Support & Resistance in Trading – Key Concepts & StrategiesSupport & Resistance in Trading – Key Concepts & Strategies
📌 What are Support & Resistance Levels?
Support and resistance are fundamental concepts in **technical analysis** that help traders identify key price levels where an asset's price is likely to **reverse, consolidate, or break through.
- **Support Level:** A price point where demand is strong enough to prevent further decline. When the price reaches support, buyers tend to step in, causing a bounce.
- **Resistance Level:** A price point where selling pressure is strong enough to prevent further rise. When the price reaches resistance, sellers often push the price lower.
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**🔹 Why Are Support & Resistance Important?**
1️⃣ **Identifying Reversal Points:** These levels help traders anticipate where price might change direction.
2️⃣ **Entry & Exit Strategy:** Traders use them to plan buy/sell positions, stop-loss, and take-profit levels.
3️⃣ **Breakouts & Fakeouts:** If price breaks through a key level, it signals a strong trend; however, false breakouts (fakeouts) can also occur.
4️⃣ **Psychological Impact:** Many traders watch these levels, making them **self-fulfilling price zones**.
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**📊 How to Identify Support & Resistance?**
- **Historical Price Action:** Look for levels where price previously reversed multiple times.
- **Trendlines:** Draw diagonal trendlines connecting higher lows (for support) or lower highs (for resistance).
- **Moving Averages (e.g., EMA50, EMA200):** Act as dynamic support/resistance.
- **Fibonacci Levels:** Key retracement levels (38.2%, 50%, 61.8%) often act as support/resistance.
- **Volume Analysis:** High volume near certain price levels indicates strong buying/selling pressure.
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**🔹 Trading Strategies Using Support & Resistance**
**1️⃣ Range Trading Strategy**
✅ **Buy near support** and **sell near resistance** when the market is moving sideways.
✅ Stop-loss: Below support for buy trades, above resistance for sell trades.
✅ Best used in **range-bound markets** (no strong trend).
**2️⃣ Breakout Trading Strategy**
✅ Enter a trade when price **breaks through a strong support or resistance** level.
✅ Confirm the breakout with **high volume** to avoid fakeouts.
✅ Stop-loss: Below the breakout level (for buy) or above (for sell).
**3️⃣ Retest Trading Strategy (Break & Retest)**
✅ After a breakout, wait for price to **retest the previous support/resistance** before entering.
✅ Provides a better entry with lower risk.
✅ Stop-loss: Below the retested level (for buy) or above (for sell).
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**📌 Common Mistakes Traders Make**
❌ **Buying too close to resistance** or **selling too close to support** – wait for confirmation.
❌ **Ignoring fakeouts** – always check volume & price action before entering a breakout trade.
❌ **Not using stop-losses** – markets can be unpredictable, and risk management is key.
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**📈 Example in Real Market (Gold – XAU/USD Analysis)**
- **Support:** $2,900
- **Resistance:** $2,950
- **Scenario 1 (Bullish Breakout):** If price **breaks above $2,950**, it could rally to $3,000.
- **Scenario 2 (Bearish Rejection):** If price **fails to break $2,950 and drops below $2,900**, a pullback to $2,870 is possible.
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**🔹 Final Thoughts**
Mastering support & resistance is essential for **both beginners and advanced traders**. By combining these levels with other indicators (EMA, RSI, volume), you can improve your trade accuracy and risk management.
Supportandresistancezones
8-Minute Guide to Trading Support & Resistance Feeling like you're guessing instead of trading? I've got you covered with this 8-minute crash course on finding support and resistance on TradingView. We'll look at where prices love to bounce back or break through, how to use that for your trades, and a quick trick to spot a real breakout.
Kris/Mindbloome Exchange
Trade What You See
Where & How to Draw Strong Support and Resistance Lines & Zones
In this article, I will teach you how to draw support and resistance.
We will discuss support and resistance lines, levels, zones.
You will learn where and how to find it properly with simply technical analysis technique that works on forex, gold or any other financial market.
First, let me note that the most reliable time frame for support and resistance analysis is the daily . The structures that you will find there will be appropriate for day trading, scalping and swing trading.
Once you open a daily time frame, you should choose a correct perspective . Because this t.f lets you see the price action even for the past couple of years.
You need to see the market movement for the last 2 months . It is more than enough to identify the recent key levels.
Above is AUDUSD on a daily. We see the price history for 2 months.
In order to identify significant supports and resistances, simply find the levels - the highs and lows that the market respected in the past and from where important movements started.
These are all such highs and lows that meet the criteria.
When I do the support/resistance analysis, I prefer to perceive it as clusters - the zones , taking into consideration the candle closes as well.
A support zone will be based on the level of the critical low and the lowest closest candle close.
A resistance zone will be based on the level of the high and
the highest closest candle close.
Following such a rule, here are the zones that I identified.
All the clusters that are identified will be applied as trading zones.
Within the supports, we look for buying opportunities.
While the resistances will be used for selling .
Depending on your trading style, and you choose a proper signal before you execute the trade.
Execute support and resistance analysis with care and attention, because it is the absolute basis of any technical analysis strategy.
With incorrect key levels identification, even the best trading strategy will fail .
I hope that the method that I showed you will help you in your trading journey.
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10 Brutal Truths About Why Retail Support & Resistance Fail !CAPITALCOM:GOLD
10 Reasons Why Retail Support and Resistance Levels Fail: Unlocking Gann’s Secrets to Market Mastery
Here’s a deeply researched, professional explanation for each point, infused with Gann’s quotes, examples, and concepts, to open the eyes of traders to why retail methods often fail and how Gann's wisdom provides clarity.
1. Static Levels in a Dynamic Market -
Explanation: Retail traders often draw support and resistance (S/R) lines as static horizontal levels, expecting the market to repeatedly respect them. However, Gann emphasized the dynamic nature of markets, stating:
"Markets are never still; they are always moving, reflecting time and price interplay."
Markets are influenced by cycles, trends, and time frames, making S/R levels fluid rather than fixed. For instance, Gann’s Square of Nine shows how support and resistance rotate based on angles and time increments, offering precise levels that adapt dynamically. Retail traders fail to adjust their levels as time progresses, missing key changes in price behavior.
2. Failure to Incorporate Time -
Explanation: Retail S/R methods typically ignore the role of time, which is a critical element in Gann's work. Gann wrote:
"Time is the most important factor in determining market movements."
Support may fail not because the level was invalid but because the "time factor" for that level has expired. For example, in Gann’s Time Cycles, support at a certain price might hold only for a specific duration. When that time passes, the level loses its relevance. Retail traders, unaware of such timing principles, are often blindsided when the market breaks their "strong" levels.
3. Lack of Confluence with Angles -
Explanation: Gann’s methodologies prioritize the confluence of price and angle relationships. He believed that price moves in harmony with geometric angles, stating:
"When price meets time at an angle, a change is imminent."
Retail traders fail to consider these angular relationships, focusing only on flat horizontal lines. For example, a 45° angle from a significant low often acts as a true support, but retail traders, relying solely on previous price zones, miss these powerful turning points.
4. Overcrowding and Psychological Herding -
Explanation: S/R levels widely used by retail traders often attract a large number of orders at the same price zone, making them predictable and vulnerable to institutional manipulation. Gann noted:
"The crowd is often wrong, and the minority drives the market."
Institutions exploit this herding by triggering stop-losses just below support or above resistance, creating false breakouts. For instance, Gann’s "Law of Vibration" explains how markets seek equilibrium by disrupting imbalances created by crowd psychology.
5. Ignoring Volume Analysis
Explanation: Retail traders rarely integrate volume into their S/R analysis. Gann emphasized the importance of volume, stating:
"Price movements must be confirmed by volume to validate strength."
Support may appear to hold, but without accompanying volume, the level lacks significance. A practical Gann-based example would involve observing increased volume near a critical angle or price zone, signaling genuine strength or weakness at that level.
6. Using Recent Highs/Lows Without Context -
Explanation: Many retail traders base S/R levels on recent highs and lows, assuming these are universally strong zones. Gann criticized such oversimplified approaches, writing:
"The past governs the future, but only through proper analysis of cycles and patterns."
Without analyzing historical patterns and cycles, these levels are often superficial. For example, Gann's Master Charts reveal that true resistance may lie at a harmonic distance from an earlier historical pivot, not necessarily at the recent high.
7. Misunderstanding False Breakouts -
Explanation: Retail traders often misinterpret false breakouts as failures of support or resistance. Gann explained this phenomenon through his price and time squares, stating:
"A breakout without harmony is often a trap, designed to mislead the majority."
For instance, a false breakout above resistance might align with a Gann angle signaling a reversal, confusing those relying solely on retail S/R levels.
8. Ignoring Market Structure and Trend -
Explanation: Retail traders often focus on S/R levels without understanding the broader market structure or trend. Gann believed:
"The trend is your friend until time signals the end."
Support is more likely to hold in an uptrend, while resistance is stronger in a downtrend. A classic Gann principle involves combining market structure with angular analysis to determine whether S/R levels will hold or break.
9. Failure to Account for Gann's Price Harmonies -
Explanation: Gann’s studies reveal that price moves in harmonic relationships, often tied to Fibonacci ratios and geometric principles. Retail traders using arbitrary S/R levels fail to respect these harmonies. For example, Gann's observation of price doubling or halving (e.g., $50 to $100) often defines true support or resistance.
10. Reliance on One-Timeframe Analysis -
Explanation:
Retail traders frequently analyze S/R on a single timeframe, missing the interplay between multiple timeframes. Gann emphasized multi-timeframe alignment, writing:
"The major trend governs the minor trend, and the minor trend refines the major."
Support on an hourly chart may fail if it conflicts with resistance on a daily chart. Gann’s multi-timeframe methods ensure alignment, reducing the likelihood of failure.
Updated Closing Thought-
By understanding the reasons why retail support and resistance often fail and incorporating Gann’s time-tested principles, traders can elevate their skills to a professional level. Gann's focus on time, price, and geometry provides a roadmap to understanding the market with unparalleled precision.
This content is invaluable for anyone seeking trading mastery, so don't keep it to yourself! Save this and share it with your friends so they can benefit too. Follow for more absolutely valuable and free trading insights!
A Risk Tolerance Test for All TradersRisk Tolerance trips up more traders than any other emotional aspect of trading stocks, or any other asset class. How is your risk tolerance? Would you say that you have a good stable risk tolerance? Or is it the main reason you take small gains or losses?
If you need help evaluating your risk tolerance, take this Risk Tolerance Test . If any of these apply, then there is a problem you need to address:
Do you get stopped out of trades and then watch as the stock moves up? This is caused by setting stops too tightly for the kind of trading style being used.
Do you panic as the stock retraces and lower the stop loss to avoid getting stopped out? This actually increases risk rather than lowering it.
Do you raise your stop loss before the stock forms a new consolidation for support? This also increases risk rather than lessening it. There is higher risk that you will get stopped out prematurely.
Do you check profit or loss everyday on your held stocks? Position traders should only be checking their balance once a month. Swing traders could wait for the end of the month but can do it weekly.
Are you a swing trader who checks your positions intraday to see what is happening? This runs the risk of reacting prematurely to intraday volatility that eventually evens out.
Have you given up on using stop losses because "they don't work"? You probably just need to learn a better method for placing stop losses.
Do you hold and hold with no stop loss, watching a stock tumble, unable to exit and ultimately exiting too late or "holding long term" instead? This is a chronic problem among retail traders that indicates the lack of a complete trading plan, one that provides a plan for when your holdings go against your intent.
To keep your risk tolerance in check try adding these simple steps to your trade analysis:
Carefully check the Risk to Reward ratio of your picks, and only trade stocks with a good probability for profit vs. loss.
Consider the amount of money at risk in each trade. Think about how you would feel if you lost that money should the trade go against you. Add this parameter to your trading rules.
Lower overall market risk by trading more than one or two stocks at a time. Spread your capital outlay over a few picks rather than putting it all on one trade.
Use stop losses on every trade. Place stops under the appropriate support levels for the chart patterns and your intent.
If you are a Swing Trader, it is important to enter trades only on strong market days. Not every flat day is a good day to swing trade. You'll keep more of your profits over time if you wait for ideal days and picks.
The simplest way to improve risk tolerance is to continually paper trade on a Simulator even after you've started trading live. Most beginners do not practice executing their trading plan sufficiently before jumping into the market. They allow emotion to cloud better judgment and let greed overwhelm decisions. Trading is the only business where normally calm, intelligent, and wise people do really greedy things that end up being foolish and risky. And it all comes down to the emotions that come with money, especially fear, greed and pride.
Traders have one thing to compete against and that is their own emotions, which can cause poor decisions. My best advice for all traders is this: compete against your own prior trading history to improve results, and ignore what is going on with everyone else.
Summary:
Emotional control comes from having a sound plan, sticking with it, and not changing it because the market has moved on a whim or some guy on social just made a lot of money. Create your trading style, which is a plan of attack for the market. Set out your strategies and use the correct ones for the current Market Condition. Only trade stocks that have a risk factor you can live with. Use stop losses appropriately, and you will be successful. Problems occur somewhere in all of this, when traders miss a step and deviate from the plan.
When you feel emotions getting out of hand, controlling your trading decisions, consider the above checklists for help evaluating and adjusting your mindset. Greed is a tough emotion to control, because it is insidious and hard to identify in ourselves. Fear is easy to identify and much easier to control or harness. A certain amount of fear is necessary and good in the market, because it keeps individuals from taking too much risk. However, fear that dominates daily emotional energy only creates constant losses. Think about this and study prior trades. If they performed well after being stopped out, then there is a risk problem to address in your trading plan.
Mastering Support and Resistance: An Essential Tools for SuccessSupport and resistance are cornerstone principles in trading, offering crucial insights into price dynamics and market behavior. These levels act as key indicators, signaling points where an asset's price is likely to either pause or reverse direction. Support refers to the price level where strong demand prevents further declines, while resistance marks the point where selling pressure halts a price rise. Understanding and effectively utilizing these concepts can make a significant difference in trading success.
In the realm of technical analysis, which focuses on using historical market data to predict future price movements, understanding support and resistance is essential. Traders rely on these levels to pinpoint optimal trade entry and exit points while also managing risk effectively. By recognizing where the market may reverse or maintain its trajectory, traders can craft more robust strategies.
Decoding Support and Resistance Levels
Support and resistance levels are vital price points on a chart that traders use to forecast future market behavior. Support represents a level where a downtrend is likely to pause, driven by a concentration of buying interest. In other words, it's the price point where demand is strong enough to stop further declines. For instance, if a stock repeatedly drops to $100 and then bounces back, $100 becomes a recognized support level.
On the flip side, resistance is the price level where an uptrend often halts due to a high volume of sellers. Unlike support, resistance is where selling pressure overpowers buying interest, preventing prices from climbing further. If a stock consistently hits $150 and then retreats, $150 serves as a resistance level.
Example Support and Resistance on Silver
These levels are significant because they represent psychological thresholds for market participants. When prices approach support, buyers may step in, seeing it as a good entry point. Conversely, when prices near resistance, sellers might take action, expecting the price to struggle moving higher. Understanding how these levels work helps traders refine their timing and make more informed decisions.
The Impact of Support and Resistance in Technical Analysis
Support and resistance are pivotal in technical analysis, guiding traders in interpreting market movements and predicting future price trends. These levels act as psychological barriers that help determine whether a price trend will persist or reverse.
For example, if a stock repeatedly approaches a resistance level but fails to break through, traders may interpret this as strong selling pressure and consider selling or shorting the asset. Conversely, if a price consistently rebounds off a support level, traders might see it as a buying opportunity.
Example Resistance and Support on Apple Stock
Visual tools like charts and diagrams are indispensable for identifying support and resistance levels. By drawing horizontal lines at points where the price has historically reversed, traders can easily spot critical levels and predict potential market movements. These visual aids enhance decision-making by providing a clear picture of where key price barriers lie.
The Crucial Role of Support and Resistance Levels in Trading Strategies
Support and resistance levels are the foundation of successful trading strategies, offering traders the tools to optimize entry and exit points, maximize profits, and manage risks effectively.
For example, when a price hovers near a support level, a trader might take a long position, anticipating a rise in value. Simultaneously, they could place a Stop Loss just below the support level to limit potential losses if the price unexpectedly drops. Similarly, resistance levels provide invaluable insights for deciding when to exit trades or set profit targets. If a price approaches resistance, it might be wise to close a position to secure gains or prepare for a possible reversal.
Understanding and identifying support and resistance levels also play a vital role in risk management. Setting Stop Loss orders near these levels helps traders protect their capital from significant losses if the market turns against them. This disciplined approach not only enhances profitability but also promotes long-term success in trading.
Different Forms of Support and Resistance
Support and resistance levels come in various forms, each providing unique perspectives on market behavior. The most common types include horizontal levels, trendlines, and moving averages.
--Horizontal Support and Resistance: These levels are drawn at points where the price has consistently reversed in the past, making them straightforward and widely recognized.
Horizontal Resistance on Tesla Stock
--Trendline Support and Resistance: Trendlines connect a series of higher lows in an uptrend or lower highs in a downtrend, acting as dynamic support and resistance. In an uptrend, the trendline can signal buying opportunities, while in a downtrend, it might serve as resistance.
Trendline Support on EUR/USD
--Moving Averages: Moving averages, such as the 50-day or 200-day average, often act as support or resistance. For instance, during an uptrend, a pullback to the 50-day moving average can indicate a buying opportunity.
Moving Averages Used as Support and Resistance on USD/CAD
How to Identify Key Support and Resistance Levels
To identify strong support and resistance levels, traders use several strategies:
--Spot Price Clusters: Look for areas where the price consistently reverses direction, signaling strong support or resistance zones.
--Use Technical Indicators: Tools like Fibonacci retracements help identify potential reversal levels during pullbacks by dividing a price move into key percentages (38.2%, 50%, and 61.8%).
Fibonacci Tool used as Support and Resistance areas on DXY
Common Pitfalls When Using Support and Resistance in Trading
While support and resistance are essential, there are common mistakes traders should avoid:
--Over-Reliance on Exact Numbers: Support and resistance are better viewed as zones rather than exact values. Prices may fluctuate slightly above or below these levels before reversing.
--Ignoring Confirmation Signals: Jumping into trades without confirmation can lead to losses. Always look for signs like candlestick patterns or increased volume to confirm that the level will hold.
--Chasing Breakouts Too Hastily: Not all breakouts result in sustained trends. Waiting for confirmation, such as increased volume, helps avoid being caught in a false breakout.
--Impatience: Many traders act prematurely at support or resistance levels. Patience is key—stick to your trading plan and wait for the right setup.
Advanced Strategies for Support and Resistance Trading
For more experienced traders, support and resistance levels can serve as the basis for advanced strategies:
--Breakouts: A breakout occurs when the price moves above resistance or below support, often signaling the start of a new trend. Confirming breakouts with increased volume helps reduce the risk of false signals.
Breakout Confirmation on BTC
--Fakeouts: Prices may temporarily breach support or resistance before reversing direction. Advanced traders capitalize on these by waiting for the price to return within the range and then taking positions in the opposite direction.
Fakeouts on BTC
--Reversals: Traders use reversal strategies when the price changes direction after hitting support or resistance, often signaling the start of a new trend.
Area $72000 resistance used as reversal on BTC
Conclusion
Mastering support and resistance levels is vital for any trader aiming for long-term success. These concepts are the backbone of technical analysis, guiding traders in making informed decisions about when to enter, exit, and manage risks. By understanding and identifying key support and resistance zones, traders can predict price movements, spot opportunities, and refine their strategies.
Incorporating technical analysis into your trading routine will boost your confidence in navigating the market. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned trader, honing your skills with support and resistance can lead to more disciplined and profitable trading.
A+ Trade Set ups All From Respecting Simple Levels! We identify high-quality trade opportunities by focusing on key support and resistance levels. By respecting these fundamental price points, traders can enhance their decision-making process. Support levels act as a floor where buying interest tends to emerge, while resistance levels serve as a ceiling where selling pressure usually mounts. Recognizing and adhering to these simple levels helps traders pinpoint entry and exit points more effectively, increasing the probability of successful trades and improving overall trading performance.
AMEX:SPY
75: Comprehensive Guide to Volume Profiles and Volume in TradingWhat is a Volume Profile?
A Volume Profile is an advanced charting tool that plots the amount of trading activity (volume) across different price levels over a specific period. Unlike traditional volume indicators that only show volume over time, Volume Profiles provide insights into where the majority of trading took place, highlighting key areas of support and resistance, as well as zones of high and low interest among traders.
Key Components of Volume Profiles:
1. Point of Control (POC) : This is the price level where the highest volume of trades occurred. The POC is a crucial level because it represents the price at which traders found the most value, making it a strong indicator of support or resistance.
2. Value Area (VA) : The Value Area represents the range of prices where approximately 70% of the volume was traded. This area is divided into the Value Area High (VAH) and Value Area Low (VAL). The VA is significant because it identifies the zone where most market participants were active, providing a clear picture of market consensus on value.
3. High Volume Nodes (HVN) and Low Volume Nodes (LVN) : HVNs are price levels where there was a large amount of trading activity, indicating significant interest and often serving as strong support or resistance levels. LVNs, on the other hand, represent areas with minimal trading activity, where prices tend to move quickly due to the lack of interest.
The Importance of Volume in Trading
Volume is a fundamental aspect of market analysis, offering insights into the strength and sustainability of price movements. It reflects the level of participation in a market, indicating the intensity of buying or selling at different price levels.
- Confirmation of Price Movements : High volume confirms the legitimacy of a price move. For example, a price breakout from a resistance level on high volume is more likely to be sustained than one on low volume.
- Reversals and Continuations : Spikes in volume can signal potential reversals, especially when occurring at significant price levels such as the POC or near the VA boundaries. Conversely, a sustained high volume along a trend can indicate its continuation.
- Validation of Support and Resistance : Volume at key levels like the POC, VAH, and VAL helps validate these areas as strong support or resistance. When price interacts with these levels on high volume, it suggests that many market participants are active, reinforcing the importance of these price levels.
How to Interpret and Use Volume Profiles:
1. Identifying Key Price Levels :
- The POC acts as a magnet for price, often drawing the price back to it when it moves away. This level is crucial for identifying potential areas of reversal or consolidation.
- The Value Area is where the majority of the trading activity occurs. Prices above the VAH might indicate an overbought condition, while prices below the VAL could suggest an oversold market.
2. Volume and Market Sentiment :
- High Volume Nodes indicate areas of significant interest, where prices tend to stabilize due to heavy trading. These areas often become zones of accumulation or distribution, depending on market conditions.
- Low Volume Nodes indicate price levels with minimal trading interest, where prices may move quickly and encounter less resistance, often leading to rapid price changes or breakouts.
3. Order Flow and Large Volume Blocks :
- Large blocks of volume, particularly at HVNs, suggest the presence of institutional traders or significant market participants placing large orders. These zones are critical because they reflect where big players are accumulating or distributing their positions. As a result, these areas tend to create strong support or resistance levels that can define future market behavior.
4. Dynamic vs. Static Profiles :
- Volume Profile Visible Range (VPVR): This type of profile updates as you scroll through your chart, dynamically showing the volume distribution for the visible price range. It’s useful for analyzing the current market context and finding immediate trading opportunities.
- Fixed Range Volume Profile (FRVP): This profile is static, showing volume data for a specified price range or time period. It’s valuable for comparing current price action to historical data, helping identify long-term support and resistance levels.
Practical Tips for Using Volume Profiles :
1. Customization and Settings :
- Adjust the number of rows or ticks per row in your Volume Profile settings to get a more detailed or broader view of volume distribution. More rows will give you finer detail, while fewer rows will smooth out the data, highlighting major trends.
2. Combining with Other Indicators :
- Use Volume Profiles in conjunction with other technical indicators like moving averages, RSI, or MACD to confirm trading signals and enhance the reliability of your analysis.
3. Adapting to Different Timeframes :
- Tailor your Volume Profile analysis to your trading style. For day traders, shorter timeframes (e.g., 5, 15, 30 minutes) might be more relevant, while swing traders or investors might focus on daily, weekly, or even monthly profiles to identify long-term trends and key levels.
4. Observing Market Reactions at Key Levels :
- Pay close attention to how the market reacts when it approaches HVNs, LVNs, the POC, or the boundaries of the Value Area. These reactions can provide clues about future price movements and potential trading opportunities.
Volume Profiles offer a deep and nuanced view of market behavior by highlighting where significant trading activity has occurred at different price levels. By understanding the interaction between volume and price, traders can make more informed decisions, identify key levels for entry and exit, and gain insights into market sentiment. Integrating Volume Profile analysis into your trading strategy can provide a significant edge, enhancing your ability to navigate the complexities of financial markets.
What is Support and Resistance in Trading. Key Levels Basics
In the today's article, we will discuss the absolute basics of technical analysis: support and resistance levels.
I will explain to you why support and resistance are important , how to identify them properly, and we will discuss what is the difference between support and resistance level and support or resistance zone.
Let's start with a definition of a support .
A support is a historically significant price level that lies below the current prices of an asset.
While a resistance is a historically significant price level that is above the current prices.
From a key resistance, a bearish movement will be anticipated in futures, while from a key support, a bullish reaction will be expected.
Take a look at EURAUD pair, we can see a perfect example of a key resistance level.
2 times in a row, the market dropped from that in the past, confirming its significance.
By a historical significance , I mean that the price reacted strongly to such price level in the past and a strong bullish, bearish movement initiated from that.
Above is the example of a key horizontal support on EURCHF. The underlined key level was respected by the market multiple times in the past.
From time to time, the market breaks key levels.
After a breakout , a support turns into resistance
and a resistance turns into support.
Above is the example of a breakout of a key support on GBPNZD, after its violation it turned into resistance from where a bearish movement followed.
Always remember, that in order to confirm a breakout of a key support, we strictly need a candle close below that.
By the way, the structure here is also the zone, but we will discuss it later on.
Above is the example of a breakout of a key resistance, that turned into support after a violation.
Very often, newbie traders ask me, how many times the price should react to a key level to make it valid.
I do believe that 1 time is more than enough, however, make sure that the reaction to that is strong .
Above are key support and resistance on GBPCAD. Even though both structures were respected just one time in the past, the reaction to them was strong enough to confirm that the underlined levels are the key levels.
However, historical significance of a key support or resistance is not enough to make it valid.
What matters is the most recent reaction of the price to that.
Key supports and resistance lose their significance with time, and your job as a technical analyst, is to stay flexible and adapt to changing market conditions, regularly updating your analysis.
Above is a key resistance level on AUDJPY from where the market dropped heavily 2 times in a row.
However, with time, the underlined resistance lost its significance.
Such a structure is not a key level anymore.
Remember a simple rule: if a key structure is not respected by the sellers, and by the buyers after its breakout.
Or vice versa: if a key structure is not respected by the buyers, and then by the sellers after its breakout.
Such a structure is not a key level , and you should not rely on that in the future.
In our example, the resistance was broken - it was neglected by the sellers. After the breakout, it should have turned into support, but the buyers also neglected that and the structure lost its strength.
Now, a couple of words about time frames,
you can identify key support and resistances on any time frame, but
the rule is that higher is the time frame, more significant are the supports and resistances there.
In my analysis, I primarily rely on support and resistance on a daily time frame.
Always remember that the financial markets are not perfect and the prices will quite rarely respect the exact support or resistance levels.
Quite often, the markets may fluctuate around key levels so it is highly recommendable to rely not on single key levels but on zones.
I recommend taking into consideration not only the exact level from where a strong reaction followed, but also a candle close level of such a candle.
The support zone above is based on a wick and a candle close of a candle.
Also, quite often there will be the situations when multiple key levels will lie close to each other.
In such a case, it is better to unite all this structures in one single zone.
Above we see multiple key resistances.
We will unite all these resistances into one single zone. The upper boundary of a resistance zone will be the highest wick and its lower boundary will be the highest candle close.
Above we have 2 key supports lying close to each other.
We will unite these supports into one single zone.
The lower boundary of a support zone will be the lowest wick and the upper boundary will be the lowest candle close.
Here is how a complete structure analysis should look.
Following the rules that we discussed, you should identify at least 2 closest key resistances and 2 closest key supports.
These structures will be applied as the entries for various trading strategies.
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KOG - Identify your zones!Identifying the correct zones and regions for your trading:
Many of our followers will know that not only do we have Excalibur targets, we give the exact levels and price points that we want the price to achieve. What we also do, is show you the boxes (zones) on the chart for the wider community, to help steer you in the right direction. Price action plays a huge part in this and it’s something all traders should learn, however, zones are effective, not only in trading the right way, but knowing when you’re in the wrong way!
Price is a series of test on levels. It creates trends or ranges but will always do the same thing. Once we understand this, we know it's not the market that is the problem, it’s us, the trader. If we learn it's behaviour all we then need to do is make sure our money and risk management is up to scratch. It's never 100%, but if we test a level, it breaks, structure suggests it's going against us, don't hold on to hope, or add more in the direction you intended. Cut the damn thing like it's a poison to your account.
You need to treat this as a business, no matter what your account size. Every day there are large institutions who want to take your money away from you, you’re in this market to take from them and give them as little as possible. You should have a risk model in place, am I going to risk a certain percentage of my account? Am I going to stick to a stop loss of a certain number of pips? Am I going to have a risk reward that makes sense? Your stop loss and risk management plan are your best friend in this market, it allows you to limit the losses and live to trade another day.
The market will give you clues as to what it’s going to do, breaks, tests, and retests. We can plan the move before it happens this way, we know if it breaks a level, that level turns into support or resistance then it’s going to go and test the next level.
Remember:
The market will always give you a chance to get out of a trade if it’s going against you, as traders our ego's take over and we hold on to hope. If you're in a whipsaw and choppy market and in the wrong direction, your safest option, even if it ends up going your way in the end is to get out of it and limit your losses. You can always find another entry point for a better risk reward.
Ego is one of the biggest killers of accounts and works both ways. Hold on to a failing plan it will humble you. Show the market you’re too confident, it will humble you! Know when to trade, know when not to trade, know when you’re in the wrong way and accept defeat!
The example on the chart is showing you a simple 4H timeframe, with the zones in place. We know price will play zones and levels, it has to test these almost to see if it likes that price point or not. It will either break or reject the level.
If it breaks, you will usually see a forceful break, then the retest of the level which turns previous support/resistance into new support/resistance, or it will reject, in which case you will usually find the reversal. When trading with a bias or a target in mind, the market will use these zones (levels) to work within and as traders, we should know that if a level is hit, that’s our target reached, or, if it’s broken, that’s sign that we should either start thinking about managing the trade or getting out of it. In order to plot the levels, you will need to zoom out of the chart. Similar to the ‘Simple trading strategy’ we have shared in the past, you will use the peaks and troughs dragged across to present day, to identify your zones. Why? You may ask! Because the market is historical, the levels are the levels, and “levels don’t lie”.
Concern:
What many traders do, and it’s not their fault, it’s just a lack of education and trading experience, is hold on to trades with huge drawdown. They will place a trade in one direction, price goes against them, instead of implementing a stop loss, they will convince themselves the market will come back to this price, so instead “I’ll turn that into a swing trade”. This is the wrong way to think about the market, especially if you’re an intra-day trader, which most of us are. Shown on the chart, you can see, the level breaks, the level is retested, the retest in confirmed and the price moves away from the level. Once, the retest if confirmed, that’s the market telling you the trader, listen, you’re potentially in the wrong way, and we’re going to test another level higher/lower, so prepare yourself.
This is a really simple way, together with a risk model in place, to limit losses and maintain a healthy account.
Please try it and let us know!
As always, trade safe.
KOG
The combination of gcov5 and TCD osc = high precision & win5m chart, overall condition analysis. The combination of gcov5 and TCD osc will give more strength to a decision whether to buy or sell. In turn, it can increase accuracy and win.
how to get a win in all positions?
1. refers to bull/bear trend ( TCD osc)
2. find a gcov5 signals based on SnD zone and early TCD trend
3. buy price 3 ticks below the close of the signal candle,
and sell price 3 ticks above the close of signal candle,
so that we can get a tick advantage. If a high candle formed, so enter half candle price.
What to do if we miss the signals?
sometimes, we miss a buy signal after several candles.
We can still enter the market by referring to the nearest support as a buy area
and resistance as a sell area. For attention, do not proceed into market if
1. the price breakdown a support or
2. if we have missed the signal too far
DISCLAIMER;
This post is not meant to be a buy/sell call, just ideas and research analysis based on measurement tools.
How to Trade Support and Resistancesupport and resistance levels are crucial concepts that every trader needs to grasp. These levels represent key points on a chart where the price tends to reverse its direction. By analyzing historical price action, traders can identify these areas and strategize their trades based on how the price reacts upon reaching these levels.
The Simplicity and Complexity of S&R
While the idea of support and resistance is straightforward to understand, effectively trading these levels can be challenging due to psychological barriers and emotional involvement. Mastering support and resistance trading isn’t just about recognizing patterns; it’s also about understanding the human emotions driving those patterns.
What is Support and Resistance
Support is a price level where a currency’s downward trend is expected to pause due to a concentration of demand. It’s where buyers step in, viewing the currency as undervalued, thus preventing further price decline.
The OANDA:XAUUSD chart above depicts a notable support level of 2031. Historically, when the price of Gold reaches this level, it tends to initiate an upward trajectory. Traders can identify potential trading opportunities at this juncture and consider establishing long positions after the confirmation signal, such as a break of structure, signs of a liquidity sweep, or the order block.
Traders can also use the bullish candlestick pattern as an additional signal when considering support zones for buying opportunities.
In the FX:EURUSD pair, there is a noteworthy support zone extending from 1.0648 to 1.0666. Over several instances, the price has consistently demonstrated a pattern of bouncing upward from within this range, as illustrated in the chart.
Let’s see another example of support zones with stop-loss hinting.
The price level at 1.08924 serves as a significant support zone; however, it’s important to note that smart money often orchestrates moves that trigger stop-loss orders before driving the price upwards. Later in this S&R trading guide, we’ll delve into a detailed discussion of the concept of stop-loss hunting, complete with illustrative examples.
What is Resistance
Resistance levels are price levels at which the price tends to move in a downward direction.
Let’s analyze the chart provided above. The circled areas on the chart represent strong resistance zones where the price tends to move in a downward direction in the EURUSD pair. It’s worth noting that quite often, the price moves downward after triggering stop-loss orders in these areas. This phenomenon can be observed frequently in any currency pair.
The Psychology Behind These Levels
Fear and Greed: These are the two main emotions at play. At support levels, fear (of prices falling more) meets greed (for buying at a low price). At resistance levels, it’s the opposite; greed (for higher selling prices) meets fear (of prices dropping).
Group Thinking: Many traders are watching the same levels. When a lot of people act the same way (buying at support or selling at resistance), it reinforces these levels.
Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: Because so many traders are watching these levels, their reactions to them can make the support and resistance predictions come true.
Formula of Support and Resistance
Pivot Point Calculation
The Pivot Point (PP) is calculated as the average of the high, low, and close prices of the previous trading period:
Pivot Point (PP) = (High + Low + Close) / 3
First-Level Support and Resistance
First Resistance (R1) This is calculated by doubling the pivot point, then subtracting the low of the previous period.
First Resistance (R1) = (2 x PP) – Low
First Support (S1) This is found by doubling the pivot point and subtracting the previous period’s high.
First Support (S1) = (2 x PP) – High
Second-Level Support and Resistance
Second Resistance (R2) This level is calculated by adding the difference between the high and low of the previous period to the pivot point.
Second Resistance (R2) = PP + (High – Low)
Second Support (S2) This is determined by subtracting the difference between the high and low of the previous period from the pivot point.
Second Support (S2) = PP – (High – Low)
Third Level Support and Resistance
Third Resistance (R3) Calculated by adding twice the difference between the pivot point and the low to the high.
Third Resistance (R3) = High + 2(PP – Low)
Third Support (S3) Found by subtracting twice the difference between the high and the pivot point from the low.
Third Support (S3) = Low – 2(High – PP)
These pivot point-based support and resistance levels are crucial tools for traders, providing potential points of market reversal or continuation. The pivot point is often seen as a marker of equilibrium between bullish and bearish market forces.
The Phenomenon of Stop-Loss Triggers at These Points
A stop-loss order is a tool used in trading to sell a security when it reaches a predetermined price, to limit potential losses. To understand how it relates to support and resistance, consider the following analogy:
Think of trading as a game where you establish a rule: if your score drops below a certain point, you decide to exit the game to prevent further losses. This rule resembles the concept of a “stop-loss” in trading.
Now, picture a scenario involving seasoned players, often represented by large funds, who aim to maximize their gains in the game. They observe that many players have set their exit points at a specific level, such as 100 points.
These experienced players intentionally create the impression that the game’s score is approaching that critical 100-point level. As the score gets closer to 100 points, other players become anxious and decide to exit the game (activating their stop-loss orders) to avoid more significant losses. This sudden mass exit results in a sharp decline in the game’s score.
Smart money takes advantage of this situation by purchasing more points at the lower price they anticipated. After acquiring these points at a discounted rate, they allow the game’s score to rebound, ultimately profiting when it reaches higher levels.
In essence, this illustrates how Informed Money, often represented by large funds, may manipulate the market by creating the illusion that prices are nearing significant support or resistance levels. This can trigger the activation of stop-loss orders by other traders, enabling the seasoned players to capitalize on lower prices before the market resumes its upward trajectory.
Trading Strategy for Support and Resistance
When trading support and resistance make decisions on their base consider the following points.
Identify Support and Resistance in Larger Time Frames: Locate these levels in extended time frames like H1, H4, and D1 to gain a clear understanding of the market’s pivotal points. This approach not only clarifies your perspective when trading in smaller time frames but also reduces confusion. Confusion often arises from too many levels, making it challenging to determine which levels present viable trading opportunities.
Patience: Wait for the price to reach these levels and look for additional signals.
Utilize Bearish and Bullish Candlestick Patterns: Employing candlestick patterns at these levels aids in decision-making and enables traders to strategically set take-profit and stop-loss orders.
Develop a Trading Bias: Establish a daily bias at the beginning of each week to assist in deciding whether to take long or short trades. Focus only on those levels that align with your trading bias.
In conclusion, discipline is paramount in trading. It’s essential to avoid overtrading and adhere strictly to your established trading plans. Using stop-loss orders is crucial in managing risk and protecting your capital. Additionally, limiting your focus to a fixed set of currency pairs allows for a more in-depth understanding of their market dynamics, leading to more informed trading decisions. Remember, consistency and discipline in following these practices can significantly enhance your trading effectiveness and help in achieving long-term success.
how to identify strong support and resistance
Historical Price Levels: The most basic method is to look at historical price charts. Strong support and resistance levels are often at prices where the market has repeatedly reversed or consolidated. These levels are more significant if they have been tested multiple times.
Round Numbers: Psychological levels often play a crucial role in trading. Prices such as 1.3000 in EUR/USD or 100 in USD/JPY are examples where traders might expect support or resistance.
Mastering Trading with Support and Resistance LevelsTrading with support and resistance levels is a fundamental strategy that offers insights into market psychology and potential trade entry and exit points. This guide will explore how to effectively trade using these levels, highlighting the importance of confirmation, rejection patterns, candlestick patterns, and confluence with other indicators.
Understanding Support and Resistance
- Support : A price level where a downtrend may pause due to a concentration of demand.
- Resistance : A price level where an uptrend can pause or reverse because of a concentration of selling interest.
The Significance of Confirmation
Confirmation is crucial when trading with support and resistance, as it ensures that the price respects these levels before making a trade. Waiting for confirmation reduces the risk of false signals.
Candlestick Patterns: The Language of the Markets
Understanding candlestick patterns is essential for interpreting market sentiment at support and resistance levels. Patterns like bullish engulfing or bearish engulfing suggest strong reversals.
Finding Confluence with Other Indicators
Confluence enhances the reliability of trading signals. Combining support and resistance analysis with other indicators like moving averages or the stochastic RSI can provide stronger entry or exit signals.
Integrating Support and Resistance into Your Trading
Identify key levels : Mark clear support and resistance levels on your chart.
Wait for confirmation : Confirm the level is holding through candlestick patterns or price action before trading.
Look for rejection patterns : Observe candlestick formations for reversal signals.
Seek confluence : Use other indicators to validate your trading signals.
Manage your risk : Always set a clear stop-loss order to manage potential losses.
By employing these strategies, traders can enhance their market navigation skills, focusing on managing risk and seizing the right opportunities. With patience and practice, trading with support and resistance levels can be a vital part of a successful trading approach.
Mastering Support & Resistance This video dives into the fundamentals of support and resistance, the cornerstones of technical analysis.
We'll cover:
** Identifying trends:** Learn how to spot bullish and bearish trends using higher highs/higher lows (HH/HL) and lower highs/lower lows (LH/LL).
️** Support & Resistance Levels: Discover how to pinpoint key price levels where the market may bounce or reverse, creating potential trading opportunities.
** Fibonacci: Unlock the power of the Fibonacci retracement to identify high-probability trade entry points at the 61.8% level.
Navigating Support and Resistance with Renko ChartsToday we continue our deep dive into support and resistance levels and explore how traders can effectively utilize Renko charts and Donchian channels to identify these price zones. Renko charts, known for their simplicity and ability to filter out market noise, provide a unique perspective on price movement. We'll discuss how Renko charts work and demonstrate their effectiveness in pinpointing support and resistance levels with the help of Donchian channels. Donchian channels are a popular technical analysis tool that maps out the highest highs and lowest lows over a given period.
By combining the insights from Renko charts and Donchian channels, traders gain a comprehensive approach to detecting key support and resistance areas in any market condition. Whether you're a novice trader or an experienced professional, we hope this video aids anyone seeking to enhance their ability to define support and resistance for any asset.
Very basic understanding of support and resistance areas (2 min)In trading, support and resistance are key concepts that help traders analyze price movements and make informed decisions. Here's a basic explanation:
Support:
Definition: Support is a price level at which a financial instrument (like a stock, currency pair, or commodity) tends to stop falling and may even bounce back up due to buyers.
Analogy: Think of support like a floor that prevents the price from falling further. It's a level where buyers are more inclined to enter the market, seeing the current price as attractive.
Resistance:
Definition: Resistance is a price level at which a financial instrument tends to stop rising and may face difficulty moving higher due to seller pressure.
Analogy: Picture resistance as a ceiling that prevents the price from going higher. It's a level where sellers may be more active, considering the current price as too high.
In summary, support and resistance are like psychological levels in the market where buying and selling interest tends to cluster. Traders use these levels to make decisions about when to enter or exit trades, set stop-loss orders, or identify potential trend reversals. When the price approaches support, traders may look for buying opportunities, while at resistance, they may consider selling or taking profits.
Mastering Support and Resistance: Part 1Hello Traders, and welcome to a new year of endless learning opportunities! Today, we will kick off 2024 by exploring the concept of support and resistance, how to identify these levels and common misconceptions about them. Support and resistance levels play a crucial role in technical analysis and can greatly impact your trading strategy. Understanding these levels and knowing how to effectively use them can make all the difference in your trading success. We will be doing a deeper dive in a subsequent article later this week where we will cover more advanced techniques and the psychology behind support and resistance. In the meantime, are you ready to dive in?
Understanding Support and Resistance Levels in Trading
Support and resistance levels are key aspects of technical analysis that traders incorporate into several different trading decisions. Support refers to a price level where buying pressure is expected to be strong enough to prevent the price from falling further. On the other hand, resistance is a price level where selling pressure is expected to be strong enough to prevent the price from rising higher. These levels are based on the idea that markets often go through similar patterns and respond to certain prices.
The Importance of Support and Resistance in Technical Analysis
Support and resistance levels are crucial in technical analysis for several reasons. Firstly, they provide traders with valuable information about market sentiment. When the price approaches a support level, it indicates that buyers are likely to step in and try to push the price up. Conversely, when the price approaches a resistance level, it suggests that sellers are likely to enter the market to push the price down. Understanding market sentiment can help traders avoid potential losses.
Secondly, support and resistance levels act as a reference point for setting profit targets and stop-loss levels. By analyzing historical price movements, traders can identify key support and resistance levels that are likely to be tested in the future. These levels can be used to determine when to take profits or cut losses, providing a clear framework for risk management.
Lastly, support and resistance levels can act as confirmation tools for trading signals. For example, if a trader receives a buy signal from a set of technical indicators and the price is approaching or bouncing off of a strong support level, it adds credibility to the signal.
Similarly, if a sell signal is generated and the price is approaching or moving away from a major resistance level, it strengthens the validity of the signal. By combining support and resistance levels with other technical indicators, traders can increase the accuracy of their trading signals.
Identifying Support and Resistance Levels on Price Charts
Identifying support and resistance levels on price charts is a fundamental skill for any trader. Several methods can be used to identify these levels, depending on the trader's preference and trading style. Here are a few common techniques:
Swing Highs and Lows: Horizontal support and resistance levels can be identified by analyzing price charts. A support level is typically formed by connecting multiple swing lows, where the price has previously bounced back up. Conversely, a resistance level is formed by connecting multiple swing highs, where the price has previously reversed its upward trajectory. By identifying these levels, traders can anticipate potential reversals or breakouts and adjust their trading strategy accordingly.
It is important to note that support and resistance levels are not exact price points, but rather zones where buying or selling pressure is expected to be strong. Traders should use a combination of these techniques and exercise discretion to identify the most relevant support and resistance levels on their price charts.
Moving Averages: Moving averages are commonly used to identify trends in price charts, but they can also act as dynamic support and resistance levels. For example, a 200-day moving average is often considered a strong support or resistance level. When the price approaches this moving average, it is likely to either bounce off or breakthrough, depending on the prevailing trend.
Fibonacci Levels: Fibonacci levels are based on mathematical sequences. These levels are used to identify potential support and resistance levels based on the percentage retracement of a previous price move. Traders often look for confluence between Fibonacci levels and other technical indicators to increase the reliability of their analysis. Several different tools on TradingView can be used to identify these levels such as a Fibonacci retracement or Fibonacci Channel.
How to Effectively Use Support and Resistance in Your Trading Strategy
Once you have identified support and resistance levels on your price charts, it is important to know how to effectively use them in your trading strategy. Here are some key considerations:
Combine with other indicators: Support and resistance levels should not be used in isolation but should be combined with other technical analysis techniques. Relying solely on support and resistance levels can result in false signals, as price can break through or reverse at unexpected times. Consider using trend lines, candlestick patterns, or oscillators to confirm your support and resistance levels and increase the accuracy of your trading signals.
Price Action: Observing price action around support and resistance levels can provide valuable insights into market sentiment. Look for signs of price rejection, such as long wicks or multiple failed attempts to break through a level. Price patterns may also form around support or resistance levels. These signs can indicate potential reversals or breakouts.
Risk Management: Support and resistance levels can be used to determine stop-loss levels and profit targets. When entering a trade, set your stop-loss just below a support level for long positions or just above a resistance level for short positions. Similarly, set your profit target at the next significant support or resistance level to ensure a favorable risk-reward ratio.
Multiple Timeframes: Analyzing support and resistance levels across multiple timeframes can provide a broader perspective on market dynamics. A level that appears strong on a daily chart may be insignificant on a weekly or monthly chart. Consider higher timeframe levels for long-term trades and lower timeframe levels for short-term trades.
Common Misconceptions About Support and Resistance
There are several common misconceptions about support and resistance levels that traders should be aware of. Understanding these misconceptions can help you avoid common pitfalls and make better trading decisions. Here are three common misconceptions:
Support and Resistance Levels Are Fixed: One of the most common misconceptions is that support and resistance levels are fixed and remain unchanged over time. In reality, these levels are dynamic and can shift as market conditions change. Traders should regularly reevaluate and adjust their support and resistance levels based on new price information.
Support Turns into Resistance and Vice Versa: Another misconception is that support levels always turn into resistance levels when broken, and vice versa. While this can sometimes be the case, it is not always true. Market dynamics can change, and a support level that has been broken may become irrelevant in the future. Traders should not blindly assume that a broken support level will act as a strong resistance level.
Support and Resistance Levels Are Foolproof: Many traders mistakenly believe that support and resistance levels are infallible and always result in predictable price movements. While these levels can provide valuable guidance, they are not guaranteed to hold or reverse the price. Traders should always use support and resistance levels in conjunction with other technical analysis tools and exercise proper risk management.
By understanding these misconceptions, traders can avoid relying solely on support and resistance levels and develop a more comprehensive trading strategy. We implore you to be thorough in practice and understanding of S&R as there is a great degree of subjectivity to them. The more you understand about these levels the greater accuracy you can obtain.
Tips for Mastering Support and Resistance
Mastering support and resistance requires practice and experience. Here are some tips to help you improve your skills in identifying and utilizing these levels:
Backtesting: Backtesting is a valuable tool for evaluating the effectiveness of support and resistance levels in historical price data. By analyzing past price movements, you can assess how well your identified levels have held or reversed the price. This can provide valuable insights into the reliability of your levels and help you refine your approach.
Focus on Key Levels: Not all support and resistance levels are equally significant. Focus on key levels that have been tested multiple times and have resulted in strong price reactions. These levels are more likely to hold or reverse the price and can provide more reliable trading opportunities.
Practice Patience: Support and resistance levels often require patience to be effective. Wait for clear confirmation before entering a trade, and avoid chasing price or making impulsive decisions based on a single level. Patience and discipline are key to successful trading.
By incorporating these tips into your trading routine, you can enhance your mastery of support and resistance levels and improve your trading performance.
What Does it All Add Up To?
In conclusion, understanding and mastering support and resistance levels is crucial for successful trading. These levels provide valuable information about market sentiment, act as reference points for setting profit targets and stop-loss levels, and can confirm trading signals. By identifying support and resistance levels on price charts using techniques like swing highs and lows, moving averages, and Fibonacci levels, traders can make better judgments in deciding what actions to take. However, it is important to use support and resistance levels in conjunction with other indicators and consider price action for confirmation. Overall, integrating support and resistance levels into a trading strategy can help break through barriers and achieve trading success.
SPY: Don’t “Guess” the Top.We can learn a very interesting lesson by looking at the SPY chart. Anyone who tries to guess the next top or bottom is a gambler, not a trader, and as someone who has gambled a lot in the past, this rally brings back some memories.
It's very easy for someone to see such an explosive movement and think: "It's already gone up a lot, it's going to have to come down soon". It's very easy to look for clues in other indicators, for example, and get excited when you see the RSI exploding close to 70. Looking for clues that reinforce a pre-existing belief is common among individuals corrupted by the "confirmation bias", which is something else, and would be content for a future article.
Still talking about the RSI, it's important to mention that the RSI was already at 70 when the price was at $450. Since then it has risen by more than $20 (approximately 5%), and there is no sign of a top yet. Far from being a criticism of such an efficient indicator, this is just evidence that the use of indicators should be aligned with what we see on the chart.
Top or bottom signals are confirmed when we see a clear breakout from a notorious reversal pattern. As we can see from the SPY chart below, just one or two bearish patterns, even when appears close to clear resistance, is not enough. There needs to be confirmation of a good breakout.
Perhaps this is one of the reasons why so many are rushing to sell a possible top, even without confirmation. By waiting for confirmation, you sacrifice part of your profits, and amateurs hate that. To feel like a pro, you have to feel the satisfaction of buying the bottom and selling the top, all the time. Which is ironic, because that's not the focus of a professional. A real trader seeks long-term consistency.
Speaking for myself, as far as I can see it's a strong rally in the SPY, and the next resistance is the all-time high at $479.98. So far, there is no clear reversal pattern for me, although I personally would like to see a correction to a support point.
What if the SPY made a bearish candlestick pattern today? Just as we see on November 9, 15 and 29, and on December 6, a top signal is plausible, but we need to wait for confirmation via a breakout. Otherwise, it would just be another bear trap.
Another thing I like to do is wait for a clear bearish reversal structure to appear on shorter time frames, such as the hourly chart. Uptrends are characterized by rising tops and bottoms, and the reverse applies to downtrends. When a stock is in a clear uptrend, but the hourly chart suddenly makes a lower top and bottom, it's a warning sign. If such a reversal occurs near a resistance area, all the better, as was the case with NVDA at the end of last month.
One of the most overlooked principles of Dow Theory is the number 6: "Trends Persist Until a Clear Reversal Occurs". When Charles Dow, founder of the Dow Jones index and the Wall Street Journal, began working on the principles more than a century ago, he never imagined that in the 21st century there would still be traders who anticipate and don't wait for confirmation (again, I was among these gamblers in the past).
Therefore, trading reversals is interesting and can be very profitable, but you need to base your decisions on technical reasons. I shared how I like to trade reversals, but there are more strategies that you can use. Feel free to share yours. That's the difference between a gambler and a trader. Moreover, remember to follow me for more content like this, and support this idea if you liked it!
All the best,
Nathan.
SUPPORT & RESISTANCE Hey Everyone,
Support and resistance is one the most talked about price action component when it comes to technical chart analysis.
What is support and resistance?
Support and resistance are areas where price fails to continue to rise or drop. Historical areas of rejections create levels of support and resistance. These levels are expected to stop price from a continuation. - SEE EXAMPLE BELOW
How can we use support and resistance?
Support and resistance levels can be used to take trades from and to close trades on. We will cover the basics of drawing the levels and also identifying rejections and breakouts using support and resistance levels.
First and foremost traders draw support and resistance in many different ways. We will cover one of the methods we use to support our signals and trades, which is called "CANDLE BODY CLOSE"
See examples below on how to draw the levels, identify rejections and also the breakout strategy.
CANDLE BODY CLOSE SUPPORT AND RESISTANCE
Failure to close above a level with the candle body forms level of resistance and failure to close below a level with the candle body forms support. Also areas of rejections.
CANDLE BODY CLOSE BREAKOUT
A candle that is able to close above a resistance or below a support level with the body and not just the wick confirms a breakout of the level for a continuation.
This is a fantastic simple way to chart support and resistance levels, that can also be used to support entries and exits by identifying the wick rejections and the candle body breakouts.
As always, we will continue to share our chart ideas and useful educational tips for traders. Please don't forget to like, comment and follow to support us, we really appreciate it!
GoldViewFX
XAUUSD TOP AUTHOR
📊 Navigating The Trading Range📌What Is a Trading Range?
A trading range is a period during which an asset consistently fluctuates between high and low prices. The upper limit of the range acts as a resistance level, meaning it tends to hinder further price increases. The lower limit of the range serves as a support level, providing a barrier against significant price declines. When an asset breaks through or falls below its trading range, it usually means there is momentum (positive or negative) building. A breakout occurs when the price of a security breaks above a trading range, while a breakdown happens when the price falls below a trading range.
Typically, breakouts and breakdowns are more reliable when they are accompanied by a large volume, which suggests widespread participation by traders and investors. Many investors look at the duration of a trading range. Large trending moves often follow extended range-bound periods.
📌Support and Resistance
If an asset is in a well-established trading range, traders can buy when the price approaches its support and sell when it reaches the level of resistance only if there is confluence and signs for it. Using volume is a good indication of spotting continuation or reversals. If the price is approaching a support level with high sell-side volume, its a good indication it might just break down and continue the downtrend to the next support zone. You can define major support/resistance zones where there was clear reaction in the past and use them as major pivots to guarantee safer entries.
Always remember two key things about S/R. The first is, the more times a S/R zone is tested the higher the change a breakout/breakdown will occur. Once a S/R breaks, it will automatically turn into the opposite of what it was, the price break out of the resistance and range above. That previous resistance will act as a support level next time the price action touches it.
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