LEARN THE MOST IMPORTANT FOREX FUNDAMENTALS 📰
Even though I am a pure technician and I rely only on technical analysis when I trade, we can not deny the fact that fundamentals are the main driver of the financial markets.
In this post, we will discuss the most important fundamentals that affect forex market.
You can check coming fundamental news on TradingView in the economic calendar.
The calendar button on the right side will display the coming news.
Click "only high importance" button and the system will display only the most important news.
Here are the most important fundamental releases that you should pay close attention to:
📍Unemployment rate.
Unemployment rate reflects the percentage of people without a job in a selected country or region.
Rising unemployment rate usually signifies an unhealthy state of the economy and negatively affects the currency strength.
📍Housing prices.
Housing prices reflect people's demand for housing. Rising rate reflects a healthy state of the economy, strengthening purchasing power of the individuals and their confidence in the future.
Growing demand for housing is considered to be one of the most important drivers in the economy.
📍Inflation.
Inflation reflects the purchasing power of a currency.
It is usually measured by evaluation of the price of the selected basket of goods or services over some period.
High inflation is usually the primary indicator of the weakness of the currency and the unhealthy state of the economy.
📍Monetary policy.
Monetary policy is the actions of central banks related to money supply in the economy.
There are two main levers: interests rates and bank reserve requirements.
Higher interest rates suppress the economy, making the currency stronger. Lower interests rates increase the money supply, making the economy grow but devaluing the national currency.
📍Political discourse.
Political discourse is the social, economical and geopolitical policies of the national government.
Political ideology determines the set of priorities for the ruling party that directly impacts the state of the economy.
📍Payrolls and earnings.
Payroll reports reflect the dynamic of the creation of new jobs by the economy, while average earnings show the increase or decrease of the earnings of the individuals.
Growing earnings and payrolls positively affect the value of a national currency and signify the expansion of the economy.
Pay closes attention to these fundamentals and monitor how the market reacts to that data.
What fundamentals do you consider to be the most important?
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Tradingeducation
5 Elements of the Best Key Level in Trading
What are the best key levels to trade?
Last year I analysed more than 1500 key structures on Forex, Gold, Crypto and Indexes.
In the today's article, I prepared for you a list of 5 elements of a perfect support and resistance for trading.
As always, remember that the best key levels are always on a daily time frame. So all the structures that we will discuss will be strictly on a daily.
Also, all the structures that I analyzed and traded are available on my TradingView page, so you can back test them by your own.
1. Clear historical significance
The structure that you spotted should act as a significant historical support or resistance.
Here are the important historical support and resistance that I spotted on USDCAD on a daily time frame.
2. Psychological significance
The structure that you identified should match with round numbers.
All the structures that we spotted on USDCAD match with psychological numbers.
3. Confluence with other technical tools
The best structure should align with other trading tools such as trend lines of Fibonacci levels, strengthening its significance.
After adding fibonacci levels and a significant falling trend line on the chart, the confluence was found in Resistance 6, Resistance 3, Resistance 2, Resistance 1, Support 2. Other structure does not match with technical tolls.
4. Volume
The level experiences high trading volumes, indicating strong participation and interest from market participants, especially smart money.
All the structures that we underlined show significant volume spikes. By volume spike, I mean a volume being higher than the average volume - a blue curve on volume.
5. Multiple touches
The more, the better. There are numerous instances where price has respected and reacted to the structure, confirming its strength (at least 2).
Only these 3 structures were confirmed by the multiple touches. These resistances will be considered the strongest ones.
That checklist will help you to identify the most significant structures from where you will be able to catch impulsive movement and make nice profits.
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Why Traders Often Fail and How to Turn the Tide in Your FavorAs a day trader, I understand the allure of making your mark trading financial instruments. The idea of making quick profits and essentially being your boss can be incredibly enticing. However, the reality is that day trading is more challenging than it may seem. The statistics are alarming - the majority of day traders lose money. But why is that? Today, I will delve into the truths behind why day traders often fail and provide you with methods to begin turning the tide in your favor. So, let's get started and uncover the not-so-secret secrets to successful day trading.
The Alarming Statistics of Day Traders Losing Money
It's essential to begin by acknowledging the harsh reality that day trading is NOT a guaranteed path to riches. Studies have shown that a significant percentage of day traders end up losing money. Depending on which study or report you look at, the deck is stacked against the average day trader, with 70-90% of traders losing money within the first year of trading. That's a tough pill to swallow for anyone who wants to pursue day trading as either a full-time gig or a supplemental means of generating income. So, how does one stack the odds in their favor to become a successful trader?
Understanding the Psychology of Day Traders
There are three factors contributing to the high failure rate among day traders. Those factors include but are not limited to mindset, psychology, and discipline. I want to break these down for you so we can take a look at where most traders go wrong.
Mindset: One may believe that mindset and psychology are the same, and though they are connected, they are not the same. In trading, mindset plays a crucial role in shaping a trader's attitude toward the market. A trader's mindset encompasses their beliefs, perspectives, and overall mental framework towards trading, risk, and uncertainty. Traders often have short-term sights set on finding unicorn gains or high win rates with little thought on a fundamental foundation to build upon for long-term growth.
Having a strong and disciplined mindset is essential for navigating the complexities of the market, as it fosters critical traits such as patience, adaptability, and a long-term growth-oriented outlook. A resilient mindset can help traders weather the inevitable ups and downs of the market, maintain discipline in executing their trading strategies, and stay focused on their long-term goals. Ultimately, a positive and disciplined mindset can contribute significantly to a trader's ability to navigate challenges they will inevitably face.
Psychology: Day trading can be an emotionally intense endeavor, and many traders fall victim to their emotional state. Emotions such as fear, greed, and hope, as well as cognitive biases, play a crucial role in shaping day-to-day trading decisions. For instance, the fear of missing out (FOMO) can prompt impulsive trading, while the aversion to realizing a loss can lead to holding onto losing positions for too long. Day traders must recognize and control these emotions to improve their chances of success. If you let your emotions best you, you will end up giving your money to someone who keeps those emotions in check.
Overcoming psychological hurdles such as these is essential for making rational trading decisions. Additionally, being aware of cognitive biases like confirmation bias and recency bias can help traders avoid making decisions based on flawed reasoning. Understanding and managing these psychological factors is vital for maintaining discipline, especially in the face of market volatility and uncertainty.
Discipline: I feel like discipline is wildly overlooked in the world of trading. There is so much toxicity bred in the field by so-called gurus who tell you trading is so simple and that massive gains are just around the corner. That is not the case in the realm of trading or any skill you hope to master. Olympic athletes do not wake up one day being the masters of their respective sport. They spend years practicing their skills with the highest level of discipline imaginable. Is trading the Olympics? No, but the principle is the same. If trading is a lifelong skill that you want to acquire, then you must commit to self-discipline in your approach to trading.
So, from here, where do we start? How do we turn these three pillars in our favor and become successful in the long term?
Lack of Proper Risk Management
One of the primary reasons why day traders lose money is their failure to implement proper risk management strategies. Our brains are not wired to embrace loss; our minds will make every mental backflip to avoid it. This is why traders often let losers run rampant and cut their gains short. Think back to any of your previous trades. Did you justify staying in a losing trade based on some afterthought? An example justification could be, "This price can't go any higher; look how overbought XYZ stock is!"
Additionally, day traders often need to pay more attention to potential profits and pay attention to potential losses. This can lead to reckless trading decisions and a failure to cut losses when necessary. With so much focus in the industry on winning, many overlook the discipline of being a great loser. Could you let that last sentence sink in for a second and give it some deep thought?
Day trading inherently involves the risk of loss, and without a solid risk management plan in place, traders are essentially gambling with their money. It's essential to set clear risk limits, determine the maximum amount of capital you are willing to risk on each trade and stick to your plan.
Implementing Effective Risk Management Strategies
Now that we understand the importance of risk management, let's explore some practical strategies that day traders can implement to protect their capital and improve their chances of success.
Use stop-loss orders: A stop-loss order is a predetermined price at which you will automatically exit a trade to limit your losses. By setting stop-loss orders at strategic levels, you can protect yourself from significant losses and maintain your risk management plan. A critical aspect of stop-losses is that they need to be a one-way street. It's okay to move a stop-loss up as a trade moves in your favor. However, never push your stop-loss back or make it wider after your trade has been initiated. This is only setting you up for long-term failure. Think of it this way: allowing a stop loss to do its job is like subjecting yourself to paper cuts compared to letting losers run, which would be akin to taking a slash from a sword. Which do you think you would better withstand in the long term?
In a previous article, I highlighted different methods for setting stoplosses. I will link that article below this one, as I highly recommend you read it if you have further questions on how to set a stop-loss. Though that is only half the battle, the real challenge comes with maintaining discipline and respect for that stop-loss on every trade you take.
Size your positions appropriately: It's crucial to determine the appropriate position size for each trade based on your risk tolerance and the specific trade setup. Avoid risking a significant portion of your capital on a single trade, as it can have devastating consequences if the trade goes against you, especially if you do not heed the previous advice of a disciplined stop loss. Never risk more than you are willing to lose!
Diversify your portfolio: Only a few people want to day trade forever; it is a stepping stone for building wealth that you can diversify and let grow. However, if you have the capital early on to spread your investments across multiple stocks or assets, you can reduce the impact of a single trade going wrong. Diversification helps to mitigate risk and increase the likelihood of positive returns over the long term.
The Importance of Having a Solid Trading Plan
How do we implement discipline and solid risk management in our daily trading? We turn to the often underutilized trading plan. Day trading without a well-defined trading plan is akin to sailing without a compass. A trading plan serves as your roadmap, guiding you through the ups and downs of the market. It outlines your entry and exit strategies, risk management rules, and overall trading approach. Without a solid plan, day traders are more likely to make impulsive decisions based on emotions or market noise. This is where your discipline can help keep your emotions in check.
When creating your trading plan, consider the following elements:
Define your goals: Please be sure to determine your financial goals and the timeframe in which you aim to achieve them. This will help you stay focused and avoid chasing unrealistic profits. This is where you formulate your mindset and build your long-term foundation.
Choose a trading strategy: Select a trading strategy that aligns with your risk tolerance and trading style. Whether it's trend following, breakout trading, or any other approach, make sure to thoroughly back-test and validate your strategy before implementing it.
Set realistic expectations: Understand that day trading is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It requires dedication, continuous learning, and patience. Set realistic expectations and avoid succumbing to the allure of overnight riches.
By having a well-defined trading plan and sticking to it, you can significantly increase your chances of success in the challenging world of day trading.
Learning from Past Mistakes and Analyzing Trading Data
One of the most effective ways to improve as a day trader is to learn from your past mistakes and analyze your trading data. It's essential for you to keep a detailed record of your trades, including entry and exit points, profit or loss, and any relevant notes or observations.
By reviewing your trading data, you can identify patterns, strengths, and weaknesses in your trading strategy. This process allows you to make data-driven adjustments and refine your approach over time. Additionally, learning from your mistakes helps you avoid repeating them in the future.
Practicing Patience and Emotional Control
Patience and emotional control are two crucial qualities that successful day traders possess. The ability to wait for the right opportunities and avoid impulsive trading decisions can make a significant difference in your overall profitability.
Day trading often involves rapid market movements and fluctuations, which can trigger emotional responses. It's essential to remain calm and composed, sticking to your trading plan and strategy. Emotions such as fear and greed can cloud judgment and lead to irrational decisions. By practicing emotional control, you can make rational and objective trading choices, increasing your chances of success.
The Path to Success in Day Trading
Day trading is undoubtedly challenging, but it's not an impossible endeavor. By understanding the truths behind why day traders often fail and implementing effective strategies, you can turn the tide in your favor. However, you should know that this is not an overnight ordeal. There are no shortcuts worth taking and endless hours of practice to achieve the feat of becoming an elite trader.
Remember, day trading requires discipline, risk management, and continuous learning. Develop a solid trading plan, analyze your trading data, and practice patience and emotional control. By doing so, you can navigate the unpredictable waters of the financial markets with confidence and increase your chances of achieving long-term success as a day trader.
Good luck and happy trading!
THE KOG REPORTKOG REPORT:
In last week’s KOG Report, we said we would stick with the plan and look for lower pricing on Gold, only for last week we were expecting a sharp bounce from the lower support level! We gave the levels on the charts at which we wanted the move to occur, where we wanted to short the market, where we wanted to then switch and go long, each level highlighted and tapped in to nearly to the pip. We moved up, got the short, moved down, got the tap and bounce support for the kings swing long up to where we closed on Friday.
A wonderful week again on the markets, completing targets not only on Gold but the numerous other pairs we trade. Many of you will have seen the power of the KOG Reports, week in week out, we’re showing you the market movement, trading it up, trading it down and trading it in-between. Wherever the market is going, we’re going with it using our unique strategy and our advanced system. Well done to those who followed, hope you had a fruitful week.
So, what can we expect in the week ahead?
This week we’re going to play caution on the markets! We should have a quiet day tomorrow with most of the action coming in the later part of the week. We have highlighted the important levels on the chart which we’re looking at for potential RIPs and where we will be trading it level to level using Excalibur to guide us. Ideally, to start this week we want to see price hold that lower support region 2004-6, and if held, we feel an opportunity to long the market back up towards the target 2020 (which is what we were looking for last week) and above that 2025 is reasonable. 2016 is a crucial pivot which we want to see price attempt to close above to then potentially settle and range below the order region 2030-35.
Now, on the flip, with extension of the move into the 2045 level but no daily close above, we feel there may be an opportunity to short the market back down, this is where we will update the plan again and share it with the community during the week, so we can keep track of where we can go.
It’s a short one this week and more straightforward than usual. Levels are on the chart, plans are in place. We wish you a successful week ahead on the markets.
Please do support us by hitting the like button, leaving a comment, and giving us a follow. We’ve been doing this for a long time now providing traders with in-depth free analysis on Gold, so your likes and comments are very much appreciated.
As always, trade safe.
KOG
TradingView is Everything You Need to Start Trading
If you are planning to start Forex and Gold trading, I prepared for you a list of 6 essential things that you will need for a successful start.
1 - Charting Software
Obviously, if you want to trade, you should analyze the charts.
Most of the beginners apply metatrader 4 or 5 for that.
Even though meta trader is good as a trading terminal, from charting perspective it is already outdated.
My recommendation to you is to apply TradingView for chart analysis.
It is very user-friendly, it offers all popular trading instruments, and it has a wonderful community where you can check ideas and forecasts of experienced traders.
2 - Set up Your Watch List
There are hundreds of different trading instruments for Forex traders:
major and minor pairs, exotic pairs, cfds on gold, silver, oil, etc...
Your task as a beginner is to focus on a very narrow list of trading assets.
Build a trading list of maximum 8 instruments , learn to trade them and expand the list as you mature in trading.
Here is the example of a watch list for beginners: 7 major USD forex pairs.
3 - Make a Trading Plan
There are hundreds of different trading strategies and techniques in Forex trading. And obviously, you can not trade them all.
Pick a strategy that you like, that makes sense to you.
Focus on that and practice, practice, practice.
4 - Economic Calendar
Even if you decide to trade only technical analysis, you should not forget to check fundamentals in the economic calendar and learn their impact on the markets.
You need an economic calendar for that.
There is an economic calendar on TradingView, it is very reliable and you can find the important news there
Pay attention to important 3-star news, and preferably don't trade ahead of the releases while you are learning.
5 - Demo Account
Trading education is a long journey.
While you are studying trading basics and trying different trading strategies, you should strictly trade on a demo account.
I recommend paper trading on TradingView, so that you could have the analysis and the trades on the same chart.
6 - Position Size Calculator
You should learn to calculate lot size for your trades from the beginning. You should always know how much is your risk per trade. For that reason, placing the trades on a demo account, you should measure lot sizes for your trades.
If you demo trade on TradingView, it offers a default position size calculator when you can set the lot size according to a desired risk.
Good luck in your journey and be prepared to work hard!
Support and Resistance VS Supply and Demand. Important Lesson
In the today's post, I will compare support and resistance levels with supply and demand zones.
I will explain to you the difference between them and share important tips and examples.
What are support and resistance levels?
We also call them key levels. These are particular levels on a price chart from where in the past we saw significant bullish or bearish movements.
Key support will be a one single level, that has a historical significance and from where a bullish reaction will be anticipated.
The all-time low on USDCHF will be a perfect example of a key support.
It is one single level that was respected one time in the past and from where a bullish reversal initiated.
Key resistance will be a one single level on a price chart that has a historical significance and from where a bearish movement will be expected.
The all-time high on Gold will represent a key horizontal resistance.
That level was respected one time in the past and from that level exactly the market dropped heavily.
What are supply and demand zones?
In comparison to support and resistance levels, supply and demand zones are the areas on a price chart. The zones that are based on multiple touches and consequent strong bullish or bearish reactions.
Demand zone will be the area that was tested at least 2 times in the past, and the price should strictly respect different price levels within that area.
A similar reaction will be anticipated from the demand zone in the future.
The yellow area above will a good example of a demand zone.
You can see that the price tested that area 3 times, and each time the market respected different levels lying within that.
These 3 tests compose the demand area.
Supply zon e will be the area that was tested at least 2 times in the past and the price should strictly respect different price levels within that area.
A similar reaction will be anticipated from the demand zone in the future.
In this example, a supply area on EURUSD is based on 2 touches of key levels, lying very close to each other.
On the chart above, I underlined 2 horizontal support levels - the single levels that were respected by the market multiple times, and a supply zone - the area that is based on tests of multiple levels lying close to each other.
Support and resistance levels give you SINGLE levels from where you can look for trading opportunities. While supply and demand zones represent the areas. After a test of a supply and demand zone, the market may react to a RANDOM level within that.
For newbie traders, it is highly recommendable to trade single key levels, while experienced traders can broaden their strategies and trade supply and demand zones as well.
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Best Trading Confirmation. Learn 95% Accurate Entry Signal
I have analyzed 1300 forecasts and signals that I shared on TradingView last year and found 95% accurate trading confirmation.
In this article, we will discuss multiple types of confirmations and their winning rate on Forex, Gold, Indexes, Crypto & Commodities.
First, let me introduce you to the types of analysis that I provided.
1 - Structure based forecast
I have shared more than 55 trading setup with key levels analysis:
Where the price is approaching a key daily horizontal support and resistance.
Here is the example of such a post.
Test of a key horizontal or vertical support/resistance turned out to be a poor trading signal.
Total accuracy of structure based forecasts is 38% .
Please, note that if we consider the market trend in our calculations,
the trend-following structure based setup will be 42% accurate, while a performance of a counter trend setup drops to 35%
2 - Structure breakout based forecast
I analyzed and posted 73 posts with a key structure breakout as a confirmation on a daily.
Above is the example of a such a forecast.
Key levels breakout turned out to be a strong bullish or bearish confirmation with 59% accuracy.
Trend direction did not affect the efficiency of a key structure breakout that much, with a 60% accuracy of a trend following setup versus 57% of counter trend.
3 - Structure based forecast with a single intraday confirmation
I shared more than 500 setups with a test of a key structure on a daily and a single price action based bullish or bearish confirmation on a 4h/1h time frame.
My intraday confirmation is a formation of a price action pattern with a consequent breakout of its neckline/trend line in the projected direction.
Please, check the example of such a signal.
Just a single intraday confirmation dramatically increases the accuracy of a structure based setup.
Average winning rate is 66%.
4 - Structure based forecast with multiple intraday confirmations
I spotted and posted 200+ forecasts with a test of a key structure on a daily and multiple price action based bullish or bearish confirmations on a 4h/1h time frame.
Multiple confirmations imply the formation of multiple price action patterns on 4/1h t.f.
Here is the example of such a setup on EURGBP.
Two or more confirmations on a key structure increase the average winning rate to 72%.
Among multiple confirmations, I found a 95% accurate bearish signal:
The market should be in a bearish trend.
The price should test a key daily structure resistance.
The market should form a rising wedge pattern on a 4h/1h time frames and the highs of the wedge should strictly test the key structure and should not violate them.
After a test of structure, the price should form a bearish price action pattern on the highs of the wedge.
Above is a setup with the best trading confirmation.
A bearish breakout of the neckline of the pattern and a support of the wedge was a 95% accurate trading signal this year.
Of course, there are various confirmations, depending on a trading style. The ones that I shared with you are structure/price action based.
And I am truly impressed by their accuracy.
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Illuminating the Path: Decoding Candlestick Patterns in Forex 🕯
Illuminating the Path: Decoding Candlestick Patterns in Forex 🕯️📈
✅Candlestick charting is a fundamental tool for analyzing price movements in forex trading. Each candlestick provides valuable insights into market sentiment and can assist traders in making informed trading decisions. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the art of reading candlestick patterns in forex, offering practical examples to enhance your understanding.
1 candle on a daily time frame on Gold composes the price action for 24 hours.
✅ Decoding Candlestick Patterns:
1. Understanding the Basics: Candlesticks are comprised of a body and wicks (or shadows). The body represents the open and close prices, while the wicks show the high and low prices during the time frame. Different candlestick patterns convey varying market dynamics, such as indecision, trend continuation, or trend reversal.
2. Popular Candlestick Patterns: Recognizing patterns such as doji, engulfing, and hammer can aid traders in assessing potential market movements and formulating trading strategies based on these insights.
3. Multiple Candlestick Patterns: Identifying sequences of candlestick patterns, such as a doji followed by a strong bullish candle, can provide significant indications of market sentiment and potential price reversals.
1 candle on a 4H time frame represents the price action for 4 hours.
✅ Examples:
Example 1: Bullish Engulfing Pattern in Forex
A bullish engulfing pattern occurs when a small bearish candle is followed by a larger bullish candle that engulfs its body. This pattern often signals a potential trend reversal, indicating a shift from bearish sentiment to bullish momentum.
Example 2: Doji Reversal Signal in Forex
A doji candle, characterized by its small body with wicks on both sides, signals market indecision. When a doji appears after a strong uptrend, it may suggest a potential reversal, prompting traders to exercise caution or consider implementing reversal trading strategies.
Hourly candle shows the price action for 1 hour.
By mastering the art of reading candlestick patterns, forex traders can gain valuable insights into market dynamics and improve their ability to anticipate potential price movements. Illuminating the path with candlestick charting can empower traders with a deeper understanding of market sentiment, facilitating more refined trading decisions. Happy candlestick decoding! 📊💡
THE KOG REPORTKOG REPORT:
In last week’s KOG Report we said we would stick with the same bias, bearish below and would be looking for price to attempt the order region 2035-8. This is the level we wanted to see a reaction in price, which as you can see didn’t come. Instead, we got the flip and managed to trade down completing numerous Gold targets. Once price reached that lower support level, we switched again, looking for the long trades back up towards the 2016, 2022 and above that 2030 level, which was again achieved and where we suggested traders take the exit, or at least protect and take a majority of the trade.
A great week on the markets again, not only on gold but the numerous other pairs we trade.
So, what can we expect in the week ahead?
For this week we’re going to play caution, please read the report carefully as the plan is detailed! We would like to see how the market opens and let the Asia session play out at least. What we’re expecting here in the early sessions is potential ranging playing between the 2030-35 resistance level and the 2018-22 support level. Both these levels are important and will need to break to determine the next move!
So, if we open and find resistance at the 2035 and above that 2043-5 region, based upon a confirmed set up, we feel an opportunity to short the market level to level is available into the 2020-22 region to play it safe. Now, if we support here and get a nice set up, we feel this level represents an opportunity to attempt the long swing trade back up towards the 2050 level and above that potentially 2070 in extension of the move before again, if not broken above we’ll look to swing short for the lower levels.
On the flip, if we break below 2020-18, we will be looking to trade this level to level downside in attempt to break the 2000 level and will be looking to take a larger position long from lower down.
As we usually do, we will update the plan and share KOG’s bias of the day for traders to keep up to date.
KOG’s bias for the week:
Bullish above 2020 with targets above 2050 and above that 2070
Bearish on break of 2020 with targets below 2005 and below that 1990
Key levels to watch:
Support – 2022 / 2020 / 2018
Resistance – 2035 / 2043 / 2046 / 2050
Please do support us by hitting the like button, leaving a comment, and giving us a follow. We’ve been doing this for a long time now providing traders with in-depth free analysis on Gold, so your likes and comments are very much appreciated.
As always, trade safe.
KOG
Learn Ascending, Decending and Symmetrical Triangles | Powerful
Hey traders,
In this post, we will discuss 3 simple and profitable types of a triangle pattern.
1️⃣ The first type of triangle is called a descending triangle.
It is a reversal price action pattern that quite accurately indicates the exhaustion of a bullish trend.
Setting a new higher high the market retraces and sets a higher low, then bulls start pushing again but are not able to retest a current high and instead the price sets a lower high and drops to the level of the last higher low setting an equal low.
Multiple lower highs compose a horizontal support that is called a neckline.
The price keeps trading in such a manner, setting lower highs and equal lows till the price sets a new lower low.
Most of the time, it gives a very accurate signal of a coming bearish move.
Please, note that a triangle formation by itself does not give an accurate short signal. The trigger that you should wait for is a formation of a new lower low.
Take a look at a descending triangle formation that I spotted on Crude Oil on a 4H time frame. Bearish movement was confirmed after a breakout of the neckline of the pattern.
2️⃣ The second type of triangle is called a symmetrical triangle. It is a classic indecision pattern. It can be formed in a bullish, bearish trend, or sideways market.
The price action starts contracting within a narrowing range, setting lower highs and higher lows.
Based on them, two trend lines can be drawn.
Breakout of one of the trend lines with a quite high probability indicates a future direction of the market.
Above is a great example of a symmetrical triangle.
Bullish breakout of its upper boundary - a falling trend line was a strong bullish confirmation.
3️⃣ The third type of triangle is called an ascending triangle.
It is a reversal price action pattern that quite accurately indicates the exhaustion of a bearish trend.
Setting a new lower low, the market retraces and sets a lower high, then bears start pushing again but are not able to retest a current low and instead the price sets a higher low and bounces to the level of the last lower high setting an equal high.
A sequence of equal highs compose a strong horizontal resistance that is called a neckline.
The price keeps trading in such a manner, setting higher lows and equal highs till the price sets a new higher high.
Most of the time, it gives a very accurate signal of a coming bullish move.
📍Please, note that an ascending triangle formation by itself does not give an accurate long signal. The trigger that you should wait for is a formation of a new higher high.
Ascending triangle formation helped me to accurately predict a bullish reversal on USDJPY. Its neckline breakout was a strong bullish confirmation.
Learn to recognize such triangles and you will see how accurate they are.
Let me know what pattern do you want to learn in the next post?
Learn Best Price Action Patterns by Accuracy
Last year, I shared more than 1300 free signals and forecasts for Gold, Forex, Commodities and Indexes.
In my predictions, quite often I relied on classic price action patterns.
In this article, I will reveal the win rate of each pattern, the most accurate and the least accurate formations of the last year.
Please, note that all the predictions and forecasts that I shared this year are available on TradingView and you can back test any of the setup that I identified this year by your own. Just choose a relevant tag on my TradingView page.
Also, some forecasts & signals were based on a combination of multiple patterns.
Here is the list of the patterns that I personally trade:
🔘 Double Top or Bottom with Equal Highs
The pattern is considered to be valid when the highs or lows of the pattern are equal.
The pattern gives a bearish/bullish signal when its neckline is broken.
🔘 Double Top or Bottom with Lower High/Higher Low or Cup & Handle
The pattern is considered to be valid when the second top/bottom of the patterns is lower/higher than the first one.
The pattern gives a bearish/bullish signal when its neckline is broken.
🔘 Head & Shoulders and Inverted Head and Shoulders
The pattern gives a bearish/bullish signal when its neckline is broken.
🔘 Horizontal Range
The pattern is the extension of a classic double top/bottom with at least 3 equal highs/lows.
The pattern gives a bearish/bullish signal when its neckline is broken.
🔘 Bullish/Bearish Flag
The pattern represents a rising/falling parallel channel.
It gives a bullish/bearish signal when its upper/lower boundary is broken.
🔘 Rising/Falling Wedge Pattern
The pattern represents a contracting rising/falling channel.
It gives a bullish/bearish signal when its upper/lower boundary is broken.
🔘 Rising/Falling Expanding Wedge
The pattern represents an expanding rising/falling channel.
It gives a bullish/bearish signal when its upper/lower boundary is broken.
🔘 Descending/Ascending Triangle
The pattern is the extension of a cup & handle pattern with at least 2 lower highs/lows.
The pattern gives a bearish/bullish signal when its neckline is broken.
Please, also note that all the patterns that I identified and traded were formed on key horizontal or vertical structures.
Remember that the accuracy of any pattern drops dramatically if it is formed beyond key levels.
I consider the pattern to be a winning one if after a neckline breakout, it managed to reach the closest horizontal or vertical structure, not invalidating the pattern's highs/lows.
For example, if the price violated the high of the cup and handle pattern after its neckline breakout, such a pattern is losing one.
If it reached the closest structure without violation of the high, it is a winning pattern.
🔍 Double Top or Bottom with Equal Highs
I spotted 85 setups featuring these patterns.
Their accuracy is 62%.
🥉 Double Top or Bottom with Lower High/Higher Low or Cup & Handle
96 setups were spotted.
The performance turned out to be a little bit higher than a classic double top/bottom with 65% of the setups hitting the target.
🔍 Head & Shoulders and Inverted Head and Shoulders
58 formations spotted this year.
Average win rate is 64%
🏆 Horizontal Range
The most accurate pattern of this year.
More than 148 patterns were spotted and 74% among them gave accurate signal.
🔍 Bullish/Bearish Flag
38 setups identified this year.
The accuracy of the pattern is 57%
Rising/Falling Wedge
The pattern turned out to be a little bit more accurate.
Among 62 formations, 59% end up being profitable.
👎 Rising/Falling Expanding Wedge
The worst pattern of this year.
I recognized 24 patterns and their accuracy was just 51%.
🥈 Descending/Ascending Triangle
64 patterns were identified.
The win rate of the pattern is 66%.
The most important conclusion that we can make analyzing the performance of these patterns is that they all have an accuracy above 50%. If you properly combine these patterns with some other technical or fundamental tools, the accuracy of the setup will increase dramatically.
Good luck in your trading!
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Full Time Trading. Everything You Need to Know
Once you mature in trading and become a consistently profitable trader, the question arises: are you ready to trade full time?
Becoming a full time trade is a very significant step and my things must be taken into consideration before you make it.
✨ Becoming a full time trader implies that you quit your current job, that you give up a stable income - your salary.
In contrast to classic job, trading does not give guarantees . Please, realize that such a thing as stable income does not exist in trading.
Trading is a series of winning and losing trades, positive and negative periods. For that reasons, remember that in order to become a full time trader, your average monthly trading income must be at least twice as your monthly expenses.
✨ Moreover, even if your trading income is sufficient to cover two months of your life, that is still not enough. You must have savings.
Trading for more than 9 years, I faced with quite prolonged negative periods. One time I was below zero for the entire quarter.
For that reason, supporting a family and living a decent life will require savings that will help you not to sink during the losing periods.
✨ Another very important sign is your correct and objective view on your trading. Please, realize that if you bought Bitcoin one time and made a couple of thousands of dollars, it does not make you a consistently profitable trader.
Please, do not confuse luck with the skill. Your trading must be proven by many years of trading.
✨ You must be emotionally prepared for the living conditions that full time trading will bring you.
Being a full time trader implies that you are constantly at home,
you work from home from Monday to Friday.
You do not see your colleagues, your social life will change dramatically.
I know a lot of people who started to trade full time and then realized that they can not work from home for different reasons.
⭐️ So what are the necessary conditions for becoming a full time traders:
you should have savings that will cover the negative trading periods,
your average monthly trading income should be at least twice as your monthly expenses,
your trading efficiency must be proven by objective, consistent results,
and you must be psychologically prepared for working from home.
When these conditions are met, you can make a significant step and become a full-time trader.
Are you ready?
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Learn Profitable Doji Candle Trading Strategy
In the today's post, I will share my Doji Candle trading strategy.
This strategy combines the elements of multiple time frame analysis, price action and key levels.
Step 1
Analyze key levels on a daily time frame.
Identify vertical and horizontal supports and resistances.
Here are the key structures that I spotted on on AUDUSD.
Step 2
Look for a formation Doji Candle on a key structure.
This rule is crucially important: we will trade only the Doji candles that are formed on key levels.
From key supports, we will look for buying, and we will look for shorting from key resistances.
Look at this Doji Candle that was formed on a key daily support on AUDUSD.
Step 3
Look for a horizontal range on a 4h/1h time frames.
Doji Candle signifies indecision. Quite often, you will notice the horizontal ranges on lower time frames when this candlestick is formed.
Here is a horizontal range that was formed on a 4H time frame on AUDUSD after a formation of Doj i.
Step 4
Look for a breakout of the range.
To sell from a key resistance, we will need a bearish breakout of the support of the range. That will be our bearish confirmation.
To buy from a key support, we will need a bullish breakout of the resistance of the range. It will be our bullish signal.
Here is a confirmed breakout of the resistance of the range with a 4H candle close above. That is our bullish confirmation on AUDUSD.
Step 5
Buy aggressively or on a retest.
After you spotted a confirmed breakout of the range, open a trading position aggressively or on a retest.
Personally, I prefer trading on a retest.
If you sell, a stop loss should be above the high of the range and your target should be the closest key daily support.
If you buy, your stop loss should be below the low of the range and a take profit will be on the closest daily resistance.
On AUDUSD, a long position was opened on a retest. Stop loss is lying below the lows. Take profit is the closest resistance.
Here is how the great strategy works!
Always patiently wait for a confirmation! That is your key to successful trading Doji Candle.
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9 Essential TIPS For Newbie Traders (Learn from my Mistakes!)
In the today's article, I will reveal trading secrets I wish I knew when I started trading.
1️⃣ Forget about becoming a pro quickly
Most of the traders believe, that you can learn how to trade easily and that it takes a very short period of time in order to master a profitable trading strategy.
The truth is, however, that trading is a long journey.
I spent more than 3 years, trying different strategies and looking for a profitable technique to trade. Once I found that, it took more than a year to polish a trading strategy and to learn how to apply that properly.
Be prepared to spend YEARS before you find a way to trade profitably.
2️⃣ Focus on One Strategy
While you are learning how to trade you will try different techniques, tools and strategies. And the thing is that newbies are trying multiple things simultaneously. The more strategies you try at once, the more setups you have on your chart. The more setups you have on your chart, the more complex and difficult is your trading.
Remember that in this game, your attention is the key.
You should meticulously study each and every trading setup.
For that reason, I highly recommend you to focus on one strategy, one approach, one technique. Test it, try it and look for a new one only when you realize that it doesn't work.
Here is the example how the same price chart can provide absolutely different trading opportunities depending on a trading strategy.
Price action pattern trader would recognize a lot of a patterns, while indicator based trader could spot absolutely different bullish and bearish signals.
Now, try to imagine how hard it would be to follow both strategies simultaneously.
3️⃣ Start with small capital that you can afford to lose
You will lose your first trading deposit and, probably, the second one and potentially the third one as well.
Losses are the only way to learn real trading. While you are on a demo account, you feel like a king, but once you start risking your savings, the perspective completely changes.
For that reason, make sure that you trade with an account that you can afford to lose. The fact of blowing such an account should be unpleasant, but that should not affect your daily life.
4️⃣ Use stop loss
I am doing trading coaching for more than 4 years.
What pisses me off is that the main reason of the substantial losses of my mentees is the absence of stop loss. Why can it be if naturally everyone: from your broker to Instagram trading gurus repeat that day after day.
Set stop loss, know in advance how much you risk per trade, and know the exact level on a price chart where you become wrong.
Imagine what could be your loss, if you shorted USDJPY and hold the trade while the market kept going against you.
5️⃣ Forget about getting rich quick
That is the iconic fallacy. I believe that around 90% of people who come in this game want to get rich quick, want easy money.
And no surprise, when I share a trading setup on TradingView, and it loses I receive dozens of messages that I am a scammer.
People truly believe that professional trading implies 100% win rate and quick and easy money.
The truth is, traders, that trading is a very tough game. And with a good trading strategy, you have just a little statistical edge that will give you the profits that would slightly overcome your losses.
6️⃣ Train your eyes
Professional trading implies pattern recognition: it can be some technical indicators pattern, the price action or candlestick formation, etc.
Your main goal as a trader is to learn to identify these patterns.
Pattern recognition is a hard skill to acquire.
You should spend dozens of hours in front of the screen in order to train your eyes to identify certain patterns.
Here is how many patterns you would spot on GBPUSD chart, paying close attention.
7️⃣ Track and analyze your trades
Study all the trades that you take, especially the losing ones.
Look for mistakes, look for the reasons why a certain setup played out and why a certain one didn't. Journal your trades and make notes.
8️⃣ Don't use technical indicators
Newbies believe that technical indicators should do the work for them.
They are constantly looking for one or a bunch that will accurately show where the market will go.
However, I always say to my mentees that technical indicators make the chart messy and distract.
If you just started trading, focus on a naked chart, learn to analyze the market trend, key levels, classic price action patterns.
Learn to make accurate predictions relying on a price chart alone.
Only then add some technical indicators on your chart.
They won't do the work for you, but will help you to slightly increase the accuracy of a certain setup.
Above is the classic chart of newbie trader.
A lot of indicators and a complete mess
The same chart would look much better without technical indicators.
9️⃣ Find a Mentor
There are hundreds of trading mentors. Find the one with a trading style that you like.
Follow him, learn from his trading experience, listen to his trading recommendations.
9 years ago I found a guy, his name was Jason.
I really liked his free teachings, and they were meaningful to me.
I decided to purchase his premium coaching program.
It was 200$ monthly - a huge amount of money for me at that time.
However, with his knowledge I saved a lot, I learned a lot of profitable techniques and tricks that helped me to become a professional forex trader.
Of course, this list could be much bigger.
The more I think about different subjects in trading, the more important tips come to my mind. However, I believe that the tips above
are essential and I truly wish I knew all that before I started.
I hope that info will help you in your trading journey!
Good luck to you.
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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.
Trading on Holidays: Liquidity and Spreads
When trading forex, it's essential to check spreads, especially during holidays.
Trading forex during holidays can be a bit more challenging due to reduced liquidity in the market.
Liquidity refers to the ease with which assets can be bought or sold without causing a significant change in price. During holidays, liquidity can be lower as many traders and financial institutions take time off, leading to fewer participants in the market.
Lower liquidity can directly impact the spread, which is the difference between the bid and ask price of a currency pair. In times of reduced liquidity, spreads tend to widen, meaning the difference between the buying and selling price of a currency pair increases. This can lead to higher trading costs for traders, as wider spreads require a larger price movement in the underlying asset before a trade becomes profitable.
It's essential for traders to be aware of these potential spread increases during holidays to avoid unexpected trading costs.
Additionally, wider spreads can also lead to slippage , where a trade is executed at a different price than expected. This can further impact trading results, especially during fast-moving markets with low liquidity.
Therefore, checking spreads during holidays is crucial for forex traders to anticipate potential increases in trading costs and adjust their trading strategies accordingly.
On TradingView, you can check the spreads in the top left corner. There you can find bid, ask prices and the spread between them.
It's important to factor in the impact of wider spreads on profitability and risk management when trading during these periods. By staying informed about spread changes during holidays, traders can make more informed decisions and better navigate the challenges of lower liquidity in the forex market.
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Trading in December. Everything You Need to Know
Because of the coming holidays, you are probably wondering should you trade in December at all and if yes, when should you stop and resume your trading.
In this article, I will share with you how I trade in December.
First, let me briefly explain to you how holidays, especially Christmas and New Year, affect the financial markets.
In many countries, Christmas and New Year's Day are official banking holidays. 🗓
In Europe, for example, December 24th, 25th, 26th and 31st are official banking holidays.
In the UK, the markets are officially closed December 25th and 26th.
While December 25th is the official banking holiday in the US.
When I trade I stick to the following rule: when there is a banking holiday in US, UK or EU I don't place any trade in that exact day.
However, with winter holidays it is a bit different.
I always skip the entire Christmas week - from 25th to 30th of December , because even though many markets remain opened, they are hardly moving and very slow.
You should also be very careful, trading the third week of December.
Till Wednesday, I trade in a normal schedule.
The presence of various important fundamentals in the economic calendar (especially the US ones), indicates potential volatility and nice movements on the markets.
With many years of experience, I noticed that trading volumes start falling since Thursday. And on Friday in many countries there are early bank closes or banking holidays like in New Zealand.
So my advice is, close all your trades on Wednesday 20th in the middle of NY session and stop trading.
📝 Here is the plan: we trade in a normal schedule the first half of December and then all the trades are closed, and we are enjoying holidays.
And when should you resume trading?
Again, here is a constant debate among traders. My take is to resume trading from the third week of January.
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6 Practical Tips for Futures TradingIn derivatives trading, achieving success can lead to substantial profits, but it's crucial to trade carefully to avoid costly mistakes.
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Here are six simple and practical tips to help develop a strategy for successful futures trading.
1. Craft a Clear Trade Plan
Before jumping into the market, take the time to plan your trades thoroughly. This involves setting not only profit goals but also establishing an exit plan in case the trade doesn't go as expected. A well-thought-out trading plan, including risk-management tools like stop-loss orders, can protect you from making impulsive decisions based on emotions like fear and greed.
2. Safeguard Your Positions
Protect your investments by committing to an exit strategy. Instead of relying on mental stops, use stop-loss orders to set a predetermined point at which you will exit the trade. Consider using One-Triggers-Other (OTO) orders to automate the process, triggering a protective stop when your primary order executes.
3. Focus Wisely
Avoid spreading yourself too thin by trying to trade too many markets. It's essential to concentrate on a few markets and dedicate time to studying charts, reading market commentary, and staying informed. However, don't put all your eggs in one basket either—diversification in futures trading can offer advantages.
4. Take It Slow
If you're new to futures trading, start with a cautious approach. Avoid trading large quantities at the beginning, as this could lead to significant losses. Begin with one or two contracts, develop your trading methodology, and only increase your order size when you feel confident.
5. Think Both Ways
Be open to trading opportunities in both rising and falling markets. While it's natural to want to go long, don't overlook the potential benefits of going short. This flexibility can broaden your trading opportunities and enhance your overall strategy.
6. Learn from Margin Calls
A margin call may signal that you've become emotionally attached to a losing position. Instead of adding more funds or reducing positions to meet the call, consider it a wake-up call. Cut your losses, learn from the experience, and move on to the next trading opportunity.
By incorporating these practical tips into your trading approach, you can navigate the futures market more confidently and increase your chances of success. Remember, a well-thought-out strategy and disciplined execution are key to achieving profitable results in futures trading.
Market Manipulations. Bullish Trap (smart money concepts)
In the today's article, we will discuss how smart money manipulate the market with a bullish trap.
In simple words, a bullish trap is a FALSE bullish signal created by big players.
With a bullish trap, the smart money aims to:
1️⃣ Increase demand on an asset, encouraging the market participant to buy it.
2️⃣ Make sellers close their positions in a loss.
When a short position is closed, it is automatically BOUGHT by the market.
Take a look at a key horizontal resistance on AUDCHF.
Many times in the past, the market dropped from that.
For sellers, it is a perfect area to short from.
Bullish violation of the underlined zone make sellers close their position in a loss and attracts buyers.
Then the market suddenly starts falling heavily, revealing the presence of smart money.
Both the sellers and the buyers lose their money because of the manipulation.
There are 2 main reasons why the smart money manipulates the markets in a such a way:
1️⃣ - A big player is seeking to close a huge long position
When a long position is closed, it is automatically SOLD to the market.
In order to sell a huge position, smart money needs a counterpart who will buy their position.
Triggering stop losses of sellers and creating a false demand, smart money sell their position partially to the crowd.
2️⃣ - A big player wants to open a huge short position
But why the smart money can't just close their long position or open short without a manipulation?
A big sell order placed by the institutional trader, closing their long position, can have an impact on the price of the asset. If the sell order is large enough, it can push the price downward as sellers outnumber buyers. Smart money are trying to balance the supply and demand on the market, hiding their presence.
It is quite complicated for the newbies and even for experienced traders to recognize a bullish trap.
One of the efficient ways is to apply multiple time frame analysis and price action.
Remember, that most of the time bullish traps occur on key horizontal or vertical resistances.
After you see a breakout, analyze lower time frames.
Quite often, after a breakout, the market starts ranging.
After a breakout of a key daily resistance, gold started to consolidate within a narrow range on an hourly time frame.
Bearish breakout of the support of the range will indicate a strength of the sellers and a highly probable bullish trap.
Remember, that you can not spot all the traps, and occasionally you will be fooled by smart money. However, with experience, you will learn to recognize common bullish traps.
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The Best Strategy to Apply Trailing Stop Revealed
Hey traders,
In this post, I will share with you my strategy to apply a trailing stop.
Please, note that I am applying a trailing stop only in trend-following trades and only when a trade is opened on a key level. I trade price action patterns, so the following technique will be appropriate primarily for price action traders. Moreover, my entries are strictly on a retest.
1️⃣
Spotting a price action pattern, I am always waiting for its neckline breakout. (if we talk about different channels, then by a neckline we mean its trend line)
Once I see a candle close below/above the neckline, I set my sell/buy limit order on a retest.
Stop loss will strictly lie below the lows of the pattern if we buy and above the highs of the pattern if we sell.
I spotted a horizontal trading range on an hourly time frame on AUDUSD. I set a sell limit order after a breakout of its neckline. Stop loss is lying above the highs of the pattern.
2️⃣
Once we are in a trade, you should measure the pattern's range (distance from its high to its low based on wicks) and then project that range from the entry to the direction of the trade.
In the picture above, the pattern range and its projection are the underlined blue areas.
Once the price reaches the projection of the pattern's range, you should move your stop loss to entry and make your position risk-free.
Move stop to breakeven in traders' slang.
3️⃣
Then you should let the market go.
📈If you are holding a long position, you should let the market retrace and set a higher low and then a new higher high or AT LEAST an equal high. Once these conditions are met, you can trail your stop and set it below the last higher low.
📉If you are holding a short position, you should let the market retrace and set a lower high and then a new lower low or AT LEAST an equal low. Once these conditions are met, you can trail your stop and set it above the last lower high.
In the example above, stop loss was modified when the price set a new lower high. Stop loss is now lying above that.
Catching a trending market you should trail your stop based on new higher lows / lower highs that the price sets. Occasionally you will catch big winners.
How do you apply a trailing stop?
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Technical vs. Fundamental Analysis: Finding a BalanceLooking to make more holistic investment decisions, but not sure how? Understanding the difference between technical and fundamental analysis and how to incorporate both is an essential step to accomplishing holistic investing. Today we will explore how finding a balance between these pillars of trading can help you navigate the complex world of investing.
The Importance of Finding a Balance
Finding the right balance between technical and fundamental analysis can be the key to successful investing. By combining the two approaches, traders gain a comprehensive understanding of a stock's potential, taking into consideration both the short-term market trends and the long-term value.
When it comes to investing, it's important to have a complete view of the market. Relying solely on technical analysis may leave you susceptible to missing out on crucial information about a company's financial health and growth prospects. Similarly, relying purely on fundamental analysis may cause you to overlook short-term market trends that could impact the stock's price in the near future, potentially leading to poor entries and exits.
A balanced approach allows you to leverage the strengths of both technical and fundamental analysis, providing you with a more complete picture of the investment opportunity at hand. So, whether you're a short-term trader or a long-term investor, finding the sweet spot between technical and fundamental analysis can help maximize your chances of making a profitable investment.
Understanding Technical Analysis
Technical analysis focuses on analyzing historical price and volume data to predict future price movements. Traders using this approach often rely on chart patterns, indicators, and trendlines to identify buy and sell signals.
Chart patterns, such as triangles, head and shoulders, and double tops/bottoms, provide insights into potential price reversals or continuations. These patterns are formed as a result of the collective actions of market participants and can signal impending price movements. However, when using price patterns it is critical to understand the statistical odds of success for completion of the pattern. Price patterns can be subjective to the trader's skill and overall directional bias, so traders should combine price patterns with other forms of technical analysis.
Indicators, such as moving averages, Relative Strength Index (RSI), and Bollinger Bands, help traders identify overbought or oversold conditions, measure the strength of a trend, and spot potential entry or exit points. When indicators are combined to form a robust and complementary system traders gain a wealth of information about the near-term health of an underlying asset. It is critical to note that no indicator system is perfect and will not guarantee you a 100% success rate. However, when paired with proper risk mitigation, psychology, and supporting forms of technical analysis, using indicators can lead to long-term success.
Trendlines are used to analyze the direction and strength of a stock's price movement. Drawing trend lines connecting the highs or lows of a stock's price can help identify support and resistance levels, price channels, and potential trend reversal areas.
Support and resistance zones are price levels on a chart that indicates where trends are likely to pause or reverse. Support is a zone where a downtrend pauses due to demand, while resistance is a zone where an uptrend pauses due to supply. These zones are based on market sentiment and human psychology, shaped by emotions such as fear, greed, and herd instinct. Traders tend to congregate near these zones, strengthening them. Support levels indicate a surplus of buyers, while resistance levels indicate a surplus of sellers. It's important to note that these levels are not exact numbers but rather "zones" that can be tested by the market.
Understanding how these tools work and how to interpret their signals is crucial for technical analysis. It allows traders to make intuitive decisions based on historical price patterns and market dynamics. However, it's important to note that technical analysis has its limitations.
Limitations of Technical Analysis
While technical analysis can provide valuable insights into a stock's potential price movements, it's important to recognize its limitations. Technical analysis is primarily focused on historical data and patterns, which may not always accurately predict future price movements.
Market sentiment, news events, and other external factors can significantly impact a stock's price, often rendering technical analysis less effective. If you don't believe me, just look at the price charts for the last four years. Try to pinpoint major world or domestic events such as the start of the pandemic or the Fed's hawkish shift. Additionally, technical analysis does not take into account the intrinsic value of a company, which is a key consideration in fundamental analysis.
Therefore, relying solely on technical analysis to make investment decisions may leave you vulnerable to market uncertainties and potential pitfalls. This is where fundamental analysis comes into play.
Understanding Fundamental Analysis
Fundamental analysis involves examining a company's financials, industry trends, and market conditions to determine its intrinsic value. Investors who lean towards fundamental analysis believe that a company's true worth is reflected in its financial strength and growth potential.
Key factors considered in fundamental analysis include a company's revenue and earnings growth, profit margins, debt levels, competitive positioning, and management team. By analyzing these factors, investors can assess whether a company is undervalued or overvalued, and make investment decisions accordingly. Most, if not all of this information is readily available on the internet, but it can take some digging to find all the information one would need. There is also a wide range of financial-related indicators readily available on TradingView.
Fundamental analysis also takes into account macroeconomic factors, such as interest rates, inflation, and government policies, which can impact the overall market and the performance of individual stocks.
How to Conduct Fundamental Analysis
Conducting fundamental analysis involves a thorough examination of a company's financial statements, such as its income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement. These statements provide insights into a company's revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and cash flows.
Analyzing financial ratios, such as the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, return on equity (ROE), and debt-to-equity ratio, helps investors assess a company's financial health and profitability. Much of this information is available on TradingView under the financials tab. TradingView has done an excellent job of making a majority of the aforementioned financial data available, right at your fingertips.
Industry analysis is another important aspect of fundamental analysis. Understanding the industry dynamics, competitive landscape, and market trends can provide insights into a company's growth potential and its ability to outperform its peers. There is a plethora of this information online, and diligence in your research will make a world of difference.
By combining financial analysis with industry analysis, investors can gain a deeper understanding of a company's overall prospects and make more informed investment decisions.
Finding a Balance Between Technical and Fundamental Analysis
Finding the right balance between technical and fundamental analysis requires a thoughtful approach. Here are some strategies to help you integrate the two approaches:
Start with fundamental analysis: Begin by analyzing a company's financials and industry trends to assess its long-term growth potential. This will provide you with a solid foundation for your investment decisions.
Use technical analysis for timing: Once you've identified a promising investment opportunity based on fundamental analysis, use technical analysis to refine your entry and exit points. Technical indicators and chart patterns can help you identify optimal times to buy or sell a stock.
Consider the bigger picture: While technical analysis focuses on short-term market trends, it's important to consider the long-term value of a company. Evaluate the fundamental factors that can impact a company's growth potential and use technical analysis as a tool to validate your investment thesis.
Keep an eye on market sentiment: Market sentiment can influence stock prices in the short term. By staying informed about news events, economic indicators, and market trends, you can better understand the context in which technical and fundamental analysis are operating.
By finding a balance between technical and fundamental analysis, you can better manage your investment decisions that take into account both short-term market dynamics and long-term value. This balanced approach can help you navigate the complex world of investing and maximize your chances of success.
In conclusion, understanding the difference between technical and fundamental analysis is crucial for making theoretically sound investment decisions. By finding a balance between the two approaches, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of a stock's potential, considering both the short-term market trends and the long-term value. So, whether you're a short-term trader or a long-term investor, incorporating both technical and fundamental analysis can help provide a better view and maximize your chances of making profitable investment decisions.
Happy Trading!
Essential Tips for Newbie Day Traders: Forex and Gold Trading
Entering the world of day trading can be both exciting and daunting, especially for those who are new to the game. This article aims to provide simple yet valuable recommendations for beginner day traders specifically focusing on forex and gold trading. 💼💰🚀
1. Educate Yourself:
Before diving into day trading, it is crucial to understand the intricacies of the forex and gold markets. Take the time to learn about the basic terminology, technical analysis, fundamental analysis, and different trading strategies. Knowledge is your best weapon in this realm. 📚✍️📈
Start by reading books, attending webinars or courses, or even joining online trading communities to gain insight into successful day trading techniques.
2. Practice with a Demo Account:
To avoid unnecessary losses, it is highly recommended to practice trading using a demo account. This allows you to gain hands-on experience without the risk of losing real money. Take the time to experiment with different strategies and understand how the market works. 📊📝💡
Tradingview paper trading offers demo accounts where you can simulate real trading scenarios and test your skills.
3. Develop a Trading Plan:
A well-defined trading plan is essential for any day trader. Specify your goals, risk tolerance, and trading style. Determine the maximum amount you are willing to risk per trade and set realistic profit targets. Stick to your plan and avoid impulsive decisions. 📝🎯💼
Example: Decide on a risk-to-reward ratio, such as 1:2, which means you are willing to risk $1 to potentially earn $2, and only take trades that meet this criteria.
4. Manage Your Risks:
Risk management is a crucial aspect of day trading. Never risk more than you can afford to lose and always set stop-loss orders to limit potential losses. It is important to maintain a disciplined approach to preserve your capital. 💪💸📉
Example: Let's say you have $10,000 as your trading capital. Set a maximum loss limit per trade, such as $200, and ensure your stop-loss order reflects this limit.
5. Keep Up with Market News:
Stay informed about global events, economic indicators, and market news that can impact the forex and gold markets. Develop a routine of reading relevant financial news and reports to stay ahead of market trends. 🌍📰💼
Important events like central bank announcements, political developments, or changes in commodity prices can significantly affect currency and gold prices.
Tradingview nicely displays the coming news on the horizontal scale of a price shart. Just click on a circle and you will see the coming related events.
In conclusion, starting out as a newbie day trader in the forex and gold markets requires a combination of knowledge, practice, discipline, and risk management. By following these simple recommendations, you will be better equipped to navigate the markets and enhance your chances of success in day trading. 💪📊✨
Know Sure Thing: Navigating Trends and Volatility EffectivelyIn the realm of technical analysis, the Know Sure Thing (KST) indicator stands out as a robust tool for traders seeking to decipher market trends and manage volatility effectively. This momentum-based oscillator amalgamates multiple moving averages to offer a comprehensive perspective on market momentum across various timeframes.
Introduction to the Know Sure Thing (KST) Indicator
The Know Sure Thing (KST) indicator is designed to unveil the market's underlying momentum, encompassing both short and long-term trends. The KST is a dynamic momentum oscillator rooted in the Rate of Change (ROC) principle. It amalgamates four distinct ROC timeframes, smoothing them via Simple Moving Averages. Consequently, the KST generates a fluctuating final value, oscillating above and below a Zero Line. Additionally, it incorporates a signal line, derived from an SMA of the KST line itself.
The moving average methodology of KST empowers traders with a tool capable of identifying both bullish and bearish trends, providing an encompassing view of market momentum shifts. Fundamentally, this indicator gauges momentum using the ROC across four price periods, aiding analysts in detecting divergences, overbought or oversold market conditions, and crossovers.
Understanding Trends with KST
The KST indicator is predominantly used to discern the strength and direction of market trends. When the KST line crosses above its signal line, it signifies a bullish trend shift, indicating a potential upward price movement. Conversely, when the KST line dips below the signal line, it suggests a bearish trend shift, signaling a potential downward price movement.
Similar to the MACD, when a crossover happens and the KST line crosses over the zero the overall signal can be considered to have a greater degree of confirmation.
Moreover, traders rely on crossovers and divergences within the KST indicator for confirming trend reversals or continuations. Bullish and bearish divergences between KST and price action can provide valuable insights into potential market movements, offering opportunities for traders to enter or exit positions.
Managing Volatility Using KST
Beyond trend identification, KST also assists in measuring market volatility. It enables traders to gauge the degree of volatility present in the market at any given time. Sharp spikes or fluctuations in KST readings often coincide with periods of increased market volatility. This information is crucial for traders as it aids in adapting their strategies to accommodate varying market conditions, thereby managing risk more effectively.
Practical Applications of KST
A practical application of KST involves combining its signals with other technical indicators, such as Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) or Relative Strength Index (RSI), to strengthen trade setups. For instance, if KST indicates a bullish crossover and MACD confirms the same, it enhances the confidence of a potential uptrend.
Additionally, traders use KST to identify bullish or bearish signals in conjunction with chart patterns. A bullish KST crossover alongside a bullish chart pattern like a "falling wedge" could reinforce the conviction for a long position.
Tips for Effective Utilization:
Effective utilization of the KST indicator requires a clear understanding of its strengths and limitations. Traders should consider experimenting with different settings and timeframes to find the optimal configuration that aligns with their trading strategies. Always implement some form of backtesting or paper trading to confirm that your strategy is in fact profitable.
The strengths of the KST indicator lies in its ability to offer a more complete view of market momentum. However, like any technical indicator, KST has limitations. During choppy or ranging markets, it might generate false or contradictory signals, leading to potentially misguided trading decisions. Traders should exercise caution and supplement KST readings with additional forms of analysis to mitigate the impact of its limitations.
It's paramount not to rely solely on a single indicator like the KST, but to corroborate KST signals with signals from other indicators or methods of analysis. A fortified approach involving multiple confirmatory signals, fundamental analysis, and risk management strategies strengthens trading decisions and minimizes potential false signals from any single indicator.
Conclusion:
The journey to mastering the Know Sure Thing (KST) indicator involves continuous learning, experimentation with settings, and adapting to evolving market conditions. By staying adaptable, open to new strategies, and consistently refining trading methodologies, traders can harness the full potential of the KST to navigate trends and volatility effectively.
In summary, the KST serves as a valuable addition to traders' toolkits, empowering them to make better trading decisions. Remember, while the KST enhances market analysis, prudent risk management and a comprehensive trading approach remain pivotal for sustained success in the dynamic world of financial markets. Good luck and happy trading!