Greed: The Silent Killer Behind Your LiquidationsWhen the market turns green, everyone feels like a genius... But why do most traders lose the most money exactly at that point?
Is it your greed tricking you, or is the market designed to trap emotions?
In this analysis, we take a deep dive into how greed shapes your decisions — plus tools to help you stay rational before placing any trade.
Hello✌
Spend 3 minutes ⏰ reading this educational material.
🎯 Analytical Insight on Solana:
SOL, a market leader and one of my top picks, is currently consolidating near the critical psychological level of $200. Given its historical momentum and influence over correlated assets, a clean break above this level could trigger a minimum 14% upside, with $200 as the immediate target . Market sentiment remains cautious, but the setup hints at a potential bullish continuation 🚀.
Now , let's dive into the educational section,
💥 Where Does Greed Actually Start?
Greed often wears the mask of motivation. The difference? Motivation is rooted in analysis. Greed is rooted in fantasy.
When a coin suddenly pumps 150%, the noise on social media explodes — and so do your imagined gains… often before you've even checked the 4H chart.
📊 TradingView Tools to Spot Greed Traps
TradingView isn't just about pretty charts — it's a powerful platform to organize your trading mindset, if you know how to use it right. Here are three practical tools to help you identify whether your next trade is based on logic — or just plain hype:
Fear & Greed Index:
A composite indicator showing the market's emotional state using volume, volatility, and other metrics. Readings above 70? You’re probably in a greed zone.
Volume Profile Visible Range (VPVR):
This shows where real money has flowed. If you’re buying in a price zone with historically low volume, you might be walking into a fake breakout.
Relative Strength Index (RSI) with 2 or 7 Settings:
A hyper-reactive RSI setting helps you catch emotional peaks in smaller timeframes. Above 80? Time to breathe, not buy.
Pro tip : Build a self-check list on your chart. Questions like: “Am I acting on impulse?” or “Is this revenge trading?” can save you from emotional trades.
🔁 Repeating Behaviors That Kill Accounts
Entering with high leverage and no stop-loss
Buying into massive green candles
Copying trades without personal analysis
Switching strategies based on emotions
Trading just to recover past losses (aka revenge trading)
These are not strategy flaws — they are emotional traps caused by unchecked greed.
🧘♂️ How to Calm Your Mind Before Trading
Ask yourself: "If this trade flips against me, what's my move?"
Use TradingView Alerts instead of staring at charts for hours
Define risk per trade as a percentage, not based on "gut feeling"
Always have an exit plan — the market doesn’t care about your hopes
📉 Is Liquidation Always a Sign of Bad Analysis?
Not always. Often, the chart was right, but greed kept the trader from exiting at the logical spot. Tools told you to get out — but your mind said, “What if it goes higher?”
🧭 How Greed Shows Up in Different Timeframes
In 5-minute charts, greed looks like sudden spikes. In 4H charts, it can be a fakeout or deceptive pullback.
Recognizing the form greed takes in your preferred timeframe is a game-changer.
🧲 How to Use Greed to Your Advantage
Yes — you can flip the script. When everyone is entering trades driven by greed, you can prepare to exit.
If RSI is high, volume is weak, and hype is everywhere — maybe it’s time to cash out, not load up .
💡Closing Note
Greed exists in every market — but that doesn’t mean you have to follow it.
Start treating your chart like a mirror — not a crystal ball. When a trade feels “too perfect,” stop and reflect. It might not be your edge talking — it might be your greed .
always conduct your own research before making investment decisions. That being said, please take note of the disclaimer section at the bottom of each post for further details 📜✅.
Give me some energy !!
✨We invest countless hours researching opportunities and crafting valuable ideas. Your support means the world to us! If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comment box.
Cheers, Mad Whale. 🐋
Chart Patterns
My First Look at the New 2025 TradingView Stock ScreenerI’ve made plenty of videos in the past covering the old TradingView Stock Screener - the one that used to sit below the chart.
In May 2025, TradingView moved the screener to the sidebar and replaced it with the standalone version previously accessed via the top menu. This video is my first walkthrough of the updated layout, and I’m talking through it as I figure out how it works and what’s changed compared to the older version.
For this example, I’m scanning for stocks that may have been oversold and are showing signs of recovery. I start with the MACD, looking for bullish crossovers where the MACD line moves above the signal line. I then add RSI and sort it from lowest to highest to highlight stocks that might have been more heavily sold off ie potential value plays. I also apply filters for price (between $10 and $100) and average daily volume (over 100,000) to avoid thinly traded penny stocks.
Hope you find it useful. This is my first look at the updated screener, so if I’ve missed anything, feel free to point it out.
zAngus
Nasdaq Level 3 Behavior MAAWKey Trapping Techniques
• False Breakouts (above M or below W pattern)
• Session Open Spikes (especially NY open or London open)
• News Traps (spike during news, then reversal after)
⸻
3. TIMING: WHEN TO EXPECT LEVEL 3 MOVES
Look for session overlap (London/NY) — that’s often where the Level 3 “move away” happens.
⸻
4. WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Here’s your sniper checklist:
Before Entry
• Clear M or W pattern (preferably over 3 sessions)
• 3 levels or signs of MM cycle (Level 1, 2 already done)
• Price at ADR High/Low
• EMA Alignment (5/13 cross for confirmation)
• TDI Confirmation (green cross red, volatility band bounce)
• High Volume Candle showing shift
• Price is not at mid-range, but at extremes
⸻
5. WHAT TO AVOID
• Entering during consolidation
• Trading Level 1 (accumulation = trap zone)
• Trading directly at news time (wait for spike/reaction)
• Ignoring ADR (if ADR is already complete, expect reversal)
• Entering too early before confirmation candle
• Big stop losses — you want sniper entries with tight stops
Step 1: Mark the Previous Day’s High/Low
• Use ADR to mark extremes
• Expect stop hunt near these levels
Step 2: Identify M/W Forming
• Look for 3 peaks/bottoms
• Wait for the final push and reversal
Step 3: Watch Session Opens
• London/NY open is often the trigger zone
• Observe price action closely 15–30 mins after open
Step 4: Wait for Confirmation
• Engulfing / Pin bar / Rejection candle
• 5 & 13 EMA cross
• TDI green crossing red & bouncing off band or base
• Align with 800 EMA and 50 EMA direction
Step 5: Enter the Trade
• Enter at or near confirmation candle close
• Stop loss: Just outside the trap wick (10–20 pips)
• Take profit: 1:3 or ride with trailing stop
⸻
7. BONUS: HIDDEN TRICKS
• Draw M/Ws on the 5M but validate them on the 15M
• Use the 800 EMA to see where the overall bias is
• Mark the 1st leg of M/W — wait for trap above/below
• Timing matters more than signals — don’t force entries outside session windows
Disclaimer:
This idea is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not financial advice or an investment recommendation. I do not offer any financial services or paid mentorship. Always do your own research before making trading decisions.
Fake Candle: Stop Getting Liquidated TodayA giant green candle pops up on your chart… You get excited, jump in — and boom, price dumps !
Fake candles are one of the market’s most psychological traps .
This breakdown shows how to avoid getting tricked — and even profit from them!
Hello✌
Spend 3 minutes ⏰ reading this educational material.
🎯 Analytical Insight on Dogecoin:
Dogecoin has posted an impressive 60% rally in recent weeks and is now testing the key psychological resistance at $0.25. A confirmed breakout from this level could unlock at least 22% further upside , aligning with a breakout above the descending channel toward the $0.28 target. Key daily support, Fibonacci confluence, and a rising trendline are also in play. 📉🚀
Now , let's dive into the educational section,
🧠 The Psychology Behind Candle Traps
It all starts when the market shows a sudden sharp move. A strong bullish candle — full of hope — shows up out of nowhere. But guess what? Most of the time, it’s just bait.
Smart money loves this moment — when retail traders think a moonshot is coming.
So never trust the candle’s look alone. Look deeper for confirmation.
🛠 TradingView Tools to Catch Fake Candles📊
practical tools inside TradingView that help detect false signals.
Set these up and test them live in your charting flow:
Volume Profile
Shows you where volume is really happening. No volume = no trust.
Session Volume HD
Reveals hidden session volume. If a big candle has weak session volume, that’s a red flag.
Relative Volume (RVOL)
Tells you if current volume is above/below normal.
Fake candles often come with volume mismatch.
Candle Close Timer
Shows how long until a candle closes.
Wait for that close — fake candles often flip last minute.
Multiple Timeframe Analysis
Check higher TFs before trusting the move.
Many fake candles trick you in low TFs.
Apply these directly inside your TradingView layout — it’s a game changer.
🔍 Real Candle vs Fake Candle
A real candle usually forms at a key support/resistance level with solid volume.
A fake one? Often pops up in a random zone, low volume, and before higher timeframes confirm.
Pro tip: Wait for the candle to fully close — then check if volume + structure supports the move.
📉 Rookie Mistake Alert
New traders often jump in on the first big candle they see.
Why? Because they want to be “early” and catch the move.
But in markets, patience wins — not speed.
Follow footprints, not fireworks.
🎯 Three-Step Filter For Fake Candles
Here’s your anti-fake-candle checklist:
No volume? No entry!
Confirmation over assumption. Use indicators like RSI, divergence, or MAs.
Always check the higher timeframe. Low TF = high deception.
🔄 Market Makers Love These Games
Fake candles are a classic weapon for market makers.
They know exactly when emotional traders will FOMO in.
These aren’t just candles — they’re emotional traps.
Study the trap, not just the move.
🧩 Final Takeaway & Suggestion
Fake candles aren’t just technical — they’re psychological .
Use the right tools, wait for confirmation, and don’t let your emotions lead .
Start your next analysis with a mental filter , not just a visual one.
always conduct your own research before making investment decisions. That being said, please take note of the disclaimer section at the bottom of each post for further details 📜✅.
Give me some energy !!
✨We invest countless hours researching opportunities and crafting valuable ideas. Your support means the world to us! If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comment box.
Cheers, Mad Whale. 🐋
Spinning top candle - live example (potentially)🕯️ Spinning Top candle – What It Means!?
A spinning top has:
1. Small body (open ≈ close)
2. Long upper and lower wicks
What it shows? It shows indecision between buyers and sellers after a previous move.
Ok, so what we can learn from it?
📉 We can learn how to Trade a Spinning Top candle!
THIS IS A SHORT SETUP (if confirmation follows)
Confirmation candle: A bearish candle that closes below the spinning top’s low ($106,407)
Entry: ~$106,350–106,400 (after breakdown)
Stop Loss: Above the high of the spinning top: $107,350
Take Profit: $103,800 (deeper pullback near EMAs)
Probability: 65/35 bearish if next candle confirms rejection.
Enough theory, see yourself!
How to Draw Trendline in Changing MarketHey Traders so here I wanted to illustrate how you catch the change from Uptrend to Downtrend on the charts. You never know for sure if the trend has completely changed but basically look for 3 bars that you draw a straight line and connect them together. You don't need indicators you just need to be able to draw a straight line. Buy or Sell when market touches trendline. Technical Analysis is a little bit like Art but alot of time it can work really well if you draw correctly!
So in uptrend you would be buyer at the trendline.
In downtrend you would be seller at the trendline.
Always use Risk Management! (just in case your wrong in your analysis)
Hope This Helps Your Trading
Clifford
Golden Cross? You are late! Here’s How to Get In Early.📉 “Golden Cross? No Thanks. Here’s How to Get In Early.”
By FXProfessor
Video here:
Everyone’s hyped about the Golden Cross again...
📰 “Bullish Signal!”
📈 “50 SMA crossed the 200!”
🎉 “Party time!”
Let me stop you right there.
If you’re waiting for that cross to go long —
You’re not late.
You’re definitely late.
The Golden Cross is a lagging indication.
It’s the afterparty. The smart money already had the drinks and left.
🔍 Here's the deal:
✅ Golden Cross forms after the move
✅ Price is usually already up double digits
✅ Sometimes it triggers right before a top
✅ Even EMAs (which I prefer) are still confirmation tools
✅ The real edge? Structure. Trendlines. Pressure zones.
📊 What I use instead:
-Custom EMAs that react faster
-My signature parallelogram method for early pressure
-Focus on trendlines and structure
-Above all — logic, not hype
- Fundamentals first!
For example, while the Golden Cross just printed, I was already watching $74,394 and $79,000.
Why? Because pressure builds before indicators react.
That's where the best entries live.
So next time someone posts
“Golden Cross confirmed!” 😏 Just smile and remember:
By the time the cross lights up, I’m already halfway to the next target.
Use EMAs if you like. But structure comes first.
That’s where the party starts.
One Love,
The FXProfessor 🧠📈
Disclosure: I am happy to be part of the Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analysis.
The Invisible Hand in Crypto: Are We Just Puppets?You think you’re trading based on your analysis?
Maybe you’re just thinking that.
The crypto market might be far more controlled than you realize — here’s how, when, and why .
Hello✌
Spend 3 minutes ⏰ reading this educational material.
🎯 Analytical Insight on Ethereum:
Following its impressive recent rally, ETH continues to show strength, supported by high volume and a clear bullish market structure. A key daily support—confluent with the Fibonacci zone and an ascending trendline—remains intact. My main target stands at the psychological $3,000 level, implying ~16% upside potential if momentum sustains. 🔍
Now , let's dive into the educational section,
📊 TradingView Tools: Decoding the Minds of the Whales
In a market where price moves often feel pre-scripted, precision tools aren’t a luxury — they’re survival gear. TradingView offers indicators like Accumulation/Distribution, On-Balance Volume, Smart Money Concepts, and Liquidity Heatmaps that help you spot where big money is entering or exiting . These tools, especially on higher timeframes, can reveal underlying accumulation or distribution before major moves happen. For instance, if OBV rises while price remains flat, whales might be silently building positions. Also, indicators like Whale Alerts, based on on-chain analysis, can show large transactions often tied to upcoming volatility. Combine this with tools like Volume Profile or classic trendlines, and you’re no longer chasing price — you’re anticipating it.
🎯 Collective Behavior or Whale-Orchestrated Moves?
Markets — especially crypto — haven’t moved on simple supply and demand for a long time. Many of the price spikes or dumps you see aren’t organic; they’re orchestrated. Big players with massive volumes steer liquidity to where they want it.
🧠 Retail Psychology: A Weapon in Bigger Hands
Why do you always enter after a pump? Why does the market bounce right after you panic sell? These are not coincidences. Fear and greed are weapons. Smart money knows exactly how to trigger emotional trades from retailers, turning those reactions into their profits.
🔄 The Recycled Trap Scenarios
Here’s a classic: sudden green candle to trigger FOMO, followed by a slight dip, more retail buys in, then a sharp dump — liquidity collected. If this sounds familiar, it’s because it keeps happening. Those who spot it early survive.
📉 It’s About Liquidity, Not Your Support Line
Whales don’t care about your trendlines. They care about liquidity. If you know where most long or short positions are placed, you can often predict the next market move. TradingView indicators help identify liquidation zones — follow them.
🕹 You’re Just a Pawn — Unless You Learn the Map
If you’re just reacting candle by candle, you’re losing. But when you start thinking like whales, understanding their setups, you flip from pawn to player. Sentiment tools, volume flow, and behavioral indicators are your way out of the trap.
📌 Final Words
If you thought your analysis was behind your trades — think again. Smart money plays by a plan, and TradingView’s tools help you see the blueprint. Don’t be manipulated — learn to move like the movers.
always conduct your own research before making investment decisions. That being said, please take note of the disclaimer section at the bottom of each post for further details 📜✅.
Give me some energy !!
✨We invest countless hours researching opportunities and crafting valuable ideas. Your support means the world to us! If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comment box.
Cheers, Mad Whale. 🐋
Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK): FAQ guide before investing🚀 Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK): A Deep Dive into Holdings and Hypothetical Returns
🌟 The Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) is a popular exchange-traded fund offering investors access to some of the largest and most dynamic growth-oriented companies in the U.S. market. MGK closely tracks the CRSP US Mega Cap Growth Index, emphasizing mega-cap stocks.
🎯 Key Features of MGK
💰 Expense Ratio: 0.07%, a cost-effective choice for investors.
📊 Assets Under Management: Around $25.42 billion.
💵 Dividend Yield: 0.44%, distributed quarterly.
🏆 Top Holdings:
🍎 Apple Inc. (AAPL): 14.34%
🖥️ Microsoft Corp. (MSFT): 11.93%
🎮 NVIDIA Corp. (NVDA): 10.70%
📦 Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN): 7.63%
📱 Meta Platforms Inc. (META): 4.33%
🔌 Broadcom Inc. (AVGO): 3.54%
🚗 Tesla Inc. (TSLA): 3.22%
💊 Eli Lilly and Co. (LLY): 3.20%
💳 Visa Inc. (V): 2.76%
🔍 Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL): 2.31%
📌 Sector Allocation:
💻 Technology: ~52.8%
🛒 Consumer Discretionary: 15.9%
📡 Communication Services: 11.0%
📈 Performance Overview
MGK has consistently demonstrated strong returns:
🗓️ Year-to-Date (YTD): 0.96%
📅 1-Year Return: ~21.09%
📆 3-Year Return: ~23.26%
📊 5-Year Return: ~19.26%
💸 Hypothetical Investment Scenarios
Assuming an average annual return of 19.26%, here's how various investments might grow over five years:
💲 $10,000 Investment:
Year 1: $11,926
Year 2: $14,219
Year 3: $16,951
Year 4: $20,207
Year 5: $24,070
💲 $100,000 Investment:
Year 1: $119,260
Year 2: $142,190
Year 3: $169,510
Year 4: $202,070
Year 5: $240,700
💲 $1,000,000 Investment:
Year 1: $1,192,600
Year 2: $1,421,900
Year 3: $1,695,100
Year 4: $2,020,700
Year 5: $2,407,000
⚠️ Note: These returns are hypothetical and assume consistent annual performance, which may not reflect actual market volatility.
🔑 Considerations for Investors
🎯 Concentration Risk: MGK heavily invests in technology and a few major stocks, tying its success closely to these specific companies.
📉 Market Volatility: Although historically strong, MGK can be highly volatile, particularly during tech-sector downturns.
📈 Long-Term Growth: Ideal for investors seeking significant long-term capital appreciation through prominent U.S. growth firms.
📌 In Summary: MGK provides focused exposure to U.S. mega-cap growth stocks with a strong track record. Investors should consider portfolio diversification carefully due to its sector concentration.
How to read Speed Index and Identify Potential Reversals!In this chart we removed all Plutus signals and we are reading just Speed Index and weighted Averaged Speed Index. The purpose is to identify a potential reversal at a significant location such as Fib.
There are two numbers visible on every price wave swing, the first one is the wave's Speed Index and the second one is the weighted average Speed Index of the 30 waves back.
What do we need to identify for a potential reversal? The answer is Abnormal Speed Index compared to the weighted average Speed Index, which means that something is cooking.
Reading the chart:
- Look at highest volume up wave hitting the Fib area, Speed Index at 6.2 while the average at 5.0 , higher than the average but not too abnormal.
- The next down wave is where it gives you an Abnormal Speed Index of 10.4 with an average of 5.2. This is what we call their first Push Down, now definitely something is cooking.
- The next up wave has a Speed Index 10.4 (Abnormal) with an average of 5.2 and that's we call a Hard to Move Up Wave (HTMU).(by coincidence these two waves have the Speed Index and average Speed Index)
- Finally to make sure that all these were sellers we need price to break these waves.
To Summarize this is how we approach this Short trade (annotations are in sync with chart).
1. Fib Location (potential sellers might enter)
2. The highest volume up wave to get to Fib
3. Placed AVWAP at the beginning of this up wave, because we will go short if price goes below AVWAP with the appropriate Speed Index justification.
4. First Push Down wave with SI 10.4 with AvgSI at 5.2
5. HTMU (Hard to Move Up) wave with SI 10.4 with AvgSI at 5.2
6. Our entry Short breaking the structure of the previous waves and cross AVWAP downwards.
I hope this helps all you Weis Wave Speed Index owners. Enjoy!!!
Your Crypto Wallet Isn’t Safe AnymoreA security update is splitting the market in two; some think they’re safe, others are running scared!
Security becomes dangerous when it makes you careless — and right now, that’s exactly where we are!
Whales aren’t just switching wallets, they’re changing where the money flows… and you need to know
Hello✌
Spend 3 minutes ⏰ reading this educational material .
🎯 Analytical Insight on Bitcoin: A Personal Perspective:
Bitcoin has recently established multiple daily resistance levels and has now executed a strong breakout above its long-standing descending channel. This move is backed by a significant increase in buying volume, signaling renewed bullish momentum. From a short-term perspective, I anticipate at least a 6% upside, with a target around the $110,000 zone. 📊🚀
Now , let's dive into the educational section,
🔐 New Security in Crypto
Tech like MPC and smart contract wallets look fancy but come with a lot of questions underneath.
If your private key isn’t in your hands, then you don’t really own your wallet.
Most people feel safe because they don’t have to memorize a seed phrase. But that one phrase could save or ruin you.
🧠 Trader Psychology and Feeling Safe
False security makes traders ignore managing their risk and stop doing real analysis.
Thinking “everything’s safe” shuts down your brain — right when the market is about to turn.
In crypto, fear and greed run the show; security is just an excuse to get greedy.
📈 Market Reaction to Security Updates
Tokens like TWT, SFP, and KASPA pump after security upgrades, but those pumps are often fake.
When exchanges roll out security updates, smart money is actually pulling out, because whales want real control, not just a safe look.
📉 Security Without Responsibility?
Social recovery means relying on a group of people. What if someone in that group betrays you?
Users think it’s easier now, but easier doesn’t always mean safer — sometimes it’s way riskier.
🕵️♂️ Watch What Whales Do
Data from TradingView shows old-style wallets are gaining users after MPC updates.
Whales prefer a hardware wallet and a paper backup over smart recovery systems any day.
📊 Tools You Need to Know ( in TradingView )
Use Wallet Flow and Smart Money Index on TradingView to track where the money’s moving.
The Wallet Activity heatmap tells you when the market is gearing up for a big move.
🤯 Feeling Safe = Market Blind Spot
When everyone feels safe, that’s exactly when the most liquidations happen.
Calm markets are traps built by whales to catch others off guard.
🔄 Final Thoughts
Security should be a tool, not an illusion. If you put all your trust in tech, you no longer control your money.
A pro trader doubts even when the market says it’s safe, because in crypto, nothing is ever guaranteed.
However , this analysis should be seen as a personal viewpoint, not as financial advice ⚠️. The crypto market carries high risks 📉, so always conduct your own research before making investment decisions. That being said, please take note of the disclaimer section at the bottom of each post for further details 📜✅.
Give me some energy !!
✨We invest countless hours researching opportunities and crafting valuable ideas. Your support means the world to us! If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comment box.
Cheers, Mad Whale. 🐋
What is Opening Range Breakout (ORB)Hello mates today i want to share an Educational post about Opening range breakout a very common and old strategy used by many traders and it's still pretty effective. I hope you will read the complete post and like my publication too friends.
So let's understand about Opening Range Breakout below-::
⚡Introduction to Opening Range Breakout-::
In the world of trading timing can be everything. One of the strategies that traders use to capitalize on market movements at the start of the trading day is the Opening Range Breakout (ORB). This technique is particularly popular among day traders because it leverages the market's early volatility to make quick profits. In this article we'll dive deep into what ORB is, how it works, and how traders can effectively use it.
⚡What is the Opening Range-::
The "opening range" refers to the price range established during the first few minutes of a trading session. This range is defined by the high and low prices observed within this period. Depending on the trader's preference and the asset being traded, this range can be set over different time intervals, commonly 5, 15, or 30 minutes.
⚡Understanding the Breakout-::
A breakout occurs when the price moves outside the opening range, either above the high or below the low. This movement indicates a potential direction for the day's trend. The idea behind the ORB strategy is that the price, once it breaks out of this range, is likely to continue moving in that direction, giving traders a chance to enter a position early in the day and ride the trend.
⚡Why Use ORB-::
1.Early Market Volatility-: The market often shows significant volatility at the opening bell, driven by overnight news, earnings reports, and economic data. This creates opportunities for sharp price movements.
2.Defined Risk and Reward-: Since the opening range is defined, traders can set clear entry, stop-loss, and take-profit levels, making risk management straightforward.
3.Capturing Early Trends-: ORB allows traders to capture trends early, often before the broader market catches on. This can lead to significant profits in a short period.
⚡How to Implement the ORB Strategy-::
1-Identify the Opening Range-: At the start of the trading session, observe the price action and note the high and low points within your chosen time frame (e.g., the first 15 minutes).
2-Set Breakout Levels-: Once the opening range is established, these levels (the high and low) become your breakout levels.
3-Place Orders-::
Long Position-: If the price breaks above the high of the opening range, enter a long position (buy).
Short Position-: If the price breaks below the low of the opening range, enter a short position (sell).
4-Set Stop-Loss-: A common approach is to place a stop-loss just inside the opening range. For example, if you enter a long position, your stop-loss might be slightly below the high of the range.
5-Set Profit Targets-: Profit targets can be set based on a fixed ratio (e.g., 2:1 risk/reward ratio), or by trailing the stop-loss as the price moves in your favor.
⚡Factors to Consider for ORB Success-::
1-Market Conditions-: ORB tends to work best in markets with high liquidity and volatility. Stocks with news catalysts, or major indices, are often good candidates.
2-Time Frame Selection-: The choice of the opening range time frame is critical. Shorter time frames (e.g., 5 minutes) might offer more frequent signals, but they can also lead to more false breakouts. Longer time frames (e.g., 30 minutes) may provide more reliable signals but fewer opportunities.
3-Volume Confirmation-: It's often wise to confirm breakouts with an increase in volume, which can indicate the strength of the move.
4-Avoiding False Breakouts-: Not every breakout leads to a sustained move. To avoid false breakouts, some traders wait for a retest of the breakout level or use additional technical indicators, such as moving averages or momentum oscillators, to confirm the trend.
⚡Example of ORB in Action-::
Let’s consider a stock that has an opening range of 100 to 105 in the first 15 minutes of trading. Here’s how a trader might approach this:
Breakout Above 105-: The trader places a buy order at 105.10 (a little above the breakout level) and sets a stop-loss at 104.50 (just below the high of the opening range). The profit target might be set at 107.20, assuming a 2:1 reward-to-risk ratio.
Breakout Below 100-: Alternatively, if the stock breaks below 100, the trader could short the stock at 99.90 with a stop-loss at 100.50 and a profit target at 97.80.
⚡Advantages of ORB-::
Clarity-: The strategy provides clear entry and exit points, reducing guesswork.
Structure-: It imposes discipline by setting predefined rules for trading.
Simplicity-: ORB is relatively simple to understand and execute, making it accessible to traders of all experience levels.
⚡Challenges and Limitations-::
False Breakouts-: These can lead to losses if not managed carefully.
Whipsaws-: In highly volatile markets, prices might break the range multiple times, leading to potential whipsaws.
Over-Reliance on Opening Range-: Solely relying on the opening range might ignore broader market context or trends from previous days.
⚡Conclusion-::
The Opening Range Breakout strategy is a powerful tool in a trader's arsenal, particularly for those who thrive on early market action. While it offers a structured approach to capturing trends, success with ORB requires discipline, proper risk management, and an understanding of market conditions. By combining ORB with other strategies or indicators, traders can increase their chances of capturing profitable moves while minimizing risks.
Whether you’re a seasoned trader or just starting, mastering the ORB strategy can provide you with the edge needed to navigate the fast-paced world of day trading.
Thanks for reading the post, I hope you will like the information shared above and like my idea too.
Best Regards- Amit
4 Profitable Bullish Patterns EVERY TRADER Must Know Forex, GOLD
In the today's post, we will discuss accurate bullish price action patterns that you can apply for trading any financial instrument.
1️⃣Bullish Flag Pattern
Such a pattern appears in a bullish trend after a completion of the bullish impulse. The flag represents a falling parallel channel. The market corrects itself within.
Bullish breakout of the resistance line of the channel is a strong bullish signal that can be applied for buying the market.
Best entries should be placed immediately after a breakout or on a retest.
Safest stop loss is below the lows of the flag.
Target - the next key resistance.
Here is the example of a bullish flag pattern that was formed on Gold on a 1H time frame. As you can see, after the breakout of the resistance of the flag, a strong bullish rally initiated.
2️⃣Ascending Triangle
Such a pattern forms in a bullish trend on the top of the bullish impulse. The market starts consolidation, respecting the same highs and setting higher lows simultaneously.
The equal highs compose a horizontal resistance that is called the neckline.
Its breakout is an important sign of strength of the buyers.
Buy the market aggressively after a violation, or set a buy limit order on a retest.
Stop loss should lie at least below the last higher low within a triangle.
Target - the next strong resistance.
Take a look at that ascending triangle formation on EURUSD.
Bullish breakout of its neckline was a perfect bullish signal.
3️⃣Falling Wedge
That formation is very similar to a bullish flag pattern.
The only difference is that the price action within the wedge is contracting so that the trend line of the wedge are getting closer to each other with time.
Your signal to buy is a bullish breakout of the resistance of the wedge.
Stop loss is strictly below its lows.
Target - the next key resistance.
GBPUSD formed a falling wedge on a 4H time frame, trading in a strong bullish trend.
You can behold how nicely the price bounced after a breakout of its upper boundary.
4️⃣Horizontal Range
Similarly to the ascending triangle, the horizontal range forms at the top of a bullish impulse in a bullish trend.
The price starts consolidation , then, setting equal highs and equal lows that compose a horizontal channel.
Breakout of the resistance of the range is a strong trend-following signal.
Buy the market aggressively after a breakout or conservatively on a retest.
Stop loss will lie below the lows of the range.
Target - the next strong resistance.
Dollar Index formed a horizontal range, trading in a strong bullish trend.
Breakout of the resistance of the range triggered a bullish rally.
The best part about these patterns is that they can be applied on any time frame. Whether you are a scalper, day trader or swing trader, you can rely on these formations and make consistent profits.
❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
I am part of Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analysis.
How to Use Drawing Tools on TradingViewThis tutorial video discusses why and how traders use different types of trading tools, how to access the trading tools in Tradingview, and a few examples of how and why you might apply them.
Learn more about using Tradingview to trade futures with Optimus Futures:
optimusfutures.com
Disclaimer: There is a substantial risk of loss in futures trading. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Please trade only with risk capital. We are not responsible for any third-party links, comments, or content shared on TradingView. Any opinions, links, or messages posted by users on TradingView do not represent our views or recommendations. Please exercise your own judgment and due diligence when engaging with any external content or user commentary.
the markets are a very emotional cry babyIf you've ever asked, “Why is the market going up on bad news?” or “Why did it dump after great earnings?”, you're not alone.
Markets may seem logical—economic data in, price action out—but in reality, they’re driven by human emotion, crowd psychology, and reflexive feedback loops. The charts don’t lie, but the reasons behind the moves? Often irrational.
Let’s break down why markets are emotional—and how traders can use that to their advantage.
🧠 1. Markets Are Made of People (and People Aren’t Rational)
Even in the age of algorithms, human behaviour sets the tone. Fear, greed, FOMO, panic—all of it shows up on charts.
Fear leads to irrational selling
Greed fuels bubbles and euphoria
Uncertainty causes volatility spikes—even with no new information
📉 Example: The 2020 COVID crash saw massive capitulation. Then came one of the fastest bull markets ever—driven by stimulus and FOMO.
another example
📊 S&P 500 in 2020 with VIX, the S&P 500 crashed and the VIX went up, When the VIX (CBOE Volatility Index) goes up, it means that traders/investors expect a greater likelihood of price fluctuations in the S&P 500 over the next 30 days. This generally indicates increased fear as shown on the chart below
📈 2. Price Doesn’t Reflect Facts—It Reflects Belief
The market is not a thermometer. It’s a barometer of expectations.
When traders believe something will happen—whether true or not—price adjusts. If the Fed is expected to cut rates, assets may rally before it actually happens.
💡 Nerd Tip: Reality matters less than consensus expectations.
Chart Idea to visit:
💬 USD Index vs. Fed rate expectations (2Y yield or futures pricing)
🪞 3. Reflexivity: Belief Becomes Reality
Coined by George Soros, reflexivity explains how beliefs can influence the system itself.
Traders bid up assets, creating bullish momentum
That momentum attracts more buyers, reinforcing the trend
Eventually, fundamentals “catch up” (or the bubble bursts)
📌 Insight: The market creates its own logic—until it doesn’t.
😬 4. Emotional Extremes Create Opportunity
When markets overreact, they offer setups for rational traders.
Capitulation = Bottom Fishing
Euphoria = Caution
Disbelief = Strongest rallies
🧠 Pro Tip: Watch sentiment indicators, not just price. Fear & Greed Index, put/call ratios, or COT data reveal what the crowd is feeling.
Chart Example:
📊 Bitcoin 2022 bottom vs. Fear & Greed Index.. on the chart above the index score close to zero (RED) indicating extreme fear this was because in november 2022 crypto cybercrimes grew new level and investors lost confidence, these cyber crimes included the bankruptcy of FTX as the owners were allegedly misusing customer funds.
💡 5. How to Trade Rationally in an Irrational Market
a. Have a plan. Pre-define entries, exits, and invalidation levels.
b. Expect overreaction. Markets often go further than they “should.”
c. Use sentiment tools. Divergences between price and emotion are gold.
d. Don’t fight the crowd—until it peaks. Fade extremes, not momentum.
e. Zoom out. 5-minute panic means nothing on a weekly trendline.
🎯Nerd Takeaway:
Markets aren’t efficient—they’re emotional.
But that emotion creates mispricing, and mispricing = opportunity.
You don’t need to predict emotion—you just need to recognize it, and trade on the reversion to reason.
💬 Have you ever traded against the crowd and nailed it? Or got caught up in the hype? Drop your chart and your story—let’s learn from each other.
put together by : @currencynerd as Pako Phutietsile
Liquidation Begins With a Thought, Not a CandleHave you ever found yourself opening a trade you knew you shouldn’t?
That whisper in your head saying, “This setup looks different…” only for you to get stopped out or liquidated hours later?
It probably wasn’t your strategy that failed — it was your brain.
Hello✌
Spend 3 minutes ⏰ reading this educational material. The main points are summarized in 5 clear lines at the end
🎯 Analytical Insight on XRP: A Personal Perspective:
XRP is approaching a key daily resistance confluence with a descending trendline, after breaking out of its recent bearish channel and reclaiming prior structure levels 📈. I anticipate a gradual upside continuation with a minimum projected move of +14%, targeting the $2.85 zone. Two major daily supports — aligned with Fibonacci retracements — have also been identified as key demand zones for potential retests 🔍.
🧠 How Your Brain Leads You to Liquidation
A Psychological Trap Every Trader Must Know
Let’s explore how your mind tricks you into losses and which TradingView tools can help you stay focused and objective in the heat of the market.
🛠️ How to Protect Yourself (And Your Capital)
✅ Use multi-timeframe analysis:
Sometimes a bullish move on the 15-min chart is just a retest on the 4H. TradingView makes it easy to monitor several timeframes side-by-side.
✅ Set alerts instead of staring at charts:
Let TradingView notify you when your trade setup actually appears. Reduce emotional overtrading.
✅ Trust neutral tools like EMA, VWAP, or Volume Profile:
They offer structure and objectivity — less prone to emotional interpretation.
✅ Keep a trading journal:
Use the idea publishing feature or private notes to reflect on why you entered a trade. Most mistakes repeat when they’re not reviewed.
🔍 Cognitive Biases in Action
Your brain is wired for survival, not profits. It reacts emotionally — especially under pressure.
One of the most common psychological traps in trading is confirmation bias:
You form an opinion first, then only look for information that supports it.
It’s like spotting a resistance level on BTC but ignoring bearish signals because you want the price to break out.
You're not analyzing anymore — you're convincing yourself.
😨 FOMO: The Invisible Hand That Pushes Bad Trades
Bitcoin rallied from $93.4K to $102K in early January 2025.
The crowd on social media went wild: “ATH is coming!” was everywhere.
But on the chart? RSI was overbought, MACD flashed a bearish divergence.
Still, traders entered blindly — emotionally. Days later, BTC encounter with more loss.
This wasn’t technical failure. It was pure psychological FOMO.
🧘♂️ Train Your Mind Before You Train the Market
The charts don’t lie — but your interpretation of them might.
That’s why the best traders don’t just study the market, they study themselves.
Master your mindset, and the market won’t master you.
However , this analysis should be seen as a personal viewpoint, not as financial advice ⚠️. The crypto market carries high risks 📉, so always conduct your own research before making investment decisions. That being said, please take note of the disclaimer section at the bottom of each post for further details 📜✅.
🧨 Our team's main opinion is: 🧨
XRP has broken out of its downward channel and is now approaching key resistance; I’m eyeing a steady move toward the $2.85 target with at least +14% potential upside 📊.
Trading mistakes often come from our own minds, not the market. Emotional biases like confirmation bias and FOMO can trick you into bad trades—just like BTC’s in early January 2025 jump that fooled many 📉. To protect your capital, use TradingView’s multi-timeframe analysis, alerts, and objective tools like EMA or VWAP. Remember, mastering your mindset is as crucial as reading the charts.
Give me some energy !!
✨We invest countless hours researching opportunities and crafting valuable ideas. Your support means the world to us! If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comment box.
Cheers, Mad Whale. 🐋
What Makes a Chart Tradable – Part TwoIn the previous post , we explored the foundations of technical trading. We examined how market behavior can appear structured even when it results from randomness, how bias affects interpretation and how volatility persistence helps explain why certain moves tend to cluster rather than appear in isolation. This post builds on that foundation by focusing on how to recognize meaningful movement and determine whether a chart structure is tradable.
Technical charts often present a wide range of setups, patterns, and interpretations. But a core distinction must be made between coincidental formations and actual price behavior driven by imbalance. Not all movements are equal, and recognizing the difference between random fluctuation and purposeful structure is essential.
A common assumption in technical analysis is that certain patterns or shapes inherently provide a specific outcome. This assumption is problematic without a defined context. The ability to recognize a flag or wedge does not imply statistical validity. For a price movement to be tradable, there should be characteristics that suggest underlying buying or selling pressure.
Unusual Movement
To determine whether a price move is meaningful, it must be assessed in relation to what is typical for that market. All assets have their own average range, pace and rhythm. When price breaks from that baseline through unusually strong or sustained movement, it can signal momentum or imbalance.
What makes these moves relevant is not their size alone, but the fact that they differ from normal behavior. This kind of shift may reflect changes in supply and demand or a reaction to new information. Such movements could mark a change in behavior and can serve as reference points. Their value lies in being statistically uncommon, which may suggest that market conditions have changed.
Pullbacks as Rebalance
Following strong directional movement, price tends to enter a state of reversion or pause. This is known as a pullback, a controlled retracement .It is not merely a pause. It reflects a psychological reset and the temporary rebalancing of order flow in response to imbalance.
Not all pullbacks are viable. For a setup to be considered tradable, the retracement must occur in the context of a meaningful prior move. When the underlying trend is intact and the pullback is controlled, the structure can offer a more reliable opportunity.
The Role of Standardization
Trading should be based on discretion. It involves interpretation, context and deliberate decision-making. But without structure, it risks becoming inconsistent and reactive.
Therefore movement and momentum should be measurable. What appears meaningful must be evaluated relative to the asset’s own historical behavior, not assumed based on surface-level appearance. Without a reference, the evaluation may lack foundation.
Measurement supports model building. Standardization supports disciplined execution. A trader might believe a move is strong based on visual cues or pattern familiarity, but if it lacks historical context or fails to meet defined criteria, that evaluation could be flawed.
Framework and Models
There are categories of tools that can be incorporated to support standardization. The choice is not fixed and should be based on personal preference, methods and research. Example:
Volatility Measure: Could be used to confirm when price moves outside a volatility-based envelope, indicating movement beyond the average range.
Momentum Measure: Could be used to confirm whether current price action is faster or stronger compared to recent historical behavior.
Such models are used to define context, not to predict outcomes. They help standardize analysis and filter out questionable movements and patterns.
Conclusion
The textbook patterns often referenced on their own do not create edge. Tradable charts are those where meaningful movement, defined by momentum, imbalance and structure, can be observed and evaluated using standardized methods. The purpose is not precision but repeatability. Discretionary trading is built on contextual evaluation supported by consistency and objective tools.
How to Trend the Trend for Beginners part 3 Hey Traders so today we are going to the final part of the series for beginners about how to trade trends using techincal analysis.
So today we will go over what I believe is the best way to confirm that the market is trending using the best method.
Enjoy!
Clifford
How to Master Premium & Discount For Better EntriesA lot of traders talk about premium and discount, but very few actually know how to use it properly. Most just draw Fibonacci tools on random legs and try to catch reactions at the 61.8% level. That kind of trading lacks structure and context. If you're serious about using Smart Money Concepts the right way, then you need to understand where value exists in the market and how to position yourself accordingly.
This guide is all about mastering the premium vs discount model using a 4H bias, entries on the 1H or 15M, and refinements based solely on Fair Value Gaps. No order blocks. No guessing. Just clean structure, displacement, and a focus on institutional logic.
Establishing a Valid 4H Dealing Range
Your entire analysis starts with the 4H chart. That’s where you define the dealing range, the leg of price that caused a significant shift in market structure, usually confirmed by displacement and a break of a previous swing.
To do this correctly:
Identify a 4H swing high to swing low (or low to high) that broke structure and created an imbalance.
Anchor your range from that swing point to the extreme, this becomes your dealing range.
Mark the 50% of this range — this is your equilibrium line.
Everything above this midpoint is premium, everything below is discount.
You’re not drawing fibs for retracement levels. You’re using them to separate cheap price from expensive price.
Premium vs Discount: Why It Matters
The logic is simple: institutions buy at discount and sell at premium. They don’t place large positions in the middle of the range, they accumulate when price is cheap and distribute when price is expensive.
Once you’ve marked out your 4H range, you now have a framework:
Price in discount (below the 50%) = potential buy setups.
Price in premium (above the 50%) = potential sell setups.
The key is to only look for trades in the right part of the range. If price is in premium and you're trying to long, you're working against smart money. If it's in discount and you're trying to short, you're fading accumulation.
Refining the Setup on 1H or 15M
Once price enters the zone you’re interested in, premium or discount. Drop to the 1H or 15M charts to look for entries.
But we’re not trading any structure or supply/demand zone. We’re only interested in Fair Value Gaps. Why? Because FVGs are the cleanest way to spot imbalance — they show where price moved too aggressively and left inefficiency behind.
Here's what to do:
Watch for displacement on 1H or 15M once price taps into the 4H premium or discount zone.
The move should break short-term structure and leave a clear FVG.
Wait for price to retrace into that FVG.
Entry is placed inside the gap, preferably in the upper or lower third depending on direction.
Your invalidation is the low or high of the displacement move.
The FVG gives you a clean risk-to-reward setup that is backed by structure, context, and smart money intent.
Example: Long from Discount
Let’s say price is trading inside the discount zone of a 4H bullish dealing range. You now drop to 15M and see a sharp move higher that breaks structure and creates a clean 15M FVG.
Now you wait.
If price retraces into that gap and shows some form of reaction (volume, reaction wick, or small lower timeframe shift), you have a valid long. The trade is high probability because:
It’s inside 4H discount
The 15M displacement confirms smart money is stepping in
The FVG is your refined entry zone
Target is always the next liquidity pool inside premium.
Example: Short from Premium
Opposite logic applies.
If price trades into the premium zone of a 4H bearish range, you drop to 1H or 15M and wait for displacement to the downside. When you get a strong bearish move that leaves behind a Fair Value Gap and breaks intraday structure, you mark the FVG.
When price retraces into it, you execute your short. Stop is above the displacement high. Target is the first liquidity level inside discount, such as an old low or a clean equal low.
Rules for FVG Entries (1H/15M)
To keep your execution sharp, stick to these:
Only enter FVGs that form from displacement moves.
The FVG must break intraday structure.
It must form inside the 4H premium or discount zone, no exceptions.
Avoid FVGs that form in the middle of the range or during chop.
Make sure higher timeframe context supports the direction.
This filters out 90% of weak setups and forces you to trade in sync with value.
Targets and Exits
Where you enter is based on imbalance and structure, but where you exit is based on liquidity and the premium/discount model in reverse.
If you long from discount, you should be targeting premium levels.
If you short from premium, you should be targeting discount levels.
More specifically:
Look for old highs/lows
Clean equal highs/lows
Unfilled FVGs in the opposite zone
This way, you’re always exiting into areas where the market is likely to reverse or stall, and not overstaying your trade.
Conclusion
Trading from premium or discount zones isn’t just a concept, it’s a framework that puts you in line with institutional activity. When you combine it with FVGs, you have a clean, mechanical way to structure your trades.
Keep your bias on the 4H. Mark your ranges clearly. Drop to 1H or 15M only when price is in a valid zone, and only take entries on FVGs that form from strong displacement. If you stay disciplined with this model, you’ll avoid chasing price and start trading from areas of true value.
___________________________________
Thanks for your support!
If you found this guide helpful or learned something new, drop a like 👍 and leave a comment, I’d love to hear your thoughts! 🚀
Make sure to follow me for more price action insights, free indicators, and trading strategies. Let’s grow and trade smarter together! 📈
Hammer Candlestick: Meaning and SignalsHammer Candlestick: Meaning and Signals
Technical analysis is a commonly used approach in the financial markets. It involves studying historical price data to make informed trading decisions. Among the various tools and formations employed in technical analysis, the hammer candlestick pattern stands out as a powerful tool. This article will delve into the meaning of the hammer candlestick pattern and explain how traders can interpret it on a forex, stock, and crypto* price chart.
What Is a Hammer Candle?
A hammer is a candlestick that is found on trading charts. It occurs at the end of a downtrend and acts as a bullish reversal signal.
To identify a bullish hammer candle on a price chart, traders do the following:
- Look for a significant downward movement: They begin by searching for a notable decline in an asset’s price.
- Observe the candle shape: The setup is characterised by a small body near the top of the candle and a long lower shadow. The lower shadow must be at least two times the length of the body. The colour of the candle doesn’t matter, but if it’s a green hammer candlestick, meaning it closed higher than it opened, the signal may be stronger.
- Analyse the context: Traders usually look for areas of support nearby as they may increase the setup's reliability.
Bullish Hammer Pattern: Trading Rules
Here are the common steps traders take when trading with a hammer:
- Confirm validity: Traders ensure that the hammer meets the criteria discussed earlier, such as a significant market decline followed by a candle with a small real body near the top and a large lower wick.
- Determine the entry point: Once the bullish hammer candlestick is confirmed, traders identify an appropriate entry point. Candlesticks don’t provide specific entry points. However, traders usually wait for the subsequent bar to close above and enter the trade if the market moves higher.
- Set stop-loss and take-profit levels: Traders place a stop-loss order below the low of the hammer to potentially limit risks. Traders determine a suitable take-profit level based on their trading approach, such as at the nearest resistance level or in accordance with the risk/reward ratio.
Trading Example
A trader spots a hammer on the hourly chart of the EURUSD pair. They wait for the candle to close above the hammer to enter the market. Their stop loss is below the hammer’s lower shadow, with the take profit calculated in accordance with the 1:2 risk/reward ratio.
How Can You Confirm the Hammer Candlestick?
Confirming the hammer candlestick pattern enhances the reliability of trading decisions. Beyond its basic identification, several techniques and indicators help validate its potential bullish reversal signal.
- Volume Analysis: A significant increase in trading volume during the formation of the hammer candlestick suggests stronger confirmation. Higher buying volume indicates heightened interest and participation, reinforcing the potential reversal.
- Support Levels: The presence of a strong support level near the hammer adds credibility to the pattern. Support levels act as psychological barriers where buying interest may increase, boosting the likelihood of a reversal.
- Subsequent Candlesticks: Observing the price action of the next few candlesticks after the hammer can provide further confirmation. A bullish candle closing above the high of the hammer enhances its validity.
-Double Hammer Pattern: While rare, a double hammer candlestick pattern where two candles appear consecutively can offer strong confirmation of a bullish movement.
- Trend Indicators: Utilising trend indicators like moving averages can help confirm the hammer. A rising moving average confirming the upward trend or a hammer forming in line with a broader trend adds weight to the potential reversal.
- Divergence: Identifying divergence between the price and momentum indicators, such as the Relative Strength Index (RSI) or Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD), can strengthen the pattern's reliability.
Hammer and Other Candlestick Patterns
Let’s compare the hammer to other candle formations you can spot on price charts.
Inverted Hammer
The inverted hammer is similar to the hammer but has a different appearance. It is characterised by a small body near the bottom of the candle and a long upper wick. The inverted hammer signals a potential bullish reversal as buyers start to gain strength and push the market up. The small body and small lower shadow reflect the rejection of lower prices, suggesting a shift in market sentiment from bearish to bullish.
Doji
In contrast to the red or green hammer candlestick pattern, the doji features a small real body with equal or close opening and closing prices and long upper and lower wicks. It represents market indecision, where neither buyers nor sellers have gained a clear advantage. While the hammer is potent during the downtrend, the doji can occur after both uptrends and downtrends, and it signals market consolidation or a potential trend reversal.
Shooting Star
The shooting star formation emerges at the top of an uptrend and suggests a potential bearish reversal. It is identified by a small real body near the bottom of the candle and a long upper wick, implying a rejection of higher prices and potential exhaustion of buying pressure.
Hanging Man
The hanging man emerges after an uptrend and suggests a potential bearish reversal. It resembles the hammer with a small real body near the top and a long lower wick, but the crucial difference is that it occurs in an uptrend. The hanging man implies that sellers are starting to exert influence, potentially leading to a reversal in the market.
Limitations of the Hammer Pattern
While the hammer is a valuable tool in technical analysis, it is not without its limitations.
- False Signals: It can sometimes produce false signals, leading to premature or incorrect trade entries. In certain market conditions, such as strong downtrends or highly volatile environments, the hammer may be less effective. Its success rate can vary across different assets and market scenarios.
- Dependence on Confirmation: The reliability of the hammer significantly depends on additional confirmation tools and indicators. Without these, alone it might not provide sufficient confidence for trading decisions.
- Short-Term Nature: The hammer primarily signals short-term price movements and typically can’t be used to anticipate medium or long-term price trends.
The Bottom Line
Successful implementation of the hammer formation requires experience, practice, and the use of additional technical analysis tools and indicators. Traders never rely solely on the hammer’s signals but integrate it into a comprehensive trading strategy.
FAQ
What Is a Hammer Candlestick?
A hammer is a specific setup found in charts that indicates a potential reversal to an uptrend. It is formed when a financial instrument opens at a certain price and experiences a significant decline during the trading period but eventually rallies back and closes near its opening price.
Is a Hammer Candlestick Pattern Bullish?
Yes, the hammer candlestick pattern is generally considered bullish. It signifies a potential trend reversal after a downtrend, as buyers enter the market and drive the price higher from its lows. The long lower shadow indicates that the buying pressure is strong and can potentially lead to further upward movement in the market.
Can a Hammer Candle Be Bearish?
A hammer candle is generally considered a bullish reversal signal, signalling a potential upward price movement after a downtrend. There is no bearish hammer. If the market continues to move lower after it forms, it just means that bearish market conditions were stronger and didn’t allow buyers to change market sentiment.
What Is the Hammer Candle Rule?
The hammer candle rule states that it must occur after a significant downtrend, have a small real body near the top of the candle, and feature a long lower shadow at least twice the length of the body. This pattern indicates a potential bullish reversal if confirmed by subsequent price action.
What Is the Hammer Strategy?
The hammer trading strategy involves identifying a candlestick at the end of a downtrend, confirming its validity with additional indicators or signals, and then entering a long position. Traders typically set stop-loss orders below the hammer's low and determine take-profit levels based on risk/reward ratios or nearby resistance levels.
*Important: At FXOpen UK, Cryptocurrency trading via CFDs is only available to our Professional clients. They are not available for trading by Retail clients. To find out more information about how this may affect you, please get in touch with our team.
This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
April 2025 Market Crash: Causes, Impact, and Strategic ResponseApril 2025 will go down in financial history as one of the most turbulent months of the past decade. A large-scale market crash, triggered by geopolitical escalation and intensified trade tensions, revealed just how fragile the global investment landscape remains—even after a relatively stable start to the year.
What Happened?
On April 6, 2025, the U.S. administration announced sweeping tariffs of up to 145% on all Chinese imports. This decision, though preceded by months of political strain, took the markets by surprise. Panic-selling ensued almost immediately. The Dow Jones plummeted over 4,000 points within two days—the steepest decline since the COVID-era crash of 2020. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq followed suit, dropping 6–9% in a matter of hours.
Asian and European indices mirrored the collapse: Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell by 7.8%, and Germany’s DAX dropped by 5.4%. The synchronized reaction emphasized the ongoing interdependence of global markets, even in an era of growing protectionism.
Why It Matters
For GeldVision clients and institutional investors worldwide, such events highlight the importance of risk-managed portfolio strategies. The April crash wasn’t solely a reaction to tariffs—it was also driven by fears of a potential recession and uncertainty surrounding central bank policies.
Another destabilizing factor was the automatic response of algorithmic trading systems, which exited positions en masse as technical indicators were breached—amplifying volatility and accelerating the selloff.
How GeldVision Responded
Since early 2025, we at GeldVision have implemented a strategy of “adaptive conservatism,” gradually reducing equity exposure in client portfolios and reinforcing positions in defensive assets such as gold, investment-grade bonds, and liquid currency instruments.
During the height of the market turmoil, our team activated internal stress protocols, including temporary order freezes on automated buy-ins and direct client communications for real-time portfolio reviews. This proactive approach allowed us to minimize losses and maintain client confidence.
What’s Next?
We expect volatility to persist at least through Q3. For investors, the key is to avoid reactive decisions and maintain a long-term perspective. GeldVision will continue to expand its macroeconomic monitoring, enhance risk models, and provide clients with the tools needed to navigate uncertain markets safely.
Why Gold Is Pulling Back Now – May 2025 Update⚡️After surging above $3,500/oz in late April, gold has since declined over 8%, recently breaking below key levels and now trading near $3,210. The retracement reflects fading panic buying and growing attention to fundamental drivers: U.S. monetary policy, the strong dollar, easing geopolitical risks, and completed trade agreements. Here’s a breakdown of the leading catalysts and their current impact (ranked 0–10).
1. Fed “Higher for Longer” Bias Strength: 9/10 The Fed kept interest rates at 4.25–4.50% at its June policy meeting and reiterated its cautious stance. The absence of cuts combined with persistent inflation pressure is lifting real yields and undercutting gold’s appeal as a non-yielding asset.
2. U.S. Dollar Resurgence Strength: 8/10The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) has climbed above 101 as investors digest the Fed’s hawkish tone. A stronger dollar reduces global gold demand, especially from non-USD buyers.
3. U.S.–China Trade Agreement Reached in Switzerland Strength: 7.5/10 A formal trade deal was announced in Geneva in May, easing longstanding tariff tensions. While specific tariff rollback details are pending, markets welcomed the de-escalation, pushing investors away from gold and into risk assets.
4. U.S.–U.K. Trade Deal Signed Strength: 7/10 The U.S. and U.K. finalized a bilateral trade agreement in early May, boosting global sentiment and further reducing the geopolitical premium priced into gold.
5. India–Pakistan Border De-escalation Strength: 6.5/10 After brief clashes in Kashmir in mid-May, both sides have since released statements of restraint. The calm has helped cap gold’s safe-haven bids.
6. Iran–U.S. Nuclear Talks Update Strength: 6/10 Talks resumed in Vienna in May with cautious optimism. While no concrete deal has been signed, progress and diplomatic language from both sides have eased fears of escalation.
7. Russia–Ukraine Ceasefire Developments Strength: 5.5/10 Localized ceasefires in eastern Ukraine, brokered by Turkey and the UN, have lowered near-term geopolitical risk. However, skepticism remains around long-term stability.
8. ETF Inflows & Institutional Demand Strength: 5/10 ETF inflows slowed in May (up just 48.2 tonnes), reflecting waning retail momentum. Still, central bank buying—especially from China—offers a medium-term cushion.
Catalyst Strength Rankings (May 2025)
🔸Fed “higher for longer” bias 9
🔸U.S. dollar rebound 8
🔸U.S.–China trade agreement 5.5
🔸U.S.–U.K. trade deal signed 5
🔸India–Pakistan border easing 6.5
🔸Iran–U.S. nuclear diplomacy 6
🔸Russia–Ukraine ceasefire 5.5
🔸Global gold ETF & central-bank inflows 5
Where Next for Gold?
⚡️Current price: ~$3,210/oz
📉Recent support levels broken: $3,300 and $3,250
🎯Next technical floor: $3,150/oz
✨Upside triggers: Renewed dollar weakness, inflation surprise, or geopolitical flare-up
Gold’s recent drop reflects the market's rotation out of fear-driven trades into yield-bearing and risk assets. While the Fed and the dollar remain dominant forces, any shock—whether geopolitical or inflationary—could quickly reignite interest in gold as a hedge.