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Risk Management

Learn 6 Common Beginner Trading Mistakes (FOREX, GOLD) In the today's post, we will discuss very common beginner's mistakes in trading that you should avoid. 1. No trading plan 📝 That is certainly the TOP 1 mistake. I don't know why it happens but 99% of newbies assume that they don't need a trading plan. It is more than enough for them to watch a couple of educational videos, read some books about trading and Voilà when a good setup appears they can easily recognize and trade it without a plan. Guys, I guarantee you that you will blow your trading account in maximum 2 months if you keep thinking like that. Trading plan is the essential part of every trading approach, so build one and follow that strictly. 2. Overtrading 💱 That mistake comes from a common newbies' misconception: they think that in order to make money in trading, they should trade a lot. The more they trade, the higher are the potential gains. The same reasoning appears when they choose a signal service: the more trades a signal provider shares, the better his signals are supposed to be. However, the truth is that good trades are very rare and your goal as a trader is to recognize and trade only the best setups. While the majority of the trading opportunities are risky and not profitable. 3. Emotional trading 😤 There are 2 ways to make a trading decision: to make it objectively following the rules of your trading plan or to follow the emotions. The second option is the main pick of the newbies. The intuition, fear, desire are their main drivers. And such an approach is of course doomed to a failure. And we will discuss the emotional trading in details in the next 2 sections. 4. Having no patience ⏳ Patience always pays. That is the trader's anthem. However, in practice, it is extremely hard to keep holding the trade that refuses to reach the target, that comes closer and closer to a stop loss level, that stuck around the entry level. Once we are in a trade, we want the price to go directly to our goal without any delay. And the more we wait, the harder it is to keep waiting. The impatience makes traders close their trades preliminary, missing good profits . 5. Greed 🤑 Greed is your main and worst enemy in this game. It will pursue you no matter how experienced you are. The desire to get maximum from every move, to not miss any pip of profit, will be your permanent obstacle. Greed will also pursue you after you close the profitable trades. No matter how much you win, how many good winning trades you catch in a row, you always want more. And that sense main lead you to making irrational, bad trading decision. 6. Big Risks 🛑 Why to calculate lot size for the trade? Why even bother about risk management? These are the typical thoughts of the newbies. Newbie traders completely underestimate the risks involved in trading and for that reason they are risking big. I heard so many times these stories, when a trading deposit of a trader is wiped out with a one single bad trade. Never ever risk big, especially if you just started. Start with a very conservative approach and risk a tiny little portion of your trading account per trade. Of course there are a lot more mistakes to discuss. However, the ones that I listed above at the most common and I am kindly recommending you to fix them before you start trading with a substantial amount of money. ❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️ I am part of Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analysis.
TRADENATION:XAUUSDEducation
by VasilyTrader
3
How to Calculate Forex Lot Size on TradingView. Free Calculator Do you know that TradingView has a built-in Forex position size calculator? It is completely free, it is simple to use, and it does not require a paid subscription to use it. In this article, I will teach you how to calculate a lot size for your trades on TradingView easily in 3 simple steps. Step 1 - Setting Up the Calculator First, open a price chart on TradingView and find a "Trading Panel" button in the bottom of the window. Click "Maximize Panel" afterward. In the list of brokers, select " TradingView Paper Trading" and click "Connect". Paper Trading is built in demo trading account on TradingView. It does not require KYC or any other verification. Choose "Account" list box and tap "Create Account" . Then fill all the inputs with exactly the same parameters as your real trading account has. Type in your exact account size, leverage and commission rate. Then click "Create". TradingView position size calculator is ready to use. Step 2 - Find the Trading Opportunity Find a trading setup to trade. Make sure that you know the exact entry level and stop loss. Imagine that you want to buy EURUSD from 1.0899 price level with 1.08846 stop loss level. Step 3 - Measure a Proper Lot Size Right-click on a price chart and choose "Trade" and in the appeared menu select "Create New Order". Fill the following fields: "Price" - your entry level, "% risk" - your desired risk per trade in %, "Stop Loss price" - your stop loss price level. Your lot size will be based on the calculated units . In forex trading 1 standard lot equals 100000 units. The only thing that you should do is to take the exact units number and divide it by 100000. In our case we have 704225 units. 704225 / 100000 = 7,04 lot. That will be your lot size for buying EURUSD with 1% risk for 100000 trading account. If you apply TradingView for market analysis and charting and your trading terminal does not have a lot size calculator, this method will be the quickest and the easiest to apply for measuring the position size. ❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️ I am part of Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analysis.
TRADENATION:XAUUSDEducation
by VasilyTrader
1
NO TRADE? THAT IS THE TRADEToday, I took no trades and I’ll be honest, it was really tempting to break that discipline. I stared at the chart longer than I needed to. My cursor hovered around the Buy and Sell buttons. My brain tried to convince me that “maybe” this candle meant something. Even though there was no valid sweep, no BOS, and no clean entry into an FVG , the desire to just “be in a trade” was strong. But I reminded myself: 📌 No Setup = No Trade 📌 Your edge is your lifeline 📌 Discipline is what pays you, not activity What I felt today is something every trader battles, setup hoping . It’s that mental trap where silence feels wrong, and boredom feels dangerous. But the truth is, boredom is part of being a consistently profitable trader. There are days where your best trade is the one you don’t take. And I’m proud to say I did nothing. No revenge trade. No gambling. No deviation from plan. Instead, I observed. I journaled my emotions. I stayed in control. That’s the work behind the scenes: the mental reps that build longevity in this business . So if you had a quiet session today too, and you resisted the urge to jump in without reason, celebrate that. You're training your mind to trust your system, not your feelings. Sometimes, the most powerful trade you’ll ever take… is the one you never place.
TVC:GOLDEducation
by Crusade1Jay
17
Learn What is TRAILING STOP LOSS | Risk Management Basics In the today's article, we will discuss a trailing stop loss. I will explain to you its concept in simple words and share real market examples. 🛑Trailing stop loss is a risk management tool that allows to protect unrealized profits of an active trading position as long as the price moves in the desired direction. Traditionally, traders trade with fixed stop loss and take profit. Following such an approach, one knows exactly the level where the trade will be closed in a profit and the level where it will be closed in a loss. Take a look at a long trade on USDCAD above. The trade has fixed TP Level - 1.354 and fixed SL Level - 1.341. Once one of these levels is reached, the trade will be closed. Even though the majority of the traders stick to fixed sl and tp, there is one important disadvantage of such an approach – substantial gains could be easily missed . After the market reached TP in USDCAD trade, the price temporarily dropped, then a strong bullish rally initiated and the price went way above the Take Profit level. Potential gains with that long position could be much bigger. Trailing stop solves that issue. With a trailing stop loss, the trader usually opens the trade with Stop Loss and WITHOUT Take Profit. Take a look at a long trade on USDCHF. Trader expects growth, he opens a long position and sets stop loss – 0.8924, while take profit level is not determined. With a trailing stop loss, the trader usually opens the trade with Stop Loss and WITHOUT Take Profit. As the market starts growing, one decides not to close the trade in profit, but modify stop loss – trail it to the level above the entry. As the market keeps rallying, one TRAILS a stop loss in the direction of the market, protecting the unrealized gains. When the market finally starts falling, the price hits stop loss and a trader closes the trade in a substantial profit. The main obstacle with the application of a trailing stop is to keep it at a distance from current price levels that is not too narrow nor too wide. With a wide stop loss distance, substantial unrealized gains might be washed out with the market reversal. Imagine you predicted a nice bullish rally on Bitcoin. The market bounced nicely after you opened a long position. Trailing stop loss too far from current price levels, all the gains could be easily wiped out. While with a narrow trailing stop distance, one can be stop hunted before the move in the desired direction continues. A trader opens a long trade on EURJPY and the price bounces perfectly as predicted. One immediately trails the stop loss. However, the distance between current prices was too narrow and the position was closed after a pullback. And then market went much higher. In conclusion, I want to note that fixed SL & TP approach is not bad , it is different and for some trading strategies it will be more appropriate. However, because of its limitations, occasionally big moves will be missed. Try trailing stop by your own, combine it with your strategy and I hope that you will make a lot of money with that! ❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️ I am part of Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analysis.
TRADENATION:XAUUSDEducation
by VasilyTrader
1
Not Every Candle Needs a Reaction — I Know I’ve GrownThere was a time I thought I needed to react to every move. A clean candle? I’d enter. A minor imbalance? I’d take the risk. A zone that “looked okay”? I’d justify it. Why? Because I was chasing something. Chasing certainty . Chasing profit . Chasing control . But here’s the thing I didn’t understand back then: Not every candle needs a reaction. And not every move is my move. 🧠 Overtrading Wasn’t a Strategy. It Was a Symptom. It was a symptom of fear — fear of missing out (FOMO). It was a symptom of insecurity — not trusting my own process. It was a symptom of impatience — not letting the market come to me. I confused activity with progress. I thought being busy on the charts meant I was becoming better. But most of the time, I was just bleeding my edge. 💡 The Turning Point Growth didn’t happen because I learned a new indicator. It happened the moment I started asking myself: Is this my setup? Or am I just bored, hopeful, or triggered? When you define a clear trading plan, with criteria you believe in, the real test isn’t finding setups...it’s waiting for the right ones. Today, I can watch the market move beautifully without me and feel absolutely nothing. That’s freedom. That’s growth. That’s power. 🧘🏽‍♂️ From Reactive to Intentional Now, I focus on: Waiting for my specific SMC criteria to line up Sticking to my CRT model (PDL/PWH sweep → BOS → FVG) Trusting that missing one trade means nothing if I stay consistent Letting the market come to me I’m no longer in the game to prove something. I’m here to play my edge , manage my risk , and protect my mind. 📌 Final Words Growth in trading isn't loud. It doesn’t scream from a winning streak. It shows up quietly: in the trades you didn’t take. in the silence between setups. in the patience to do nothing until it’s time. So if you’re not constantly in a trade, that’s not weakness that’s wisdom.
Education
by Crusade1Jay
Trading Without an Edge Is Like Gambling Without the FunAt least in Vegas, you get free drinks. Let’s cut the fluff. You want to make money trading. But here’s the problem no one wants to admit: Most traders don’t have an edge. And they trade anyway. Which means they’re not traders. They’re just expensive gamblers in denial. 🎰 W elcome to the Casino Called “Charts” In Vegas, the odds are clearly displayed. You know the house has the advantage. But in trading? You convince yourself you are the house. You say things like: -“This setup worked for someone on YouTube.” - “Price is oversold, so it has to bounce.” - “I just have a feeling it’ll go up.” That’s not a strategy. That’s astrology. If you can’t define your edge in one sentence, you don’t have one. And if your edge isn’t tested over at least 100 trades — it’s fantasy. 🧠 What Is an Edge, Anyway? An edge is not a pattern. It’s not always your gut. It’s a repeatable, testable advantage in the market. It could be: - A statistical tendency in price behavior - A setup with positive risk-to-reward over time - A timing structure that aligns with volume or volatility - Even psychological edge (you stay calm when others panic) But here’s the key: An edge is something that works often enough, with controlled risk, and consistent execution. ☠️ What Happens When You Don’t Have One Let’s break it down. Trading without an edge leads to: - Random outcomes that feel emotional - Overtrading because you’re chasing the next “feel good” moment - Misplaced confidence after a few lucky wins - Explosive losses when luck runs out And worst of all? You think you’re improving… But in reality, you’re just getting better at losing slower. 🍹 At Least Vegas Gives You Something Back Here’s the irony: In Vegas, the drinks are free. You get a show. You laugh. You know it’s a gamble. In trading? - You pay for your losses - You pay for your education - You pay for your psychology coach - And nobody even gives you a free mojito. If you're going to lose money without an edge, you might as well enjoy the music. 🎯 So How Do You Actually Get an Edge? 1. Backtest. Find a setup that repeats. Track it. Chart it. Obsess over it. 2. Track your stats. Your win rate, average R, time in trade. Know thyself. 3. Simplify. An edge isn’t 12 indicators. It’s one thing done well. 4. Survive first, thrive later. If you’re not around after 100 trades, your edge won’t matter anyway. 5. Learn from pain, not just profit. Your losers have more to teach than your winners. 🧘 Final Thought – Stop Playing Pretend If you wouldn’t go to a casino and bet $1000 on 25 without knowing the odds… Why are you doing that in the markets? Don’t call it trading if it’s actually coping. Don’t call it strategy if it’s actually guessing.
TRADENATION:XAUUSDEducation
by Mihai_Iacob
11
In Theory, You’re a Great Trader — In Practice, You’re Human🧠 10 Ways Trading Theory Falls Apart in Real Practice Because in theory, you're rich. In practice, you panic-sold at support. “In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is.” — Yogi Berra Welcome to trading — where you read about patience and discipline, and then blow up your account chasing a breakout at 3AM. Let’s explore the top 10 ways trading theory gets wrecked by real-world execution, complete with painful honesty and maybe a laugh or two (because crying is for after market close). ________________________________________ 1. 🎯 In theory: You always follow your trading plan. In practice: You make a new plan after every trade. That loss wasn’t part of “the plan,” so obviously the plan was wrong. Let’s fix it — during the trade — in real-time — while it bleeds. Genius. ________________________________________ 2. 🧘‍♂️ In theory: You manage risk carefully. In practice: "Let me just move the stop... just this once... just 10 more pips..." Before you know it, your stop loss is in the next timezone, and your trade is now a long-term investment. ________________________________________ 3. 📊 In theory: Backtesting proves the strategy works. I n practice: Backtest = you, alone, with no emotions, clicking replay in TradingView. Live trading = markets screaming, Twitter panicking, and you entering on the 1-minute chart because “it felt right.” ________________________________________ 4. 💻 In theory: You’ll be objective. In practice: You saw one green candle and whispered: “This is it. The reversal. I feel it.” You weren’t objective. You were in a situationship with your trade. ________________________________________ 5. 💰 In theory: R:R 2:1 minimum. In practice: You close at +0.3R “just to be safe” — and then it hits target 10 minutes later while you re-enter worse, and get stopped. ________________________________________ 6. 🕒 In theory: You wait for confirmation. In practice: You anticipate confirmation. You hope for confirmation. Spoiler: hope is not a strategy. But hey, at least you learned… again. ________________________________________ 7. 🤖 In theory: You’re a rules-based, emotionless trader. In practice: You meditate, breathe deeply, journal, and then buy Gold after CPI with no stop loss and max leverage. So much for being the Terminator. ________________________________________ 8. 📚 In theory: More knowledge = better performance. I n practice: You read five books, memorized all candlestick names, and still entered long into resistance because it “looked bullish.” Trading isn’t trivia night. It’s controlled decision-making under fire. ________________________________________ 9. 😤 In theory: You’ll accept losses calmly. In practice: First you rage-quit. Then you revenge trade. Then you open ChatGPT and ask: “Should I hedge this 80% drawdown?” ________________________________________ 10. 📆 In theory: You’ll be consistent. In practice: You traded London Open on Monday, Asian Session on Tuesday, and New York close on Friday. Consistency? You don’t even use the same time frame twice in a row. ________________________________________ 🚧 So… how do you bridge the gap? 1. Journal your trades — honestly. Especially the emotional mess-ups. 2. Create rules you can actually follow — not Instagram-quote rules. 3. Simulate real conditions — including drawdowns, boredom, and fakeouts. 4. Accept that mistakes are part of the job — and build for resilience, not perfection. 5. Trade small enough that you don’t care much — so you can learn while surviving. ________________________________________ 🎯 Final word: Trading theory is like a clean whiteboard. But the market? It’s a chaotic toddler with crayons and no rules. If you can operate inside that chaos — with clarity and emotional control — that’s when the theory starts working.
OANDA:XAUUSDEducation
by Mihai_Iacob
36
Learn What Time Frame to Trade. Gold Forex Trading Basics If you just started trading, you are probably wondering how to choose a trading time frame. In the today's post, I will go through the common time frames, and explain when to apply them. 1m; 5m, 15m Time Frames These 4 t.f's are very rapid and are primarily applied by scalpers . If your goal is to catch quick ebbs and flows within a trading session, that is a perfect selection for you. 30m, 1H Time Frame These 2 are perfectly suited for day traders. Executing the analysis and opening the trades on these time frames, you will be able to catch the moves within a trading day. 4h, Daily Time Frames These time frames are relatively slow . They are mostly applied by swing traders, who aim to trade the moves that last from several days to several weeks. Weekly, Monthly Time Frames These time frames reveal long-term historical perspective and are mostly used by investors and position traders. If your goal is to look for buy & hold assets, these time frames will help you to make a reasonable decision. 📝When you are choosing a time frame to trade, consider the following factors : 1️⃣ - Time Availability How much time daily/weekly are you able to sacrifice on trading? Remember a simple rule: lower is the time frame, more time it requires for management. 2️⃣ - Risk Tolerance Smaller time frames usually involve higher risk, while longer-term time frames are considered to be more conservative and stable. 3️⃣ - Your Trading Goals If you are planning to benefit from short term price fluctuations you should concentrate your attention on lower time frames, while investing and long-term capital accumulation suite for higher time frames. Time frame selection is nuanced and a complex topic. However, I believe that these simple rules and factors will help you to correctly choose the one for you. ❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️ I am part of Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analysis.
TRADENATION:XAUUSDEducation
by VasilyTrader
1
Structure Over Sentiment: Multi-Asset View into Month-End📊 Structure Over Sentiment: Multi-Asset View into Month-End | May 30, 2025 This isn’t a crash. This isn’t a rally. This is digestion. The multi-asset view tells the real story — and it's not as chaotic as it looks. 🔍 What the Chart Shows: This correlation lens plots key macro and market drivers YTD: 🟣 Gold (XAUUSD): Leading with +24.71% — this is the quiet macro bid no one’s talking about 🟢 Bitcoin (BTCUSD): Holding +8.47% — volatile, but still showing risk appetite 🔴 10Y Yield (US10Y): Up +5.31% — signalling rates peaking 🟠 Nasdaq (NDX): Nearly flat, -0.36% — NVDA strength masking internal rotation 🔵 S&P 500 (SPX): -2.32% — structurally fine, just not euphoric 🔵 Dow (DJA): -5.91% — lagging, cyclical drag 🔵 Russell 2000 (RTY): -13.60% — small caps under pressure, risk-on caution flag 🟣 Dollar Index (DXY): -6.44% — fading after a strong Q1 🟢 Oil (WTIUSD): -10.26% — no inflation panic here 🧠 Key Insight: Despite the tariff headlines, sticky PCE, and conflicting narratives — the market remains internally consistent. Gold is leading Yields are rising but not sharply Bitcoin is positive Equities are flat-to-negative Oil is weak Dollar is fading This is classic late-cycle digestion, not a crisis. 🛡️ Titan Mindset Check-In: Don’t get lost in single headlines Follow structure, not speculation Let leaders lead (NVDA, Gold, BTC) Protect equity when breath narrows Zoom out, reduce noise, trade the curve — not the chaos 📍“Volatility isn’t risk. Misinterpretation is.” Take Profits, Not Chances. #MultiAssetView #StructureOverShock #TitanProtect #SPX #NDX #BTC #Gold #DXY #WTI #US10Y #MacroFlow #MarketMindset #LateCycleSignals #DigestDontPanic
SP:SPXEducation
by Rizq-FX
How Forex Brokers Manipulate Your Trading. Real Examples Your Forex broker could be manipulating your trades right now - and you would not even know it. They can rig your charts, trap you in losing trades and steal your money. In this article, I will expose how they do it, I will show you a real example how broker's manipulations can lead to bad trading decisions and significant losses. What I’m about to show you will change the way you trade forever, and you’ll never look at your trading charts the same way again. The story started with a trading live stream in my academy with my students. We spotted a nice setup to trade. We found a strong 4H support on Silver with a confirmed liquidity grab after its test. As a confirmation, we identified a cup & handle pattern on an hourly time frame and a breakout of its neckline with a bullish imbalance. When I got my entry signal, I opened my trading terminal to execute the trade. And the way I trade is very specific: I use TradingView for chart analysis BUT I have a separate trading terminal for trade execution. When I opened the same setup in my trading terminal, I saw a completely different picture and a strong bearish signal. The broker that I use for technical chart analysis is OANDA , while my trading terminal uses ICMarkets quotes. On the right is the price chart of SILVER with IC. There we can see a valid breakout and a candle close below the support with its consequent retest. From a price action perspective, it is a strong signal to sell . I got a strong feeling that some kind of manipulation is going on here, so I decided to check Silver charts of other brokers. Only the broker that I used for market analysis on TradingView provided a bullish signal, while other brokers had very bearish charts on Silver. It looked very suspicious and felt like OANDA broker was inducing me to buy, knowing that the price is going to drop. So I made a decision not to take a trade. Look what happened then. After a retest of a broken support, Silver dropped sharply. Checking the same trading setup on different brokers' charts can help you to avoid the manipulation. My simple decision to examine more charts helped to avoid a losing trade. I strictly recommend you doing the same thing before you place a trade. IF you see a strong deviation of your charts from other brokers, stay alert and vigilant. Probably it is not a good idea to open the trade. ❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️ I am part of Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analysis.
TRADENATION:XAUUSDEducation
by VasilyTrader
15
How to Use Stop Losses in TradingViewThis video covers stop loss orders, explaining what they are, why traders use them, and how to set them up in TradingView. Disclaimer: There is a substantial risk of loss in futures trading. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Please trade only with risk capital. We are not responsible for any third-party links, comments, or content shared on TradingView. Any opinions, links, or messages posted by users on TradingView do not represent our views or recommendations. Please exercise your own judgment and due diligence when engaging with any external content or user commentary. The placement of contingent orders by you or broker, or trading advisor, such as a "stop-loss" or "stop-limit" order, will not necessarily limit your losses to the intended amounts, since market conditions may make it impossible to execute such orders.
CME_MINI:MESM2025Education
by OptimusFutures
2
Trading Gold? Know the Difference Between XAU/USD and Futures🔎 Let’s address a question I get very often: “Should I trade spot gold (XAU/USD) or Gold futures?” It might sound like a technical decision, but it’s actually about how you approach the market, your risk profile, and your experience level. So let’s break it down 👇 ________________________________________ 🟡 Two ways to trade the same asset Both spot and futures allow you to speculate on the price of Gold. But they’re two very different beasts when it comes to execution, capital, and strategy. ________________________________________ 1️⃣ Spot gold (XAU/USD) • Traded mostly via Forex brokers or CFD platforms • No expiration — you can hold the position as long as you want • Often used by retail traders for day trading or swing setups • You can open small trades (even 0.01 lots) • Costs include spread, swap fees if you hold overnight • Leverage is usually high — up to 1:100 or more • Margin is required, but typically lower than in futures 💡 Spot is flexible and accessible, but you pay the price through overnight holding costs, wider spreads during volatility, and slippage. On some brokers, especially during high-impact news, your platform might even freeze or delay execution — and that’s a serious risk if you’re not prepared. ________________________________________ 2️⃣ Gold futures (GC) • Traded on major futures exchanges like CME • Contracts have a fixed size (usually 100 oz) • They expire monthly, so you need to manage rollovers • Common among hedge funds and experienced traders • You pay commissions and exchange fees, but no swaps • Margin is required here too — but it's much higher 💡 Futures are structured and professional — but they demand more capital, stricter execution discipline, and higher margin requirements. Just like in spot trading, margin is a collateral deposit, not a cost — but with futures, the bar is set higher. ________________________________________ ⚖️ So, which one is for you? If you're using MetaTrader or any platform offered by a Forex/CFD broker, and you're a scalper, intraday, or swing trader working with flexible position sizes... → You're probably better off with spot gold (XAU/USD). If you're trading big volume, managing diversified portfolios, or involved in hedging large exposure... → You should consider futures — but expect to level up your game, capital requirements, and discipline. ________________________________________ 🧠 Mindset: Don’t confuse accessibility with simplicity. Just because spot Gold is easier to open doesn’t mean it’s always the best choice. Just because futures look “pro-level” doesn’t mean they’re always worth it for a retail trader. Understand your tools. Pick the one that aligns with your structure. That’s how you stay in the game. 🎯 ________________________________________ 📚 Hope this cleared it up. If you want me to cover execution setups for each one, let me know in the comments.
TRADENATION:XAUUSDEducation
by Mihai_Iacob
1
Positive Psychology in TradingTrading isn’t just about numbers, charts, or quick decisions. It’s an intense emotional experience, a constant mental challenge, and often a major source of stress. That’s why more traders are turning to positive psychology—a modern psychological approach that explores what makes people thrive, even under pressure and uncertainty. What is Positive Psychology? Founded by Martin Seligman, positive psychology focuses on positive emotions, strengths, and the conditions that lead to a fulfilling life. Unlike traditional approaches that look at “what’s wrong,” it asks: What’s going right? and How can we build on it? The PERMA model (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Achievement) serves as a powerful framework—even in the world of trading. ________________________________________ How Does It Apply to Trading? 1. Positive Emotions – Calm Before the Click Trading isn’t about euphoria or panic—it’s about equilibrium. Cultivating positive emotions like gratitude or realistic optimism helps you: • Reduce impulsivity • Build emotional resilience • Make clearer decisions under pressure Try this: At the end of each trading day, write down 3 things that went well and why. This trains your brain to see progress, not just mistakes. ________________________________________ 2. Engagement (Flow) – Get in the Zone Flow is that state of complete absorption in what you're doing. In trading, it means: • Deep focus without mental fatigue • Quick yet thoughtful decisions • A fulfilling experience, win or lose How to reach it? Schedule short, focused trading sessions with no distractions and a clear plan. ________________________________________ 3. Positive Relationships – You’re Not Alone Trading can be solitary—and at times, frustrating. A positive community of fellow traders can: • Reduce isolation • Offer constructive feedback • Boost your motivation Pro tip: Join a trading group that values learning and support, not just fast wins. ________________________________________ 4. Meaning – Why Do You Trade? Without a deeper why, trading becomes a stressful gamble. When you have a clear sense of purpose (financial freedom, personal growth, discipline), it’s easier to: • Stay consistent during drawdowns • Stick to your plan • Avoid burnout ________________________________________ 5. Achievement – Celebrate the Process, Not Just the Profits Positive psychology emphasizes progress over perfection. In trading, this might mean: • A full week of disciplined trades = success • Following your strategy = a win • Avoiding overtrading = growth ________________________________________ Final Thoughts Positive psychology isn’t about “happy thoughts” or ignoring risk. It’s about building a resilient, balanced, and healthy mindset—a crucial asset for any long-term trader. If you want to become a high-performing trader, don’t focus only on strategies and charts. Learn to master your emotions, develop your inner strengths, and trade with purpose.
OANDA:XAUUSDEducation
by Mihai_Iacob
2
How to Manage Slippage on TradingViewThis tutorial explains what slippage is and how it relates to market and limit orders as well as times when you might expect higher than normal slippage. Disclaimer: There is a substantial risk of loss in futures trading. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Please trade only with risk capital. We are not responsible for any third-party links, comments, or content shared on TradingView. Any opinions, links, or messages posted by users on TradingView do not represent our views or recommendations. Please exercise your own judgment and due diligence when engaging with any external content or user commentary. Stop-loss orders are submitted as market orders and may be executed at prices significantly different from the intended stop level, particularly during periods of high volatility or limited liquidity. Stop-limit orders carry the risk of not being executed at all if the market does not reach the limit price. It is important to understand that neither type of order guarantees execution at a specific price. Market conditions can change rapidly due to scheduled or unexpected news events, and even quiet markets may experience sudden disruptions. These factors can affect trade execution in ways that may not be predictable or controllable.
CME_MINI:ES1!Education
by OptimusFutures
6
Click…Click…Boom : What’s Your Count?Hello Traders and welcome to Crypto Aera. The inspiration for today’s episode comes from a conversation I had recently. Someone asked me, "I’m moving up in my position size, and there’s this knot in my stomach. I’m numb to smaller figures, but now I’m stressed." That stayed with me. A few days later, I stood on a beach, watching the waves lap against a shore covered in endless pebbles. As I began stacking them, I noticed a pattern. The higher the stack climbed, the more precise I had to be. I spent longer searching for flat, perfectly matched pebbles. You see, you can’t throw a large pebble on top of a small one, followed by another large one, and expect stability. The tower will hesitate, teeter for a moment, and then collapse under the weight of imbalance. Trading is no different. It’s physics, it’s art, it’s strategy. Your foundation—your portfolio—can only carry so much unless each decision is deliberate, consistent, aligned. A misplaced pebble, much like a poorly timed trade, and you’re staring at the rubble of a once-promising stack, left with barely 8%—if you’re fortunate. Similar-sized, flat pebbles stack because consistency breeds strength. The higher you go, the more thoughtful you must become. The rules of pebble stacking and trading are inseparable. Now, let’s address that knot in your stomach. How do you conquer it? You embrace the crash. You let the tower burn—not on its own terms, but on yours. You take control. Cut the trade, close it yourself. It may seem like a minor act, but it’s not. Holding on for hours, days, endlessly hoping, is how you wear yourself down, tumble-dry your psyche into exhaustion. But here’s the alchemy of transformation: you choose the moment. Pick the time, pick the place, and sever the cord. Because waiting for the market to punish you, to bring your tower down, is surrender. Hope is a subtle assassin, and hesitation will chain you to stagnation. Don’t allow it. Let the tower fall, let it crash. That moment—the collapse—is not an end. It’s a doorway. It’s the reset button, the gateway to moving forward. Guilt? Leave it behind. Regret? That’s weight you can’t afford. Be nimble, be decisive. Don’t get swept away by the explosion; walk yourself out of that burning tower with precision and strength. Scars are avoidable if you leave on your terms. Every trade is a deliberate action, a piece of a larger construction. Each choice builds your tower, step by step, click by click. The market’s tide can shift in an instant, but you can decide whether you stand still, hesitating, or take action to preserve what you can. So I’ll ask you: What’s your count? How many pebbles have you stacked? How many missteps have you learned from? Each toppled stack is not failure—it’s a masterclass in rebuilding, stronger and sharper. Balance risk and reward, ambition and patience. Understand that every pebble plays a role. Yes, at the bottom of the stack it's not a heavy burden... it's when you see growth... that's where things tend to get wobbly. And next time you feel that knot in your stomach, remember this: you are the architect of your stack. You are the one who decides when to burn the tower and when to build it higher. Don’t hesitate. Act. Thank you for tuning in to Crypto Aera's Mental Analysis Navigation. Until next time: keep stacking, keep counting, and keep mastering. PS: Split your stacks. Over and Out, Craft
Education
by LCraft
1
Behind the Numbers : Meet Your Dark SideIn the heart of every trader lies an unspoken duality—a relentless pursuit of precision battling against a ravenous hunger for chaos. It begins innocuously enough: the first trade, the first click, the first taste of triumph. But beneath the surface, hidden in the shadows of spreadsheets and tickers, a darker force stirs. It’s cunning, calculating, and seductive—a predator dressed in the guise of ambition. You meet this dark side not in moments of triumph, but in the haunting seconds between fear and greed. It whispers to you as the market turns against you, as the screens bleed red and your pulse quickens. It watches as your composure fractures, as your carefully laid plans buckle under the weight of desperation. It thrives in the silence, in the endless ticking of the clock as you hesitate, second-guess, and linger on the edge of ruin. The dark side is not an external force; it is you. It is your impatience when the chart doesn’t move fast enough, your overconfidence when the numbers briefly tilt in your favor. It is the knot in your stomach, the feverish obsession, the siren call of doubling down when you know you shouldn’t. It is your recklessness disguised as boldness and your hesitation masked as strategy. You don’t fight the dark side. You negotiate with it. You confront it, standing toe-to-toe, dissecting its motives and unmasking its lies. To do otherwise is to surrender—becoming a puppet to your own fear, enslaved to the same impulses that destroy those who lack the discipline to conquer themselves. In trading, the battlefield is not the market. It’s the war within you. And to emerge victorious, you must first meet your adversary: YOURSELF. Craft
Education
by LCraft
The Hot Seat: Adapt or BurnSo, you've found yourself squarely in the hot seat. Welcome to the Trading Trail, Dorothy—except this isn’t Kansas, and you’re lightyears from home. This is new terrain, uncharted and merciless. In prior episodes, I barely skimmed over the dark side of trading—the facets of your psyche that stealthily pilot your decisions. Perhaps it left you sighing, unsure of where to begin. Let's change that today. Consider this a no-frills exposé into the abyss—the countless unseen facets of your being that dictate your behavior on autopilot. As traders, many scream manipulation as markets sway violently against their carefully plotted plans. Yet, all the market truly does is wield a figurative hot pogo stick, jabbing precisely where your weak points lie—not maliciously, but with unerring precision. Let’s be honest. Western Hollywood scripts spoon-feed us formulaic redemption arcs. Fifteen minutes in, the hero lands their mission. Fifteen minutes before the credits roll, the final showdown begins. Tomato, tomahto—it’s predictable fluff. But real life doesn’t stick to screenplay rules. It’s jagged, it’s raw, and the narrative rarely ties up neatly. If you’re seeking depth, you won’t find it in blockbuster tropes—you’ll find it by doxxing your own dark side. That’s right—exposing the facets of yourself you don’t even realize exist. It’s intense, it’s uncomfortable, but it’s transformative. Here's a quick roll call of scenarios you might recognize: - You close your trade prematurely due to impatience and wavering conviction. - You've DCA'd your account into oblivion, clutching blind hope from a TA analysis you were too stubborn to question—aka Disney goggles. - Revenge trading—you've been there, too. We all have. Here’s the brutal truth: every “loss” is nothing more than the market holding up a mirror to your imbalances. Every poke, every jab, is a lesson about you. Your job isn’t to whine about manipulation, but to analyze yourself. Figure out where you are falling short, because the longer you deny your flaws, the deeper that pogo stick sears into your psyche. Embrace the battlefield; don’t cower. The market is your adversary, yes—but it’s also your greatest teacher. Now, the million-dollar question—where do you begin? Start by delving into the layers of yourself. Explore tools like the Myers-Briggs personality test—it’s one type of gateway to understanding your cognitive tendencies. Answer impulsively, not meticulously, to ensure untainted results. Once you unearth your MBTI type, dive deeper. YouTube has a treasure trove of creators offering insights, and here’s a quirky trick: pay attention to the memes that resonate with your dark humor—if it makes you laugh, it may hold clues to your personality type. Go further. Unearth whether you align with alpha, beta, gamma, or sigma archetypes. And don’t cheat—being an alpha isn’t necessary for trading success. Honesty is paramount. The market will sniff out dishonesty like a bloodhound. Are you a Heyoka empath? Research it thoroughly, as such individuals often absorb and act under external influences. Understanding this facet could shield your portfolio from emotional sway. Perhaps astrology speaks to you. If it does, approach it with sophistication—understanding your sun, moon, and ascendant sign is merely scratching the surface. True mastery lies in uncovering the full depth of your natal chart through the myriad systems that exist. Trading and astrology, though seemingly worlds apart, share a startling resemblance: both rely heavily on indicators, and both are prone to human inconsistency. Ultimately, explore yourself as though you’re reconstructing a high-performance machine. What happens when your rev limiter is in the red, the tires gripping the pavement at 144mph—do you fishtail with control or spin into oblivion? That’s trading in its essence, but you’re motionless in a chair, adrenaline pumping, palms sweating. The goal? Serenity. No matter whether you rake in gains or cut losses, your micro-expression remains unchanged— neutral and poised. Not numb or robotic, but wholesome and unshakeable. When you embrace this awareness, you transform. You shed skin like a serpent, emerging sharp, agile, and complete. Suddenly, the market loses its fangs. You dodge the pogo stick like a lethal machine, executing trades with finesse. You stop being a victim, instead becoming a warrior. The market ceases to intimidate, recognizing you as an equal contender. There are countless tools to learn more about yourself. Skip the IQ tests—this isn’t about being book-smart. Explore psychological tests, data intake styles, and sensory preferences. What works for others may not work for you, and that’s okay. Clarity is the key. And before you dive in each day, try the Human Benchmark website—a simple way to check your mental acuity. If you’re off your game, sleep. The trade can wait. Finally, ponder the Dark Triad—a concept that brushes against psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism. It’s not just a speculative theory—it exists all around us. Are you one? Are you dealing with one? Knowing yourself will sharpen your moral compass and guide your decisions in the battlefield. Trading isn’t just a skill. It’s an intimate confrontation with your entire self—the good, the bad, and the shadowy. And like any great narrative, the real depth doesn’t come from shortcuts—it comes from the untamed, unvarnished truth. Craft
Education
by LCraft
2
Trader’s Metabolism : “Dragon, Well Done… Please”Trading isn’t just skill. It’s survival. And survival isn’t a phase—it’s a permanent residency. It’s 90% of the job. The other 10%? We’ll get to that when you’ve stopped bleeding. Because when the market burns you down, it doesn’t just torch your wallet. It leaves a mark. Personal. Intimate. Like an ex who knew your passwords and your childhood traumas. You don’t just lose money—parts of you are marked with an invisible highlighter and then used against you. That is the feeling. No specific term for it—it’s different for everyone, but it’s there. A delayed punch. The shock hits first, then the sting. You thought you were unfazed? Cute. It always hits. Every loss leaves a signature. You’re basically a walking hall of fame. Who’s fame though? The market makers, the "manipulators" as some may say? Of course there are traders who rise. It’s not because they cracked the code. It’s because they paid the maintenance fee. Not in dollars—but in discipline. And the only way to pay that? You keep your trading metabolism in check—at all costs. That spark of momentum? Momentum doesn’t arrive in grand gestures. It sneaks in through the absurd: • Scrubbing your stove like it insulted your ancestors. • Folding socks with military precision. • Blending kale and chia like it’s alchemical fuel that could summon capital gains. It’s ridiculous. But it’s survival. These micro-wins? They’re dopamine. Pure. Primal. When the market denies you progress, you hunt that feeling down elsewhere. Anywhere. Invisible anchors. Here’s the con: You set a goal—“By this day, I’ll hit X and I’ll buy Y.” Sounds motivational. Feels empowering. It’s not. It’s a booby-trap with your name on it. You just promised your nervous system salvation through consumerism. And when the market delays the payout? That thing you prescribed? It becomes poisonous. You’re not chasing gains—you’re fleeing your own unmet expectations. It drags. It suffocates. It taunts. Euphoria’s Dark Side: Dopamine doesn’t care if you’re building an empire or torching it. You set a magic number. You dream about the condo. You think shiny gear will fix your edge. Sure. Until it doesn’t. Then what? You start resenting dreams you haven’t bought. Blaming the strategy that wasn’t the problem. Watching motivation rot into mockery. Your trading plan looked good—right up until your emotions co-signed the exit. That trade wasn’t bad. You were. And that’s the part we don’t backtest. The Metabolic Reset: How do you fight back? You stop begging the market for meaning. You stop trading for things. You start building systems for hardcore exposure and unkind weather. Discipline becomes your operating system—one that doesn’t crash, only upgrades. We tend to address and slay the exterior dragons first: Habits. Routines. Appearance. Our environment. Don’t get me wrong, they are an absolute must. The acrobatic part is to turn inward—face the lurking dragons hidden beneath layered gates of facade in your psyche: It’s typically titled, “This is how I am”. The market doesn’t see you, let alone your dreams. However it will mirror your chaos back to you, with laser precision. Like a funhouse reflection—only it costs real money and sanity. This 2D screen you look at was built on leveraging you against yourself. Whoever made it is a sick genius who carved a niche in demand. Props to them. Diabolical. Elegant. Honestly, deserves a Netflix origin story. Maybe call it: "The Algorithm: A Love Letter to Human Delusion. Starring you… as every character.” The Fuel. This is your metabolism. Messy. Brutal. Relentless. But it’s also the separator. Between those who stay the same—and those who evolve. So kill the fantasy. Drop the anchors. Burn the wishlist. And if you ever do buy that yacht? Do Keep the AC running. Because the second you slack on overhead maintenance cost—you’re not sailing, you’re renovating… again. So when you rebuild yourself for the ninth, twentieth, seventy-fifth time…thinking, “Surely this is it. I’m done now.” You’re not. It’s infinite. Like they say, “More money, more problems…” Well, more experience? More sophisticated problems. The only thing left to do…is see yourself clearly enough that the market can’t use you against you anymore. Keep slaying. The tides do turn. Just don’t forget: dragons respawn. Craft
Education
by LCraft
How to Set Custom Alerts for Futures Trading in TradingViewThis tutorial video demonstrates how to access and add custom alerts for futures and other types of trading as well as manage those alerts. Learn more about trading futures with Optimus Futures using the TradingView platform here: optimusfutures.com Disclaimer: There is a substantial risk of loss in futures trading. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Please trade only with risk capital. We are not responsible for any third-party links, comments, or content shared on TradingView. Any opinions, links, or messages posted by users on TradingView do not represent our views or recommendations. Please exercise your own judgment and due diligence when engaging with any external content or user commentary.
CME_MINI:NQ1!Education
by OptimusFutures
Bitcoin vs Gold: Which One Deserves Your Money in 2025 ?Hello Traders 🐺 As you probably guessed from the title and the thumbnail, today I want to dive into a key question that many of us have asked at some point: 👉 Which asset is better for you — Bitcoin or Gold? The answer depends heavily on your strategy, and more importantly, where we are in the current economic cycle. Maybe you're thinking: "Why not both?" or even "Why compare them at all?" Fair question — so let's break it down: Before Bitcoin emerged, Gold was the go-to asset to hedge against inflation. People used it for saving, wealth storage, and security — and to this day, central banks and governments still accumulate and rely on gold more than ever. But after Bitcoin started gaining real traction in the global financial system, many began to see it as even more valuable than gold. 🪙 Why? The Case for Bitcoin The reason is simple: There will only ever be 21 million BTC. No one can print it. No one can duplicate it. And perhaps most importantly — you can hold it with just 12 words. That’s it. Now imagine trying to store $10 million worth of gold. You’d need vaults, transport, security... With BTC? You could fit that same value in your pocket — or even memorize it. So let’s tackle the first question: 1. Which one is easier to hold? ✅ BTC wins here. It’s lightweight, borderless, and accessible. Gold, on the other hand, requires physical space, secure storage, and logistical costs. You're probably not putting bars of gold in your backpack. 2. Which one is more secure? Well — that depends on how you define security. → If you're talking about storage and access, then blockchain security and private key protection give BTC a clear edge. → But if you're talking about price stability, Gold is still the safer choice. Bitcoin is famously volatile. It can move 10% in a day. We've seen 70% crashes even outside of bear markets. So if you're risk-averse or looking for less volatile assets, then Gold makes more sense. 3. Supply and Inflation Another key difference lies in supply dynamics: Governments and miners can continue to expand Gold’s supply over time. But with BTC, the supply is fixed — forever. That’s one of the biggest arguments in favor of BTC as a long-term store of value. Final Thoughts: 💡 The biggest strength of BTC is that it's finite, portable, and decentralized. 💡 The biggest strength of Gold is that it's stable, less volatile, and battle-tested over centuries. We could continue this comparison much longer — but now I want to hear your thoughts: 👉 Which one do YOU prefer — Bitcoin or Gold? Drop your opinion in the comments 👇 And as always remember: 🐺 Discipline is rarely enjoyable, but almost always profitable. 🐺 — KIU_COIN
INDEX:BTCUSDEducation
by Kiu_Coin
28
How to Set Up and Use OCO Orders on TradingViewThis tutorial video explains what OCO (Order cancels orders) are, how they work, how to place them in Tradingview, and how they relate to bracket orders. You'll learn how to add them to new entry orders as well as existing positions. There is a substantial risk of loss in futures trading. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Please trade only with risk capital. We are not responsible for any third-party links, comments, or content shared on TradingView. Any opinions, links, or messages posted by users on TradingView do not represent our views or recommendations. Please exercise your own judgment and due diligence when engaging with any external content or user commentary.
CME_MINI:ES1!Education
by OptimusFutures
10
Why Financial Clarity Comes Before Any Forex Trade?Before any strategy or setup, I ask one thing: is my personal financial foundation strong enough to support this trade? In this reflection, I explore the direct impact that personal finance management has on trading performance — not as an abstract idea, but as a daily reality. When financial clarity is missing, emotional decision-making creeps in. When it’s present, I trade with more patience, discipline, and perspective. This is not trading advice. It’s a caution to those who see trading as a way out, rather than something built upon stable ground. Guess what? I am on a Demo Account. I will keep on trading on a Demo Account until I know that I have a solid risk management plan and a trading methodology that both will give me consistent profits. The whole Idea with personal finance management in forex trading is to know whether you can afford trading and once you know the answer to that what is your game plan. Just a quick hint.. If your answer is no; meaning that today you cannot afford trading, don't be discouraged, there is still a plan that can be designed. Actually, I think the ones who cannot afford trading are in a better positions than those who can. The ones who cannot afford trading today, can easily start learning without having the itch to open a live account.
Education
by TheInvestor_Diary
Trading Without Goals Is Just Gambling With StructureA lot of traders talk about discipline. But few realize that discipline has to be anchored to something. It doesn’t work in a vacuum. Without a clear reason to stay focused, most people eventually fall back into overtrading, revenge trading, or breaking their own rules. That “something” is your personal set of financial goals. If you’re trading without a list of well-defined, written goals—short term and long term—you’re not building a system. You’re improvising. And over time, the market will punish improvisation. Goals Create the Structure That Risk Management Lives In It’s common to hear that risk management is the key to long-term success in Forex. That’s true. But risk management doesn’t exist in isolation. You can’t determine how much to risk per trade if you don’t know what you’re aiming for in the big picture. When your trading plan is connected to real financial targets—like building a retirement fund, generating side income, or compounding over years, you stop treating each trade like a lottery ticket. Your lot size changes. Your trade frequency changes. Your psychology changes. Clarity Reduces Emotion One of the biggest causes of emotional trading is uncertainty. When you’re not clear on where you're going or why you’re even in a trade, the smallest loss can shake your confidence. A win might tempt you to increase your size. A string of losses might tempt you to change systems or walk away completely. But when you’re trading with a purpose, decisions become less reactive. You have a framework to evaluate whether something aligns with your objectives. And that makes it easier to say no to setups that don’t fit, or to walk away from the screen when nothing’s there. Write Your Goals Down—In Detail If your goals aren’t written, they don’t exist. And “make money” is not a goal. It’s a wish. Good goals are specific, time-based, and measurable. For example: Grow a $1,000 account to $1,500 over 6 months by risking 1% per trade Extract 4% per month on average while maintaining a max drawdown of 10% Build a track record of 100 trades with full journal documentation and risk control Once written, these goals form the backbone of your trading plan. They influence your risk-per-trade, your system choice, and how often you trade. They also give you a benchmark. You’ll know if you’re making progress or just going in circles. Final Thought: Know What You’re Playing For Too many traders operate without direction. They chase results, compare themselves to others, and burn out. It doesn’t have to be this way. Start with the end in mind. Know why you’re trading. Set real goals. And let those goals drive your decisions, your risk management, and your daily focus. Discipline becomes easier when you have something worth being disciplined for. I have been for 2.5 years on Demo, and will not move from there until I achieve the targets that I have set. Achieving those targets on Demo does mean I will achieve them on live trading. On the other hand, not achieving them on a Demo account mean that the only thing I will be able to achieve on a live account is blow the account away.
Education
by TheInvestor_Diary