Zero Spread Milestone: Strategic Trade in Micro Yield FuturesIntroduction
The current market scenario presents a unique potential opportunity in the yield spread between Micro 10-Year Yield Futures (10Y1!) and Micro 2-Year Yield Futures (2YY1!). This spread is reaching a critical price point of zero, likely acting as a strong resistance. Such a rare situation opens the door for a strategic trading opportunity where traders can consider shorting the Micro 10-Year Yield Futures and buying the Micro 2-Year Yield Futures.
In TradingView, this spread is visualized using the symbol 10Y1!-CBOT_MINI:2YY1!. The combination of technical indicators suggests a mean reversion trade setup, making this a compelling moment for traders to act on such a potential opportunity. The alignment of overbought signals from Bollinger Bands® and the RSI indicator further strengthens the case for a reversal, presenting an intriguing setup for informed traders.
All of this is following last Wednesday, July 31, 2024, when the FED reported their decision related to interest rates where they left them unchanged, adding further context to the current market dynamics.
Yield Futures Contract Specifications
Micro 10-Year Yield Futures (10Y1!):
Price Quotation: Quoted in yield with a minimum fluctuation of 0.001 Index points (1/10th basis point per annum).
Tick Value: Each tick is worth $1.
Margin Requirements: Approximately $320 per contract (subject to change based on market conditions).
Micro 2-Year Yield Futures (2YY1!):
Price Quotation: Quoted in yield with a minimum fluctuation of 0.001 Index points (1/10th basis point per annum).
Tick Value: Each tick is worth $1.
Margin Requirements: Approximately $330 per contract (subject to change based on market conditions).
Margin Requirements:
The margin requirements for these contracts are relatively low, making them accessible for retail traders. However, traders must ensure they maintain sufficient margin in their accounts to cover potential market movements and avoid margin calls.
Understanding Futures Spreads
What is a Futures Spread?
A futures spread is a trading strategy that involves simultaneously buying and selling two different futures contracts with the aim of profiting from the difference in their prices. This difference, known as the spread, can fluctuate based on various market factors, including interest rates, economic data, and investor sentiment. Futures spreads are often used to hedge risks, speculate on price movements, or take advantage of relative value differences between related instruments.
Advantages of Futures Spreads:
Reduced Risk: Spreads generally have lower risk compared to outright futures positions because the two legs of the spread can offset each other.
Lower Margin Requirements: Exchanges often set lower margin requirements for spread trades compared to single futures contracts because the risk is typically lower.
Leverage Relative Value: Traders can take advantage of price discrepancies between related contracts, potentially profiting from their convergence or divergence.
Yield Spread Example:
In the context of Micro 10-Year Yield Futures and Micro 2-Year Yield Futures, a yield spread trade involves buying (or shorting) one contract (10Y1! Or 2YY1!) while shorting (or buying) the other. This trade is based on the expectation that the spread between these two yields will move in a specific direction, such as narrowing or widening. The current scenario (detailed below), where the spread is reaching zero, suggests a significant resistance level, providing a unique trading opportunity for mean reversion.
Analysis Method
Technical Indicators: Bollinger Bands® and RSI
1. Bollinger Bands®:
The spread between the Micro 10-Year Yield Futures (10Y1!) and Micro 2-Year Yield Futures (2YY1!) is currently above the upper Bollinger Band on both the daily and weekly timeframes. This indicates potential overbought conditions, suggesting that a price reversal might be imminent.
2. RSI (Relative Strength Index):
The RSI is clearly overbought on the daily timeframe, signaling a possible mean reversion trade. When the RSI reaches such elevated levels, it often indicates that the current trend may be losing momentum, opening the door for a reversal.
Chart Analysis
Daily Spread Chart of 10Y1! - 2YY1!
The main article daily chart above displays the spread between 10Y1! and 2YY1!, highlighting the current position above the upper Bollinger Band. The RSI indicator also shows overbought conditions, reinforcing the potential for a mean reversion.
Weekly Spread Chart of 10Y1! - 2YY1!
The above weekly chart further confirms the spread's position above the upper Bollinger Band. This longer-term view provides additional context and supports the likelihood of a reversal.
Conclusion: Combining the insights from both Bollinger Bands® and RSI provides a compelling rationale for the trading opportunity. The spread reaching the upper Bollinger Band on multiple timeframes, along with an overbought RSI, strongly suggests that the current overextended condition is potentially unsustainable. Additionally, all of this is occurring around the key price level of zero, which can act as a significant psychological and technical resistance. This convergence of technical indicators and the critical price level points to a high probability for a potential mean reversion, making it an opportune moment to analyze shorting the Micro 10-Year Yield Futures (10Y1!) and buying the Micro 2-Year Yield Futures (2YY1!) as the spread is expected to revert towards its mean.
Trade Setup
Entry:
The strategic trade involves shorting the Micro 10-Year Yield Futures (10Y1!) and buying the Micro 2-Year Yield Futures (2YY1!) around the price point of 0. This is based on the analysis that the spread reaching zero can act as a strong resistance level.
Target:
As we expect the 20 SMA to move with each daily update, instead of targeting -0.188, we aim for a mean reversion to approximately -0.15.
Stop Loss:
Place a stop loss slightly above the recent highs of the spread. The daily ATR (Average True Range) value is 0.046, so adding this to the entry price could be a way to implement a volatility stop. This accounts for potential volatility and limits the downside risk of the trade.
Reward-to-Risk Ratio: Calculate the reward-to-risk ratio based on the entry, target, and stop loss levels. For example, if the entry is at 0.04, the target is -0.15, and the stop loss is at 0.09, the reward-to-risk ratio can be calculated as follows:
Reward: 0.19 points = $190
Risk: 0.05 = $50
Reward-to-Risk Ratio: 0.19 / 0.05 = 3.8 : 1
Importance of Risk Management
Defining Risk Management:
Risk management is crucial to limit potential losses and ensure long-term trading success. It involves identifying, analyzing, and taking proactive steps to mitigate risks associated with trading.
Using Stop Loss Orders:
Always use stop loss orders to prevent significant losses and protect capital. A stop loss order automatically exits a trade when the price reaches a predetermined level, limiting the trader's loss.
Avoiding Undefined Risk Exposure:
Clearly define your risk exposure to avoid unexpected large losses. This involves defining the right position size based on the trader’s risk management rules by setting maximum loss limits per trade and overall portfolio.
Precise Entries and Exits:
Accurate entry and exit points are essential for successful trading. Well-timed entries and exits can maximize profits and minimize losses.
Other Important Considerations:
Diversify your trades to spread risk across different assets.
Regularly review and adjust your trading strategy based on market conditions.
Stay informed about macroeconomic events and news that could impact the markets.
When charting futures, the data provided could be delayed. Traders working with the ticker symbols discussed in this idea may prefer to use CME Group real-time data plan on TradingView: www.tradingview.com This consideration is particularly important for shorter-term traders, whereas it may be less critical for those focused on longer-term trading strategies.
General Disclaimer:
The trade ideas presented herein are solely for illustrative purposes forming a part of a case study intended to demonstrate key principles in risk management within the context of the specific market scenarios discussed. These ideas are not to be interpreted as investment recommendations or financial advice. They do not endorse or promote any specific trading strategies, financial products, or services. The information provided is based on data believed to be reliable; however, its accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. Trading in financial markets involves risks, including the potential loss of principal. Each individual should conduct their own research and consult with professional financial advisors before making any investment decisions. The author or publisher of this content bears no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided or for any resultant financial or other losses.
Meanreversion
Navigating Interest Rates with Micro Yield Futures Pair TradingIntroduction to Yield Futures
In the complex world of financial markets, Treasury Yield Futures offer investors a pathway to be exposed to changes in U.S. treasury yields. Among these instruments, the Micro 10-Year and Micro 2-Year Yield Futures stand out due to their granularity and accessibility. These futures contracts reflect the market's expectations for the yields of U.S. Treasury securities with corresponding maturities.
Micro 10-Year Yield Futures allow traders to express views on the longer end of the yield curve, typically influenced by factors like economic growth expectations and inflation. Conversely, Micro 2-Year Yield Futures are more sensitive to changes in the federal funds rate, making them a ideal for short-term interest rate movements.
Why Pair Trading?
Pair trading is a market-neutral strategy that involves taking offsetting positions in two closely related securities. This approach aims to capitalize on the relative price movements between the two assets, focusing on their correlation and co-integration rather than their individual price paths. In the context of Micro Treasury Yield Futures, pair trading between the 10-Year and 2-Year contracts offers a strategic advantage by exploiting the yield curve dynamics.
By simultaneously going long on Micro 10-Year Yield Futures and short on Micro 2-Year Yield Futures (or vice versa), traders can hedge against general interest rate movements while potentially profiting from changes in the yield spread between these maturities.
Analyzing the Current Market Conditions
Understanding the current market conditions is pivotal for executing a successful pair trading strategy with Micro 10-Year and Micro 2-Year Yield Futures. Currently, the interest rate environment is influenced by a complex interplay of economic recovery signals, inflation expectations, and central bank policies.
Central Bank Policies: The Federal Reserve's stance on interest rates directly affects the yield of U.S. Treasury securities. For instance, a hawkish outlook, suggesting rate hikes, can cause short-term yields to increase rapidly. Long-term yields might also rise but could be tempered by long-term inflation control measures.
Strategic Approach to Pair Trading These Futures
Trade Execution and Monitoring
To effectively implement a pair trading strategy with Micro 10-Year and Micro 2-Year Yield Futures, traders must have a solid plan for identifying entry and exit points, managing the positions, and understanding the mechanics of yield spreads. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
1. Identifying the Trade Setup
Mean Reversion Concept: In this strategy, we utilize the concept of mean reversion, which suggests that the yield spread will revert to its historical average over time. To quantify the mean, we employ a 20-period Simple Moving Average (SMA) of the spread between the Micro 10-Year and Micro 2-Year Yield Futures. This moving average serves as a benchmark to determine when the spread is significantly deviating from its typical range.
Signal Identification using the Commodity Channel Index (CCI): To further refine our entry and exit signals, the Commodity Channel Index (CCI) is employed. The CCI helps in identifying cyclical turns in the spread. This indicator is particularly useful for determining when the spread has reached a condition that is statistically overbought or oversold.
2. Trade Execution:
Going Long on One and Short on the Other: Depending on your analysis, you might go long on the Micro 10-Year Yield Futures if you anticipate the long-term rates will increase more relative to the short-term rates, or vice versa.
Position Sizing: Determine the size of each position based on the volatility of the yield spreads and your risk tolerance. It's crucial to balance the positions to ensure that the trade remains market-neutral.
Regular Review and adjustments: Regularly review the economic indicators and Fed announcements that could affect interest rates. Keep an eye on the spread for any signs that it might be moving back towards its mean or breaking out in a new trend.
Contract Specifications
To further refine our strategy, understanding the specific contract details of Micro 10-Year and Micro 2-Year Yield Futures is crucial:
Micro 10-Year Yield Futures (Symbol: 10Y1!) and Micro 2-Year Yield Futures (Symbol: 2YY1!):
Tick Value: Each tick (0.001) of movement is worth $1 per contract.
Trading Hours: Sunday to Friday, 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (New York time) with a 60-minute break each day beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Initial Margin: Approximately $350 per contract, subject to change based on market volatility.
Pair Margin Efficiency
When trading Micro 10-Year and Micro 2-Year Yield Futures as a pair, traders can leverage margin efficiencies from reduced portfolio risk. These efficiencies lower the required capital and mitigate volatility impacts.
The two charts below illustrate the volatility contrast: the Daily ATR of the yield spread is 0.033, significantly lower than the 0.082 ATR of the Micro 10-Year alone, nearly three times higher. This lower spread volatility underlines a core advantage of pair trading—reduced market exposure and potentially smoother, more predictable returns.
Risk Management in Pair Trading Micro Yield Futures
Effective risk management is the cornerstone of any successful trading strategy, especially in pair trading where the goal is to mitigate market risks through balancing positions. Here are key risk management techniques that should be considered when pair trading Micro 10-Year and Micro 2-Year Yield Futures:
1. Setting Stop-Loss Orders:
Pre-determined Levels: Establish stop-loss levels at the outset of the trade based on historical volatility, maximum acceptable loss, and the distance from your entry point. This helps in limiting potential losses if the market moves unfavorably.
Trailing Stops: Consider using trailing stop-loss orders that move with the market price. This method locks in profits while providing protection against reversal trends.
2. Position Sizing and Leverage Control:
Balanced Exposure: Ensure that the sizes of the long and short positions are balanced to maintain a market-neutral stance. This helps in minimizing the impact of broad market movements on the pair trade.
Leverage Management: Be cautious with the use of leverage. Excessive leverage can amplify losses, especially in volatile market conditions. Always align leverage with your risk tolerance and market assessment.
3. Regular Monitoring and Adjustments:
Adaptation to Market Changes: Be flexible to adjust or close the positions based on significant changes in market conditions or when the initial trading assumptions no longer hold true.
4. Utilizing Risk Management Tools:
Risk Management Software: Set alerts on TradingView to help track the performance and risk level of your pair trades effectively.
Backtesting: Regularly backtest the strategy against historical data to ensure it remains effective under various market conditions. This can also help refine the entry and exit criteria to better handle market volatility.
Effective risk management not only preserves capital but also enhances the potential for profitability by maintaining disciplined trading practices. These strategies ensure that traders can sustain their operations and capitalize on opportunities without facing disproportionate risks.
Conclusion
Pair trading Micro 10-Year and Micro 2-Year Yield Futures offers traders a sophisticated strategy to exploit inefficiencies within the yield curve while mitigating exposure to broader market movements. This approach leverages the distinct characteristics of these two futures contracts, aiming to profit from the relative movements between long-term and short-term interest rates.
Key Takeaways:
Market Neutral Strategy: Pair trading is fundamentally a market-neutral strategy that focuses on the relative performance of two assets rather than their individual price movements. This can provide insulation against market volatility and reduce directional risk.
Importance of Strategy and Discipline: Successful pair trading requires a disciplined approach to strategy implementation, from trade setup and execution to ongoing management and exit. Adhering to a predefined strategy helps maintain focus and objectivity in trading decisions.
Dynamic Market Adaptation: The financial markets are continuously evolving, influenced by economic data, policy changes, and global events. A successful pair trader must remain adaptable, continuously analyzing market conditions and adjusting strategies as needed to align with the current economic landscape.
Comprehensive Risk Management: Effective risk management is crucial in pair trading, involving careful consideration of position sizing, stop-loss settings, and regular strategy reviews. This ensures sustainability and longevity in trading by protecting against undue losses.
By maintaining a disciplined approach and adapting to market changes, traders can harness the potential of Micro Treasury Yield Futures for strategic pair trading, balancing risk and reward effectively.
When charting futures, the data provided could be delayed. Traders working with the ticker symbols discussed in this idea may prefer to use CME Group real-time data plan on TradingView: www.tradingview.com This consideration is particularly important for shorter-term traders, whereas it may be less critical for those focused on longer-term trading strategies.
General Disclaimer:
The trade ideas presented herein are solely for illustrative purposes forming a part of a case study intended to demonstrate key principles in risk management within the context of the specific market scenarios discussed. These ideas are not to be interpreted as investment recommendations or financial advice. They do not endorse or promote any specific trading strategies, financial products, or services. The information provided is based on data believed to be reliable; however, its accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. Trading in financial markets involves risks, including the potential loss of principal. Each individual should conduct their own research and consult with professional financial advisors before making any investment decisions. The author or publisher of this content bears no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided or for any resultant financial or other losses.
USD/CAD taps 1.36, mean reversion due?At the end of January we highlighted the potential for USD/CAD to retrace back to its 50% level and print a swing low. It worked out well - although the 1.36 target did not arrive as soon as hoped. Still, it reached that key level on Wednesday - and it is a level that remains of interest.
Not only did prices fail to close above the 1.36 handle and weekly R2 pivot, but the area also lands around a prior congestion zone and high-volume node from the previous trend lower. And as RSI (2) reached oversold by Wednesday's close, it suggests a potential pullback - at least over the near-term.
US PCE inflation is an obvious risk event that could send USD/CAD (and the dollar in general) in either direction. But with volatility expected to be lower heading into the event, perhaps we'll get a cheeky pullback now as we head towards it.
Bears could enter short with a stop above the high and seek mean reversion to the weekly R1 pivot. Or step aside and wait for the PCE data to print; hot figures likely send USD/CAD above 1.36 whereas a refreshingly weak report could send it below 1.350.
How to Trade Trends the Right WayHow to Trade Trends: A Comprehensive Guide
Trend trading is a fundamental strategy for many traders, offering the potential for significant profits if executed correctly. However, mastering trend trading requires more than just following a single indicator. In this guide, we'll explore the intricacies of trend trading and how you can enhance your strategy for better results.
1. Utilize Multiple Indicators
Relying on a single indicator to gauge market trends is like trying to understand a story by reading only one page. To get a comprehensive view of the market's direction, you should use multiple indicators. This approach can help you confirm trends and avoid false signals. Some popular indicators include moving averages, MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence), and RSI (Relative Strength Index). By analyzing these indicators together, you can get a clearer picture of the market's momentum and make more informed decisions.
2. Infinite Nature of Trends
One of the most important concepts in trend trading is understanding that trends, by nature, are infinite until a clear trend change is identified. This understanding shifts the focus from setting arbitrary take profits (TPs) to managing trades with dynamic stop losses (SL). Instead of trying to predict where the trend will end, adjust your stop loss to subsequent swing highs or lows. This method allows you to stay in the trade as long as the trend continues, potentially capturing larger gains.
3. The Benefit of Longer-Term Trends
While it may be tempting to trade on shorter time frames for quick profits, longer-term trends often offer more substantial rewards. A trend that exists on a daily or weekly chart is less likely to be disrupted by short-term volatility. Although these trades may require more patience, they tend to exit less frequently, allowing you to ride the trend for greater potential profits. Exiting a trend too early or trading on a system that changes signals often can result in missed opportunities and reduced profitability.
4. Strategies for Lower Timeframes
For traders who prefer lower timeframes, the high volatility can make trend trading challenging. One strategy is to use the underlying trend from a higher timeframe as a bias and apply mean reversion strategies on the lower timeframe. This approach involves entering trades at a discount during an uptrend or at a premium during a downtrend. By aligning your trades with the overall trend direction, you can improve your chances of success even in a volatile market.
Combine multiple indicators for a comprehensive analysis.
Understand the infinite nature of trends and use dynamic SL.
Focus on longer-term trends for greater profit potential.
Use mean reversion strategies on lower timeframes with an overall trend bias.
"Trade the trend until it ends."
In conclusion, trading trends is more art than science, requiring a nuanced understanding of market indicators, patience, and discipline. By using multiple indicators, adjusting your approach based on the timeframe, and managing your trades dynamically, you can enhance your trend trading strategy for better results. Remember, the key to successful trend trading is not predicting the market's every move but rather managing your trades in a way that aligns with the overall market momentum.
AUD/NZD Bullish Reversion TradeThe strategy used for this script was intended to take advantage of mean reversions in trading. The big green triangle signals bullish divergence and the other buy signal indicated a mean reversion detected. Along with basic chart analysis we can confidently take a long position here and I'm targeting a fill of the FVG(fair value gap) just overhead. First point of resistance is the sell side liquidity. Once that is breached we will retrace back to the FVG and secure our final profits there!
Goodluck!
The Cores of Price Analysis: Trend Following vs. Mean ReversionIn the world of financial markets, predicting future price movements is akin to unlocking a treasure chest. Two of the most prominent methodologies used by traders and analysts to decipher market movements are Trend Following and Mean Reversion. Each approach offers a unique perspective on how markets behave and provides strategies for capitalizing on this behavior. In this article, we'll dive into the core concepts of these methodologies, explore how they can be implemented, and touch on basic processing techniques like smoothing and normalization, which enhance their effectiveness.
Trend Following: Surfing the Market Waves
Trend Following is based on the premise that markets move in trends over time, and these trends can be identified and followed to generate profits. The essence of trend following is to "buy high and sell higher" in a bull market, and "sell low and buy back lower" in a bear market. This method relies on the assumption that prices that have been moving in a particular direction will continue to move in that direction until the trend reverses.
How to Implement Trend Following
1. Identifying the Trend: The first step is to identify the market trend. This can be done using technical indicators such as moving averages, MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence), or ADX (Average Directional Index). For example, a simple strategy might involve buying when the price is above its 200-day moving average and selling when it's below.
2. Entry and Exit Points: Once a trend is identified, the next step is to determine entry and exit points. This could involve using breakout strategies, where trades are entered when the price breaks out of a consolidation pattern, or using momentum indicators to confirm trend strength before entry.
3. Risk Management: Implementing stop-loss orders and adjusting position sizes based on the volatility of the asset are crucial to managing risk in trend-following strategies.
Basic Processing Techniques
- Smoothing: To reduce market noise and make the trend more discernible, smoothing techniques such as moving averages or exponential smoothing can be applied to price data.
- Normalization: This involves scaling price data to a specific range, often to compare the relative performance of different assets or to make the data more compatible with certain technical indicators.
Mean Reversion: Betting on the Elastic Band
Contrary to trend following, Mean Reversion is based on the idea that prices tend to revert to their mean (average) over time. This methodology operates on the principle that extreme movements in price – either up or down – are likely to revert to the mean, offering profit opportunities.
How to Implement Mean Reversion
1. Identifying the Mean: The first step is to determine the mean to which the price is expected to revert. This could be a historical average price, a moving average, or another indicator that serves as a central tendency measure.
2. Identifying Extremes: The next step is to identify when prices have moved significantly away from the mean. This can be done using indicators like Bollinger Bands, RSI (Relative Strength Index), or standard deviation measures.
3. Entry and Exit Points: Trades are typically entered when prices are considered to be at an extreme deviation from the mean, betting on the reversal towards the mean. Exit points are set when prices revert to or near the mean.
Basic Processing Techniques
- Smoothing: Similar to trend following, smoothing techniques help in clarifying the mean price level by reducing the impact of short-term fluctuations.
- Normalization: Especially useful in mean reversion to standardize the deviation of price from the mean, making it easier to identify extremes across different assets or time frames.
Conclusion
Trend Following and Mean Reversion are two fundamental methodologies in financial market analysis, each with its unique perspective on market movements. By employing these strategies thoughtfully, along with processing techniques like smoothing and normalization, traders and analysts can enhance their understanding of market dynamics and improve their decision-making process. As with any investment strategy, the key to success lies in disciplined implementation, thorough backtesting, and effective risk management.
Natural Gas: Historic Triple Decade Support LevelHistoric Price Opportunity:
NYMEX:NG1! (Natural Gas) is at a crucial level, with prices hovering at a point not consistently broken since a monthly close in July 1995. The weekly chart reinforces this, showing rare closures below this threshold over the last 30 years.
Technical Indicators:
RSI Bullish Divergence: The weekly RSI divergence suggests underlying strength.
Historical Resilience: This price area has been a formidable support zone.
Sub-$2 Entry: Historically, entries below $2 have been lucrative over decades.
Fundamentals at a Glance:
Electricity's Backbone: In the US, natural gas fuels 40% of electric power, significant against the backdrop of consistent year-over-year growth in electricity consumption since 1950, barring 11 years.
Green Energy Transition: Natural gas stands to gain from the global shift towards cleaner energy sources.
Soaring Exports: Global year-on-year rise in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exports meets increasing international energy needs.
Counter-Trend Investing Perspective:
Every investor has heard at one time that the best time to invest is when something isn’t so hot and trendy. Well, the weather has been hot and because of that nobody thinks natural gas is trendy.
Trade Strategy Snapshot:
Entry: At any level in the $ 1.50s or a firm weekly close above the support zone above $1.60, displaying support confidence.
Target: Volume profile's highest point of control level of approximately $2.70.
Stop: A stop loss at physiological $1.50 or the $1.44 final low before levels not seen since the 1990s.
HODL: A long term holding strategy of greater than a year has historically been successful, where looking for exits along the way has been ideal. As natural gas is a useful commodity this is appealing.
Trading involves risks and not certainties; let's navigate the probabilities. Comment with your insights so we can uncover symmetries and diversities of ideas.
Understanding Technical IndicatorsTrading indicators are essential tools for traders and investors to analyze and interpret financial market data. These indicators, derived from mathematical calculations based on price, volume, or open interest, etc, aid in visualizing market trends, momentum, and potential reversals. They serve as an additional layer of analysis, offering a structured and objective way to understand market dynamics.
Understanding Trading Indicators
1.1 Definition : Trading indicators are graphical tools derived from price, volume, or open interest data. They help in identifying market trends, momentum, volatility, and possible trend reversals.
1.2 Types of Trading Indicators :
Trend Indicators : These indicators, such as Moving Averages (MA), Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD), and Ichimoku Cloud, help in determining the direction and strength of market trends.
Oscillators : Tools like the Relative Strength Index (RSI), Stochastic Oscillator, and Commodity Channel Index (CCI) measure overbought and oversold market conditions.
Volume Indicators : Indicators such as On-Balance Volume (OBV) and Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) use trading volume data to confirm price movements.
Volatility Indicators : These, including Bollinger Bands and Average True Range (ATR), assess the degree of price fluctuation in the market.
Utilizing Trading Indicators
2.1 Trend Following Strategy : This approach involves capitalizing on the continuation of established market trends. Indicators like the Fourier Smoothed Stochastic (FSTOCH) help detect and follow these trends, providing smoother signals and filtering market noise for more accurate decision-making.
2.2 Mean Reversion Strategy : Contrary to trend following, mean reversion strategy focuses on price corrections when they deviate significantly from historical averages. The Bollinger Bands Percentile (BBPct) is a mean reversion indicator that uses Bollinger Bands to identify potential price reversals, indicating when an asset is overbought or oversold.
Comparing Trend Following and Mean Reversion
3.1 Key Differences :
Direction : Trend following identifies and exploits established trends, whereas mean reversion focuses on price reversals.
Risk Profile : Trend following is typically higher risk due to the challenge of timing, while mean reversion is considered less risky as it banks on imminent price corrections.
Market Conditions : Trend following excels in trending markets, while mean reversion is more effective in range-bound or sideways markets.
3.2 Combining Strategies : Using both strategies together can provide a more comprehensive market view and reduce reliance on a single approach. Mean reversion indicators can confirm trend reversals identified by trend-following indicators, while the latter can help avoid premature exits in mean reversion trades.
Binary and Discrete Indicators
4.1 Binary Indicators : These indicators, like the Alpha Schaff, offer clear, binary (yes-or-no) signals. They are ideal for straightforward decision-making, indicating when to buy or sell.
4.2 Discrete Indicators : Unlike binary indicators, discrete indicators, such as the Average-True-Range, provide a range of values, offering more nuanced insights into market conditions.
The Importance of Using Both Types of Indicators
Combining binary and discrete indicators equips traders with a broader perspective on market conditions. While binary indicators provide clear entry and exit points, discrete indicators offer detailed insights into the strength of market trends and potential turning points. This combination enhances decision-making by enabling traders to cross-reference signals and identify high-probability trading opportunities.
Conclusion :
In the dynamic world of finance, trading indicators are invaluable for providing insights into market trends, momentum, and conditions. Utilizing a combination of trend following, mean reversion strategies, and both binary and discrete indicators, traders can develop a comprehensive and effective toolkit for navigating financial markets successfully.
Mean Reversion trades on AAVE Mean Reversion is the simple strategy of price moving 'too' far away from its averages and potentially requiring a reversion before either continuation or ideally total reversal
Aave has been offering some beautiful mean reversion entries for us recently even to the point of essentially two sigma. Both the buyzone meanmove right to the sellzone meanmove. That is not usually the case to capture both in consecutive order but of course happy to see it happening to aave and a few others we are routing.
The strategy is based more so around the reversion to mean(s) rather than the total reversal
Is nice when able to capture the total reversal one peak to the next but the strategy is focused primarily on alerting once candle is 'too' far away from mean and then riding it to touching mean (even if just for a moment). These are usually short held positions rather than multi day long swing trades.
Good to focus on largecap even more so largecap 'monopolies'
Increasing interest in the monopolies in the crypto space as everything has taken a hit due to liquidity consolidating into either US yields or US dollar or even within the crypto space consolidating into ethereum away from nameless countless junk tokens.
These alerts are currently set up for just largecap as the volatility in smallcap can create a ton of risk to this strategy as volume is needed as confirmation of previous prices to revert to. I do also think monopolies will lead + be safer in macro retraces in bull market or macro reversion to mean even if just to tap 9ema on weekly before continuing bull moves.
BTCUSDT Looking Bearish in the Short TermMultiple indicators have signaled bear as well as overbought conditions for Bitcoin on the 15m chart. This makes sense because Bitcoin has just experienced a pump within a short period of time. Usually, this means a retracement will follow as market participants will be compelled to take profits which means selling in the shorter term, a potential dip may be an opportunity to buy as we are likely to go higher in the longer term.
All TradingView ideas are meant to be for educational purposes only.
VRAUSDT Looking Severely OverboughtA potential Reversal on VRAUSDT is imminent as things are looking incredibly overbought at the moment.
To further back the point of a potential reversal, Bitcoin, which leads the crypto market, is also looking oversold.
On higher timeframes, a reversal has not been signaled yet, but things are also looking oversold.
There can be a potential short squeeze before making it's way down.
This is not financial advice, all ideas are for educational purposes only.
TSLA Approaches Major Resistance and May Stall into July 21Primary Chart: TSLA on Weekly Time Frame with a Downtrend Line from the All-Time High and Fibonacci and Measured-Move Levels
Preliminary Comments
TSLA is poised to stall soon, perhaps into July 21. By definition, a stall does not necessitate a crash or major trend reversal (at the primary degree of trend). A major reversal downward (crash) is always possible especially once shorts have been decimated—major downward reversals seem to always wait for clearing out of hedging and shorts, right?
Although a major trend reversal could occur here given major resistance levels just overhead on higher time frames, no one has a crystal ball. Finding the time and price components of such a major reversal can be exceedingly difficult (note the conclusion section of this article about probabilities).
And no one who were to have a crystal ball that worked properly would share it. And a securities regulator would be sniffing around for insider trading for sure with too many trades lining up too perfectly especially before major news catalysts. Humor aside, trying to be too clever by calling the exact top is a misplaced endeavor. But it can be prudent to analyze the charts and consider the idea of vulnerability for a trend’s continuation in the short-to-intermediate term, i.e., whether the move might encounter major resistance that could at a minimum cause a mean reversion or retracement of the recent rally .
Trend Analysis
The charts don’t lie. TSLA’s intermediate-term trend since January 6, 2023 remains upward. Similarly, short-term (2-6 weeks) and intraday trends remain upward. But the primary trend is still arguably sideways when considered over a 2-3 year period, while the secular trend since 2010 arguably still remains firmly upward.
1. Secular trend (since 2010): uptrend
2. Primary trend (since 2020/2021): sideways trend (range)
3. Intermediate / secondary trend (since early 2023): uptrend
4. short-term trend: uptrend near crucial resistance
5. intraday trends: uptrend near crucial resistance
Supplementary Chart A: Primary Trend
Supplementary Chart B: Secular Trend
The intermediate term trend has run fast and furious for 1H 2023 (since the Jan. 6, 2023 low). That alone is not enough to expect a reversal. Shorting something merely because it seems to have risen too far is a well-known trading mistake comparable to catching a falling knife in a downtrend. Shorting powerful uptrends is not an easy way to make a living.
But several charts suggest vulnerability for TSLA’s rally at this level. This comes right as earning will be reported this week along with a major monthly options expiration on July 21. Earnings reports like TSLA's upcoming one present a binary risk event that could stretch prices significantly in either direction, or it could a whipsaw price in both directions before settling on a final directional move (see the section below titled “Trend vs. Fundamentals.”)
Supplementary Chart C shows that TSLA’s price is nearing a crucial Fibonacci level on a linear chart. This is the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement ($299.05) of its entire decline from its all-time high into the early January 2023 low. Coincidentally, this level shows confluence with other important resistance levels shown on the chart such as the down trendline from the all-time high. (Some prefer Fibonacci levels adjusted for a logarithmic chart, which is not shown. The next relevant upside Fibonacci level on a log chart, however, is the .786 of the entire decline at $306, which is not far from the .618 level at 295.05.
Supplementary Chart C
If the .618 Fibonacci retracement is overcome and held (not just a false breakout), this suggests prices may run higher to at least $314.67 or the next higher Fibonacci level at $347. But these are upside levels conditioned solely on the .618 retracement being overcome and held.
Next, consider the down trendline from TSLA's all-time high. This is being approached at around $300, right were significant call OI exists. Trendlines can be somewhat rigid measures of trend, but they can provide some value especially when other support / resistance levels coincide with the trendline. The down trendline from TSLA's all-time high runs right into the measured-move zone, shown by the blue circle on Supplementary Chart D.1.
Supplementary Chart D.1
Some traders prefer to look only at logarithmic charts, though here it doesn't add much to the technical picture since the trendline is quite close to where it lies on the linear chart.
Supplementary Chart D.2
Finally, some bearish divergences in momentum and price/volume indicators suggest that price has become quite stretched right at a time when TSLA has reached some major resistance levels. Supplementary Chart E shows the Elder Force Index (EFI), a useful indicator that displays a combination of volume and price, weighing the extent of each price change along with the extent of volume. It tends to pick up divergences in the "force" or commitment behind a move with more sensitivity than RSI or other common momentum indicators, but with increased sensitivity often comes more noise (more false signals) which can be helped to some extent through indicator adjustment. Nevertheless, here is what that indicator shows for TSLA on the daily timeframe:
Supplementary Chart E
As TSLA has made higher highs, it has done so with less force and commitment for each high, creating a divergence between higher price highs and lower EFI highs. TSLA may make a new YTD high this week, and if so, it will be important to see where the EFI high prints for that new high. Given how low EFI is currently, it would take a lot of volume and price change to move the high to exceed the prior EFIs (erasing the divergence). In SquishTrade's view, EFI is unlikely to erase both the June EFI high and the January EFI high even if TSLA runs to $300-$320 post earnings.
Supplementary Chart F shows RSI and ROC, two common momentum indicators which most readers understand well. ROC shows a series of three highs that each make a successively lower high while price made higher highs at the same time: January 2023, June 2023, and July 2023. RSI only shows a series of two highs where price made a higher high and RSI made a lower high.
Supplementary Chart F
Downside Targets
TSLA's price seems poised to pullback / retrace at a minimum. But referring to downside targets may seem a bit premature as price hasn't confirmed even a short-term reversal or the start of a retracement / consolidation within the intermediate trend yet. The technical conditions for a retracement are present, so if confirmation lower does occur in the next week or so, price can fall to trend support, however one decides to measure that within one's trading system.
Based on persistently and deeply inverted yield curves, many astute market players may be looking for more than just a retracement or consolidation within the intermediate uptrend. They want more than mean reversion, and that is understandable. Should TSLA followers expect that now? Today, July 15, 2023, confidence cannot exist about an impending trend reversal on higher time frames. Why? A major reversal where price retests / breaks January 2023 lows will likely coincide with recessionary economic data (e.g., rising UE rates), drastically changing EPS estimates based on disappointing earnings reports, and/or unexpectedly high interest rates across the curve because of sticky inflation won't budge further downward (the recent CPI print came in at 3% for headline but 4.8% for core for June 2023). Note: Fundamentals are discussed in greater depth in the next section below. But economic data has continued to come in better than expected. Recent real GDP print for Q1 2023 was recently raised to 2% and labor markets remain persistently tight as the Fed even has noted in its recent pressers. Inflation has cooled for June but this may result from basing effects.
Most importantly, trend structure on the weekly and daily time frames (intermediate and short-term) has not been broken. Until the intermediate trend structure is decisively broken, forecasting a major top / trend reversal is rash and unfounded from a technical viewpoint. This intermediate-term trend structure is the up trendline from January 2023 lows or some other more dynamic or flexible measures of trend.
So with the idea that price can run a bit higher before any retracement—since we haven't yet seen a confirmation lower yet—these downside targets remain conditioned on a short-term trend reversal. For now, the targets also must be considered corrective retracements / mean-reversion targets within the context of the current trend until the evidence proves otherwise.
Conservative Target: $245-$250
Moderate Target: $232-$238
Aggressive Target: $199-$218
Trends vs. Fundamentals
A purely technical analyst or technically oriented trend trader tends to consider only the trend and technical evidence supporting that objective. At critical junctures after retracements / corrective moves, this means favoring trend continuation rather than a reversal until the evidence says otherwise. And pure trend following means seeing the odds as favoring mean reversion when a trend gets too extended or stretched rather than reversal.
Ambiguity as to trend on varying time frames often confounds the discussion of trends. This is why it's important to remain precise and focused on time frames. For example, a long term secular trend in a given index can be upward while a primary trend can be downward or sideways (retracing / consolidating within the secular uptrend) while an intermediate trend can be upward (retracing or consolidating the primary downtrend)—and intraday traders levered up on calls and riding the short-term rip may be so hyperfocused on a rip in the short term that they dismiss a long-term analyst’s accurate characterization of corrective rally within a primary downtrend. This is just a hypothetical example of how vagueness around terminology and time frames doesn’t can obfuscate the proper technical approach to a given security.
As discussed, TSLA’s trend right now is upward on the intermediate trend and minor (short-term) trends. But the primary trend is still arguably sideways when considered from 2-3 years ago. And the secular trend since 2010 arguably still remains upward.
But may a trend trader peek outside the trend? That is a complicated question without a definite answer. For those wanting to explore whether it’s prudent to look at non-technical evidence outside the scope of the trend (e.g., considering the fundamentals and the broader macro), the following post offers some cost-benefit analysis and suggestions:
For those who wish to avoid being influenced by fundamental information, please skip this paragraph and read on to the next one. Andrew Dickson, the founder of Albert Bridge Capital and CIO of Alpha Europe Funds recently noted the following incongruities (downtrends) in EPS-estimate trends vs. price trends:
1. In late 2022, TSLA’s sell-side analysts expected $6.34 EPS in 2023 (about 9 months ago estimates).
2. After TSLA reported delivery numbers in early July, Dickson noted that “despite today's apparent 4% rev beat (implied from delivery-numbers) for Q2, 2023 EPS expectations have plummeted to $3.50. So earnings expectations for TSLA are now down -55% in 9 months and yet the stock is up +15%.”
3. He concluded that "the 2023 P/E multiple has expanded from 38x to 79x, or by 107%."
Dickson’s comments show that price is often not driven by fundamentals. Exactly what was priced in when the stock plummeted to $100 in January? And what is different now has nearly doubled off the lows? Or maybe the question is whether the data that gets priced in has different (and ever changing) weightings depending on the type of data. For example, maybe the data that affects price is most heavily weighted toward liquidity, capital flows, sentiment, seasonality, rather than fundamentals. But David Lundgren, a combined technical and fundamental analyst for whom SquishTrade has utmost respect, highly regards technical analysis, and especially favors technicals in the short / intermediate term, but says that fundamentals always matter in the long run. Here is a quotation from Lundgren from notes I've taken on his commentary in interviews and articles: "In the long-term, actual fundamentals will simply overwhelm any short-term technicals, emotions, sentiments driving a security or market price action."
Concluding Comments
Traders think in terms of probabilities, not certainties. Further, traders' time frames, risk management, and position sizes vary dramatically, which is why it seems imprudent to blindly follow another person’s signal service (whether paid or free). One very knowledgeable TV follower of mine has shorted TSLA with a position size that gives him a sizable margin of error. In other words, he can wait and allow significant fluctuations in price before getting shaken out of the position. My inference from our conversations is that his short thesis is based on deeply and persistently inverted yield curves, volatility being at major lows, deteriorating fundamentals at TSLA and other broader macro problems.
But macro and fundamentals can take a great deal of time to unfold, i.e., they do not play out immediately, and if they did, the big short should have been weeks or months ago. This year everyone thought a recession would be here by now, including experts with long-term experience managing or advising multi-billion dollar funds. This does not mean my fellow trader must be wrong. His thesis might yet succeed with time and patience, or it may yet experience more pressure or even be stopped out. This is why position size, risk management, and time frames matter. Before entering a trade or investment, one must consider time frame, position size, risk tolerance, risk management, technical or fundamental evidence, and an invalidation or stop level (which defines risk and relates integrally to position size). Shorter-term traders with leveraged, derivative, or supersized short positions would have already gotten crushed trying to short TSLA or other mega cap leaders the last few weeks or months.
The Fundamental Concepts of Technical IndicatorsTrading indicators are essential tools used by traders and investors to analyze price data, identify trends, and make informed decisions in financial markets. They provide valuable insights into market dynamics, helping market participants gain a competitive edge. This comprehensive explainer will delve into what trading indicators are, how they are utilized, and the differences between two prominent strategies: trend following and mean reversion. Additionally, we will explore the importance of using binary and discrete indicators together to enhance trading effectiveness.
Part 1: Understanding Trading Indicators
1.1 Definition of Trading Indicators
Trading indicators are mathematical calculations based on price, volume, or open interest data that provide graphical representations of market conditions. These calculations help traders visualize price trends, momentum, volatility, and potential reversals. Indicators serve as a supplementary layer of analysis, offering a structured and objective approach to interpreting market behavior.
1.2 Types of Trading Indicators
Trend Indicators: Identify the direction and strength of prevailing trends, such as Moving Averages (MA), Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD), and Ichimoku Cloud.
Oscillators: Measure overbought and oversold conditions, such as Relative Strength Index (RSI), Stochastic Oscillator, and Commodity Channel Index (CCI).
Volume Indicators: Assess trading volume to confirm price movements, like On-Balance Volume (OBV) and Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP).
Volatility Indicators: Gauge the level of price fluctuations, including Bollinger Bands and Average True Range (ATR).
Part 2: Utilizing Trading Indicators
2.1 Trend Following Strategy
Trend following is a popular trading strategy that capitalizes on the continuation of established trends. Traders using this approach seek to identify uptrends or downtrends and ride them for extended periods. Trend following indicators are ideally suited for identifying the direction of a trend and capturing profits during strong market movements.
Example of Trend Following Indicator: Fourier Smoothed Stochastic (FSTOCH)
(Indicators like the FSTOCH help traders reveal underlying trends in the market)
The Fourier Smoothed Stochastic is an advanced tool that utilizes the Stochastic Oscillator in combination with Fourier Transform analysis to identify and ride prevailing trends. By providing smoother signals, it helps traders stay on course with the established trend, allowing for more accurate entries and exits. Its ability to filter out market noise makes it an ideal choice for trend followers seeking a clearer view of market momentum, enabling them to capitalize on prolonged price movements.
2.2 Mean Reversion Strategy
Mean reversion is a counter-trend strategy that assumes prices will revert to their average or mean over time. Traders using this approach aim to profit from price reversals when an asset's price deviates significantly from its historical average. Mean reversion indicators are ideal for identifying overbought and oversold conditions and anticipating potential reversals.
Example of Mean Reversion Indicator: Bollinger Bands Percentile (BBPct)
(The BBPct indicator marks out price extremes which may lead to potential reversals)
The BBPct (Bollinger Bands Percent) is an indicator designed for mean reversion trading strategies. It utilizes Bollinger Bands to determine overbought and oversold conditions in the market. The indicator calculates the percentage of the current price's position within the Bollinger Bands' upper and lower boundaries. When the price is near the upper band, it suggests an overbought condition, indicating a potential mean reversion towards the lower band. Conversely, when the price is close to the lower band, it indicates an oversold condition, suggesting a possible mean reversion towards the upper band. Traders can use this information to identify potential reversal points and make informed decisions to capture price movements back towards the mean.
Part 3: Trend Following vs. Mean Reversion
3.1 Key Differences
Direction: Trend following aims to identify and ride established trends, while mean reversion seeks to capitalize on price reversals.
Risk Profile: Trend following strategies typically involve higher risk, as traders enter positions in the direction of the trend, which may be challenging to time accurately. Mean reversion strategies are often considered less risky as traders expect price reversals to occur relatively soon after significant deviations from the mean.
Market Conditions: Trend following tends to perform well in trending markets, while mean reversion thrives in ranging or sideways markets.
3.2 Combining Trend Following and Mean Reversion
While trend following and mean reversion strategies have distinct approaches, they can complement each other when used in confluence. Combining both strategies can provide a more comprehensive view of the market and reduce reliance on a single indicator. For example:
Confirming Trend Reversals: Mean reversion indicators can be used to confirm potential trend reversals identified by trend-following indicators, increasing the probability of successful entries and exits.
Managing Risk: Trend following indicators can help traders stay in trends longer and avoid premature exits when using mean reversion strategies.
Identifying Range-Bound Markets: Mean reversion strategies can be employed during periods of low volatility or when the market lacks a clear trend, while trend following indicators can be set aside until a new trend emerges.
Part 4: Binary and Discrete Indicators
4.1 Binary Indicators
(The Super Schaff gives out binary signals when it detects a potential change in trend)
Binary indicators provide straightforward, yes-or-no signals, indicating the presence or absence of a particular condition. Examples include Moving Average Crossovers and Super Schaff, which produce buy (long) or sell (short) signals when specific conditions are met.
4.2 Discrete Indicators
(The Volume-Trend Sentiment displays the overall implied sentiment based on volume and price action)
Discrete indicators generate signals based on a range of values or levels. These indicators offer more nuanced insights into market conditions, allowing traders to interpret the strength or weakness of signals. Examples include RSI and VTS.
Part 5: The Importance of Using Both
5.1 Diverse Perspectives
Combining binary and discrete indicators provides traders with diverse perspectives on market conditions. Binary indicators offer clear entry and exit signals, while discrete indicators offer a finer understanding of price trends and potential turning points.
5.2 Enhanced Decision-Making
Using both types of indicators helps traders make more informed and confident decisions. By cross-referencing binary and discrete signals, traders can filter out false signals and identify high-probability trading opportunities.
Conclusion:
Trading indicators play a vital role in modern financial markets, providing traders and investors with valuable insights into price trends, momentum, and market conditions. Trend following and mean reversion strategies offer distinct approaches to trading, each with its unique advantages and risk profiles. However, combining these strategies and utilizing both binary and discrete indicators can provide a comprehensive and powerful toolkit for traders seeking consistent success in the dynamic world of finance.
Check out the indicators mentioned in this post:
USD/JPY bears are at risk of being 'caught short'USD/JPY has been playing nicely with our analysis of late, having rallied to 145 and close the 300-pip liquidity gap we warned of before accelerating lower this week in line with our bearish bias.
But given levels of support nearby and a few metrics on hand, bears may want to be cautious around current levels.
USD/JPY is trying to close lower for a fifth day - which is a bearish sequence not seen since December (and April 2021 prior to that). It's current 5-day decline is also its most bearish since December, and 5-day moves between -3.5 to -5% tend to snap back higher. But it is also around the midway point of the congestion zone which formed in June, which are areas which can prove to be 'sticky' once retested.
With all these clues combined, we suspect a pause in the bearish move is imminent at a minimum (if not, a countertrend move seems more likely). Whether it can bounce hard and fast today is likely dependent upon whether US inflation comes in hot or not. But with so many indication of an inflection point, bears may want to refer to lower timeframes fore their shorts to avoid getting 'caught short' at the end of the cycle.
VRA:USD Mean Reversion Targets: +120% / +500%, Algo: +3x / +80xVeracity looks set to pamp! There's multiple golden corner mean reversion trades in play with 80% odds of hitting their targets (as long as the lows hold). This Elliott wave count suggests that Verasity could be entering the most explosive wave, the 3rd with multiple algo targets above. In the past I've noticed setups like this often fail to hit the LOG targets for a 3rd wave so I have left them off this chart and am instead focusing on the higher probability mean reversion and algo targets.
Key points:
2 Pitchfork mean reversion trades in play, these are the highest probability trades. Great R:R
2 algo targets in play, these are the second highest probability trades.
Potential for explosive 3rd wave
Expect resistance at the first pitchfork median line as the weekly resistance is also in line with this target
Expect heavy resistance at order block (also contains bear golden pocket)
Risk of lows being swept, re enter on a 1-2 retrace if this happens.
The high level Elliott wave targets are $4 & $32, I DON'T BELIEVE THESE WILL BE HIT.
The trade:
Entry 1: as close to the golden pocked as possible, current price: 0.0042500
Entry 2: wait for a .618 retrace if lows are swept and price rebounds.
Pitchfork Target 1: 0.008788 (moving higher): 8.7R
Pitchfork Target 2: 0.25 (moving higher): 38R - THIS IS THE BEST TARGET, best odds, should play out even if this is corrective & there should be a decent retrace when this hits.
Algo target 1: 0.017: 24R
Algo target 2: 0.35: 647R
Elliott target: 0.056: 97R
Stop 1: 0.003787
Stop2: below the .707 of the swing from the new low if sweep happens
Risk management: the stop loss is a significant drawdown @ about 11% so compensate for this by entering with a smaller position (risk no more than 2% of account balance for the drawdown)
If given the opportunity with additional .618 retracements add to position & move stop to new .707. Take profit at targets and re enter on pullbacks.
D.Y.O.R. DO NOT BLINDLY TAKE THESE TRADES.
Never Trust. Verify. PLEASE DO YOUR OWN ANALYSIS.
This is not financial advice. These are just my observations.
Technical Analysis is not about being right, it's about increasing your odds.
Be prepared to be wrong. Risk management is key. Capital preservation above all else.
How to Analyze the $SPY Daily ChartGreetings fellow traders,
Welcome to this installment of our newsletter where we analyze price action on AMEX:SPY on the daily, hourly, and 15 minute timeframes. We will keep this one short and sweet.
DAILY TIMEFRAME
What is the Trend?
The short term trend is bullish: the 9-candle EMA is trading above the 20-candle EMA.
The medium term trend is bullish: the 20-candle EMA is trading above the 50-candle EMA.
The longer term trend is bullish: the 50-candle EMA is trading above the 200-candle EMA.
How Strong is the Current Trend?
One of the ways that traders can analyze the strength of a trend is by appeal to the Average Directional Index (ADX). Readings below 20 indicate a weak or non-existent trend. If the ADX is going up, readings between 20 and 40 indicate a developing early trend of low to moderate strength. Readings between 40 and 55 indicate a strong, well-established and robust trend. And finally readings above 55 indicate an extremely strong trend that is likely approaching exhaustion.
At the moment, the ADX is 25.04 on the daily chart, indicating a low strength trend that can, with additional momentum, pick up steam. But how likely is this? In order to answer that question, we are going to have to look at several other technical indicators, supply and demand levels, and chart patterns.
One of these technical indicators is the relationship between the 9-candle EMA and the 20-candle EMA. Despite the impressive upward move in price action yesterday, the distance between the 9-candle EMA and the 20-candle EMA remained constant from the day before. If the trend was strong, you would expect the distance between the two to be increasing. The fact that it did not is a potential warning sign that the trend is not extremely strong at the moment.
What do the Momentum Oscillators Tell Us?
Another thing to consider are the two main momentum oscillators: the Relative Strength Index (RSI) and the Stochastic Oscillator. These momentum oscillators can give us clues as to whether or not the current trend is reaching exhaustion, or if it is likely to continue.
Let’s first consider RSI. As of yesterday’s close, we have an RSI reading of 65.86 — a reading that is approaching the technical overbought level of 70. For reference, the last time that AMEX:SPY was trading at these levels was in August of 2022. During that incredible summer rally, the RSI pushed all the way up to 73.43 before the trend reached exhaustion and a powerful reversal ensued. Bearing that in mind, you should not necessarily be surprised if AMEX:SPY were to push into that overbought territory this time around as well before reversing.
That being said, the Stochastic Oscillator is flashing a reading of 97.52, which is incredibly close to the maximum overbought reading of 100. This is a major indication for technical analysts that we may soon see a mean reversion in price action so that this all-important momentum oscillator can “cool off” for a bit.
Indeed, it has been 6 days since AMEX:SPY last made contact with its 9-candle EMA, suggesting that we are potentially due for a basic reversion to the mean in price action. If we were to first push higher, though, there are a few levels on AMEX:SPY to keep in mind.
How High can the Market Push?
The first is the upper Bollinger Band, which closed yesterday at 430.97. While that value will shift higher today, this upper band is a level to keep in mind as potential resistance should the market catch an end-of-the-week bid.
The second level is the high from August 2022: 431.73. Both of these levels are within reach if bulls want them.
Finally, if things get really crazy, keep your eyes on 435.34.
Are there Signs of Bearish Divergence?
Notwithstanding the potential for one final push to enter the overbought territory on RSI, it is very important to note that on Monday of this week we received a technical bearish divergence signal in price action.
Even though the market made a higher high than at any point in the previous 30 trading days, we did not get a higher high in:
The reading on the Relative Strength Index
The reading on the Stochastic Oscillator
The reading on MACD
When these indicators fail to make higher highs while price is making higher highs, this is an incredibly strong sign of bearish divergence. Should the market push into close, positioning for a mean reversion pullback during power hour should certainly be on watch.
What are the Mean Reversion Price Targets?
However high price ultimately pushes before reversal, it would be prudent to keep the following potential pullback levels in mind if you are trying to play a mean-reversion trade.
The first target would be the 9-candle EMA. While it is currently trading at 424.54, this value will change with each passing day. You can use this, or potentially the 14-candle EMA, as your first “profit-taking target” for a mean reversion trading strategy. Do keep in mind, though, that there is currently some solid demand between 426.14 and 425.82 that we will have to break through in order to gain some selling momentum.
The second target, should the first be broken, would be 422.58, a previous resistance level.
The third “stretch” target would be around 420.73. Anything below 420 would likely see 418.31.
What are the Main Supply and Demand Levels to Add to our Charts?
Finally, make sure to track the recent supply and demand levels on the daily timeframe:
429.62
420.72
417.62
415.72
411.92
Stay tuned for the follow-up video where we zoom in on the hourly chart for more specific short-term guidance.
$QQQ — 9 Weeks since 21-EMA Tap!It has been 9 weeks since QQQ tapped the 21-ema on the weekly chart. The last time that happened? December 2021. Tech is mega-stretched to the upside, and mean-reversion is on the menu.
$330 puts expiring in two weeks
$310/$290 put debit spread expiring in September.
$345 stop loss. Hedge with short-term calls as needed.
Introducing the Bars Since EMA Touch IndicatorHey there traders, Stock Justice here! Are you ready to elevate your trading game? Today, we're going to delve into an exciting indicator I call 'Bars since EMA touch', or 'BSET' for short. Buckle up, because we're about to kick your technical analysis up a notch!
The BSET, at its heart, revolves around the Exponential Moving Average, or EMA. When setting up BSET, you'll be prompted for the length of the EMA, with the default being 9. This number represents the number of bars that will be averaged to create your EMA line. A higher value smooths out the line, reducing noise but potentially delaying important signals. A lower value makes the EMA more responsive, but at the risk of responding to market noise.
BSET calculates how many bars it's been since the price last touched the EMA. A positive number indicates the number of bars since the price was last above the EMA, and a negative number shows how long it's been since the price was below the EMA.
BSET also uses the MACD and signal line to color-code these bars. Blue and red bars indicate price is above the EMA, with blue signaling an upward trend and red signaling a possible downturn if the bar number is above 3. White and green bars indicate price is below the EMA, with white signaling a downward trend and green indicating a possible upturn if the bar number is above 3.
This color-coding can be a useful tool to quickly determine whether a potential reversal is in the making or if the current trend is likely to continue. But that's not all! BSET takes it a step further by keeping track of how often price trends extend beyond certain thresholds, updating these thresholds if necessary.
These thresholds, shown as red and green lines on the histogram, indicate the 15% percentile for bull and bear trends, respectively. If more than 20% of trends exceed the current threshold, it's adjusted upwards. This gives you a historical context for how long trends usually last and can help you spot when a trend is overextended and might be due for a reversal.
BSET is an innovative tool that combines trend tracking with volatility in a unique way, helping you better understand market dynamics and make informed trading decisions. Just remember, every indicator, BSET included, is just a tool. Always use them in conjunction with other analysis methods and never risk more than you're willing to lose.
That's it for now, traders. Keep your eyes on the charts and remember: Trade safe, trade smart! This is Stock Justice, signing off!