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#AN003 News of the Week and Impact on Forex Hello, I am Forex trader Andrea Russo, and today I present to you a detailed analysis of the most important news of the week (26–29 May 2025) and their real impact on the Forex market, with strategic observations to immediately include in your trading plan. In this article we will examine the 7 most significant macroeconomic and geopolitical events that have affected the main currency pairs, evaluating the effect on USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CAD, AUD and emerging currencies. Everything is filtered according to the SwipeUP v9 Elite FX model, based on institutional data, real sentiment and candle-by-candle simulations. 📌 1. USA: Court stops Trump Tariffs One of the most relevant news of the week comes from the United States: a federal court has blocked the application of Donald Trump's trade tariffs, declaring them illegitimate. This event has caused an immediate reaction in the currency markets. 🔍 Forex Impact: The US Dollar (USD) had an initial technical bounce, but then lost strength in the European session. Pairs such as EUR/USD and USD/JPY showed strong reactivity. EUR/USD was rejected from 1.1250, while USD/JPY found support. 📊 Strategic Implications: Risk perceptions on the greenback are rising. Interest in alternative safe haven currencies such as gold and the Swiss franc is growing. 📌 2. US Q1 GDP Downward US Q1 GDP was revised down from -0.1% to -0.2%, confirming a mild economic contraction. 🔍 Forex Impact: The dollar lost momentum, reinforcing the narrative of a possible rate cut. EUR/USD could consolidate above 1.1200 ahead of stronger EU PMI data. 📊 Key Pairs: EUR/USD long on confirmation of 1.1200 support. Possible breakout on AUD/USD if US data continues to disappoint. 📌 3. US Inventories and Oil Rebound: CAD on the Boost US crude inventories fell more than expected, and WTI price is back above $79. 🔍 FX Impact: CAD strengthens on fundamental and intermarket basis. Potential short on USD/CAD with target area 1.3550. 📌 4. UK: Very Strong Data and Resilient GBP UK macro data surprised to the upside: services PMI and core inflation stable, supporting the British pound. 🔍 Forex Impact: GBP/USD above 1.2700 with room for expansion. EUR/GBP rejected by 0.8600: potential for bearish continuation. 📌 5. Forex Options Expirations and Expected Volatility Thursday and Friday are crowded with large option expirations, which can act as price magnets. 📍 Levels to Watch: EUR/USD: 1.1200 and 1.1250 → potential for spikes or rejections. USD/JPY: 145.00 → technical and options confluence. AUD/USD: 0.6650 key zone with volumes in compression. 📊 Trading advice: avoid new entries near option levels without confirmation of real breakout. 📌 6. Nvidia and US Tech Rally: Anti-Yen Effect Nvidia’s results have boosted the entire US tech sector, causing a wave of risk-on. 🔍 Impact on FX: JPY and CHF weak on low interest in safe-haven assets. Great setups on AUD/JPY, CAD/JPY, EUR/CHF long. 📌 7. China: PMI Above 50, Support for AUD/NZD Chinese manufacturing PMI data has returned above 50, signaling expansion. 🔍 Impact on FX: AUD and NZD find technical and macro support. Watch out for AUD/CHF, where macro divergences could generate a bearish reversal. 🧠 Forex Trading Strategy for the Next Week ✅ Strong Currencies: CAD (oil + risk-on sentiment) GBP (macro data + technical momentum) EUR (resilience on USD and supports held) ❌ Weak Currencies: USD (negative GDP, political uncertainty) JPY (no safe haven demand) AUD (potentially vulnerable on risk-on downside)
Education
by Andrea_Russo_SwipeUP
How Forex Brokers Manipulate Your Trading. Real Examples Your Forex broker could be manipulating your trades right now - and you would not even know it. They can rig your charts, trap you in losing trades and steal your money. In this article, I will expose how they do it, I will show you a real example how broker's manipulations can lead to bad trading decisions and significant losses. What I’m about to show you will change the way you trade forever, and you’ll never look at your trading charts the same way again. The story started with a trading live stream in my academy with my students. We spotted a nice setup to trade. We found a strong 4H support on Silver with a confirmed liquidity grab after its test. As a confirmation, we identified a cup & handle pattern on an hourly time frame and a breakout of its neckline with a bullish imbalance. When I got my entry signal, I opened my trading terminal to execute the trade. And the way I trade is very specific: I use TradingView for chart analysis BUT I have a separate trading terminal for trade execution. When I opened the same setup in my trading terminal, I saw a completely different picture and a strong bearish signal. The broker that I use for technical chart analysis is OANDA , while my trading terminal uses ICMarkets quotes. On the right is the price chart of SILVER with IC. There we can see a valid breakout and a candle close below the support with its consequent retest. From a price action perspective, it is a strong signal to sell . I got a strong feeling that some kind of manipulation is going on here, so I decided to check Silver charts of other brokers. Only the broker that I used for market analysis on TradingView provided a bullish signal, while other brokers had very bearish charts on Silver. It looked very suspicious and felt like OANDA broker was inducing me to buy, knowing that the price is going to drop. So I made a decision not to take a trade. Look what happened then. After a retest of a broken support, Silver dropped sharply. Checking the same trading setup on different brokers' charts can help you to avoid the manipulation. My simple decision to examine more charts helped to avoid a losing trade. I strictly recommend you doing the same thing before you place a trade. IF you see a strong deviation of your charts from other brokers, stay alert and vigilant. Probably it is not a good idea to open the trade. ❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️ I am part of Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analysis.
TRADENATION:XAUUSDEducation
by VasilyTrader
15
Strategies to Save Capital and Thrive in Bear MarketsEver felt stuck in a downtrend, unsure how to protect your capital? Most traders burn their portfolios in bear markets just because they lack a real escape plan. In this analysis, you'll uncover little-known strategies that could literally rescue your investments. Hello✌ Spend 3 minutes ⏰ reading this educational material. 🎯 Analytical Insight on Dogecoin: If Dogecoin fails to gain at least 20% in the next two weeks—while Bitcoin continues to rally—this divergence could signal a broader market weakness. When BTC outperforms and altcoins lag, it often reflects declining risk appetite and potential capital rotation out of speculative assets. A move toward the $0.27 target is key for confirming bullish continuation across the altcoin sector. 📉 Now , let's dive into the educational section, 🔧 TradingView Tools to Hunt Opportunities in Bear Markets In bearish conditions, most traders only stare at price movements. But smart ones go deeper. With the right TradingView tools, you don’t just survive a bear market—you exploit it. Here are some must-use tools that can change your game: Volume Profile: This helps highlight where trading activity is concentrated. These zones often act as hidden support in bearish phases. Fixed Range Volume Profile: Use this to scan specific chart segments to understand volume-based zones of control. Perfect for pinpointing possible rebounds. Auto Fib Retracement: TradingView’s automated Fibonacci retracement tool helps identify pullback levels. A critical asset when timing entries during downtrends. Divergence Detector: Combine RSI or MACD to catch bullish divergences—these subtle signs often come before a trend reversal. Multi-Timeframe S/R Indicator: This reveals support and resistance levels across different timeframes. Knowing where multiple levels align helps predict strong reactions. For practical use, open a BTC or ETH chart, apply these tools, and look for volume clusters, divergences, and Fibonacci confluences. The more layers you add, the stronger your edge becomes. TradingView isn’t just a charting platform—it’s your bear market radar . 📉 Understanding Bear Market Psychology Bear markets are all about fear and exhaustion. But that doesn’t mean opportunity is gone. If you learn to read the crowd’s psychology, you’ll see it’s just a phase—one you can use to your advantage. 🛡️ Capital Protection Comes First Rule one in bear phases: protect, not profit. Logical stop-losses, reducing position sizes, using stablecoins, and cutting emotional trades are your survival kit. 🧲 Catching Opportunities in Pullbacks Even bearish trends have bounces. These are golden moments to take short-term trades or exit from poor positions. The 4H chart with Fib retracement is your best friend here. 🔄 Range Trading = Consistent Gains Sideways movement = scalping zone. Once price enters a range, clearly marked support/resistance levels from your indicators give sniper-level entries and exits. 🔮 Reverse Market Sentiment Like a Pro In bear markets, everyone’s scared. Which means smart money starts buying. Flip your emotional lens. Fear on the street = quiet opportunity for the patient. 📊 Indicator Fusion for Early Signals RSI + MACD + Volume = market whisperers. If RSI bottoms while volume spikes, you’re probably seeing the quiet before a bullish storm. Most won’t notice. You will. 🧬 Learn From the Past Market Cycles History repeats. Mark previous bear market lows on your chart. Compare price action. Similar structure = similar outcome. Patterns from BTC 2018 or COVID crash are still valid today. 🧠 Your Mindset Is Your Strongest Tool More than any tool or strategy, it’s your mental control that saves capital. If you can master your thoughts, you can master your trades. Bear markets punish the weak-minded—not just the unskilled. 🧭 Final Thoughts: If you take away just one insight, let it be this: in bear markets, survival is the goal, and hidden opportunities are born from fear. No trend lasts forever. But the prepared trader lasts through every trend. always conduct your own research before making investment decisions. That being said, please take note of the disclaimer section at the bottom of each post for further details 📜✅. Give me some energy !! ✨We invest countless hours researching opportunities and crafting valuable ideas. Your support means the world to us! If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comment box. Cheers, Mad Whale. 🐋
Education
by MadWhale
10
Why You Should Trade Zones, Not Points – Especially on XAUUSDIf you've been trading Gold (XAUUSD) for a while, you’ve likely noticed something strange in many analyses online. Support at 3256.73? Resistance at 3352.14? Really? That precise? This kind of fixed-point trading might look good on a chart, but it doesn't work in a real, volatile market — especially not in 2025. I've been trading Gold as my primary asset for over a decade, and if there's one thing experience — and logic — have consistently shown me, it's this: you should trade price zones, not fixed points. Let me explain you why. ________________________________________ 🔍 1. Gold Is Not a Low-Volatility Asset Gold isn't EURUSD. It doesn't move in clean 20-30-pip increments. It's volatile, reactive, and sensitive to everything from Fed rate rumors to random tweets and global conflicts. Over the past months, volatility has spiked — and not just because of economic data. We’re seeing: • Geopolitical uncertainty that escalates and de-escalates overnight • Macro shifts in interest rate expectations almost weekly • Market sentiment changing faster than ever In this environment, the idea that price will reverse exactly at 3352.14 is pure fantasy. ________________________________________ 📏 2. Percentages Matter More Than Pips Now Back when Gold was around $2000, a 200-pip move meant a 1% change in price. Now, with Gold trading above $3300, the same 1% move is 330 pips. So, if you're still treating 30–50 pips like a serious target on Gold, you're not adjusting to reality. You're chasing crumbs in a storm. I’ve written before about why you shouldn't trade Gold for small 30–50 pip moves. It’s no longer a high-probability game — the math doesn’t work. You’re either over-leveraging or underperforming. ________________________________________ 📈 3. Price Zones Are Where the Smart Money Trades Markets aren’t binary. They don’t care about your exact number. They care about liquidity zones — where enough buyers and sellers are willing to transact in volume. Here’s how professionals approach it: • Support isn’t a number — it’s a range. • Resistance isn’t a line — it’s a battle zone. When you analyze Gold, think in ranges like 3280–3290 or 3320–3330. This is where price breathes, traps traders, and makes real moves. Fixed points create unrealistic expectations and false confidence. ________________________________________ 🧠 4. Emotion Kills Precision in Real Time In live trading, you’re not a machine. You’re a human reacting to candles, tweets, and news. Waiting for an entry at exactly 3352.14 often means: • You miss the move entirely • Or you force a bad entry when price front-runs your level But when you use zones, you give yourself the flexibility to act within context, not dogma. You can read the candle behavior inside that zone, you can spot exhaustion, you can scale in or out — you become tactical, not rigid. ________________________________________ ✅ Final Thoughts: Adapt or Stay Frustrated If you want to trade Gold successfully in this current market, you must adapt: • Use zones instead of pin-point levels • Adjust your expectations to the new pip-to-percentage dynamics • Respect the volatility and macro backdrop The traders who will survive are not the ones with the cleanest lines on their charts. They’re the ones who know how to handle chaos with structure, using zones as flexible tools, not false certainties. 🎯 Start thinking in ranges, not numbers. That’s where the edge is. Disclosure: I am part of TradeNation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analyses and educational articles.
TRADENATION:XAUUSDEducation
by Mihai_Iacob
2
What Is Naked Forex Trading, and How Do Traders Use It?What Is Naked Forex Trading, and How Do Traders Use It? Traders rely on various tools and techniques to trade the forex market. Naked forex trading is one of the oldest and most popular trading approaches among currency traders. This article delves into the details of naked trading, providing insights into its implementation and distinguishing features that set it apart from other analysis techniques. Understanding Naked Forex Trading Naked trading is a trading style that involves analysing markets using a clean price chart, meaning one without technical indicators. Traders who use this method make decisions based on real-time price movements and their trading instincts. Naked trading has its roots in the early days of trading, long before the advent of sophisticated technical analysis tools and indicators. Early traders relied solely on price action and market behaviour to make trading decisions. By stripping away the complexity of modern trading tools, naked trading aims to return to the fundamental principles of trading, emphasising the importance of understanding market psychology and price dynamics. Core Principles of Naked Forex Trading Naked forex trading is based on the following principles: - Price action analysis is the foundation of naked trading, focusing on the examination of asset price movements without the help of technical indicators. Traders rely on bar, line, or Japanese candlestick charts to identify patterns, trends, and key support and resistance levels. By concentrating on real-time price movements, traders aim to make their trading decisions based on how prices behave at specific levels. - Naked trading emphasises simplicity and clarity as it removes the clutter of numerous trading tools. This approach helps traders maintain a clear view of the market, making it potentially easier to identify trading opportunities. The simplification also reduces cognitive load, enabling traders to focus on the most critical market movements. - Trader instinct, often referred to as "gut feeling" or "trader's intuition," plays a significant role in naked trading. This instinct is honed over time through experience and the extensive observation of price movements and market behaviour. Key Techniques and Tools Mastering price action analysis is crucial in naked trading. These are the four key tools for those who use naked trading. Candlestick Patterns Candlestick patterns play a crucial role in naked trading strategy by providing visual representations of price movements over a specified period. Traders look for different price formations to analyse potential market reversals, continuations, or indecisions. Common candlestick patterns include doji, engulfing patterns, hammer, shooting star, and spinning top. Each offers insights into market sentiment and potential future price movements. Chart Patterns Chart patterns on price charts indicate potential trend reversals or continuations. Traders using naked trading techniques rely on chart patterns like flags, rounding top/bottom, diamonds, and rectangles to identify key levels where the price is likely to react. These patterns help traders anticipate market movements and plan entry and exit points accordingly. Support and Resistance Levels Support and resistance levels are fundamental concepts in naked trading, representing levels the price struggled to break above (resistance) or hold above (support). Traders identify these levels on price charts to anticipate potential price reversals or breakouts. Support and resistance levels are crucial for setting profit targets, placing stop-loss orders, and managing risk. Trendlines and Channels Trendlines and channels are used by naked traders to visualise the direction and strength of a trend. Trendlines connect successive higher lows (uptrend) or lower highs (downtrend) on a price chart, helping traders identify trend reversals or confirm trend continuations. Channels are formed by drawing parallel lines to connect highs and lows, creating a channel in which the price typically moves. Advantages of Naked Forex Trading Naked trading has many advantages; therefore, it’s still used by traders around the globe. Here are the key benefits of naked forex trading: - Enhanced Focus and Simplicity: This approach removes market clutter as it offers enhanced focus by eliminating complex technical indicators. Without the distraction of multiple indicators that provide lagging signals, traders may respond more effectively to changes in price movements. - Improved Market Understanding: By relying on naked trading tools, traders may better understand market behaviour and psychology. Observing price action directly on charts potentially enhances traders' ability to interpret market sentiment, identify key support and resistance levels, and anticipate potential trend reversals or continuations. This hands-on approach fosters a deeper understanding of the nuances of the market and improves trading skills over time. - Flexibility and Adaptability: Traders are not constrained by specific indicator signals or rigid trading rules. Instead, they can adjust their approach based on real-time price action and evolving market dynamics. This flexibility allows them to take advantage of emerging opportunities and adapt their strategies to potentially mitigate risks. Challenges and Limitations Although naked trading can be effective, it has limitations that a trader considers before relying on this approach. - Learning Curve: As naked forex trading relies heavily on interpreting price action without the assistance of technical indicators, traders may need to dedicate considerable time and effort to mastering candlestick patterns, chart analysis, and understanding market psychology. Developing the skill to interpret price movements accurately demands persistence and consistent practice. - Emotional Discipline: A notable challenge of naked trading is the absence of clear buy or sell signals provided by indicators, which can lead to heightened emotional responses to market fluctuations. Traders must maintain discipline by adhering to their trading plans, implementing risk management strategies, and avoiding impulsive decisions. - Market Noise: Navigating market noise is another hurdle in naked trading. Market noise refers to random price fluctuations that obscure meaningful price patterns. Traders need the patience and experience to distinguish between significant price movements and temporary fluctuations. Practical Application of Naked Forex Trading Setting up a trading plan is essential for implementing naked forex trading. Traders might use the following rules: - Define Your Trading Goals: Determine your financial objectives, risk tolerance, and period of trading. - Select Currency Pairs: Choose currency pairs that align with your trading strategy and offer sufficient liquidity. - Identify Key Trading Times: Determine optimal times to trade based on market volatility and your availability. - Establish Entry and Exit Rules: Define criteria for entering trades based on price action signals, such as candlestick patterns or support/resistance levels. Similarly, rules for exiting trades should be established to potentially lock in returns or cut losses. - Risk Management: Implement risk management strategies, including setting stop-loss orders and calculating position sizes based on your risk tolerance and account size. - Review and Adapt: Regularly review your plan to assess its effectiveness and make necessary adjustments based on evolving market conditions and personal trading performance. Real-Life Examples and Case Studies Real-life examples and case studies illustrate how naked forex trading principles are applied in practice: Example 1: Trading Support and Resistance A trader identifies a currency pair approaching a key support level on the daily chart. They wait for a bullish reversal candlestick pattern, such as dragonfly doji, to form near the support level. They enter a long trade with a stop-loss below the support level and a profit target at the next resistance level. Example 2: Trend Confirmation A trader observes a currency pair in a strong downtrend on the hourly chart. They wait for a pullback to a trendline and look for a bearish engulfing pattern to confirm the continuation of the downtrend. They enter a sell trade with a tight stop-loss above the trendline. However, it is difficult to determine the profit target as there are no swing lows nearby. The Bottom Line When they understand the naked trading forex strategy, traders may use it in other markets, including stocks and cryptocurrencies*. However, it's important to note that any analysis does not guarantee effective trading, and other factors should be considered alongside chart analysis. Risk management and a proper mindset are essential for long-term consistency. FAQs What Is Naked Trading in Forex? Naked, or price action trading, is a forex trading approach that involves analysing the market using a clean price chart without any technical indicators. Traders relying on this method make decisions based on real-time price movements and their trading instincts rather than past performance. The strategy emphasises identifying key support and resistance levels, trend reversals, and price corrections purely through the observation of bar, line, or candlestick charts. Can I Trade Without Chart Patterns? Yes, trading without chart patterns may be possible using alternative methods such as indicator-based strategies, quantitative models, fundamental analysis, or sentiment analysis. These approaches allow traders to analyse the markets based on technical indicators, mathematical algorithms, economic data, or market sentiment. What Is a Chart Pattern in a Price Action Strategy? A chart pattern in a price action strategy refers to the specific formations and shapes created by the price movements of an asset, which traders use to analyse future market behaviour. These patterns emerge due to the collective actions of buyers and sellers and can indicate potential trend reversals or continuations. Some common chart patterns include triangles suggesting a consolidation before a breakout, Quasimodo indicating a potential trend reversal, and flags signalling the continuation of an existing trend. What Is the 5-3-1 Trading Strategy? The 5-3-1 trading strategy is a disciplined approach designed to help traders focus and improve their trading skills. It involves trading just five currency pairs to reduce complexity and enhance expertise in those markets. Traders then use only three specific strategies to master and consistently apply. Finally, they select one trading timeframe to maintain consistency and avoid confusion. *Important: At FXOpen UK, Cryptocurrency trading via CFDs is only available to our Professional clients. They are not available for trading by Retail clients. To find out more information about how this may affect you, please get in touch with our team. This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
Education
by FXOpen
1
How to draw support and resistance levels the right way? 1️⃣ Why Are Support and Resistance Levels So Important? Support and resistance levels show where price has reacted strongly in the past. These are zones where many traders including large players have placed buy or sell orders. Support = where buyers step in and push price up Resistance = where sellers step in and push price down These levels are important because they act like decision zones: - Price might bounce from these levels - Or break through and start a new move - Or even fake out traders before reversing again Knowing where these levels are gives you an edge: - You can better time your entries and exits - You avoid chasing price in the middle of nowhere - You prepare for market reactions not random guesses Think of them like traffic lights for the market when price hits them, something important usually happens. 2️⃣ Three Main Types of Support and Resistance There are 3 key types of support and resistance levels traders commonly use: - Level-Based: Horizontal zones drawn from key highs and lows - Pattern-Based: Support/resistance found in chart patterns like triangles, flags, etc. - Channel-Based: Diagonal trendlines showing support and resistance in a channel Today, we focus on level-based support and resistance horizontal lines drawn on key price zones. 3️⃣ How to Draw Support and Resistance Levels Use daily, weekly, or monthly timeframes to find major zones. These higher timeframes give you stronger, more respected levels. Look for: - Candle bodies that close and open around the same price - Strong wicks rejecting a certain level - Zones where price has bounced multiple times in the past I often pick: - The close of a red candle - The open of the next green candle These spots usually show where sellers lost control and buyers stepped in — or vice versa. 4️⃣ Timeframes and Their Strength The higher the timeframe, the stronger the level: - Monthly = very strong, long-term zones - Weekly = strong and reliable - Daily = useful for swing trading - Lower timeframes (15m, 5m) = more noise, less reliable unless you're day trading or scalping Pick levels based on your strategy: - Swing traders = use daily/weekly/monthly - Scalpers = lower timeframes with extra confluence (volume, structure) 5️⃣ Don’t Use Support/Resistance Alone Support and resistance are helpful — but not enough by themselves. Always combine them with: - Market structure (higher highs/lows) - Volume confirmation - Indicators or price action signals You want to watch how price reacts at your levels. Wait for confirmation before making decisions. 6️⃣ Common Mistakes Traders Make Mistake 1: Drawing too many levels clutters your chart and creates confusion. Mistake 2: Keeping old levels that have already been broken or invalidated. Mistake 3: Ignoring volume. Just because price hits a level doesn’t mean it will reverse. You need volume to back the move. Also: Don’t enter blindly on breakout, breakouts can fail. Wait for confirmation. Don’t assume a level is strong just because it’s touched once — look for multiple rejections. 7️⃣ Example: How I Draw Support/Resistance Let’s say I’m looking at a daily chart. - I find a red candle that closes at 42,000 - Then a green candle opens at 42,000 and pushes higher That tells me buyers stepped in at 42,000 — this is a potential support. I draw my horizontal line across that level. Then I zoom into 30m or 15m charts to watch price behavior when it comes back to that level. If price respects it again, I may enter a trade based on the reaction. This technique gives me more confidence and clarity. I know where liquidity might be waiting. I can combine it with indicators or volume tools. I avoid random trades. 🔄 Summary Identify a timeframe – Use the monthly, weekly, or daily chart. Look for two candles – Draw your support or resistance line at the point where one candle closes and the next one opens. Make sure the level hasn’t been hit yet – This helps you spot areas where liquidity grabs might happen. Wait for price to reach the level – Once price touches the support or resistance zone, watch how it reacts. After price touches the level, remove it – Once tested, that level is no longer fresh and should be cleared from your chart. Support and resistance isn’t magic — but used with confluence, it becomes a powerful guide. Please LIKE 👍, FOLLOW ✅, SHARE 🙌 and COMMENT ✍ if you enjoy this idea! Also share your ideas and charts in the comments section below! This is best way to keep it relevant, support us, keep the content here free and allow the idea to reach as many people as possible. Disclaimer: This is not financial advice. Always do your own research. This content may include enhancements made using AI.
NYSE:KOEducation
by Risk_Adj_Return
Mastering the ICT Power of 3 concept - How to use it in trading!The financial markets often appear chaotic and unpredictable, but behind the scenes, institutional players operate with clear strategies that shape price action. One such strategy is the ICT (Inner Circle Trader) "Power of 3" model, a framework used to understand and anticipate market cycles through three key phases: accumulation, manipulation, and distribution. This guide will break down each of these phases in detail, explaining how smart money operates and how retail traders can align themselves with the true direction of the market.

 What will be discussed? - The 3 phases - Examples of the PO3 - How to trade the PO3 - Tips for trading the PO3 The 3 phases Accumulation 
 The Accumulation Phase in the ICT "Power of 3" model refers to the initial stage of a market cycle where institutional or "smart money" participants quietly build their positions. During this time, price typically moves sideways within a tight range, often showing little to no clear direction. This is intentional. The market appears quiet or indecisive, which is designed to confuse retail traders and keep them out of alignment with the real intentions of the market's larger players. In this phase, smart money is not looking to move the market dramatically. Instead, they are focused on accumulating long or short positions without drawing attention. They do this by keeping price contained within a consolidation zone. The idea is to gather enough liquidity, often from unsuspecting retail traders entering early breakout trades or trying to trade the range, before making a more aggressive move. Manipulation The Manipulation Phase in the ICT "Power of 3" model is the second stage that follows accumulation. This phase is where smart money deliberately moves the market in the opposite direction of their intended move to trigger retail stop losses, induce emotional decisions, and create liquidity. After price has consolidated during accumulation, many retail traders are either already positioned or have orders waiting just outside the range, either stop losses from those trading the range or breakout orders from those anticipating a directional move. The manipulation phase exploits this positioning. Price will often break out of the accumulation range in one direction, appearing to confirm a new trend. This move is designed to look convincing, it might even come with a spike in volume or momentum to draw traders in. However, this breakout is a false move. It doesn’t represent the true intention of smart money. Instead, it's meant to sweep liquidity, triggering stop losses above or below the range, and then reverse sharply. This stop run provides the liquidity needed for large players to finalize their positions at optimal prices. Once enough liquidity is collected, and retail traders are caught offside, the real move begins. Distribution The Distribution Phase in the ICT "Power of 3" model is the final stage of the cycle, following accumulation and manipulation. This is where the true intention of smart money is revealed, and the market makes a sustained, directional move, either bullish or bearish. Unlike the earlier phases, distribution is marked by clear price expansion, increased volatility, and decisive momentum. After smart money has accumulated positions and shaken out retail traders through manipulation, they have the liquidity and positioning needed to drive the market in their desired direction. The distribution phase is where these positions are "distributed" into the broader market, meaning, institutions begin to offload their positions into the retail flow that is now chasing the move. Retail traders, seeing the strong trend, often jump in late, providing the liquidity for smart money to exit profitably. This phase is typically what retail traders perceive as the real trend, and in a sense, it is. However, by the time the trend is obvious, smart money has already entered during accumulation and profited from the manipulation. What appears to be a breakout or trend continuation to most retail participants is actually the final leg of the smart money’s strategy. They are now unloading their positions while price continues to expand. Examples of the Power of 3 How to trade the PO3? Start by identifying a clear accumulation range. This typically happens during the Asian session or the early part of the London session. Price moves sideways, forming a consolidation zone. Your job here isn’t to trade, but to observe. Draw horizontal lines marking the high and low of the range. These become your key liquidity zones. Next, anticipate the manipulation phase, which usually occurs during the London session or at the NY open. Price will often break out of the range, triggering stop losses above the high or below the low of the accumulation zone. This move is deceptive, it is not the real trend. Do not chase it. Instead, wait for signs of rejection, such as a sharp reversal after the liquidity grab, imbalance filling, or a shift in market structure on a lower timeframe (like a 1- or 5-minute chart). Once manipulation has swept liquidity and price starts showing signs of reversing back inside the range or beyond, you now look for a confirmation of the true move, this begins the distribution phase. You enter in the direction opposite of the manipulation move, ideally once price breaks a structure level confirming that smart money has taken control. For example, if price consolidates overnight, fakes a move to the downside (running sell stops), and then quickly reverses and breaks above a key swing high, that's your signal that the true move is likely up. Enter after the break and retest of structure, using a tight stop loss below the recent low. Your target should be based on liquidity pools, fair value gaps, or higher-timeframe imbalances. The key to trading the Power of 3 is patience and precision. You're not trying to catch every move, but to wait for the market to complete its cycle of deception and then ride the clean expansion. Ideally, your entry comes just after manipulation, and you hold through the distribution/expansion phase, taking partials at key liquidity levels along the way. Tips for trading the PO3
 1. Learn price movements Before you can effectively apply the ICT Power of 3 strategy, it’s crucial to have a deep understanding of how price behaves. This means being comfortable identifying market structure, recognizing trend direction, and interpreting candlestick dynamics. Since the Power of 3 is deeply rooted in how price moves in real time, a strong grasp of these basics will give you the confidence to read the market correctly as each phase develops. 2. Analyse multiple timeframes Although the Power of 3 pattern shows up on lower timeframes, relying on just one can lead to misreads. You’ll gain a clearer picture when you align the short-term view with higher timeframe structure. For example, what appears to be accumulation on the 15-minute chart may simply be a retracement in a larger trend on the 1-hour or daily. By examining multiple timeframes together, you can better identify the true setup and avoid being tricked by noise. 3. Exercise patience A key part of trading the Power of 3 is knowing when to act, and more importantly, when not to. It’s easy to get impatient during the accumulation or manipulation phases, but entering too early often leads to frustration or losses. True discipline comes from waiting for the expansion or distribution phase, when the market reveals its real direction. This is where the most favorable risk-to-reward setups occur. Thanks for your support. - Make sure to follow me so you don't miss out on the next analysis! - Drop a like and leave a comment!
Education
by Youriverse
64
Retro Editors' picks 2020As we move forward through time, we occasionally must look backward to evaluate our progress and address our shortcomings. For years, PineCoders has voluntarily analyzed numerous published scripts, selecting the most exceptional among them as Editors' picks . To enhance our process and spotlight more high-quality work from our community, we've conducted a comprehensive review of script publications from the past five years. Through this effort, we've identified several additional scripts that deserve greater recognition than they initially received. Below is a collection of additional scripts from 2020 that have earned a spot in our Editors' picks. These retrospective selections reflect our continued commitment to honoring outstanding contributions in our community, regardless of when they were published. To the authors of these highlighted scripts: our sincere thanks, on behalf of all TradingViewers. Congrats! Support Resistance Channels - LonesomeTheBlue BERLIN Candles - lejmer Delta Volume Columns Pro - LucF Range Filter - DonovanWall Over the next four months, in the last week of each month, we will share retro Editors' picks for subsequent years: June: retro EPs for 2021 July: retro EPs for 2022 August: retro EPs for 2023 September: retro EPs for 2024 They will be visible in the Editors' picks feed . █   What are Editors' picks ? The Editors' picks showcase the best open-source script publications selected by our PineCoders team. Many of these scripts are original and only available on TradingView. These picks are not recommendations to buy or sell anything or use a specific indicator. We aim to highlight the most interesting publications to encourage learning and sharing in our community. Any open-source script publication in the Community Scripts can be picked if it is original, provides good potential value to traders, includes a helpful description, and complies with the House Rules. — The PineCoders team
SWB:SQ6BEducation
by PineCoders
11
A Brief Overview of Price Patterns in TradingPrice patterns are technical analysis tools that help identify price behavior on charts to predict future trends. Common patterns include continuation and reversal formations. Continuation patterns such as flags, triangles, and rectangles often appear during strong trends and indicate the likelihood of the trend continuing after a period of consolidation. Reversal patterns like head and shoulders, double tops and bottoms, and wedges signal potential changes in trend direction. Recognizing these patterns allows traders to optimize entry points, stop-loss levels, and take-profit targets. The clearer the pattern and the higher the timeframe it appears on, the more reliable it tends to be. However, no pattern guarantees success, so it's important to combine them with other factors like volume, support and resistance zones, and confirmation signals before making trading decisions. Each pattern has its own identifying characteristics such as shape, length, and breakout zones, so consistent observation and practice are essential. Price patterns not only assist in technical analysis but also reflect market psychology and crowd behavior. For best results, traders should combine pattern recognition with risk management and patiently wait for clear signals instead of reacting emotionally. A deep understanding of price patterns can increase the probability of success and reduce risk in the trading process. Wishing you effective trading and strong discipline!
OANDA:XAUUSDEducation
by Henrybillion
Whales Wrote the Rules stop your imagination and Lose more Is it true that whales control the charts, or is it just another trading myth? Why does everything look perfect—until the exact opposite happens? This analysis reveals how smart money traps retail traders in plain sight. Hello✌ Spend 3 minutes ⏰ reading this educational material. 🎯 Analytical Insight on XRP: XRP is showing classic signs of compression, resembling a tightly wound spring ready to release. Momentum is building, and a breakout appears imminent based on current price structure and volume behavior 📈. While my long-term outlook remains significantly bullish, this setup suggests a conservative upside of at least 18%, with a key target in focus at $2.70 🚀. Now , let's dive into the educational section, 📊 TradingView Tools to Track Whale Behavior One of the most powerful truths in trading is this: Smart money always leaves a trace—you just need to know where and how to look. TradingView provides some powerful tools to help you identify those footprints. Volume Profile (Fixed Range / Session Volume): Use this tool to spot where the most volume was traded in specific ranges. These high-volume areas often signal zones where whales have entered or exited positions. Smart Money Concepts / Order Blocks : Now natively available in TradingView for Pro+ and Premium plans, these highlight potential manipulation zones, institutional footprints, and key support/resistance levels. Liquidity Zones: Use custom indicators like Liquidity Pools Detector or combine ATR with price structure to visualize high-risk/high-reward zones—whales love ambushing retail here. Practical Tip: Open the Bitcoin chart. Apply the Volume Profile Fixed Range tool across a two-week range. Look for areas with the highest volume concentration—these are likely whale action zones. Now overlay the Order Block indicator. You’ll often find those zones overlap. 🧠 Understanding Whale Behavior Whales typically act when the crowd is at extreme fear or greed. They move against the market’s emotional wave—and to do that, they need to mislead the herd. They create setups that look obvious but are designed to trap. 🐟 How Retail Traders Get Hunted Here’s the classic trap: The market makes a fake drop → panic selling → retail goes short. Then whales step in, absorb liquidity, push price up → retail goes long too late. Finally, whales dump at the top, and price collapses again. 🔄 Whale Playbook: The Four Phases Silent Accumulation Fake Breakout Pump Distribution During Peak Greed Dump + Liquidity Grab You’ll find this playbook hidden in plain sight—if you stop chasing noise and start tracking volume, liquidity, and sentiment. ⚠️ Why Retail Always Ends Up on the Wrong Side Because they’re looking for confirmation, not truth. Whales exploit this—chart patterns, indicators, and fake breakouts are all part of the trap. You need more than candles—you need context. 🔍 Chart Patterns or Psychological Traps? Patterns like Head & Shoulders, Wyckoff Phases, or Triangles? Whales know you’re watching them. They use these patterns as bait. Unless combined with volume confirmation and liquidity context, most patterns are psychological illusions. 🧭 How to Follow the Smart Money Study candle behavior with volume (Volume Spread Analysis) Drop to lower timeframes to confirm liquidity zones Use Anchored VWAP from major pivot highs/lows Watch for divergence between price and volume—especially at highs/lows 💡 Conclusion: There’s no holy grail in trading—but if you start thinking like a whale instead of chasing them, you’ll stop being the bait. Use TradingView’s institutional-level tools to decode real market intentions. Next time you spot a "perfect breakout," ask: who's on the other side of this trade—and why? always conduct your own research before making investment decisions. That being said, please take note of the disclaimer section at the bottom of each post for further details 📜✅. Give me some energy !! ✨We invest countless hours researching opportunities and crafting valuable ideas. Your support means the world to us! If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comment box. Cheers, Mad Whale. 🐋
Education
by MadWhale
7
The Ultra Idea : d-MR96nBa's Ultimate Market Journal🌌The Ultra Idea : d-MR96nBa's🌠Ultimate Market Journal🎨 Hello Fellow Travelers It's been some time since I've posted a Fresh Idea, though I've remained actively trading. What better way to mark my TradView return, than to start an Ultimate Market Journal. Financial Markets have taken my deep interest again recently, especially as we seem to be at a time of accelerating change and shifting regimes. I believe many opportunities abound to those with open, flexible and creative minds. A bit more about myself. I've been involved with financial markets in one form or fashion for 18 years now. I started out like most of us, approaching the game with fundamental analysis, only to later incorporate and then fully graduate to T/A. I'm a natural Contrarian. My brand of technical analysis is as much about aesthetics, creative expression, discovering hidden truths and applying Universal Principles as it is running the numbers. I'm starting this off with Ultra Bond Futures, as UB's are the trading instrument I've come to specialise in, having had the most ongoing consistent success trading. This by no means is going to be a "I bought here and sold there" type of Journal, as that's not my style. Nor am I going to focus on a single market instrument, observation or style of analysis. I'd like this to become a repository of accumulated wisdom and unique market perceptives. I've just begun contemplating what this may evolve into in time, and I invite you to join me in taking this Leap d-MR96nBa🌌 Concept Inversion📈📉 Seek out and analyse whatever moves exactly inverse to what you intend to trade. If you're having trouble discerning trend or observing price patterns, check the inverse. This can be an excellent technique for exposing Bias. This can work particularly well for currency traders, though can be Universally applied. For US Ultra Bonds, the inverse is the US 30 Year Yield Ultra Bond Futures US 30 Year Yield Currency traders, say you're about to trade AUD/CHF Check out the CHF/AUD chart first, if they both appear Bullish or Bearish, you've got a Bias. AUD/CHF CHF/AUD GBP/JPY JPY/GBP EUR/USD USD/EUR Are there any examples of Inversion in Trading you'd like to share ? What else is on my🧠 Well just casually, I believe we're currently witnessing Peak Bitcoin in it's entire Life-cycle. Have we Bull Trapped & Breakaway Gapped on Berkshire Hathaway BRK.B It's in the Detail
CBOT:UB1!Education
by d-MR96nBa
1
Forex Trading Time Zones: Market Hours and OverlapsForex Trading Time Zones: Market Hours and Overlaps In the world of forex trading, understanding the dynamics of different time zones is paramount. This article delves into the intricate web of currency trading time zones, exploring the 24-hour cycle, major trading hours, and the nuanced opportunities each presents. The 24-Hour Cycle of Forex Market Time Zones The forex market's distinctive feature of being open 24 hours a day, five days a week, is a testament to its unparalleled accessibility, dynamics, and decentralised nature. Unlike traditional financial markets constrained by fixed trading hours, the forex market operates continuously, commencing in Asia on Monday and concluding in North America on Friday. Major financial centres in different time zones steer the dynamics of the forex market, acting as the primary drivers of market activity during their respective business hours. That complex interplay creates distinct trading periods, each characterised by unique market conditions and opportunities. Key Forex Session Time Zones Knowing the trading hours of the major forex trading hours is fundamental for any trader aiming to capitalise on the dynamic nature of the market. Winter time: - London Session: From 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM UTC - New York Session: From 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM UTC - Sydney Session: From 09:00 PM to 6:00 AM UTC - Tokyo Session: From 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM UTC Summer time: - London Session: From 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM UTC - New York Session: From 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM UTC - Sydney Session: From 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM UTC - Tokyo Session: From 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM UTC Different Time Zones in Forex Trading Create Opportunities The diverse forex trading time zones offer a rich tapestry of opportunities, each session presenting distinct characteristics that traders can strategically exploit. London Session The London session time provides opportunities for traders to engage in high-liquidity markets. Currency pairs involving the euro (EUR) or the British pound (GBP), such as EUR/USD and GBP/USD, tend to be particularly active during this period. The early morning volatility during the London session trading time can be harnessed for quick trades or trend-establishing moves. New York Session As the New York session time kicks in, currency pairs involving the US dollar (USD) or other currencies of countries in the same time zone take centre stage. Pairs like USD/MXN and USD/CAD experience heightened volatility and amplified market activity. Sydney Session While the Sydney session may exhibit lower volatility, it sets the stage for the day's trading. Currency pairs tied to the Australian dollar (AUD) and the New Zealand dollar (NZD), like AUD/USD and NZD/USD, can witness initial movements during this period, creating opportunities for strategic positioning. Tokyo Session The Tokyo session focuses on the Japanese yen (JPY) pairs, offering traders the chance to tap into the unique characteristics of this market. Currency pairs like USD/JPY and EUR/JPY may see increased activity, presenting opportunities for trend-following or counter-trend strategies. Session Trading Strategies The convergence of major financial hubs during specific currency trading time zones creates a unique environment that can be exploited strategically. Let’s examine three strategies for each major forex time zone. London Session Breakout Strategy The London Session Breakout strategy is based on the significant increase in trading volume and volatility when the London market opens, specifically between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM UTC (summer time) or 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM UTC (winter time). However, most focus is often placed on the range between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM summer time or 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM winter time. This surge during the London trading session often leads to notable price movements, particularly in forex pairs like GBP/USD and EUR/USD, making it an ideal time for breakout strategies. Entry - Traders monitor the early London trading hours. The idea is to look for a specific range with clear high and low boundaries during this time. - They set buy stop orders slightly above the high of this range and sell stop orders slightly below the low, aiming to capture the breakout direction. Stop Loss - Stop losses are strategically placed slightly below the most recent swing low for buy positions and vice versa, offering potential protection against false breakouts. Take Profit - Some traders may prefer to close the position as the New York session begins, as reversals are common during this session overlap. - Alternatively, trailing stops might be employed to take advantage of extended price movements if the trend continues strongly after the breakout. New York Reversal Strategy The New York Reversal strategy exploits the heightened volatility and liquidity that occur at the start of the New York session. While there isn’t a perfect correlation, it’s common to see the initial London trend extended early into the New York session before a reversal, usually between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM UTC summer time and 1:30 PM and 2 PM UTC winter time. This strategy is particularly effective due to the influx of trading activity and market orders when the US markets open. Entry - Traders often monitor the market around the first couple of hours of the New York forex session time, looking for signs of reversal. This may be a divergence between a price and a momentum indicator, a reaction from a significant support or resistance level, a candlestick or chart pattern, and so on. - Once the trader has confirmation that the London trend may be reversing, they enter a position. Stop Loss - Stop losses are generally placed just beyond the nearest swing high or low. This helps potentially protect against losses if the anticipated reversal does not occur. Take Profit - Traders frequently set profit targets at significant support or resistance levels established during the London session. - Alternatively, traders might trail their stop loss to follow the market movement and maximise potential gains. Tokyo Volatility Breakout Strategy The Tokyo Volatility Breakout strategy leverages the increased trading activity and liquidity at the start of the Tokyo session time. This strategy is best suited to JPY pairs like USD/JPY, EUR/JPY, and GBP/JPY, which often see significant price movements due to the influx of market participants at Japan’s forex market open time. Between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM UTC summer time (8:00 PM and 9:00 PM UTC winter time), volume and liquidity dry up significantly as the New York session closes. 10:00 PM and 11:00 PM UTC summer time (9:00 PM and 10:00 PM winter time) sees some activity as Sydney session time begins, but the start of the Tokyo session forex time, between 11:00 PM and 12:00 AM, can kickstart a new trend and break out from the typical ranging conditions from the previous few hours. Entry - Traders often monitor the market and look for breakouts as the Tokyo session begins. - Bollinger Bands can be used to identify these breakouts, typically characterised by the bands squeezing together before the price closes strongly outside the upper or lower band, potentially indicating the start of a trend. Stop Loss - Stop losses are generally placed beyond the nearest swing high or low or beyond the opposite side of the Bollinger Band. This helps potentially protect against losses if the breakout does not result in a sustained trend. Take Profit - Profit targets are often set at significant support or resistance levels established in previous sessions. - Alternatively, positions might be closed at the start of the London session (around 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM UTC) to avoid potential reversals that occur with the increased liquidity and trading volume as European markets open. Tailoring Your Trading Schedule to Forex Currency Time Zones Crafting an effective trading schedule involves a personalised approach, taking into account a trader's individual location and trading style objectives. Different Trading Styles: Maximising Opportunities Forex time zones often determine specific forex rate behaviours. For day traders, the volatility and liquidity during overlapping activity can provide ideal conditions for executing rapid trades. The heightened volatility and liquidity are even more advantageous for scalpers seeking to capitalise on rapid price movements by executing trades with precision. Overlapping sessions also often mark key points where trends may continue or reverse. Traders employing trend-following or breakout-based strategies can capitalise on that momentum. Swing traders, on the other hand, who aim to capture trends over a slightly longer timeframe, may take advantage of the distinct characteristics of individual sessions, such as the so-called stability of the Sydney session or the high volatility of the London session. Economic Events and News Releases Traders also consider the timing of major data releases and align that with their specific geographic location. During the London session, major European economic indicators and policy announcements can set the tone. Then, the market may respond to data from the United States that can significantly influence USD pairs, followed by economic reports from the Asia-Pacific region. The interconnectedness of the world economy can have cascading effects on currency values across the globe. Currency Market Correlations Currency pair correlations exhibit dynamic shifts depending on the timing and may lead to specific patterns. For example, the correlation between USD/JPY and EUR/USD can shift throughout the trading day, starting from positive during the Tokyo session and then shifting into negative during European and New York trading hours. Traders can leverage correlation analysis as a powerful tool for making informed trading decisions. Final Thoughts Navigating the dynamic world of forex trading requires a multifaceted understanding of the market's 24-hour cycle, the overlapping of major trading sessions, and the intricate interplay of economic events and currency correlations. FAQ What Are the 4 Forex Sessions? The forex market operates 24 hours a day, divided into four main sessions based on key financial centres: the Sydney session forex time (10:00 PM to 7:00 AM UTC in the summer and 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM UTC in the winter), the Tokyo session forex time (11:00 PM to 8:00 AM UTC in the summer and winter), the London session forex time (7:00 AM to 4:00 PM UTC in the summer and 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM UTC in the winter), and the New York session forex time (12:00 PM to 9:00 PM UTC in the summer and 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM UTC in the winter). When Does the London Session Start? The London session starts at 7:00 AM UTC during summer and at 8:00 AM UTC during winter due to daylight saving time adjustments. This session is crucial for its high liquidity and significant overlap with other major sessions. What Time Is the New York-London Session Overlap? The overlap between the New York trading session time and the London session occurs from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM UTC in summer and from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM UTC in winter. Do Tokyo and London Sessions Overlap? The Tokyo and London sessions do not overlap significantly. The Tokyo session ends at 8:00 AM UTC, while the London session starts at 7:00 AM UTC in the summer. The minimal overlap from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM UTC sees limited trading activity. In winter, sessions don’t overlap. This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
Education
by FXOpen
6
How to Use Stop Losses in TradingViewThis video covers stop loss orders, explaining what they are, why traders use them, and how to set them up in TradingView. Disclaimer: There is a substantial risk of loss in futures trading. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Please trade only with risk capital. We are not responsible for any third-party links, comments, or content shared on TradingView. Any opinions, links, or messages posted by users on TradingView do not represent our views or recommendations. Please exercise your own judgment and due diligence when engaging with any external content or user commentary. The placement of contingent orders by you or broker, or trading advisor, such as a "stop-loss" or "stop-limit" order, will not necessarily limit your losses to the intended amounts, since market conditions may make it impossible to execute such orders.
CME_MINI:MESM2025Education
by OptimusFutures
2
Understanding How Dark Pool Buy Side Institutions AccumulateThe SPY is the most widely traded ETF in the world. Its price or value movement reflects the S&P 500 index value. It doesn't reflect the buying or selling of the SPY. You must use volume indicators and accumulation/distribution indicators that indicate whether the Buy Side Institutions are in accumulation mode, rotation to lower inventory to buy a different ETF or other instrument, OR distribution due to mutual fund and pension fund redemption demands. ETFs are one of the fastest growing industries in the US and around the world. There are more than 4000 Exchange Traded Derivatives. There are ETDs for just about anything you might wish to invest in long term or trade short term. If you trade the SPY, it is important to study the S&P 500 index, its top 10 components, how their values are changing, and resistance and support levels. SPY will mirror the S&P 500 closely but not precisely. ETFs are built with a variety of types of investments and always have a TRUST FUND, in which the components of that ETF inventory are held. The ETF Inventory is updated and adjusted monthly or sooner as needed to maintain the integrity of the ETF price value to the value of the S&P 500 index. Rules and regulations require that the ETF SPY be closely aligned to the S&P 500. So inventory adjustments are going on regularly. When trading the SPY, you must remember that it is not buyers and sellers of the ETF that change its price. Rather, it is the S&P 500 top components' price fluctuations that change the SPY price value. This is a tough concept to accept and understand. When you do understand it and apply that knowledge to your trading of the SPY, you will be far more profitable. This takes time. You also need to develop Spatial Pattern Recognition Skills so that when a pattern appears, you can recognize it instantly and act accordingly in your trading. Today we cover the resistance levels above the current price value. That resistance is likely to slow down the rapid gains in price value over the past few weeks. The ideal would be a sideways trend to allow corporations time to adjust to the new normal of whatever tarrifs are impacting their imports and exports. Then, the S&P500 move out of that sideways trend would result in a stronger Moderately Uptrending Market Condition. Trade Wisely, Martha Stokes CMT
AMEX:SPYEducation
by MarthaStokesCMT-TechniTrader
23
What is Bitcoin Dominance, and When Can We Expect Altseason?What is Bitcoin Dominance, and When Can We Expect Altseason? ✅ In the fast-paced and ever-changing world of digital currencies, traders and investors are continually seeking signs and tools to aid them in making informed decisions. One key sign is Bitcoin Dominance (BTC.D). Understanding this and examining its chart can provide us with important clues about what the market might do next, especially regarding when Altseason (the period of growth for altcoins) might begin. CRYPTOCAP:BTC.D What is Bitcoin Dominance (BTC.D)? Simply put, Bitcoin Dominance indicates the percentage of the total value of all digital currencies that is held by Bitcoin. For example, if the total value of all digital currencies is $1 trillion and Bitcoin's value is $600 billion, then Bitcoin's Dominance is 60%. This number is very important because: It shows market feeling: When Bitcoin Dominance goes up, it usually means money is moving to Bitcoin as a safer option, and people are less willing to take risks. When Bitcoin Dominance goes down, it can mean people are more confident in altcoins and are ready to take more risks for bigger profits. It shows money flow: Changes in BTC.D show how money is moving between Bitcoin and altcoins. ❓ What is Altseason? Altseason is a time in the digital currency market when altcoins (digital currencies other than Bitcoin) do much better than Bitcoin, and their prices go up a lot. During Altseason, money often flows from Bitcoin to altcoins, and many altcoins can see their prices increase many times over. Looking at the Current Bitcoin Dominance Chart and forecasting Altseason If we look at the provided chart for Bitcoin Dominance (BTC.D), we can see a few key things: Long-term upward channel: The chart shows that Bitcoin Dominance has been in a long-term upward path. The bottom of this path is marked by a blue support line , and the top is marked by a red resistance line . This means that, in the bigger picture, Bitcoin's control over the market has been growing. Broken short-term upward trend: There was a shorter-term upward trend line (shown in black on the image) that the price broke below on May 9th . This break could be an early warning sign that Bitcoin's dominance might be weakening in the short term, and its dominance might start to fall. ⚠️ But here is a very important point: We cannot be sure that Altseason has definitely started until the price clearly breaks below the main support line of the channel (the blue line) and stays below it. The break of the short-term upward trend line (black line) is an early signal. However, to confirm a change in the trend and the possible start of a significant Altseason, we need to see stronger support levels, like the blue support line on the chart, get broken. ⏳ So, When Should We Expect Altseason? Based on the chart analysis and the points mentioned: Early Sign: The break of the short-term upward trend line (black) on May 9th might make people pay more attention to altcoins, but it's not enough on its own. Key Condition for Altseason: The most important signal for the start of a real Altseason would be if the Bitcoin Dominance price breaks below the blue support line of the long-term upward channel. As long as Bitcoin Dominance stays above this support line, Bitcoin will likely keep its relative strength in the market, and altcoins might only see limited growth or could even face selling pressure. Conclusion: Analyzing Bitcoin Dominance is a useful tool for understanding how the digital currency market works and for predicting possible trends. Right now, because the short-term trend line has been broken, the market is at a sensitive point. However, traders and investors should watch the BTC.D price movements very carefully and wait for stronger confirmations, especially a possible break of the blue support line, before announcing the start of Altseason.
CRYPTOCAP:BTC.DEducation
by Navid_Jafarian
46
How to Use Fixed Range Volume Profile on TradingView 1️⃣ Why Fixed Range Volume Profile Matters ✅ It helps you spot real price structure where traders were active, not just where price passed through. Useful for: Identifying Supply & Demand zones Understanding nstitutional activity (volume concentration = likely smart money involvement) Analyzing range-bound markets Confirming pullbacks or entries in trending setups There are two different tools: one is called Volume Profile, and the other is Fixed Range Volume Profile. To learn more about them, check out the link below. Volume Profile Indicators: basic concepts: www.tradingview.com Fixed Range Volume Profile: www.tradingview.com 2️⃣ What is Volume in Trading? Volume refers to the total number of units (e.g., shares, contracts, coins) traded during a specific time period. It measures the market's participation. ✔️ High Volume = strong interest and confirmation of price moves. ❌ Low Volume = weak conviction, indecision, or potential false moves. Volume is calculated by counting all completed trades in a candle both buying and selling. Learn more about volume here: www.tradingview.com 3️⃣ What is Fixed Range Volume Profile? Fixed Range Volume Profile is a tool you can draw on your chart to check how much trading happened at different price levels, but only within the range you select. You pick the start and end point, and the tool shows volume activity just in that area. It shows three main levels: 🔴 Point of Control (POC): the price where the most trading happened 🟢 Value Area High (VAH): the highest price in the area where most trades occurred (about 70% of total volume) 🔵 Value Area Low (VAL): the lowest price in that same area These three levels show the price range where most trading took place also called the value area. 4️⃣ Why Fixed Range Volume Profile Matters It helps you spot real price structure where traders were active, not just where price passed through. Useful for: Identifying Supply & Demand zones Understanding institutional activity (volume concentration = likely smart money involvement) Analyzing **range-bound markets Confirming pullbacks or entries in trending setups 5️⃣ How to Use Fixed Range Volume Profile on TradingView Steps: 1. First, look for a clear range on your chart. A range is a sideways movement where price is mostly moving back and forth instead of trending. 2. I like to use the 4-hour chart for this, but you can use any timeframe. Using candles with clearer shapes can help you see the range more easily. 3. Once you see a range, go to the left-hand toolbar and select the Fixed Range Volume Profile tool. 4. Click at the beginning of the range, then drag your mouse to the end of the range. 5. Let go of the mouse, and the volume profile will appear on that section of the chart. Analyze: POC: Price may often return to this level because it's where most trading happened VAH: Price could have a harder time moving higher if it reaches this level may act like resistance VAL: Price may find support around here — traders bought more in this area 1. Find the Range 2. Draw your Profile 3. You should treat your volume range like a basic support and resistance level. What you want to see is a flip between support and resistance. 4. If the price breaks above the volume profile and keeps going higher, you want it to come back and retest that same range this time acting as support. 5. Your entry should be near the support. Your stop-loss should be placed above the high of the breakout or a logical structure. Of course, setting a stop-loss always depends on more context, like the overall market structure and your risk management plan. 6️⃣ Practical Scenarios ✔️ Use it during sideways or quiet market phases (called consolidation) to see where most of the trading happened before the market moved ✔️ Try it on pullbacks in trending markets to check if price is returning to an area of high volume ✔️ Draw profiles on different price swings to spot areas where volume keeps showing up again and again Example: ⚠️ Limitations Fixed Range Volume Profile might not work well when: The asset has very little trading volume (like new coins or very small stocks) There’s a big news event causing unexpected volume spikes The market is moving fast in one direction, and the volume zones don’t hold ⚠️ A couple of common mistakes traders make when using Fixed Range Volume Profile: They apply it in trending markets. This tool works best in sideways or ranging markets, not when price is trending strongly up or down. They include breakout volume. Breakouts often include forced liquidations or trapped traders this can create misleading spikes in volume. 7️⃣ Summary Fixed Range Volume Profile helps you see where most trades happened in a specific part of the chart. It highlights price zones where traders were most active, which can help you understand possible support, resistance, or value areas. ✅ Good for: Markets that are going sideways Double-checking volume around key levels Spotting price zones where support or resistance might appear Disclaimer: This is not financial advice. Always do your own research. This content may include enhancements made using AI.
Education
by Risk_Adj_Return
Best Practice: Prepare, Assess, Plan Then TradeTraders are often eager to jump straight into the next trading session but this may not always be the best option to chose. It can be more beneficial to follow a regular pre-trading routine to note down important scheduled events, establish current trends, as well as meaningful support and resistance price levels, and importantly this doesn’t have to be time consuming. This is not meant to be that trading ‘holy grail’ but more of an addition to your existing trading process or plan. Having a regular routine to establish important levels, indicator set-ups and price trends to be aware of during your trading day may help you make trading decisions in a more effective way. This pre trading routine can also be helpful for traders that take longer term positions, as it’s still important to consider the longer-term weekly perspectives as well. This routine can be carried out at the weekend and then monitored and, where necessary, modified during the week as price action develops for the particular CFD(s) you are trading. 1. Keep Informed of Important Data Releases If there are several CFD’s you regularly trade and tend to stick with, make sure you have as much information about those assets as possible before you start trading. Consider utilising the Pepperstone trading calendar to help keep you informed of any economic releases/company earnings data that might impact the CFD you are trading before the week/session starts. Once you know the scheduled events ahead, you can ask yourself, Could these impact my trading? Could the market reaction to this new information increase the volatility of the CFD I am about to trade or already have a position in? How may this impact my risk? Knowing what it is expected by the market before a particular important economic data release, such as US Non-farm Payrolls, can help you assess positioning going into the release, gauge market reaction to the data, and then be prepared for any potential price sentiment change and/or increased volatility. 2. Be Aware of Potential Support and Resistance Levels Ahead of your trading day, consider running through the Pepperstone charts of the CFD’s you are considering trading and make a note of 3 support and resistance levels, that you identify as being meaningful. To help you we have set out an example Trading Template below. Daily: Level: Reason: Current Trend: Current Thoughts: Support 1st: 2nd: 3rd Resistance 1st 2nd 3rd Keep this next to your trading screen, so you are aware of particular levels that may act as support and resistance, if prices move in that direction. This can help you to improve trade entry or assist you with the placement of a stop loss or take profit order. If these levels are broken at any time, you can update the template with any new support/resistance levels during the trading period. 3. Be Aware of the Daily Trends – Focus on Bollinger Bands Using the direction of the daily Bollinger mid-average can be helpful to gauge the direction of the daily trend. If the, Mid-average is moving up = price uptrend Mid-average is moving down = price downtrend Mid-average is flat = possible price sideways range The daily and weekly perspectives are the most important to be aware of, so it can be beneficial to analyse the charts from the longest timeframe into the shortest as this allows you to build a better understanding of the dominant trends. You can also note these trends on the Trading Template, so it’s available to you when you are trading. 4. Follow the Same Process for All Other Timeframes - 4 Hour, 1 Hour, Even Shorter if it Suits Your Trading. You can carry out the routine outlined in point 3, for any timeframes you are trading. Things to note, Are there any new trends suggested within a shorter term perspective by the Bollinger mid-average? If the direction of a shorter term mid-average has changed, it may be an indication of either a change or resumption of a longer term price trend. If this trend change also looks to be resuming within the longer term perspectives, this could be a more important signal, as the resumption of an existing longer term trend may mean a more extended move in that direction. Be aware, confirmation of a price trend change within a longer term perspective might mean it could take longer and offer less trading opportunities, as initially price moves may be less aggressive in nature. 5. Where, Within the Various Timeframes is Price in Relation to the Bollinger Bands? As we have highlighted in a previous commentary (please take a look our past posts), Bollinger Bands can highlight increasing price volatility within a trend. Things to note regarding Bollinger Bands, Are the upper or lower bands being touched by prices within any of the timeframes? Within a sideways range (flat mid-average) this might suggest price has reached either a support or resistance level, with potential for a reversal. While being touched, are the upper and lower bands starting to widen which indicates increasing price volatility, or contract, which indicates decreasing price volatility? Remember - widening bands within a confirmed trend highlight increasing volatility, suggesting the current price move might continue for longer than you may anticipate, while contracting bands, point to decreasing volatility, which may lead to a reduction in a particular CFDs price movement. Do the timeframes align? If they do it may suggest a stronger trading opportunity is evident. CFDs within trending markets seeing increasing volatility tend to offer greater potential than those that aren’t. In this scenario it maybe worthwhile considering only trading with the trend, not trying to pick bottoms or tops of markets, or if you do, consider a more cautious approach to your trading by reducing the size of your position and risk. The material provided here has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Whilst it is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research, we will not seek to take any advantage before providing it to our clients. Pepperstone doesn’t represent that the material provided here is accurate, current or complete, and therefore shouldn’t be relied upon as such. The information, whether from a third party or not, isn’t to be considered as a recommendation; or an offer to buy or sell; or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security, financial product or instrument; or to participate in any particular trading strategy. It does not take into account readers’ financial situation or investment objectives. We advise any readers of this content to seek their own advice. Without the approval of Pepperstone, reproduction or redistribution of this information isn’t permitted.
Education
by Pepperstone
9
The Biggest Turning Point Isn’t in the Market — It’s in YouHard truth: No new strategy, indicator, or tool will work until you change how you operate. Here’s why: Strategy hopping is fear wearing a costume. If you keep switching tools after every loss, you’re not refining — you’re running. You don’t need more — you need fewer, better decisions. Simplifying your process is harder than adding new ideas. But that’s where edge lives. Belief is the multiplier. Without conviction, you’ll quit before any system has time to work. 🚀 The shift? For us, it was trusting what we built — TrendGo. When we finally stopped tweaking and started trusting the system, everything changed: our mindset, our consistency, our results. The best tool is worthless if you don’t believe in your process. 🧠 Start there.
AMEX:SPYEducation
by TrendGo_Official
How to use advanced candlestick anatomy in trading: CADJPYEvery candlestick on the chart is made up of different or multiple candles on the lower timeframe. For example, a weekly candle is made up of seven daily candles. While a 4 hours candle is made up of four 1 hour candles. Understanding how these candles contribute to the formation of a single or more candlesticks will go a long way in improving our performance. Candlestick anatomy has to do with the formation of candlestick on the chart and the implication of such candlestick. Conventionally, common candlesticks are engulfing candlestick, doji, evening star, hammer, pin bar and the rest. Some signify continuation while others are meant for reversal. The formation of these candlesticks at key levels provide an helpful insights into understanding the next market move. Hence, they can serve as confluence and confirmation for our trading decision. Taking this further a bit, by examining these candlesticks, one can get to understand better a precise point for entry and exit. This may be new to a retail trader who trades just the candlestick while it will provide more insights for anyone looking for ways to optimize his performance. As a case study, I had a sell setup on CADJPY and it gave a bearish engulfing candlestick on 1 hour timeframe as a confirmation for selling. Instead of entering the trade after the bearish candle closed, I changed to 5 minutes timeframe to examine the anatomy of the candlestick. Then, I discovered that there was sweep and change of character. Based on the price narrative on 5 minutes timeframe, then trading decision was made using the 5 minutes timeframe, targeting 3 RR. If 1 hour timeframe had been used for taking the trade, one is likely to have lost the profit by now. Candlestick anatomy will help you to optimize your performance and returns. I hope you've learnt something helpful from this post. Thanks. Fatai Kareem, Kof T Fx.
Education
by KofTFx
What Is Stock Tape Reading, and How Do Traders Use It?What Is Stock Tape Reading, and How Do Traders Use It? Tape reading is a real-time market analysis method used to track buying and selling pressure. Unlike technical indicators, which rely on historical data, tape reading focuses on executed trades, order flow, and liquidity shifts. Traders use it to assess momentum, identify institutional activity, and refine trade timing. This article explores how tape reading works, its role in modern markets, and how traders apply it to short-term decision-making. The Origins and Evolution of Tape Reading Tape reading began in the late 19th century when stock prices were transmitted via ticker tape machines, printing a continuous stream of price updates on paper strips. Traders would gather around these machines, scanning for large trades and unusual activity to anticipate market moves. One of the earliest and most well-known tape readers, Jesse Livermore, built his fortune by studying these price changes and spotting institutional buying and selling patterns. By the mid-20th century, as markets became faster and more complex, ticker tape machines were replaced by electronic order books. Instead of scanning printed numbers, traders began using Level 2 market data and time & sales windows to track order flow in real time. This transition allowed for more precise liquidity analysis, making it easier to see how large orders impacted price movement. The rise of algorithmic and high-frequency trading (HFT) in the 2000s further changed the landscape. Today, market depth tools, order flow software, and footprint charts have replaced traditional tape reading, but the core principle remains the same: analysing how buyers and sellers interact in real time. While charts and indicators offer historical insight, tape reading provides a direct window into current market behaviour, giving traders an edge in fast-moving conditions. How to Read the Tape Nowadays, tape reading is all about real-time market data—watching when and how orders are placed and filled to gauge momentum and liquidity. Unlike technical indicators, reflecting past price action, tape reading focuses on what’s happening right now. Stock, forex, and commodity traders use it to assess buying and selling pressure, spot large orders, and understand market sentiment as it unfolds. Here is the key information provided by tape reading: Time & Sales The time & sales window (the tape) displays every completed trade. Each entry shows time, price, trade size, and whether it hit the bid or ask. - Trades at the ask suggest aggressive buying, as buyers are willing to pay the market price. - Trades at the bid indicate selling pressure, as sellers accept lower prices. - Large block trades often signal institutional activity—tracking these can reveal where big players are positioning. Bid-Ask Activity Nowadays, an order book is a part of tape reading. The order book (Level 2 or DOM) shows the number of buy and sell orders at different price levels. While not all orders get filled, traders watch for: - Stacked bids (a high concentration of buy orders) near a price level, which may indicate strong buying interest. - Stacked offers (large sell orders) acting as resistance. - Orders rapidly appearing or disappearing, suggesting hidden liquidity or fake orders meant to mislead traders. Volume and Trade Size Changes in trade size and volume help traders judge the conviction behind a move: - Consistent large trades in one direction can suggest institutions accumulating or distributing a position. - A surge in small trades may indicate retail participation rather than institutional moves. - A sudden drop in trade activity after a sharp move may hint at exhaustion or a potential reversal. Trade Speed The pace of executions matters. - Fast, continuous transactions suggest urgency—buyers or sellers are aggressively taking liquidity. - A slowdown in transactions near a key level can indicate hesitation or a shift in sentiment. Tape Reading vs Technical & Fundamental Analysis Tape reading differs from technical and fundamental analysis in both approach and timeframe. While technical traders study historical price patterns and fundamental analysts focus on company performance and economic data, tape readers focus on real-time order flow to assess market direction as it develops. Technical Analysis Technical traders rely on chart patterns, moving averages, and oscillators to identify trends and potential turning points. These tools are built on past price data, meaning they lag behind actual market activity. For example, a trader using a moving average crossover strategy waits for confirmation before acting, whereas a tape reader sees momentum shifting as it happens by watching the flow of orders. Fundamental Analysis Fundamental analysis is longer-term, based on financial statements, earnings reports, and macroeconomic indicators. Investors using this approach focus on factors like revenue growth, interest rates, and industry trends to decide whether a stock is undervalued or overvalued. Tape reading, by contrast, ignores these metrics entirely—it’s used by short-term traders reacting to immediate buying and selling pressure. Where Tape Reading Fits In Many traders combine approaches. A day trader might use technical analysis to find key price levels and then apply tape reading to fine-tune entries and exits. Similarly, a swing trader tracking earnings reports may use tape reading to see how large players are reacting. Each method provides different insights, but tape reading offers a unique advantage: it reveals market sentiment in real time, helping traders assess momentum before price movements become obvious. Advantages and Disadvantages of Tape Reading Tape reading gives traders an inside look at real-time market activity, but it also comes with challenges, especially in modern electronic markets. Advantages - Immediate Market Insight: Unlike lagging indicators, tape reading reflects live buying and selling pressure, helping traders react before price changes become obvious. - Identifying Large Buyers & Sellers: Institutions often execute orders in patterns, leaving clues in the stock market tape. Recognising these can help traders gauge potential price direction. - Fine-Tuning Entries & Exits: By tracking order flow near key price levels, traders can time their trades more precisely rather than relying on static chart signals. - Useful in Fast-Moving Markets: Tape reading can be particularly valuable in scalping and day trading, where short-term momentum plays a key role. Disadvantages - Algorithmic Trading Distortion: High-frequency trading firms place and cancel orders rapidly, making it harder to interpret true supply and demand. - Steep Learning Curve: Unlike technical analysis, which provides visual patterns, tape reading requires experience in spotting meaningful order flow changes. - Mentally Demanding: Constantly watching the tape can be exhausting, requiring a high level of focus and quick decision-making. - Less Effective in Low-Volume Markets: When liquidity is thin, tape reading becomes unreliable, as fewer trades mean less actionable data. Modern Footprint Charts and Order Flow Software While some stock tape readers rely on raw order flow data, many use footprint charts and order flow software to visualise buying and selling pressure more effectively. Footprint charts display executed trades within each price bar, showing volume distribution, bid-ask imbalances, and point of control (POC)—the price level with the highest traded volume. This helps traders see where liquidity is concentrated and whether buyers or sellers are in control. Order flow software offers heatmaps, cumulative delta, and volume profile tools. Heatmaps highlight resting liquidity in the order book, revealing where large players may be positioned. Cumulative delta tracks the difference between market buys and sells, helping traders assess momentum shifts. These tools provide a more structured approach to tape reading, filtering out noise and making it easier to spot large orders, absorption, and potential reversals. While experience is still essential, modern software gives traders a clearer view of market behaviour beyond just raw time & sales data. The Bottom Line Reading the tape remains a valuable tool for traders looking to analyse real-time order flow and market liquidity. While there are numerous algorithms that place trades, understanding executed trades and bid-ask dynamics can provide an edge in fast-moving conditions. FAQ Is Tape Reading Still Useful in Trading? Yes, but the application of tape reading in trading has changed. While traditional tape reading focuses on printed ticker tape, modern traders use time & sales data, Level 2 order books, and footprint charts to analyse order flow. High-frequency trading and algorithmic activity have made tape reading more complex, but it remains valuable for scalpers, day traders, and those tracking institutional activity. What Are the Principles of Tape Reading? Tape trading is based on real-time order flow analysis. Traders focus on executed trades (time & sales), bid-ask activity (order book), volume shifts, and trade speed to gauge buying and selling pressure. The goal is to understand how liquidity moves in the market and spot signs of institutional accumulation or distribution. What Is the Difference Between Order Book and Tape? The order book (Level 2 or DOM) shows pending orders at different price levels, representing liquidity that may or may not get filled. The tape (time & sales) displays completed transactions, showing actual buying and selling activity in real time. What Is the Difference Between Technical Analysis and Tape Reading? Technical analysis relies on historical price patterns and indicators, while tape reading focuses on real-time executed trades and market depth. Technical traders look at charts, whereas tape readers analyse live order flow to assess momentum and liquidity shifts. How to Read Ticker Tape? Modern ticker tape is displayed in time & sales windows on trading platforms. Traders monitor price, trade size, and whether transactions occur at the bid or ask. Rapid buying at the ask suggests demand, while consistent selling at the bid indicates selling pressure. This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
NASDAQ:MSFTEducation
by FXOpen
1
Trading Gold? Know the Difference Between XAU/USD and Futures🔎 Let’s address a question I get very often: “Should I trade spot gold (XAU/USD) or Gold futures?” It might sound like a technical decision, but it’s actually about how you approach the market, your risk profile, and your experience level. So let’s break it down 👇 ________________________________________ 🟡 Two ways to trade the same asset Both spot and futures allow you to speculate on the price of Gold. But they’re two very different beasts when it comes to execution, capital, and strategy. ________________________________________ 1️⃣ Spot gold (XAU/USD) • Traded mostly via Forex brokers or CFD platforms • No expiration — you can hold the position as long as you want • Often used by retail traders for day trading or swing setups • You can open small trades (even 0.01 lots) • Costs include spread, swap fees if you hold overnight • Leverage is usually high — up to 1:100 or more • Margin is required, but typically lower than in futures 💡 Spot is flexible and accessible, but you pay the price through overnight holding costs, wider spreads during volatility, and slippage. On some brokers, especially during high-impact news, your platform might even freeze or delay execution — and that’s a serious risk if you’re not prepared. ________________________________________ 2️⃣ Gold futures (GC) • Traded on major futures exchanges like CME • Contracts have a fixed size (usually 100 oz) • They expire monthly, so you need to manage rollovers • Common among hedge funds and experienced traders • You pay commissions and exchange fees, but no swaps • Margin is required here too — but it's much higher 💡 Futures are structured and professional — but they demand more capital, stricter execution discipline, and higher margin requirements. Just like in spot trading, margin is a collateral deposit, not a cost — but with futures, the bar is set higher. ________________________________________ ⚖️ So, which one is for you? If you're using MetaTrader or any platform offered by a Forex/CFD broker, and you're a scalper, intraday, or swing trader working with flexible position sizes... → You're probably better off with spot gold (XAU/USD). If you're trading big volume, managing diversified portfolios, or involved in hedging large exposure... → You should consider futures — but expect to level up your game, capital requirements, and discipline. ________________________________________ 🧠 Mindset: Don’t confuse accessibility with simplicity. Just because spot Gold is easier to open doesn’t mean it’s always the best choice. Just because futures look “pro-level” doesn’t mean they’re always worth it for a retail trader. Understand your tools. Pick the one that aligns with your structure. That’s how you stay in the game. 🎯 ________________________________________ 📚 Hope this cleared it up. If you want me to cover execution setups for each one, let me know in the comments.
TRADENATION:XAUUSDEducation
by Mihai_Iacob
1