Average Range Levels Short Setup TutorialWhen you expect lower prices you usually seek 1/3ADR+ and targeting opposing 1/3ADR-
Stop-Loss above protected high.
simple isn't it?
Community ideas
Example of Conditions for Starting Trading
Hello, traders.
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Have a nice day today.
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I will publish in advance due to an external schedule tomorrow.
Accordingly, I will take time to provide additional explanations on the ideas published today.
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I will talk about the basis for indicating the direction of progress shown in the chart above.
In order to differentiate from other people's analyses, I am trying to explain the basis for indicating the support and resistance points or sections on the chart.
I think that if you understand why those points and sections were set, you will eventually be able to understand them without having to read the explanation all the way through.
For this, more support and resistance points are needed.
This is because we can select the volatility period by additionally drawing the trend line.
However, since all of these processes are displayed on the chart, there are many complaints that the chart is messy and confusing, so we are trying to reduce them as much as possible.
Therefore, there are cases where the chart is displayed in two versions.
The chart below is a chart that shows many support and resistance points and draws a trend line to select the volatility period.
Therefore, since the support and resistance points may be displayed differently, it is recommended that you refer to the points or sections that I have written.
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The conditions for starting a transaction are simpler than they look.
However, when these conditions are met, the support and resistance points drawn on the 1M, 1W, and 1D charts must be displayed.
Therefore, even if the conditions for starting a transaction are met, if the support and resistance points are not displayed at the corresponding price, you cannot start a transaction.
Please read this carefully and thank you.
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(It would be good to see this as an example of how to find the conditions that fit you and how to utilize them.)
Conditions for starting a transaction are
1. Buying time conditions
- When the StochRSI indicator rises in the oversold range and maintains the state of StochRSI > StochRSI EMA
- When the BW indicator forms a horizontal line at the lowest point (0)
- When the OBV indicator rises below the 0 point
- When the DMI indicator rises below the 0 point
2. Selling time conditions
- When the StochRSI indicator falls in the overbought range and maintains the state of StochRSI < StochRSI EMA
- When the BW indicator forms a horizontal line at the highest point (100)
- When the OBV indicator falls above the 0 point
- When the DMI indicator falls above the 0 point
When the above conditions are met, check whether there is support at the support and resistance points drawn near the price. Confirmation is used to proceed with the transaction.
The current price position is 60672.0-61099.25.
Therefore, you can proceed with the transaction depending on whether there is support in this section.
Since it is currently falling below 60672.0, there is nothing you can do in spot trading other than cutting losses.
In futures trading, you can enter with a sell (SHORT) position.
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It is rare for all the conditions for starting a transaction mentioned above to be met.
Therefore, it is recommended to basically check whether the BW indicator forms a horizontal line at the lowest point (0) or highest point (100), and then proceed with the transaction by checking the movement of the StochRSI indicator.
Also, it is recommended to select a split sell section to make a profit by calculating the fluctuation range while checking the strength of the rise or fall with OBV and DMI.
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In summary of the above,
Since the StochRSI indicator has not yet risen from the oversold zone and StochRSI < StochRSI EMA, it is recommended to check whether a reversal is occurring.
Also, you should check whether the BW indicator has fallen to the lowest point (0) and formed a horizontal line.
If the OBV and DMI indicators rise below the 0 point without meeting these conditions, you should proceed with an aggressive purchase (a transaction that requires a quick response similar to scalping or day trading).
If you do not proceed with an aggressive purchase, you should wait.
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It is not a good idea to enter a current sell (SHORT) position in futures trading.
However, if you proceed with an aggressive transaction (scalping or day trading), you can start trading.
The reason why it is not a good condition for trading is because the price is located in the 1. purchase timing condition section among the conditions for starting a transaction mentioned above.
Therefore, the profit is small or you may even suffer a loss.
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If you are not currently trading, I think the section where you should trade is when it rises around 61K.
Before that, it is highly likely that you will not be able to purchase because it seems like it will fall further.
I think this point, or the section where you actually trade, is the psychological volume profile section.
This psychological volume profile section is the section where psychology applies that you must trade even now.
Since this point is ultimately a low or high point, it is a section where you are likely to incur losses if you purchase.
The 61K section that I mentioned earlier is a section where it is highly likely to be a low point, so it is a section where you are likely to incur losses if you cut your loss or enter a sell (SHORT) position.
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If it shows resistance near 60672.0, there is a possibility that a sharp decline will occur momentarily and touch 59K and then rise.
This phenomenon can be a fake or a sweep movement, so you need to be careful.
In order to avoid losses from this phenomenon, auxiliary indicators are necessary.
Since auxiliary indicators are lagging, they are unlikely to show large movements in sudden price fluctuations.
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What I am talking about is not a method of chart analysis, but an example of how to set a standard for trading.
Therefore, I hope you do not misunderstand the above as about chart analysis.
Since chart analysis and trading are different, what you see on the chart is also different.
In order to complement this difference, what is needed is the support and resistance points drawn on the 1M, 1W, and 1D charts.
Since charts without support and resistance points are likely to be for chart analysis, there is no need to try to find a trading point on these charts.
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Have a good time.
Thank you.
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- Big picture
It is expected that the real uptrend will start after rising above 29K.
The section expected to be touched in the next bull market is 81K-95K.
#BTCUSD 12M
1st: 44234.54
2nd: 61383.23
3rd: 89126.41
101875.70-106275.10 (overshooting)
4th: 134018.28
151166.97-157451.83 (overshooting)
5th: 178910.15
These are points where resistance is likely to be encountered in the future. We need to see if we can break through these points.
We need to see the movement when we touch this section because I think we can create a new trend in the overshooting section.
#BTCUSD 1M
If the major uptrend continues until 2025, it is expected to start by creating a pull back pattern after rising to around 57014.33.
1st: 43833.05
2nd: 32992.55
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A Simple and Effective Strategy to Outsmart Liquidity HuntingHave you ever encountered a scenario where the price hits your Stop Loss level first, only to then fully reverse and head in the direction of your target profit, ultimately reaching it? If the answer is yes, you’ve most likely fallen victim to what is commonly referred to as a 'liquidity grab'. In other terms, this phenomenon is known as 'stop-loss hunting', and it is an inescapable occurrence within the realm of trading.
But why does it happen? The answer lies in the actions of big market players, such as banks and institutions, who need to fill their large positions. Simply put, for markets to function properly, there must be equilibrium - an equal number of buyers and sellers, a balance between supply and demand. For every buy-back and sell-off you conduct, there must be an opposing party willing to execute the trade with you. This is where brokers come into play, linking both sides of the transaction. When there is an imbalance between buyers and sellers, it leads to market inefficiency, which can result in excess supply or demand, distorting price movements. Market makers help prevent this by ensuring market stability and securing better pricing for executing large orders.
For example, imagine you have analysed the sentiment and opened a SELL trade on USD/CHF at a key level, placing your Stop Loss just above the same zone. After some time, you notice the price impulsively moves towards your Stop Loss, triggering it and taking you out of the trade. Later, you watch the price flip and move in the direction you had originally predicted. Frustrated, you begin to blame the market, convinced it’s rigged against you. However, what really happened is that the price was pushed into an obvious pool of Stop Losses, allowing the positions you and many others sold to be bought back. This also enabled large institutional orders to be filled at better prices, while maintaining balance between buy and sell orders.
How do you avoid this? The key is to better understand market dynamics and make more informed decisions. In this scenario, a smarter approach would have been to place your entry where the obvious pool of Stop Losses is located. By doing so, you could have captured a more favourable risk-to-reward ratio, perhaps achieving a 1:3 trade, as illustrated in the accompanying chart.
So next time, before rushing into a trade, take a step back. Assess the situation with greater patience and clarity. Often, there’s an initial push, just as the price action indicates. This move entices traders into premature entries. Afterward, a sudden liquidity grab occurs, wiping out these traders before the market reverses in the anticipated direction.
Be patient. Play it smart.
Best wishes,
Investroy
Taking a look at Fibonacci in Technical AnalysisIn the world of technical analysis, traders are always searching for tools that provide an edge in the markets. One such tool, which has stood the test of time, is Fibonacci retracement. Derived from a series of numbers discovered by the Italian mathematician Leonardo Fibonacci in the 13th century, the Fibonacci sequence has been applied to various fields, from nature to finance, and plays a significant role in predicting market movements.
This blog will explore how Fibonacci retracement works, why it’s relevant for traders, and how you can incorporate it into your trading strategy for better results.
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What is Fibonacci?
The Fibonacci sequence is a series of numbers where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones, starting with 0 and 1. So, the sequence looks like this:
0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, and so on.
The magic of Fibonacci for traders lies in the ratios derived from this sequence, which are commonly referred to as the "Golden Ratios." The most important Fibonacci ratios used in technical analysis are:
• 61.8% (also known as the Golden Ratio)
• 38.2%
• 23.6%
These ratios are used to identify potential levels of support and resistance in the price of a financial asset.
Fibonacci Retracement in Trading
Fibonacci retracement is a popular technical analysis tool used to find potential levels where price pullbacks or reversals might occur. The idea is simple: when a market moves sharply in one direction, it’s likely to retrace part of that move before continuing in the same direction.
Key Levels in Fibonacci Retracement:
• 61.8%: Often regarded as the "golden retracement level," this ratio is believed to be the strongest predictor of price reversal points.
• 50%: Although not an official Fibonacci ratio, traders frequently use this level to gauge whether the trend will resume or reverse.
• 38.2% and 23.6%: These levels represent smaller pullbacks and often signal short-term corrections.
By plotting these levels on a price chart, traders can get a better sense of where the price might pause, reverse, or find support/resistance.
How to Use Fibonacci Retracement in Your Trading Strategy
Let’s break down how Fibonacci retracement works in practice.
Step 1: Identifying a Trend
The first step in using Fibonacci retracement is identifying a strong upward or downward trend. This could be a swing high to swing low (in an uptrend) or a swing low to swing high (in a downtrend). The trend is essential because Fibonacci retracement levels are applied to find where pullbacks might occur during this trend.
Step 2: Plotting Fibonacci Levels
Once you’ve identified the trend, plot the Fibonacci retracement levels using the highest and lowest points of the move. Most charting platforms, have built-in Fibonacci tools to help with this.
For example, in an uptrend, select the lowest point (swing low) and drag the tool to the highest point (swing high). The software will automatically calculate and plot the key Fibonacci levels: 23.6%, 38.2%, 50%, 61.8%, and 100%.
Step 3: Analysing the Price Action
Now that the Fibonacci levels are in place, watch how the price interacts with these levels. If the price retraces to 38.2% or 61.8%, it might find support and continue moving in the direction of the trend. Traders often look for other confirmation signals (such as candlestick patterns, volume spikes, or moving averages) at these levels before making a trade.
Using Fibonacci in Conjunction with Other Indicators
While Fibonacci retracement is a powerful tool on its own, its effectiveness increases when combined with other technical analysis tools. Here are some common pairings:
• Moving Averages: A bounce off a Fibonacci level that coincides with a key moving average (like the 50-day or 200-day MA) is often seen as a strong buy or sell signal.
• Trendlines: If a Fibonacci retracement level aligns with a major trendline, this increases the likelihood of the level acting as strong support or resistance.
• Candlestick Patterns: Reversal patterns like Doji, Hammer, or Engulfing candles at a Fibonacci retracement level can provide additional confirmation for your trade setup.
• RSI/Other Oscillators: Overbought or oversold conditions shown by the Relative Strength Index (RSI) around a Fibonacci level can signal potential price reversals.
On the USD/JPY weekly chart we have an engulfing pattern and a diverging RSI at the 61.8% which adds weight to the idea that the market was likely to hold in this vicinity and recover.
Conclusion: Fibonacci as a Core Tool in Your Trading Arsenal
Fibonacci retracement is a versatile and widely trusted tool that can help traders identify potential price reversal levels. By understanding how to apply Fibonacci ratios and combining them with other technical indicators, you can improve your chances of success in the markets.
Remember, no tool is perfect, and using Fibonacci retracement effectively requires practice and confirmation. Incorporate it into a broader trading strategy, and you’ll be able to make more informed and profitable trading decisions.
Disclaimer:
The information posted on Trading View is for informative purposes and is not intended to constitute advice in any form, including but not limited to investment, accounting, tax, legal or regulatory advice. The information therefore has no regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any specific recipient. Opinions expressed are our current opinions as of the date appearing on Trading View only. All illustrations, forecasts or hypothetical data are for illustrative purposes only. The Society of Technical Analysts Ltd does not make representation that the information provided is appropriate for use in all jurisdictions or by all Investors or other potential Investors. Parties are therefore responsible for compliance with applicable local laws and regulations. The Society of Technical Analysts will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting directly or indirectly from the use of any information on this site.
Dangerous Lies Your Backtest TellsDangerous Lies Your Backtest Tells
We are easily hooked on the dopamine rush of seeing profitable equity curves during backtesting. The allure of parabolic returns is often so strong it is blinding to the inherent flaws that exist, to varying degrees, in every backtest.
Backtesting, while often seen as an essential step in designing and verifying trading strategies - is far from a foolproof method. Many traders place too much confidence in their backtested results, only to see their strategies fail when used in the live markets. The reality is that backtesting is riddled with limitations and biases that lead to a false sense of security in a strategy’s effectiveness. Let’s take a comprehensive look into the many flaws of backtesting, and explore the common pitfalls of using a simple back test as your only method of verifying a strategy's efficacy.
1. Choosing the Winning Team After the Game is Already Over
(Selection Bias)
When selecting which instruments for backtesting, it is common to choose assets you are already interested in or those that performed well in the past. This introduces selection bias, as the strategy is tested on assets that may have been outliers. While this may produce impressive backtest results, it creates an illusion of reliability that may not hold up when applied to other assets or future market conditions - a theme that will be common for most of the explored backtesting drawbacks.
Example:
Imagine backtesting a Long only strategy using only tech stocks that surged during a market boom. The strategy might look incredibly successful in the backtest, but when applied to other sectors or different market phases it will most likely fail to perform - because the selection was based on past winners rather than a broader, more balanced approach.
2. You Only See the Ships that Make it to Shore
(Survivorship Bias)
Similar to the above, survivorship bias occurs when backtests only include assets that have survived of the test period - excluding those that were delisted, went bankrupt, or failed entirely. This creates a skewed dataset, inflating performance metrics beyond reasonable levels once again. By only focusing on assets that are still around, you overlook the fact that many others didn’t make it - and these failures could have significantly impacted the strategy’s results. By ignoring delisted companies, or rug-pulled crypto projects, you inherently induce a selection bias - as purely because your chosen instruments didn’t go to zero they must have performed better.
Example:
Suppose you backtest a low-cap cryptocurrency strategy. If your backtest spans for, say, five years the test can give the illusion of success - but what’s missing is the hundreds of tokens that were launched and failed during the same period. How can we possibly assume that we will be lucky enough to only pick tokens that survive the next five years?
3. Reading Tomorrow’s News Today
(Look-Ahead Bias)
Look ahead bias occurs when future information is unintentionally used in past decision making during a backtest. This can often occur due to coding errors in an automated system which leads to unreasonable and unrepeatable results. Look-ahead bias isn’t limited to algorithmic backtesting - it can also affect manual backtests. Traders will often miss false signals because they can already see the outcome of the trade. This knowledge of the future can affect the accuracy of a manual backtest - both as a conscious decision by the trader but also subconsciously.
if Current_Price < Tomorrows_Close
strategy.entry("Enter a Long Position", strategy.long)
// An extreme example
4. Perfecting the Final Chord, but Forgetting the Song
(Recency Bias)
Recency bias occurs when traders place too much emphasis on the most recent data or market conditions in a backtest. This usually occurs when a trader feels they missed an opportunity in the past few months - and tries to develop a strategy that would have captured that specific move. By focusing too heavily on recent history, it is easy to neglect the fact that markets usually move in long cyclical phases. This over optimisation for recent conditions will, at best, result in a strategy that performs well in the short term but fails as soon as market dynamics shift.
Example
Frustrated by missing the most recent leg of the bull market, a trader develops a strategy that would have perfectly performed during this period. However, when the trader begins live trading at the top of the market, the strategy quickly fails. It was only optimized for that short and specific market phase and was unable to adapt to the changing market conditions.
5. Forcing the Square into the Round Hole
(Overfitting)
Overfitting occurs when a strategy is excessively optimized for historical data, capturing noise and random fluctuations rather than meaningful patterns. Overfitting is common when traders test too many parameter combinations, tweaking their strategy until it fits the past data perfectly. In contrast to the previous point, this over optimisation can occur on data of any length, whether years or even longer periods.
Example
Adjusting a large range of parameters in a high frequency strategy by incredibly small increments and deciding to use the calibrations that yield the highest performance.
6. Mixing Oil and Water
(Conflating Trend and Mean Reversion Systems)
Traders often attempt to design strategies that perform well in both trending and mean reverting environments, which leads to muddled logic and poor performance in ALL environments. A trend following strategy is meant to capitalize on sustained price movements, and should naturally underperform during mean-reverting or ‘ranging’ periods. In a range-bound market, a trend-following strategy will often buy near the top of the range after detecting strength, only for the price to reverse. Conversely, a mean reversion strategy is built to profit from oscillations around a stable point and forcing both approaches into a single system results in unrealistic backtest performance and poor real-world results.
One of the common mistakes is when a trend following strategy ‘accidently’ performs well during mean-reverting periods. This skews the backtest metrics because any gains during non-trending markets are multiplied significantly during actual trends. As a result, the backtest shows artificially positive performance - but the strategy quickly falls apart in live trading. Normally, a trend following strategy would incur losses during a range-bound market and only begin to recover once a new trend emerges. However, if a strategy is overfit to handle both the trend and mean reversion periods of the past, it doesn’t need to recover losses and instead compounds gains during the entire trend. This creates inflated backtest results that won’t hold up in real trading.
Example:
A trader develops a trend following system that, through over-optimization, performs surprisingly well during mean-reversion phases. In the backtest, the strategy shows strong returns, even in ranging markets. However, in live trading, the system fails, leaving the trader with poor performance. Instead, the trader should have accepted ‘lower’ returns from a strategy that wasn’t overfit - because in live markets robust strategies with mediocre backtests perform better than overfit strategies that only excel in backtesting.
7. Seeing the World Through a Keyhole
(Limited Data Skewed by Outliers)
Strategies built on assets with limited data are highly susceptible to skew results, especially when outliers dominate the dataset. Without sufficient data, it becomes nearly impossible to assess whether a strategy can consistently perform into the future. Some strategies, like trend following, are designed to capture outliers, that is, the periods of performance above the norm. The issue arises when testing on a small sample as it’s difficult to determine if the strategy can consistently capture trends or just got lucky.
Example:
A trader develops a trend following strategy for a cryptocurrency that has recently launched. The backtest shows massive gains, as it is common for projects to make large returns as soon as they are listed. However without enough data history, it is impossible to assess the actual effectiveness of this strategy, as its performance metrics are positively skewed by the ‘listing pump.’
The image shows a cryptocurrency project launched in October 2020. At first glance, the EMA Crossover strategy appears profitable, but a closer look reveals that most of the profit comes from the first trade, which is considered an outlier. If that trade was removed, the strategy as a whole would become unprofitable. Following this strategy is essentially betting on the project to experience another sharp rise similar to what occurred in 2020. While technically this isn’t impossible, it is much riskier - a more proven and verified strategy would increase your probability of success.
8. Designing a Car that Doesn’t Fit on the Road
(Execution Constraints and Positions Sizing)
In backtesting, real world constraints such as minimum or maximum order sizes are often ignored, leading to unrealistic trade execution. Traders may find that they either don’t have enough capital to satisfy the minimum order size - either immediately or after a small drawdown. Additionally, compounded returns on a backtest can lead to absurd positions sizes that could never be bought or sold in the real market. This particularly is more problematic for deep backtestests.
Example:
A backtest shows spectacular growth, with the account size ballooning overtime and resulting in an extremely high profit percentage. However, in real-word conditions, the required position size to continue executing the strategy becomes so large that it exceeds the liquidity of the market - making it impossible to receive comparable profit percentages on real world trading.
9. Death by a Thousand Paper Cuts
(Not Accounting for Fees, Commissions and Slippage)
When performing a backtest, traders often overlook critical transaction costs such as fees, slippages and spreads. These seemingly small costs can accumulate and significantly erode profits, especially strategies that rely on frequent trades with a low average return per trade. Slippage also should include execution slippage - the time delay between receiving a signal from a system, placing an order and its execution. This is particularly problematic for lower timeframe trading where even minor delays can drastically swing a strategy from profitable to unprofitable
Example:
A day trader runs a backtest on a scalping strategy and sees parabolic returns. However in live trading, the small profits from each trade are wiped out by broker commissions, spreads and the slippage that occurs from both position sizing, and when trades are executed slightly later than expected. This strategy, while successful in the backtest, failed to account for the ‘death by a thousand paper cuts.’
10. Filling Half of the Grocery Cart
(Partial Order Fills)
In low liquidity environments, or when trading large position sizes, partial order fills are common - meaning traders only get a portion of their order executed at their desired price. This can significantly impact returns. Backtests will usually assume complete fills at the exact target price. However, in reality a trader experiencing a partial order fill must decide whether to complete the position at a worse price or leave a portion of the target position size out of the market. Both choices will lead to results that are not comparable to the backtested results.
Example:
A trader places a limit order to buy 100 shares of a low-liquidity stock at a price of $10. The order is only partially filled, with 60 shares bought at $10, while the remaining 40 shares require the new, higher price. The trader now faces the choice of paying more, or leaving part of the trade out. This is a major deviation from the backtest, which assumed the complete position was bought at $10.
11. Betting on Lightning Striking Twice
(Black Swan Events)
Black swan events are rare, inherently unpredictable, and have a significant impact on financial markets. Strategies designed to avoid drawdowns during these events are at risk of being overfit. Traders often fall into the trap of building systems that avoid drawdowns during past black swan events - overfitting their strategies to these rare occurrences. These strategies are unlikely to succeed in regular market conditions and contain no extra edge in protecting a trader from future black swans events.
Example:
After the FTX collapse caused a sharp drop in crypto prices, a trader chooses to develop a swing trading strategy designed to avoid all losses during this event. However, by optimizing the strategy to exit positions before the collapse, the trader unintentionally overfits it. As a result, the strategy begins to sell off positions too early in other situations, cutting profits short. Prior to the FTX collapse, the market was still in an uptrend, and there were no clear signs of an impending downturn - so attempting to optimize for such a rare event ends up compromising the strategy’s performance in more typical market conditions.
12. Expecting a Weeks Pay After Only Working One Shift
(Time of Day and Day of Week Restrictions)
Many traders are only able to trade during specific hours or days of the week, yet their backtests often include data from periods where they are unavailable - such as overnight sessions. This creates an unrealistic expectation of returns. For example, in markets like crypto that trade 24/7, backtesting a day trading strategy on the full market period gives a false impression of potential profits if you can only trade during certain hours. Additionally, market participants also differ depending on the time of day, as entire countries wake up and go to sleep at different times of day. One could make the assumption that human behavior as a whole might be the same, but the number of participants and liquidity will definitely change.
Example:
A day trader backtests a strategy using 24/7 crypto market data - but is only able to trade on weekday afternoons due to other commitments.
13. Siphoning Gas from a Moving Car
(Capital Drain and Addition)
Backtests frequently assume infinite compounding, where no capital is ever added or withdrawn from the trading account. In practice, however, traders will regularly add or remove funds - which significantly impacts the performance of a strategy. For instance, withdrawing money during a drawdown forces the strategy to work harder to recover losses, as it now requires higher returns to break even. Similarly, adding capital can skew results by altering position sizing. While it is necessary to manage capital in this way, backtests usually don’t account for these changes and once again, leads to results that are not repeated in practice.
Example:
A trader consistently pulls a portion of profits from their account each month. In the backtest, no withdrawals are considered, and the strategy appears highly profitable. However, in live trading these regular withdrawals put pressure on the account, and especially over longer periods of time, this reduced level of compound will lead to significant underperformance relative to the backtest due to the reduced compounding effect on returns.
14. Your Subscription Service Increase Price Without You Realizing
(Interest Rates and Funding Costs)
The ‘cost of capital’ - such as leverage costs, interest rate and funding fees - can fluctuate over time, but backtests often overlook these dynamic costs or even fail to account for them altogether. In live markets, these changes can significantly erode profit margins. Not considering these costs, especially the factors affecting their variability, can easily turn a profitable backtest into an unprofitable strategy in live trading.
Example:
A trader backtests a strategy for use in cryptocurrency perpetual futures. The strategy is designed for bull markets but fails to account for the rising funding rates frequently seen during periods of high demand. As the cost to maintain an open position skyrockets, the trader’s profit margins quickly shrink, making the strategy far less viable than the backtest indicated. This is particularly dangerous because as the funding fees erode the position’s margin, the liquidation price rises faster than expected, potentially resulting in the entire position being liquidated - even though the trade appeared profitable on paper.
15. You Can’t Ride the Wave Past the Shore
(Alpha Decay)
In highly competitive markets, especially in high-frequency trading, the edge of a strategy (alpha) can erode over time as more participants exploit similar inefficiencies. This gradual loss of profitability - known as alpha decay - often isn’t captured in backtesting, which assumes static market conditions. Alpha decay is particularly relevant in high-frequency trading, where competition and frontrunning are more intense, while it tends to be less of an issue in higher time-frame swing trading.
16. Playing Chess Against Yourself and Expecting to Win Every Time
(Psychological Factors)
Psychological biases still affect fully systematic traders. The assumption that traders will follow their strategy without hesitation or emotional interference rarely holds true in live trading, especially during periods of drawdown or high volatility. Manual and automated traders alike feel the same compulsion after experiencing drawdown. The temptation to tweak or abandon a strategy during this period is strong and often leads to the worst decision. It is well documented anecdotally that many traders find that after modifying a ‘losing’ strategy, the new version performs worse than the original, as it has been adjusted to avoid the losses of the past and misses future gains by virtue of overfitting.
Example:
An algorithmic trader watches as their automated strategy experiences a significant drawdown. Panicking, the trader tweaks the parameters in order to avoid further losses. Shortly after, the original strategy would have recovered, but the modified version continues to struggle as the adjustments were made in reaction to short term losses instead of accounting for long term performance.
Final Note:
Congratulations if you made it this far! This might not be the most exciting topic, but it’s essential knowledge for every trader and investor. This article was written to warn you of the dangers of relying on backtests - and provides a checklist of common pitfalls to watch out for. Whether you’re running your own backtest or reviewing someone else’s, it’s critical to look beyond the shiny numbers and assess the real-world viability. What looks great on paper may not hold up in the real world.
Best of luck in the markets - but remember: stay prudent, and you’ll make your own luck!
Creating a Balanced Investment PortfolioCreating a Balanced Investment Portfolio
In the vast realm of trading, where platforms like FXOpen play a pivotal role, strategy and skill stand paramount. As the age-old adage goes, 'Don't put all your eggs in one basket.' In the context of trading, this underscores the significance of diversification. Enter the concept of a balanced investment portfolio - an excellent balanced portfolio example, which emerges as an oasis of hope amidst the unpredictable dunes of market volatility.
Understanding the Importance of a Balanced Investment Portfolio
To achieve a balanced investment portfolio, it's crucial to consider the balance of individual components, especially forex, CFDs, stocks, and bonds. For example, a stock portfolio balance refers to the proportion of stocks in relation to other investment types. This balance is pivotal, as stocks often carry higher risks but also higher potential rewards. By understanding their own risk tolerance and learning how to balance portfolio assets effectively, traders can determine the ideal portfolio balance that meets their specific objectives.
Building the Foundation: Investment Basics
Every experienced trader knows that the world of investments is vast, presenting myriad opportunities. Some of the primary investment types include:
- Stocks: These signify ownership in a company and constitute a claim on a fraction of its assets and earnings.
- Bonds: Essentially, when you invest in bonds, you're loaning your money, either to a corporation or the government, in exchange for periodic interest payments plus the return of the bond's face value when it matures.
- Real Estate: Investing in tangible land, buildings, or housing. Given its physical nature, it often acts as a hedge against more volatile markets.
- Mutual Funds: These funds pool money from several investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other securities.
Central to investment basics is the risk-return tradeoff. Essentially, it highlights that the potential return on any investment is directly proportional to the risk associated with it. In this matrix, diversification emerges as the most effective strategy, helping to spread and, in turn, mitigate risk.
Asset Allocation Strategies
Asset allocation might seem like a complex term, but at its core, it's about ensuring that your portfolio reflects your investment portfolio balance, harmonising your desired risk and reward.
1. Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT)
Introduced by the visionary economist Harry Markowitz in the 1950s, the Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT) has since established itself as a seminal concept in portfolio management. Groundbreaking for its time and still influential today, MPT hinges on a principle that feels intuitive yet was revolutionary upon its debut: diversifying investments to maximise returns while judiciously managing the associated market risk. Central to the MPT is the construct of the 'Efficient Frontier'.
This captivating concept represents a boundary in the risk-return space where portfolios lie if they offer the highest expected return for any given level of risk. In essence, any portfolio residing on the Efficient Frontier is deemed optimal, reflecting a balance where no additional expected return can be achieved without accepting more risk.
2. Strategic Asset Allocation
Here, traders establish a base policy mix — a proportional combination of assets based on expected rates of return for each asset class. It’s a long-haul game, adjusting the portfolio as long-term goals or risk tolerance evolve.
3. Tactical Asset Allocation
A more active management portfolio strategy, this method tries to exploit short-term market conditions. It involves shifting percentage holdings in different categories to take advantage of market pricing anomalies or strong market sectors.
Diversification
In the complex world of investing, understanding how to balance a portfolio is key. Diversification is the guardian against unpredictability. It is the art of spreading investments across various assets or sectors, ensuring that potential adverse events in one area won't unravel the entire portfolio's performance. Essentially, diversification is the protective shield that buffers against market volatility, offering a more stable and consistent growth path for traders.
Geographical Diversification
Globalisation has knit economies closer than ever before, yet each retains unique characteristics influenced by internal and external events. By diversifying investments across continents and countries, traders can leverage these unique attributes.
Sector Diversification
Beyond geography, the global market is segmented into various sectors — technology, healthcare, and finance, to name a few. Each has its growth trajectory, impacted by different factors. Spreading investments across sectors can hedge against unforeseen adversities.
Individual Asset Selection
The keystone of a robust portfolio is the judicious choice of individual assets. Beyond the broad strokes of diversification, the meticulous selection of each asset determines the portfolio's potential success. It's where profound understanding meets strategic decision-making, ensuring that every asset, be it a stock, bond, or commodity, is handpicked to serve the trader's overarching goals and vision. Proper research, encompassing financial performance, management quality, growth potential, and market trends, provides insight, reducing the chances of unwelcome surprises.
Risk assessment is another crucial part of individual asset selection. Risk is an inherent part of investing. However, with rigorous risk assessment, traders can anticipate potential pitfalls. Evaluating the risk associated with each asset and its correlation with others in the portfolio helps in achieving the desired balance.
Monitoring and Rebalancing
In the dynamic dance of markets, continuous oversight and timely adjustments keep a portfolio's rhythm and harmony intact.
- Regular Portfolio Review. The world doesn't stand still, nor do the markets. Regular reviews ensure that the portfolio aligns with the trader's goals and market realities.
- Rebalancing Strategies. Over a period of time, certain investments will experience more rapid growth than others. This can shift the portfolio’s balance, necessitating rebalancing. Rebalancing, whether by reinvesting dividends or selling assets that have appreciated to buy those that have declined, ensures alignment with the desired risk levels and asset allocation strategy.
Conclusion
Crafting a balanced trading portfolio is an art backed by science, strategy, and due diligence. It's an ongoing process requiring constant monitoring and fine-tuning. By keeping a finger on the pulse of global trends, understanding risks, and staying committed to their goals, traders can navigate the choppy waters of global markets effectively. For those eager to embark on or deepen their trading journey, FXOpen offers the platform and tools. To initiate this exciting endeavour, you can open an FXOpen account and explore the dynamic offerings of the TickTrader platform.
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.
How Different Personality Traits Affect Trading StylesIn trading, the psychology behind decisions is just as important as technical analysis and market knowledge. Traders’ personalities play a massive role in shaping their approaches, risk tolerance, and overall strategies. Understanding how these traits influence one’s trading style is crucial for developing a personalized and effective approach.
1️⃣ The Analytical Trader: Data-Driven Decision Makers
Analytical traders rely heavily on data, numbers, and patterns. They often gravitate toward strategies that involve technical analysis, algorithmic trading, and quantitative models. Analytical traders enjoy dissecting historical price data, examining chart patterns, and using indicators.
However, their reliance on data may lead to overanalysis or "paralysis by analysis." For such traders, developing a systematic trading plan with clear entry and exit points helps them stay disciplined and avoid second-guessing themselves. This personality type fits well with high-frequency trading (HFT) or day trading where precision matters, but must avoid getting bogged down by too much information.
2️⃣ The Intuitive Trader: Trusting Gut Feelings
Intuitive traders often use their "gut" or feel for the market, relying less on formal data and more on experience, sentiment, and instinct. They tend to have a strong understanding of market sentiment and can react quickly to changes in market conditions. These traders often excel in volatile environments where quick decisions and flexibility are necessary.
However, over-reliance on intuition can lead to impulsive trading decisions. To mitigate this risk, intuitive traders benefit from pairing their instincts with some level of data analysis to confirm their hunches. Well known traders like George Soros have been known to employ intuition, but it’s often combined with deep market understanding.
3️⃣ The Risk-Taker: Bold and Aggressive in the Market
Risk-takers are naturally inclined to make bold trades, often with higher risk and reward. They thrive on the excitement of taking chances, particularly in high-volatility markets. These traders tend to favor leveraged products such as options, futures, or forex due to the potential for high returns. Their strategy might involve buying into breakout stocks or currencies during key events like earnings reports or economic data releases.
But aggressive traders must also be cautious. Without proper risk management, they may face significant drawdowns. Using tight damage control and/or stop-loss orders, employing position sizing, and ensuring they never over-leverage can help them stay on track while pursuing high-risk trades.
4️⃣ The Conservative Trader: Slow and Steady Approach
The conservative trader prioritizes capital preservation over quick gains. They tend to avoid high-risk trades and favor strategies with more stable, long-term potential. Typically, these traders invest in blue-chip stocks, government bonds, or established commodities. They favor strategies like dollar-cost averaging and long-term trend-following.
While conservative traders are less likely to face catastrophic losses, they also run the risk of missing out on high-reward opportunities. To improve their returns, they may incorporate a small portion of high-growth or higher-risk assets into their portfolios, all while keeping their overall risk profile low.
5️⃣ The Impulsive Trader: Reacting to Every Market Move
Impulsive traders are constantly chasing the next big opportunity, quickly jumping in and out of trades. They are often highly influenced by market noise, news, and social media. While their agility can sometimes pay off in rapidly changing markets, they are prone to over-trading, which can quickly erode profits due to transaction costs and poor decision-making under pressure.
To counteract impulsiveness, these traders need to develop clear trading rules and maintain strict discipline, often using automated trading systems to remove emotion from their decisions. Incorporating a cooling-off period before entering a trade can also help them avoid rash decisions.
6️⃣ The Methodical Trader: Discipline and Structure Above All
Methodical traders thrive on discipline, rules, and structure. They carefully plan every trade in advance, ensuring they know their entry points, exit points, and DC levels. Their strategies are usually back-tested, and they stick to them rigorously, rarely deviating from their plan. This makes them adept at long-term investing or swing trading, where patience and strategy execution matter more than quick decisions.
This trader type excels in systematic strategies, like those seen in trend-following systems such as the Turtle Trading method, but they must be cautious not to become too rigid. In fast-moving markets, being too slow to adapt can cause missed opportunities or late defensive reactions.
7️⃣ The Emotional Trader: Overcoming Psychological Biases
Emotional traders often find it challenging to manage stress and anxiety during market fluctuations. Their decisions can be driven by fear, greed, or hope, leading to poor judgment, such as holding losing positions for too long or taking profits prematurely. Behavioral finance identifies this as a common issue among traders, often exacerbated by biases like loss aversion.
To manage these tendencies, emotional traders benefit from mindfulness techniques, journaling, and setting strict damage control/stop-loss levels to limit the influence of emotions. They may also implement mechanical systems that reduce the emotional component of trading, focusing on sticking to their rules rather than being swayed by market swings.
Understanding your personality type as a trader allows for a better alignment of your strategy with your natural tendencies. Each type has its strengths and weaknesses, and by recognizing these, traders can develop systems and approaches that complement their unique traits, ultimately leading to better performance in the markets.
How I stopped strategy hopping by creating my own strategyIn the fast-paced world of trading, many of us, especially when beginning our journey, we find ourselves caught in a relentless cycle of strategy hopping. We jump from one strategy to another, lured by the promise of quick profits. However, this constant shifting often leads to frustration, a sense of not making any progress, and most importantly, a lack of consistent results.
I experienced this firsthand as I back-tested, forward-tested, and executed various trading systems, on demo and live accounts, each time hoping for better outcomes but always ending up not meeting expectations and feeling more or less stuck in the same position of having to find a profitable trading strategy. Eventually, after having tried many different systems that I found online, I decided to finally try to create my own and this time stick to a single system for a prolonged period of time.
This idea/publication explores my journey on how I created this simple trading strategy and how I used my engineering background to create a semi automated-trading system around it. And just to clarify, this is not financial advice, this should serve as an idea. If you want to try this out, do so at your own risk, after understanding the concept and after testing. I’m still testing this myself, but in theory it’s sound, and so far in my forward-testing is performing very well!
Scalping, Day trading, Swing trading, Fibonacci levels, Support/Resistance levels, round psychological levels, Bollinger bands, EMAs, RSI, MACD, ICT, Smart money concepts, algo-trading, forex, crypto, indices, metals, multi-timeframe analysis, etc, etc.
I’ve traded in these timeframes: D, 8h, 4h, 2h, 1h, 30m, 15m, 5m, 1m, and I’ve explored quite a few different strategies based on the concepts I just dumped above so I don’t bore you with every single case, and so based on that experience I’m taking a few considerations before creating my strategy.
First, I’ll be trading forex, metals, and maybe crypto and indices. Personal choice. But there’s no reason this shouldn’t work in any other market.
Second, I personally need to be more consistent on when it comes to analyzing the charts. So, for now let’s say that I’ll “log-in” every day, Monday-Friday, some amount of time during NY session.
Third, I’ve learned that multi-timeframe analysis is better than analyzing only one specific timeframe, so I’ll include that.
Next, I know there are different approaches, but from my perspective the market is either trending or not trending (aka consolidating; bouncing between two levels, imperfectly). I guess it’d be great to have one strategy for trending markets and one for markets that are in consolidation, but for now I’m specifically picking a trend-following strategy.
I found that following the trend can be very rewarding, especially when you catch it from the start or near it and are able to exit right before it ends (that’s the tricky part, but we’re only talking theory for now). So a totally reasonable idea would be to try to enter the market on pull-backs, while expecting the price to continue in the direction of the main trend. So a Fibonacci retracement tool sounds ideal for this method.
I’d like to somehow incorporate algo-trading up to some extent. I have a software engineering background, so it comes natural for me to try to create or adjust an existing trading bot to execute operations for me. But the issue I always had was creating a trading bot to spot good opportunities. It is just not easy to achieve, for any trading strategy. And that is because of the constantly changing nature of the markets. It requires subjectivity by a human to some extent when it comes to reading, understanding the market and predicting a direction.
💡 So with that said, now, two very important ideas I realized that this system exploits.
1. You don’t need to know exactly up to where price is going to retrace to on the Fibonacci tool. You can bet on more than one level.
2. You don’t need to create a trading bot that “fully” automates trading. It can only handle the part of managing the position(s).
Let me explain.
With the Fibonacci Retracement tool the trader is free to choose however many levels they want to visualize. And that is great, but it’s not easy to predict accurately and consistently up to which level price is going to retrace. We might miss some trades if we bet on a bigger pull-back and price continues on the trend without hitting our entry, or, we might experience some losses if we bet on a smaller pull-back and price decides to retrace more, and then continue on the same trend direction (which is even more painful to see lol). So the idea here is to place more than one order based on a few different fib levels. Managing more than one position can be challenging, but that’s when the next idea comes into play.
“Semi” automating the strategy with the help of a trading bot. As I mentioned previously, at least for me it has been difficult to create a trading bot that can reliably match the trading opportunities that I would find. Sometimes the bot would find good opportunities, but some other times it would find opportunities that wouldn’t make sense to take because of other reasons (price close to some Support/Resistance level, news, different direction on higher timeframes, etc) and if all of those reasons were taken into account that would increase the complexity of the code and most of the time the actual opportunities found by the bot would decrease (including the good ones!). So it’s a trade-off.
On the other hand, managing the position(s) is totally doable for a trading bot. Managing one or more open positions or pending orders is done after confirming a trading opportunity, so a trading bot can do precisely what a human would do based on the same conditions. And creating that kind of bot is not that complicated to achieve.
So with all of that in mind I started writing some rules for the trading strategy.
Timeframe for entries: 15m
Multi-timeframe analysis: D, 4h, 1h, 15m
I’ll be spotting opportunities around NY session open
I’ll need a trading bot to manage the positions for me so I don’t stare at the charts for too long (not because I don’t want to, but because apart from having other things to do it wouldn’t improve the outcome! + that the trading bot is much better at handling its emotions :wink)
I’ll focus on EIGHTCAP:XAUUSD first and maybe later I’ll apply this strategy to other markets.
Let’s focus for a bit on the fib tool and the positions for now. The screenshot below shows the levels that I’m using. And for now I’m just betting on 3 positions. Again, managing more than one position can be tricky, but I’m relying on the fact that a trading-bot can help us in this part which is easy for the bot to handle. And apart from that we only have one position open at a time so it’s not actually that hard as it might sound if we don’t want to use a trading bot.
Of course no system is perfect, so losses are expected. But I’m positioning myself in a way that my wins will cover my losses and give me good profit. In consequence, risk management is very important. With every bet or fibonacci tool I place and open X positions (in this case 3) I want to make sure that in total I’m not risking more than 0.5% of my total account balance. This part depends on the trader, some traders can tolerate bigger draw-downs, and so they can risk more % per position, others risk less, I personally like 0.5% for now.
At the time of writing this I’m testing with the following risks:
Position 1 (2.3R if TP hit): 0.10% of the account balance
Position 2 (3.6R if TP hit): 0.18% of the account balance
Position 3 (4.2R if TP hit): 0.22% of the account balance
With those positions placed these things can happen:
1. Price doesn’t retrace enough to trigger any of the pending orders and continues in the same direction of the trend. In that case, when there’s a new higher high or lower low we just cancel our pending orders and analyze again to spot new opportunities.
2. Price retraces enough to hit all of our SL resulting in a loss of the 3 positions (-0.50%)
3. Only Position 1 gets triggered and we go to TP (2.3R * 0.10% = 0.23% gain)
4. Position 2 gets triggered and we go to TP (-0.10% + 3.6R * 0.18% = 0.55% gain)
5. Position 3 gets triggered and we go to TP (-0.10% - 0.18% + 4.2R * 0.22% = 0.64% gain)
Nothing to do with alternatives 1 & 2 as it’s normal for us to lose or miss an opportunity sometimes. With alternative 3 we have a small gain. And with alternatives 4 & 5 we have a slightly better gain than our total risk of 0.50%. Now all of that might not sound ver impressive and it’s because this follows the fixed position way of managing the positions. Trailing the SL many times can produce much better returns when managed properly. But more on that later.
Possible winning example below using ATR trailing SL.
But let’s stick to the fixed positions for now to understand and get used to the system first and then you can let the bot do the management with the trailing SL method. Now why those specific risk %s for those 3 positions? The reasoning is that in my recent trading I’ve noticed that price tends to retrace enough to trigger either my Position 2 or my Position 3 more often than triggering only my Position 2. So it makes more sense to me to add slightly higher risk on those to increase profit. However, in my experience, in the higher timeframes price retraces even to the 38.2% level to then continue in the same trend direction more often than on the lower timeframes.
But this part as I said depends on the trader, if you decide to incorporate this strategy/system to your trading you are free to choose different risk % per positions.
Additionally, you could even open more positions (again, relying on the trading bot for position management), and of course following a good risk management plan by adjusting the risk for all positions and sticking to a total of less than 2% risk per fib tool placement. But this also depends on the trader.
Sometimes price does like to ‘grab liquidity’ by retracing slightly more than the 100% level, hitting my last SL, and then continue on the trend direction we placed our bet on. However, I think that 3 positions is enough, at least for me, specially in the lower timeframes.
Let’s focus on the trading bot for a bit now. As I said the bot should only manage my positions so I need a way to turn it on when I spot a good opportunity and then let it run until the position hits SL or TP, or it gets closed because of another reason. In this case I developed two systems. One is with fixed SL and TP, and one is with managing the position(s) with a trailing SL. The trailing SL is based on the current ATR value, but this could be expanded even further to another method of trailing SL based on specific levels the user provides (e.g. when in 1.4R move SL to break-even, when in 2R move SL to 1R, etc).
For now I tested with fixed positions and with ATR trailing SL and they both work great and are profitable. The rules can be extended even more, for instance you choose the ATR trailing SL method and still place TP on the -27% or on the -61.8% fib levels so positions fully close on those levels, or you could close partially let’s say 30% when TP1 is hit (0% fib level) and then keep trailing, etc. There are many variations, and those can be handled by the bot based on the initial configuration.
So on how the actual trading bot works. I developed a PineScript strategy that fires alerts that I can use with a service like PineScript to execute the operations but I found that those services most of the time don’t allow managing multiple positions at once and have other complications. So I created my own webhook server that receives the alerts and I also developed an EA that receives that information and executes the operations but this is still in testing phase and is not ready for use unless you have advanced technical knowledge. I’m thinking of ways to make this available however and would love some thoughts/feedback/suggestions!
This strategy can still be applied even without a trading bot. However the trading bot would make the system much better and allow for more time to maybe analyze different markets and take on more trading opportunities, or just focus on other stuff.
So to put all of this together now we’re only missing the part of spotting the opportunities. There are different ways, I personally just look for trends. I rely on simple price action (for uptrend I want to see clear higher highs and higher lows, and for downtrend I want to see clear lower lows and lower highs), a smoothed Heikin-Ashi EMA, and sometimes on the ADX indicator to see how strong the trend is.
In the example below I show my thought process while applying this strategy on a forward-testing phase. This is exactly how I saw the chart when I logged-in for my trading session a few days ago.
In the higher timeframes I checked that there is room for price to keep going up, that means that there shouldn’t be a S/R level or round psychological level near price. Having also analyzed higher timeframes and seen that it makes sense for price to continue this uptrend I decided to place my fib tool. I usually consider wicks too. So I place the first fib limit on the higher low, and the second fib limit on the higher high.
Having placed the fib tool and created the pending orders now we need to wait for price to trigger our positions. But sometimes price is not done and keeps going up, invalidating our higher high (or lower low on a downtrend).
When that happens we just need to stay focused on when price closes to see if a new higher high has been formed. If that happens we simply update our fib tool placement, and update the pending orders (entry, SL, & TP). This is a condition that the trading bot can probably handle. Eventually price will make it clear where the higher high is, and we finally see a retracement.
And now we wait… but still focused in case we need to adjust our fib tool and pending orders if price is not yet retracing.
Price drops with a strong move. Now we just step away, we already have the positions placed with SL and TP. We did our analysis, and so we don’t need to look at the charts and let any negative emotions gain control. At this point with fixed positions we can just close the charts and give an end to this trading session. And if using the trailing SL method we just leave it to the trading bot to manage the positions. In this case I was just testing the fixed positions and it unfolded into a win for the 3rd position. So overall about a 0.64% gain (the best alternative).
So this is it. This covers the base of this strategy and my thought process while creating the rules for this system. It can be adjusted to different timezones as well, different markets depending on the asset type, etc. I’ve been forward-testing this strategy and system for a few weeks so far and it seems very promising. And I couldn’t wait any longer to share this idea in hopes that you can learn at least something from everything I shared. I’d also love to hear if anyone would be interested in using a system like this with the actual trading bot, so I can plan best on how to make it accessible to other users that don’t have technical/engineering knowledge.
In conclusion, I shared my journey from strategy hopping to creating my own trading strategy based on my own needs. By exploring the key ideas of leveraging the Fibonacci retracement tool to bet on multiple positions and embracing a semi-automated approach, I’ve developed a system that aligns with my trading style and allows for necessary flexibility in response to market changes.
If you find yourself caught in the cycle of strategy hopping, or don’t see the results you expected (be reasonable though!) I urge you to reflect on what you truly want from your trading experience. Consider creating your own strategy that aligns with your objectives and trading style! And feel free to take ideas from this article to build your own system. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. I’d love to hear it, any thoughts/feedback or suggestions are appreciated. Looking forward to the discussion.
Thanks, and good luck!
BOS - Break of StructureBOS means Break of Structure . It happens when the price of an asset (like a stock or currency) breaks past a key support or resistance level, indicating a potential change in the market direction.
Key points:
Uptrend BOS: If the price breaks above a recent high, it could mean the start of an upward trend.
Downtrend BOS: If the price breaks below a recent low, it may signal the beginning of a downward trend.
Traders use BOS to spot potential trend changes and decide when to buy or sell.
CHoCH signalsa Change of Character (CHoCH) signals a potential shift in market dynamics, often indicating a reversal from the prevailing trend. This concept is particularly valuable as it helps traders discern when the momentum is shifting, offering a strategic point to consider adjusting their positions.
Reacting to Change Part 1: Consolidation PhasesWelcome to our 2-part series on adapting to change in trading, where we dive into the art of staying flexible in dynamic market environments. In Part 1, we’ll explore how traders can effectively navigate consolidation phases and avoid the pitfalls of rigid analysis.
The Trap of Over-Defining Consolidation: Price Action is Fluid, Not Fixed
One of the biggest challenges in trading is dealing with consolidation phases—those times when the market enters a short-term equilibrium, leading to a high degree of random price action. During these phases, it’s tempting to box price movements into neatly defined patterns like triangles or channels. While this can offer an initial framework, the reality is that consolidation patterns are constantly evolving. Trying to over-define these phases or stick rigidly to a single pattern often leads to frustration and missed opportunities.
In consolidation, price action is fluid, not fixed. What starts as a symmetrical triangle might morph into a flag, or a sideways range may develop into a wedge. These shifts are common because consolidation phases by definition are periods of indecision, where neither buyers nor sellers dominate, causing price to "walk" in a seemingly random manner. When we try to force the market into the confines of a rigid pattern, we risk missing these subtle changes and become despondent when the market doesn’t behave as expected.
Instead, successful traders stay adaptive. Don’t be afraid to re-draw the boundaries of a consolidation phase as new information emerges. You can begin with an initial hypothesis based on a recognisable price pattern, but it’s essential to remain open to the possibility that this pattern might evolve or even fail entirely. Flexibility allows you to adjust your parameters to reflect what the market is telling you rather than clinging to a fixed idea.
By embracing the fluid nature of consolidation phases and adjusting your approach as price action unfolds, you stay aligned with the market, increasing your chances of catching the eventual breakout or breakdown.
Real-World Example: FTSE 100
In this example, the FTSE 100 moves from a small initial consolidation phase into a sideways range with failures at the top and bottom, before eventually breaking out. Those who failed to adapt to the changing consolidation structure may have been caught out with false breakouts and missed the eventual breakout.
FTSE100 Daily Candle Chart: Phase 1
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
Phase 2
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
Phase 3
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
Breakout
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
Combine Flexibility with Core Principles
While flexibility is key, it’s essential to combine it with a solid foundation of core principles. Flexibility without a framework can lead to erratic decisions, but by grounding your adaptability in a few guiding rules, you’ll better navigate consolidation phases.
1. Aligning with the Dominant Trend: Consolidation phases have a tendency to resolve in line with the dominant trend. Hence, the first step is to define the dominant trend, which varies depending on your trading timeframe. Whether you're using moving averages or trendlines, having a clear sense of the overarching market direction can guide your expectations for a breakout.
2. Defining a Breakout: A breakout from consolidation is more than just price moving outside a range. Look for an expansion in trading ranges, backed by an increase in volume. The combination of these factors helps confirm that the market is truly breaking out, not just teasing false moves.
3. Watch for Changes in Volatility: Volatility often contracts during consolidation phases. One of the best indicators of an impending breakout is when volatility begins to contract. Pay attention to tightening price ranges and be on alert when those ranges start to widen.
Real-World Example: Nvidia (NVDA)
In this example we see the importance of using core principles to as a framework for flexibility. The 50 day moving average (MA) and 200MA clearly show the dominant trend is bullish. This is important during Phase 3 (below) in which the market appears to break lower. In Phase 4 we see clear volatility compression at the top end of the consolidation range – a clear indicator of an impending breakout.
NVDA Daily Candle Chart: Phase 1
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
Phase 2
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
Phase 3
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
Phase 4
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
Breakout
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
Avoiding Despondency Through Flexibility
Expecting a breakout or breakdown that never materialises can lead to frustration, especially if you’re locked into a rigid view of the market. By combining flexibility with your core principles, you’ll be better prepared to react when the market shifts—and avoid becoming despondent in the process.
The secret to successfully navigating consolidation phases isn’t about predicting the next move—it’s about reacting to change while being guided by solid principles. Patterns evolve, and so must your approach. By balancing flexibility with core rules around trend direction, breakouts, and volatility, you can capitalise when the market finally resolves its range.
In Part 2 of our series, we’ll explore how adapting to trend changes is just as crucial as navigating consolidations, and why flexibility is a trader’s most valuable asset in any market condition.
Disclaimer: This is for information and learning purposes only. The information provided does not constitute investment advice nor take into account the individual financial circumstances or objectives of any investor. Any information that may be provided relating to past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results or performance. Social media channels are not relevant for UK residents.
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EMOTIONS! Chapter-2In trading, emotions can easily become your biggest enemy, and it's crucial to understand that “you are your own opponent.” The market isn’t against you—it’s neutral, driven by global forces like supply and demand, economic policies, and geopolitical events. It doesn’t care whether you win or lose. The real battle is internal, and your success depends on your ability to manage your emotional responses. Emotions like fear, greed, frustration, and overconfidence are powerful forces that, if left unchecked, can lead to impulsive decisions and costly mistakes. The key to thriving in the forex market is learning how to control those emotions, because if you don’t, they will control you.
I learned this lesson the hard way back in 2016. At the time, I had just started gaining confidence after a string of successful trades. That confidence quickly turned into greed. I started taking bigger risks, convinced that I was riding a winning streak. Then, things turned. The market shifted, and I began losing trades. Instead of stepping back and re-evaluating, I panicked. I felt this urgent need to recover my losses, so I started chasing the market. Every time I saw an opportunity, I jumped on it without thinking, trading out of desperation rather than strategy. I kept telling myself I could make it all back with just one more trade, but the more I tried, the deeper I sank into losses. It felt like the market was conspiring against me, but the truth was, I was sabotaging myself. I was letting my emotions dictate my decisions, and that was the real problem.
Fear took over when I lost, and greed controlled me when I won. I wasn’t sticking to my trading plan, and I wasn’t thinking rationally. Instead of approaching the market with a clear, calm mindset, I was reacting emotionally to every price movement. It was a vicious cycle—each loss made me more desperate to win, and each win made me more overconfident. I was chasing quick fixes, but in reality, I was only digging a deeper hole. That experience was a painful reminder that in forex trading, the market isn’t there to beat you—it’s neutral. *You beat yourself* by letting emotions cloud your judgment and control your actions.
After that tough period in 2016, I knew something had to change. I realized that emotional control was not just a skill—it was a necessity if I wanted to succeed. I had to stop reacting impulsively and start trading with discipline. The first step was getting back to basics: sticking to my trading plan no matter what. I began to follow my risk management rules strictly, using stop-loss orders to protect myself from the emotional urge to "let a trade ride" in the hope of recovery. I also limited the amount of risk I was willing to take on each trade. Instead of chasing profits, I focused on preserving capital and managing risk.
One of the biggest changes I made was learning to step away when my emotions were running high. If I felt myself getting anxious, frustrated, or overexcited, I would close my trading platform and take a break. This gave me the space to regain perspective and come back with a clearer mind. I also started keeping a trading journal, documenting not just my trades but also how I felt during them. This helped me recognize emotional patterns—like when I was more prone to making impulsive decisions—and take steps to prevent them.
Over time, I developed a deeper understanding of how emotions influence trading. I came to realize that *success in forex isn’t about controlling the market—it’s about controlling yourself.* The market will always be unpredictable, but how you respond to that unpredictability determines your outcome. You can’t let fear make you exit a trade too early, nor can you let greed push you into taking unnecessary risks. By learning to control your emotions, you can make decisions based on logic and strategy rather than impulse. I also learned to embrace patience. Trading is a marathon, not a sprint. The best traders are those who wait for the right opportunities and don’t feel the need to constantly be in the market.
Looking back, that difficult year taught me a vital lesson: the market isn’t out to get you; it’s indifferent. You are the only one who can stand in your own way. By mastering your emotions, you can avoid self-sabotage and make rational, calculated decisions that will lead to long-term success. Now, when I trade, I do so with the understanding that my biggest challenge isn’t the market—it’s keeping my emotions in check. Trading with a clear, calm mind has made all the difference, and I know that no matter what the market throws at me, my success or failure depends on how well I manage myself.
Happy Trading!
-FxPocket
IMPORTANT Macroeconomics: What is the trade balance?IMPORTANT Macroeconomics: What is the trade balance?
The trade balance is an important economic indicator that can have a significant influence on the stock markets.
Here is a simple explanation of this concept and its potential impact:
What is the trade balance?
The trade balance represents the difference between the value of a country's exports and imports over a given period.
In other words:
- If a country exports more than it imports, its trade balance is in surplus (positive).
- If a country imports more than it exports, its trade balance is in deficit (negative).
Impact on the stock markets
The influence of the trade balance on the stock markets can vary depending on whether it is in surplus or deficit:
Trade balance surplus
A trade surplus can generally have a positive impact on the stock markets:
- It indicates strong competitiveness of domestic companies in international markets.
- It can strengthen the value of the national currency, which can attract foreign investors.
-Exporting companies may see their shares increase in value.
Trade deficit
A trade deficit can have a negative impact on stock markets:
-It can indicate a weakness in the domestic economy or a loss of competitiveness.
-It can weaken the domestic currency, which can discourage foreign investors.
-The shares of companies dependent on imports may be negatively affected.
Important nuances
It is crucial to note that the impact of the trade balance on stock markets is not always direct or predictable:
-Overall economic context: Other economic factors can attenuate or amplify the effect of the trade balance.
-Investor perception: The reaction of the markets often depends on how investors interpret the trade balance figures in relation to their expectations.
-Specific sectors: Some sectors may be more affected than others by changes in the trade balance.
In conclusion, although the trade balance is an important indicator, its influence on stock markets must be seen in the broader context of the economy and investor sentiment.
Successful Trading Resembles a CardiogramI once came across a statement that went something like this: “Success is much more like a cardiogram than we realise. There are ups, downs, and periods of stability”. This made me wonder: "Why are the ups, downs, and phases of stability considered normal, rather than constant stability?" The answer was revealing: “If there are ups, downs, and phases of stability, it means you're alive and progressing. If everything is perfectly stable, it means you're stuck and not moving forward”.
The process of successful trading within the financial markets closely resembles a cardiogram. From a custom-created graph illustration, each spike could represent an individual trade or even a monthly net total. Through big and small wins, small losses, and inevitable breakeven points, we achieve and maintain consistent long-term profitability. As a trader, this balance is essential.
Unfortunately, distortions introduced by firms promising ‘get-rich-quick’ schemes and making unrealistic claims have led many to fall for the illusion of constant winning. In reality, prioritising a sound risk-reward strategy is far more important than focusing solely on win rates. In fact, with a feasible risk management plan, patience, discipline, and a rational approach to the market, one could be wrong half the time and still achieve long-term success.
So, the next time you experience a losing streak or face psychological uncertainty, remember that setbacks are part of the journey. Over time, with the right mindset and strategy, everything will fall into place. After all, trading success is a dynamic process - much like the rhythm of a cardiogram.
How to Trade Gap Up and Gap Down Opening? Full Guide
What is gap up and gap down in trading?
In this article, I will teach you how to trade gap up and gap down opening . You will learn a simple and profitable gap trading strategy that works perfectly on Forex, Gold or any other financial market.
First, let's start with a theory .
A gap up after the market opening is the situation when the market opens higher than it was closed without any trading activity in between.
Above you can see the example a gap up after the market opening on EURGBP.
The price level where the market closed is called gap opening level.
The price level where the market opened is galled gap closing level.
A gap down after the market opening is the situation when the market opens lower than it was closed without trading activity in between.
Here is the example of a gap down after the market opening on WTI Crude Oil.
Why such gaps occur?
There are various reasons why opening gaps occur.
One of the most common one is the release of positive or negative news while the market was closed.
The market opening price will reflect the impact of such news, causing a formation of the gap.
What gap opening means?
Gap openings reflect the sudden change in the market sentiment.
Gap up will indicate a very bullish sentiment on the market while
a gap down will imply very bearish mood of the market participants.
However, the markets do not like the gaps.
With a very high probability, the gaps are always filled by the market very soon.
We say that the gap is filled, when the price returns to the gap opening level.
Above, you can see that after some time, EURGBP successfully closed the gap - returned to gap opening level.
Such a pattern is very reliable and consistent among different financial markets. For that reason, it can provide profitable trading opportunities for us.
You can see that a gap down on WTI Crude Oil was quickly filled and the price returned to the gap opening level.
How to trade gap opening?
Gap Up Trading Strategy
Once you spotted a gap up after the market opening, you should wait for a bearish signal before you sell.
You should look for a sign of strength of the sellers.
One of the most accurate signals is a formation of a bearish price action pattern:
Double top,
Triple top,
Inverted Cup and Handle,
Head and Shoulders,
Symmetrical or Descending Triangle,
Rising Wedge...
Bearish breakout of a trend line / neckline of the pattern will be your signal to sell.
Look at a price action on EURGBP before it filled the gap.
At some moment, the price formed a double top pattern and broke its neckline. That is our signal to sell.
Your stop loss should lie above the highs of the pattern.
Take profit - gap opening level.
Safest entry is on a retest of a broken neckline/trend line of the pattern.
Safest entry point on EURGBP is the retest of a broken neckline of a double top pattern. Stop is lying above its highs. TP - gap opening level.
Gap Down Trading Strategy
Once you spotted a gap down after the market opening, you should wait for a bullish signal before you sell.
You should look for a sign of strength of the buyers.
One of the most accurate signals is a formation of a bullish price action pattern:
Double bottom,
Triple bottom,
Cup and Handle,
Inverted Head and Shoulders,
Symmetrical or Ascending Triangle,
Rising Wedge...
Bullish breakout of a trend line / neckline of the pattern will be your signal to buy .
Let's study the price action on WTI Crude Oil before it filled the gap.
You can see that the price formed a cup and handle pattern.
Bullish breakout of its neckline is a strong bullish signal.
Safest entry is on a retest of a broken neckline/trend line of the pattern.
Your stop loss should lie above the lows of the pattern.
Take profit - gap opening level.
Following this strategy, a nice profit was made.
Always remember that probabilities that the gap will be filled are very high. However, it is not clear WHEN exactly it will happen.
For that reason, you should carefully analyze a price action and wait for a signal, before you open the trade.
That will be your best gap opening trading strategy.
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The British Pound Is Stronger than the US DollarThe British Pound Is Stronger than the US Dollar: Understanding the Reasons
GBP/USD is the third most actively traded currency pair on the foreign exchange market, after EUR/USD and USD/JPY. It is also one of the oldest pairs traded on forex. The British pound continues to cost more than the US dollar, despite the dollar overtaking it as the global reserve currency.
Why is the British pound stronger than the US dollar? In this FXOpen article, we look at the GBP/USD pair and the factors that keep the British pound strong to help you understand how to trade it.
What Is the GBP/USD Pair?
Currencies are always traded in pairs on foreign exchange markets. GBP/USD refers to the value of the British pound sterling against the US dollar – specifically, how many US dollars traders need to buy one pound. For example, if the GBP/USD exchange rate is 1.28, a trader would need $1.28 to buy £1. How come the British pound is always stronger than the US dollar? The answer is rooted in history.
A Brief History of the GBP/USD Pair
Until World War I, the British pound was the global reserve currency, accounting for over 60% of the world’s debt holdings. It was valued at just under $5. After the war, the US dollar began to strengthen, and by 1944, when the Bretton Woods system was introduced, the pound was pegged at $4.03. The Bretton Woods system fixed the US dollar to the gold price and established it as the unofficial global reserve currency.
After World War II, the value of the USD began to rise, and it overtook GBP as the primary currency used in international trade. The Bretton Woods system began to slowly collapse after 1971, and both the GBP and USD became free-floating, with the US dropping the gold standard. This has resulted in the value of the GBP gradually sliding over the following decades.
The free-float rate made the GBP/USD pair highly volatile.
The pound sterling reached a high of 2.08 against the dollar in 2007 during the global financial crisis, as higher UK inflation raised expectations that the Bank of England would raise interest rates.
In June 2016, the UK’s vote to leave the European Union drove the value of the pound down to the 1.20–1.25 area overnight. That was its lowest level since the collapse of the exchange rate mechanism in 1985 and the largest one-day decline since the end of Bretton Woods. The GBP/USD pair has since largely traded between 1.20-1.40. A notable exception was the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, when investors flocked to the safe haven US dollar amid uncertainty about the economic impact, and the pound fell to 1.16 against the USD.
COVID-19 shutdowns and the loss of European trade following Brexit have weighed on the prospects for the UK economy. At the same time, geopolitical tensions such as the US-China trade war and the Russia-Ukraine conflict have lifted the value of the dollar, as have rising interest rates.
In 2022, the Bank of England was forced to intervene as the value of sterling fell close to a record low of 1.035 against the dollar in response to a crisis of confidence in the UK government, high inflation and unemployment rates, and concerns regarding the domestic economy. However, by April 2023, the pound had recovered and became the best-performing G-10 currency of the year. According to Forbes, the British pound is the world’s fifth strongest currency, while the US dollar is the 10th strongest. The GBP/USD pair has primarily been trading around 1.20-1.30 so far in 2023. Why is the pound still stronger than the dollar?
Is GBP Stronger than USD?
Why is the pound more expensive than the dollar? The value of the GBP against the USD in forex doesn’t solely determine the strength of the US and UK economies. Analysts consider other factors that can question the strength of the pound.
Nominal Value
A currency’s nominal value refers to its value against another currency in forex. As was mentioned above, the nominal value of both currencies changed significantly over time. Although GBP was always more expensive than the US dollar, this conclusion is relatively arbitrary. Also, it’s worth considering the lower number of British pounds in circulation, which is worth £81 billion, compared to $2.33 trillion US dollars, which contributes to the higher value of GBP as of May 2023.
Relative Strength
The strength of a particular currency against another at any point in time is also relative, as it could actually be weaker against other currencies. For example, GBP could rise in value against USD but fall against EUR, AUD and JPY, which would suggest that the relative value of the pound is weaker – just not as weak as the USD. This is because the relative strength is determined not only by the value of one currency against another but by economic data, including inflation, economic growth, and the trade balance, which determine the strength of the overall economy.
To gauge a currency’s real strength, analysts track its value in relation to multiple currencies over time. For instance, the Dollar Index (DXY) measures the value of the USD against a basket of currencies from its key trading partners and competitors, as this is a more accurate measure of its value than a single pair.
Quoting Conventions
The use of GBP/USD as the quoting convention reflects the pound’s strength. For instance, a GBP/USD quote of 1.25 signifies that $1.25 is needed to buy £1.
This quoting convention originated in the late 1900s during the British Empire when the UK had a larger economy than the US. Despite the subsequent shift in economic power, this convention has endured. Since World War I, the US economy has surpassed the UK economy in terms of size.
Modifying quoting conventions is challenging, given how entrenched they are in the financial industry. However, the tradition of quoting GBP/USD in itself does not determine the value of the pound and the dollar.
Purchasing Power Parity (PPP)
While the GBP/USD trading value suggests the pound is stronger, the purchasing power parity (PPP) fluctuates. PPP indicates how much a currency is worth based on the value of a basket of goods. In these terms, the dollar can be stronger than the pound.
The concept underlying PPP is that the exchange rate should equalise the purchasing power of each currency within its respective country. For instance, if a basket of items costs £100 in the UK with a GBP/USD exchange rate of 1.15, the PPP would suggest that the equivalent cost of the same basket in US dollars should be $115.
In practice, exchange rates frequently diverge from their PPP levels. The degree to which a currency such as GBP or USD deviates from its PPP indicates its relative strength or weakness against another currency.
Global Economy
Although the US economy is stronger than that of Great Britain, sterling’s history as the former global reserve currency and political and economic power have contributed to its strength. The pound is one of the world’s oldest currencies, having been introduced in the 1400s. The UK remains a major global financial centre, and the Bank of England continues to participate in international economic developments.
What Factors Affect GBP/USD
There are several factors that affect the value of the British pound and US dollar:
- US Federal Reserve monetary policy
- Bank of England monetary policy
- Inflation rate, which has a strong impact on the interest rates
- Employment data, which influences government fiscal policy
- Geopolitical events
- Other economic indicators, including retail sales and industrial production
Does It Matter If GBP/USD Falls Below Parity?
A weaker sterling could support UK exports, but it would also increase the cost of imported goods and drive up inflation. The Bank of England would be forced to intervene to contain inflation. As seen in 2022, there is also a risk that a sharp drop in the pound’s value could become disorderly, which could create political and economic turmoil.
However, if the value of the pound fell below the dollar, it would be a psychological milestone for the UK, but it would not have a major impact on the forex market.
Conclusion
The British pound sterling has traditionally maintained a higher value against the US dollar because of historical convention. However, the US dollar is stronger overall as it is the world's reserve currency and has larger trading volumes. The GBP/USD exchange rate has been in a long downtrend. Therefore, there are risks that GBP will soon lose its nominal premium.
Understanding how the British pound is stronger than the US dollar can help you to form strategies to trade the GBP/USD forex pair. By observing economic indicators, you can take a view on how you expect the market to move.
If you are looking to trade forex markets, you can open an FXOpen account. The TickTrader platform allows you to analyse live price charts and trade a range of currency pairs.
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.
MINDSET! Chapter-1In trading, mindset is arguably one of the most critical factors that can determine whether a trader succeeds or fails over time. While many beginners focus intensely on mastering technical analysis, reading charts, or understanding fundamental market data, experienced traders recognize that none of this knowledge matters without the right mental approach. Forex trading is unique due to its high leverage and volatility, which can lead to large, quick gains but also equally substantial losses. The constant price fluctuations and 24-hour nature of the forex market mean that traders need to be mentally prepared to deal with a dynamic, often unpredictable environment. Therefore, cultivating a strong and resilient mindset is essential for achieving consistent results.
A key aspect of a forex trading mindset is emotional control . Markets are driven by the emotions of participants, and it is easy for novice traders to get caught up in the emotional rollercoaster of trading. Greed , fear , and impatience are the three most dangerous emotions for a trader. Greed can cause a trader to hold on to a winning position for too long, hoping for even bigger profits, only to watch those profits evaporate as the market reverses. Fear can paralyze a trader or cause them to exit trades prematurely, preventing them from realizing potential gains. Impatience, on the other hand, can lead to overtrading, where a trader enters too many positions in an attempt to recover losses or chase profits, often resulting in reckless decisions and further losses. Forex traders with a strong mindset learn to recognize these emotions, manage them, and make decisions based on logic and strategy rather than feelings.
Discipline is another crucial element of a successful trading mindset. Having a solid trading plan or strategy is important, but sticking to that plan with unwavering discipline is what separates professional traders from amateurs. Many traders know the importance of risk management, such as setting stop-loss orders and adhering to a specific risk-to-reward ratio, but when emotions take over, they may abandon their plans in the heat of the moment. For example, after a series of losing trades, a trader might be tempted to increase their position size to "make up" for their losses, often leading to larger risks and bigger losses. Alternatively, after a string of wins, a trader might become overconfident and take on more risk than their strategy allows, which can result in devastating losses when the market turns against them. A disciplined mindset ensures that a trader remains consistent, following their predefined rules no matter the market conditions or emotional state.
Patience is also a cornerstone of the forex trading mindset. Currency markets can be incredibly volatile in the short term, but successful traders understand that profits are generated over time, not by chasing every market move. In forex, it’s common to experience periods of drawdowns or market stagnation, where nothing seems to be happening. During such times, traders who lack patience may become frustrated and enter trades impulsively, often leading to mistakes and unnecessary losses. Those with a patient mindset , however, understand that waiting for high-probability setups is essential for long-term success. They accept that there will be times when it is better to sit on the sidelines than force a trade in unfavorable conditions. Patience also allows traders to wait for the market to confirm their trading ideas, rather than jumping in prematurely based on speculation or hope.
A growth mindset is particularly beneficial in forex trading, as it helps traders continuously improve their skills and adapt to market conditions. A trader with a fixed mindset might view losses as failures and feel discouraged, leading them to give up or stop learning from their mistakes. In contrast, a trader with a growth mindset understands that every trade, whether successful or not, is a learning opportunity. They review their trades, identify what went wrong or right, and adjust their strategy accordingly. This mindset fosters resilience, as traders understand that losses are inevitable in forex trading but can be valuable lessons if approached with the right attitude. Growth-minded traders also seek out continuous education, always looking for ways to refine their techniques, expand their knowledge, and improve their decision-making processes.
Adaptability is another essential trait of a strong forex trading mindset. The foreign exchange market is influenced by a wide range of factors, from global economic indicators to geopolitical events and central bank policies. This means that no single strategy or approach works all the time, and traders must be willing to adjust their tactics as market conditions change. Rigidly sticking to a strategy that worked in a particular market environment can lead to poor performance when those conditions shift. Traders with a flexible mindset remain open to evolving their strategies, using new tools, and experimenting with different approaches while maintaining a disciplined and patient approach.
Developing a successful mindset in forex trading is about much more than just controlling emotions or having a strategy. It involves cultivating discipline, emotional resilience, patience, and a commitment to continuous learning and adaptability. Traders who are able to master their mindset are better equipped to handle the volatility and challenges of the forex market, allowing them to make more rational decisions and, ultimately, achieve long-term profitability. While the technical and analytical aspects of forex trading are important, it is the psychological mastery that often determines who thrives and who struggles in the world of currency trading. By focusing on mindset, traders can improve not only their trading results but also their overall experience in navigating the ups and downs of the forex market.
Within the next few days we will discuss on more of the topics above.
Happy Trading!
-FxPocket
Technical Analysis is NOT What the Majority Thinks It Is
One of my favourite activities during my free time is sitting on the sofa and finding analyses on TradingView that resemble the one portrayed on the left-hand side of the illustration. My goal is to try deciphering what a given author is trying to convey to us, the audience. As you know, the more noise there is on the charts, the blurrier the picture becomes. The blurrier the picture, the more there is room for curiosity and discovery.
Over the years, I’ve become more convinced that less is more and that you don’t need to clutter your charts with an abundance of instruments while conducting a technical orchestration. In fact, most people have false expectations regarding how proper technical analysis should be conducted. Many think TA is all about lines and boxes when, in reality, it’s about understanding price behaviour and making educated guesses with pre-calculated risk. Therefore, the aim of this brief educational article is to contrast two types of traders – let’s call them Average Joe and Experienced Joe – and provide professional insights into how technical analysis really functions and should be practiced.
Let’s start by scrutinising the scenario on the left. The author has identified some critical regions, drawn a few lines, and highlighted a Fibonacci retracement level of importance. Then, they sketched a game plan using arrows to indicate how the price might behave next. What’s wrong with this approach? In short, everything. The longer answer: there’s a lack of necessary technical interpretation combined with unnecessary efforts. Although some analytical tools are present, they don’t offer any depth in terms of what the price behaviour might be orchestrating. Nor do most of these instruments serve any purpose when applied in a scattered manner.
Now, let’s analyse what Experienced Joe – the trader behind the right-hand side of the screen – has put together. He has identified key regions and utilised a few tools for mapping purposes. However, his primary focus is understanding price behaviour by interpreting movements on the weekly-timeframe chart. Since he has traded the same handful of financial securities for years, he is experienced in reading charts like a book and grasping the logic behind price action. After understanding what’s unfolding, the trader finalises his game plan and executes positions.
Comparing the two traders, we can see a significant difference between using technical instruments in abundance without comprehension, and using them in moderation with the real goal of understanding price behaviour.
With that said, here is a 3-step guide on how to properly utilise technical analysis when studying a financial instrument and entering trade positions:
Step #1 - Read the chart like a book.
Where is the price potentially headed?
What has been happening recently?
What economic event caused the massive candle spike?
Does it look like the price is correcting a recent impulse?
Take a glance at the graph and try to understand the overall situation.
Step #2 - Highlight key zones and sketch a game plan.
This is a crucial level that the price has respected for a significant amount of time.
Here, the price printed a liquidity grab, so I’ll mark that.
The price is forming a reversal bottom, so I’m preparing to go long from here.
The 0.84 region looks like a solid initial target.
Sketch a preliminary game plan based on your analysis and focus on execution.
Step #3 - Execute a trade position at pre-calculated risk (usually, 1-2%).
Set your entry.
Place your Stop Loss.
Execute the trade.
In conclusion, technical analysis is not just about drawing some lines and shapes. It’s time to change the stereotype and emphasise the real utility of technical analysis. After all, trading without trying to understand price dynamics—especially if you are a technical trader—is like blindly memorising driving rules without understanding their purpose. Of course, there’s no secret recipe that works 100% of the time, including technical analysis. However, by sticking to a consistent approach and being patient, we can aim toward achieving long-term profitability.
OvertradingI want to talk about overtrading in trading
Looking at social media traders, it seems like everyone is trading perfectly! In reality, everyone has their own demons that we fight every day! Overtrading is not gambling, but it is also not good! Yes, of course, we must have a trading strategy and if we do not stick to the strategy, and more importantly, risk management! The number of open trades does not equal profit!
Overtrading is an excessive passion for buying or selling financial instruments, also known as tilt. In other words, having too many open positions or using a disproportionate amount in one trade. There are no laws or rules against overtrading for individual traders, but it can hurt your trading account or portfolio.
Trading style is an important component of your trading. This means that your preferred style should determine the frequency of your trades. For example, you are more comfortable trading swing positions with a stop loss of 3-4 percent with a little leverage! Perhaps you do not have the time or desire to sit during the day and monitor entry points! Therefore, if you have a trading style that is comfortable for you, stick to it! If you switch and make 3-5 trades during the day, you will simply burn out from emotions, good or bad! You can also feel problems when you do not trade enough! Sometimes you see positions, but fear overcomes you and you do not open positions, but just watch! Often, after a series of such missed trades, you open a trade on emotions! Therefore, always keep a balance in your trading style
The biggest reason for infrequent trading is the fear of losing money. But if you do not trade, you can miss good trading opportunities.
Reasons for overtrading
Excessive trading occurs when a trader does not adhere to the rules of his trading strategy. He is tempted to increase the frequency of trades without consulting a trading plan, which can lead to bad consequences. To prevent overtrading, you can change your trading plan at any time to be more restrictive and add stricter entry and exit criteria.
Avoid emotional trading: Distinguish between rational and emotional trading decisions and back up your decisions with clear market analysis. Diversify your portfolio: If you often open more than one position, you can minimize risk by spreading your investments across different asset classes. Use only what you have: Decide how much you want to risk, but never trade with more capital than you can afford to lose. When it comes to your trading plan, consider your goals and motivation, time and money, and market knowledge to manage risk.
Goals and Motivation
Describe what drives you to trade. Do you want to make a profit? Or do you simply want to learn more about how the financial markets work? It’s important to not only write down why you want to be a trader, but also what type of trader you want to be. There are four common trading styles: scalping, day trading, swing trading, and position trading.
Finally, you should write down your daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly goals.
Time and Money
Decide how much time and money you want to dedicate to trading. Remember to factor in preparation time, learn about the markets, analyze financial information, and practice on a demo account. Then decide how much of your own money you can dedicate to trading. Never risk more than you can afford to lose.
Risk Management
Decide how much risk you are willing to take. All financial assets carry risk, but it is up to you to decide how aggressive your trading strategy will be. Risk management includes determining your preferred stop losses, limit orders, and risk-reward ratio.
Market Knowledge
Before you begin trading, it is essential that you thoroughly understand the markets and trading. Assess your experience before you start trading, and keep a trading journal to learn from your past mistakes.
Overtrading and Risk Management
Managing risk when overtrading or tilting starts with a trading plan. Regardless of your experience level, type of trader, or the amount of money you have to spend, you need a well-thought-out trading plan. Once you have that plan, you can assess how much you are trading.
Calculate your maximum risk per trade
Choosing how much to risk on each trade is a personal choice. It can be anything from 1% to 10% for traders who can take a lot of risk. But if you risk up to 10%, it can take as few as five trades to lose 50% of your trading capital, so a lower percentage is usually recommended.
You should make sure that your risk percentage is sustainable and that you can still achieve your trading goals with the chosen percentage of risk you take
EURNZD - A Top-Down Tutorial (ICT)In this video I go through how I perform a top-down analysis and zone in on exactly where I am in price action in order to source for the next high-probability trade. IF there is none, then we stay out until more clues are provided. We DO NOT want to chase price and get in on consolidative and manipulative price action. We want to be hunters, not sheep.
- R2F
Types of traders 101Overview of types of traders
SCALPER
🔸Scalpers buy and sell securities quickly, usually within seconds, with the aim of achieving profits from minuscule price changes from large trade volumes.
🔸Scalper also refers to someone who buys up in-demand merchandise or event tickets to resell at a higher price.
🔸Scalpers buy and sell securities many times in a day with the objective of making consistent net profits from the aggregate of all these transactions.
🔸Scalpers must be highly disciplined, combative by nature, and astute decision makers in order to succeed.
EATRADER / Algo Trader
🔸Algorithmic trader will use process- and rules-based computational formulas for executing trades.
🔸 Algorithmic trader is performing statistical analysis on stocks, funds, or currencies and then writing algorithms and programs using computer languages like C# or Python or PineScript.
🔸While it provides advantages, such as faster execution time and reduced costs, algorithmic trading can also exacerbate the market's negative tendencies by causing flash crashes and immediate loss of liquidity.
Technical Trader
🔸Generally, a technician uses historical patterns of trading data to predict what might happen to market in the future.
🔸A technical trader prefers to study price patterns over time periods ranging from a few minutes to a month. This is usually done using a variety of tools, such as indicators, to understand which way price is moving in any given market.
Swing Trader
🔸Swing trading refers to a trading style that attempts to exploit short- to medium-term price movements in a security using favorable risk/reward metrics.
🔸 Swing traders primarily rely on technical analysis to determine suitable entry and exit points, but they may also use fundamental analysis as an added filter
Fundumental Trader
🔸Fundumental trader focuses on company-specific events to determine which stock to buy and when to buy it. Trading on fundamentals is more closely associated with a buy-and-hold strategy rather than short-term trading.
🔸Furthermore, fundumental traders must understand technical analysis to identify trends and price patterns supporting their fundamental analysis.
Money Manager
🔸A money manager is a person or financial firm that manages the securities portfolio of individual or institutional investors.
🔸 Professional money managers do not receive commissions on transactions; rather, they are paid based on a percentage of assets under management.
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RISK DISCLAIMER:
Trading Futures , Forex, CFDs and Stocks involves a risk of loss.
Please consider carefully if such trading is appropriate for you.
Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Always limit your leverage and use tight stop loss.
SWING TUTORIAL - TECHMIn this tutorial, we try to understand how and why the stock NSE:TECHM started going upward and how we can find the best entry while reading charts.
The stock had started forming a Support at 1000 levels at June 2022 and since been retesting the same level again up to April 2023.
During the same time we can observe how the MACD levels consistently kept moving upwards. This indicated that momentum was gaining and it slowly starting to turn bullish.
Once the MACD finally made a successful crossover after close to 52 weeks in April 2023, this is where our Entry got created.
Eventually slowly making its way right up to the Swing High levels.
This trade is still in play and will probably retest its Swing High levels in the coming weeks.
And if the MACD line and signal are still as split away from each other as they are on the monthly timeframe, this could also breakout from the Swing High levels and going all the way further.
What do you think about this Tutorial? Would you like to more such Tutorials in the future? Give your comments in the Comments Section below:
Building a Winning Trading Strategy: 5 Must-Know Tips for BeginnWhether you're just beginning your trading journey or looking to gain more confidence, many new traders overlook key advice that is essential for long-term success. Trading is a fast-paced and ever-evolving landscape, and having the right guidance from the start is crucial.
In this article, we’ll explore five fundamental pieces of advice every new trader should follow to build a strong foundation and improve their chances of success. These tips will help you navigate the complexities of the market and set you on the path to becoming a more confident and successful trader.
Let’s dive in!
Element #1: Build a Solid Foundation of Knowledge
Before diving into the complexities of trading, it’s crucial to establish a strong foundation of knowledge. You can’t expect to succeed in the financial markets without a solid understanding of how they operate.
Start by learning the basics:
Grasp essential trading concepts
Familiarize yourself with market terminology
Understand how different financial instruments, like stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, work.
This knowledge will form the backbone of your trading decisions. Successful trading is rooted in well-informed decisions, and the more you know, the better equipped you'll be to navigate the complexities of the financial markets.
Remember: Knowledge is power. But applied knowledge is everything.
Element #2: Asset Allocation – The Key to Diversification
Choosing the right assets to trade is another critical aspect of successful trading. Proper asset allocation can help spread risk and maximize your returns. Here's how:
Diversify across different markets: Don’t limit yourself to just one type of asset. Trading across different asset classes, such as stocks, currencies, indices, crypto, and commodities, helps balance your risk.
Use uncorrelated markets: Hedge your risk by trading in markets that don’t move in tandem. This way, when one market dips, another might rise, protecting your portfolio.
Balance risk and reward: Spreading your investments across multiple asset classes allows you to manage risk while still pursuing substantial returns.
A well-diversified portfolio is key to minimizing risk exposure while maximizing potential gains.
Element #3: Risk Management – Strategies to Protect Your Capital
Protecting your capital should always be your number one priority. No matter how promising a trade looks, you need to have a risk management strategy in place to safeguard your funds.
Effective risk management involves:
Setting a risk percentage per trade: Know how much of your capital you’re willing to lose on a single trade.
Establishing clear risk-reward ratios: Make sure your potential reward outweighs the risk before entering any trade.
Using stop-loss orders: Always place stop-loss orders at strategic levels to limit potential losses.
Managing drawdowns: Learn how to handle periods of extended losses and adjust your strategies accordingly.
Remember, focus more on risk management than on reward. The traders who succeed long-term are the ones who consistently manage their risk.
Element #4: Mastering Technical Analysis
One of the most valuable tools in a trader's arsenal is technical analysis. This method involves studying price charts, volumes, and various technical indicators to make informed trading decisions.
By mastering technical analysis, you’ll be able to:
Identify market trends: Recognize when markets are trending upwards, downwards, or sideways.
Pinpoint entry and exit points: Use indicators like moving averages, trendlines, and oscillators to determine the best times to enter and exit trades.
Anticipate potential reversals: Spot market patterns that may signal a change in direction, giving you a heads-up before a reversal occurs.
Technical analysis enhances your ability to see the bigger picture and make data-driven decisions in a volatile trading environment.
Element #5: Developing the Right Mindset – The Psychology of Success
Your mindset is the ultimate driver of your trading actions. Even the best strategies won’t succeed without the right mental approach. Trading requires discipline, patience, and emotional control.
To develop a successful trader’s mindset:
Control emotions: Keep fear, greed, and ego in check. Emotional trading often leads to impulsive and costly decisions.
Stay disciplined: Stick to your trading plan, even during challenging times. Consistency is key to long-term success.
Focus on the long term: Don’t let short-term setbacks derail your progress. Trading is a marathon, not a sprint.
With the right mindset, you’ll be better equipped to handle the ups and downs of the market and remain focused on achieving your long-term goals.
Final Thoughts:
Success in trading is not just about mastering one aspect – it’s about combining knowledge, risk management, technical skills, and the right mindset to create a well-rounded approach. By focusing on these five elements, you can improve your chances of consistent and sustained success in the markets.
Start by building your knowledge base, diversify your asset allocation, protect your capital with effective risk management, sharpen your technical analysis skills, and cultivate a disciplined, resilient mindset. With these tools, you'll be well on your way to becoming a successful trader.
Happy Trading!
Mihai Iacob
