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The Inside Out InvestorThere is a common misconception that investing in stocks is always stressful and emotionally overwhelming. Many people think that this activity is only available to extremely resilient people or crazy people. In fact, if you know the answers to three key questions, investing becomes a rather boring activity. Let me remind you of them below: 1. Which stocks to choose? 2. At what price should the trade be made? 3. In what volume? As for me, most of the time, I'm just in waiting mode. First, I wait for the company's business to start showing sustainable growth dynamics in profits and other fundamental indicators. Then, I wait for a sell-off of strong company shares at unreasonably low prices. Of course, this requires a lot of patience and a positive outlook on the future. That's why I believe that being young is one of the key advantages of being a beginner investor. The younger you are, the more time you have to wait. However, we still have to get to this boring state. And if you've embarked on this long journey, expect to encounter many emotions that will test your strength. To help me understand them, I came up with the following map. Next I will comment on each of its elements from left to right. Free Cash horizontal line (from 0% to 100%) - X axis When you first open and fund a brokerage account, your Free Cash is equal to 100% of the account. Then it will gradually decrease as you buy shares. If Free Cash is 0%, then all your money in the account was invested in shares. In short, it is a scale of how much your portfolio is loaded with stocks. Vertical line Alpha - Y axis Alpha is the ratio of the change in your portfolio to the change in an alternative portfolio that you do not own but use as a reference (in other words, a benchmark). For example, such a benchmark could be an ETF (exchange-traded fund) on the S&P500 index if you invest in wide US market stocks. Buying an ETF does not require any effort on your part as a manager, so it is useful to compare the performance of such an asset with the performance of your portfolio and calculate Alpha. In this example, it is the ratio of your portfolio's return to the return of the S&P 500 ETF. At the level where Alpha is zero, there is a horizontal Free Cash line. Above this line is positive Alpha (in which case you are outperforming the broader market), below zero is negative Alpha (in which case your portfolio is outperforming the benchmark). Let me clarify that the portfolio yield includes the financial result for both open and closed positions. Fear of the button This is the emotion that blocks the sending of an order to buy shares. Being captivated by this emotion, you will be afraid to press this button, realizing that investing in shares does not guarantee a positive result at all. In other words, you may lose some of your money irretrievably. This fear is absolutely justified. If you feel this way, consider the size of your stock investment account and the percentage amount you are willing to lose. Remember to diversify your portfolio. If you can't find a balance between account size, acceptable loss, and diversification, don't press the button. Come back to her when you're ready. Enthusiasm At this stage, you have a high share of Free Cash, and you also have your first open positions in stocks. Your Alpha is positive. You are not afraid to press the button, but there is a certain excitement about the future result. The state of enthusiasm is quite fragile and can quickly turn into a state of FOMO if Alpha moves into the negative zone. Therefore, it is critical to continue learning the chosen strategy at this stage. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. FOMO FOMO is a common acronym used to describe a psychological condition known as fear of missing out. In the stock market, this manifests itself as fear of missing out. This condition is typical for a portfolio with a high proportion of Free Cash and negative Alpha. As the benchmark's return outpaces your portfolio's return, you will be in a nervous state. The main worry will be that you didn't buy the stocks that are currently the growth leaders. You will be tempted to deviate from your chosen strategy and take a chance on buying something on the off chance. To get rid of this condition, you need to understand that the stock market has existed for hundreds of years, and thousands of companies trade on it. Every year, new companies emerge, as well as new investment opportunities. Remind yourself that you are not here for one million dollar deal, but for systematic work with opportunities that will always be there. Zen The most desirable state of an investor is when he understands all the details of the chosen strategy and has effective experience in its application. This is expressed in positive Alpha and excellent mood. Taking the time to manage your portfolio, developing habits and a disciplined approach will bring satisfaction and the feeling that you are on the right track. At this stage, it is important to maintain this state, and not to chase after thrills. Disappointment This stage is a mirror of the Zen state. It can develop from the FOMO stage, especially if you break your own rules and invest on luck. It can also be caused by a sharp deterioration in the condition of a portfolio, which was doing well in the Zen state. If everything is clear in the first case, and you just need to stop acting weird , then in the second situation you should remember why you ended up in a state of Zen. Investments are always a series of profitable and unprofitable trades. However, losing trades cannot be considered a failure if they were made in accordance with the principles of the chosen strategy. Just keep following the accepted rules to win in the long run. Also remember that Mr. Market is crazy enough to offer prices that seem absurd to you. Yes, this can negatively affect your Alpha, but at the same time provide opportunities to open new positions according to the chosen strategy. Euphoria Another way out of the Zen state is called Euphoria. This is typical dizziness from success. At this stage you have little Free Cash, a large share of stocks in your portfolio and phenomenally positive Alpha. You feel like a king and lose your composure. That is why this stage is marked in red. In a state of euphoria, you may feel like everything you touch turns to gold. You feel the desire to take a risk and play for luck. You don't want to close positions with good profits. Furthermore, you think you can close at the highs and make even more money. You are deviating from the chosen strategy, which is fraught with major negative consequences. It only takes a few non-systemic decisions to push your Alpha into the negative zone and find yourself in a state of disappointment. If your ego doesn't stop there, the decline may continue. Tilt A prolonged state of disappointment or a rapid fall of Alpha from the Euphoria stage can lead to the most negative psycho-emotional state called Tilt. This term is widely used in the game of poker, but can also be used in investments. While in this state, the investor does everything out of strategy, his actions are chaotic and in many ways aggressive. He thinks the stock market owes him something. The investor cannot stop his irrational actions, trying to regain his former success or get out of a series of failures in the shortest possible time. This usually ends in big losses. It is better to inform your loved ones in advance that such a condition exists. Don't be embarrassed by this, even if you think you are immune to such situations. A person in a state of tilt withdraws into himself and acts in a state of affect. Therefore, it is significant to bring him out of this state and show that the outside world exists and has its own unique value. Now let's talk about your expectations, as they largely determine your attitude towards investing. Never turn your positive expectations into a benchmark. The stock market is an element that is absolutely indifferent to our forecasts. Even strong companies can fall in price if there is a shortage of liquidity in the market. In times of crisis, everyone suffers, but the most prepared suffer the least. Therefore, the main task of a smart investor is to work on himself until the moment he presses the coveted button. There will always be a chance to do this. As I said, the market will not disappear tomorrow. But to use this chance wisely, you need to be prepared. This means that you should have an answer to all three questions above. Then you will definitely catch your Zen.
AMEX:SPYEducation
by Be_Capy
TradeCityPro Academy | Risk to Reward👋 Welcome to TradeCityPro Channel! Let’s dive into another educational segment. After discussing capital management and risk management, we now turn to one of the most crucial concepts before entering technical analysis: Risk to Reward! 📌 Understanding Risk-to-Reward in Real Life Before we start, let me give you an example of risk to reward from the real world, outside of financial markets. Imagine you are considering investing in a startup technology company that has launched a new product. Risk: You estimate that you might lose $500 of your investment due to uncertainty about the product's success and intense market competition. Reward: However, if the product succeeds and the company grows, you could make a profit of up to $2000. In this example, the risk-to-reward ratio is 1:4, meaning for every $1 at risk, you could earn $4 in reward. This ratio can help you decide if this investment is appealing. If you believe the risk is acceptable and the potential reward is valuable, you might choose to invest. ⚠️ The Reality of Risk-to-Reward in Trading In the real world, if you are a logical person, we all adhere to risk to reward principles. However, it’s puzzling how, in financial markets, you often close your profitable trades as quickly as possible while staying in losing trades for months. This indicates a failure to adhere to risk to reward principles. Before I explain risk management and related concepts, make sure you've viewed the previous sections on risk management and capital management. Remember, if you're not setting stop-loss orders, this lesson might not be very useful for you. 🔍 What is Risk-to-Reward in Trading? In financial markets, risk to reward refers to the ratio between the level of risk an investor takes with a specific investment and the potential reward from that investment. This concept helps investors evaluate whether a particular investment is worth the risk. When trading, if you are about to open a position, set a stop-loss. If your stop-loss is triggered, resulting in a $10 loss, your target profit should be at least $20, creating a risk to reward ratio of 2. I won’t open a position with less than this! It's important to note that risk to reward alone doesn't hold much meaning. It gains significance when considered alongside win rate. The chart I will share clarifies the relationship between win rate and risk to reward. Look at the chart below. If your risk to reward is 1 and your win rate is 50%, you are breaking even—neither gaining nor losing. For risk to reward ratios below 1, you need a win rate of 100% to break even. Our logical risk to reward ratio is 2, where a 40% win rate keeps you profitable. We should allow our minds room for error rather than always striving for accuracy. 🛠️ Understanding Trading Tools Let’s take a simple look at our tools. The chart showcases two types of tools: short position and long position, applicable for both falling and rising markets. The tool displays your risk to reward ratio in the middle, with the stop-loss percentage below and the profit percentage above for long positions, and vice versa for short positions. 📈 Why Should You Use a Risk-to-Reward of 2? Why do you implement a risk to reward of 2? Consider this: if I opened 10 positions this week, with 6 hitting stop-loss and 4 reaching targets, my total loss would be $60. However, due to adhering to a risk to reward ratio of 2, my total profit would be $80, resulting in a net gain of $20! This illustrates the importance of adhering to risk to reward principles. Even if we lose more trades than we win, we can still be profitable in the end. The key is to focus on the overall outcome rather than individual battles. ❌ What Happens If You Don’t Maintain a Standard Risk-to-Reward? Now, consider what happens if I don’t maintain a standard risk to reward. For instance, if I open a position with a risk to reward ratio of 0.5, even if I make a profit, a subsequent loss could negate that gain. If you are involved in financial spaces, you may have encountered signal channels that share their positions, encouraging you to follow for profitable outcomes. For example, if they claim to profit from 95 out of 100 positions, you might feel that winning sensation. But what is their risk to reward ratio? A ratio of 0.1 means that if they hit just a few stop-losses, you could end up in a loss. Be cautious of misleading advertisements and high-return claims. If you manage to achieve a 5% to 10% profit monthly and sustain it for a year, even starting with $100, your trading record will be respected, leading to more funding opportunities. Avoid falling into traps set by opportunistic individuals. 🚀 Practical Trading Considerations Consider this: if you want to open a position but your target is above a major resistance level, and the likelihood of reaching it seems slim, I personally prefer not to open that position. It indicates that my entry point may not be optimal. ❤️ Friendly Note In closing, I encourage you to keep your positions until you reach your risk to reward target. Avoid checking the chart until you hit that point. Set alerts and make decisions only then. Always adhere to these rules for all your positions, not just one. Don’t worry about losing out on profits; instead, approach trading with calmness. Finally, remember that a profit in a position is not truly realized until it is closed and transformed into something tangible—food, clothing, a house, or a car.
Education
by tradecitypro
9
2 Ways to Potentially Gauge a Dip in PriceTrading markets should be simple right? Establish the direction of a price trend, take a position in the direction of that trend and enjoy the ride! Of course, in practice, we all know trading is never that easy. All traders go through similar anxieties regarding whether the current level is the correct one to trade. Perhaps one of the hardest challenges if you want to buy an asset, is when a high in price has already been established and prices are selling off. Are you now wrong with your view to buy, or should this sudden weakness be used as an opportunity to take a long position at possibly a better level? As traders, we face these decisions every day, but fortunately, technical analysis offers several tools to aid us. Today, we want to look at 2 approaches that can assist in gauging how far a correction in price may go, and if we should consider that dip in price as an opportunity to take a position or not. Previous Highs as a Support: We all know prices never move in straight lines, be it to the up or the downside. Corrections are often seen as a healthy counter move to the on-going trend. However, being able to anticipate the extent of such weakness and when to make that trade, can be vital. If we look at the chart of the UK 100 Index above, we can see that between May 15th 2024, when the index traded to a high of 8477 and August 5th 2024, when the 7906 low was posted, a period of sideways price activity materialised. An upside closing break from this range materialised on January 17th 2025, at which point, traders perhaps began to anticipate a more extended phase of price strength. However, as we’ve said, prices don’t always move in straight lines, even after such a break higher. Often, a pullback in price develops, offering opportunities to enter the market at potentially a better level than if we’d blindly followed price strength after the initial break higher. A pullback in price is perfectly normal and doesn’t alter possibilities of a more extended phase of price strength. However, the challenge is anticipating where support may be found again, to hold and resume the advance. Often, old price highs can be useful, as having previously marked resistance to price strength, once broken they can become support on dips, and may hold future price weakness, even turn it higher once more. Within the UK 100 index, we might consider 8418 from August 30th and 8477 from May 15th as old price highs, which might then become support, after the January 17th upside break in price. To highlight this possible support area marked by these previous price highs, where buying opportunities might have been offered in the UK 100 index during the January price setback, we’ve drawn two horizontal lines on the chart below. Following the January 17th 2025 upside break, having previously been a resistance focus, the 8418 and 8477 highs, might now became potential support to a dip in price, possibly able to hold and reverse the correction back to the upside. This 8418/8477 range, proved to be support when tested on January 27th 2025, from which price strength developed again, to post new all-time highs. Importantly, it is possible given that this 8418/8477 range proved to be support in January, it could do so again, so keep that in mind, if price weakness develops, at any point in the future. Using The 10 Day Moving Average to Act as a Support to Price Dips: In the example above, the UK 100 index correction in January lasted several days, and in certain cases, this could even last weeks. However, what if price is already within an established uptrend? It’s here that setbacks may be seen over a shorter period of time with shallower price declines. In this type of set-up, it is often the rising 10 day moving average that marks the extent of a price dip, before turning price activity higher again. As an example, let’s look at Gold during 2025 so far, focusing on each recent setback in price. During this latest advance, it has been the rising 10 day moving average that has provided support for price dips on each occasion. Subsequent strength then extended the uptrend to new all-time highs. Within such an advance, as traders, we might focus on the rising 10 day moving average to highlight possible support to short term price dips within an uptrend, and an area we might wish to use to establish long positions, anticipating continuation of the on-going uptrend. However, it is important to be aware, a break under the 10 day moving average support might reflect a change in price direction and see deeper declines. So the use of a stop loss to potentially protect any positions is important. With all this in mind, last Friday (February 14th 2025) saw Gold weakness again back to the rising 10 day moving average support. It will be interesting to see if this holds the recent weakness to extend the current uptrend to new all-time highs, or if a closing break lower develops, suggesting risks could turn towards a more extended phase of price weakness. The material provided here has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Whilst it is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research, we will not seek to take any advantage before providing it to our clients. Pepperstone doesn’t represent that the material provided here is accurate, current or complete, and therefore shouldn’t be relied upon as such. The information, whether from a third party or not, isn’t to be considered as a recommendation; or an offer to buy or sell; or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security, financial product or instrument; or to participate in any particular trading strategy. It does not take into account readers’ financial situation or investment objectives. We advise any readers of this content to seek their own advice. Without the approval of Pepperstone, reproduction or redistribution of this information isn’t permitted.
PEPPERSTONE:XAUUSDEducation
by Pepperstone
4
2025 ICT Mentorship: Institutional Market Structure Part 22025 ICT Mentorship: Lecture 3_Institutional Market Structure Part 2 Greetings Traders! In Lecture 3 of the 2025 ICT Mentorship, we dive deep into the core principles of market structure, focusing on how institutions truly move the market. Understanding this is essential for precision trading and eliminating emotional biases. Key Insights from the Lecture 🔹 Distinguishing Minor vs. Strong Swing Points – Learn to differentiate between structural noise and true market shifts. 🔹 Marking Market Structure with Precision – Objectively analyze price action to refine your decision-making process. 🔹 Institutional Market Structure Techniques – Align with smart money to enhance accuracy and consistency. Why This Matters Mastering market structure allows traders to anticipate price movement, reducing impulsive trades and reinforcing a disciplined approach. By integrating institutional strategies, we position ourselves for more accurate and confident executions. Stay focused, keep refining your skills, and let’s continue elevating our trading game. Institutional Market Structure Part 1: Enjoy the video and happy trading! The Architect 🏛️📊
Education
by The_Archi-tect
13
Earnings Season: How to Trade Post-Earnings Drift Earnings season is in full swing, and while many traders focus on the immediate reaction to a company’s results, consider longer-term trends following earnings announcements that may deliver returns long after the earnings release— Post-Earnings Drift (PED) . PED is based on a simple yet effective concept: stocks that react positively to strong earnings tend to continue drifting higher, while stocks that react negatively to weak earnings tend to continue drifting lower. This drift can persist for weeks or even months, making it one of the most efficient ways to trade earnings season. Let’s break down how to identify these potential opportunities, which may have a positive risk-reward profile, and manage positions effectively. Step 1: Fundamentals – The Catalyst for the Drift Post-earnings drift is strongest when there’s a clear fundamental catalyst behind the move. Not every earnings beat leads to sustained upside, and not every earnings miss results in prolonged weakness. What matters is whether the report genuinely shifts market expectations. Key factors to look for: · Stronger-than-expected revenue and profit growth – The market rewards companies that deliver above expectations. · Forward guidance upgrades – If management raises expectations, it signals confidence in future growth. · Margin expansion and improving financial health – Investors want to see profitability improving alongside revenue growth. · Shifts in business strategy – Companies that announce major structural improvements, such as cost-cutting initiatives or new revenue streams, often see extended moves. The key is that the earnings report must provide a reason for continued buying or selling pressure. If the reaction is based on short-term noise rather than a fundamental shift, the drift is less reliable. Step 2: Market Reaction – Confirmation of the Catalyst Once you’ve identified a strong fundamental catalyst, the next step is looking at the market’s reaction. Not every stock gaps after earnings, but the reaction should provide evidence that the earnings release is driving demand. Signs of a strong bullish reaction: · Above-average volume – Institutions don’t place all their trades in one day. High volume suggests big money is stepping in. · A decisive move higher – A stock that closes strong after earnings has a better chance of continuing higher. · Follow-through buying in the days after earnings – If the stock remains bid up after the initial reaction, it suggests real demand rather than a temporary spike. Signs of a strong bearish reaction: · Heavy selling on high volume – Institutions unloading shares is a warning sign. · Failure to bounce after the initial drop – Weak stocks tend to stay weak, especially if buyers don’t step in. · Breaking key support levels – A stock that falls below major technical levels often sees continued selling. Step 3: Trade Entry & Risk Management Once you’ve identified a stock with a strong earnings catalyst and a clear market reaction, the next step is executing the trade. Entry Strategy For bullish trades: Enter on the first meaningful pullback after the initial earnings reaction. Look for a retest of intraday support or a consolidation period before the next leg higher. For bearish trades: Enter on a weak bounce that fails to recover key levels, or on a breakdown below the post-earnings low. Setting Stops Using ATR The Average True Range (ATR) is a useful tool for setting stops, as it accounts for volatility. A common method is placing a stop 1.5x to 2x ATR below your entry for long trades (above for shorts). This ensures your stop is wide enough to avoid getting shaken out by normal price swings. Managing the Trade with the 21-EMA The 21-day Exponential Moving Average (21-EMA) is an excellent trailing stop for PED trades. · As long as the stock stays above the 21-EMA, the drift remains intact. · A close below the 21-EMA is a signal to exit the position. This method allows traders to ride the trend while avoiding premature exits. Real-World Example: Netflix’s Post-Earnings Drift Let’s look at how this played out with Netflix (NFLX) after its Q3 2024 earnings report. On October 17, 2024, Netflix reported: · Earnings of $5.40 per share, beating estimates of $5.12. · Revenue of $9.825 billion, slightly above expectations. · A strong subscriber growth report, with 5.1 million new additions—exceeding forecasts by over 1 million. · Ad-supported subscriptions surging past 50% of new sign-ups in available countries. · Price hikes announced for Spain and Italy, signaling confidence in pricing power. The stock reacted positively, gapping up nearly 5% on above-average volume. Over the next two months, Netflix continued drifting more than 20% higher, confirming the post-earnings drift effect. The trend remained intact until the stock eventually closed below its 21-EMA, marking the end of the move. Netflix then repeated the pattern in January 2025, beating earnings again and gapping higher on strong subscriber growth and revenue. Since then, the stock has drifted more than 10% higher and remains above its 21-EMA. Netflix (NFLX Daily Candle Chart Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results 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. Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 83% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
NASDAQ:NFLXEducation
by Capitalcom
Profit and Learn: Is the U.S. Dollar Still Money?In this episode of Profit and Learn, we dive into the future of the U.S. dollar. Is it still the undisputed king of global finance, or is its dominance fading? With rising competition from alternative assets, central bank policies, and global de-dollarization efforts, we explore whether the dollar remains the ultimate store of value, medium of exchange, and unit of account. Join us as we break down market sentiment, policy threats, and the role of crypto and commodities in shaping the dollar’s future. Is the dollar “too strong” for its own good, or are we seeing the early signs of its decline? 💰 Is the dollar still money? Tune in to find out!
TVC:DXYEducation
by moneymagnateash
Use RSI Like a GoldmanYou might be wondering, do the traders at Goldman Sachs use the Relative Strength Index (RSI)? The answer is, perhaps they do, and perhaps they don’t. However, based on my experience, I can confidently say that even the most seasoned and professional traders rely on RSI from time to time. While it may not be their sole tool for decision-making, it’s often included in their broader strategy due to its effectiveness in identifying overbought or oversold conditions in the market. RSI is one of many technical indicators that can serve as a helpful signal in navigating market trends, and even the best traders find it useful on occasion. When trading with technical indicators like the Relative Strength Index (RSI), having a clear and structured approach is crucial to maximizing its effectiveness. While RSI can be a powerful tool for identifying potential trend reversals, it’s essential to understand the right conditions and context in which to use it. Below are some key principles and guidelines that can help you apply RSI more effectively in your trading strategy. Whether you’re a swing trader or a day trader, these tips can help you avoid common pitfalls and make more informed decisions in the market. ⚙️ Keep Settings Simple Keep the RSI settings minimal to avoid confusion. Stick to the standard 14-period lookback, which is widely used and reliable for most market conditions. 📉📈 Ensure Divergence Occurs Outside of Key Levels Divergence should only be considered when the RSI reaches extreme levels, typically above 70 (overbought) or below 30 (oversold). This helps to identify potential trend reversals. Divergence at neutral levels (like between 40–60) may not be as effective. 🔥 Base Divergence on Candle Closes, Not Wicks Always look for divergence based on the closing price of candles. Divergence created by wick movements is unreliable and can lead to false signals. Stick to the body of the candle to ensure accuracy. ⏳ Watch the Lookback Period The RSI’s default lookback period is 14, and divergence with a gap of more than 14 candles is generally less reliable. Wider gaps often signal weak price momentum and a higher chance of failure, so focus on shorter, more recent divergences for better results. 💧 Liquidity Must Be Taken Before Entering Trades Liquidity is essential when confirming trade setups: The first high or low should take out liquidity from higher time frames (such as range highs and lows). The subsequent highs or lows should take out local liquidity, which can be identified by overbought or oversold RSI conditions. Ensure there’s a clear market structure shift before entering trades. ⏰ Timeframe Considerations for Different Trade Types For swing trades, focus on longer timeframes like the 4-hour chart to capture larger market moves and trends. For day trades, the 15-minute timeframe is ideal for capturing short-term price action and finer market details. 🔄 Use Divergences for Trend Reversals, in Confluence with Other Analysis RSI divergence is best used to identify potential trend reversals. However, it should not be used in isolation. Always look for confluence with other technical analysis methods (such as support/resistance levels, moving averages, or candlestick patterns) to increase the reliability of the signal. Combining multiple tools enhances the accuracy of your trade setups. Stay sharp, stay ahead, and let’s make those moves. Until next time, happy trading!
CME_MINI:ES1!Education
by CandelaCharts
1
Forex: from 500 to 100k: is it possible? Hello, I am the professional trader Andrea Russo and today I want to answer a question that is frequently asked: "Can you get to 100 thousand euros starting from just 500 euros?" The answer, as we will see, depends on several factors, but above all on the strategy you choose to adopt, on risk management and on the discipline in respecting the investment rules. In this article, we will look at a specific strategy, a sort of "daydream" that, although theoretically possible, also involves a series of risks to be considered very carefully. Imagine starting with a capital of 500 euros. The strategy that I will explain provides that each successful investment will lead to a 30% gain on the invested capital, while each wrong operation will result in a 10% loss. In essence, if the market goes in your favor, you will earn 30% on the invested capital, but if things go badly, you will lose 10%. If applied correctly, this strategy could lead to significant earnings over time, but let's make some assessments. The strategy of earning 30% on each positive trade is based on the "magic of compound numbers", that is, on the fact that, every time you earn, you earn on an increasingly higher basis, thus increasing the invested capital. If you maintain a good rate of winning trades, the capital will grow exponentially over time. How many earnings do you need to get to 100 thousand euros? To calculate how many trades it will take to get to 100,000 euros, we can use the exponential growth formula. If we start with 500 euros and want to know how many winning trades at 30% we need to get to 100,000 euros, we can do the following calculation: 500 is the initial capital. 1.30 is the multiplier for each winning trade (30% earnings). n is the number of trades needed. Solving the equation, we get that n is approximately 17 consecutive winning trades (approximate). Therefore, you will need to make at least 17 consecutive successful trades, without any losses, to get to 100,000 euros. Dangers of the strategy Although the numbers may seem promising, it is important to remember that the market is not predictable and that not all trades will be winners. Furthermore, the 30% gains and 10% losses are hypothetical and do not take into account other factors, such as trading commissions, slippage, and market volatility. Here are some of the main dangers associated with this strategy: Volatility and risk of loss: The 10% loss per mistake, even if small, can quickly accumulate in a drawdown period. For example, after 5 losing trades, the capital could be drastically reduced. Psychological complexity: Maintaining discipline in such a volatile trading environment is one of the most difficult challenges for any trader. There is always a temptation to “catch up” losses or make riskier trades to increase profits, which can undermine the effectiveness of the strategy. Market Unpredictability: The market is never linear. Winning trades are not guaranteed, and even with a well-structured strategy, it is possible to find yourself in a prolonged drawdown period that puts the solidity of the plan at risk. Capital Management: The Heart of the Strategy The real secret of this strategy is not so much in earning 30%, but in protecting your capital and limiting losses. Capital management is essential to any type of trading, and it is what separates successful traders from those who fail. Here are some key principles for effective capital management: Position Size: Do not risk more than 1-2% of your capital on any one trade. This allows you to survive even a long period of consecutive losses, without compromising your capital. Stop loss and take profit: Use stop loss to limit losses and take profit to cash in profits when the market moves in your favor. Don't expect the market to go up forever, but set clear goals. Controlling emotions: Being able to stay calm, even when facing losses, is essential. Greed and fear are a trader's worst enemies, so keeping a clear mind is the key to long-term success. Diversification: Don't put all your capital on a single asset or trade. Diversification helps reduce overall risk. Conclusions In summary, yes, it is theoretically possible to get to 100 thousand euros starting from 500 euros, but it is not easy at all. Success in trading does not only depend on the percentages of gain or loss, but also on the ability to manage capital and stay calm in difficult phases. Happy trading.
Education
by Andrea_Russo_SwipeUP
Market Makers Baited Traders Into Perfect Reversals📌 Review of February 18 Trades – BTC/USD 1️⃣ Trade #1 – Long at Previous Day Low Rejection & Bullish Wedge 📍 Context: * The market was in a broad bear channel, making lower highs and lower lows. * The price tested the previous day’s low and showed signs of rejection, forming a wedge bottom (a common reversal setup). * The exponential moving average (EMA) was far above the price, suggesting a possible reversion to the mean. 📍 Two Reasons for Entry (Al Brooks Style): 1. Rejection at Previous Day’s Low: * The price dipped below the previous day’s low but failed to break decisively, showing exhaustion. * Large bear bars started shrinking, followed by small-bodied bars, signaling bearish momentum weakening. 2. Bullish Wedge Formation: * The market formed three pushes down (a typical wedge reversal pattern). * The final push had a strong bullish reversal bar, trapping late sellers. 📍 Execution: * Entry: Buy at the wedge bottom after confirmation of a strong bullish bar. * Stop-Loss: Below the wedge low. * Target: The high of the day (HOD). 2️⃣ Trade #2 – Short at High of Day Stop Hunt & Bullish Wedge Failure 📍 Context: * After the bounce from the previous day’s low, the market rallied into the high of the day. * A break above the high of the day triggered stops, but there was no follow-through → Likely a stop hunt (a common bull trap). * The bullish wedge breakout attempt failed, leading to a sharp sell-off. 📍 Two Reasons for Entry (Al Brooks Style): 1. Stop Hunt Above the High of the Day: * The price broke above the high of the day but immediately reversed, trapping breakout buyers. * Strong bearish bars followed, indicating heavy selling pressure. 2. Failure of Bullish Wedge Breakout: * The bullish wedge formed higher lows, but the breakout failed. * Instead of continuation, a large bearish bar closed below the wedge, signaling a downward breakout. 📍 Execution: * Entry: Sell below the first strong bearish bar after rejection at the high of the day. * Stop-Loss: Above the high of the day. * Target: Exit based on price action—Microwedge formed, indicating potential exhaustion. * Reason for Exit: After a strong drop, a series of overlapping small bars (microwedge) formed, signaling possible reversal or slowdown. 📌 Key Lessons from These Trades ✔ Al Brooks' "two reasons for entry" rule was effective: * First trade: Rejection of the previous day’s low + Wedge Bottom → Long worked. * Second trade: Stop Hunt at the high of the day + Wedge Failure → Short worked.
✔ Failed breakouts offer high reward-to-risk trades when confirmed.
✔ Micro Wedges often indicate exhaustion—good place to take partial or full profit.
✔ Always wait for price action confirmation before entering. 🚀 Both trades followed structured price action logic and resulted in strong moves.
Education
by PriceActionHero
1
Martingale and Anti-Martingale Position Size Trading StrategiesMartingale and Anti-Martingale Position Size Trading Strategies Martingale and Anti-Martingale trading strategies are contrasting approaches to risk management. While one doubles down on potential losses to recover with a single effective trade, the other scales up on potentially effective trades and reduces positions when suffering losses. Both have their strengths and challenges, making them intriguing options for traders. In this article, we’ll break down how each strategy works, so you can decide which or none suits your trading style. What Is Martingale Trading? The Martingale trading strategy originated in the casino industry in the 18th century. In the 20th century, French mathematician Paul Pierre Levy introduced it into probability theory. Later, it was adapted for trading. At its core, the strategy involves doubling the size of a trade after every loss. The idea is simple: one eventual effective trade will offset previous losses and generate a net return. While it can seem appealing in theory, the Martingale method requires significant capital to sustain, as losses can quickly escalate. This makes it particularly risky in volatile markets or without strict loss limits. It’s most commonly used in lower-volatility settings where price movements might be easier to gauge, but even then, the financial risks should not be underestimated. How Martingale Works A Martingale algorithm works by increasing the size of a trade after every loss, aiming to recover all previous losses with one trade. Once an effective trade occurs, a trader returns to the original position size and repeats the process. Here’s an example: - You start by risking $10 on a trade. - If it’s a loss, you double the next trade size to $20. - If that trade also loses, you increase to $40 for the next trade. - Suppose this $40 trade is effective. It covers all previous losses ($10 + $20 = $30) and leaves a $10 return. - After this trade, you reset your trade size back to $10. This approach relies on the assumption that consecutive losses won’t continue indefinitely and that one effective trade will balance the account. However, if multiple losses occur, the required position size increases rapidly. For instance, after just six consecutive losses, the next trade would need to be $1260, with the total exposure already exceeding $1,000. Key Considerations When using the Martingale strategy, it’s crucial to weigh the risks and choose the right conditions for its application. Choosing the Right Market The Martingale strategy is popular in low-volatility markets, where prices are potentially less prone to extreme swings. Instruments like currency pairs with narrow trading ranges could be more suitable. Highly volatile assets can cause significant losses before a recovery. Assessing Capital Requirements The strategy demands a large capital reserve to sustain consecutive losses if they occur. Each losing trade doubles the position size, and costs can escalate quickly. Before using Martingale, traders check if their accounts have enough balance to absorb potential losses without hitting margin limits. Setting a Maximum Loss Limit To prevent devastating drawdowns, traders often establish a hard stop on the total amount they’re willing to lose. For instance, if your account is $10,000, you might set a cap at $1,000. Once reached, the strategy halts. This keeps losses manageable and avoids the risk of depleting the account entirely. What Is Anti-Martingale Trading? Anti-Martingale strategy, also known as the reverse Martingale strategy, uses the opposite approach. It involves halving the size of each position after a loss and doubling it after an effective trade. How Anti-Martingale Works The Anti-Martingale strategy takes the opposite approach to Martingale, adjusting position sizes based on the effectiveness of a trade rather than failure. After each trade where a trader gets returns, the position size is increased to capitalise on potentially favourable conditions. Following a losing trade, the position size is reduced to potentially minimise further losses. This method balances potential risks and rewards. Here’s an example to break it down: - You start by risking $10 on a trade. - If you get a return, you double the next position size to $20. - If you get a return again, you double the position to $40. - If the $40 trade loses, you halve your position size to $20 for the next trade. - After another loss, you halve the size again, returning to $10. This dynamic scaling should ensure that you could maximise returns during strong market trends while potentially limiting losses during weaker periods. For instance, if you got returns in three consecutive trades followed by two losses, you would end up with a net gain, as larger position sizes during effective trades offset smaller losses. However, the risks of the Anti-Martingale strategy include overexposure after effective trades, where larger positions can lead to significant losses if the market reverses, and undercapitalisation after losing trades, which makes recovery challenging. Key Considerations When using the Anti-Martingale strategy, careful planning and risk management are essential. Here are the key considerations to keep in mind: Choosing the Right Market The Anti-Martingale strategy is popular in trending markets. Traders could choose instruments like major currency pairs, indices, or commodities with clear directional movement. Choppy or range-bound markets are less popular for this strategy. Evaluating Capital Needs While this strategy typically requires less capital than Martingale due to its risk-reduction approach in the period of losing trades, you still need sufficient funds to navigate potential fluctuations. Having a comfortable buffer allows you to continue trading even after a series of losses. Setting a Loss Cap Establishing a maximum loss limit is critical to potentially protect a trader’s account. For example, if a trader risks a small percentage of their account on each trade, they might ensure that even scaled-down trades don’t exceed their overall risk tolerance. This might help them keep losses manageable and prevent overexposure. Comparing the Martingale and Anti-Martingale The Martingale strategy involves increasing position sizes after a loss, aiming to recover past losses and secure a net return with one trade. While this approach could deliver quick recoveries in low-volatility markets, it’s inherently risky. Consecutive losses can lead to exponentially larger trade sizes, depleting capital rapidly. Traders using Martingale need substantial account balances and strict loss limits to avoid catastrophic drawdowns. In contrast, the Anti-Martingale strategy focuses on increasing position sizes after a trader gets returns and reducing them after they experience losses. This method leverages favourable trends, allowing traders to maximise potential returns while limiting losses. However, this strategy leads to increasing exposure after effective trades, which can magnify losses, and potentially slow recovery due to reduced position sizes after losses. Is it worth combining Martingale and Anti-Martingale techniques? As these are opposite approaches, the theory states a trader should choose the one that meets their requirements. Start by defining your risk tolerance and trading objectives, and then adapt your strategy to changing market conditions. By doing this, you will understand whether it’s more important for you to increase potential returns or reduce potential risks. Pros and Cons of Each Strategy Both Martingale and Anti-Martingale strategies have unique advantages and challenges, making them suitable for different trading styles and risk profiles. Martingale Pros - Potential recovery with a single trade: One effective trade could recover all prior losses. - Simplifies decision-making: The fixed doubling method removes complexity in adjusting position sizes. - Popular in low-volatility markets: This strategy is popular in markets with generally lower volatility where extreme price swings are less likely. Martingale Cons - High capital requirements: Losses can snowball quickly, requiring significant funds to maintain positions. - Risk of large drawdowns: A long period of losing trades can wipe out an account without strict limits. - Unpopular for volatile markets: Extreme market movements make it even riskier. Anti-Martingale Pros - Risk management focus: Reducing position sizes after losses could limit potential drawdowns. - Popular in trend trading: Larger trades in solid trends could potentially maximise returns. Less demanding on capital: Scaling down after losses conserves funds. Anti-Martingale Cons - Less popular in sideways markets: Struggles in sideways or inconsistent market conditions. - Lower recovery potential: Halving position sizes after losses makes it harder to recover quickly. - Discipline-dependent: Requires precise execution to avoid over-adjusting positions. Final Thoughts Although both strategies have their own benefits and drawbacks, it’s vital to determine the most important aspects for yourself as there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Remember, trading is not just about strategy; it’s also about discipline, patience, and continuous learning. To develop your own trading approach, open an FXOpen account to trade with low commissions and tight spreads. FAQ What Is a Martingale Strategy? The Martingale strategy involves doubling the size of a trade after each loss, aiming to recover losses and secure potential returns with one trade. It’s high-risk and requires substantial capital to withstand potential losing trades. Does Martingale Strategy Work in Forex? Using the Martingale strategy in forex can work, especially in low-volatility currency pairs, but it bears high risks. Forex markets are volatile, and a series of losses can quickly escalate, requiring significant funds to continue trading. Is Martingale a Good Strategy? Martingale is not inherently good or bad—it depends on the trader’s risk tolerance and capital. While it offers recovery potential, the risks of large drawdowns or account depletion make it unsuitable for most. What Is the Alternative Martingale System? The Anti-Martingale strategy, or reverse Martingale, is a common alternative. It takes the opposite approach by increasing trade size after effective trades and reducing it after losses, focusing on capitalising on trends while minimising risks during downturns. Trade on TradingView with FXOpen. Consider opening an account and access over 700 markets with tight spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions from $1.50 per lot. This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
Education
by FXOpen
1
Probabilistic thinking. Using Technical logic to get odds.Markets are simple if you think about it. moderate and long range resistance -- is the best odds for rally. "horizontal" or 50-50 supports -- risky. steep supports mean high demand, strong trends. Buying at such supports, at worst it bounces to the upside. (High market with strong trend can mean reversals) rule: break outs always must coincide with 200dma rallies. Bonus. High market, strong trend -- best odds for reversal . 50-50 resistance, with weak support --> trickster market. (trap) strong trend but no flying 200dma --> trap. 50-50 resistance with strong trend, high market, but weak 200dma ---> good odds for reversal. keeping it simple. P.S. this method shows why odds favor BTC reversal . Or why 110/120k had to be peak point. for now.
CME:BTC1!Education
by citsvar
The AI Revolution in Quantitative TradingHow AI-Driven Quantitative Trading Will Render Traditional Analysis Obsolete In the fast-evolving world of finance, artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how investment strategies are developed and executed. One of the most significant transformations is occurring in the realm of quantitative trading, where AI algorithms are beginning to overshadow traditional methods like fundamental and technical analysis. This article explores how AI-driven quantitative trading might lead to the obsolescence of these conventional approaches in the near future. Understanding Traditional Trading Methods Fundamental Analysis involves scrutinizing financial statements, management effectiveness, industry conditions, and economic factors to determine a company's intrinsic value. Investors using this method look for stocks that are undervalued or overvalued based on their intrinsic worth. Technical Analysis, on the other hand, relies on historical price movements and trading volumes to predict future market behavior. Chartists and traders look for patterns and indicators to make buy or sell decisions. Both methods have been foundational in trading for decades, providing insights based on human interpretation of data. The Advent of AI in Quantitative Trading Quantitative Trading uses mathematical models to identify trading opportunities. With the integration of AI, these models have become more sophisticated: Machine Learning: AI systems can learn from vast amounts of data, spotting complex patterns that might be invisible or too subtle for human analysts. Over time, these systems adapt, refining their predictive models to improve accuracy. High-Speed Data Analysis: AI can process and analyze data at a speed and scale unattainable by human analysts, allowing for real-time trading decisions based on global economic indicators, news, and market sentiment. Algorithmic Execution: AI-driven algorithms can execute trades at optimal times to minimize impact costs or maximize profit from fleeting market inefficiencies. How AI Might Outpace Traditional Analysis Speed and Scale: AI can analyze millions of data points in seconds, something that would take humans days or weeks. This speed allows for quicker reactions to market changes, giving AI-driven systems a significant edge. Complexity Handling: AI can manage and interpret complex, multi-dimensional data sets that traditional analysis might oversimplify. For instance, AI can incorporate sentiment analysis from social media alongside traditional financial metrics. Learning and Adaptation: Unlike traditional methods, AI systems continuously learn and adapt. If market conditions change, AI can recalibrate its strategies automatically, reducing the lag time associated with human intervention. Reduction of Bias: Human traders might be influenced by psychological biases or emotional reactions. AI, devoid of such biases, can make more objective decisions based purely on data. The Future Landscape While the complete extinction of fundamental and technical analysis seems unlikely due to their established practices and the human element they retain, their dominance in trading decisions could significantly wane: Niche Applications: Fundamental analysis might become more niche, used by specific investors or for qualitative assessments where human judgment still holds value, such as in evaluating corporate governance or long-term strategic fit. Complementary Tools: Technical analysis might shift from being a primary decision tool to more of a complementary one, used in conjunction with AI to validate or provide alternative perspectives to algorithmic predictions. Educational Shift: There might be a shift in how finance is taught, with more emphasis on programming, data science, and machine learning rather than traditional chart reading or financial statement analysis. Challenges and Considerations Regulatory Scrutiny: As AI becomes more entrenched, regulatory bodies might increase oversight to ensure market fairness and prevent systemic risks from highly correlated AI strategies. Ethical and Transparency Issues: The "black box" nature of some AI algorithms could lead to transparency concerns, making it harder for regulators or investors to understand decision-making processes. Market Stability: If too many traders rely on similar AI models, it could lead to synchronized market behavior, potentially destabilizing markets. Conclusion While human judgment will always play a role in financial markets, the overwhelming advantages of AI-driven quantitative trading suggest that traditional fundamental and technical analysis-based approaches will become increasingly marginalized. The future belongs to those who can effectively harness the power of AI and machine learning in their trading strategies. However, this transition won't happen overnight, and there will likely be a period where human-driven and AI-driven approaches coexist. The key for market participants is to understand and adapt to this changing landscape, leveraging AI tools while maintaining the flexibility to respond to new challenges and opportunities as they emerge. The extinction of traditional trading approaches may be an overstatement, but their role will certainly diminish as AI-driven quantitative trading continues to demonstrate superior performance and capability. The future of trading belongs to those who can successfully integrate artificial intelligence into their investment process while maintaining the adaptability to navigate an ever-evolving market environment.
NASDAQ:IBKREducation
by Moshkelgosha
1
Overtrading Chaos: Classroom Insights & Quick FixesWatching my students get caught up in the whirlwind of overtrading was like watching a rollercoaster ride gone wrong - all that excitement turned into stress, quick decisions based on gut feelings rather than strategy, and seeing their accounts shrink before my eyes. Here's what I've noticed firsthand: -Emotion Over Logic: They were making choices fueled by the fear of missing out or trying to get back at the market after a loss, not because it was the smart move. Spot on. Emotional trading is the quickest path to financial ruin. It's all about managing those emotions. -Exhaustion: The constant screen time was draining them, both physically and mentally. This is why I always preach about the importance of having a life outside of trading. Burnout is real and it clouds judgment. -Costly Habits: Those small fees and spreads started adding up, eating away at their profits with each impulsive trade. Always remember, every trade has a cost. Overtrading is like death by a thousand cuts. But here’s the good news - I've got some immediate steps I take to turn things around: 1)Trade Log Love: I get them to write down every trade, focusing on the reasons behind their decisions. It’s amazing how this simple act helps them learn from their actions. A trade log isn't just about accountability; it's about education. Every trade is a lesson. 2)Take a Breather: I enforce a little break after each trade. It's like hitting the reset button for your brain, ensuring the next trade isn't just a reaction to the last. This is critical. It’s about breaking the cycle of reactive trading. Think of it as forced discipline. 3)Quality Time: I shift the focus to waiting for those golden opportunities, teaching them that sometimes the best trade is the one you don't make. Patience in trading is not just a virtue; it's a strategy. The markets reward those who wait for the right moment. Come join me as I navigate through the overtrading storm, helping my students, and maybe you too, become more thoughtful, strategic traders! This is what I call practical wisdom. Overtrading is a symptom of not having a solid plan. I'd recommend this course of action to any trader looking to turn their habits around. Kris/Mindbloome Exchange Trade Smarter Live Better
OANDA:XAUUSDEducation
by Mindbloome-Trading
Best Strategies to Identify a Bearish Reversal in Gold Trading In this article, I will explain to you 4 efficient strategies to identify a bearish reversal with technical analysis in Gold trading. You will learn price action, SMC and technical indicator strong bearish signals. First, let me remind you that different bearish signals may indicate a different magnitude and a degree of a potential reversal. While some signals will be reliable for predicting short term reversals, some will be more accurate in projecting long-term ones. One more thing to note is that one of the best time frames for bearish reversal confirmations on Gold is the daily. So, all the cases that will be explained will be on a daily time frame strictly. XAUUSD Bearish Reversal Signal 1 - Bearish Price Action Pattern. One of the perfect indicators of the overbought state of a bullish trend on Gold is bearish price action patterns. I am talking about classic horizontal neckline based patterns like head & shoulders, inverted cup & handle, double/triple top and descending triangle. Typically, these patterns leave early bearish clues and help to predict a coming downturn movement. A strong bearish signal is a breakout of a horizontal neckline of the pattern and a candle close below. The price may continue falling at least to the next key support then. Above is the example of a head and shoulders pattern on Gold, on a daily. Its formation was the evidence of the overheated market. Bearish breakout of its neckline confirmed that, and the price continued falling. Bearish Reversal Signal 2 - Rising Channel Breakout. When the market is trading in a healthy bullish trend, it usually starts moving with the boundaries of a rising channel. It can be the expanding, parallel or contracting channel. Its support will represent a strong vertical structure , from where new bullish waves will initiate after corrections . Its breakout will quite accurately indicate a change of a market sentiment and a highly probable bearish reversal. Look at this rising parallel channel on Gold chart on a daily. The market was respecting its boundaries for more than 3 months. A bearish violation of its support was an accurate bearish signal that triggered a strong bearish movement. Bearish Reversal Signal 3 - Change of Character & Bearish Price Action. One of the main characteristics of a bullish trend is the tendency of the market to set new higher highs and higher lows. Each final high of each bullish impulse is always higher than the previous. Each final low of each bearish movement is also higher than the previous. In such a price action, the level of the l ast higher low is a very significant point. The violation of that and a formation of a new low is an important event that is called Change of Character CHoCH. It signifies the violation of a current bullish trend. After that, one should pay attention to a consequent price action, because CHoCH can easily turn into just an extended correctional movement. If the market sets a lower high and a new lower low then, it will confirm the start of a new bearish trend. That is the example of a confirmed Change of Character on Gold on a daily. To validate the start of a new bearish trend, we should let the price set a lower high and a form a bearish impulse with a new lower low. Bearish Reversal Signal 4 - Death Cross. Death cross is a strong long-term bearish reversal signal that is based on a crossover of 2 moving averages. On a daily time frame, it is usually based on a combination of 2 Simple Moving Averages: one with 50 length and one with 200 length. The signal is considered to be confirmed when a 50 length SMA crosses below 200 length SMA. It is commonly believed that it signifies that the market enters a long-term bearish trend. On the chart, I plotted 2 Moving Averages. When the blue one crosses below the orange one, a global bearish trend on Gold will be confirmed The 4 bearish signals that we discussed will be useful for predicting short term, mid term and long term bearish reversals on Gold. While price action patterns will indicate local bearish movements, Death Cross will confirm a global trend change. Learn to recognize all the signals that we discussed to make more accurate trading and investing decisions. ❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
OANDA:XAUUSDEducation
by VasilyTrader
5
Mastering the Marubozu Candlestick Pattern in Trading Mastering the Marubozu Candlestick Pattern in Trading Have you been looking at a chart for hours, wondering when to buy or sell? In one moment, the chart is green, screaming “buy.” Next, it’s all red, and the price is falling. Buying or selling becomes a tough decision if you resonate with this. However, candlesticks on your chart can help you. This FXOpen article will help cover one of them – the Marubozu candle pattern. Tag along to learn about this candlestick, its types, and how to trade using it. What Is a Marubozu Candle? A Marubozu is a candlestick with no wicks that has a long body. It signals a strong price action as buyers or sellers dominate the session. “Marubozu” is a Japanese term meaning “bald” or “close-cropped.” It can be bearish (if the open price is above the close) or bullish (if the open price is below the close). When it occurs, traders prepare for a significant price movement. But first, how can you identify it? Marubozu in a Range In a range, the price moves within horizontal support and resistance. It indicates that the buyers and sellers are in a serious battle, and neither dominates. It also shows that traders have their hands folded with little activity. A Marubozu might break the range, indicating that momentum is starting to build up. Aside from range, the Marubozu candlestick pattern occurs in a trend. This might be at its beginning, middle, or end. Marubozu Starts a Trend A new trend starting with a solid price movement may contain a Marubozu. It might pop up due to important news events. Traders who come on board early might have more room to capture new opportunities. Marubozu in Mid-Trend Whether it’s a bull run or a bear market, trends often slow down for some time. This causes traders to slow their activities. Afterwards, trends pick up the pace and continue in the same direction. A Marubozu candlestick pattern may signal that traders’ momentum is back, and they can position themselves for market opportunities. This may occur mid-trend or after the trend halts for a period. Marubozu Ends a Trend The end of a trend is a spot where investors position themselves for new opportunities. Why? A new trend will likely begin, and catching it allows one to place a new trade. This is a reversal, and the Marubozu candlestick pattern can show when it occurs. Marubozu Candle Types There are two main types of the Marubozu pattern in forex, commodity, stocks, crypto*, and other markets. Bearish Marubozu Candlestick What does a red (bearish) Marubozu mean? A red Marubozu indicates strong selling pressure in the market. It forms when the open price is at the highest point of the period and the close price is at the lowest, meaning the price fell consistently throughout the session without any upward movement. You may consider these steps in trading the bearish Marubozu pattern: - Identify the bearish Marubozu. - Consider opening a short trade at the next candle or after a few candles form. - Place the stop-loss level above the nearest swing high. - Take profit at the next swing low, support level, or based on other technical analysis tools. Check this example for a vivid illustration: Bullish Marubozu Candlestick A bullish Marubozu is the opposite of the bearish version. It catches the eyes of bulls seeking buying opportunities. It opens at a low price and closes at a high, so it has no wicks. The significant length of the candle also indicates buying pressure. The theory states you can trade the bullish Marubozu candlestick pattern as follows: - Identify the bullish (green) Marubozu candle. - Consider going long at the opening of the next candle or after a few candles form. - Place a stop-loss level below the closest swing low. - Take profit at the next swing high, when the price begins to range, or when other technical analysis tools signal a price reversal. Here’s an example providing more details: How Can You Confirm a Marubozu? Confirming the Marubozu candlestick pattern involves more than just spotting its distinct body. Traders often look for additional signals to validate the strength and direction indicated by the Marubozu. Traders typically consider the following factors for confirmation: - Volume Spike: A significant increase in trading volume accompanying the Marubozu can suggest the price movement has conviction. The high volume shows that many market participants are behind the move. - Trend Context: Marubozu patterns within an established trend hold more weight. For instance, a bullish Marubozu during an uptrend is more likely to lead to continued bullish action than one in a sideways market. - Proximity to Key Levels: Traders often observe support and resistance levels. A Marubozu breaking through a key resistance or support level confirms momentum, as it shows the market overpowering those critical areas. - Candlestick Clustering: The following candles can provide additional context. For example, if after a bearish Marubozu, bearish candles appear, it reinforces the downward momentum. Limitations of the Marubozu Pattern While the Marubozu candlestick pattern signals strong momentum, it comes with certain limitations that traders must consider: - Lack of Context: A Marubozu doesn't provide enough context on its own. Without understanding the broader trend or the market conditions, it may not accurately determine future price movements. - False Signals in Sideways Markets: In ranging or choppy markets, a Marubozu can create false signals. The pattern might suggest a breakout, but if the market is indecisive, the movement may not follow through. - Absence of Retracement Information: The Marubozu doesn't indicate whether the price will retrace before continuing in the same direction. Traders may enter too early, only to face pullbacks that can hit stop-loss levels. - Dependence on Volume: While a Marubozu shows strong price action, low trading volume can render it unreliable. A lack of volume behind the move could indicate weak conviction from market participants. Trading Strategies Involving Marubozu Finally, let’s take a closer look at a couple of Marubozu trading strategies. Marubozu Retracement Breakout This strategy revolves around identifying a Marubozu candle in line with a broader trend and waiting for a brief price retracement before the trend continues—similar to the concept of a dead cat bounce. Traders can use this setup to capture trend breakouts. Entries After observing a Marubozu candle that aligns with the prevailing trend, traders typically wait for the moment when the price briefly moves against the trend before resuming. Once the retracement is identified, a stop order can be placed at the high (for bullish setups) or low (for bearish setups) of the candle formed before the retracement. Stop Loss Traders may place a stop-loss order above the opposite end of the retracement move. For a bullish setup, this means below the retracement low, while in a bearish setup, it would be above the retracement high. Take Profit Profits might be taken at a favourable risk-reward ratio, such as 1:3. Alternatively, traders may aim for a significant area of support or resistance where a reversal is likely. Marubozu EMA Strategy This strategy combines the Marubozu candlestick pattern with a pair of exponential moving averages (EMAs) to confirm strong trend momentum. Traders often use one short EMA and one long EMA, such as 12 and 28, though some may prefer alternatives like 9 and 21 or 20 and 50. Entries Traders typically look for the Marubozu candle to close strongly through one or, ideally, both EMAs. This signals strong momentum in the trend direction. Some traders may choose this as their entry point, while others may prefer to wait for extra confirmation, such as a crossover between the two EMAs, signalling a stronger trend continuation. Stop Loss Stop-loss orders might be set just beyond the high (for bearish setups) or low (for bullish setups) of the Marubozu candle. Alternatively, more conservative traders might place the stop beyond one of the recent highs/lows, depending on their risk tolerance and the specific setup. Take Profit Profits might be taken at a preferred risk-reward ratio, such as 1:3. Another common approach is to target a significant support or resistance level, where a reversal is more likely. Final Thoughts The Marubozu candlestick pattern, when combined with other forms of analysis and tools, offers traders a powerful way to capture market momentum. FXOpen provides an ideal platform for applying these strategies, offering more than 600 markets, blazing-fast speeds of trade execution, and competitive trading costs. Open an FXOpen account today to explore these opportunities and enhance your trading experience. Good luck! FAQ What Is a Marubozu in Candlestick? The Marubozu candle meaning refers to a candlestick with no upper or lower wicks, indicating that the price opened and closed at extreme levels during a session. Its long body reflects strong buying or selling momentum, depending on whether it’s bullish (green) or bearish (red). How Can You Identify a Marubozu? A Marubozu candlestick can be identified by its lack of wicks. In a bullish Marubozu, the open price is at the lowest point, and the close is at the highest, signifying strong buying pressure. A bearish Marubozu is the opposite, with the open at the highest point and the close at the lowest, showing dominant selling pressure. What Is the Difference Between Bullish and Bearish Marubozu? The difference lies in price movement. A bullish Marubozu opens at a low and closes at a high, reflecting strong buying pressure. In contrast, a bearish Marubozu candlestick pattern opens at a high and closes at a low, indicating strong selling momentum. How Can You Trade a Bullish Marubozu? Traders often look for a bullish Marubozu pattern in uptrends or at key support levels. It suggests further upward momentum. Confirmation through volume or other indicators, like moving averages, is often sought to enhance trading decisions. What Does a Marubozu Determine? A Marubozu determines strong market momentum, with a bullish Marubozu indicating continued upward movement and a bearish Marubozu signalling further downward pressure or a potential trend reversal, depending on the market context. How Does a Marubozu Work? A Marubozu works by showing a candlestick with no wicks, indicating that either buyers (in a bullish type) or sellers (in a bearish type) were in complete control throughout the trading session, signalling strong market momentum in the direction of the candlestick. *At FXOpen UK, Cryptocurrency CFDs are only available for trading by those clients categorised as Professional clients under FCA Rules. They are not available for trading by Retail clients. Trade on TradingView with FXOpen. Consider opening an account and access over 700 markets with tight spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions from $1.50 per lot. This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
Education
by FXOpen
1
Understanding Buying Climax, Stop, and Spring in VSAMastering Institutional Trading: Understanding Buying Climax, Stop, and Spring in Volume Spread Analysis (VSA) Observation – Understanding Buying Climax, Stop, and Spring in Market Structure A buying climax (BC) occurs when price surges sharply alongside high trading volume, signaling strong buying activity. However, this aggressive move often exhausts demand, leading to a stop, where price movement either pauses or begins to reverse. At this point, the market assesses whether buyers can sustain the uptrend or if selling pressure will take over. In Volume Spread Analysis (VSA), a classic sequence is: 1. Buying Climax (BC): A sharp move up with high volume. 2. Stop Bar: Price consolidation or minor pullback after the climax. 3. Spring Bar: A downward shakeout followed by a reversal, indicating the presence of renewed buying interest. A spring bar after a stop is a bullish signal, suggesting that previous selling pressure has been absorbed and institutions may be accumulating positions. If confirmed by a strong up bar with high volume, this signals a potential breakout, as it demonstrates that buyers are stepping back into the market. The strength of the bar following the spring is crucial. A wide-range bullish candle with rising volume confirms that buying pressure is resuming, increasing the probability of an uptrend continuation. However, weak volume or failure to clear key resistance levels can indicate a fakeout, leading to further downside. 🔥 XAUMO Institutional Analysis – Gold (XAU/USD) Tokyo Session (Feb 18, 2025) Market Context – Tokyo Session vs. Prior Market Structure 📍 Current Price: $2,902.98 📍 Key Institutional Levels from Yesterday: • Resistance Rejection: $2,906.30 (VSA Liquidity High) • Support Zone: $2,891.67 - $2,888.11 (Institutional Demand Area) • XAUMO 2RC/Black Swan Stop Zones: $2,892.92 (Key Bullish Trigger or Stop Hunt Zone) Tokyo Session Key Observations ✅ Buying Climax (BC) → Strong price rally with high volume. ✅ Stop Bar Formation → Market paused following the aggressive buying. ✅ Spring Bar Emergence → Potential bullish reversal structure forming. ✅ VSA Condition: Neutral → The market is in transition; no clear trend yet. ✅ Volume Change: -10.7% (Slight decline, indicating caution among buyers). ✅ Spread Change: +23.27% (Wide price movements suggest liquidity testing by institutions). 📊 XAUMO Institutional Breakdown – Understanding Buying Climax & Spring 1️⃣ Buying Climax (BC) – Institutional Aggression & Liquidity Test 🔹 Yesterday, price reached resistance at $2,906.30 and pulled back. 🔹 A sharp rally (BC) on high volume suggested aggressive buying by institutions. 🔹 Liquidity was likely absorbed in the $2,892.92 - $2,891.67 range before the price pushed back up. 📌 XAUMO Key Takeaways: • A buying climax signals strong demand, but the pause suggests Smart Money is evaluating the next move. • The next confirmation move is crucial—continuation or reversal depends on volume and structure. 2️⃣ Stop Bar – Institutional Liquidity Testing 🔹 After the BC, price stalled and formed a stop bar (consolidation). 🔹 This stop represents either accumulation (buying) or distribution (selling). 📌 XAUMO Key Takeaways: • Break below $2,892.92 → Indicates deeper liquidity absorption; potential downside continuation. • Holding above $2,891.67 → Suggests institutions are accumulating for a bullish breakout. 3️⃣ Spring Bar – The Institutional Shakeout Before a Move? 🔹 Price dipped towards $2,891.67 before rebounding—forming a spring bar. 🔹 This can be a bullish signal, but confirmation is needed. 📌 XAUMO Key Takeaways: • If the next candle is a strong up bar with increasing volume → Confirms bullish continuation. • If the price struggles above $2,905+ or volume remains weak → Expect a fakeout and potential dump. 🚀 XAUMO Institutional Trade Plan – Tokyo Session Execution 📈 Scenario 1: Bullish Breakout (Spring Confirmation & Volume Increases) 💰 Buy XAU/USD @ $2,903.50 - $2,905 📍 Stop Loss: $2,892.92 (Institutional Stop Zone) 🎯 Target Levels: 1️⃣ $2,910 2️⃣ $2,916 3️⃣ $2,923 ✅ Probability: 75% 📌 Why? • The spring bar bounced from liquidity → Possible upside confirmation. • If the next bar shows strength, buyers are stepping in → Expect breakout above $2,906. 📉 Scenario 2: Bearish Rejection (Failure at $2,905 - $2,906 Again) 💰 Sell XAU/USD @ $2,905 📍 Stop Loss: $2,910 🎯 Target Levels: 1️⃣ $2,895 2️⃣ $2,892 3️⃣ $2,888 ✅ Probability: 70% 📌 Why? • If price rejects resistance at $2,906.30, Smart Money is distributing positions. • Volume drop (-10.7%) suggests buyers aren’t fully committed. • Break below $2,892.92 could trigger more sell pressure towards $2,888. 📢 XAUMO Execution Strategy – Final Institutional Outlook ✅ Next hourly bar confirmation is critical → The spring must be followed by a strong up bar for a bullish breakout. ✅ If price holds $2,892 - $2,891.67, upside potential remains valid. ✅ If price fails at $2,906 and volume weakens, expect another rejection and potential downside move. 🔥 Smart Money moves strategically—wait for confirmation before entering! 🚀 📖 XAUMO Institutional Strategy – Simplified for Beginners 1️⃣ Buying Climax (BC): The price surges fast, attracting late buyers, but Smart Money is already planning their next move. 2️⃣ Stop Bar: The price pauses or reverses. This is where institutions test liquidity to see if there’s enough demand for a move higher. 3️⃣ Spring Bar: A small drop that shakes out weak traders before a possible reversal. If confirmed, it means Smart Money is accumulating. 🔹 Next Step? • If buyers come back strong, price breaks higher (bullish). • If volume remains weak, Smart Money sells into the rally, and price drops again (bearish). 💡 Tip: Don’t rush in! Institutions don’t reveal their moves immediately—wait for confirmation before entering a trade. 🚀
FX:XAUUSDEducation
by ICHIMOKUontheNILE
NVDA: FREMA Linear Extensions - Horizontal VS DirectionalFREMA bands offer a dynamic edge over traditional ATR-based volatility bands by adapting to real buying and selling pressure (bullish and bearish part of candles) rather than just price movement. Unlike ATR bands, which expand symmetrically based on historical volatility, FREMA bands widen asymmetrically — expanding more on the upside during strong buying pressure and on the downside when selling dominates. This makes them highly effective for identifying momentum early, spotting true breakouts, and distinguishing strong trends from choppy markets. By responding directly to market psychology, they provide superior trade entries and exits, minimizing noise in ranging conditions while highlighting areas of genuine demand and supply shifts. For traders seeking a more responsive, trend-sensitive tool, FREMA bands deliver a clearer picture of market dynamics compared to conventional volatility indicators. RESEARCH Testing how price behaves within 2 types of linear extensions: Horizontal While giving an impression of being static, they're actually based on FREMA which is dynamic. Use Horizontal Levels when expecting price to respect historical support/resistance, especially in sideways or mean-reverting markets. Directional Gives an immediate clue of being adaptable to the general angle of trend. Use Linear Extensions when trading with momentum or trend continuation, as they adapt to market directionality. Will price respect the static balance of past support and resistance, or will momentum dictate its own path along the trajectory of directional expansion? By tracking price interactions with both projections, we’ll uncover which model best maps the market’s intentions, offering valuable insights for future setups. Stay tuned as we register these behaviors in real-time because once the market chooses its guide, the next move could be crystal clear.
NASDAQ:NVDAEducation
by fract
9
"Gann’s Secrets: Time Cycles, Square of 9 & Market Reversals"Gann’s Trading Secrets | Gann Time Cycles, Gann Square of 9, and Predicting Market Reversals 📌 Topics Covered in This Video: - The Power of Gann 90 in Market Cycles - Gann Time Cycles & Gann Market Timing - Gann Fibonacci levels & Gann Price Levels - Gann Fan & The Billion-Dollar Trade - Gann Square of 9 & Price Movements - The 90-Year Gann Market Cycle & Financial Crises - How to Use Gann’s Methods in Modern Trading 📌 Why You Should Watch This Video: - Learn how to forecast market tops and bottoms using W.D. Gann’s techniques. - Understand how Gann time cycles and Gann price action align in market movements. - See real-world examples of how Gann’s methods predicted historical market crashes and reversals. - Discover how major traders, including George Soros, unknowingly used Gann's principles to execute billion-dollar trades. 📌 Timestamps: Gann’s Trading Secrets | Gann Time Cycles, Square of 9, and Predicting Market Reversals 00:00 ▶️ Introduction 00:43 ▶️ W.D.Gann 01:35 ▶️ His Contribution to Technical Analysis 02:19 ▶️ Core Principals 04:13 ▶️ Price and Market Cycles 04:52 ▶️ What is Swing Chart? 06:32 ▶️ Gann Square of 9 07:12 ▶️ Gann's Relentless Study of Markets 07:37 ▶️ The Role of Astrology in Market Cycle 08:13 ▶️ Key Natural Market Turning Points 09:12 ▶️ Gann's 50% Rule 09:58 ▶️ The Three Key factors in Gann Trading 10:13 ▶️ The Price 14:07 ▶️ Gann Fan 14:43 ▶️ The Core Concept of Time-Price Balance 19:02 ▶️ The Role of Geometry in Gann's Work 19:41 ▶️ The Power of the Number 3 24:37 ▶️ The 90-Time Cycle in the Market 27:40 ▶️ Famous Trader George Soros 29:52 ▶️ Historical Economic Depression 30:35 ▶️ 2019 as a Key Time Cycle 31:10 ▶️ Economic Conditions
Education
by GannAstroTrader
Chart Patterns That Keep Showing Up (Are Traders Predictable?)In the grand theater of financial markets, traders often fancy themselves as rational actors, making decisions based on cold, hard data. Yet, time and again, their collective behavior etches familiar patterns onto price charts, as if choreographed by an unseen hand (the Invisible Hand?) All across the world economy , markets trade in patterns. The trick is to spot those patterns before they unfold. These recurring formations, known as chart patterns, are a testament to the predictability of human psychology in trading. Let's rediscover some of these enduring patterns, exploring why they persist and how you can leverage them. 🚿 The Head and Shoulders: More Than a Shampoo Brand Imagine a market trend as a partygoer who's had one too many. Initially, they're lively (the left shoulder), then they reach peak status of euphoria (the head), but eventually, they slump with one last “let’s go party people” (the right shoulder). This sequence forms the Head and Shoulders pattern, signaling a trend reversal from bullish to bearish. Traders spot this pattern by identifying three peaks: a central, higher peak flanked by two lower, similar-sized peaks on each side. The neckline, drawn by connecting the lows between these peaks, becomes the critical support level. A break below this line suggests the party's over, and it's time to exit or short the trading instrument. Conversely, the Inverse Head and Shoulders indicates a reversal from bearish to bullish, resembling a person doing a headstand—a strong sign the market's ready to flip. Ready to hunt down the charts for some Head and Shoulders? Try out the Head and Shoulders drawing tool . ⛰️ Double Tops and Bottoms: Déjà Vu in Trading Ever experience déjà vu? The market does too, in the form of Double Tops and Bottoms. A Double Top resembles the letter "M," where the price hits a high, retreats, and then tests that high again before declining. It's the market's way of saying, "I've been here before, and I'm not going higher." The Double Bottom, shaped like a "W," occurs when the price drops to a low, rebounds, and then retests that low before rising. It's akin to the market finding a sturdy trampoline at support levels, ready to bounce back. These patterns reflect traders' reluctance to push prices beyond established highs or lows, leading to reversals. ⚠️ Triangles: The Market's Waiting Game When traders are indecisive, prices often consolidate, forming Triangle patterns. These come in three flavors: Ascending Triangle : Characterized by a flat upper resistance line and a rising lower support line. Buyers are gaining strength, repeatedly pushing prices up to a resistance level. A breakout above this resistance suggests bullish momentum. Descending Triangle : Features a flat lower support line and a descending upper resistance line. Sellers are in control, and a break below support signals bearish continuation. Symmetrical Triangle : Both support and resistance lines converge, indicating a standoff between buyers and sellers. The eventual breakout can go either way, and traders watch closely for directional cues. Triangles epitomize the market's pause before a storm, as participants gather conviction for the next move. Feel like looking for some triangles on charts? Jump straight to our easy-to-use Triangle Pattern drawing tool . 🏁 Flags and Pennants: The Market Takes a Breather After a strong price movement, the market often needs a breather, leading to Flags and Pennants. These are short-term continuation patterns that indicate a brief consolidation before the trend resumes. Flag : Resembles a parallelogram sloping against the prevailing trend. It's like the market catching its breath before sprinting again. Pennant : Looks like a small symmetrical triangle that forms after a sharp move. Think of it as the market pitching a tent before continuing its journey. Recognizing these patterns helps traders position themselves for the next leg of the trend. 🧠 The Psychology Behind Pattern Persistence Why do these patterns keep appearing? The answer lies in human psychology. Traders, despite access to vast information, are influenced by emotions like fear and greed. This collective sentiment manifests in predictable ways, creating patterns on charts. For instance, the Head and Shoulders pattern emerges because traders, after pushing prices to a peak, become cautious. Early sellers take profits, causing a dip. A second rally (the head) attracts more participants, but if it fails to sustain, confidence wanes, leading to a sell-off. The final attempt (right shoulder) lacks conviction, and once support breaks, the downtrend ensues. Understanding the emotional drivers behind these patterns allows traders to anticipate moves and strategize accordingly. 🎯 Using Patterns to Your Advantage While recognizing patterns is valuable, it's crucial to approach them with a discerning eye: Confirmation is Key : Don't act on a pattern until it's confirmed. For example, in a Head and Shoulders, wait for a break below the neckline before taking a position. Volume Matters : Volume often validates a pattern. A genuine breakout is usually accompanied by increased trading volume, indicating strong participation. Contextual Awareness : Consider the broader market context. Patterns can yield false signals in volatile or news-driven environments. Risk Management : Always set stop-loss orders to protect against unexpected moves. Patterns suggest probabilities, not certainties. 🧬 The Evolution of Patterns in Modern Markets In today's algorithm-driven trading landscape, one might wonder if traditional chart patterns still hold relevance. Interestingly, even sophisticated trading algorithms (those used by hedge funds and investment managers) are programmed based on historical patterns and human behavior, perpetuating the cycle. Moreover, as long as markets are driven by human participants, emotions will influence decisions, and patterns will emerge. The tools may evolve, but the underlying psychology remains constant. 🤗 Conclusion: Embrace the Predictability In the volatile world of trading, chart patterns serve as a bridge between market psychology and price action. They offer insights into collective behavior, providing traders with a framework to anticipate movements. By studying these recurring formations, traders can align their strategies with market sentiment, turning the predictability of human nature into a trading edge. What’s your go-to technical analysis pattern? Are you and H&S trader or maybe you prefer to trade double tops? Share your approach in the comments!
Education
by TradingView
18
Leap Ahead with a Dual Breakout Setup on ES and MESThe Leap Trading Competition: A Chance to Trade S&P 500 Futures TradingView’s "The Leap" Trading Competition gives traders the opportunity to test their futures trading strategies in a competitive environment. Participants have access to select CME Group futures contracts, including E-mini S&P 500 Futures (ES) and Micro E-mini S&P 500 Futures (MES). This article presents a dual breakout trade setup, analyzing both bullish and bearish scenarios based on key Fibonacci levels and low volatility price ranges. The goal is to trade the breakout of a well-defined range and target either a Fibonacci extension to the upside or a retracement level to the downside. Understanding Breakouts and Fibonacci Levels A breakout occurs when price moves beyond a defined support or resistance level, often leading to a strong trend continuation. In this case, the trading range between 6146.75 and 6121.25 is the key level to watch. A breakout above this range suggests bullish momentum, while a breakout below signals bearish pressure. Fibonacci retracement levels are used to identify potential support or resistance zones based on past price movements. The 50% retracement level at 5985.75 aligns with a UFO support, making it a key downside target if price breaks lower. Fibonacci extension levels project potential price targets beyond the most recent high or low. The 100% Fibonacci extension at 6288.75 serves as the projected upside target if price breaks higher. The Dual Breakout Trade Setup In a bullish scenario, a breakout above 6146.75 confirms entry to the upside. The target for this trade is the 100% Fibonacci extension at 6288.75. A stop loss is placed below the breakout level at a distance that ensures a minimum 3:1 reward-to-risk ratio. In a bearish scenario, a breakdown below 6121.25 confirms entry to the downside. The target is the 50% Fibonacci retracement at 5985.75, which aligns with a UFO support zone. A stop loss is placed above the breakdown level, ensuring a minimum 3:1 reward-to-risk ratio. Risk management considerations include adjusting stop losses based on a trader’s preferred risk-reward ratio. Scaling out at intermediate levels can help manage volatility and secure partial profits. Contract Specifications and Margin Requirements E-mini S&P 500 Futures (ES) details: Full contract specs: ES Contract Specifications – CME Group Contract size: $50 x S&P 500 Index Tick size: 0.25 index points ($12.50 per tick) Margin requirements depend on broker conditions and market volatility – Currently ≈$15,000 per contract. Micro E-mini S&P 500 Futures (MES) details: Full contract specs: MES Contract Specifications – CME Group Contract size: $5 x S&P 500 Index (1/10th of ES) Tick size: 0.25 index points ($1.25 per tick) Lower margin requirements make it more accessible for smaller accounts – Currently ≈$1,500 per contract. Leverage in ES and MES magnifies both potential gains and losses. Traders should consider margin requirements and market conditions when determining position sizes. Execution and Market Conditions Before executing a trade, a typical breakout trader would watch price confirm a breakout by sustaining above or below the key levels. Additional confirmation from volume trends and momentum indicators can improve trade accuracy. If price does not break out, the setup remains invalid. If a false breakout occurs, traders may need to reassess conditions before re-entering. Conclusion A dual breakout setup provides both bullish and bearish opportunities depending on price movement. Fibonacci extensions provide upside targets, while retracement levels align with strong support zones for downside moves. For participants in The Leap Trading Competition, this setup highlights the importance of disciplined execution, confirmation, and structured risk management. When charting futures, the data provided could be delayed. Traders working with the ticker symbols discussed in this idea may prefer to use CME Group real-time data plan on TradingView: www.tradingview.com - This consideration is particularly important for shorter-term traders, whereas it may be less critical for those focused on longer-term trading strategies. General Disclaimer: The trade ideas presented herein are solely for illustrative purposes forming a part of a case study intended to demonstrate key principles in risk management within the context of the specific market scenarios discussed. These ideas are not to be interpreted as investment recommendations or financial advice. They do not endorse or promote any specific trading strategies, financial products, or services. The information provided is based on data believed to be reliable; however, its accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. Trading in financial markets involves risks, including the potential loss of principal. Each individual should conduct their own research and consult with professional financial advisors before making any investment decisions. The author or publisher of this content bears no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided or for any resultant financial or other losses.
CME_MINI:ES1!Education
by traddictiv
Breakdown Of My Personal Strategy On Dow Jones TutorialI will be giving a breakdown on my own personal strategy on how I trade the Dow Jones Futures. I am writing this post for two reasons. First and foremost, to help people. Secondly, to help myself in better understanding. The way that I trade is using support and resistance, only I don't use the traditional sense of support and resistance that is taught. I use price levels that all traders have. The four price points of a candle stick. I also use major round numbers of 1000's and 500's. The Open The Low The High The Close I start by looking at the monthly. When a new month opens, I.E. February 1st for example, I mark the opening price in Orange. I use the 2 hour chart to look for buying and selling areas, using key price levels. I look for these key price areas and see how price behaves once they get there. Low of Month trades Low of the Week trades Low of the Day trades High of Month trades High of the Week trades High of the Day trades Example 1: The month of February opens at 44,444. I mark this with a horizontal trendline in Orange Level 4. I see price gapping down right into 44,000. A major round number of 1000. I then drill down to my entry timeframe of the 15 minute to find the buy or sell trigger entry. In this case, I saw the creeping push down into the 1000 level followed by a bull 180 bar. I entered in on the close of that bar. I used a 75 tick stop per ATR and a 200 tick target. This is an actual trade I took. I recently changed my target strategy. I will explain in a bit. I use the same concept for the following three timeframes. The Monthly candle The Weekly candle The Daily candle The Monthly candle: The Weekly candle: The Daily candle: Another example of a trade I took This creeping layering into a level is one of my favorite ways to get into a trade. What I am doing now is I will set my stop loss of 75 ticks and I will have no profit target. I will hold the trade until the end of the trading day and close it out before the market closes. On this particular trade, I closed it out at 44,820 for a 343 tick profit. The weekly template structure: Some obvious points but worth repeating. Each Weekly candle has an opening price. Within each weekly candle, there are 5 trading days. Monday-Friday. There is a high and low of the week. Within each trading day, there is also an open, high and a low. I find that when day trading, only to focus on the specific day itself and to not really worry about "multiple time frame analysis" All you need is the major key levels I laid out up above. Here is another trade that I took. I was looking for the Monthly open and 44,500 to be used as resistance for a continuation short trade back through the weekly open. Of course you can see, I lost on this trade. No strategy is ever guaranteed, and I do routinely take losses. My job as a trader is to preserve my capital and to stay alive. My money management strategy: One trade per trading day MAX If lose, DONE Close out near end of day if in profits, DONE 75 tick stoploss on ALL day trades. DO NOT TOUCH. Do not move up or down. Sometimes to Break-even but only if trade is seeming to fail (more of an intuition thing) Risk 0.75%-1.5% per trade Only make slight adjustments to strategy after every 20-trade sample size. By limiting my losses to only one trade per day, I can easily recover from a losing day with any winning day. Somedays I will either not see the market well, enter at a poor location or just overall, not be at my best. My statistics show that RARELY do I enter another trade after a losing trade, does that one succeed. This tells me that I am not seeing something that particular day. I will wrap it up and try again another day. Revenge trading does no good but to hurt yourself. I admit I am wrong on the day and come back again. By limiting myself to one trade per day, I am also cutting down on slippage and commissions. Because of slippage and commissions, trading is NOT a zero-sum game, but in fact a NEGATIVE sum game. Your winners are smaller than they ought to be, and your losses are bigger than ought. I know that I can have three losing days in a row and be right back to normal after one or two winning days. Therefore, who cares if I take a loss. I need to get through the losing trades to find the big, winning trades.
CBOT_MINI:YM1!Education
by Dow_Jones_Maestro
8