptrend, used along with other technical indicators such as the Relative Strength Index (RSI).
👉 The size of the Three black crow candles, timeframe they appeared on, the gaps when they opened, the downward progression sequence, as well as their shadows can be used to judge whether there is a risk of a pullback on a reversal.
👉 The “Three Black Crows” pattern should be considered finally formed after the sequential closure of all three elements included in it.
👉 The opposite pattern of three black crows is three white soldiers, which indicates a reversal of the downward trend. But maybe more about that another time.
Explanation of the Three Black Crows pattern
Three Black Crows is a visual pattern, which means there is no need to worry about any special calculations when identifying this indicator. The Three Black Crows pattern occurs when the bears outperform the bulls over three consecutive trading bars. The pattern appears on price charts as three bearish long candles with or without short shadows or wicks.
In a typical Three Black Crows appearance, bulls start the time frame with the opening price or gap up, that is, even slightly higher than the previous close, but throughout the time frame the price declines to eventually close below the previous time frame's close.
This trading action will result in a very short or no shadow. Traders often interpret this downward pressure, which lasted across three time frames, as the start of a bearish downtrend.
Example of using Three black crows
As a visual pattern, it is best to use the Three Black Crows as a sign to seek confirmation from other technical indicators. The Three Black Crows pattern and the confidence a trader can put into it depends largely on how well the pattern is formed.
Three Black Crows should ideally be relatively long bearish candles that close at or near the lowest price for the period. In other words, candles should have long real bodies and short or non-existent shadows. If the shadows are stretching, it may simply indicate a slight change in momentum between bulls and bears before the uptrend reasserts itself.
Using trading volume data can make the drawing of the Three Black Crows pattern more accurate. The volume of the last bar during an uptrend leading to the pattern is relatively lower in typical conditions, while the Three Black Crows pattern has relatively high volume in each element of the group.
In this scenario, as in our case, the uptrend was established by a small group of bulls and then reversed by a larger group of bears.
Of course, this could also mean that a large number of small bullish trades collide with an equal or smaller group of high volume bearish trades. However, the actual number of market participants and trades is less important than the final volume that was ultimately recorded during the time frame.
Restrictions on the use of three black crows
If the "Three Black Crows" pattern has already shown significant downward movement, it makes sense to be wary of oversold conditions that could lead to consolidation or a pullback before further downward movement. The best way to assess whether a stock or other asset is oversold is to look at other technical indicators, such as relative strength index (RSI), moving averages, trend lines, or horizontal support and resistance levels.
Many traders typically look to other independent chart patterns or technical indicators to confirm a breakout rather than relying solely on the Three Black Crows pattern.
Overall, it is open to some free interpretation by traders. For example, when assessing the prospects of building a pattern into a longer continuous series consisting of “black crows” or the prospects of a possible rollback.
In addition, other indicators reflect the true pattern of the three black crows. For example, a Three Black Crows pattern may involve a breakout of key support levels, which can independently predict the start of a medium-term downtrend. Using additional patterns and indicators increases the likelihood of a successful trading or exit strategy.
Real example of Three black crows
Since there are a little more than one day left before the closing of the third candle in the combination, the candlestick combination (given in the idea) is a still forming pattern, where (i) each of the three black candles opened above the closing price of the previous one, that is, with a small upward gap, (ii ) further - by the end of the time frame the price decreases below the price at close of the previous time frame, (iii) volumes are increased relative to the last bullish time frame that preceded the appearance of the first of the “three crows”, (iv) the upper and lower wicks of all “black crows” are relatively short and comparable with the main body of the candle.
Historical examples of the Three Black Crows pattern
In unfavorable macroeconomic conditions, the Three Black Crows pattern is generally quite common.
The weekly chart of the S&P500 Index (SPX) below, in particular, shows the occurrence of the pattern in the period starting in January 2022 and in the next 15 months until April 2023 (all crows combinations counted at least from 1-Month High).
As it easy to notice, in each of these cases (marked on the graph below) after the candlestick pattern appeared, the price (after possible consolidations and rollbacks) tended to lower levels, or in any case, sellers sought to repeat the closing price of the last bar in series of the Three Black Crows candlestick pattern.
Bottom Line
👉 As well as in usage of all other technical analysis indicators, it is important to confirm or refute its results using other indicators and analysis of general market conditions.
👉 Does History repeat itself? - Partially, yes.. it does. This is all because financial markets (as well as life) is not an Endless Rainbow, and after lovely sunny days, earlier or later, dark clouds may appear again, and again.
BITCOIN BUYBitcoin, the pioneering cryptocurrency, has been a subject of fascination and speculation since its inception. As of April 20, 2024, several factors are converging to potentially drive its value higher, making it an enticing investment opportunity for many.
(1) Adoption by Institutions: Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in institutional adoption of Bitcoin. Major financial institutions, including banks and investment firms, have started offering Bitcoin-related services to their clients. This trend is expected to continue as more institutions recognize Bitcoin's potential as a store of value and hedge against inflation.
(2) Regulatory Clarity: Regulatory uncertainty has long been a concern for cryptocurrency investors. However, as governments around the world develop clearer regulations for cryptocurrencies, it provides a sense of legitimacy and stability to the market. Investors are more likely to feel confident in investing in Bitcoin when regulatory risks are mitigated.
(3) Technological Innovations: The Bitcoin network continues to evolve, with developers constantly working on improving its scalability, privacy, and security. Layer 2 solutions like the Lightning Network enable faster and cheaper transactions, making Bitcoin more practical for everyday use. These technological advancements enhance Bitcoin's utility and attractiveness to both investors and users.
(4) Global Economic Uncertainty: Economic uncertainty, fueled by factors such as geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures, and volatile stock markets, often drives investors towards alternative assets like Bitcoin. As a decentralized digital currency, Bitcoin is immune to the whims of any single government or central bank, making it an attractive hedge against economic instability.
(5) Halving Events: Bitcoin's supply is capped at 21 million coins, and its issuance rate decreases over time through a process called "halving." Approximately every four years, the reward for Bitcoin miners is halved, reducing the rate at which new coins are introduced into circulation. Historically, these halving events have been associated with significant increases in Bitcoin's price, as they reduce the rate of supply growth, leading to increased scarcity.
(6) Market Sentiment: Market sentiment plays a crucial role in determining the price of Bitcoin. Positive news developments, increased media coverage, and growing interest from retail and institutional investors can create a bullish sentiment in the market, driving prices higher. As Bitcoin becomes more mainstream and accepted, positive sentiment is likely to continue fueling its upward trajectory.
In conclusion, the landscape for Bitcoin appears promising as we approach April 20, 2024, with a confluence of factors pointing towards a potential increase in its value. However, it's essential for investors to approach cryptocurrency investment with caution and diligence.
Dynamics of Bull Market CyclesBull markets are the epitome of investor optimism and economic growth, characterized by rising asset prices and increasing investor confidence. However, within every bull market, there lies a cyclical pattern composed of distinct phases: Discovery, Momentum, and Blow-off. Understanding these phases is crucial for investors to navigate the market efficiently and capitalize on opportunities while mitigating risks.
🟣 Discovery Phase:
👉 Accumulation: During the accumulation phase, institutional investors and smart money recognize undervalued assets and begin quietly accumulating positions. This often occurs when the broader market sentiment is still pessimistic or uncertain, presenting attractive buying opportunities.
👉 Trend Emergence: As accumulation continues, subtle shifts in market dynamics become apparent. Prices begin to exhibit higher highs and higher lows, indicating the emergence of an uptrend. Technical indicators such as moving averages may start to show bullish crossovers, further confirming the trend.
🟣 Momentum Phase:
👉 Shake-out: The shake-out phase is characterized by short-term price declines or corrections that test investor resolve. Weak-handed investors, who bought near the end of the accumulation phase or are driven by fear, panic sell their positions. This phase often creates volatility and uncertainty but also offers opportunities for long-term investors to accumulate quality assets at discounted prices.
👉 Momentum Building: Following the shake-out, momentum begins to build as the broader market recognizes the strength of the uptrend. More investors start participating in the rally, driving prices higher. Positive news catalysts and strong earnings reports further fuel the momentum, attracting even more investors.
👉 First Sentiment: As the bull market gains momentum, investor sentiment shifts from cautious optimism to moderate confidence. Market participants start to believe in the sustainability of the uptrend, leading to increased buying activity. However, skepticism may still linger, especially among contrarian investors who remain wary of potential overvaluation.
🟣 Blow-off Phase:
👉 Renewed Optimism: In the blow-off phase, optimism reignites as investors regain confidence in the market's upward trajectory. Corrections or pullbacks are viewed as buying opportunities rather than signals of impending reversal. Institutional investors and retail traders alike re-enter the market, driving prices to new highs.
👉 FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): Fear of Missing Out becomes prevalent as investors fear being left behind in the rally. Social media, financial news outlets, and word-of-mouth recommendations amplify the sense of urgency to buy, further fueling price appreciation. This FOMO-driven buying frenzy can lead to exaggerated price moves and irrational exuberance.
👉 Euphoria: Euphoria marks the peak of the bull market cycle. Investors become irrationally exuberant, believing that the current uptrend will continue indefinitely. Risk management takes a backseat as greed overrides caution. Valuation metrics may reach extreme levels, signaling frothiness in the market.
Understanding the cyclical nature of bull market cycles is essential for investors to navigate the market successfully. By recognizing the distinct phases of Discovery, Momentum, and Blow-off, investors can make informed decisions, capitalize on opportunities, and protect their portfolios from potential downturns. While bull markets are synonymous with optimism and prosperity, prudent risk management and a keen awareness of market dynamics are critical for long-term investment success.
Stop Loss Placement: Let Your Trade Cook!Intro
I tried to talk through stop-loss placement in 3 minutes here. I do not think justice was done. So let's take a look at exactly what I mean when I say "Let Your Trade Cook". Proper stop-loss placement is critical to a successful trading plan.
Don't Place Your Stop Like Everyone Else
You are guilty of this, if you have been stopped out many times just to see the price move immediately back in your favor. The picture below represents a bunch of pullbacks some long and some short and it has been color-coded to define entries combined with stop losses.
Blue = Entry
Black = Typical Stop
Orange = A Good Stop To Let Your Trade Cook
Red = An Aggressive Stop To Let The Trade Cook
Conclusion
Hopefully, the video along with this image provides you with a better system for discretionary stop losses. I tend to favor the idea that just above or below a momentum bar in the previous swing as my stop loss.
Keltner Bands Pullback StrategyHere we take a look at trading pullbacks using the Keltner Channels. I cover the initial setup, the types of entries, and trades to avoid.
This setup contains 3 parts:
The channel touch
The Pullback
The Entry
The Channel Touch
Here is an example of the beginning signal in our setup, a band touch. The top and bottom bands represent the ATR (Average True Range) of a loopback period. So a touch of the band indicates volatility in the underlying stock or commodity. This also presents us with a chance for a nice pullback with continuation.
The Pullback
The pullback is simple, it is a reversion to the mean. So, the price pulls back to the mean (the ema) that the Keltners are based on. From this point, you can start to determine the entry.
The Entry
Depending on your style, a stop order, or limit order trader, you get to create your style to enter the trade. The following are some ideas: zero line MACD cross, second entry (price action) long or short, a trigger zone (for limit order traders), and an ema touch (limit order traders).
Zero Line Entry
Price pulled back and crossed the zero line on the modified MACD indicator.
Second Entry Long (High2)
The entry is the second attempt to break the previous bars high in a pullback.
The Trigger Zone
I created these based on an internal Keltner channel. You can set your limit orders anywhere inside of them.
EMA Touch
Whenever the price touches an offset ema you can enter. So you can place and move your limit order as the ema moves. I like to offset by one because you are guaranteed a price touch (ema doesn't move). Backtesting is also my accurate with an offset ema.
Conclusion
The Keltner channels offer an extremely powerful way to determine a potential pullback within a trend. They also help define trends (on the first touch) and help objectively identify climatic behavior. This strategy as a whole allows for high-quality setups and the flexibility of entering and exiting trades based on trading style. I like to shoot for a 1:1 based on stop placement.
Understanding Market Structure In 5 MinutesThis video goes into depth on the types of market structures and how they happen. Ranging -> Breakout (Spike) -> Channel (trend or a ranging trend) -> Climax. The market moves in these repeatable patterns over and over and over again. If you can diagnose where we are in these cycles then you can harness this skill to improve your trading.
CUP n HANDLE An illustration of Cup and Handle pattern
First look for an initial uptrend of the stock
Later a small pull back
And later reversal of the pull back ....
Breakout of the highest point of the pull back
At retest , look for reversal candles like doji.... Look for tight price action
Enter the trade just above the high of the candle with stop loss below the lowest low of the candles
The Anti: A Super Powerful 1:1 SetupIn this video, I discuss The Anti a trade first mentioned by Linda Raschke in her 1996 book Street Smarts. Her version used a Stoch indicator but, I prefer a modified MACD indicator. To take this setup, you first need an indication of market reversal. In our case that will be climatic activity.
So this trade has 4 parts:
Climatic activity or other indication of possible market reversal
First leg
MACD or Stoch slow line change of trend
MACD or Stoch fast line hooking back into the slow line (against the trend)
Mind the Gap: How to Trade Price GapsThe Power and Beauty of Price Gaps
Price gaps represent a clear imbalance in supply and demand, making them one of the purest representations of momentum in financial markets. These gaps occur when there is a significant disparity between the closing price of one period and the opening price of the next, indicating a sudden surge in buying or selling pressure.
How to Trade Price Gaps: 3 Different Strategies
1. Gap & Go:
Description: This strategy involves trading in the direction of the gap, anticipating that the momentum will continue.
Execution: Enter trades as soon as the market opens, aiming to capture the initial momentum surge.
Timeframe: Typically applied on shorter timeframes, such as intraday charts.
Risk Management: The gap can be used for stop less shelter, hence stops can be placed above (below) the gap.
Example: Tesla (TSLA) 5min Candle Chart
In this example, Tesla gaps lower at the open – breaking below a key level of support and signalling the breakdown of a sideways range. The gap follows through to the downside during the remainder of the trading session.
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
2. Gap Fill:
Description: In contrast to the Gap and Go strategy, this approach involves fading the initial price movement and trading in the opposite direction of the gap.
Execution: Wait for price to retrace back to pre-gap levels before entering trades, anticipating that the gap will eventually be filled.
Timeframe: Can be applied on various timeframes, depending on the magnitude of the gap and market conditions.
Risk Management: Implement stop-loss orders to manage risk, as price may continue to move against the trade.
Example: Barclays (BARC) Hourly Candle Chart
Barclays gap above key resistance on the hourly candle chart. The gap is filled and broken resistance turns to support prior to the uptrend resuming.
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
3. First Pullback:
Description: This strategy combines elements of both Gap and Go and Gap Fill, focusing on entering trades after the initial momentum surge but waiting for a pullback or consolidation before entry.
Execution: Wait for the first pullback or consolidation after the gap before entering trades in the direction of the prevailing momentum.
Timeframe: Suitable for both shorter and longer timeframes, depending on the magnitude of the gap and market dynamics.
Risk Management: Utilise stop-loss orders to protect against adverse price movements and adjust position sizing based on volatility.
Example: Arm Holdings (ARM) Hourly Candle Chart
Arm’s share price puts in a large price gap which breaks decisively above a key level of resistance on the hourly candle chart. Given the size of the gap, optimal entry requires waiting for the market pullback.
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
Additional Factors to Consider
Catalyst Behind the Gap:
Look for stock-specific news events that recalibrate market expectations, such as earnings surprises or changes in outlook.
Mechanical events like dividends or corporate actions are less likely to sustain momentum.
Size of the Gap:
Larger gaps indicate stronger momentum but also carry a higher risk of mean reversion.
Assess the magnitude of the gap relative to historical price action and volatility.
Levels Broken:
Consider the significance of key support and resistance levels broken by the gap, as they may influence the strength and direction of the price movement.
Prevailing Trend:
Analyse the prevailing trend before the gap and assess whether the gap aligns with the overall market direction.
By incorporating these factors into your analysis and selecting the most suitable strategy based on market conditions, you can effectively trade price gaps and capitalise on momentum opportunities in the financial markets. Remember to exercise proper risk management and adapt your approach as market conditions evolve.
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.
S&P 500 Bullish Percent Index, Cyclical behavior!The S&P 500 Bullish Percent Index is a breadth indicator that tracks the percentage of stocks in the S&P 500 that are on buy signals according to point and figure charting. Point and figure charting is a technical analysis method that focuses on price movements and ignores time.
The Bullish Percent Index is thought to be a contrarian indicator, meaning that when it gets too high, it may be signaling that the stock market is overbought and due for a correction. Conversely, when the Bullish Percent Index gets too low, it may be signaling that the stock market is oversold and due for a rally.
It's important to note that the Bullish Percent Index is just one indicator, and it should not be used in isolation to make investment decisions.
Seasonality refers to predictable price movements over a specific time frame, typically a year. Cyclical behavior refers to price movements that repeat over time, but not necessarily on a yearly basis.
Repeated patterns: Look for similar price movements at the same time each year or over a specific time.
Predictable highs and lows: If the price tends to reach highs and lows at predictable times of the year, this could be a sign of seasonality.
Length of cycles: Cyclical behavior can vary in length. Some cycles may be short-term, while others may be long-term.
Market Recap: Zooming Out To Get More ContextWhen the day started there wasn't much to see in terms of price action. I needed to zoom out to get some perspective on the market and the hourly timeframe provided just that. We had some climatic activity to the downside where the market could reverse. Early in the morning, it did exactly that but then the news hit, and the day got crazy.
VIX Trading StrategyWhen the VIX is high, it typically indicates that investors are anticipating increased market volatility and potential downside risk. While this might seem counterintuitive, it can present opportunities for savvy investors. A high VIX often accompanies market sell-offs, which can lead to lower stock prices. For investors with a long-term perspective, high volatility can create attractive entry points to purchase quality stocks at discounted prices. Additionally, elevated volatility can offer opportunities for traders to profit from short-term price swings through strategies such as options trading or swing trading. However, it's important to conduct thorough research and analysis before investing during periods of high volatility, as market downturns can be unpredictable, and risk management is crucial. Overall, when the VIX is high, it can signal potential buying opportunities for investors who are prepared to weather short-term fluctuations in pursuit of long-term gains.
TVC:VIX
Three Aspects of a Trade Entry, Risk Management, ExitWelcome to our discussion on the three vital aspects of a trade: Entry, Risk Management, and Exit. Mastering these components is crucial for successful trading. Let's delve into each aspect, understanding their significance and how they contribute to your trading strategy.
Entry:
The entry point marks the initiation of a trade. While it may seem straightforward, it sets the foundation for your entire trade. When choosing an entry point, consider factors such as market trends, support and resistance levels, and technical indicators. Your entry should align with your trading plan and signal a high probability of profitability. Remember, a well-timed entry can maximize your potential gains and minimize risks.
Risk Management:
Effective risk management is the cornerstone of trading success. This aspect requires careful consideration and planning. Assess the amount of capital you're willing to risk on each trade and set appropriate stop-loss levels to limit potential losses. Remember, preserving capital is paramount to long-term profitability.
Exit:
The exit point marks the closure of a trade and realization of profits or losses. While it's often considered the simplest aspect, it's equally critical. Establish clear exit criteria based on your trading strategy, whether it's a predetermined price target, trailing stop, or technical signal. Stick to your exit plan without succumbing to emotional impulses or market noise. A disciplined approach to exiting trades ensures that you capture profits while minimizing potential losses.
Importance of Each Aspect:
Entry: Sets the stage for the trade and influences its outcome.
Risk Management: Protects your capital and ensures longevity in trading.
Exit: Determines the realization of profits and mitigation of losses.
In summary, prioritize each aspect of the trade process, giving due attention to entry, meticulous risk management, and disciplined exits. By mastering these fundamentals, you'll enhance your trading skills and improve your overall performance in the markets.
No FOMO when you trade - 5 ReasonsSo you missed a trade.
Or you are you often gripped by the fear of missing out (FOMO) in the trading world?
It’s a common feeling.
But let me tell you.
You might miss a train, but the next one is always on the way.
And the stock market will always be there for you to pump out more profit opportunities for you.
Today, I want you to not worry to much about FOMO. And I don’t want you to kick yourself and here’s why…
Impulsive Decisions: The Enemy of Rational Trading
Ever jumped into a trade just because it ‘felt right’?
It’s like grabbing a chocolate bar at the checkout – it’s tempting, but not always a good idea.
You need to get rid of the idea of wanting to impulse trade (trade for the sake of it).
Rather have your trading plan and stick to it by all means.
If you miss a trade – LOOK for the next one.
Not a low probability trade. Wait for the next high chance of success trade and you’ll be happy you did so.
Research: Your Secret Weapon
Trading without research is like driving with your eyes closed. You might get lucky and not crash, but it’s a risky gamble.
You need to put in the time to research and analyse the markets accordingly.
Understand the why behind your trades. Research is your crystal ball in the trading world.
Chasing the Market: A Fool’s Errand
Ever seen a stock skyrocket and felt like you’re missing the party?
You might feel the same with Bitcoin or a stock that has underperformed in a while.
The worse you can do, is try to chase the market.
If you missed the trade. Move on and find the next perfect trade that is linin up.
Patience is your ally.
Precision analysis is also the key.
Remember, markets move in cycles. Wait for your moment.
Big Risks: Big Rewards or Big Regrets?
It’s like betting all your chips on red.
It can pay off, but it’s a rollercoaster ride.
So you need to remember that risk and money management is key.
Balance optimism with realism.
Use stop-loss orders, adjust with trailing stop losses – get out with time stop losses.
And most importantly – Protect your capital – it’s your trading lifeline.
High Emotions: The Trader’s Kryptonite
The infamous emotional rollercoaster might make you take the wrong trades.
It will result in you making rash, quick and irresponsible decisions.
So try to keep emotions at bay, stay calm to trade.
Develop a mindset that is calm and collected. Remember, the market doesn’t care about your feelings.
Final words:
So you know that FOMO is another dangerous habit to develop as a trader.
Rather, say to yourself this mantra.
There is always another and better trade on the way, and I don’t have to catch every single trade that presents itself.
Let’s sum up the reasons why FOMO is dangerous.
Impulsive Decisions: The Enemy of Rational Trading
Research: Your Secret Weapon
Chasing the Market: A Fool’s Errand
Big Risks: Big Rewards or Big Regrets?
High Emotions: The Trader’s Kryptonite
Options Blueprint Series: The Collar Strategy for Risk ReductionIntroduction to Nasdaq Futures
Nasdaq Index Futures offer traders exposure to the Nasdaq-100 index, a benchmark for U.S. technology stocks, without directly investing in the index's component stocks. Trading on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), Nasdaq Futures provide a critical tool for managing market exposure on the future of technology and biotech sectors.
Key Contract Specifications:
Point Value: Each point of the index equates to $20 per contract.
Margins: As determined by the CME, margins vary, reflecting the volatility and current market conditions. As of the time of this publication the CME website shows a maintenance margin of $17,700 per contract.
Trading Hours: Nearly 24-hour trading capability, aligning with global market hours to provide continuous access for traders.
It's important to note that similar strategies and benefits are available with Micro Nasdaq Futures , which are scaled down to a tenth of the standard Nasdaq Futures, making them accessible to a broader range of traders due to their lower margin requirements (Margin is 10 times less, point values are 10 times less, etc.)
Basics of the Collar Strategy
The Collar strategy is a risk management tool used by traders to protect against large losses in their investments while also capping potential gains. It is particularly useful in volatile markets or when significant price swings are expected but their direction is uncertain.
Components of the Collar Strategy:
Own the Asset: Typically involves owning the underlying asset, but in the case of futures, it involves holding a long position in the Nasdaq Futures contract.
Buy a Protective Put: This put option gives the right to sell your futures contract at a predetermined strike price, serving as insurance against a significant drop in the market.
Sell a Covered Call: This call option grants someone else the right to buy your futures contract at a set strike price, generating income that can offset the cost of the put option, but it limits the profit potential if the market rises sharply.
This strategy forms a price collar around the current value of the futures contract, protecting against drastic movements in both directions. The use of this strategy in Nasdaq Futures trading can be especially effective given the index's exposure to high-growth, high-volatility sectors.
Application to Nasdaq Futures
Implementing the Collar strategy with Nasdaq Futures involves selecting the right put and call options to effectively hedge the position. Here's how you can set up this strategy:
Choose the Underlying Contract: Decide whether to use standard E-mini Nasdaq-100 Futures or Micro mini Nasdaq-100 Futures based on your investment size and risk tolerance.
Select the Put Option: Identify a put option with a strike price below the current market price of the Nasdaq Futures. This strike should represent the maximum loss you are willing to accept. The graphics of this article show UFO Support Price Levels below which accepting a larger loss could be seen as a form of hope. Using UFO Support Price Levels as a reference to select the Put strike could be an efficient manner to determine the desired risk.
Choose the Call Option: Pick a call option with a strike price above the current market level, where you believe gains will be limited. The premium received from selling this call helps offset the cost of the put, reducing the overall expense of the setup. Selecting a call with its premium equal to the put price would allow for the Collar strategy to be cost-free (not risk-free).
Risk Profile Visualization: A graphical representation of the risk profile will show a flat line of loss limited to the downside by the put and capped gains on the upper side by the call. This visualization helps traders understand the potential financial outcomes and their likelihood.
Forward-Looking Trade Idea
Considering the recent market dynamics, Nasdaq Futures have been experiencing a range-bound pattern after reaching all-time highs. With current geopolitical tensions such as the recent conflict between Iran and Israel, there's a potential for sudden market movements.
Scenario Analysis:
Continuation of Uptrend: If the market breaks above the range, selling the covered call may yield limited gains but will provide premium income.
Significant Drop: If the market drops due to intensified conflicts, the protective put limits the potential loss, safeguarding the investment. That is knowing that if the market was to rebound after a significant drop, the strategy could end up as profitable as long such rebound would happen prior to the Options expiration date.
Trade Setup:
Entry Point: Current market price of Nasdaq Futures.
Put Option: Select a put option below the current market price. The chart example uses the UFO Support Level located around 18,000. Premium paid for the 18,000 Put is estimated to be 511.79 points * $20 ($10,235.8).
Call Option: Choose a call option above the current market price targeting the same level of premium as the premium paid for the put. The 18,300 Call is estimated to provide 522.65 points * $20 ($10,453).
Expiration: Options with a 1-3 month expiration to balance cost and protection level. This trade example uses June Expiration which is 67 days away from expiration.
As seen on the above screenshot, we are using the CME Options Calculator in order to generate fair value prices and Greeks for any options on futures contracts.
This setup aims to utilize the Collar strategy to navigate through uncertain times with controlled risk, taking into account both the potential for continuation of the uptrend and a protective mechanism against a sharp decline.
Risk Management Discussion
Effective risk management is crucial when trading futures and options. The Collar strategy inherently incorporates risk management by design, but understanding and applying additional risk control measures is essential for successful trading.
Key Risk Management Techniques:
Limited Risk: By default, the Collar strategy is a limited risk strategy where the risk is calculated by looking at the current Nasdaq Futures price compared to the Put strike price and adding or subtracting the Collar execution price for a debit or credit respectively.
Use of Stop-Loss Orders: Although the Collar strategy provides a natural hedge, setting stop-loss orders beyond the put option's strike can provide an extra safety net against gap risk and extraordinary market events.
Regular Review and Adjustment: As market conditions change, the relevance of the chosen strike prices may alter. Regularly reviewing and adjusting the positions to ensure they still reflect your risk appetite and market outlook is advised.
Diversification: While the Collar strategy protects an individual position, diversifying across different asset classes can further protect the portfolio from concentrated risks associated with any single market.
Conclusion
The Collar strategy offers Nasdaq Futures traders a structured way to manage risk while maintaining the potential for profit. By capping potential losses with a protective put and limiting gains with a covered call, traders can navigate uncertain markets with increased confidence. This strategy is particularly applicable in volatile markets or during periods of geopolitical tension, providing a buffer against significant fluctuations.
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.