Testing Candlestick Patterns on Real DataIn his fundamental book "Encyclopedia of Candlestick Charts," Thomas Bulkowski tested dozens of candlestick patterns using S&P market data. His research revealed that many well-known patterns perform quite differently from what conventional wisdom suggests.
In this video, I’ll show you how to conduct a similar analysis using your own data to determine whether those fancy "Hammers" and "Shooting Stars" actually give you an edge in trading.
Trend Analysis
HOW TO INCREASE YOUR OVERALL WIN RATE BY 10%+
Hi again everyone As promised, once a week I'll be bringing simple yet comprehensive guides to improve your over all trading! Here's your next MAGNIFICENT gift! I wasn't gonna do this topic but based on what I have been seeing among a bunch of traders.....this is DEFINITELY NEEDED . As always i really appreciate the support and upvote if you like the weekly posts so far and want more! Let's get right into it!
1. Understand that above all else, market structure (MS) always always always reigns supreme. Not fundamentals. Not news. Not "financial instutions" (that one cracks me up), but MARKET STRUCTURE. All of the other things mentioned above play their ROLES in market structure, but they do not MAKE market structure.
P.S. Of course major red folders like FOMC, NFP, CPI, etc etc will affect it, but that does not change the facts of #1.
Zoom out to gain overall perspective and bias direction, Zoom in to get the details needed within that bias to start finding confluence and begin creating that entry situation to come.
2. DO NOT, and i do repeat, DO NOT get in the habit of changing your bias mid day or multiple times a day/week, UNLESS the market calls for it. (mainly through major points in structure being broken, but there are various ways to determine this with indicators amongst other things like candlestick structure and trendlines, fibs, and other tools.)
I see so many traders lose on a day they would CAKED on had they just stuck to their bias. Trusting in your bias is not only needed, but it is a super power and shows your conviction in your strategy.
3. Stop listening to randoms not just here, but on any platform, and develop YOUR OWN EDGE in the market based on your understanding..... OR..... find a extremely talented and trustworthy mentor to guide you. Regardless, good luck on your own if your ego does not allow you to learn. I trade far better than the vast majority of people and I remain in contact with my mentor so no excuses .
4. Master candlestick analysis. You know how I catch big moves in the market???? Well, its certainly not by ignoring candlestick analysis. Candlesticks will always tell you where breakouts will occur on lower timeframes, and they'll always tell you how wide the range of the market is as well as show you with the wicks which side is getting weaker, but on the higher timeframe.
reread that ^. Literally gave you guys my sauce to interpreting candlesticks on top of posting this for you guys.
5. Control your emotions, king,
6. Trail your stop loss after 25-30 pips gained, everytime. especially in the beginning, since the winners won't come as often, you need to capitalize on winning trades. Any trade that ends in NET positive profit is a winner. point, blank, period. Even if it hits your trailing stop loss, study it! Even if it hits your take profit, study it! Feedback leads to growth.... always.
7. Backtest, backtest, backtest. Make the $15 USD investment and study your edge. study study study notate and improve! innovate and grow!!!! Backtesting is where you test what you know, look your L's and W's in the face and make that committment to see more W's than L's.
HONESTLY, this should increase your win rate by 20% if you're already coming in with some experience. For the newer guys, you're welcome. your trading skill is about to skyrocket, if YOU decide to put that work in. I promise that god wants you to win, if you do!!! GOODLUCK Gs
Analyzing Tokens with the Overall Crypto Market CapWhen analyzing individual tokens like XRP/USD, it’s crucial to consider the bigger picture—the overall crypto market cap. Market cap movements provide a bird's-eye view of the entire crypto ecosystem, acting as a barometer for where individual tokens may be headed. Here’s why using confluences between market cap charts and specific tokens is a powerful approach:
Market Structure Alignment:
The total crypto market cap gives a clear indication of the overall trend—whether we’re in a bullish cycle with higher highs or a consolidation phase. For example, as the market cap approaches key levels like $3.44T and targets $4.44T, this reinforces the bullish structure, supporting the idea that tokens like XRP will also push higher.
Key Levels and Targets:
Market cap charts help identify critical zones, such as liquidity areas, support/resistance, and Fibonacci retracement levels. These align with similar levels on token charts like XRP/USD. For instance, XRP’s retest of $2.90 aligns with market cap breaking into higher territory.
Momentum Validation:
Tokens rarely move independently of the broader market. If the market cap shows strong volume, sustained breakouts, or key retests, it validates token-specific moves. If XRP/USD is showing bullish momentum, but the market cap is stagnant or bearish, this could signal a divergence.
Confluence = Confidence:
By combining token-specific technical analysis (e.g., Fibonacci, trendlines, or order blocks) with macro-level analysis from the market cap, traders gain stronger confirmation for their trades. For example, XRP’s trajectory toward new highs is further supported when the total market cap follows a clear path upward.
Key Takeaways:
The crypto market cap is currently showing bullish structure, targeting $4.44T. This aligns with XRP’s path toward $2.90 and beyond.
Temporary pullbacks in the market cap or XRP are healthy for building support and creating stronger candles for higher breakouts.
Always zoom out—weekly and monthly time frames on the market cap chart provide clarity on long-term trends and help eliminate "noise."
Understanding the interplay between individual tokens and the broader market is essential for making educated trading decisions. Crypto isn’t just about isolated assets; it’s about the entire ecosystem working in harmony.
What’s your take on aligning market cap analysis with token trades? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
What is Bitcoin ‘Pairs Trading’? (Example: ETH/BTC)This is for anybody who wants to sell some Bitcoin but is still bullish crypto. 🚀
It’s also if you’re neutral on crypto but think Bitcoin is overvalued vs other tokens.
It’s also just if you’re just interested to see a way to apply a pairs trading strategy .
In case you’ve been hiding under a rock, Bitcoin just broke over $100k - No more waiting for the HODLRS!!
Naturally after hitting this massive milestone, some traders are going to be thinking about taking profits. And if they’re thinking it, some of them are going to be doing it.
But let’s forget about selling for a moment, are you really buying more BTC when it just hit $100k and it's up ~150% this year?
So even if there is not more active selling interest, there’s probably less buying interest.
I think you’d be mad (or very brave) to bet against Bitcoin. BUT
Are these scenarios possible?
Bitcoin trades sideways for a while after hitting $100k
Alt season kicks in and other cryptos play catchup
If you think yes to at least one of these, my team and me have been looking at a pairs trade
What is pairs trading?
Pairs trading in crypto is a market-neutral trading strategy that involves taking a long position in one cryptocurrency and a short position in another, based on the assumption that their historical price relationship will revert to the mean.
The point is to profit from the relative price movement between the two assets, i.e. not the absolute ups or downs of one asset like Bitcoin.
ETH/BTC
I put this crypto pair this way around - I’m not sure if you’re meant to - it just kind of reminds me of EUR/USD in forex trading.
So as a reminder, ETH/BTC is Ethereum’s token Ether priced in Bitcoin. When Ether outperforms Bitcoin it goes up and when Ether underperforms Bitcoin, it goes down.
So it doesn’t actually matter if Bitcoin goes up, down or sideways, if you’re trading ETH/BTC - what matters is what one does relative to the other.
Well this thing has been going down a lot! Until recently.
Going back to the idea of pairs trading - the thesis here is that the Ethererum/Bitcoin price ratio has dropped to bargain levels and could be about to recover.
I’m not going to lie to you - there are a lot of sore hands out there from trying to catch this falling knife!
But this rebound off the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement of the 2020-21 rally has caught our attention.
Dropping to the daily chart, can you see how 0.4000 has acted like a magnet to the price both from above and below?
0.4 is our line in the sand for long positions.
Equally, our risk is well defined in this setup. A drop back under the 61.8% Fib level around 0.32 means the idea isn’t working and it's time to get out and let Bitcoin do its thing!
How to trade it
Specific entries and exits depend on your personal risk tolerance, but broadly there are THREE methods here:
1. Crypto-to-Crypto Spot Trading
Trade ETH directly for BTC (or vice versa) on a cryptocurrency exchange. This is straightforward and involves holding the actual assets.
2. CFD Trading (Contracts for Difference)
Speculate on ETH/BTC price movements using CFDs without owning the underlying cryptocurrencies. This allows for leverage and the ability to short-sell.
3. Spread Trading
Buy ETH and simultaneously short BTC (or vice versa) with equal dollar value to profit from their relative price movement while minimizing exposure to overall market trends.
But that’s just how we are seeing things?
Do you think this is bananas, or could we be onto something?
Please let us know in the comments
Cheers!
Jasper. Chief Market Analyst, Trading Writers
HOW TO TRADE USING CHOCH IN ICT SMART MONEY CONCEPTHere in this video i show you how you can trade using choch . I explain how change of character work and how it can be applied using indicator also . Understanding Choch can make you a better trader if you use well so try to mark out break of strusture (BOS) then find out were the price unable to respect that in other to get CHOCH.
PROVEN STRATEGY FOR PROFITSThe Truth About the Holy Grail Market Strategy
Every trader dreams of finding that perfect strategy—the so-called "Holy Grail" that guarantees success. The one that wins every trade, beats every market condition, and transforms your account overnight.
Here’s the secret: it doesn’t exist.
Why do we chase it, then? Because we’ve been conditioned from a young age to believe there’s always a right answer. In school, careers, and life, we’re taught to strive for perfection and fear mistakes. This mindset slips into trading, where losses feel like personal failures instead of natural steps in the process.
Unfortunately, this is also why strategies claiming "100% accuracy" get so much attention. They feed into our hope of finding that mythical Holy Grail. People flock to these posts, hitting like, commenting, and even buying courses—all based on a fantasy. And the creators? They profit off this hope, knowing full well that no strategy is foolproof.
The reality is, trading isn’t about being right. It’s about being consistent. The pros aren’t chasing Holy Grails—they’re managing risk, mastering probabilities, and playing the long game.
If you’re stuck in the trap of searching for perfection, stop and ask yourself: Am I being sold a dream instead of learning the skills that matter?
Success in trading doesn’t come from avoiding losses but from mastering how to lose small and win big. Once you realize that, you’ll stop chasing myths and start building something real.
✨ Forget the Holy Grail. Focus on discipline, probabilities, and growth. ✨
FOLLOW ME FOR MORE SUCH CONTENT AHEAD
Till then,
HAPPY TRADING :)
Higher time frame frameworks and set upIn this video, we explore a high-level analysis of monthly and weekly trading frameworks, showcasing how TSA—Time, Space, Algorithms, and Tradings—leverages Confluence to identify asymmetrical opportunities in the market. While this isn’t the full strategy, it introduces key elements that empower traders to achieve precision and clarity.
We dive into the power of Confluence as a core component, integrating insights from markets like the VIX to enhance feasibility and comparison. Starting from the monthly and weekly frameworks, we refine our approach to a 1-hour and 4-hour perspective, identifying high-probability setups. From there, we scale down to 15-minute and 5-minute charts, applying the same Confluence-based principles to manage trades effectively.
This video is designed to bring the trading community together—FED traders, ICT traders, and those who combine fundamentals with technical analysis. Let’s collaborate to uncover powerful Confluences that sharpen our edge in the markets.
This is just the beginning—join us as we build a thriving community of traders!
How to Calculate the Exact Time of Market Reversal - LIVE TRADEDoes the market feel random to you?
Like a casino where your trades are gambles, hoping for the best while fearing the worst?
Well, it's time to rethink everything. Markets aren’t random; they operate with algorithmic precision , and in this live trade, I’ll show you exactly how.
Using Gann Astro principles combined with advanced mathematics, I calculated the precise time of a market reversal—down to the minute. This isn’t some generic indicator, supply-demand, or support-resistance nonsense that makes you wonder if trading is a rigged game. Retail strategies are like trying to drive blindfolded; they ignore the fundamental truth of the market: time is more important than price , and the market's movements are governed by an intricate algorithmic system.
With over 5 years of deep expertise, I’ve moved beyond the clutter of retail methods to uncover how planetary cycles, mathematical models, and time-based analytics drive price delivery . This is not just theory—watch the market respond to the exact reversal I predicted, proving the power of this method.
Forget gambling; this is science . If you’re tired of losing money to the randomness of retail tools and want to learn how to master the true precision of the markets, DM me for exclusive one-on-one training. Step into the world of professional trading and leave the chaos behind.
The Cascade Effect: A Force for Success or Self-Sabotage
The path to successful trading can sometimes feel overwhelming. The reality is daunting, with numerous small and often psychologically challenging biases that need to be overcome daily. However, an awareness of certain chain reactions—like the "Cascade Effect"—can make the mountain top feel within reach.
By harnessing this effect, traders can set in motion a sequence of positive actions that build on each other, creating momentum and growth. On the flip side, if neglected, these small actions can spark a downward spiral, triggered by seemingly insignificant missteps.
Understanding the Cascade Effect: From Fitness to Finance
The Cascade Effect is a concept well-documented in fields like fitness and psychology, where small, consistent actions lead to either upward or downward trajectories in well-being. This principle is not new; research has shown how even one positive action can trigger a chain of beneficial events.
For example, a study exploring the daily impact of exercise found that participants who engaged in physical activity experienced more positive social interactions and achieved more goals, both on the same day and even the next. The researchers concluded, "Exercise creates a positive cascade, increasing positive social and achievement events experienced on the same day and positive social events on the following day." In essence, a simple action like exercising acts as a powerful catalyst, initiating a cycle of rewarding behaviours that reinforce one another and drive overall well-being.
In trading, this concept applies in a similar way. A small, disciplined action—such as a daily review of market conditions—can serve as the foundation for more deliberate decision-making throughout the day.
The Positive Cascade Effect in Trading
The positive Cascade Effect in trading begins with small, intentional actions. For instance, starting the day with a dedicated market review—whether analysing charts, tracking news, or identifying key levels—creates a sense of preparedness. This act of preparation forms the bedrock for disciplined trading decisions throughout the day. These small actions can set off a chain of events that builds mental momentum. As the trader continuously follows these routines, they not only feel more grounded in their approach but also less vulnerable to impulsive decisions or emotional trading.
A powerful example of this positive cascade is the practice of trade journaling. By regularly reviewing each trade and assessing what went well or could be improved, traders gain valuable insight into their unique strengths and weaknesses. This reflection process reinforces positive behaviours while shedding light on areas that need refinement. With each small improvement, traders feel a sense of progress and growth. As this momentum accumulates, their approach becomes more disciplined, which over time can yield more consistent, positive results. This continuous loop of reflection, adjustment, and improvement leads to a more robust trading strategy, underpinned by both mental and emotional resilience.
The Negative Cascade Effect in Trading
Unfortunately, the Cascade Effect can work in the opposite direction, leading to a negative spiral that can be just as powerful, if not more so. Missing a pre-trade routine or skipping chart analysis may seem inconsequential at first, but these small lapses can gradually erode a trader’s discipline. For example, a trader who skips their market prep one day might find it easier to do the same the next day, creating a chain reaction that leads to increasingly haphazard trades. These small oversights compound over time, causing habits to deteriorate and weakening the foundation of a trader’s strategy. As these small mistakes pile up, the trader’s decisions become more reactive rather than proactive, and the trading process feels less grounded and more erratic.
The impact of impulsive decisions can also amplify the negative Cascade Effect. For example, after a loss triggered by an impulsive trade, the trader may feel frustrated, leading them to chase losses or engage in revenge trading. This emotional response worsens the situation, compounding the original mistake. The resulting cycle of frustration and hasty decisions chips away at the trader’s confidence and increases mental strain. Over time, this pattern not only harms trading performance but also makes it more difficult to break free from the cycle. It’s crucial to recognise these small slips early on to prevent them from spiralling into bigger problems that can ultimately undermine your entire approach.
Ensuring a Positive Cascade Effect: Cultivating Conscious Habits
To ensure that the Cascade Effect works in your favour, focus on routines that reinforce discipline and mindfulness. By cultivating awareness and consistency, you can leverage the Cascade Effect to build positive momentum in your trading. Here are a few practices that can help:
• Morning Pre-Trade Routine: Start each day with a consistent market analysis session. Reviewing news, technical setups, and key levels not only prepares you mentally but also sets a positive tone for the day.
• Post-Trade Journaling: After each trade, take the time to reflect on your decisions, emotions, and outcomes. This habit keeps you aware of your decision-making process and allows for continuous learning.
• Mindfulness and Meditation: Incorporating a few minutes of meditation each day can help you stay centred, reducing emotional reactions and fostering awareness of your thoughts and actions.
These habits create a solid foundation for discipline and self-awareness, empowering you to harness the Cascade Effect in a way that can keep the forces of momentum working for you.
Disclaimer: This is for information and learning purposes only. The information provided does not constitute investment advice nor take into account the individual financial circumstances or objectives of any investor. Any information that may be provided relating to past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results or performance. Social media channels are not relevant for UK residents.
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 82.67% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Silver Bullet Strategy EURUSD AUDUSD | 03/12/2024Trading the Silver Bullet strategy was tough yesterday. While many may only discuss the wins associated with their trading strategies, we encountered some losses yesterday. We entered two trades on two major currency pairs (EURUSD, AUDUSD) and aim to walk you through what happened during our trading session using the Silver Bullet strategy.
At 10:00 EST, we began scouting for potential trading setups, as this marks the beginning of the Silver Bullet window, which concludes at 11:00 EST. By 10:20 EST, a Fair Value Gap (FVG) had formed on the EURUSD currency pair, presenting us with a sell bias and directing our attention to potential selling opportunities in EURUSD for the current trading session. Upon reviewing AUDUSD, we observed that an FVG had also formed at 10:20 EST, further indicating a sell bias for the currency pair.
Once we establish a bias, we typically wait for a retracement into the formed FVG and only execute the trade after the candle that enters the FVG has closed. This step is crucial on our checklist because our backtesting revealed scenarios where the candle entering the FVG could proceed to hit the stop loss. This check helps us avoid entering trades under such conditions. Meanwhile, those who use limit orders may find themselves at a disadvantage in these situations. After a 20-minute wait following the formation of the FVG, we identified a trade on EURUSD that satisfied all the criteria on our checklist, and without hesitation, we proceeded to execute the trade.
In this trade, since the high of candle number 1 from the entry price is approximately 7 pips, which does not satisfy the minimum stop loss requirement, we adjust it to a 10 pips stop loss, our minimum threshold. This rule ensures the trade has sufficient room to fluctuate. Immediately after executing the EURUSD trade, we identified another opportunity with AUDUSD that met all the criteria on our checklist. As it fulfilled the necessary requirements, we proceeded without hesitation to execute the trade.
Please be aware that we risk 1% of our trading account on each trade. This level of risk is acceptable for us, as it's an amount we're comfortable with potentially losing, thus preventing emotional attachment to the trades. Ten minutes after initiating a sell position on EURUSD, our trade reached the stop loss, resulting in a 1% loss for the day. Consequently, we are left with our sell position on AUDUSD.
After incurring a loss on EURUSD, we examined the AUDUSD position and found that this trade was also facing a drawdown. Did we experience any emotions upon realizing we might lose 2% that day? No, because we had already accepted the risk and were prepared for any outcome, whether it was a win or a loss. We were aware that the strategy's win rate was around 48%, indicating that losses are a part of the process. However, with a positive risk-to-reward ratio, our wins are expected to outweigh the losses.
While awaiting the outcome of the AUDUSD trade, we noticed a setup on USDCAD where a Fair Value Gap (FVG) had formed. However, upon closer inspection, we realized it materialized exactly at 11:00 EST. This timing meant we couldn't engage in the trade, as our checklist mandates that trades must be executed before 11:00 EST, thus invalidating this setup. It's important to note our discipline here; despite the temptation, we didn't enter another trade out of revenge. Instead, we let it pass because it failed to meet certain criteria on our checklist. Discipline is a crucial quality of a successful trader and should never be underestimated.
Upon reviewing the AUDUSD trade once more, we observed that it was no longer in a drawdown; instead, the trade had returned to our entry price. Consequently, there was no action required other than to allow the trade to proceed as it will
After being in the trade for an hour and 10 minutes, the AUDUSD position hit the stop loss, putting us down 2% for the day. Indeed, we took two losses and it's likely we'll face more, as that is the nature of trading. It's normal to encounter multiple losses throughout your trading career, and it's crucial not to let them discourage you. Ensure that any strategy you use has been thoroughly backtested and has the data to support its long-term profitability. Also, make certain that your wins consistently exceed your losses, so that during a losing streak, just a few wins can compensate for the losses.
Cross Currency Pairs and Strategies Connected with ThemCross Currency Pairs and Strategies Connected with Them
Cross currency forex trading has emerged as an intriguing segment that presents unique opportunities and challenges. In this article, we discuss commonly traded pairs, liquidity challenges, and the factors influencing cross exchange rates. Additionally, we present three trading strategies to help traders navigate the dynamic scene of forex cross currency pairs.
Understanding Cross Currency Trading
Knowing the basic concept of cross currency trading and considering the most frequently traded pairs can open a new realm of opportunities for traders.
Excluding the US Dollar Offers Opportunities
Cross currency pairs, also known as "crosses," involve currencies that are not paired with the US dollar (USD). For instance, if the euro (EUR) is traded against the Japanese yen (JPY), it forms a cross currency pair. Cross currency pairs introduce diversification opportunities and allow traders to gain exposure to specific economies and their interconnections.
Cross Currency Examples
Traditionally, the best forex cross pairs to trade are those that involve currencies from major global economies other than the USA. Here are a few popular and widely traded forex cross pairs:
- EUR/JPY (Euro/Japanese Yen): Known for its liquidity and considerable volatility, this pair attracts traders looking for opportunities in the Eurozone and Japan.
- GBP/AUD (British Pound/Australian Dollar): This cross offers a mix of major currencies, providing exposure to two economically significant regions.
- EUR/AUD (Euro/Australian Dollar): Combining the euro and Australian dollar, this pair is favoured for its liquidity and potential trend movements.
- GBP/JPY (British Pound/Japanese Yen): Renowned for its volatility, this pair is favoured by traders seeking the potential for substantial price movements.
Cross Currency Pairs May Have Liquidity Issues
While cross currency pairs provide diversification opportunities, traders need to navigate potential liquidity challenges. Less popular crosses often exhibit wider spreads, diminishing their attractiveness due to the increased transaction costs. The lower liquidity in these pairs can result in slippage, where the execution price deviates from the expected price at the time of order placement. To mitigate these challenges, traders implement advanced order types, like limit orders, which can potentially further enhance precision in trade execution, and stop-loss orders, which can potentially help limit potential losses.
Key Factors Affecting Cross Currency Rates
When considering major cross currency pairs, traders focus on the specific conditions of the countries involved in the pair.
- Interest Rates: Variances in interest rates between the two countries can significantly impact cross currency rates. Traders often monitor central bank decisions to anticipate interest rate changes.
- Economic Indicators: Economic data, such as GDP growth, employment figures, and inflation rates, play a crucial role in influencing cross currency exchange rates.
- Political Stability: Political events and stability in each country can impact investor confidence, leading to fluctuations in cross currency rates.
Trading Strategies for Forex Cross Currency Pairs
Effective forex strategies that exploit cross rate exchange discrepancies involve some of the most popular technical indicators.
Price Divergence Strategy: EUR/AUD
In this example for the EUR/AUD cross currency pair, traders use the divergence between the price and the On-Balance Volume (OBV) indicator to decide on taking long or short positions. Additionally, the MACD indicator is used to identify precise entry and exit points.
Entry
Traders look for a bearish/bullish divergence between the price and the OBV: the price is moving up/down, while the OBV is moving lower/higher, signalling a potential reversal of price momentum. The MACD line crossing below/above the signal line confirms a potential short or a long entry.
Stop Loss
Stop loss may be placed above/below the recent swing high or low for short and long positions, respectively.
Take Profit
Traders may set a take-profit target at a predefined support/resistance level or when the MACD line shows signs of a potential reversal.
You can visit FXOpen and try out the available technical analysis tools on our free TickTrader trading platform.
Bollinger Bands, Stochastic, and ADX Strategy: GBP/JPY
This strategy is effective in ranging markets. Bollinger Bands help identify price volatility, and the Stochastic Oscillator assists in pinpointing potential reversal points within the range. Traders often include the Average Directional Index (ADX) to assess the strength of the range-bound market.
Entry
Traders may consider a long/short position when the price touches the lower/upper Bollinger Band and then reverses. The signal should be confirmed by the Stochastic Oscillator moving above/below the oversold/overbought level, while the ADX should have low values, which confirms the weakness of the current trend.
Stop Loss
Traders may consider placing a stop loss just outside the Bollinger Bands for both long and short positions, taking into account their risk preference.
Take Profit
For long/short positions, traders might take profit when the price touches the opposite Bollinger Band and the Stochastic Oscillator makes a bearish/bullish reversal.
Price Reversal Strategy: EUR/JPY
This strategy aims to identify potential trend reversals based on overbought or oversold conditions as indicated by the Relative Strength Index (RSI) and the Money Flow Index (MFI).
Entry
Traders may consider entering a long/short position when both RSI and MFI indicate oversold/overbought conditions, typically below 30 and above 70 for RSI and below 20 and above 80 for MFI.
Stop Loss
The theory states that a stop loss may be placed just below/above the recent swing low/high or a significant support/resistance level, depending on the trader’s risk management goals.
Take Profit
Take-profit targets might be based on potential reversals in the opposite direction of the trade, signalled by both RSI and MFI being in the overbought/oversold area.
Final Thoughts
Cross currency trading provides a unique avenue for diversification and strategic opportunities. Understanding the challenges and employing effective strategies involving multiple indicators may empower traders to deal with this complex but rewarding segment of the forex market. You can open an FXOpen account and try your advanced cross currency pairs trading strategies.
This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
Dow Jones Futures Typical Movements StudyI have been going over average movements for awhile now and this is just a snippet of the last month. I have noticed there are four main movements.
Small movements of 250 ticks, used in small pullbacks and retracements
Medium movements of 375 ticks, used in slightly deeper pullbacks and retracements
Large movements of 625 ticks, used in expansion moves, either to the upside or to the downside
X-Large movements of 750 ticks, used in more substantial moves, either to the upside or to the downside
Out of the four, small 250 moves and Large 625 tick moves are the most frequent.
One of the ways I am using this information is where to take profits. I know I won't catch the bottom or the top of the move and so, if I can capture the middle 50% then I can use these average movements and cut them in half. If a large expansion move is on average 625 ticks, then 50% of this will be 312 ticks. Therefore, I could expect a pause or pullback at/ around that area.
Forex Weekly News Digest...Hey Traders!
Hope you’re all doing great. Here’s your latest update on the forex markets, with all the key points, a quick overview of less important stories, and a few insights to help guide you through the rest of the week.
Top Stories:
European Inflation Data: November's preliminary HICP inflation in Europe is up to 2.8% YoY from 2.7%. This bump might throw a wrench in the ECB's plans for rate cuts. They've been hinting at more cuts in December and into 2025, but rising inflation could complicate things.
US Dollar Index (DXY): The DXY is hanging around the 106.00 mark, thanks to the US markets taking a break for Thanksgiving. The Greenback has pulled back from its recent highs, but don’t rush into a bearish stance just yet—short-term traders might get caught off-guard by a quick bounce back.
GBP/USD Movement: GBP/USD is having a hard time making headway but is inching closer to the 1.2700 mark. Keep an eye on the BoE’s upcoming Financial Stability Report for insights on the UK’s economic outlook.
USD/JPY Rebound: USD/JPY has regained some lost ground, bouncing off the 200-day EMA around 150.50. Japanese inflation is expected to tick up to 2.1% for November, from 1.8%. Rising inflation might push the BoJ towards hiking their rock-bottom rates, but watch out for Japan’s unemployment rate, which might creep up to 2.5% from 2.4%.
AUD/USD Stagnation: AUD/USD is stuck near the 0.6500 level, with not much data coming out of Australia. The Aussie seems to be struggling to find its footing and gain momentum.
Quick Glances:
Canada Bread vs. Maple Leaf: Canada Bread’s owner, Grupo Bimbo, is suing Maple Leaf Foods for over $2 billion due to an alleged bread price-fixing scheme. This legal battle could shake up the food industry.
Trump Tariffs: Trump’s tariffs are causing a stir, potentially affecting North American economies. Traders are keeping a close eye on how these tariffs will impact trade relations and market stability.
China's Factory Activity: Good news from China—factory activity is expanding, signaling a potential recovery. This could have positive ripple effects on global trade and economic growth.
Insights for the Week Ahead:
Focus on Inflation Data: Upcoming inflation data from major economies will be crucial. It’s going to influence central bank policies and currency movements. For Europe, core HICP inflation is forecasted to rise to 2.8% YoY in November, which could complicate ECB's rate cut plans.
Monitor Political Events: Keep an eye on political developments that could impact forex markets. Events like the Canada Bread and Maple Leaf Foods legal battle or Trump’s tariffs could sway market sentiment.
Technical Analysis: Don’t forget to use technical indicators to pinpoint entry and exit points. Pay attention to key support and resistance levels, moving averages, and other tools in your trading toolkit..
Gann Astro Trading Lesson- Learn how to forecast market HIGH/LOWOANDA:XAUUSD
This Gann Astro Trading Lesson demonstrates one of the most revolutionary trading concepts introduced by W.D. Gann: "When Time and Price Become Equal, the Market Must Reverse." Through the integration of advanced astrological principles, mathematical precision, and deep market understanding, this method highlights the supremacy of time over price in market forecasting.
What Happened in the Chart?
1. Identification of the Low (27th November, 20:35)
Using a combination of Gann’s astrological tools and mathematical calculations, a significant market low was identified. The Ascendant (ASC) value, 123.09, became a key parameter to project the forthcoming reversal point. This low acted as the starting point for determining when time would align with price.
2. Projection of the Market High (28th November, 7:05 AM)
By applying precise calculations, the upcoming high was forecasted with remarkable accuracy. The market began to consolidate at this point, respecting the time projection and halting further upward movement.
3. The Role of New York Open (28th November, 9:30 AM)
The market did not break the predicted high before 9:30 AM. This delay was attributed to the presence of high-frequency trading algorithms (HFTs) that dominate price action during key market opens. As anticipated, once the New York market opened, the price reversed sharply, demonstrating the dominance of time cycles over simple price observations.
Why the Market Reversed?
Time and Price Equality:
The calculated time of 7:05 AM aligned perfectly with the earlier low, signaling a reversal point in the market. This alignment of time and price creates a "vibrational balance," a critical moment when market energy resets.
Algorithmic Impact at Market Open:
The consolidation near the projected high was not random—it reflected the preparation of institutional algorithms that execute trades in large volumes at the New York open. As anticipated, once the market opened, price reversed sharply, driven by these high-frequency trades.
Why TIME Is Superior to PRICE in Trading
Markets Follow Time Cycles:
Most retail traders focus on price patterns, trend lines, or indicators, but fail to recognize that price moves in accordance with time cycles. Price is merely a result, while time acts as the governing factor behind market reversals, trends, and consolidations.
Retail Traders’ Common Mistake:
Without an understanding of time cycles, retail traders view markets as random or speculative. They often chase price, buy during rallies, and sell during declines—moves that are counter to natural time-based market rhythms.
Gann’s Teachings on Time:
Gann taught that markets are ruled by universal laws of vibration, heavily influenced by planetary movements and time-based intervals. When time becomes equal to price, markets undergo a significant shift. Failing to understand this makes retail traders vulnerable to losses.
Lessons for Traders
Time Is the Key to Consistency:
Understanding time-based market mechanics removes randomness from trading. It enables traders to predict movements with high precision, often down to the minute, as shown in this example.
Avoid the Pitfalls of Price Chasing:
Retail traders lose money because they rely solely on price-based strategies. Without incorporating time, they are reacting rather than anticipating, leading to poor decision-making and losses.
Mastering Gann’s Principles:
W.D. Gann’s work proves that markets operate under natural laws. By mastering time cycles, one can forecast market highs and lows well in advance, achieving a level of precision that transforms trading from speculation to science.
If you're tired of inconsistent results, losing money, and treating the market like a gamble, it’s time to unlock the ultimate trading methodology. This is your opportunity to dive into the most advanced, precise trading techniques that blend W.D. Gann's principles, astrology, and advanced mathematics to decode the market’s hidden structure. You will learn to calculate time and price equality for any market, forecast highs and lows down to the last minute, and identify market reversals with unmatched precision.
This approach proves that the market is not random—it follows a disciplined, predictable order rooted in time, making it the ultimate edge over traditional trading strategies. By mastering these techniques, you will break free from the common retail trader mistakes and gain the ability to anticipate market moves with accuracy, long before they occur.
This is not gambling or speculation—it is the science of understanding market dynamics through time’s supreme influence over price. If you are ready to transform your trading, achieve consistency, and trade with absolute confidence, contact me today to learn this decoded and proven system that will change the way you see the markets forever. The secrets to mastering market timing and precision await you!
What Are 52-Week Highs and Lows, and How Do Traders Use Them?What Are 52-Week Highs and Lows, and How Do Traders Use Them?
The 52-week high and low are crucial metrics in stock trading, providing insights into a stock’s performance over the past year. These levels offer valuable guidance on potential breakouts and reversals. In this FXOpen article, we’ll explore their importance for determining reversals and breakouts and examine this with a couple of examples.
Understanding 52-Week High and Low
The 52-week high and 52-week low represent the highest and lowest closing prices for a stock over the past year. Note that this means the previous 52 weeks, not year-to-date. This metric is crucial for traders and investors as it provides a longer-term perspective on a stock's performance, helping them assess potential trading opportunities and market sentiment.
The 52-week high is often seen as a resistance level, where a stock's price struggles to rise above, while the 52-week low is viewed as a support level, where the price tends to stop falling. These levels are based on the daily closing prices, which means a stock might touch these levels intraday but not close at them.
52-week high stocks typically indicate bullish sentiment, given that strong momentum must be present for it to retest its 52-week high. Likewise, strong bearish sentiment and investor pessimism likely exist in 52-week low stocks. It is highly significant when a stock either closes beyond or is rejected from these levels.
A study titled “Volume and Price Patterns Around a Stock's 52-Week Highs and Lows: Theory and Evidence” found that small-cap stocks crossing their 52-week highs experienced average excess returns of 0.6275% in the following week, while large stocks saw gains of 0.1795% in the next week.
Importance of 52-Week High and Low in Trading
The 52-week high and low levels serve multiple purposes, guiding traders and investors in various ways.
Traders use the 52-week high and low to anticipate either potential breakouts or reversals. As stated, there is likely to be some strong momentum pushing the stock to these range limits, but that doesn’t necessarily indicate a future breakout.
Reversals, at least in the short term, can be common as these levels indicate a previous extreme in price and are often watched by traders for areas of strong support or resistance. Reversals typically occur as traders take profits or enter long/short positions, considering the stock oversold/overbought.
They also act as psychological benchmarks. Stocks nearing their 52-week highs or lows often attract plenty of attention, with some anticipating that the level will be traded through and break out. Stocks trading near their 52-week lows may present opportunities for value investors if they consider the underlying company to be fundamentally undervalued.
Lastly, the 52-week high and low provide a broader context for assessing a stock's volatility. A narrow spread between these levels indicates lower volatility, while a wider spread suggests higher volatility, helping traders gauge the risk associated with a particular stock.
Determining Reversals or Breakouts at 52-Week Highs and Lows
The 52-week high and low levels are significant markers in stock trading, indicating potential areas of strong support or resistance. Here, we delve into identifying reversals and breakouts at these critical junctures. To gain a deeper understanding of these factors, consider following along in FXOpen’s free TickTrader platform with our real-time stock charts.
Reversals
Here are the most common trader’s tools that can help you identify trend reversals at 52-week highs and lows.
Candlestick and Chart Patterns
Reversals often manifest through specific candlestick and chart patterns. Common reversal patterns include the doji, hammer, and shooting star. Less commonly known but equally significant are patterns like the evening star and abandoned baby. For instance, a doji or series of dojis at the 52-week high suggests indecision, potentially heralding a reversal as buyers lose momentum and sellers start gaining control.
Price Action
Analysing price action involves observing how the stock behaves around the 52-week high or low. If the price struggles to break through these levels over several days, forming reversal patterns or showing indecision, it indicates a likely reversal. Intraday breaches that fail to close beyond these critical levels on the daily timeframe often suggest the same.
Volume Analysis
Volume plays a crucial role in confirming reversals. A decline in volume as the price approaches the 52-week high or low suggests diminishing interest and the possibility of a reversal. Also, a surge in volume as price reverses might confirm the exhaustion of the current trend.
Fundamental Analysis
Fundamental analysis involves evaluating the company's financial health and broader market conditions. For instance, if a stock is nearing its 52-week high amid a broader market trend, such as the AI boom in 2024, rather than strong company-specific performance, the high might not be sustained. This misalignment between valuation and fundamentals can lead to a reversal as investors evaluate whether the stock has the capability to sustain a breakout.
Recency of High or Low
The timing of the 52-week high or low is crucial. Levels reached months ago are more likely to prompt a reversal compared to recent highs or lows. Long-standing levels draw more attention from traders, increasing the likelihood of a reversal when these levels are retested.
VWAP Analysis
The Anchored Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) is a valuable tool for identifying potential reversals. Anchoring the VWAP to the start of the year or decade and monitoring 1x, 2x, and 3x standard deviation bands can highlight overbought or oversold conditions. Stocks nearing their 52-week high or low and brushing against the second or third standard deviation bands (covering approximately 95.4% and 99.7% of data, respectively) can be strong candidates for a reversal.
Breakouts
Breakouts can also be confirmed with various tools.
Breakout Candlestick and Chart Patterns
Breakout patterns, like the marubozu, indicate strong momentum. Patterns with minimal wicks suggest decisive moves through the 52-week high or low, signalling a breakout. The inside bar candlestick pattern at these levels can also confirm breakouts, as can chart patterns like a flag, triangle, or pennant.
Price Action
Breakouts are typically characterised by prices moving through the high or low without significant resistance, often indicated by long candlesticks with minimal wicks. Persistent testing of recently established levels, where the price lingers near the high or low, without signs of reversal, supports a breakout scenario.
Volume Analysis
High volume generally confirms breakouts. A substantial increase in volume as the price moves through the 52-week high or low suggests strong trader interest and can confirm the breakout.
Fundamental Analysis
Fundamentals can support breakouts. Positive earnings reports, bullish forward guidance, or favourable market conditions align with breakouts. These factors underpin the stock's ability to sustain its move beyond the 52-week high. At the same time, disappointing fundamentals may trigger a breakout beyond the 52-week low.
Recency of High or Low
If a stock revisits a 52-week high or low reached only a few weeks, it can indicate strong momentum, favouring a breakout. Frequent retests of these levels within a relatively short timeframe reflect a persistent willingness to move past these barriers, given that it wasn’t long ago that price was previously rejected from the area.
Examples of 52-Week High and Low Trading
These are some examples of 52-week high and low trading.
Example 1: Microsoft (MSFT) - 52-Week High
In 2023, Microsoft experienced a robust uptrend, significantly fueled by the third phase of the partnership with OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT, that was announced in January. This bullish sentiment surrounding AI technology drove Microsoft's stock to a 52-week high in July. Following a trough after this peak, Microsoft's strong earnings report in late October exceeded market expectations and revitalised the stock.
As Microsoft approached its previous high, the stock showed some signs of indecision, including a spinning top as it attempted to close above the 52-week high. It eventually closed that day higher before plotting a strong marubozu candle, signalling strong buying interest.
When traders eventually took profits, the stock briefly declined. However, Microsoft resumed its upward trajectory.
Example 2: PayPal (PYPL) - 52-Week Low
While initially buoyed by the COVID-19 pandemic’s loose monetary policies, PayPal's stock began declining sharply in 2022 as interest rates rose to combat inflation. The stock reached a 52-week low in July 2022. After reporting earnings in early November, PayPal bounced but struggled to make meaningful gains above prior highs.
In December, it traded below its earnings low and 52-week low, forming a hammer candlestick—a potential reversal signal—while showing signs of indecision at this level. However, PYPL didn’t linger here for long; it reversed course with a couple of green marubozu candlesticks and a gap higher, indicating strong upward momentum and a potential entry signal.
Despite climbing higher after this low, the stock peaked in early February, failing to reach its previous November high. Over the following months, PayPal ranged near its 52-week low. In May, PayPal's earnings beat some expectations but highlighted weak margins and increased competition, damaging future optimism. This resulted in a gap down and strong bearish marubozu candles in the subsequent days.
While there wasn’t a significant breakout after the 52-week low was traded through, the lack of a quick reversal gave traders a strong indication that PayPal was likely to remain bearish. Subsequently, PayPal briefly retested the pre-earnings range in July before the bearish trend continued and the new 52-week low was breached again.
Potential Risks and Considerations
Trading based on 52-week highs and lows carries several risks and requires careful consideration:
- False Signals: Price movements can sometimes give false signals, leading traders to believe a breakout or reversal is occurring when it is not. For instance, a stock might temporarily breach its 52-week high but then reverse sharply, trapping traders in unfavourable positions.
- Market Sentiment Overload: Relying too heavily on 52-week highs and lows can lead to overemphasising market sentiment. This might cause traders to overlook other crucial factors, such as economic indicators or sector-specific trends that could affect stock performance.
- Volatility: Stocks at these critical levels often experience increased volatility. Sudden price swings can lead to significant losses, especially if traders do not use appropriate risk management strategies like stop-loss orders.
- Fundamental Misalignment: A stock reaching its 52-week high or low might not always reflect its true value. External factors such as market hype or short-term news can drive prices, leading to misalignment with the stock’s fundamental value. For example, during the AI boom in 2024, many stocks surged despite having weak underlying financials.
The Bottom Line
Understanding and utilising the 52-week high and low can enhance stock trading strategies by providing insights into market sentiment and potential price movements. By incorporating these metrics, traders can make wiser decisions about breakouts and reversals. Open an FXOpen account today to start leveraging these crucial trading indicators and enhance your market analysis capabilities in over 600 markets.
FAQ
What Does the 52-Week High and Low Mean?
The 52-week high and low represent the highest and lowest prices at which a stock has traded over the past year. These levels help traders and investors gauge market sentiment and identify potential support and resistance points. They provide a longer-term perspective on a stock’s price movements and are important indicators in technical analysis.
How to Calculate the 52-Week Range?
To calculate the 52-week range, identify the highest and lowest closing prices of a stock over the past 52 weeks. This data can typically be found in the summary section of financial news websites or stock market tracking apps. The 52-week high is the highest closing price, and the 52-week low is the lowest closing price within this period.
Why Is a 52-Week High Important for Stocks?
A 52-week high is significant because it indicates strong investor confidence and bullish sentiment. It often acts as a resistance level where the stock price might face selling pressure. A 52-week high trading strategy typically involves watching for reversals or breakouts in these areas.
How Many Days Are in 52 Weeks?
There are 364 days in 52 weeks, as each week consists of 7 days (52 weeks x 7 days = 364 days). This figure is just one day short of a full year, which is 365 days in a common year and 366 days in a leap year.
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