What is a Swing Failure Pattern? - Basic explanation!A Swing Failure Pattern (SFP) is a technical chart pattern often used in price action trading to identify potential reversals in the market. It is typically seen on candlestick or bar charts in the context of trend analysis.
The basic idea behind a Swing Failure Pattern is that the price temporarily breaks above or below a previous swing high or low, but fails to sustain that move and reverses direction quickly. This indicates a potential shift in market sentiment, and it can be a signal for a trend reversal or breakdown.
When is it a SFP?
- In needs to sweep the previous low
- It has to close the candlestick above the previous low. So only a wick down When the price closes the body of a candle below the last low, it will not be considered an SFP. In this case, it is highly likely that the trend will continue in that direction.
The SFP can occur across various timeframes, from lower to higher timeframes.
Example on the daily timeframe
Here, we see two SFPs: one to the upside and one to the downside.
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Vanguard - “We are the invisible hand of Adam Smith” John BogleIf anyone ever thought of erecting a monument to the person who did the most for American investors — the choice would fall on John Bogle. These words are not from a promotional brochure but a quote from Warren Buffett himself.
Book summary
But most people don’t even know who Bogle is. And certainly don’t realize that he didn’t just “create index funds.” He built an invulnerable power machine disguised as client care.
📈 From a thesis to $10 trillion under management
Bogle’s story begins with an ordinary guy born during the Great Depression. Through poverty, scholarship-based education, and working from age 10 — he makes his way into Princeton, where he writes a thesis on a topic that would change the industry: "mutual funds."
Over the years, his philosophy turned into what we now know as "passive investing." From day one, the Vanguard he created operated on the principle: "maximum benefit to the investor, minimum — to the managers." No fees, no speculation, no marketing. And it worked. But here’s the paradox: ▶ Vanguard gave up profit for the mission.
▶ The world responded — investors were tired of the noise.
▶ As a result — "Vanguard grew into a monster capable of managing the economies of entire nations."
🧠 A revolutionary idea: a fund owned by investors
Bogle built a structure where "the fund owners are the investors themselves."
Sounds beautiful: no shareholders, no profit pressure — only long-term client interests. But then who de facto manages these trillions?
⚠️ Vanguard is not a public company.
⚠️ Its shares are not traded.
⚠️ The real ownership mechanism — a black box.
It’s the perfect system for... "invisible control." And this isn’t a conspiracy theory, but logic:
If you can’t find the ultimate beneficiary — it means they’re either too big, or hiding for a reason.
🕸️ The “Big Three” and the invisible hand effect
Vanguard, BlackRock, and State Street — three funds that hold between 3% to 8% of shares in most of the world’s largest corporations. It seems small, but only 15–20% of shares are in free float.
❗ This gives the Big Three “real power”: from voting at meetings to influencing media narratives and climate policy.
📌 They own stakes in CNN, Fox, and Disney.
📌 Invest in oil companies that violate human rights.
📌 And at the same time — push the “green transition” agenda.
Conflict of interest? No. It’s “total control over both sides of the conflict.”
🤫 Why Vanguard is impossible to destroy
If you think Vanguard is just an investment fund, here are a few facts:
🔒 No company shares → can’t buy a controlling stake.
🔒 Over 400 legal entities → can’t file a single lawsuit.
🔒 Every investor essentially becomes a “co-owner” → responsibility is blurred.
🔒 All stakes split below 10% → bypass antitrust laws.
You can’t sue a ghost.
You can’t attack a network if you don’t know where its center is.
🧭 What’s next?
Today, Vanguard manages over $10 trillion, which is more than the GDP of Germany, India, and Brazil combined.
Though the fund’s founder passed away as “the conscience of Wall Street,” his creation became an "architecture of global control" that even the U.S. Federal Reserve couldn’t handle.
🎤 “We are the invisible hand of Adam Smith,” John Bogle once said.
A more detailed book review will follow below. I understand how important this is in our time and I appreciate it.
📘 General Concept of the Book:
The book is at once the autobiography of John Bogle, the story of the founding and development of Vanguard, and a manifesto of index investing philosophy. A runaway waiter, Princeton graduate, and "Wall Street rebel," Bogle creates Vanguard — a company that changed the investment world by making it more fair and accessible.
📑 Structure of the Book:
The book is divided into four parts:
Part I — The History of Vanguard.
Part II — The Evolution of Key Funds.
Part III — The Future of Investment Management.
Part IV — Personal Reflections, Philosophy, and Values of the Author.
💡 Key Ideas of the Book (Introductory Chapters, Preface):
- Index investing is the most important financial innovation of the 20th century.
- Passive management beats active managers in returns and costs.
- Vanguard’s mission is not to make money off investors, but to serve them.
- Criticism of Wall Street: high fees, conflicts of interest, short-term thinking.
- Financial revolution — a mass shift of investors from active to index funds.
🧠 Bogle's Values:
- Long-term thinking. Don’t give in to market “noise.”
- Honesty and transparency in investing.
- Minimal costs = maximum return for the investor.
- Fiduciary duty: protecting the client’s interest comes first.
📗 Part I: The History of Vanguard
🔹 Chapter 1: 1974 — The Prophecy
Context:
John Bogle is in a difficult position — he’s fired as head of Wellington Management Company.
During a trip to Los Angeles, he meets John Lovelace of American Funds, who warns: if you create a truly mutual investment company, you’ll destroy the industry.
Main Idea:
⚡ Bogle decides to go against the profit-driven industry and creates Vanguard — a company owned by investors, not managers.
Key Moments:
- Vanguard is founded in 1974 — in the middle of a crisis.
- The company has no external shareholders — all “profits” are returned to investors through lower fees.
- In 1975, the first index fund for individual investors is launched — a revolutionary idea, initially ridiculed as “Bogle’s madness.”
Important Quotes:
"Gross return before costs is market return. Net return after costs is lower. Therefore, to get the maximum, you must minimize costs."
– Bogle’s fundamental rule
🔹 Chapter 2: 1945–1965 — Background: Blair Academy, Princeton, Fortune, and Wellington
Early Life:
Bogle studies at Blair Academy on a scholarship, works as a waiter.
He enters Princeton. Struggles with his economics course, but…
In the library, he accidentally finds the Fortune article “Big Money in Boston” — about mutual funds.
Turning Point:
This article inspires Bogle to write his thesis:
“The Economic Role of the Investment Company”, where he argues:
- Funds should work for investors;
- Don’t expect them to beat the market;
- Costs must be minimized;
- Fund structure must be fair and transparent.
Career Start:
Work at Wellington Management (Philadelphia).
Starts from scratch, rising from junior analyst to president of the company.
Under Walter Morgan’s leadership, he learns the principles of discipline and serving investors.
✍️ Interim Summary
What’s important from these early chapters:
- Vanguard was born from the ruins of Bogle’s former career — an example of how failure can be the beginning of greatness.
- Already in college, Bogle saw the issue of conflicts of interest in the industry.
- His philosophy is idealism in action: don’t play guessing games — just invest in the market and reduce costs.
📘 Chapter 3: 1965–1974 — Rise and Fall
🚀 Appointed President of Wellington Management:
In 1965, at just 35 years old, John Bogle becomes president of Wellington.
He decides to modernize the business and bring in young star managers from Wall Street, especially from the firm Thorndike, Doran, Paine & Lewis.
⚠️ Risky Alliance:
Bogle makes a fatal mistake — he merges with the new management company without ensuring value alignment.
The new partners are focused on profit and short-term gains, not building a strong long-term foundation.
This leads to internal conflict, loss of trust, and poor fund performance.
💥 Dismissal:
In 1974, after a series of conflicts, the board removes Bogle.
He loses control of the company he built for nearly 25 years.
Bogle’s comment:
"I was fired, but I was still chairman of the Wellington mutual funds — and that turned out to be a lifeline."
📘 Chapter 4: 1974–1975 — The Birth of Vanguard
🧩 A Unique Legal Loophole:
Though Bogle was fired from the management company, he remained head of the Wellington Fund trustees — giving him the opportunity to build a new independent structure.
🛠 Creating Vanguard:
In December 1974, he launches The Vanguard Group — a company owned by the investors (shareholders) themselves.
Model: the fund belongs to the investors → the fund owns the management company → no outside profit, only cost recovery.
⚙️ "Vanguard" as a Symbol:
The name was inspired by Admiral Horatio Nelson’s ship — HMS Vanguard.
A symbol of leadership, courage, and moving against the tide.
Key Idea:
Vanguard would be the only truly mutual investment organization — a model where clients = owners.
📘 Chapter 5: 1975 — The First Index Fund
🤯 Revolution: The Indexing Approach
Bogle decides to create the first index mutual fund for retail investors.
Name: First Index Investment Trust (later — Vanguard 500 Index Fund).
Idea: invest in all S&P 500 stocks to reflect the market’s return instead of trying to beat it.
🪓 A Blow to the Industry:
The financial world reacts harshly:
- “Bogle’s madness”;
- “This is a failure”;
- “Who would want to just match the market?”
🔧 Humble Beginning:
The goal was to raise $150 million, but only $11 million was collected — tiny by industry standards.
But Bogle didn’t give up:
"It was a small step, but with a powerful message."
💡 Summary of Chapters 3–5: How Vanguard Was Built
🔑 Event 💬 Meaning
Loss of control at Wellington ----- Collapse of the old model, beginning of a new path
Creation of Vanguard------------- Innovative, investor-first structure
Launch of index fund--------------Start of the indexing revolution, Bogle’s core philosophy
📝 Quotes for Thought:
"All I did was apply common sense. I just said: Let’s leave the returns to the investors, not the managers." — John Bogle
"This is a business where you get what you don’t pay for. Lower costs = better results." — Bogle’s favorite saying, debunking “more is better”
📘 Chapter 6: 1976–1981 — The Survival Period
⏳ Tough Start:
After launching the index fund, Vanguard faces slow growth and constant skepticism.
For 83 straight months (nearly 7 years!), Vanguard sees net outflows — investors are hesitant to trust this new model.
🧱 Laying the Foundation:
Bogle and his team focus on:
- Transparency
- Lowering costs
- Investor education (they explain what it means to “stay the course”)
💬 The Core Dilemma:
"All investors want to beat the market. But no one wants to pay the price: high fees, taxes, risks. We offered an alternative — reliability, simplicity, and low cost."
📈 Small Wins:
Despite modest volume, Vanguard starts building a reputation as an “honest player.”
It becomes evident: investors using Vanguard achieve better long-term results than those chasing trendy funds.
📘 Chapter 7: 1982–1991 — Growth and Recognition
💡 The Power of Philosophy:
Bogle keeps repeating: “Stay the course” — don’t try to predict the market, don’t fall for fear and greed.
This message becomes especially powerful after the 1982 and 1987 market crises.
🏆 The First Fruits:
A slow but steady increase in assets begins.
Vanguard launches new index funds:
- Total Stock Market Index
- Bond Index
- International Index
📣 Educational Mission:
Bogle writes books, articles, gives interviews.
He isn’t just running a fund — he’s changing how people think about investing.
A community of followers emerges — the Bogleheads.
📊 Key Stats:
By 1991, Vanguard's assets reach around $130 billion.
Index funds begin receiving positive reviews from analysts, including Morningstar.
📘 Chapter 8: 1991–1999 — Industry Leadership
🚀 Explosive Growth:
In the 1990s, index funds go mainstream.
Investors realize that most active funds underperform the market — and they vote with their money for Vanguard.
🧰 Expanding the Product Line:
Vanguard introduces:
- Retirement funds
- Bond funds
- International and balanced funds
- Admiral Shares — low-cost funds for loyal investors
📢 Open Fight with the Industry:
Bogle continues to harshly criticize Wall Street:
- For greed, manipulation, and lack of transparency
- For prioritizing company profit over client interest
"The industry hates Vanguard because it proves you can be honest and still succeed."
⚠️ Internal Challenges:
In the late 1990s, Bogle’s health declines.
He passes leadership to Jack Brennan but retains influence on company strategy.
📊 Midpoint Summary (Chapters 6–8)
📅 Phase 📈 Essence
1976–1981 Quiet survival: building the model, fighting for trust
1982–1991 Slow growth: philosophy attracts investors
1991–1999 Recognition and leadership: indexing becomes dominant
💬 Bogle Quotes from These Chapters:
"Investing is not a business. It’s a service. Those who forget this lose everything."
"Every dollar spent on fees is a dollar lost to your future."
"Volatility is not the enemy. The real enemy is you, if you panic."
📘 Chapter 9: Leadership as a Calling
💡 A Leader ≠ A Manager:
Bogle contrasts a true leader with just an efficient executive.
A real leader:
- Puts others’ interests above their own
- Has a moral compass, not just KPIs
- Makes hard, unpopular decisions
🛤 His Leadership Style:
"Don’t ask others to do what you wouldn’t do yourself."
"Always explain why — people follow meaning, not orders."
He genuinely believes Vanguard should be more than a successful business — it should be a force for good in the market.
"Leadership is loyalty to an idea bigger than yourself."
🔄 Feedback Principle:
Bogle constantly interacts with clients, employees, and journalists.
He never isolates himself in an “ivory tower” — he believes this openness is a leader’s true strength.
📘 Chapter 10: Client Service — Vanguard’s Mission
🧭 The Mission:
"Maximize investor returns — not company profits."
Vanguard is built around fiduciary responsibility: every decision must pass the test — is this in the investor’s best interest or not?
🧾 How It’s Implemented:
- Fees below market average → investors keep more
- No ads for “hot” funds → Vanguard sells stability, not trends
- No sales commissions → no one profits off pushing funds to clients
- Ethical code — “Don’t do anything you wouldn’t want on the front page of the newspaper.”
"We’re not trying to be the best for Wall Street. We’re trying to be the best for you."
📘 Chapter 11: The Market Should Serve Society
📉 Critique of Modern Wall Street:
Bogle argues that finance has drifted from its original purpose.
Investing has turned into trading.
The investor became a cash cow, not a partner.
"The market now serves itself — and we’re still paying the price."
🌱 What the System Should Look Like:
- Companies should serve society
- Investors should be owners, not speculators
- Funds should be transparent, accountable, and honest
📢 Call for Reform:
Bogle calls for a rethinking of finance:
- Restore the human element
- Make mission more important than profit
- Protect long-term interests of millions of ordinary investors
"If we want capitalism with a human face, we must return finance to serving society."
📊 Summary of Chapters 9–11: Bogle's Philosophy
📌 Direction------------💬 Essence
Leadership-------------Morality, leading by example, purpose-driven
Business---------------First and foremost — service to the client
Financial System-------Must work for society, not just for profit of the few
✨ Inspirational Quotes:
"The most important thing you can invest is not money — it’s your conscience."
"Honesty in business is not a competitive edge. It’s a duty."
"I’m not against capitalism. I’m against capitalism without morals."
📘 Chapter 12: The Future of Investing — Where the Industry Is Headed
🌐 Bogle sees three main trends:
Victory of Passive Investing:
- Index funds continue to displace active management
- Their share of assets under management is growing rapidly
- More investors are realizing the power of simplicity
Fee Pressure:
- Fees are approaching zero (some funds are effectively free)
- Winners: investors. Losers: traditional management companies
The Role of Technology:
- Rise of robo-advisors (automated investment advisors)
- But Bogle warns: Technology without philosophy is just a tool, not a solution
🚨 Threat #1 — Hyperfinancialization:
"The market is turning into a casino. And the fewer the players, the more the house wins."
Bogle reminds us: the goal of investing is owning businesses — not gambling.
The higher the turnover, the more you lose on fees and taxes.
📘 Chapter 13: The Power of Indexing — Threat or Blessing?
📈 Strength in Scale:
The biggest index providers (Vanguard, BlackRock, State Street) own large shares in nearly all companies in the indexes.
This raises the issue of concentrated power — is too much influence in too few hands?
⚖️ The Indexing Paradox:
Index funds don’t actively vote on corporate governance issues.
So the more power they hold, the less oversight there is over company management.
📣 Bogle’s Proposals:
- Establish a code of conduct for index providers
- Require them to vote in investors’ interests
- Mandate transparency in how they use their voting power
"We fought for the democratization of investing. We cannot let it end in a new monarchy."
📘 Chapter 14: Personal Reflections — On Life, Mission, and Faith
🧬 Personal and Eternal:
Bogle shares his core life principles:
- To serve, not to own
- To leave a mark, not accumulate
- To do what’s right, not what’s profitable
He talks about his battle with heart disease — both as a personal journey and a metaphor for resisting the system.
🙏 Gratitude:
He dedicates the book to his family, colleagues, and investors.
Emphasizes: every day is a chance to be useful.
"I created Vanguard, but Vanguard created me. My career isn’t a triumph — it’s a thank you to fate for the chance to be heard."
📊 Summary of Chapters 12–14: Looking Ahead and Within
📌 Theme-----------------💬 Essence
Future of Investing---------Indexing is the new standard, but needs responsible stewardship
Concentration of Power----Index giants must be accountable to society
Personal Legacy-----------Life is about service, honesty, and setting an example
💬 Final Inspirational Quotes:
"Life isn’t about making more money. It’s about doing more good."
"One day, someone will say: ‘Bogle was stubborn. He never compromised his conscience.’ That will be the best reward."
🧩 Bogle’s Principle Summary (from the book):
- Lower costs — pay less = keep more
- Don’t chase returns — be realistic
- Be a long-term investor — ignore market noise
- Invest broadly, passively, regularly
- Don’t try to beat the market — own the market
- Focus on goals, not trends
- Finance = service. Not a business for profit
💡 Investment Philosophy
🟨 “This is a business where you get what you don’t pay for.”
🟨 “Don’t try to beat the market. Just own it.”
🟨 “In the stock market, investors are rewarded for patience and punished for frenzy.”
🟨 “Gross return minus costs = market return. After costs — less. So: reduce costs — and you win.”
🟨 “The problem isn’t that investors know too little. The problem is they know too much of what doesn’t matter.”
🧭 Principles & Morality
🟩 “Investing is not a business. It’s a service.”
🟩 “Honesty isn’t a strategy. It’s an obligation.”
🟩 “The goal of Vanguard isn’t to make more, but to return to the investor what’s rightfully theirs.”
🟩 “If your investments keep you up at night, change them. Or better — change yourself.”
🧠 On Leadership and Mission
🔷 “A leader isn’t the one in front. It’s the one responsible for the rest.”
🔷 “Respect isn’t bought. It’s earned when you do what’s right, even if it’s unpopular.”
🔷 “We didn’t build Vanguard for glory. We built it to leave something better than what was.”
💬 On the Market and Industry
🔴 “Today's stock market isn’t a place for investors. It’s a casino with a shiny sign.”
🔴 “We’re not against capital. We’re against capitalism without a conscience.”
🔴 “The people selling investments always say they can pick the best. But what if the best is just paying less?”
❤️ On Life and Legacy
💠 “I created Vanguard, but Vanguard created me. It’s not my victory — it’s gratitude for the chance to serve.”
💠 “Every day is a chance to do something not for yourself.”
💠 “You can measure success with money. Or with a conscience, you don’t have to justify.”
It was a lot of work!
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ETFs vs Mutual Funds: Differences and Advantages ETFs vs Mutual Funds: Differences and Advantages
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds are two of the most popular investment options, each offering unique features and advantages. While both provide access to diversified portfolios, their differences in structure, management, and trading make them suitable for different strategies. This article breaks down the key distinctions between exchange-traded funds vs mutual funds and how to choose between them.
What Are ETFs?
Exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, are investment vehicles that allow traders to access a diverse range of assets through a single product. An ETF is essentially a basket of investments—such as stocks, bonds, or commodities—that typically tracks the performance of an index, sector, or specific theme. For example, SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) follows the S&P 500 index, providing exposure to the largest companies listed on US stock exchanges.
What sets ETFs apart is how they’re traded. Unlike mutual funds, which are only bought or sold at the end of the trading day, ETFs trade on stock exchanges throughout the day, just like individual shares. This means their prices fluctuate as demand and supply change, giving traders the flexibility to enter or exit positions at market prices.
ETFs are known for their cost-effectiveness, as most are passively managed to mirror the performance of an index rather than exceed it. This passive structure usually leads to lower management fees compared to actively managed funds. Additionally, ETFs are often transparent, with their holdings disclosed daily, so investors know exactly what they’re buying.
ETFs come in various types, from those focused on specific sectors, like technology or healthcare, to broader options covering entire economies or bond markets. This variety makes them a popular choice for traders and investors looking to diversify or target specific market opportunities.
What Are Mutual Funds?
Mutual funds are investment products that pool money from multiple investors to create a diversified portfolio, typically managed by a professional fund manager. These funds invest in a wide range of assets, including stocks, bonds, and other securities, depending on the fund’s objective. For instance, an equity mutual fund focuses on stocks, while a bond fund invests primarily in fixed-income securities.
One defining feature of mutual funds is their pricing. Unlike ETFs, mutual funds aren’t traded on stock exchanges. Instead, they are bought and sold at the fund’s net asset value (NAV), which is calculated at the end of each trading day. This makes them more suited to long-term investment strategies.
Mutual funds often appeal to investors looking for a hands-off approach. The fund manager handles the selection and management of assets, aiming to achieve the fund’s stated goals—whether that’s generating income, preserving capital, or achieving long-term growth.
However, this active management comes with higher fees compared to ETFs. These costs include management fees and sometimes additional charges like entry or exit loads, which can eat into returns over time.
Mutual funds also often require a minimum investment, making them less accessible for some investors. That said, they offer a wide variety of options, from sector-specific funds to diversified portfolios, providing flexibility for different investment goals and risk preferences.
Are There Differences Between an ETF and a Mutual Fund?
ETFs and mutual funds share similarities—they both allow investors to pool money into diversified portfolios. However, the differences between ETFs and mutual funds can significantly impact which one is better suited to an investor’s goals.
Trading and Pricing
ETFs are traded on stock exchanges continuously during market hours, similar to individual shares. Price fluctuations are based on market demand and supply. In contrast, mutual funds are priced only once per day after the market closes, based on the fund’s net asset value (NAV). This makes ETFs more appealing for those seeking flexibility and the ability to react to market movements, while mutual funds cater to long-term investors less concerned with intraday price changes.
Management Style
ETFs are mostly passively managed, designed to track the performance of a specific index, sector, or asset class. Mutual funds, on the other hand, often feature active management. This involves fund managers selecting assets to outperform the market, which can offer potential opportunities for higher returns but also comes with increased costs.
Fees and Costs
ETFs typically come with a lower expense ratio compared to mutual funds, making them more cost-efficient. This is due to their passive management approach and lower operational costs. Mutual funds may charge higher fees to cover active management and administrative expenses. Additionally, mutual funds may have extra costs like sales charges or redemption fees, whereas ETFs incur standard brokerage commissions.
Liquidity
When considering mutual funds versus ETFs, liquidity becomes a critical factor, as ETF prices change intraday, while mutual funds are limited to end-of-day pricing. This difference can influence how quickly you can access your funds.
Tax Efficiency
ETFs tend to be more tax-efficient because of their structure. When investors sell ETF shares, transactions occur directly between buyers and sellers on the exchange, limiting taxable events. In mutual funds, redemptions often require the fund manager to sell securities, which can result in capital gains distributed to all investors in the fund.
Minimum Investment
Mutual funds often require a minimum initial investment, which can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. ETFs, however, don’t have such requirements—traders can purchase as little as a single share, making them more accessible for those with smaller starting capital.
ETF CFD Trading
ETF CFD trading offers a flexible way for traders to speculate on the price movements of exchange-traded funds without the need to buy them on stock exchanges. CFDs, or Contracts for Difference, are derivative products that track the price of an ETF, allowing traders to take positions on whether the price will rise or fall. This approach is particularly appealing for short-term speculation, making it a useful complement to traditional long-term ETF or mutual fund investing.
Flexibility
One of the standout features of ETF CFDs is their flexibility. Unlike investing directly in ETFs, CFD trading enables you to capitalise on price fluctuations without owning ETF shares. Traders can go long if they anticipate a rise in the ETF’s value or short if they expect a decline. This ability to trade in both directions can potentially create opportunities in both bullish and bearish markets. Moreover, CFDs allow for trading over shorter timeframes like 1-minute or 5-minute charts, providing potential opportunities for scalpers and day traders.
Leverage
Leverage is another significant feature of ETF CFDs. With leverage, traders can gain larger exposure to an ETF’s price movements with smaller initial capital. For example, using 5:1 leverage, a $1,000 position would control $5,000 worth of ETF exposure. However, you should remember that while this magnifies potential returns, losses are also amplified, making risk management a critical component of trading CFD products.
Costs
Actively managed ETFs can charge expense ratios to cover management and operational costs. CFDs eliminate these fees, as traders don’t directly invest in the ETF’s assets. However, both ETF investing and ETF CFD trading include brokerage fees or spreads.
Wider Range of Markets
With CFDs, traders can access a variety of global ETF markets through a single platform. This reduces the need to open accounts in different jurisdictions, saving on administrative and currency conversion costs.
CFD trading is popular among traders who want to take advantage of short-term price movements, diversify their strategies, or access ETF markets straightforwardly. While traditional ETFs are often favoured for long-term growth, ETF CFDs provide an active, fast-paced alternative for traders looking to react quickly to market changes.
Use Cases for ETFs and Mutual Funds
In comparing ETFs vs mutual funds, it’s important to recognise their use cases based on an investor’s goals, strategies, and time horizons.
ETFs
ETFs are used by investors seeking flexibility and real-time market engagement. They are attractive for those who want to take advantage of price movements or actively manage their portfolios. For example, an investor might focus on sector-specific ETFs, like technology or energy, to capitalise on industry trends. ETFs also offer a lower-cost option for diversification, making them useful for those building broad exposure across markets without significant capital.
Additionally, ETFs may be effective for hedging. An investor with exposure to a specific market segment can use an ETF to potentially offset risks, especially in volatile markets. For instance, during an anticipated downturn in equities, an inverse ETF could be used to possibly mitigate losses.
Mutual Funds
Mutual funds are popular among long-term investors prioritising professional management. Their hands-off approach makes them appealing to individuals who prefer not to monitor markets daily. For instance, someone saving for retirement might opt for a diversified mutual fund that balances risk and growth over time.
Mutual funds are also advantageous for accessing specialised strategies, such as actively managed funds focusing on niche markets or themes. While they typically involve higher fees, the tailored management can align with specific financial objectives.
Factors for Choosing Between ETFs and Mutual Funds
Selecting between mutual funds vs ETF options depends on an investor’s financial goals, trading style, and the level of involvement they are comfortable with in managing their investments.
- Time Horizon: ETFs are popular among short- to medium-term investors and traders who prefer flexibility and the ability to follow intraday price movement. Mutual funds, on the other hand, are mostly used by long-term investors focused on gradual growth or income over time.
- Cost Sensitivity: ETFs generally have lower expense ratios and no minimum investment requirements, making them cost-efficient. Mutual funds often involve higher management fees and, in some cases, additional charges like entry or exit fees, which can add up over time.
- Active vs Passive Management: If you’re looking for a hands-off approach with professional oversight, actively managed mutual funds might be more appealing. However, if you prefer to track indices or specific sectors at a lower cost, ETFs might be more suitable.
- Liquidity Needs: Investors who need quick access to their capital often prefer ETFs because they can be traded throughout the day. Mutual funds lack this intraday liquidity, as transactions are only processed at the trading day’s end.
The Bottom Line
Understanding the differences between mutual funds vs exchange-traded funds is crucial for selecting the right investment approach. ETFs offer flexibility and cost-efficiency, while mutual funds are popular among long-term investors seeking professional management. For those interested in ETF CFD trading, which allows traders trade in rising and falling markets, opening an FXOpen account provides access to a diverse range of ETF markets alongside competitive trading conditions.
FAQ
What Is an ETF vs Mutual Fund?
An ETF is a fund traded on stock exchanges, offering intraday liquidity and lower fees, typically tracking an index or sector. A mutual fund pools investor money for professional management, priced once at the end of a trading day at its net asset value per share.
Mutual Funds and ETFs: Differences
ETFs trade like stocks, are generally more cost-efficient, and offer intraday liquidity. Mutual funds are actively managed, have higher fees, and are designed for long-term investing with end-of-day pricing.
Is the S&P 500 an ETF or a Mutual Fund?
The S&P 500 itself is an index, not a fund. However, it can be tracked by both ETFs (like SPDR S&P 500 ETF) and mutual funds, offering similar exposure but with differing management styles and fee structures.
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.
GBPJPY SHORTS IDEAYesterday we fulfilled targeting 195.000 and esp the prev weekly high level.
So today, during any session or both London & New York session I wanna see the market melt to the downside.
Reason being, the draw on buy-side liquidity was fulfilled and for those who did not take their t.p's @ that high could maybe get stopped out.
Another theory is that whoever would have bought above prev weekly highs would have their stop losses down there.
I do not have an entry yet but stay tuned, hit that boost button and follow for more updates
I'ma share my entry as updates to this original idea
Trading Is Not Gambling: Become A Better Trader Part III'm so thankful the admins at Tradingview selected my first Trading Is Not Gambling video for their Editor's Pick section. What an honor.
I put together this video to try to teach all the new followers how to use analysis to try to plan trade actions and to attempt to minimize risks.
Within this video, I try to teach you to explore the best opportunities based on strong research/analysis skills and to learn to wait for the best opportunities for profits.
Trading is very similar to hunting or trying to hit a baseball... you have to WAIT for the best opportunity, then make a decision on how to execute for the best results.
Trust me, if trading was easy, everyone would be making millions and no one would be trying to find the best trade solutions.
In my opinion, the best solution is to learn the skills to try to develop the best consistent outcomes. And that is what I'm trying to teach you in this video.
I look forward to your comments and suggestions.
Get some.
#trading #research #investing #tradingalgos #tradingsignals #cycles #fibonacci #elliotwave #modelingsystems #stocks #bitcoin #btcusd #cryptos #spy #gold #nq #investing #trading #spytrading #spymarket #tradingmarket #stockmarket #silver
LAYERUSDT CHART ANALYSİS - EDUCATIONAL POSTConclusion
The NFT market is developing extremely fast, and the blockchain infrastructure has undergone significant changes over the past few years. However, today, there are still many questions about how the NFT market can function and in which areas non-fungible tokens can be used.
For example, one potential application of NFT is the blockchain recording of unique documents. Due to the reliability of the blockchain, diplomas, certificates, and various documents can be issued in NFT format, potentially helping to eliminate the risk of forgery.
NFTs are likely to have, and are already having, some impact on formats for creating and distributing content, and art objects. For now, however, it is primarily a trending investment tool for crypto enthusiasts around the world. The numerous possibilities of this technology will be revealed in the coming years.
Decoding Fed Rate Changes via Federal Funds Futures Index◉ What Are Federal Funds Futures?
● Definition: Federal Funds Futures are financial contracts traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) that allow market participants to bet on or hedge against future changes in the federal funds rate (the interest rate at which banks lend to each other overnight).
● Purpose: These futures reflect the market's expectations of where the Fed will set interest rates in the future.
◉ How Federal Funds Futures Work?
● Pricing: The price of a federal funds futures contract is calculated as 100 minus the expected average federal funds rate for the contract month.
➖ Example: If the futures price is 95.00, it implies an expected federal funds rate of 5.00% (100 - 95 = 5).
● Contract Expiry: Each contract represents the market's expectation of the average federal funds rate for a specific month.
◉ Why Use Federal Funds Futures?
● Predict Fed Policy: Traders and investors use these futures to gauge the likelihood of the Fed raising, cutting, or holding interest rates.
● Hedge Risk: Institutions use them to protect against potential losses caused by interest rate changes.
● Market Sentiment: They provide insight into what the broader market expects from the Fed.
◉ Steps to Analyze Fed Policy Using Federal Funds Futures
● Step 1: Check Current Federal Funds Futures Prices
Look up the prices of federal funds futures contracts for the months you're interested in. These are available on financial platforms like Bloomberg, Reuters, or the CME Group website.
● Step 2: Calculate the Implied Federal Funds Rate
Implied Federal Funds Rate = 100 - Futures Price.
➖ Example: If the futures price for March is 95.5, the implied rate is 4.5% (100 - 95.5 = 4.5).
● Step 3: Compare Implied Rates to the Current Rate
If the implied rate is higher than the current federal funds rate, the market expects the Fed to raise rates. If it's lower, the market expects a rate cut.
● Step 4: Estimate the Probability of Rate Changes
By comparing the implied rates of contracts expiring before and after an FOMC meeting, you can estimate the probability of a rate change.
➖ Example: If the implied rate for March is 4.75% and the current rate is 4.5%, the market is pricing in a 25 basis point (0.25%) hike.
● Step 5: Monitor Changes Over Time
Track how futures prices change over time. Shifts in prices indicate changes in market expectations. For example, if futures prices drop (implying higher rates), it suggests the market is anticipating a more hawkish Fed.
◉ Practical Applications
● Trading: Traders use federal funds futures to speculate on interest rate movements.
● Economic Forecasting: Economists use them to predict the Fed's monetary policy and its impact on the economy.
● Investment Strategy: Investors adjust their portfolios based on expected rate changes (e.g., shifting from bonds to equities if rates are expected to rise).
◉ Limitations of Federal Funds Futures
● Market Sentiment: Futures prices reflect market expectations, which can be influenced by sentiment and may not always accurately predict Fed actions.
● External Shocks: Unexpected events (e.g., geopolitical crisis, pandemics) can disrupt rate expectations.
● Liquidity: Less liquid contracts (further out in time) may not accurately reflect expectations.
◉ Example Analysis
Let’s assume:
➖ Current federal funds rate: 4.5%
➖ March federal funds futures price: 95.5
● Step 1: Calculate the implied rate:
100 − 95.5 = 4.5%.
● Step 2: Compare to the current rate:
The implied rate (4.5%) is equal to the current rate (4.5%), suggesting the market expects no change in rates by March.
● Step 3:
If the futures price drops to 95.25, the implied rate becomes 4.75%, indicating the market now expects a 25 basis point rate hike..
◉ Why This Matters?
● For Traders: Federal funds futures provide a direct way to bet on or hedge against interest rate changes.
● For Investors: Understanding rate expectations helps in making informed decisions about asset allocation.
● For Economists: These futures offer valuable insights into market expectations of monetary policy.
◉ Conclusion
Federal funds futures are a powerful tool for analyzing and predicting the Fed's interest rate decisions. By understanding how to interpret these futures, traders, investors, and economists can gain valuable insights into market expectations and make more informed decisions. However, it's important to consider their limitations and use them in conjunction with other economic indicators for a comprehensive analysis.
How to Trade Descending Channels Like a Pro!
🚀 TRON (TRX) is stuck in a descending channel! But how can you trade this setup effectively? Let’s break it down:
📌 What is a Descending Channel?
A descending channel forms when price makes lower highs and lower lows, staying between two parallel trendlines. It shows a downtrend, but it also creates trading opportunities!
🔥 How to Trade It?
✅ Breakout Strategy: If price breaks above the channel and retests, it could signal a bullish move! (Potential target: $0.29)
✅ Breakdown Strategy: If price drops below the key level, it might dump to the next support ($0.19).
✅ Mid-Range Trades: You can short at resistance and long at support inside the channel – but only with strong confirmations!
💡 Pro Tip: Always wait for confirmation candles before entering a trade to avoid false breakouts!
📊 What do you think? Will TRX break out or dump? Comment below! 👇👇
🔄 Tag a trader who needs to learn this! 🚀 #CryptoEducation #TradingTips #TRX #TradingView
#Miracle #TradeWithMky #MegaAltseason 2025
Gann Trading Strategy: Understanding Gann Price CyclesGann Trading Strategy: Understanding Gann Price Cycles.
Gann Trading Strategy with a deep dive into Gann Price Cycles and candle range averaging to forecast upcoming highs and lows. Learn how to apply Gann's time and price principles, predict market turning points, and enhance your trading accuracy.
Gann Price Cycles: Understanding Market Movements with Precision
- Gann Price Cycles are a fundamental concept in W.D. Gann's trading methodology, used to predict market highs and lows based on historical price movements and time cycles. Gann believed that markets move in predictable cycles, influenced by both price and time relationships. By studying these cycles, traders can anticipate future turning points with greater accuracy.
Key Principles of Gann Price Cycles:
1. Repeating Market Patterns – Price movements follow specific cyclical patterns that repeat over time. Identifying these patterns helps traders forecast future price swings.
2. Time and Price Symmetry – Gann emphasized that time and price must be in balance. When a market completes a significant time cycle, it often results in a reversal or acceleration of trend.
3. Natural Market Rhythms – Just like planetary cycles, financial markets move through predictable 360-degree price cycles, based on Gann’s Square of Nine and Gann Angles.
4. Averaging Price Ranges – By analyzing historical price ranges and averaging them, traders can estimate the next high or low in the market.
Power of trendline + support/resistanceI would like to show the power of combining trendlines and support & resistance on your chart work. As we all know in order for a trendline to be effective it must be used with key major points and the trend must be clear whether it's an uptrend or downtrend, cause if the trend is neither then that would lead to false signals that would cause people to get stopped out.
If used with S&R it can give us way better entries and more accurate with high probability of winning, We all know if for example an Uptrend trendline is broken then that would mean we have sellers active and that means the trend will go down, however that is not entirely true if it was then we would all be millionaires lol. So in order to fix this and know for sure the trend is changing for real we need to combine both our Trendlines and S&R, as you can see from the chart our uptrend trendline was broken and those who entered immediately after the breakout would have been trapped by professional traders when the price pulled back to their entry points, but to avoid this and get a much better entry that has high accuracy like mine you would also need to use your "visible" support and resistance.
As the uptrend line was broken that gave us a sign sellers are active and might push the price down but that is not enough confirmation to sell, unless you want to make a loss obviously💀,If you noticed I also marked my Visible Support(CHANGE OF TREND), since this is the lowest point in the uptrend then we know if price breaks below it then it's a clear confirmation that sellers will overpower buyers and push the price down, our first confirmation was Price breaking the uptrend(not enough to sell), our second powerful confirmation was price breaking below the CHANGE OF TREND, now this shows that bears overpowered bulls causing a CHANGE OF TREND and a much higher winning probability and a much better R:R.
I know most people would see this as a late entry, but it's not trust me there's no better entry you can get better than this that has higher chance of winning and a better R:R also less risky. Most people chase the trend instead of waiting for the trend to come to them, that's also why they make many losses because they enter with few confirmations that have low probability
Bitcoin Price Rally: Market Insights and Potential Resistance Le(Taken from a clip from last week's Wyckoff Crypto Discussion)
Bitcoin Price Rally: Market Insights and Potential Resistance Levels
Explore the latest Bitcoin market analysis, including potential rally targets, supply and demand dynamics, and key resistance levels for short-term traders.
Current Market Outlook
The Bitcoin market is experiencing a notable short-term rally that has caught the attention of traders and analysts. Recent market observations suggest a nuanced approach to the current price movement, with several critical factors at play.
Rally Dynamics and Price Targets
Traders previously identified a potential long setup with an initial target around $88,000. The market is now approaching this crucial resistance level, with minimal supply pressure currently visible. This positioning presents an interesting scenario for cryptocurrency investors monitoring Bitcoin’s price action.
Supply and Demand Landscape
The current market condition is characterized by simultaneously diminished supply and demand. Experienced analysts note that such rallies typically conclude with a significant volume increase. While the upward movement has been somewhat measured, there remains potential for further price appreciation.
Key Resistance and Trading Strategy
The $88,000 level stands out as a primary resistance point of interest. Traders are closely watching for any significant activity at this price point. The current rally, while progressing, has been described as slightly underwhelming compared to typical market expectations.
Short-Term Positioning
Despite the measured progress, many traders maintain a short-term bullish position. The market continues to test support and resistance levels, creating a cautious but optimistic trading environment. Investors are looking for more decisive price action to confirm the rally’s strength.
Market Expectations
Traders typically anticipate a quick recovery and bounce following local price attempts. The current market is in a phase of continuous testing, with participants hoping to see more substantial efforts to push prices higher.
Conclusion
Bitcoin’s current market phase presents a complex trading landscape. While the rally shows promise, traders remain vigilant, watching for definitive price movements and volume changes that could signal the next significant market direction.
This analysis is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice.
Crypto liquidations drop 76% as Bitcoin $BTC stabilizes aboveCrypto liquidations plummeted by 76% in the second half of March as Bitcoin BTC CRYPTOCAP:BTC consolidated around $87,000 after earlier volatility. From March 12 to March 25, Bitcoin's price moved within a narrower range, starting at $82,857 and closing at $87,330.
Earlier in March, Bitcoin BTC CRYPTOCAP:BTC saw sharp price movements, dropping below $79,000 before rebounding, coinciding with a spike in long liquidations. The recent decline in liquidations signals more stable market participation and reduced leverage risk.
Between March 12 and March 25, long liquidations totaled $1.26 billion, while short liquidations reached $1.14 billion, down from 7$7.2 billion in long and $2.8 billion in short liquidations from February 24 to March 12.
FOLLOWER GIVEAWAY: FREE STRATEGY live example !!!to thank you all for 500 followers even though im some unpaid shadowed account
This is a bio pharma strategy that will yield big and exhorbitantly beyond your dreams when done with options
the premise is this we'll be shorting bio pharma since 90% of them just tank in share price picked this from bonanza boys plus trade the trend and that is their usual trend demise (sad)
ill add more details as a note if this post reaches 50 likes! (50 likes for a million-billion dollar loophole literally)
and first 10 comments with the caption "MBINGA" will get a proper mentorship on this method free of charge
Details on how to enter and sell for dynamic max returns (life changing stuff)
AIXBTUSDT CHART ANALYSİS - EDUCATIONAL POSTHow NFT Technology Developed
NFT technology was created in 2017 based on Ethereum smart contracts. Since then, we have witnessed many successful NFT projects and deals. Stories like these perfectly describe the current and future possibilities of the technology.
The development of blockchain technology and the emergence of NFT services coincided with other processes in society and the economy. Many new players appeared in the stock markets, including non-professional traders and amateur investors.
The democratization of financial markets coincided with the pandemic: being in self-isolation, alone with their devices, many people began to pay attention to new financial instruments.
The information that arose around them also played a specific role in the “revival” of NFTs. The big names in the news headlines supporting NFTs couldn’t help but draw attention to them. That is one of the reasons why the success of the technology was inevitable.
Repaying the Italian debt in 40 years. The method.
Hello, I am Trader Andrea Russo and today I want to talk to you about an ambitious, innovative and potentially revolutionary idea for the management of the Italian public debt. A strategy that, in theory, could heal the enormous accumulated debt and bring Italy to a stronger and more stable financial position. Let's find out together how it could work.
The basic idea
Italy, with a public debt that amounts to about 2,900 billion euros, pays 70 billion euros in interest annually to its creditors. However, imagine an alternative scenario in which those 70 billion, instead of being paid for the payment of interest, are invested in index funds with an estimated average annual return of 10%. Furthermore, the profits generated would be reinvested annually. It is a solution that is based on the power of compound interest.
From the second year, Italy would also have the 70 billion euros available annually no longer tied to the payment of interest. These funds could be used in strategic ways to support economic recovery.
Agreements with creditors
To make this proposal feasible, Italy would have to negotiate an agreement with creditors. The agreement would include a temporary suspension of interest payments, with the promise that the State will repay the entire debt within 40 years, also guaranteeing a compensatory interest of 10% as a "disturbance".
This implies that creditors must accept a long-term vision, trusting in the profitability of investments and the ability of the Italian State to honor the final commitment.
Simulation: how it could work
If the 70 billion were invested from the first year in index funds with an average annual return of 10%, the capital would grow exponentially thanks to compound interest. Over 40 years, the investment would accumulate over 3,241 billion euros, a sum sufficient to repay the public debt of 2,900 billion and to provide a surplus to satisfy the extra interest promised to creditors.
Meanwhile, from the second year, Italy would have at its disposal the 70 billion annually previously earmarked for interest payments. Over 40 years, this figure would represent a total of 2,800 billion euros, which could be used to:
Strengthen strategic infrastructure in the transport, energy and digital sectors.
Reduce the tax burden and encourage economic growth.
Improve social services, such as healthcare, welfare and education.
Further reduce the residual debt, strengthening the country's financial stability.
Conclusion
With this strategy, Italy would not only repay its public debt, but would also start an unprecedented phase of economic recovery. The combination of compound interest and the reallocation of freed funds represents an innovative vision to solve one of the main economic challenges of our time.
However, the implementation of such an ambitious plan would require financial discipline, political stability and careful management of investments. Furthermore, it would be essential to negotiate a transparent and advantageous agreement with creditors, ensuring trust and credibility in international markets.
Whether this is a utopia or a real opportunity will depend on the ability to imagine and adopt bold solutions for the good of the country.
Behind the Curtain The Economic Pulse Behind Euro FX1. Introduction
Euro FX Futures (6E), traded on the CME, offer traders exposure to the euro-dollar exchange rate with precision, liquidity, and leverage. Whether hedging European currency risk or speculating on macro shifts, Euro FX contracts remain a vital component of global currency markets.
But what truly moves the euro? Beyond central bank meetings and headlines, the euro reacts sharply to macroeconomic data that signals growth, inflation, or risk appetite. Using a Random Forest Regressor, we explored how economic indicators correlate with Euro FX Futures returns across different timeframes.
In this article, we uncover which metrics drive the euro daily, weekly, and monthly, offering traders a structured, data-backed approach to navigating the Euro FX landscape.
2. Understanding Euro FX Futures Contracts
The CME offers two primary Euro FX Futures products:
o Standard Euro FX Futures (6E):
Contract Size: 125,000 €
Tick Size: 0.000050 per euro = $6.25 per tick per contract
Trading Hours: Nearly 24 hours, Sunday to Friday (US)
o Micro Euro FX Futures (M6E):
Contract Size: 12,500 € (1/10th the size of 6E)
Tick Size: 0.0001 per euro = $1.25 per tick per contract
Accessible to: Smaller accounts, strategy testers, and traders managing precise exposure
o Margins:
6E Initial Margin: ≈ $2,600 per contract (subject to volatility)
M6E Initial Margin: ≈ $260 per contract
Whether trading full-size or micro contracts, Euro FX Futures offer capital-efficient access to one of the most liquid currency pairs globally. Traders benefit from leverage, scalability, and transparent pricing, with the ability to hedge or speculate on Euro FX trends across timeframes.
3. Daily Timeframe: Key Economic Indicators
For day traders, short-term price action in the euro often hinges on rapidly released data that affects market sentiment and intraday flow. According to machine learning results, the top 3 daily drivers are:
Housing Starts: Surging housing starts in the U.S. can signal economic strength and pressure the euro via stronger USD flows. Conversely, weaker construction activity may weaken the dollar and support the euro.
Consumer Sentiment Index: A sentiment-driven metric that reflects household confidence. Optimistic consumers suggest robust consumption and a firm dollar, while pessimism may favor EUR strength on defensive rotation.
Housing Price Index (HPI): Rising home prices can stoke inflation fears and central bank hawkishness, affecting yield differentials between the euro and the dollar. HPI moves often spark short-term FX volatility.
4. Weekly Timeframe: Key Economic Indicators
Swing traders looking for trends spanning several sessions often lean on energy prices and labor data. Weekly insights from our Random Forest model show these three indicators as top drivers:
WTI Crude Oil Prices: Oil prices affect global inflation and trade dynamics. Rising WTI can fuel EUR strength if it leads to USD weakness via inflation concerns or reduced real yields.
Continuing Jobless Claims: An uptick in claims may suggest softening labor conditions in the U.S., potentially bullish for EUR as it implies slower Fed tightening or economic strain.
Brent Crude Oil Prices: As the global benchmark, Brent’s influence on inflation and trade flows is significant. Sustained Brent rallies could create euro tailwinds through weakening dollar momentum.
5. Monthly Timeframe: Key Economic Indicators
Position traders and institutional participants often focus on macroeconomic indicators with structural weight—those that influence monetary policy direction, capital flow, and long-term sentiment. The following three monthly indicators emerged as dominant forces shaping Euro FX Futures:
Industrial Production: A cornerstone of economic output, rising industrial production reflects strong manufacturing activity. Strong U.S. numbers can support the dollar, while a slowdown may benefit the euro. Likewise, weaker European output could undermine EUR demand.
Velocity of Money (M2): This metric reveals how quickly money is circulating in the economy. A rising M2 velocity suggests increased spending and inflationary pressures—potentially positive for the dollar and negative for the euro. Falling velocity signals stagnation and may shift flows into the euro as a lower-yield alternative.
Initial Jobless Claims: While often viewed weekly, the monthly average could reveal structural labor market resilience. A rising trend may weaken the dollar, reinforcing EUR gains as expectations for interest rate cuts grow.
6. Strategy Alignment by Trading Style
Each indicator offers unique insights depending on your approach to market participation:
Day Traders: Focus on the immediacy of daily indicators like Housing Starts, Consumer Sentiment, and Housing Price Index.
Swing Traders: Leverage weekly indicators like Crude Oil Prices and Continuing Claims to ride mid-term moves.
Position Traders: Watch longer-term data such as Industrial Production and M2 Velocity.
7. Risk Management
Currency futures provide access to high leverage and broad macro exposure. With that comes responsibility. Traders must actively manage position sizing, volatility exposure, and stop placement.
Economic indicators inform price movement probabilities—not certainties—making risk protocols just as essential as trade entries.
8. Conclusion
Euro FX Futures are shaped by a deep web of macroeconomic forces. From Consumer Sentiment and Oil Prices to Industrial Production and Money Velocity, each indicator tells part of the story behind Euro FX movement.
Thanks to machine learning, we’ve spotlighted the most impactful data across timeframes, offering traders a framework to align their approach with the heartbeat of the market.
As we continue the "Behind the Curtain" series, stay tuned for future editions uncovering the hidden economic forces behind other major futures markets.
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.
Let's Explore Swing Trading !Hello, Trading Community!
I'm excited to share my 100th publication with you all! Grateful for the support and learning from this journey. To mark this milestone, I’m sharing an educational post on Swing Trading—hope it adds value to your trading.
Thank you for being a part of this! Let’s keep growing together.
Happy trading!
Introduction-:
Swing trading is a powerful trading strategy that allows traders to capture market fluctuations over a period of several days to weeks. Unlike day trading, which requires constant monitoring of charts, swing trading enables traders to take advantage of medium-term price movements without being glued to the screen all day.
This guide explores the fundamentals of swing trading, key indicators, strategies, risk management, and common mistakes traders should avoid. By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid foundation to approach swing trading effectively and improve your trading success.
Have you ever wondered how professional traders capitalize on market swings without constantly watching the charts? Let's break it down.
🔹What is Swing Trading-:
Swing trading is a trading style that focuses on capturing short- to medium-term price movements in financial markets. Traders hold positions for several days or weeks, aiming to profit from price swings within a trend.
Unlike day traders, who enter and exit positions within the same day, or long-term investors who hold assets for months or years, swing traders take advantage of short-term fluctuations while aligning with the broader trend.
A key principle in swing trading is identifying trends and trading in their direction. For instance, in an uptrend, a trader looks for pullbacks to enter at a favorable price, while in a downtrend, they may look for rallies to enter short positions.
A well-structured chart example showing an uptrend with higher highs and higher lows can help illustrate this concept effectively.
🔹Key Indicators and Tools for Swing Trading-:
Swing traders rely on technical analysis to find high-probability trade setups. Some of the most commonly used indicators and tools include:
1. Moving Averages (50 & 200 EMA) – Helps identify the overall trend. A price above the 50-day EMA indicates an uptrend, while a price below suggests a downtrend.
2. Relative Strength Index (RSI) & MACD – Used for entry confirmation. RSI helps identify overbought and oversold conditions, while MACD provides trend direction and momentum shifts.
3. Fibonacci Retracement – Useful for identifying pullback levels within a trend. Traders use Fibonacci levels (38.2%, 50%, 61.8%) to anticipate where price might find support or resistance.
4. Support and Resistance Levels – Key price areas where reversals or consolidations often occur. Identifying these levels helps traders find entry and exit points.
A well-annotated chart with these indicators applied can illustrate their importance in real trading scenarios.
🔹Swing Trading Strategies with Examples-:
Trend-Following Swing Trading
This strategy involves entering trades in the direction of the prevailing trend.
Traders wait for pullbacks to enter a position rather than buying at the peak.
Moving averages and RSI are commonly used to confirm the trend and entry points.
Example: A stock in an uptrend retracing to the 50-day moving average with RSI bouncing from the 40 level can be an ideal entry point.
🔹Breakout Swing Trading-:
This strategy focuses on trading breakouts from consolidation patterns such as triangles, flags, and channels.
Traders use volume and MACD to confirm the breakout’s strength before entering.
Example: A stock breaking out from a flag pattern with increased volume signals a strong continuation. A stop-loss is placed below the breakout level to manage risk.
🔹Mean Reversion Swing Trading-:
This approach involves buying oversold conditions and selling overbought conditions.
Bollinger Bands and RSI divergence help identify potential reversals.
Example: If the price touches the lower Bollinger Band and RSI is below 30, traders anticipate a reversal and enter a long position.
Charts illustrating each strategy with proper entry, stop-loss, and target levels can significantly enhance the reader’s understanding.
🔹Risk Management in Swing Trading-:
Successful swing trading isn’t just about finding the right setups—it’s also about managing risk effectively.
1. Risk-Reward Ratio (Minimum 1:2) – Ensuring that potential profits outweigh potential losses. If a trade has a stop-loss of 10 points, the target should be at least 20 points.
2. Stop-Loss Placement – Placing stop-loss orders below swing lows for long trades and above swing highs for short trades to limit downside risk.
3. Position Sizing – Avoiding excessive exposure by ensuring no more than 2% of total capital is risked on a single trade.
4. Using ATR (Average True Range) – A dynamic way to set stop-loss levels based on market volatility.
An example chart demonstrating a well-placed stop-loss and take-profit target can reinforce these concepts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Swing Trading-:
1. Overtrading – Entering too many trades based on impulse rather than solid setups.
2. Ignoring Market Context – Trading against the trend or ignoring macroeconomic factors.
3. Not Using Stop-Loss Orders – Holding onto losing trades in the hope that the market will reverse.
4. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) Trades – Entering trades too late, after the move has already happened.
Understanding these common pitfalls can help traders refine their strategy and improve long-term success.
🔹Conclusion: Becoming a Profitable Swing Trader-:
Swing trading offers an excellent balance between short-term trading and long-term investing. By using technical indicators, proper risk management, and well-defined strategies, traders can capitalize on price movements while minimizing risk.
Before implementing these strategies in a live market traders should backtest them using TradingView to see how they perform over historical data.
Best Regards-: Amit
Ultimate 2025 Forex Prop Trading FAQ + Strategy Guide🧠 Forex Prop Trading: What Is It?
Prop trading (proprietary trading) is when a trader uses a firm’s capital to trade the markets (instead of their own), and keeps a share of the profits – usually 70–90%.
✅ Low startup cost
✅ No personal risk (firm takes the loss)
✅ Big upside potential with scaling plans
📋 Step-by-Step Action Plan to Get Started (2025)
🔍 1. Understand the Prop Firm Model
🏦 Prop firms fund skilled traders with $10K to $500K+
🎯 You pass a challenge or evaluation phase to prove your skills
💵 Once funded, you earn a profit split (70%–90%)
🧪 2. Choose a Top Prop Firm (2025)
Look for reliable and regulated firms with transparent rules:
FTMO 🌍 – Trusted globally, up to $400K scaling
MyFundedFX 📊 – Up to 90% profit split, no time limit
E8 Funding ⚡ – Fast scaling and instant funding
FundedNext 💼 – 15% profit share during challenge phase
The Funded Trader 🏰 – Up to $600K with leaderboard bonuses
🔎 Compare features: fees, drawdown limits, trading style freedom
💻 3. Train & Master Your Strategy
🧠 Pick a clear, rule-based strategy (e.g. trend following, breakout, supply/demand)
📅 Backtest over 6–12 months of data
💡 Use AI tools & trade journals like Edgewonk or MyFXBook
🎯 Focus on:
Win rate (above 50–60%)
Risk-reward ratio (1:2 or better)
Consistency, not wild profits
🧪 4. Pass the Evaluation Phase
🔐 Follow risk rules strictly (daily & max drawdown)
⚖️ Use proper risk management (0.5–1% risk per trade)
🧘♂️ Trade calmly, avoid overtrading or revenge trades
📈 Most challenges:
Hit 8–10% profit target
Stay under 5–10% total drawdown
Trade for at least 5–10 days
🧠 Tip: Pass in a demo environment first before going live!
💵 5. Get Funded & Start Earning
🟢 Once approved, you trade real firm capital
💰 You keep up to 90% of profits, with withdrawals every 2 weeks to 1 month
🚀 Many firms offer scaling plans to grow your account over time
💬 FAQ – Prop Trading in 2025
❓ How much can you make?
🔹 Small accounts ($50K): $2K–$8K/month with 4–8% returns
🔹 Large accounts ($200K+): $10K+/month possible for consistent traders
💡 Many traders start part-time and scale as they build trust with the firm
❓ How much do I need to start?
💳 Challenge fees range from:
$100 for $10K
$250–$350 for $50K
$500–$700 for $100K+
⚠️ No need to deposit trade capital – just the challenge fee
❓ What are the risks?
You can lose the challenge fee if you break rules or over-leverage
You won’t owe money to the firm
The biggest risk is psychological – many fail from overtrading or emotional decisions
🚀 Final Tips to Succeed
✅ Trade like a robot, think like a CEO
✅ Journal every trade – self-awareness is key
✅ Avoid over-leveraging and gambling mindset
✅ Stick to one strategy and master it
✅ Focus on consistency over quick wins
DOGS Main Trend. Tactics of Working on Risky Crypto 03 2025Logarithm. Time frame 3 days. Tactics of working on super-risky cryptocurrencies of low liquidity, which are always sold (without loading the glass), by the creators of “nothing”. In order to increase sales, of course, when they rationally reverse the trend and make pumps at a large % and marketing positive news "have time to buy". On such assets with such liquidity, “killed faith” (at the moment), and control of the emission in “one hand” it is not difficult. Something like in BabyDOGE.
On such assets you should always remember:
1️⃣ allocate a certain amount for work in general on such assets from the deposit as a whole.
2️⃣ distribute money (potential reversal and decline zones) from this allocated amount to each similar asset in advance.
3️⃣ diversify similar assets themselves (5-10 cryptocurrencies), understanding that sooner or later they will scam. The scam of one of them should not be reflected significantly on the balance of the pump/dump group of low liquidity. It is impossible to guess everything that does not depend on you, and it is not necessary. Your miscalculations (what does not depend on you) are smoothed out by your initial trading plan and risk control, that is, money management (money management).
4️⃣ Set adequate goals. Part of the position locally trade 40-80% (not necessary, but this sometimes reduces the risk).
5️⃣ Work with trigger orders and lower them if they did not work and the price falls.
6️⃣ Remember that in consolidation and cut zones in assets of such liquidity, stops are always knocked out, so the size of the stop does not really matter. It will be knocked out, especially before the reversal.
7️⃣ Before the reversal of the secondary trend, as a rule, they first do a “hamster pump” by a conditionally significant %, when everyone is "tired of waiting". They absorb all sales. Then the main pumping without passengers by a very large % takes place to form a distribution zone. As a rule, it will be lower than the pump highs, that is, in the zone when they are not afraid to buy, but believe that after a large pump, the highs will be overcome significantly.
8️⃣ Remember that assets of such liquidity decrease after listings or highs by:
a) active hype, bull market -50-70%
b) secondary trend without extraordinary events -90-93%
c) cycle change -96-98% or scam, if it is a 1-2 cycle project (there is no point in supporting the legend, how it is easier to make a candy wrapper from scratch without believing holders with coins).
9️⃣In the capitulation zone, there can be several of them depending on the trend of the market as a whole and rationality, the asset is of no interest to anyone. Everyone gets the impression that everything is a scam. That is, on the contrary, you need to collect the asset, observing money management, that is, your initial distribution of money and the risk that you agreed with in advance. As a rule, in such zones people "give up" and abandon their earlier vision.
🔟 After the entire position is set (pre-planned, according to your money management), stop and do not get stuck in the market and news noise. Wait for your first goals.
Remember, people always buy expensive, and refuse to buy cheap ("it's a scam", they try to "catch the bottom"), when "the Internet is not buzzing". This all happens because there is no vision, and as a consequence, no tactics of work and risk control . Many want to guess the “bottom”, or “maximums”, and refuse to sell when they are reached. The first and second are not conditionally available, on assets of such liquidity and emission control. But, there are probabilities that you can operate and earn on this, without getting stuck in the market noise. And also in the opinions of the majority (inclination to the dominant opinion and rejection of your plan and risk control), from which you must fence yourself off.
Most people, immersed in market noise and the opinions of others , choose for themselves the price movement, which is beneficial to them at the moment , and to which they are inclined, but do not provide themselves with the tactics of work. This is a key mistake, and the main manipulation that the conditional manipulator achieves, who, by the way, is sometimes not on the asset, to form an opinion and, as a consequence, the actions of the majority.
Because, in essence, most people do not have the tactics of work. Where the news FUD (inclination to the dominant opinion), “market noise” (cutting zones and collecting liquidity), the opinion of the majority, is directed, that is what they are inclined to.
When the price goes in the other direction, it is disappointment.
If these are futures — liquidation of the position. Zeroing out due to greed.
If this is spot — "proud random holders" , without the ability to average the position (no money), to reduce the average price of the position set as a whole, and as a result increase the % of profit in the future.
A trading plan and risk control are the basis, not guessing the price movement. If you do not have the first “two whales” of trading in your arsenal, then you have nothing. It doesn't matter how much you guess the potential movement, as the outcome of such practice is always the same, and it is not comforting.
Top and Bottom CSG Custom Signal Generator with Squeeze ScannerThis is what the full indicator suite looks like when deployed. See my scripts page to deploy the indicators. The suite is free and allows for proper identification of squeeze patterns as well as top and bottom signaling possible reversals. Keep in mind no indicator can replace order flow so always utilize order flow and open interest when available. While this suite of indicators does offer a volume reversal algorithm open interest would need to coincide with the volume and market structure before placing a bet either way. If you have any questions please post them in the comments of the applicable indicator and I will address them.