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WHAT ARE FRACTALS IN FOREX TRADING?👋 Hello forex traders! It is unlikely that you will find a single beginner in the Forex market who would not know what a fractal is. And even outside the market, many people have heard about this concept. Fractals have been known for almost a century, are well studied and have numerous applications in life. Fractals have been used on financial markets for quite a long time - even classic trading strategies contain references to them. For example, the famous trading strategy of Bill Williams Profitunity uses fractals as one of the elements of the system. To begin studying this method of analysis, we need to define what a Fractal is. Here is the most complete and understandable definition: "A fractal is a set that has the property of self-similarity. An object that exactly or approximately coincides with a part of itself, i.e. the whole has the same shape as it or more parts. In our familiar markets, this concept is slightly modified, but the concept remains the same." Transferring this definition to price charts, we can get approximately the following: "A fractal is a constantly repeating pattern that is not included in any list of common patterns. In other words, if you watch the chart of a certain instrument for a very long time, you will start to notice the fact that its movements in a certain period of time are constantly repeating. This pattern was discovered by the well-known Bill Williams. This trader claimed that the whole market is chaotic and only sometimes it changes into a stable and bright trend." Why Fractal Analysis Is Necessary 📊 In fact, the trader himself determines the necessity of this kind of analysis. If you have a perfectly working and profitable strategy, then probably this post is not for you, but if you have some problems with finding a profitable trading strategy, then you can read to the end so that this post will give you an idea. I have not been able to find any clear information as to why it has been noticed only now, but I personally believe that it is due to the fact that more and more traders started to spend a long time at the monitor and notice some patterns and features of each currency pair. Translating all of the above into simple language, fractal analysis is needed to find the biggest patterns in the market and apply on. “Once is a fluke, twice is a coincidence, and three times is a pattern”. How To Apply In Trading 📈📉 Now that we have sufficiently understood the general concepts of Fractal, it is time to understand how this technique is applied in the financial markets and learn how to trade using it. Let's start with the fact that fractal structures were originally found with the help of machine running of charts and finding certain patterns. That is why it may be difficult to find fractals with your own eye. But we are glad that we live in the 21st century and all developed platforms have such indicators for a long time. Immediately after applying this indicator, the chart will look like this: Fractal Start A fractal start is a situation in which after a fractal in one direction, a fractal in the opposite direction is formed. Fractal Signal After the fractal start, on its reverse side, the appearance of the fractal signal takes place Fractal Stop The fractal stop is located behind the farthest of the two extreme fractals. Using this technique allows you to minimize the number of stop-losses. The Practical Use Of Fractals 💡 1. Method of breakouts, often indicating the continuation of the existing trend. To enter a trade, a pending stop order is set at the breakout point of the nearest fractal to the price. 2. It is not always possible to determine how accurately these levels were built. Bill Williams' fractals are a tool to effectively identify significant support and resistance levels. 3. Fractals can also be used as a useful method of identifying reference points when plotting trend lines. These anchor points can serve as important indicators of market behavior. 4. Fractals can help traders identify the prevailing trend in the market. Identifying a trend is a simple process if you take into account the definition of an uptrend as a sequence of increasing local highs and lows, while a downtrend is characterized by a series of decreasing extremes. 5. If the price does not overcome the previous fractal, it may indicate the emergence of a sideways movement. To confirm this signal, it is necessary to wait for the formation of the opposite fractal. Advantages And Disadvantages Of Fractal Analysis ↕️ Like other techniques, fractal analysis has both disadvantages and advantages. For its effective use it is necessary to be able to analyze several timeframes and synthesize the overall picture. Market entry should be determined by the trend on the higher timeframe, because the Bill Williams system is trending. In conclusion, the fractals provide numerous potential entry points on the chart, catering to different preferences and often appearing quite reliable. However, it is essential to recognize that this method of analysis is not simple or unambiguous. Consequently, it is not recommended for beginner traders to use it as the sole factor in decision-making. The Fractal indicator's effectiveness is dependent on its use in conjunction with other indicators on time intervals from an hour and above. Strategies that incorporate the Fractals indicator must analyze several timeframes. Despite these considerations, the indicator should not be dismissed, as it can provide valuable support when used in combined strategies. Traders, If you liked this educational post🎓, give it a boost 🚀 and drop a comment
Education
by Lingrid
11
COST OF BREAKING TRADING RULESJesse Livermore is one of the most famous and successful traders of the last century. During his lifetime he was nicknamed "The Great Bear" because he actively sold stock assets during the Great Depression and managed to make a multimillion-dollar fortune. Wikipedia mentions that Livermore made and lost significant sums on the stock market more than once during his lifetime. He was distinguished from his contemporaries by his aggressive manner of intraday trading. Today we want to tell you about Livermore's life and his own rules of trading on financial markets. ✴️ THE BEGINNING OF HIS CAREER The ascent of the trading legend began with the stock exchange offices in Boston. Livermore did not take part in trading, but only recorded constantly updated asset prices on a special board. It is important to realize that at the beginning of the 20th century, prices on stock exchanges were transmitted by telegraph. Having a good capacity for exact knowledge and impeccable memory for numbers, Livermore was the first to discover patterns in trend reversal models. Contemporaries note that Livermore was not sociable. All the young trader's attention was focused on price changes of liquid assets. It is noteworthy that he used only numerical sequences to make trading decisions, especially not being interested in the reasons for rising or falling prices. Having gained a little experience in exchange offices in Boston, Livermore began to keep a notebook in which he recorded all the identified patterns in the dynamics of asset pricing. Biographical literature notes that at that time he was not interested in trades with large sums. The young trader was fascinated by the patterns in the behavior of prices, confirmations of which he was constantly looking for in practice. Some time later, his friend offered to buy a share of the company "Burlington". Having checked his records and convinced that the price would rise in the near future, Livermore invested 5$ in the mentioned brand, earning more than 3$ in a couple of days. This was Livermore's first and highly successful trade. ✴️ WALL STREET CAREER At the age of 21, the talented trader moved to New York with the aim of conquering the stock market, having $2500 earned in small stock exchange offices in Boston. Livermore could not open an account with any of these companies because his name was on the rumor. Even then, he claimed to close a trade with a profit 7 times out of 10. No small brokerage firm wanted him among their clients, as he could easily bankrupt it. Eventually he was able to open an account on Wall Street, investing all the money he had into the trade. To everyone's surprise, it ended with a complete loss of deposit. The reason is as follows: Livermore was a hardened proponent of short-term trading, capitalizing on minor price fluctuations. Information about the actual value of assets was transmitted by liquidity providers to Wall Street with significant delays, which led to inaccurate short-term trading. While in Boston, small firms used telephone tape orders and processed customer orders almost instantaneously, this was impossible in the real market conditions of the time. The manager of a Wall Street brokerage house was kind to the young trader and saw potential in him. When Livermore lost his capital due to technical reasons, he lent him $500 to disperse his deposit in illegal brokerage houses. Livermore then heads to St. Louis, where he makes $2,800 in a matter of days. The company removes him from the number of clients, and also notifies all brokerage houses in the vicinity about the appearance of an overly successful participant of trades. Back in New York, Livermore managed to earn another $5,000 while trading at one of the illegal brokerage houses in New York, and then reopened an account on Wall Street. Livermore managed to make good money on the global growth of the US stock market in 1901. On his account was the sum of 50 000$. However, later, against the background of high volatility, Livermore lost all his money and was forced to go to his hometown to earn money. After some time, Livermore again started to ruin brokerage houses in Boston, acting through his friends. He managed to save the necessary amount for a third return to New York and open another account on Wall Street. ✴️ THE 1907 MARKET CRASH AND THE GREAT DEPRESSION In 1906 Livermore foresaw a global decline in the prices of railroad company stocks under the influence of natural disasters. In 1907, there was indeed a decline in prices, but not as rapid as the trader saw it. Then big banks managed to support the value of shares of industrial companies. Trying to sell in a growing market, Livermore again lost almost all of his fortune. He decided to stop trading and wait for a signal to enter the sell-off with all his remaining funds. Just as Livermore had anticipated, the railroad companies were going through a tough time and the stock rushed downward. The economic situation in the country was so critical that the companies were ready to sell their shares to investors in installments with the participation of banks, but the latter were not sure that investors would be able to fulfill their financial obligations in the near future. As a result, in 1907 there was a global collapse of the stock market in the U.S., and Livermore managed to earn 250,000$. In October of the same year, the panic of businesses reached its peak and banks started sending their representatives to Livermore asking him to stop selling stocks as it could lead to global economic problems in the US. Under this influence Livermore closed short positions, opening all capital to buy at the point of trend reversal. This trade brought him 3,000,000$ net profit in 9 months. During the period from 1907 to 1929, trading volumes on the U.S. stock market increased significantly. Almost every resident of the country invested in stocks. The reason for the growth of financial literacy of the population and popularity of the stock market was the large-scale advertising campaigns of private brokerage firms. Nevertheless, in 1929 there was a large-scale market crash. The reason for the downtrend, among other things, was a multimillion sell trade, which was conducted by dozens of brokers under the leadership of Livermore. This trade brought him more than 100,000,000$ of profit, which by today's standards can be compared to a billion. ✴️ JESSE LIVERMORE'S TRADING RULES Today the following Livermore's rules of capital management in financial markets may sound cliché, but at the beginning of the last century every trader was familiar with them. Let us pay attention to them too: 1. Don't average losses. It is important to realize that the principles of pricing liquid assets have changed significantly since the beginning of the last century. 2. Do not exceed risk tolerance. Livermore used to set the maximum risk per trade at about 10% of capital. 3. There is no need to quickly secure in profits if the trend is moving in your direction. The reason for closing an order can only be objective factors that indicate a correction or reversal. 4. Withdraw 50% of profits after each trade. Livermore had an unwavering rule to withdraw part of the profit. The investor himself explained it by the unpredictability of the market. 5. One should enter the market only when there are appropriate signals. ✴️ CONCLUSION Perhaps it is worth mentioning that in 1930, Livermore broke his own rule by investing all his funds in one trade, after which he became bankrupt. In those years, he no longer had the strength to start over, and he decided to write a book on stock trading with the simple title "How to Trade Stocks?" He hoped that the work would become a bestseller, which would give him recognition and wealth. However, this did not happen, and in 1940, Livermore shot himself in one of the hotels in New York. The official reason for the shooting, if Wikipedia is to be believed, was depression. Livermore was a truly great trader who, during his lifetime, had a significant impact on both the decline and growth of the U.S. economy.
Education
by DeGRAM
3
RUMINATION IN TRADING👋 Hello, Forex traders! Let's talk about rumination in trading. What is rumination? Rumination in trading is the process of going over previous trades and market situations in your head. Trying to understand what went wrong and to think of a better way of doing things. In "moderate doses" it is analysis. But when a person thinks about it all the time and in a negative way, analysis turns into mania and "self-beating" for mistakes made. Differences Between Rumination and Analysis ❓ Analysis is an essential part of learning to trade. It involves fixing all actions in a table editor, on paper, or uploading history from the platform. Traders analyze their best and worst moments, identify mistakes, changes in risk level, and successful trades. They also look for ways to optimize their trading system. Rumination, on the other hand, is obsessive thinking with an emphasis on the negative. It involves constant "chewing" of negative moments without searching for a solution. A stock or crypto you bought went down sharply, and all your thoughts are occupied with why it happened and how to fix it. Rumination in trading is the habit of endlessly worrying about and analyzing your trades, mistakes, losses or missed opportunities. It can lead to negative thinking, pessimism, depression, anxiety, impulsiveness and inactivity. Rumination prevents a trader from focusing on the present and the future and following his trading strategy and discipline. Rumination, instead of analyzing, improving and solving a problem, only makes the situation worse. Causes of Rumination in Trading 📋 • Lack of confidence. A trader who is insecure is constantly trying to look for mistakes in his previous trades to justify his failures. • Fear of failure. A trader who is afraid of losing money is constantly running through possible failure scenarios in his head to try to avoid them. • Striving for perfection. A trader who strives for perfection is constantly trying to find ways to improve his or her results, even if they are already quite consistent with expectations. Consequences of Rumination in Trading ⭕️ • Decreased trading efficiency. A trader who is constantly replaying past trades in his head cannot focus on the present and make the right decisions. • Loss of money. Rumination can lead to impulsive trading decisions that can lead to losses. • Mental Distress. Constantly running negative thoughts through your head can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression. How To Avoid Rumination In Trading ✅ 1. Set limits on the time you spend analyzing past trades. 2. Focus on what you can control. 3. Develop positive thinking and self-esteem. 4. Determine your trading goals, rules, risks, and plans in advance and stick to them. 5. Keep a trading diary where you record your trades, results, mistakes, lessons learned, and emotions. 6. Limit the time spent analyzing charts, news, and forums. 7. Take time away from trading, pursue other interests, hobbies, friends, and family. 8. Find ways to relax and de-stress: meditation, sports, music, reading, etc. 9. Mentally prepare yourself for the worst-case scenario before entering a trade. 10. Every night before you go to bed, think of three good things that happened to you during the day. Example ✍️ You buy EURUSD with the expectation of growth. But there is a downside risk. Prepare yourself mentally for the fact that there are all the prerequisites for the fall of the pair, and you are ready to accept losses. If the price has reached the stop loss, take it with the thought "It is good that it is so, otherwise you could have lost even more" and go to rest. Ask yourself: what is the worst that can happen and how can I deal with it? In conclusion , rumination in trading can be detrimental to a trader's success. By understanding the differences between rumination and analysis, identifying causes, and implementing strategies to avoid rumination, we can improve our mental well-being and trading performance. Traders, If you liked this educational post🎓, give it a boost 🚀 and drop a comment
Education
by Lingrid
16
SWAP ZONES IN FOREX MARKET👋 Hello, Forex traders! In a market situation, swap zones in trading are formed as a result of a change in market direction. When the trend changes, the price often returns to the previous support or resistance line. This is due to the fact that participants often use the lines as reference points for trading decisions. Swap zones can be used by traders to identify optimal entry-exit points for trades. For example, a trader can open a long position when the price is approaching support or a short position when the price is heading towards resistance. What is a Swap Zone? 🧐 Swap zone in trading is a price level that was previously a support and then became a resistance, or vice versa. It represents a part of the chart where the price pauses or rolls back. It is formed as a result of a change in the trend direction. Swap zone is easy to use to identify reversal points. For example, if a price is in a rising market and is pulling back to support, it is a signal that the trend may resume. In order to increase the accuracy of swap zone, it is important to use it in combination with other tools of technical analysis. Swap zone is suitable for deciding whether to open a position. For example, if a price is in a sideways movement and approaches swap zone resistance, it is a signal that the price may break through the level and start a new trend. We can open a long position if the price breaks the resistance, or a short position if the support level is broken. The assistant is useful in various trading systems, including price action and volume analysis systems. In price action strategies, it is suitable for determining potential support and resistance, and in volume analysis it is suitable for determining trend strength. Here Are A Few Strategies To Give You An Example ✍️ Level Breakout. It consists in entering the trade after the price breaks through the swap zone. This is a signal that the trend will continue, you can open a long or short position. Rebound from the level. Entry into the trade after the price bounces off the level. For example, if the price is in a falling market and bounces off the resistance swap zone, this is a reversal signal and you can open a short position. Double Test Level. Opening a position after the price tests the swap zone twice and you can open a short or long position. Pullback after a level breakout. Entry after the price rolls back after a breakdown of the level. It can be a sign that the trend is slowing down. When using the tool, it is important to consider the market direction, trend strength and trading volume. Advantages And Disadvantages Of Swap Zone 📈📉 Before using a pattern, it is important to consider its strengths and weaknesses. Pros: • An effective tool for identifying support and resistance, as well as moments of opening and closing a position; • use together with other tools of technical analysis to improve trading accuracy; • easy to use and understand; • possibility of earning with different tools and in many strategies. Cons: • They are not completely reliable and the market can go in a different direction; • It can be influenced by other factors: news, fundamental data or changes in the mood of market participants; • They do not always provide effectiveness. In summary, swap zones are perhaps the simplest and most effective tool in a trader's arsenal. Levels are the most reliable piece of information you could possibly get about an asset and its price. No amount of analysis will ever tell you more truth than levels can. Traders, If you liked this educational post🎓, give it a boost 🚀 and drop a comment
Education
by Lingrid
1
HARMONIC PATTERN BUTTERFLY ✴️ Harmonic patterns are prevalent in consolidation markets. These patterns can be used as additional confirmation to enter a trade. Today let's study the Butterfly Pattern. The Butterfly Pattern in trading is a 5-point trend reversal pattern, which consists of two corrections that form the shape of a butterfly. The pattern can be formed on any timeframe, but most often occurs on daily and hourly charts. It has high accuracy, but like any other indicator, it does not guarantee profit. To increase the probability of success, it is necessary to use the pattern in combination with other indicators and methods of market analysis. ✴️ WHAT IS A BUTTERFLY PATTERN? Butterfly pattern in trading is a reversal trend pattern, which is formed from two corrections with the formation of a corresponding shape. It is used to determine a possible market reversal. The formation was first described by Harold Gartley in his book New Wave Theory (1932). He is an American trader and analyst who developed several harmonic patterns, including the Butterfly, Delta and Harmonic Triangle. The Butterfly pattern in trading can appear on any timeframe, but is often caught on daily and hourly charts. For the formation of the pattern, it is necessary that the following point conditions are met: X - the start of an bullish or bearish movement; A - the end of a bullish or bearish movement and it's a start of correction; B - maximum decrease or increase of the price during the market change; 61.8 - 0.786 retracement. C - end of correction (retest of the A point area) and start of a new movement; as long as it does not exceed the A point. D - 127% - 161.8% fibo extension of the XA distance. Gartley's butterfly in trading can have two directions. To determine the Butterfly pattern, you need to find all five points of the formation. X and C are the beginning and the end of the basic movement, and A and B are the top and the lowest point of the correction. Point D is at 127% of the XA distance. If all five elements are present and meet the specified conditions, we can talk about a probable trend reversal. At the same time, it is desirable to use an indicator that would confirm the entry. The butterfly shape does not always have to be perfect. Sometimes the AB correction can be steeper than the BC. The formation conditions are not always perfectly met. Often the XA distance can be slightly more or less than 127%. Stop-loss can be placed not only below point D. The Butterfly pattern is considered a powerful tool that helps traders improve results. But it is important to use it in combination with other market analysis techniques to increase the probability of success. ✴️ HOW TO TRADE A BULLISH BUTTERFLY This is a 5-wave trend reversal pattern that represents two corrections that form a butterfly shape. Features of the design by points: X - start of a rising movement; A - end of growth and correction; B - fall of the price during the correction; C - the end of the process and the start of a new movement; D - 127% - distance of the XA. Entry into the trade is made at the level of point D, and stop-loss is set below point D. The target price is within A-D distance. ✴️ HOW TO TRADE THE BEARISH BUTTERFLY Exit is made after reaching the target price or when trend reversal signals appear. This is a 5-wave market reversal pattern that represents two corrections in the shape of a butterfly. To create it, the following requirements must be met: X - start of a falling movement; A - end of growth and correction; B - increase of the price during the correction; C - the end of the process and the start of a new movement; D - 127% - XA distance. The entry in the bearish butterfly is made at the level of point D, and stop-loss is set above point D. The target price for the pattern is within the Fibonacci levels 38.2% and 61.8% of the A-D distance. Exit is performed after reaching the target price or when there are signals of trend reversal. In both cases discussed above, it is important to combine the pattern with other methods of market analysis, such support and resistance levels, to increase success. You should not enter a trade if the pattern does not meet all conditions. Set a stop loss at a level that will limit losses in case of a failed trade. Also, you can move stop loss to break even once the price hits 38.2% Fibonacci level. ✴️ CONCLUSION The experience of using the Butterfly Pattern has shown that it is quite accurate when trading in a sideways movement or opening trades with a trend. It can be used on any timeframe, but it is more effective in combination with other methods of market analysis. At the same time, the pattern does not always correspond to the conditions and can give false signals. For this reason, it is recommended to check it with the help of indicators. Harmonic patterns should follow the basics of technical analysis. In the first place, of course, is the market structure.
Education
by DeGRAM
2
VWAP INDICATOR EXPLAINED👋Hello traders! In this post, I would like to introduce you to the VWAP indicator, which is used by major market participants in their trading. Moving averages are one of the most popular basic tools of technical analysis. More than 10 variations are known: EMA, LWMA, etc. All of them, in one way or another, use the same principle of data averaging; the difference is in the coefficients applied to each period. The VWAP indicator is also an analog of the MA indicator, which differs in the fact that the values of periods are weighted by trading volumes. This makes it possible to see a more real picture in contrast to what MA indicators show. Advantages And Disadvantages Of The Vwap Indicator 📊 In a nutshell, let us recall the principle of calculating a simple moving average (and the rules of their application): the arithmetic mean. If there are three last candles with closing prices (you can choose another price): "5", "3", and "8", then the simple moving average will be equal to (5+2+8)/3 = 5. Now let's imagine that we get to the market. The seller offers 100 apples at the price of 5 euros and 1 pear at the price of 50 euros. If we follow the MA formula, the average price would be (5+50)/2 = 27.5. And this price would be regardless of how many pieces of apples or pears there are. But, agree, this somehow does not accurately reflect the real average price. It would be more correct to also take into account the quantity of goods sold. And then the formula would look like this: (5*100 + 1*50)/101 = 5.44 euros. That is, in this case, one single pear will not dramatically affect the average price. What is VWAP? 🤔 The Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) indicator is a technical analysis tool, in which the price of each period is weighted by trading volumes of the same period. If on a 5-minute chart one candlestick during 5 minutes trading volumes conditionally amounted to $1 million, and on the second candlestick to $10 thousand, the influence of the second candlestick on the indicator value will be minimized. Features Of The Vwap Indicator 📝 • VWAP is a trend indicator that works on the same principle as moving average indicators. • VWAP shows the level of liquidity. The higher the volumes of this or that period, the greater the liquidity in this area. Accordingly, a decrease in the indicator value indicates a decrease in liquidity, either because there is a flat period or traders temporarily minimize open trades. • VWAP has a minimum of settings and is a confirming indicator for trend strategies. The VWAP indicator could be a great tool for technical analysis, if not for one question: where to get data on volumes? At an individual broker, it is tick data, which is far from the real market volumes, which distorts the final result so much that it is easier to use classic moving average data. Since each broker has different volume data with almost the same quotes, VWAP will draw different lines on different platforms. From a professional point of view, it is unacceptable. But on the other hand, if you use VWAP as a confirming signal, you can "adjust" to its chart, finding regularities. The indicator signals are interpreted separately for long-term and short-term trends. In preliminary analysis, the long-term trend is evaluated first: if VWAP is below the price line for a long time (it is best seen on a line chart), the trend is upward or downward. On the lower timeframe, the logic is somewhat different. If the current price is below the VWAP, it means that the asset can now be bought at a more favorable price than the average market price. However, there is no guarantee that the price will not continue to go down, so the strategy should be based on the main trend indicator, where VWAP will be an additional tool. If the VWAP indicator crosses the price several times, the market is flat. Conclusion ✅ It is possible to build a successful trading system based on the VWAP indicator. VWAP is not the Holy Grail, but it can be used to build a strategy with a positive mathematical expectation, which is the ultimate goal of forex trading. The VWAP indicator is interesting for those who work with large volumes of trades on the stock market with direct access to the U.S. exchanges, from where VWAP will pull the initial data. Traders, If you liked this educational post🎓, give it a boost 🚀 and drop a comment
Education
by Lingrid
7
DECODING GANN FAN: HOW TO USE IT IN TRADING👋 Hello, Forex traders! In this post we are going to talk about Gann angles, which many of you know as the Gann Fan. Essentially, they are the same thing. We will learn how to build these angles, what are their essence, and most importantly - how we can apply Gann's Fan in practice in our trading. What Are Gunn Angles ? 📢 Gann Angles, or Gann Fan, is one of the standard tools present by default in TradingView. The Gann fan indicator includes a sequence of straight lines drawn at different angles with the base at the pivot point. The resulting picture resembles a fan, from which the name of the tool was derived. Each of these lines indicates possible support or resistance levels as the price approaches it. William Gunn notes that his indicator cannot 100% predict and that the market always will change the trend direction. It only shows the moments when there is the highest probability of market reversal or consolidation. Widespread use of Gann angles as part of analytical work in the market is one of the most popular and, at the same time, complex methods of technical analysis. Nevertheless, the skills of structural assessment and forecasting of currency market dynamics, based on the theory of William Gunn's angles are in demand in the tools in the arsenal of every professional trader. It is worth mentioning that Gann angles are often confused with trend lines, which is not true, despite the characteristic similarity. The key difference between the Gann line and the trend line is that the Gann line is characterized by dynamic features that allow it to move both along the x-axis (vertical axis) and y-axis (horizontal axis), which opens up wider functionality for the trader. For example, it is possible to analyze an asset by plotting it in charts, which makes it possible to determine the angles of fluctuations of a market instrument and, subsequently, to mark the limits of its dynamics. The key assumptions of market dynamics, within the framework of the Gann theory, are the following: • Price, time and range of market fluctuations; • Geometric structure of the currency market, the analysis of which allows to predict the factors of further formation of its dynamics; • The fundamentally cyclical nature of market dynamics. Gann compared the nature of the market with the nature of human beings, analyzing the past and present of which, one can make a series of essential conclusions regarding its future. Gann Fan In Forex Trading 📊 Now it's time to tell you how Gann angles are applied in practice. The peculiarity of applying Gann's theory in practice is to focus on two, classic for his theory, models, designed to help the trader in predicting market movements: • The research time model, which implies fixing cyclically repeating dates; • The price range model, which includes support and resistance lines, as well as pivot points. Since such techniques require deep knowledge and experience from a trader, let us note the most essential technical aspects that should be kept in mind first of all. A trader should decide on the models that she/he will use when analyzing the market with the help of Gann fan. The most common of them are models 1, 1×2 and 2x1, each of which implies a certain slope of the lines. However, there are many more among these models and, accordingly, angles: 1 × 1 - 45 degrees 1 × 2 - 63.75 degrees 1 × 3 - 71.25 degrees 1 × 4 - 75 degrees 1 × 8 - 82.5 degrees 2 × 1 - 26.25 degrees 4 × 1 - 15 degrees 8 × 1 - 1.5 degrees There is nothing complicated about these parameters: the first one corresponds to a unit of time, the second one to a unit of price, and the formula, accordingly, shows the relation between price and time interval. Of particular note is the 45 degree model, also known as 1×1. According to Gann, the 1×1 line represents the long-term trend line: up or down. In this model, the disposition of price above the ascending line indicates a bullish trend and below the descending line a bearish trend respectively. The disposition of the price crossing the line indicates an anticipated trend reversal. It is important to emphasize that the 1:1 line represents the balance between price and time ranges. It is not uncommon in the market that when price approaches the line, time and price are balanced. How To Draw Gann Angles On A Chart? 📈📉 Let's try to apply the Gann Fan in practice. Gann angles are drawn from the top of the trend. In this case, it is the lowest point. We draw a line 1x1 at an angle of 45 degrees. How to determine the angle of 45 degrees? Very simple. You can use the Trend Angle insturment to calculate 45 degrees. Under this line you will immediately begin to touch the trend. It is almost impossible to make a mistake with the construction of the angle. All other lines are pulled up automatically. Note! Once built, this fan has a large number of points of touch and points of touch with the trend in the future. In other words, these angles can be used as an additional tool for technical analysis in the form of support and resistance levels. We strongly do not recommend trading using only one of these tools. Also, the Gann theory has a number of similarities with fan lines based on Fibo coefficients. In light of the market moving up or down, the angles transform within the existing trend, forming resistance and support levels. As you may have already realized, this tool is not associated with any specific trading strategies, but it can serve as a good additional tool to identify support/resistance levels as well as trend reversal points. Another key is to look for time and price discrepancies. Price will always tend towards the mean line. In summary, Gann angles, also known as the Gann Fan, can be found on TradingView and are a standard tool frequently utilized by Forex traders. They are comprised of a sequence of straight lines that derive from a pivot point and form a shape resembling a fan. Each line indicates potential support or resistance levels as the price approaches them. Gann angles are not deterministic, and their purpose is to show when there's a high probability of market reversal or consolidation. Traders, If you liked this educational post🎓, give it a boost 🚀 and drop a comment
Education
by Lingrid
12
TYPES OF ORDER BLOCKThis educational post is great for beginners who are just starting to grasp the concept of SMC. We've already talked about what an order block is. This time we'll talk about other types of blocks in trading. ✴️ Mitigation Block Mitigation Block is a sell or buy zone, which is formed when the market structure (BOS) continues. In other words, it is a broken order block and tested, but from the other side. We all know that when the price is moving along a trend, it is better to open trades in the direction of this trend. The most optimal points for buying and selling are the price pullback. By this logic a mitigation block is formed. Mitigation Block Sell Scheme Mitigation Block Buy Scheme Those who trade classical technical patterns will notice that it is anything but: a support zone becomes a resistance zone, and a resistance zone becomes a support zone. Institutional level traders understand the skills and knowledge of classical technical analysis traders, so they manipulate the price to generate and collect additional liquidity. In this zone we have our block, an ordinary block, which becomes a mitigated block after an impulse breakout. Schematically, the Mitigation Block in sell looks like this: Schematically, Mitigation Block in buy looks like this: ✴️ Breaker Block Smart Money Breaker Block is a sell or buy zone that is formed when the market structure (BOS) continues. In other words, it is a broken order block and tested, but from the other side. An important difference from a broken Block is that there is a change in market character (CHoCH). As you have understood, the essence of sell zones and blocks remains the same as in Mitigation Block, but first there is a liquidity grab, and then there is a change in market character (change in market structure). It looks schematically as follows: Breaker Block Sell Scheme Breaker Block Buy Scheme ✴️ Rejection Block Smart Money A Rejection Block is a selling or buying zone that appears on the chart as long candlestick tails at a market high or low. As in all other cases, the block is formed only after liquidity is grabbed from the previous high/minimum or equal highs/minimums. This is classically referred to as a false breakout or sweep. Bullish and Bearish Rejection Block The logic of building and searching for a Rejection Block is very simple: Bearish Rejection Block: Swing High, find the highest candle whose high and close are higher than the high and close of the neighbouring candles respectively. The tail (wick) of the candle will be the bearish order block. Bullish Rejection Block: Swing Low, we find the lowest candle, the minimum and close of which are lower than the minimum and close of the neighbouring candles respectively. The tail (wick) of the candle will be a bullish order block. It does not matter what colour the candle is. At the maximum it can be not only bullish but also bearish, and at the minimum it can be not only bearish but also bullish. This is worth paying attention to. Look for the highest candle, with the highest open or close and with the highest wick (same in the opposite direction). ✴️ Vacuum Block Smart Money A block stands out as a regular gap - from the high of the first candle to the low of the second candle in an up gap and vice versa, from the low of the first candle to the high of the second candle in a down gap. We can expect 2 variants of price movement: in continuation, return to the gap zone to fill it partially or completely. This is based on the presence and size of the block order. Complete gap filling Complete gap filling of the price void can be expected if there is an order block that is above or below the Vacuum Block. The price can bounce from the beginning of Vacuum Block, but in order to reduce the risk it is better to wait until the block is fully closed and touched. Partial filling of the gap A partial filling of the price void can be expected if the order block is below or above the Vacuum Block, but they overlap. The price can rebound from the beginning of the Vacuum Block, as well as overlap it completely. This is shown schematically in the figure above. ✴️ Conclusion You should realize that you don't need to click the "buy" or "sell" buttons where you see one of the block options. An order block is simply a price range where you can consider buying or selling, depending on your preliminary analysis and determining the context of the price movement. You will trade from every block a capital loss is guaranteed. Price moves for liquidity. This is the main analysis, and only then we look for the place (blocks) where we can jump from a less risky place.
Education
by DeGRAM
16
THREE DRIVES PATTERNThree Drives Pattern is a price pattern that consists of three consecutive changes in the market. The first and third are strong moves in one direction, while the second is weaker and in the opposite direction. The pattern can be used in trading to determine direction and predict optimal entry-exit points. Below we take a closer look at what this tool is, how it is formed and how to trade it correctly. What is the Three Drive Pattern? • Three Drives Pattern in trading is a reversal pattern formed from three consecutive price movements in the market: • First is an up or down swing that creates a trend; • The second is a correction of the trend, which is usually about 50% - 61.8% of the first impulse leg; • Third resumption of the trend, which is usually in the opposite direction of the correction. In the case of a bullish trend, the Three Drive Pattern often indicates that the trend is about to end. This is the case because a second downward movement indicates high selling pressure on the market. If the second momentum is strong enough, it can lead to a reversal in the trend. In a bearish trend, the Three Drives Pattern often indicates that a bearish trend may end in a reversal. This is because the second upward movement indicates the following: buyers are starting to put pressure on the market. If the second momentum is strong enough, a trend-reversal scenario is possible. The harmonic reversal pattern requires a competent approach on the part of the trader. It is important to use it in combination with other technical indicators, not to trade against the trend, and not to enter the market before the completion of the pattern. This means that the second movement is completed, and the market returns to the previous version in the direction of the first movement. The Three Drive Pattern is a useful tool that can be used in trading to determine the direction of the trend and forecast the optimal entry and exit points. How the Three Drives Pattern is Formed? Bullish Pattern The bullish pattern of three movements consists of three consecutive downward impulses. It is formed when market makers place shorts and is formed as follows: • A strong downward movement, which is usually the beginning of a trend. • An upward correction in the form of a weaker impulse. Indicates attempts to stop the downtrend by market participants. • A strong downward movement that exceeds the level of the first move. Ratios of impulse legs: First is 1.13 or 1.27; Second is 0,786; Third is 1,618. In the case of a bullish pattern, it is worth considering selling after the completion of the third movement. Additional signals could be a change in indicators, a decrease in trading volume, a break of support, or a resistance level. As in the case discussed above, it is not recommended to use such a tool on its own, trade against the trend, or act early. As you can see above, the market started the trend with the first downward impulse. Then it experienced an upward correction and resumed the trend with the third downward impulse. We always place a stop loss to protect against losses. After opening a position, wait for a pullback towards the first impulse to close the trade or add another position to it. Take into account that the price may be at the right point, but the pattern still may not work. Bearish Pattern A bearish pattern of three movements is a price pattern formed from three impulses showing growth. It is used by traders to find the best point to open a position against the market changes. • A strong upward movement, which is usually the beginning of a bearish trend. • A downward correction and a small market reversal that does not reach the level of the first impulse. This may be preceded by the fact that sellers show resistance and try to stop the trend. • A powerful upward movement that exceeds the level of the first impulse. This indicates that the trend is continuing and that the end of the trend is not imminent. Impulse legs have the following level: First move is 1.13 or 1.27; Second move is 0,786; Third move is 1,618. The ratios mentioned are not strict. The pattern is more reliable if it is accompanied by other signals, such as: A change in trend direction indicators; an increase in trading volume; divergence with an oscillator; the presence of support below or resistance above. Always use the tool in combination with other technical indicators to get an accurate prediction. Also, do not trade against the trend. As you can see on the chart, the market started a bearish trend from the first impulse upwards. After it experienced a downward correction, it did not reach the minimum or level of the first impulse. Finally, the market resumed the trend with the third upward impulse. How To Trade Using The Three Drives Pattern? 1. Find three consecutive movements on the chart that meet the criteria of the pattern. 2. Do not enter the market until the pattern is complete. 3. Make an entry at the initial point of the third move after it reaches the fibonichci extension level of 127.2% - 161.8%. 4. Place a stop above the 161.8% expansion level to protect losses in case the pattern doesn't work and goes lower or higher. 5. Close the trade when the market reaches the target profit at the 50% - 61.8% retracement of the whole pattern or you can at the level of the start of the first impulse. As you can see in the chart below, the market started bullish - the first impulse. Then there was a correction, which did not reach the level of the first impulse. Finally, the market resumed the trend and finished with the third impulse, in which the price went down and completed the pattern. Note that the price was at a strong co-contraction level. You can draw a trend line from above. The last element that hinted at a change of trend was the divergence. Use other technical indicators. The three-move pattern is a valuable tool, but it is not an accurate one. Using other tools, such as trend direction and volume indicators, can help improve the accuracy of your forecasts. Do not trade against the trend. A three-move pattern can be more reliable if it is used to confirm a trend. Be prepared for the pattern not to work like any other technical pattern. Bottom line The Three Drive Pattern is a reversal pattern. It can be used to determine the trend direction, as well as to predict potential entry and exit points. The optimal place to open a position is the level of the first impulse, and the exit point is reaching the target profit calculated using the Fibonacci ratio. Trading against the trend is riskier than trading in the direction of original market movement. This is because the price can continue to move in a given direction even if you see a reversal signal. This is why you need to proceed with caution and use other tools to back you up. Traders, If you liked this educational post🎓, give it a boost 🚀 and drop a comment
Education
by Lingrid
12
BOOM AND BUST CYCLE IN TRADINGThe "boom and bust" cycle in trading is a period in a trader's journey when significant gains are followed by periods of significant losses, which can lead to financial consequences and emotional burnout for traders. Breaking out of this cycle is not easy but very important for long-term trading success. When a trader doesn't know what he or she is doing, but is trying to break out of this cycle, the right direction is needed to find a way out of this difficult trading journey. Here are some tips that will help you stabilize your trading when you are not earning yet but also not losing all the capital as it was before. 1. Develop a solid trading plan. This sounds like a cliché. But if you don't have a trading plan you shouldn't be trading real money. Make a trading plan. A solid trading plan should describe your trading strategy. With a clear trading plan, you will be better able to anticipate market movements, avoid impulsive decisions, and stay focused on your goals. Start your trading day with a trading plan and end it with a trading plan. 2. Everyone talks about risk. The first job of a trader is to protect capital. You learn to defend first and only then attack. Apply strict risk management rules to protect your capital from day one. Because if you don't follow risk management it will become a habit that is hard to get rid of. What to consider about risks? This includes always setting stop loss orders, using the right position size to limit risk. Not trading everything. Less is more can never be applied to trading. 3. Sticking trading strategy. Consistency is the key to getting out of the boom and bust cycle. Stick to your proven trading strategy even in difficult market conditions or during losing streaks. Abandoning a strategy due to impatience or frustration can lead to inconsistency and poor performance. When you don't follow a trading strategy you don't give it a chance to show results. Deviation from a trading strategy kills any strategy. Stick to your trading strategy, give it a chance. 4. Discipline in trading. Discipline is the key to avoiding impulsive decisions. Avoid the temptation to recover losses or over-trade. If you are constantly losing money, just look at your trades for the past week. You will say to yourself, "if I had stopped trading, I wouldn't have lost so much". Why? Because the next day or week market always presents A+ setups that would have easily covered past losing trades. So, stick to your trading plan, manage your emotions and focus on making trades according to your strategy. 5 .Everyone says manage your emotions. Practice emotional discipline and keep your mind clear while trading. But how to do that? Emotions such as greed and fear can have serious consequences on trading results. One of the surest methods of dealing with emotions in trading is backtesting your strategy. You are afraid because you don’t know what to expect from the strategy. If you know all the numbers, for example which days are unprofitable, which session is more suitable for you, etc. then you won't panic and be afraid. You know what to expect. And all these techniques, like meditation, mindfulness or other methods of dealing with stress, will not help you in the beginning. After losing your capital, will you really sit and meditate? These methods work later when you have achieved stability. 6. Last but not least: journaling. Markets are constantly evolving, and pro traders adapt their strategies to changing conditions. How do you know the markets are changing? Or how do you know if you are trading better than last month? How do you identify the trading mistakes that are dragging you down? By logging what you trade, you have to regularly analyze your trading results and be prepared to try new ideas or adjust existing strategies to improve your consistency. Collect the data. If you can't measure it, you won't be able to improve it. Conclusion Avoiding the boom and bust cycle in trading requires a lot of work. You will need discipline, the right approach and 100% focus. Success in trading is not your golden goose strategy or some kind of secret money management. It is a combination of several things that bring success. Constant work on yourself, patience and consistency are your allies in overcoming the boom and bust cycle.
Education
by DeGRAM
5
WHAT IS NONFARM PAYROLLS?Let's talk about trading on Nonfarm payrolls news. What is this news, why traders always expect it, when it comes out, where to look for it and most importantly why the market fluctuates like crazy when NonFarm Payrolls are released? What is Nonfarm Payrolls? Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) is the number of new jobs in nonfarm sectors of the economy over the past month. The released figures show the dynamics of changes (increase, decrease) relative to the previous period. This statistic covers about 500 sectors of the economy: construction, trade, business services, transportation, logistics, financial sector, health care, tourism and so on. The calculations do not take into account workers in the agricultural sector, non-profit organizations and self-employed citizens. A change in the NFP value of 100-200 thousand jobs will lead to strong volatility in prices of world currencies in pairs with the U.S. dollar, gold and stock markets. When Is This Data Released? NFP is calculated and published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), releasing preliminary data on the first Friday of each month. Given the significance and impact of the event on the global economy, a repost of these statistics can be seen on any economic calendar, the primary source is on the BLS website. You can also view upcoming economic events on the popular Forex Factory service. The time of news release depends on the U.S. Bureau of Statistics. A trader should check the exact time and date of release every time, as it depends on the readiness of calculations of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Any calendar indicates the format of data in the form of three figures: previous, actual value and forecast. How Does The Market React? Traders evaluate the released data by several criteria: • Matching with the forecast or with the previous value. With such figures, a spike in volatility can take place without a strong and directional short-term movement; • Strong changes cause global shifts such as reversals or strengthening of long-term trends, changes in historical volatility values. Job growth is a leading indicator of growth in the U.S. economy. New hands in an office or manufacturing facility is the last stage of preliminary work done by a company to expand its business. By this time, it has: 1. Attracted investment 2. Expanded production capacity or sales departments for already purchased products 3. Growing employment leads to US GDP growth, low nonfarm payrolls data is a sign of a coming crisis This is clearly seen in the graph of all employees, built on the dynamics of changes in NFP since the beginning of the calculation, where the areas of global economic crises are marked. Why Does The Market "Fly" On Nonfarm Payrolls ? Significant price changes occurring in the Forex market when macroeconomic indicators are released are due to the lack of support for prices by market makers. During the release of important news, there is no need to support market liquidity, as the attention and funds of large players are attracted. As it was said above - the value of the indicator is a signal for revision of long-term trends, so huge amounts of funds are put in motion. The absence of a market-maker leads: • Spread widening (distance between buying and selling prices); • Low volumes of nearby orders in the stack. Therefore, the inputs of large players literally "collect the stack" at the moment of dismantling orders at all price levels, the same applies to the exit from positions. The market moves by 50-150 points, which is an acceptable error for long-term positions, but it is killer for stops, which limit losses of intraday traders. Roughly speaking, the market "flies" during the NFP release because it is relatively easy to move the price at this time. And not because all traders of the world are panic selling/buying currencies. What Should You Do If Nonfarm Payrolls Are On The Calendar Today? There's only one 100% profitable way to trade the nonfarm payrolls! So how do we trade them? YOU DON'T. Yeah, that's right. If you see the NFP coming out today, then: - When trading intraday, close all positions half an hour before the news comes out - When trading long term, remember that the average price movement is 50-60 pips and the maximum is 150-200 pips. This should be taken into account, it is possible to change the stop loss - Remember that after an average of 6 hours the price often returns to the same level as before the news An interesting point: if you study many strategies, you will see that on bigger timeframes (H4, D1), news carrying changes can serve as a trigger. The market plays back the data in a "second wave", after the volatility calms down, market makers will start accumulating positions on the flat movement. The tactic is called "step" at the end of fluctuations in a narrow channel there is a strong impulse and directional trend, actively shifting the markets to new price levels. Conclusion Let's summarize the rules of 100% profitable strategy of trading on Nonfarm Payrolls. Half an hour to an hour before a major news release, simply clsoe all positions. Even if there is a small loss, it is probably better to close them. Two hours after the Nonfarm Payrolls release you can trade again in a normal mode. But since it is already Friday and evening, there is no sense to trade. So, an hour or half an hour before the nonfarm close all positions and go to rest.
Education
by Lingrid
1
HOW TO TRADE THE EURJPYToday we will talk about how to trade EURJPY; one of the most volatile, but also the most popular cross-currency pairs on the forex market. Quite a large percentage of profitable traders include it in their trading arsenal. We will tell you about the differences of this pair, which is sometimes called "the beast". THE ECONOMIES OF JAPAN AND THE EUROZONE Japan has the 3rd largest GDP, behind only China and the USA. The country is a producer and exporter of automobiles and high technology and is therefore very sensitive to energy prices. The central bank, the Bank of Japan, is a publicly traded company with 45% of shares owned by private and institutional shareholders. Interest rates are interspersed between negative and very low, ranging from -0.1% to 0.1%, which makes borrowing in yen extremely popular. The government has traditionally struggled with a high yen and low inflation rates to make Japanese exports more competitive. Earlier it was achieved through so-called currency interventions, and many traders had an opportunity to earn good money by anticipating the moment of the next sales by the Japanese Central Bank, but today the increase in inflation is achieved through stimulus programs - purchases of long-term government bonds and other financial assets by the Central Bank. The Euro is the official currency of the Eurozone, which consists of 27 EU member. Between them, these 27 countries of the Union form a single market with an economy that accounts for 14% of the world's output in 2021, making it the third largest economy in terms of nominal GDP, the largest exporter and the largest importer of goods and services. The main governing bank, the European Central Bank, regulates the monetary policy of the eurozone's constituent countries, maintaining overall price stability. In the long term, the ECB's policy pursues similar goals to the Bank of Japan of growing the economy through stimulus programs. GLOBAL TREND There has been an uptrend since the beginning of 2020. This is when the Eurozone consumer price index went into negative territory (from 0.3% at the beginning of 2020 to -0.3% by the end of 2020), due to the aftermath of the pandemic. No significant recovery has followed since then, and the situation was only exacerbated by the escalation of Eurosceptic sentiment in certain countries of the Union, which ultimately led to Brexit. At a greater distance EURUSD shows that this was not always the case, and the strongest uptrend in the post-crisis 2012 is proof of that, followed by a decline. And if we consider EURJPY, we should assume that the uptrend will continue in the coming time, which means that when trading on daily charts, the advantage remains for the upward signals. Of course, the situation may change, but based on the currently available data and the dynamics of recent years, the global trend indicates an upward trend. EURJPY VOLATILITY The average daily volatility of EURJPY is approximately 88 pips. The most volatile days are Wednesday and Thursday. The highest intraday volatility is observed at the American session and at the European and Pacific sessions. But it should be noted that there is no such a strong dependence on the sessions as for EUR and GBP, and therefore activity can be expected at any time of the day. CORRELATIONS The most stable correlation is observed with USDJPY on the 4-hour charts. Therefore, if you have detected some signal on this pair that has not yet played out on EURJPY, it may be worth getting ready to enter a position. USDJPY is well correlated with the Japanese stock market, namely the Nikkei 225 index. And accordingly, EURJPY will have similar correlations with the Nikkei 225 due to its close correlation with USDJPY, which is observed below: ECONOMIC CALENDAR When working with the economic calendar, it is important to follow the news related to the European currency and Japan, as well as the US dollar, paying attention to the most volatile ones, which are marked with three red bars. Speaking about the news background, it will also be important to note that cross pairs, such as EURJPY or GBPJPY, react more smoothly to USD news, as they are less popular among traders and investors who prefer to take risks during such hours on EURUSD or, say, USDCAD trading. There are noticeably fewer spikes. TRADING EURJPY The pair is universal and is perfect for both scalpers and trend traders both on higher timeframes and lower timeframes. But reasoning from the point of view of practical popularity, let's say that intraday trading certainly prevails over trading on daily charts. Strong trends are perfectly visible on daily charts, which opens up acceptable conditions for long-term trading. On 4 hourly and even 1 hourly timeframes you can easily observe steady trends with pullbacks. In addition, due to the relatively higher volatility of the pair compared to the same EURUSD, and with exactly the same characteristic sharp movements, EURJPY trends are more clean and prolonged. It is worth considering that for this pair you may also need to increase the stop loss because of the spikes, where on low timeframes it is simply necessary to put it farther away, otherwise there are risks that they will be knocked out. Breakout strategies also work well on the same strategies of consolidation exit, allowing to take good profits. Boxes (consolidations) are visible to the naked eye, but even here it is worth setting the indicators properly so that they take into account these candle wicks. TO SUMMARIZE • The EURJPY pair trades perfectly and universally both intraday and on daily timeframes. • It is worth taking into account spikes and tails, which can easily knock out your stop loss. And therefore, calculate the stop loss with the appropriate correction for higher volatility. • The same candlestick wicks can be used for your benefit by opening opposite small-target positions after long wicks. • Breakout strategies work well, in particular, bull flag and bear flag patterns. • More clearly defined trends than classic pairs such as EURUSD. • There are correlations with USDJPY, as well as the Nikkei 225 stock market.
Education
by DeGRAM
1
TRADER'S CREDOThe world of trading is filled with risks, challenges, and opportunities. As traders navigate the ups and downs of the markets, it's essential to have a strong set of principles and beliefs to guide their actions. The Trader's Credo serves as a useful reminder of these core values, helping traders stay focused, disciplined, and committed to continuous growth. The Trader's Credo 1. I am responsible for my actions : As a trader, I understand that my success or failure depends on my decisions and discipline. I will take full responsibility for my actions and their outcomes. 2. I respect the markets: The markets are my ultimate teacher. I will respect their wisdom, learn from my mistakes, and constantly improve my trading skills. 3. I am committed to continuous learning: The world of trading is ever-changing. I will stay up-to-date with the latest market trends, trading strategies, and technologies to enhance my knowledge and success. 4. I practice discipline and patience: Trading success requires discipline and patience. I will follow my trading plan, manage my emotions, and avoid impulsive decisions. 5. I prioritize risk management: The preservation of capital is paramount. I will never risk more than I can afford to lose and adhere to strict risk management protocols. 6. I embrace accountability: I will be accountable for my decisions and accept the consequences. I will learn from my mistakes and use them as valuable lessons for future success. 7. I focus on the process, not the outcome: Trading success is a journey, not a destination. I will focus on the process, enjoy the learning experience, and trust that my hard work will eventually lead to success. 8. I respect others' opinions: The trading community is filled with diverse perspectives. I will respect others' opinions, engage in constructive discussions, and learn from their insights. 9. I strive for continuous improvement: I will never be satisfied with my current level of knowledge and success. I will always aim to improve and grow as a trader. 10. I am committed to ethical trading: As a trader, I will act with integrity and honesty. I will never manipulate the markets or engage in unethical practices. Conclusion The Trader's Credo is a powerful tool for traders looking to develop a strong foundation of principles and values. By adhering to these guiding beliefs, traders can improve their skills, manage risk, and ultimately achieve long-term success in the trading aren
Education
by DeGRAM
4
VOLATILITY IN THE FOREX MARKETHello Forex traders. Today we are going to talk about the concept of Volatility in the Forex market. We will talk about what it is, what volatility depends on, and most importantly how we can use this data to build and improve our own trading strategies and, as a result, get more profit from trading. What Is Volatility? Volatility is the range of price changes from high to low during a trading day, week, or month. The higher the volatility, the higher the range during the trading time period. This is considered to be a higher risk for your positions, but it gives you more opportunities to earn money. Volatility can be measured over different time periods. If we open a daily chart and measure the distance from high to low, we will get the volatility of the day: It turns out that on the chart above, it was 121 pips. We can also measure on another timeframe, for example, weekly chart. The distance from the high point to the low point was 162 pips. The total volatility during the week was 162 points. Volatility can be measured within a trading session or within a trading hour. This allows us to conclude that it is a fractal value. As a rule, the average volatility for the last candles is taken into account. If we take daily charts, the average volatility is usually considered for the last 10 days. Roughly speaking, the last 10 candles are summarized and divided by 10. What Does Volatility Depend On? It depends on the number of trades in the market, players, trading sessions, the general state of the economy of a currency, and, of course, on speculation. It depends on how speculative the market is about a given currency. Note that volatility can be measured both in points and in percent. But it should be noted that most often, the volatility of stocks is measured in percent. In forex, it is more usual to measure in pips. If you are told that the average price change of EURUSD is 0.7%, you can easily convert it into pips. And vice versa, you can calculate percentages from points if you need them for any research. Now let's move on to the most important question. How To Apply Volatility Data For Profit? It's actually quite simple. As they say, everyone knows about it, but no one applies it. This is especially true for intraday trading. Nobody wants to apply the simplest rule. Suppose you know that the average volatility of GBPUSD is 120 pips. Question: if the price has moved up 100 pips from the beginning of the day, should you open a buy position? The answer is obvious, we should not. Because the probability that the price will go up another number of pips is too low. Therefore, we should not open a buy position and on the contrary, we should focus on bearish positions. But for some reason people forget about this simple technique and follow their system. I believe that it is absolutely necessary to include volatility, at least on intraday strategies, in your checklist for market entry. The same can be done with higher timeframes. Let's imagine that we know that GBPUSD has an average weekly volatility of 200 pips. If the pair has moved 50 pips since Monday, we can expect that if the price continues to move down, there is a potential of about 150 pips. Of course, there are days when some movements become bigger or smaller, but we try to rely on statistics. With its help we can calculate the sizes of stops and take-outs. If we decided to be guided by the volatility data and open a sale on the pound, then we would try not to put a large (relative to the weekly timeframe) take profit. Because our expectation within the week is 150 pips. If the average volatility of a pair is 200 pips, it is silly to expect 1000 pips move. At least within a week. Thus, volatility can also be used for risk calculations. If you have opened many positions on different pairs, you can calculate what will happen if all stop-losses are triggered. Of course, the market is not obliged to obey your calculations, but it gives some support for your convenience and trading. Volatility-based Indicator The first indicator is ATR Average True Range indicator invented in 1972. It shows the average volatility and it is used most often to set targets and stop losses. The value of the indicator is multiplied by a multiplier and thus calculate the stop loss or and/or take profit. The calculations will automatically change depending on the current volatility. Volatility is higher, take profit becomes higher. Volatility is smaller and take profit becomes smaller. The next indicator is the CCI It is based on average price and moving average data. It is used as an oscillator, that is, when it is in the oversold zone, it is recommended to buy. And when it is in the overbought zone, it is recommended to sell. Another indicator, which is known to everyone, is Bollinger Bands They consist of a standard moving average and a moving average plus and minus standard deviation, which is calculated based on price. These bands are used most often to determine the limits of movement from the standard average. We can draw conclusions based on this indicator about the end of the movement, correction, etc. Conclusion In this article I have tried to give you an understanding of what volatility is in the forex market and most importantly how we can apply it in our trading. I hope that it will help you in developing and adjusting your own trading systems. Traders, If you liked this educational post🎓, give it a boost 🚀 and drop a comment
Education
by Lingrid
11
INTUITION IN TRADINGWhy is it that when you feel that you should buy and you buy, the price goes down, and when you feel that you should sell, but do not open an order, the price immediately and sharply goes down? Murphy's Law? What should I do with my inner voice? Should I tell it to shut up or listen to it? In various sources, one can often find completely opposite opinions about the role of intuition in trading. Some say that only a systematic approach can bring success, while others, on the contrary, claim that it is impossible to achieve significant results without a "sixth sense". Who is right? Many people are interested in this question and we can make the most adequate conclusion: "Intuition is worth using, but only after you have gained experience of more or less successful trading within a year or two". Let's think for a second. How can a person who has no experience as a construction worker take a look at a house and immediately realize that there is "something wrong" with it? You can't. The person simply does not have enough experience, he is too poorly informed about the subject to make any judgments. There is a wonderful book by Malcolm Gladwell called Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking. It deals in great detail with the "Thin-slicing Theory", what we call Intuition. I suggest you read it. So how to apply intuition in trading? The answer is simple. At first, gain experience by trading according to a mechanical system, without using any judgments like "I feel it, we are about to fall" or something like that. And only then, when you have an insight, be sure to check it with the help of technical analysis. Having found confirmation of your intuitive guess, you can already take some actions. In fact, there is even a book written on this topic, it is called "Trading from Your Gut". It is written by one of the "Turtles", Curtis Faiths. There is not so much information in this book specifically on the use of intuition, but there are a couple of useful thoughts. The less fear, the better intuition works. Perhaps this is the reason why it is so easy to make thousands of dollars on a demo account and so difficult on a real one. When trading on a demo, we release the full potential of our brain, because nothing limits our freedom, because the money is virtual and there is no fear of losing it.
Education
by DeGRAM
1
HOW TO IDENTIFY AN ASCENDING WEDGE AND A DESCENDING WEDGEThe wedge pattern is a popular chart formation that traders use to identify potential reversals in the markets. This pattern is formed from a series of higher highs and higher lows in an ascending wedge or lower highs and lower lows in a descending wedge. As the pattern narrows, the price action becomes more compressed, eventually leading to a breakout that can result in a significant move in the opposite direction. In this article, we will look at how to identify and trade this pattern. How to identify an ascending wedge and a descending wedge Rising wedge An ascending wedge is a bullish pattern that forms when price is sandwiched between an uptrend line and a horizontal or slightly upward sloping resistance line. To identify an ascending wedge: a. Draw a trend line connecting the lower lows. b. Draw a resistance line connecting the upper highs. c. The wedge should look like a symmetrical or slightly expanding formation. Downward wedge A descending wedge is a bearish pattern that forms when price is sandwiched between a falling trend line and a horizontal or slightly downward sloping support line. To identify a descending wedge: a. Draw a trend line connecting the upper highs. b. Draw a support line connecting the lower lows. c. The wedge should look like a symmetrical or slightly expanding formation. How to trade a wedge Rising Wedge When trading a rising wedge pattern: a. Place a buy stop order above the upper resistance line, aiming for a return to or beyond the initial point of the wedge. b. Place a stop loss below the lower trend line to minimize potential losses. c. Exit the trade when price reaches the target or when the pattern does not move beyond it as expected. Downward wedge When trading a descending wedge: a. Place a sell stop order below the lower support line, aiming for a return to or beyond the initial point of the wedge. b. Place a stop loss above the upper trend line to minimize potential losses. c. Exit the trade when price reaches the target or when the pattern does not break as expected. Risk Management Trading wedge patterns can be profitable, but it is important to manage risk effectively. Consider using a fixed percentage of your account for each trade and set strict stop loss orders to protect your capital. Also, remember that no pattern is foolproof and the market can sometimes give false breakouts. Conclusion When properly identified and traded, wedge patterns can provide valuable trading opportunities. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can improve your ability to identify these patterns and capitalize on them. However, always remember that trading involves risk, and a thorough understanding of market dynamics and risk management is essential for success.
Education
by UnknownUnicorn15614419
2
SIX HABITS TO ADOPT IN 2024Trading in the financial markets can be both rewarding and challenging. However, it's essential to recognize and overcome certain bad habits that can hinder your success and well-being. In this article, we will discuss six common habits that traders should avoid and provide actionable steps to improve their mindset, performance, and overall happiness. 1. Quit Complaining – Embrace a Positive Attitude Successful traders do not wallow in self-pity or exaggerate their problems. If you find yourself complaining about your trading issues, seek help from a mentor or support group to resolve your concerns. A positive attitude will not only improve your trading results but also create a more positive atmosphere around you. 2. Monitor Your Vices and Indulgences Traders often resort to unhealthy habits, such as excessive alcohol consumption or overeating, as a way to cope with stress and disappointment. Be mindful of your weaknesses and replace harmful habits with healthier alternatives that promote well-being and mental clarity. 3. Focus on the Present Moment – Avoid Future-Tripping Fear often stems from worrying about the future. To avoid this trap, concentrate on the tasks and decisions at hand. Focusing on the present moment will give you a sense of calm, security, and fulfillment that will ultimately improve your trading performance. 4. Continue Learning and Growing Once you achieve success in trading, don't become complacent or stop learning. Continue developing your skills and exploring new trading strategies. Learning new techniques or refining existing ones will keep you engaged, motivated, and adaptable in an ever-changing market environment. 5. Cultivate Strong Social Connections As a full-time trader, it's easy to become isolated and withdrawn from social interactions. Make an effort to maintain and build meaningful relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. Strong social connections will provide emotional support, reduce stress, and contribute to your overall happiness and well-being. 6. Practice Gratitude and Kindness Traders who experience negative emotions, such as envy or resentment, can benefit from practicing gratitude and acts of kindness. By expressing gratitude, volunteering, or offering compliments, you will improve your own happiness while fostering a positive atmosphere around you. Conclusion By recognizing and overcoming these six common bad habits, traders can significantly improve their well-being, trading performance, and overall happiness. Embrace a positive mindset, maintain healthy habits, focus on the present moment, continue learning and growing, cultivate strong social connections, and practice gratitude and kindness. By doing so, you will be well on your way to achieving success in the financial markets and leading a fulfilling life. In 2024, may traders who have yet to find success in the market be blessed with the wisdom to learn from their mistakes and the courage to embrace new strategies. May they cultivate a growth mindset, forging strong connections, and practicing gratitude and kindness. As the year unfolds, let their resilience and determination guide them towards a prosperous and fulfilling future in the world of trading. Traders, If you liked this educational post🎓, give it a boost 🚀 and drop a comment
Education
by Lingrid
10
THE ESSENCE OF WYCKOFF'S METHODRichard Demille Wyckoff is a trader whose career coincided with the famous traders of the time: Jesse Livermore, Charles Dow and JP Morgan, W. Gann and others. All of these men are widely recognized for their terrific trading books. Wyckoff became famous for his insight, his trading method. Wyckoff has been involved with the financial markets since he was a teenager, and this is what gave him an understanding of how the market works. To become a successful trader, it is not enough to have good theoretical knowledge. Experience is the key to your success. That is why Wyckoff recommended to follow the tape for weeks to intuitively understand what is happening on the market. THE ESSENCE OF THE WYCKOFF METHOD The essence of Richard Wyckoff's idea is that in order to gain a large position in the market and not to move the price with large orders, a professional market maker needs to balance supply and demand. The equilibrium is observed when the price is in a narrow range of consolidation. After a position is gained, the price is pushed out of the trading range. WYCKOFF'S THREE LAWS The trading method is based on three laws: Supply and Demand. Wyckoff believed that the price of each asset goes up or down only by an overabundance of one thing. For example, the price goes up if demand exceeds supply. Simply put, if a whole city decides to buy 10 tons of apple, and the apple is in limited supply from the suppliers, they will start to raise the price because of the high demand. Cause and Effect. When an asset starts to rise in price - this is the consequence, and the previous news or a small price range this is the cause. When the price is between support and resistance zones for the X amount of time (cause), then a trend will start in the short term (effect). Effort vs. Result. A large volume traded, for example, during one day is an effort, while a price change is a result. Example: If a large player has spent a lot of money buying up most of the sell orders, and the price is still standing, it means that the effort spent did not bring the expected results. ACCUMULATION AND DISTRIBUTION The basic principle of trading is to see the equilibrium of supply and demand in time. Consolidation (also called range, zone, rectangle, sidewall, etc.) is a trading range of prices where accumulation or distribution takes place. Wyckoff's method is the use of accumulation and distribution phases. Accumulation is the formation of a trading zone where orders for further movement (price reversal) are accumulated within a certain time. Here "smart" money keeps the price at approximately the same level, where they buy up most of the market orders in order to sell (distribute) them at a higher price. Distribution is the formation of a trading zone where orders are distributed for further movement (price reversal) within a certain time. Similarly, to accumulation, smart money sells out all its previously accumulated assets in order to benefit from it. Consolidation is the place where the previous movement with the outweighing force of demand or supply stops and relative equilibrium finally occurs. This trading zone is a great time to make money, because it is the place where preparation for an explosive bull rally or bearish fall takes place. Consolidation can be considered as a place of refueling for a car, if not refueled, there will be nothing to drive on - it is the accumulated force, the reason that creates the subsequent movement. The longer the refueling takes place, the farther one can go. Therefore, after a long trading range, we should expect an equally long upward or downward movement. On the way to move from one zone to the opposite zone, the price does not fall in one go, it always makes pullbacks and stops, which are called accumulation. After his death, Wyckoff left trading methods for such zones. The principle is quite simple: Before the formation of a sideways trading range, sales peak and the accumulation phase begins. During the whole time the price is in this range, a large player buys up most of the sell orders. The price goes beyond the support and resistance zones, then reverses and the growth phase begins. At the end of the growth phase, the buying peaks. Then it is the same for the distribution phase. ACCUMULATION In the accumulation phase, professional traders buy up sell orders from uninformed traders. Usually it happens on the news, from all channels they say that shares of some company will fall, it is waiting for almost bankruptcy, everything is bad, etc. In Forex, various negative news on unemployment and similar. At this moment people start to get rid of long positions, and traders start to short the instrument. Wyckoff supporters realize that it is worth waiting for the price drop to stop and they should get ready to look for an entry point to buy the asset. Phase A and phase E are trend price movements, the phases between them are the trading range, which is analyzed by the Wyckoff trading method. Horizontal lines are support (at the bottom) and resistance (at the top) of the trading range. Do not consider them as exact lines, they are approximate ranges, in which the big one turns the price back to sideways. DISTRIBUTION Everything is similar to buying in the accumulation phase, only now those assets bought earlier should be sold off. This is just the basis, the main rules of trading according to the Wyckoff method in trading. Richard Wyckoff himself applied it on stocks and on daily charts (although he did not use charts, only tape). But nowadays, the time of algorithms, you can trade on any timeframe and any instruments. The method works well on the minute. It should be understood that there can be many phase patterns, the trading range can be different, the culmination with large candles and small, the volume is high and not very high, tests after the exit from the zone may or may not be. It all depends on who the big player is, when the accumulation or distribution occurs, what instrument you are watching and what timeframe is on the chart. Trading will be quite successful if you strictly follow your trading strategy according to the Wyckoff method, written on paper, competently determine the level of risk and position size. Observe the chart, find consolidations, see what happened inside and where the price went. You need to analyze every step, every movement. Big money thinks everything through, every price action on the chart is not accidental. And remember that whatever the big money does, it always leaves its traces. Good luck in trading!
Education
by DeGRAM
2
TRADING PSYCHOLOGY: HOW TO OVERCOME YOURSELF?Hello forex traders! How much money have you lost because of emotions? How many losing trades have you closed because they went negative and it annoyed you? And how many times did the currency immediately reversed after you recorded a loss? As we all know up to 80% of success in forex trading depends on psychology. Money management is of great importance and only then strategy. Not everyone realizes it, but this is the harsh reality. How to defeat yourself? How to remain calm in any situation? How to protect yourself from negative emotions that cloud your mind? The Impact Of Emotions On Analysis When you are sitting in losses, you do not pay attention to what is happening on the chart. That is, your brain rejects the signals that indicate that the price will continue to go against you. On the contrary, your brain tries to convince you that the price is about to turn around, which, of course, does not happen. If you close the position and look at the market with a clear eye, you will realize that the situation in the market is not the same as it was in your head a moment ago. This distraction in the form of a minus on the position affects your attentiveness, and you do not notice the obvious. There is such a thing as analysis paralysis. That is, when some event literally knocks you out of the rut, after which you cannot adequately perceive the situation. This can be avoided with the help of reasonable sufficiency. That is, you stop looking for the perfect solution. Instead, you make the most correct and simple decision to close a losing position. Also, traders are often afraid of losing profit. But then again, how many times have you held a losing trade, hoping for a reversal, and it still went against you? It is the same with profitable trades. There is a constant feeling that the price is about to turn around and all the profit will be lost. As an option, in this case you can use a trailing stop. Then you will in any case know that in case of price reversal, the profit will not be lost. In principle, the cure for the influence of any emotions on the analysis is correct money management. That is, you just need to simply reduce your trading lot. The goal is to place such a lot, which would not cause you strong emotions. Until you are used to being disciplined in every situation, it is better to trade at a lot that you could forget about. For example, you could open a trade on the daily chart and forget about it (accidentally or naturally). At the very initial stages this approach is justified, as no open positions will not prevent you from analyzing the situation competently. At the same time, the very fact of a negative trade will not knock you out of your game. You Are Not Perfect Remember, you are not perfect. There is no person who, like a robot, does not get nervous about trades, who performs absolutely perfect trading and never makes mistakes anywhere and ever. All of us make mistakes, it is normal, and it should be understood. Let's say you read that you need to reduce the lot, not to be emotional, and you still make mistakes. The thought that "I am smarter" does not leave your head. But, in general, if you read the biographies of successful people in other areas, you will learn that they also made mistakes. Often, a person needs to make all possible mistakes only in order not to make them later. So, to speak, we learn from our mistakes. The average person believes that he is smarter than 80% of people. At the same time, there are always excuses for the question "why are you so smart, but so poor?" - something prevents you, you are too old, too young, your wife/husband prevents you, you were born in the wrong country and so on. Almost everyone thinks they are, so you don't have to worry, you are not the smartest. The Vicious Circle Of A Beginner Trader Searching for a system: you find a strategy that appeals to you. Trading: as a rule, this period lasts 1-2 days, at best a week if. First Losses: taking your first losses. It's usually down to the first few trades. Anger: naturally, there is a feeling of being cheated as the system did not deliver the promised profits; Blame: the system does not work; forex is a scam and the author of the system is a scammer. Someone is necessarily to blame, for example, the broker that closed the position a point later, but not the trader himself. And everything starts all over again. Exit From The Circle: Finding a system. Backtesting from the beginning to the end: the strategy should be either tested manually on the history or in a tester if the strategy is automatic. Absolute confidence in the strategy: when you have fully tested the strategy, know all the statistics, know all the pros and cons, you gain confidence in the chosen strategy. Good money management: further, you add a good money management. Now it is "your" trading strategy: the strategy should be completely yours. If you are not comfortable holding positions for 3-4 days, move to a smaller timeframe. Or, on the contrary, if you are too lazy to open trades often, choose a larger TF. That is, the strategy should suit your temperament and be customized for you. In general, all these pieces of the mosaic lead to the exit from the enchanted circle. You find a system, then trade, adequately perceiving losses. Accordingly, you further work with this system, solve problems with emotions, inputs and outputs, improve, tune-up and so on. A Little Bit About Our Brain The fact is that our brain compared to a computer has a very large hard disk, but a very small amount of RAM. Do you know the feeling when the brain is so overloaded that absolutely no information, even seemingly simple ones, can be stored in it? Of course, we cannot expand this memory, but we can control the number of simultaneously opened applications/programs. That is, we need to fight the so-called white noise. Remove social networks Facebook, messengers, YouTube, checking mail, and so on. This is all white noise that clogs your brain and prevents you from working adequately. There are many opponents and many supporters of meditation. Meditation is, in fact, nothing more than to lie/sit under calm music and go into a certain semi-trance state. Humans periodically need three states: being awake, sleep and a trance state. Usually after a certain mental effort, you start to get very dumb without doing any useful work. This is the brain signaling that you are lacking the trance state. 30 minutes of trance a day is quite enough. Do Not Set Goals In Trading When you set yourself a specific goal, for example, to make 1% every day it doesn't work. You start looking for non-existent trades again, clouding your brain. Therefore, you should not set profit targets. On the other hand, it is possible and even necessary to set loss limits! Sometimes, there is a sudden unreasonable desire to open a trade. Although the system did not give a signal. As a way out of this situation, you can try to open two accounts, one for adequate trading, where you will open trades clearly according to the rules of the system. Another smaller one for aggressive trading, when you have an irresistible desire to open a trade. If it really "works", you will still get profit, though not so big. Bottom Line As you can see, strategy is often not the deciding factor in trading. Psychology is what ultimately makes you act in one way or another. It takes the right approach and practice to be unstoppable in trading. The rest comes with experience over time.
Education
by Lingrid
11