What is RSP telling us about this market ? For the longest, analyst were not convinced of the market strength although market was making new highs. This is because in their opinion the market was being led by a handful of stocks and the broader market was not participating in this uptrend.
Today we have RSP, the equal weighted S&P 500 index breaking out of a triangle and looking set on claiming new highs. So what's the Difference between SPY and RSP ? I'm glad you asked :)
SPY is a cap weighted index meaning that the companies with the highest (smallest) market cap hold more (less) weight in the Index and while the equal weighted means each companies have the same weight (2% in the RSP). As of June 21st 2024 (that'll work for the explanation)
MSFT 7.19%
NVDA 7.01%
APPL 6.61%
AMZN 3.69%
Totaling 24.5% in the SPY. In the RSP they would each have a weight of 2% totaling 8%. Great, but what does that mean ? This means that large caps have less power and small and mid caps have more influence in the RSP than in SPY. So RSP breaking out might potentially signal that small and mid cap companies are on the move.
Fundamentally this could be due to the fact that if rates come down, the smaller companies who rely more on debt might face less financial pressure and increase their bottom line.
So its good to keep our eyes open on the smaller companies.
This is not a call to action nor a recommendation but more of an idea im throwing out there.
Cheers,
Trend Analysis
Technical Analysis vs. Fundamental Analysis: Why Not Both?Hey there, fellow traders and market mavens! Ever found yourself staring confused at the screen and not making sense of things that happen in trading?
So you decided to wander off deep into technical analysis shutting out its other half — fundamental analysis? Or vice versa — you digested every economic report that big media outlets churned out and yet failed to factor in some support and resistance levels?
Fear not, for we've got the lowdown on why you don't have to pick sides and go with either the Fibonacci sequence or the latest jobs data . In fact, we're here to tell you why embracing both might just be your secret to trading success. So, grab your charts and financial reports and let's dive into the world where candlesticks meet earnings reports!
Technical Analysis: The Lost Art of Tape Reading
Technical analysis is like the cool, intuitive friend who always seems to know what's going to happen next. It's all about reading the market's mood through price charts, patterns and indicators. Here's why tech analysis should be in your skill set:
Trend Spotting : Ever wished you could predict the next big trend? With moving averages, trend lines and momentum indicators like the MACD, you can ride the waves like a pro surfer and let the market carry your trades into a sea of profits.
Timing is Everything : Candlestick patterns and support/resistance levels are your besties when it comes to perfect timing. The more you study them, the more you elevate your chances of entering and exiting trades with ninja-like precision.
Market Sentiment : Tools like the Relative Strength Index (RSI) and Bollinger Bands give you the scoop on whether the market's feeling overbought, oversold or just right. Learn these if you want to increase the probability of correctly gauging the market’s mood.
But hold up, before you get lost in the charts, let's not forget about the fundamentals.
Fundamental Analysis: Making Sense of Things
If technical analysis is your go-to for instant market vibes, fundamental analysis is the place to figure out why things happened in the first place. Here’s why fundamentals are a big deal and can help you to a) learn what moves markets and b) become fluent in marketspeak and own every trading conversation:
Long-Term Vision : While technical analysis can sometimes feel like guesswork, fundamental analysis is spitting facts. Earnings reports, P/E ratios and economic indicators help you see the bigger picture and educate you into a better, more knowledgeable trader.
Value Hunting : Ever heard of value investing legends like Warren Buffett? They thrive on finding undervalued gems through rigorous fundamental analysis. And, some say, this approach to investing is not reserved for companies only. It works for crypto, too.
Economic Health Check : Understanding GDP growth, interest rates and inflation can feel like having a crystal ball for market trends. And, one big plus is that you’ll become a lot more interesting when you explain things like monetary policy or forward-looking guidance to your uncle at the Thanksgiving table.
The Power Couple: Combining Technical and Fundamental Analysis
Now, here’s the kicker: Why choose one when you can have both? Imagine the synergy when you combine the swift foresightedness of technical analysis with the solid foundation of fundamental analysis. Here’s how to make this dynamic duo work for you:
Double-Check Your Entries and Exits : Use technical analysis for pinpointing your entry and exit points but back it up with fundamental analysis to build a convincing narrative of the asset’s long-term potential.
Confirm the Trend : Spot a promising trend with technical indicators? Validate it with strong fundamentals to make sure it’s not just a flash in the pan.
Risk Management : Technical analysis can help set your stop-loss levels, while fundamental analysis keeps you informed about any potential game-changers in the market.
Diversification : Fundamental analysis might show you the hottest sectors right now, while technical analysis can help you call tops and bottoms if an indicator you trust is showing oversold or overbought levels.
Wrapping Up
So, there you have it, folks! Technical analysis and fundamental analysis don’t have to be opposite camps. Think of them as your dynamic duo, Batman and Robin, peanut butter and jelly — better together. By blending the best of both worlds, you’ll increase your chances of success in trading and do yourself a favor — you’ll get to know a lot and become more interesting!
Ready to take your trading game to the next level? Start combining technical and fundamental analysis and watch as your trading strategies transform into a market-crushing masterpiece. Happy trading and may your profits be ever in your favor!
Is There the Best Time to Trade Stock CFDs?Is There the Best Time to Trade Stock CFDs?
If you ask experienced traders, many will say that they trade on certain days or at certain times of the day. Their choice is determined by the market dynamics, volatility, and liquidity. It’s crucial to understand when the best time of the day, week, and month to trade stocks may be. This FXOpen article delves into the intricacies of timing, which may help traders optimise their strategies for greater effectiveness.
Is There the Best Time to Day Trade?
The operational hours of stock markets vary according to their respective time zones, resulting in differing opening and closing times. For example, the US stock market opens at 9:30 and closes at 16:00 local time, while the UK market opens at 8:00 and closes at 16:30 local time.
The theory states that to identify potentially the best time frame for day trading, many traders break the day into four blocks, such as the opening bell, mid-morning, lunch hour, and afternoon, and look at the advantages and challenges that each timeframe presents.
Opening Bell
The opening bell sets the tone for the day, marking the beginning of market activity. As the market opens, there is a surge in trading activity. Traders react to overnight news, economic reports, and pre-market movements. The opening bell often brings increased volatility and liquidity.
Many traders believe the opening bell may be the best time of day to buy stocks if positive news is released after the market closes. Some traders prefer scalping because short-term price fluctuations offer numerous entry and exit points.
However, high volatility brings increased risks. Adjusting position sizes and using appropriate risk management strategies are critical during this period.
Midday
At midday, volatility tends to decrease. Midday trading usually exhibits more consistent patterns compared to the opening or the final hours of the day. Some traders prefer to rely on technical analysis and historical data to identify trends.
This part of the day is commonly used for planning, given that a substantial portion of the day's news has already been incorporated into stock prices, so traders analyse markets and try to identify future trends.
Lunch Hour
The lunchtime lull is characterised by a decrease in trading activity. But if your lunch is earlier or later, it’s essential to adapt your trading strategy to this reduced activity. With lower trading volume, executing large trades becomes more challenging.
Strategies for handling low activity may involve adopting longer timeframes or refraining from aggressive trading. Some traders adjust position sizes and become more cautious when entering the market to avoid significant slippage.
Afternoon
Some traders use the afternoon as the best time to sell stocks during the day if the price of the stock has risen. They sell it and go to bed without worrying about a drawdown during the night. And if this happens, they can buy the stock again in the morning at a lower price.
Late-day trends and reversals may offer favourable opportunities for swing traders. They can capitalise on price movements by holding positions overnight. Effective position management, including setting appropriate stop-loss and take-profit levels, is critical with this strategy.
Trading on the TickTrader platform, you will have access to accurate price data and comprehensive charts with numerous technical tools that may help you decide what to do with a particular stock (buy, sell, or hold).
What Days Traders Usually Trade Stocks
Moving to a larger scale, it is important to decide which days of the week you are going to trade. Remember that there is no specific best day of the month to buy or sell stocks because the decision to trade depends on market trends, economic conditions, and individual company performance.
Monday
There may be events or news over the weekend that affect market sentiment. Traders react to the weekend news when the markets open on Monday. This is why Mondays see more volatility than other days of the week. Additionally, institutional investors make significant trades at the beginning of the week based on their analysis of weekend news.
Just like the first few hours after opening, the first day of the week may be more appropriate for scalping and news-based trading. However, this depends on current market conditions. Traders consider economic indicators, company fundamentals, and the most recent news.
Midweek (Tuesday to Thursday)
The middle of the week usually provides consistency, giving room for strategic trading. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday trading may have a more stable rhythm than the beginning and end of the week.
Traders take advantage of well-established price trends. It may be easier to find patterns and trends at this time. Nevertheless, traders always remain alert to mid-week news and events.
Friday
On Fridays, traders and investors tend to close positions before the weekend. They may sell their assets on Friday to lock in potential returns before the weekend. Additionally, some traders believe that it’s a good day to buy stocks that have dropped in price earlier in the week. Closing or adjusting positions on Fridays is a common practice to reduce the risk of potential gaps over the weekend. Risk management tools are widely used as the market may open with gaps after the weekend. Evaluating risk tolerance is a crucial step for traders around the globe to consider.
However, not all market participants choose a single day for trading. They believe that there are the best stocks for day-to-day trading.
Is There the Best Month to Trade Stocks?
Historically, the best months to trade in the stock market have been October, November, and December. This is because these months tend to have higher trading volumes and more positive market performance due to end-of-year financial reporting and holiday shopping.
Still, there are three key points that are associated with trading opportunities in different months.
- Seasonal trends. Historical patterns show that specific sectors tend to outperform or underperform in certain months. Seasonal fluctuations can affect sectors in different ways – changes may be different in the agro-industry, tourism, and manufacturing.
- Earnings season. The earnings calendar becomes a critical tool during the earnings season. Traders plan their strategies around key earnings announcements, as these events can trigger significant market movements.
- Year-end trading. Market participants often reassess their portfolios towards year-end, considering tax implications and making strategic adjustments. Rebalancing portfolios at the close of the year is a common practice.
Final Thoughts
Trading stocks on a specific day of the week or during certain hours doesn’t guarantee returns, as the stock market’s behaviour is influenced by various factors, and past performance does not necessarily indicate future results. However, there are patterns that are seen in the market year after year, and trading at certain times of the day or day of the week can be justified.
If you are interested in trading stocks via CFDs, open an FXOpen account. FXOpen offers a gateway to the dynamic world of CFDs, allowing you to trade with tight spreads and commissions from $1.
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.
Why Are Bonds Still Crashing?Why are US, UK, and EU bonds still crashing since March 2020?
In this video, we are going to study the relationship between bonds, yields, and interest rates, which many of us find confusing. How can we understand them, and why are bond prices leading the yield, followed by interest rates this season?
10 Year Yield Futures
Ticker: 10Y
Minimum fluctuation:
0.001 Index points (1/10th basis point per annum) = $1.00
Disclaimer:
• What presented here is not a recommendation, please consult your licensed broker.
• Our mission is to create lateral thinking skills for every investor and trader, knowing when to take a calculated risk with market uncertainty and a bolder risk when opportunity arises.
CME Real-time Market Data help identify trading set-ups in real-time and express my market views. If you have futures in your trading portfolio, you can check out on CME Group data plans available that suit your trading needs www.tradingview.com
ICT Market Structure ShiftA shift in market structure (MSS) occurs when the market changes direction with an impulsive move.
For instance, if the market is trending downward by consistently making lower lows, and it reaches a higher time frame point of demand (PDA), it may then change direction. This directional change, characterized by an impulsive movement or displacement, is referred to as a market structure shift (MS).
Understanding Technical Indicators - Avoid FaultsI received a question from a member today related to Divergence on RSI or Stochastics.
I've been lucky to actually sit down with the creator of Stochastics, George C. Lane, to discuss his indicator and how he used it to trade.
I've also been luck to be able to attend multiple industry conferences over the past 20+ years where I've been able to watch and listen to dozens of the best technicians and analysts explain their techniques.
Boy, those were the days - right?
This video is going to help you understand most technical indicators are designed based on a RANGE of bars (usually 14 or so). This means they are measuring price trend/direction/strength/other over the past 14 bars - not longer.
And because of that you need to understand any trend lasting more than 14+ bars could result in FAILURE of the technical indicator.
Watch this video. I hope it helps.
Get some.
Engage - The Set Up. Type of trading Day { The Trend Day}First Step of a successful trader is to build a Trade plan & review what he has done.
This is my Trade Journal . (education purpose for all )
This is an Education Video explaining The Type of Trading Day.
There are 6 Types of Trading Day, In this video we will look deep into First type
1> The Trend Day
Key features:
Price moves in a clear and continuous direction
Pullbacks are shallow and limited.
Trading strategies:
Enter on first 15min Break out
Ride the full day and exit 15 min before the market ends.
Thanks
TradeplanNifty
Do Not Overwhelm Your Price Chart!
In this article, we will discuss a very important term in trading psychology - paralysis by analysis in trading.
Paralysis by analysis occurs when the trader is overwhelmed by a complexity of the data that he is working with. Most of the time, it happens when one is relying on wide spectra of non correlated metrics. That can be various trading indicators, different news outlets and analytical articles and multiple technical tools.
Relying on such a mixed basket, one will inevitably be stuck with the contradictory data.
For example, the technical indicators may show very bearish clues while the fundamental data is very bullish. Or it can be even worse, when the traders have dozens of indicators on his chart and half of them dictates to open a long position, while another half dictates to sell.
Above, you can see an example of a EURUSD price chart that is overwhelmed by
various technical indicators: Ichimoku, MA, Volume, ATR
support and resistance levels
fundamental data
As a result, the one becomes paralyzed , not being able to make a decision. Moreover, each attempt to comprehend the data leads to deeper and deeper overthinking, driving into a vicious circle.
The paralysis breeds the inaction that necessarily means the missed trading opportunities and profits.
How to deal with that?
The best option is to limit the number of data sources used for a decision-making. The rule here is simple - the fewer indicators you use, the easier it is to make a decision.
EURUSD chart that we discussed earlier can look much better. Removing a bunch of tools will make the analysis easier and more accurate.
There is a common fallacy among traders, that complexity breeds the profit. With so many years of trading, I realized, however, that the opposite is true...
Keep the things simple, and you will be impressed how accurate your predictions will become.
❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
Best Price Action Pattern For Beginners to Start FOREX Trading
There are a lot of price action patterns:
wedges, channels, flags, cup & handle, etc.
If you're just starting out your Forex journey, it's natural to wonder which one to trade and focus on.
In this article, I will show you the best price action pattern for beginner s that you need to start forex trading. I will share a complete trading strategy with entry, stop and target, real market examples and useful trading tips. High accuracy and big profits guaranteed.
The pattern that we will discuss is a reversal pattern.
Depending on the shape of the pattern, it can be applied to predict a bearish or a bullish reversal.
Its bearish variation has a very particular shape.
It has 4 essential elements that make this pattern so unique:
A strong bullish impulse,
A pullback and a formation of a higher low,
One more bullish impulse with a formation of an equal high,
A pullback to the level of the last higher low.
Such a pattern will be called a double top pattern.
2 equal highs will be called the tops ,
the level of the higher low will be called a neckline .
Remember that the formation of a double top pattern is not a signal to sell. It is a warning sign. The pattern by itself simply signifies a consolidation and local market equilibrium.
Your confirmation will be a breakout of the neckline of the pattern.
Its violation is an important sign of strength of the sellers and increases the probabilities that the market will drop.
Once you spotted a breakout of a neckline of a double top pattern,
the best and the safest entry will be on a retest of a broken neckline.
Target level will be based on the closest support.
Stop loss will lie above the tops.
A bullish variation of a double top pattern is called a double bottom.
It is also based on 4 main elements:
A strong bearish impulse,
A pullback and a formation of a lower high,
One more bearish impulse with a formation of an equal low,
A pullback to the level of the last lower high.
2 equal lows will be called the bottoms ,
the level of the lower high will be called a neckline .
The formation of a double bottom pattern is not a signal to buy. It is a warning sign. The pattern by itself simply signifies a consolidation and local market equilibrium.
Your confirmation will be a breakout of the neckline of the pattern.
Once you spotted a breakout of a neckline of a double bottom pattern,
the best and the safest entry will be on a retest of a broken neckline.
Target level will be based on the closest resistance.
Stop loss will lie below the bottoms.
Double top & bottom is a classic price action pattern that everyone knows. Being very simple to recognize, its neckline violation provides a very accurate trading signal.
Moreover, once you learn to recognize and trade this pattern, it will be very easy for you to master more advanced price action patterns like head and shoulders or triangle.
❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
How to Trade a Break of a TrendlineHow to Trade a Break of a Trendline
Trading broken trendlines is a critical aspect of technical analysis. Understanding how to interpret and act upon the break of trendlines can make a significant difference to a trader's performance. This FXOpen article delves into the intricacies of trading broken trendlines, providing insights, strategies, and risk management techniques to help traders navigate this essential aspect of market analysis.
Understanding Trendlines
Although you know what trendlines are, let’s briefly go over the subject. Trendlines are foundational tools used in technical analysis to visualise the direction of price movements. Drawing accurate trendlines involves selecting the appropriate highs and lows to connect, so they provide a clear representation of the prevailing trend. According to the established rules, there should be at least two highs/lows to draw a strong trendline. The more points you connect, the more solid the line is supposed to be.
There are trendlines in forex, stock, commodity, index, and cryptocurrency* charts. Still, it may be easier to find trendlines on charts of assets experiencing less price volatility.
The three primary types of trendlines are:
1. Uptrend lines connect higher lows and act as support levels. They represent bullish market conditions.
2. Downtrend lines connect lower highs and serve as resistance levels. They depict bearish market conditions.
3. Sideways or Range-Bound lines connect comparable highs and lows, indicating a range-bound or consolidating market.
Significance of Broken Trendlines
Broken trendlines create trading opportunities for traders with different trading styles and risk tolerances. Traders can employ various strategies based on trendlines with breaks, including trend continuation, trend reversal, and breakout strategies. These opportunities can provide traders with entry and exit points to take advantage of changing market dynamics.
Identification of Trend Reversals
Perhaps the key value of broken trendlines is their role in identifying potential trend reversals. When an established trendline is decisively broken, it often signifies a shift in market sentiment. This break indicates that the previous trend's momentum has weakened or reversed, which can be a vital turning point for traders.
In an uptrend, the break of an uptrend line can suggest a potential reversal to a downtrend, and conversely, the break of a downtrend line in a downtrend may signal a potential reversal to an uptrend. If the price breaks the sideways trendline, it usually reflects the end of consolidation and the formation of a new trend, either upward or downward.
In the chart above, the price broke above the downward trendline, after which a new uptrend was formed.
Confirmation of Price Movements
Broken trendlines can act as confirmation signals for other technical analysis tools and patterns. For example, when a trendline break aligns with the formation of chart patterns like head and shoulders or double top and double bottom, it may reinforce the validity of these patterns and their associated price projections.
Market Sentiment
Broken trendlines can also provide insights into market sentiment and psychology. Traders' reactions to trendline breaks can reveal their beliefs and expectations regarding future price movements, which can impact market dynamics and create trading opportunities.
False Trendline Breakout
A false trendline breakout, also known as a fakeout or failed breakout, occurs when the price of an asset appears to break a trendline but then reverses direction, often moving back within the trendline's boundaries. False breakouts can mislead traders and can result in losses for those who initiate trades based on the initial breakout signal.
Here's a breakdown of the key characteristics of a false trendline breakout:
- Initial Breakout. Initially, the price of the asset appears to break above or below a trendline. This break may even be accompanied by increased trading volume, which can provide confirmation of the breakout.
- Traders' Reactions. Many traders may interpret the breakout as a significant move and initiate trades in that direction. For example, if a downtrend line is seemingly broken to the upside, traders may start buying, expecting a trend reversal.
- Reversal. However, instead of continuing in the direction of the breakout, the price reverses course and moves back within the boundaries of the trendline. This reversal negates the initial breakout signal and can catch traders off guard.
Look at the chart above. The price broke above the falling trendline, but the uptrend didn’t form, so the downtrend resumed.
There are several reasons for false trendline breakouts, including:
- Market Manipulation: In some cases, market participants with substantial resources may deliberately manipulate prices to trigger breakouts and then reverse the market's direction to take advantage of the price swings.
- Lack of Confirmation: Fakeouts often occur when there is a lack of confirmation from other technical indicators or factors. Therefore, experienced traders look for multiple signals aligning to increase the validity of a breakout.
- Whipsawing Markets: In volatile or indecisive markets, prices can frequently whipsaw above and below trendlines, making it challenging to distinguish between genuine and fakeouts.
Factors to Consider When Trading Broken Trendlines
To reduce the risk of falling victim to false trendline breakouts, traders often use additional technical analysis tools and confirmation signals. These may include waiting for reversal signals from other indicators, monitoring price action after the breakout, and setting stop-loss orders to potentially reduce losses in case of a reversal.
Confirmation Signals
Confirmation signals can come from various technical indicators and patterns, including but not limited to:
- Candlestick Patterns. Traders look for candlestick patterns that support the direction of the breakout, such as bullish engulfing patterns for an upside breakout and bearish engulfing patterns for a downside breakout.
- Oscillators. Oscillators like the Relative Strength Index (RSI) or the Stochastic can provide overbought or oversold conditions, which may help traders confirm the strength of the move.
- Chart Patterns. Aside from candlestick patterns, chart formations, such as flags, triangles, or pennants, that coincide with the trendline break may provide additional confirmation.
Volume Analysis
Analysing trading volume is a crucial component of evaluating broken trendlines. Volume can provide insights into the significance of the breakout and whether it is more likely to be genuine or a false signal.
A breakout with increasing volume is generally seen as more reliable. It suggests that market participants are actively involved in the move, increasing the chances of a sustained trend.
Conversely, a breakout with decreasing volume may be less reliable, as it indicates a lack of enthusiasm among traders and raises the possibility of a false breakout.
Timeframes
Considering multiple timeframes is essential when trading broken trendlines. Different periods may provide different perspectives on the trendline break, and using a combination of them may enhance decision-making. Here's how traders approach timeframes:
- Higher Timeframes. They start by analysing higher timeframes (e.g., daily or weekly) to identify the primary trend direction. This provides context for the trendline break observed on shorter timeframes.
- Lower Timeframes. Market participants use lower timeframes (e.g., hourly or 15-minute charts) for finer entry and exit points. These shorter timeframes may help pinpoint optimal trade execution levels after the trendline break.
- Confluence. Traders seek confluence between different timeframes. When a trendline break aligns with a breakout on higher timeframes, it adds strength to the trade signal.
Support and Resistance Levels
When trading broken trendlines, it's crucial to consider nearby support and resistance levels. These levels can influence price movements and provide valuable context for trade management.
Fibonacci Retracement and Extension Tools
Fibonacci retracement and extension levels can complement trendline analysis. If the price breaks the Fibo level after a trendline breakout, this may confirm the strength of the newly forming trend.
Risk Management and Position Sizing when Trading Trendline Breakouts
Effective risk management is paramount when trading trendline breakouts. When trading with trendlines, potential profits and losses can be determined via these techniques:
- Setting Stop Losses. Setting appropriate stop-loss orders is a crucial component of risk management strategies.
- Proper Position Sizing. Position sizing is a critical aspect of risk management, especially when trading trendline breakouts. It determines the amount of capital allocated to each trade and helps control exposure to potential losses.
- Risk-Reward Ratios. Risk-reward ratios are essential for evaluating the potential effectiveness of a trade relative to the risk taken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid when Trading Trendline Breakouts
Common mistakes when trading trendline breakouts include making decisions based on insufficient confirmation signals, ignoring fundamental factors, and being guided by emotions. By implementing a disciplined approach and being aware of these pitfalls, traders may increase their chances of making informed trading decisions.
Ignoring Confirmation Signals
One of the most common mistakes traders make when trading trendline breakouts is ignoring confirmation signals. Relying solely on the trendline break itself can lead to premature or misguided trades.
Overlooking Fundamentals
While technical analysis plays a significant role in trading trendline breakouts, overlooking fundamental factors can be a costly mistake. Traders consider the broader market context and macroeconomic factors that may impact the assets they trade. Fundamental events like economic releases, earnings reports, or geopolitical developments can influence market sentiment and override technical signals.
Emotional Trading
Emotional trading is a common pitfall for traders, and it becomes particularly pronounced when trading trendline breakouts. Emotions such as fear and greed can lead to impulsive decisions and erode trading discipline.
Final Thoughts
The ability to trade broken trendlines is a valuable skill for market analysts and traders. Understanding the basics of trendlines, recognising their significance, and implementing effective trendline strategies and risk management techniques may lead to more sound trading outcomes. It's essential to approach broken trendline trading with discipline, patience, and continuous learning to navigate the complexities of financial markets effectively.
*At FXOpen UK and FXOpen AU, Cryptocurrency CFDs are only available for trading by those clients categorised as Professional clients under FCA Rules and Professional clients under ASIC Rules, respectively. They are not available for trading by Retail clients.
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.
Exploring Bullish Plays with E-minis, Micro E-minis and OptionsIntroduction
The S&P 500 futures market offers a variety of ways for traders to capitalize on bullish market conditions. This article explores several strategies using E-mini and Micro E-mini futures contracts as well as options on futures. Whether you are looking to trade outright futures contracts, create sophisticated spreads, or leverage options strategies, this guide will help you design effective bullish plays while managing your risk.
Choosing the Right Contract Size
When considering a bullish play on the S&P 500 futures, the first decision is choosing the appropriate contract size. The E-mini and Micro E-mini futures contracts offer different levels of exposure and risk.
E-mini S&P 500 Futures:
Standardized contracts linked to the S&P 500 index with a point value = $50 per point.
Suitable for traders seeking significant exposure to market movements.
Greater potential for profits but also higher risk due to larger contract size.
TradingView ticker symbol is ES1!
Margin Requirements: As of the current date, the margin requirement for E-mini S&P 500 futures is approximately $12,400 per contract. Margin requirements are subject to change and may vary based on the broker and market conditions.
Micro E-mini S&P 500 Futures:
Contracts representing one-tenth the value of the standard E-mini S&P 500 futures.
Each point move in the Micro E-mini S&P 500 futures equals $5.
Ideal for traders who prefer lower exposure and risk.
Allows for more precise risk management and position sizing.
TradingView ticker symbol is MES1!
Margin Requirements: As of the current date, the margin requirement for Micro E-mini S&P 500 futures is approximately $1,240 per contract. Margin requirements are subject to change and may vary based on the broker and market conditions.
Choosing between E-mini and Micro E-mini futures depends on your risk tolerance, account size, and trading strategy. Smaller contracts like the Micro E-minis provide flexibility, especially for newer traders or those with smaller accounts.
Bullish Futures Strategies
Outright Futures Contracts:
Buying E-mini or Micro E-mini futures outright is a straightforward way to express a bullish view on the S&P 500. This strategy involves purchasing a futures contract in anticipation of a rise in the index.
Benefits:
Direct exposure to market movements.
Simple execution and understanding.
Ability to leverage positions due to the margin requirements.
Risks:
Potential for significant losses if the market moves against your position.
Requires substantial margin and capital.
Mark-to-market losses can trigger margin calls.
Example Trade:
Buy one E-mini S&P 500 futures contract at 5,588.00.
Target price: 5,645.00.
Stop-loss price: 5,570.00.
This trade aims to profit from a 57-point rise in the S&P 500, with a risk of a 18-point drop.
Futures Spreads:
1. Calendar Spreads: A calendar spread, also known as a time spread, involves buying (or selling) a longer-term futures contract and selling (or buying) a shorter-term futures contract with the same underlying asset. This strategy profits from the difference in price movements between the two contracts.
Benefits:
Reduced risk compared to outright futures positions.
Potential to profit from changes in the futures curve.
Risks:
Limited profit potential compared to outright positions.
Changes in contango could hurt the position.
Example Trade:
Buy a December E-mini S&P 500 futures contract.
Sell a September E-mini S&P 500 futures contract.
Target spread: Increase in the difference between the two contract prices.
In this example, the trader expects the December contract to gain more value relative to the September contract over time. The profit is made if the spread between the December and September contracts widens.
2. Butterfly Spreads: A butterfly spread involves a combination of long and short futures positions at different expiration dates. This strategy profits from minimal price movement around a central expiration date. It is constructed by buying (or selling) a futures contract, selling (or buying) two futures contracts at a nearer expiration date, and buying (or selling) another futures contract at an even nearer expiration date.
Benefits:
Reduced risk compared to outright futures positions.
Profits from stable prices around the middle expiration date.
Risks:
Limited profit potential compared to other spread strategies or outright positions.
Changes in contango could hurt the position.
Example Trade:
Buy one December E-mini S&P 500 futures contract.
Sell two September E-mini S&P 500 futures contracts.
Buy one June E-mini S&P 500 futures contract.
In this example, the trader expects the S&P 500 index to remain relatively stable.
Bullish Options Strategies
1. Long Calls: Buying call options on S&P 500 futures is a classic bullish strategy. It allows traders to benefit from upward price movements while limiting potential losses to the premium paid for the options.
Benefits:
Limited risk to the premium paid.
Potential for significant profit if the underlying futures contract price rises.
Leverage, allowing control of a large position with a relatively small investment.
Risks:
The potential loss of the entire premium if the market does not move as expected.
Time decay, where the value of the option decreases as the expiration date approaches.
Example Trade:
Buy one call option on E-mini S&P 500 futures with a strike price of 5,500, expiring in 73 days.
Target price: 5,645.00.
Stop-loss: Premium paid (e.g., 213.83 points x $50 per contract).
If the S&P 500 futures price rises above 5,500, the call option gains value, and the trader can sell it for a profit. If the price stays below 5,500, the trader loses only the premium paid.
2. Synthetic Long: Creating a synthetic long involves buying a call option and selling a put option at the same strike price and expiration. This strategy mimics owning the underlying futures contract.
Benefits:
Similar profit potential to owning the futures contract.
Flexibility in managing risk and adjusting positions.
Risks:
Potential for unlimited losses if the market moves significantly against the position.
Requires margin to sell the put option.
Example Trade:
Buy one call option on E-mini S&P 500 futures at 5,500, expiring in 73 days.
Sell one put option on E-mini S&P 500 futures at 5,500, expiring in 73 days.
Target price: 5,645.00.
The profit and loss (PnL) profile of the synthetic long position would be the same as owning the outright futures contract. If the price rises, the position gains value dollar-for-dollar with the underlying futures contract. If the price falls, the position loses value in the same manner.
3. Bullish Options Spreads: Options are incredibly versatile and adaptable, allowing traders to design a wide range of bullish spread strategies. These strategies can be tailored to specific market conditions, risk tolerances, and trading goals. Here are some popular bullish options spreads:
Vertical Call Spreads
Bull Call Spreads
Call Debit Spreads
Ratio Call Spreads
Diagonal Call Spreads
Calendar Call Spreads
Bullish Butterfly Spreads
Bullish Condor Spreads
Etc.
The following Risk Profile Graph represents a Bull Call Spread made of buying the 5,500 call and selling the 5,700 call with 73 to expiration:
For detailed explanations and examples of these and other bullish options spread strategies, please refer to the many published ideas under the "Options Blueprint Series." These resources provide in-depth analysis and step-by-step guidance.
Trading Plan
A well-defined trading plan is crucial for successful execution of any bullish strategy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to formulating your plan:
1.Select the Strategy: Choose between outright futures contracts, calendar or butterfly spreads, or options strategies based on your market outlook and risk tolerance.
2. Determine Entry and Exit Points:
Entry price: Define the price level at which you will enter the trade (breakout, UFO support, indicators convergence/divergence, etc.)
Target price: Set a realistic target based on technical analysis or market projections.
Stop-loss price: Establish a stop-loss level to manage risk and limit potential losses.
3. Position Sizing: Calculate the appropriate position size based on your account size and risk tolerance. Ensure that the position aligns with your overall portfolio strategy.
4. Risk Management: Implement risk management techniques such as using stop-loss orders, hedging, and diversifying positions to protect your capital. Risk management is vital in trading to protect your capital and ensure long-term success
Conclusion and Preview for Next Article
In this article, we've explored various bullish strategies using E-mini and Micro E-mini S&P 500 futures as well as options on futures. From outright futures contracts to sophisticated spreads and options strategies, traders have multiple tools to capitalize on bullish market conditions while managing their risk effectively.
Stay tuned for our next article, where we will delve into bearish plays using similar instruments to navigate downward market conditions.
When charting futures, the data provided could be delayed. Traders working with the ticker symbols discussed in this idea may prefer to use CME Group real-time data plan on TradingView: www.tradingview.com This consideration is particularly important for shorter-term traders, whereas it may be less critical for those focused on longer-term trading strategies.
General Disclaimer:
The trade ideas presented herein are solely for illustrative purposes forming a part of a case study intended to demonstrate key principles in risk management within the context of the specific market scenarios discussed. These ideas are not to be interpreted as investment recommendations or financial advice. They do not endorse or promote any specific trading strategies, financial products, or services. The information provided is based on data believed to be reliable; however, its accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. Trading in financial markets involves risks, including the potential loss of principal. Each individual should conduct their own research and consult with professional financial advisors before making any investment decisions. The author or publisher of this content bears no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided or for any resultant financial or other losses.
Visualize $TSLA CALL pricing skew due to the upcoming earningsLet’s take a look at our new tradingview options screener indicator to see what we observe, as the options chain data has recently been updated.
When we look at the screener, we can immediately see that NASDAQ:TSLA has an exceptional Implied Volatility Rank value of over 100, which is extremely high. This is clearly due to the upcoming earnings report on July 23rd.
As we proceed, we notice that Tesla's Implied Volatility Index is also high, over 70. This means that not only the relative but also the absolute implied volatility of Tesla is high. Because the IVX value is above 30, Tesla’s IV Rank is displayed with a distinguishable black background. This favors credit strategies such as iron condors, broken wing butterflies, strangles, or simple short options.
Next, let’s examine how this IV index value has changed over the past five days. We can see it has increased by more than 6%, indicating an upward trend as we approach the earnings report.
In the next cell, we see a significant vertical price skew. Specifically, at 39 days to expiration, call options are 84% more expensive than put options at the same distance. This indicates that market participants are pricing in a significant upward movement in the options chain.
The call skew is so pronounced that at 39 days to expiration, the 16 delta call value exits the expected range. This signifies a substantial delta skew twist, which I will show you visually.
We see a horizontal IV index skew between the third and fourth weeks in the options chain. This means the front weekly IVX is lower than the IVX for the following week, which may favor calendar or diagonal strategies. Hovering over this with the mouse reveals it’s around the third and fourth week.
In the last cell, we observe that there’s a horizontal IVX skew not just in weekly expirations but also between the second and third monthly expirations.
Now, let’s see how these values appear visually on Tesla’s chart using our Options Overlay Indicator. On the right panel, the previously mentioned values are displayed in more detail when you hover over them with the mouse. The really exciting part is setting the 16 delta curve and seeing the extent of the upward shift in options pricing. This significant skew is also visible at closer delta values.
When we enable the expected move and standard deviation curves, it immediately becomes clear what this severe vertical pricing skew in favor of call options means. Practically, market participants are significantly pricing in upward movement right after the earnings report.
Hovering over the colored labels associated with the expirations displays all data precisely, showing the number of days until expiration and the high implied volatility index value for that expiration. Additionally, a green curve indicating overpricing due to extra interest is displayed. Weekly expiration horizontal IVX skew values appear in purple, and those affected by monthly skew are shown in turquoise blue.
The 'Lite' version of our indicators is available for free to everyone, where you can also view Tesla as demonstrated. Pro indicators are available more than 150 US market symbols like SPY, S&P500, Nvidia, bonds, etfs and many others.
Trade options like a pro with TanukiTrade Option Indicators for TradingView.
Thank you for your attention.
How to Plot Head & Shoulders Pattern on TradingViewWelcome back, Traders!
We’re excited to have you here on TradingView where we share valuable trading insights and educational posts to help you succeed in the markets. Today, we’re diving into one of the most reliable chart patterns in technical analysis: the Head and Shoulders pattern. Understanding and identifying this pattern can significantly improve your trading strategy, whether you’re dealing with forex, stocks, or commodities.
What is the Head and Shoulders Pattern?
The Head and Shoulders pattern is a bearish reversal pattern that indicates a potential end to an uptrend and the beginning of a downtrend. It consists of three peaks:
Left Shoulder: The first peak followed by a decline.
Head: The highest peak followed by a decline.
Right Shoulder: A peak similar in height to the left shoulder, followed by a decline.
The neckline is the support line that connects the lows after the left shoulder and the head.
How to Trade the Head and Shoulders Pattern:
Identify the Pattern: Look for the three distinct peaks with the head being the highest.
Draw the Neckline: Connect the lows after the left shoulder and the head to form the neckline.
Entry Point: Enter a short position when the price breaks below the neckline.
Target: Measure the distance from the head to the neckline and subtract this distance from the breakout point to set your target.
Stop Loss: Place a stop loss above the right shoulder to manage your risk.
Inverse Head and Shoulders Pattern
Conversely, the Inverse Head and Shoulders is a bullish reversal pattern signaling the end of a downtrend and the start of an uptrend. It consists of three troughs:
Left Shoulder: The first trough followed by a rise.
Head: The lowest trough followed by a rise.
Right Shoulder: A trough similar in depth to the left shoulder, followed by a rise.
The neckline is the resistance line connecting the highs after the left shoulder and the head.
How to Trade the Inverse Head and Shoulders Pattern:
Identify the Pattern: Look for the three distinct troughs with the head being the lowest.
Draw the Neckline: Connect the highs after the left shoulder and the head to form the neckline.
Entry Point: Enter a long position when the price breaks above the neckline.
Target: Measure the distance from the head to the neckline and add this distance to the breakout point to set your target.
Stop Loss: Place a stop loss below the right shoulder to manage your risk.
Follow us on TradingView for more helpful ideas and educational posts!
Stay tuned as we continue to share insights that will help you on your trading journey. Happy trading! - BK Trading Academy
$RST Is a Prime Example of a Chart to AVOIDCharts that look like LSE:RST are the scariest ones to be in rn, especially in this downtrend.
literally no hope in sight, besides some crazy news sending it.
there's literally not even a trendline to go off of.
to turn bullish, it needs to have a 55% pump, and range in that $0.30 level for a while to show it built a floor.
then you might attract some bulls in.
Chart Time SettingsIn the chart analysis tool that I use, selecting the right time frame is crucial for correctly interpreting and analyzing market movements. Unfortunately, I cannot upload 1-minute charts on TradingView, but I can start from a 15-minute interval. This is helpful, but I particularly recommend using shorter time frames like 1-minute or 5-minute charts for day trading.
What are Time Settings?
Time settings determine the period that a single candle or bar on the chart represents. For example, a 1-hour chart shows price movements in hourly intervals, with each candle representing the price action of one hour.
Available Time Frames
A wide range of time frames, from minutes to months, is available. Here are some of the most common options:
15 Minutes (15M): Popular among day traders who execute multiple trades within a day. (CAUTION - For the 15-minute interval, one should be able to wait 2-5 days - always conduct analysis using 1-minute and 5-minute charts for day trading.)
1 Hour (1H): For traders who want to recognize intraday patterns without tracking every movement. I never use the 1-hour view. Does anyone use 1-hour charts? What experiences have you had with them, and how long do you hold trades?
4 Hours (4H): A good compromise for swing traders who hold trades for several days.
1 Day (1D): Provides a comprehensive overview for long-term strategies.
1 Week (1W): Suitable for long-term investors observing larger trends.
1 Month (1M): Ideal for analyzing very long-term trends.
How Do I Choose the Right Time Frame?
Choosing the right time frame depends on my trading strategy and time horizon. Here are some of my tips:
Scalping and Short-Term Trading: For scalping and short-term trades, I recommend shorter time frames like 1-minute (1M) or 5-minute (5M). These help in capturing small market movements and reacting quickly to changes. Although I cannot upload these time frames, I use them for detailed analysis.
Day Trading: For day trading, I use the 15-minute (15M) charts, (1M and 5M) charts to analyze the entire trading day and respond to intraday trends.
Swing Trading: For swing trading, I use longer time frames like 15-minute and 4-hour (4H) charts, and 1-day (1D) charts to follow trends over several days or weeks.
Long-Term Investments: For long-term investments, weekly (1W) or monthly (1M) charts are ideal for identifying major trends and long-term movements.
Multi-Time Frame Analysis
A proven method is multi-time frame analysis. I examine the same market in different time frames to get a more comprehensive picture. For example, I identify a long-term trend on the daily chart and then use the 15-minute chart to find precise entry and exit points.
Conclusion
The right time setting can make the difference between a successful and an unsuccessful trade. Although I cannot upload 1-minute charts, I experiment with various time frames to find the one that best suits my strategy. By understanding and applying different time settings, I can improve my trading decisions and refine my market analyses.
How to Trade on Support and Resistance ReversalsHow to Trade on Support and Resistance Reversals
Trading in the financial markets can be a complex endeavour, but it may become more manageable when traders have a solid grasp of support and resistance levels. Recognising support and resistance reversals is a crucial skill that may enhance one's trading performance. In this FXOpen article, we will learn the types of support and resistance and consider some trading strategies based on market reversals.
Recognising Support and Resistance Reversals
It’s unlikely you will need to ask, “What are support and resistance lines?” Still, let’s refresh your memory.
A support line is a level at which an asset's price tends to find buying interest, preventing it from falling further. In other words, it's where demand for the asset is strong enough to counteract selling pressure. Traders often identify support as a potential point when going long or a take-profit target when selling. It can be formed at various price points on a chart and can be horizontal and diagonal (trendlines).
A resistance line is a level at which an asset's price tends to encounter selling pressure, preventing it from rising further. It represents a point where supply exceeds demand, leading to potential reversals or pullbacks. Traders often identify resistance as a potential point when going short or a take-profit target when buying. Like support, resistance levels can also be horizontal, diagonal, or coincide with round numbers.
Support and Resistance: Types
There are various types of support and resistance, including trendlines, round numbers, Fibonacci retracements and extensions, pivot points, and dynamic lines.
Trendlines
Trendlines are one of the most fundamental tools in technical analysis. They are lines drawn on a price chart to connect consecutive lows and consecutive highs to identify the direction of the market. Trendlines act as support and resistance, helping traders identify potential reversal points and trend continuations. The intersection of price movements with trendlines often signifies significant market sentiment shifts.
There are three fundamental types of trendlines:
- Uptrend Lines: Uptrend lines connect a series of higher lows and function as support levels on a price chart. These lines are indicative of bullish market conditions, signifying a consistent upward trajectory in asset value. Traders often use uptrend lines to identify potential entry points for long positions.
- Downtrend Lines: Downtrend lines link lower highs and act as resistance in technical analysis. They reflect bearish market conditions, suggesting a persistent downward trend in asset value. Downtrend lines are valuable for traders looking to establish potential entry points for short positions.
- Sideways or Range-Bound Lines: Sideways or range-bound lines connect comparable highs and lows, illustrating a market in a state of consolidation or trading within a defined range. These lines indicate the lack of strong trends in either direction and are essential for traders to recognise when markets are moving sideways.
Closest Swing Points
Traders can draw support and resistance through the most recent swing point.
- Support: To find a support level based on the closest swing point, traders identify a recent swing low. This low point is where buying interest emerged previously.
- Resistance: To determine a resistance level based on the closest swing point, traders look for the recent swing high. This high point is where selling pressure halted a previous uptrend.
Round Numbers
Round numbers are psychological levels that often serve as support or resistance. They tend to attract the attention of traders and investors due to their simplicity and significance. For example, in a currency pair like EUR/USD, a round number might be 1.2000. These levels can act as barriers where traders make decisions to buy or sell, making them essential reference points in technical analysis.
Fibonacci Retracements and Extensions
Fibonacci retracement and extension levels are based on the Fibonacci sequence and are used to identify potential support and resistance zones. The most commonly used Fibonacci retracements are 23.6%, 38.2%, 50%, and 61.8%. Traders apply these levels to charts to determine where price reversals or corrections may occur. Fibonacci extensions are key tools in technical analysis used to project potential price targets beyond the original trend. The most commonly used levels are 161.8%, 261.8%, and 423.6%.
Pivot Points
Pivot points are calculated levels that help traders identify critical support and resistance points. They are used to determine potential price reversals or breakouts. Traders often look at multiple pivot point levels, including support 1 (S1), support 2 (S2), resistance 1 (R1), and resistance 2 (R2), to gauge the market's sentiment and make trading decisions accordingly.
Dynamic Lines
Dynamic support and resistance are not fixed on the chart but change with market conditions. Common examples include moving averages and Bollinger Bands. Moving averages can act as dynamic support or resistance depending on their positioning relative to the current price: if the price is above the MA, the moving average serves as a support, while if the price is below the MA, the moving average can be used as a resistance. Bollinger Bands consist of a middle band (the moving average) and upper and lower bands that represent dynamic support and resistance zones based on price volatility.
Trading Strategies for Support and Resistance Reversals
Below, you will find two of the most straightforward strategies you can apply to various markets and timeframes.
Bounce Trading Strategy
Objective: To capitalise on confirmed support or resistance by entering positions when the price bounces off these levels.
Entry Point:
- Long Trade (Support Bounce): Traders may wait for the market to approach a strong support level. They always look for a confirmation signal, including a bullish candlestick pattern, such as a hammer or engulfing pattern, or a technical indicator. You may enter the trade at the opening of the next candle after the bullish confirmation signal.
- Short Trade (Resistance Bounce): The trader may wait for the market to approach a robust resistance level. They always look for confirmation with a bearish candlestick pattern, such as a shooting star or bearish engulfing pattern, near the resistance level or a technical indicator. You may enter the trade at the opening of the next candle after the bearish confirmation signal.
Exit Point:
- Take Profit: Traders might set a take-profit order at a reasonable distance from their entry point, aiming for a risk-reward ratio of at least 1:2.
- Stop-Loss: One common practice you may consider is to place a stop-loss order just below (for long trades) or above (for short trades) the support or resistance level you are trading. This may help protect against significant losses if the market moves against your trade.
Look at the chart above. A trader could initiate two trades on the support level. In the first one, they could get confirmation from consecutive candles with small or non-existing lower shadows and rising bullish volumes. In the second trade, they may get confirmation from the Bollinger Bands as the lower band is aligned with the support level.
Pullback and Retest Strategy
Objective: To enter trades on pullbacks to previously broken support or resistance levels, which may now act as new support or resistance.
Entry Point:
- Long Trade (Resistance Turned Support): Traders wait for the price to break significant resistance and retrace to retest it as new support. To confirm a successful retest, you may look for reduced volume and bullish candlestick patterns. To enter a trade, you may wait for the next candle after the retest confirmation to open.
- Short Trade (Support Turned Resistance): Traders wait for the price to break substantial support and retrace to retest it as new resistance. You may ask, “If the price is dancing above the support zone but hasn't broken below it, what should we do?” To make the strategy work, you will need to wait for a breakout and confirm the retest. To get a confirmation signal, you may look for reduced volume and bearish candlestick patterns. An entry point may be initiated when the next candle after the retest confirmation opens.
Exit Point:
- Take Profit: You may set a take-profit order based on your desired risk-reward ratio, considering the potential price target based on the recent significant swing point.
- Stop-Loss: Traders usually place a stop-loss order just below (for long trades) or above (for short trades) the retested support or resistance level to manage risk.
In the chart above, a trader could enter a trade on a retest of a broken resistance level that turned into support. Rising bullish volumes on a support point could serve as a confirmation signal.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Trading on support and resistance reversals may be a rewarding strategy, but it's essential to steer clear of common pitfalls that may lead to losses. Here are three significant pitfalls to avoid:
- Overtrading. As the support and resistance reversal strategies are straightforward and conditions for them can be found on almost any market and any timeframe, traders may fall into an overtrading trap. Overtrading occurs when traders execute an excessive number of trades, often driven by the fear of missing out or the desire for quick profits.
- Ignoring Fundamental Analysis. While technical analysis plays a crucial role in trading support and resistance reversals, ignoring fundamental analysis can be a significant pitfall. Economic data releases, geopolitical events, or company news can lead to unexpected market moves.
- Neglecting Risk Management. Neglecting risk management is a critical mistake that traders should avoid, regardless of their strategies. Failing to implement proper risk management can result in substantial losses that outweigh gains.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the various types of support and resistance, including trendlines, round numbers, Fibonacci retracements and extensions, pivot points, and dynamic levels, is essential for traders and analysts to make informed decisions in the financial markets. These tools offer valuable insights into potential market reversals and overall market sentiment. Support vs resistance trading strategies are straightforward and may be applied to almost any market. If you want to test them, open an FXOpen account and enjoy trading in over 600 markets on the TickTrader platform!
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.
WHAT IS APY IN CRYPTO ?💹 APY (Annual Percentage Yield) is the amount of money an investor will earn in a year if the money is reinvested after each accrual period. The calculation formula is compound interest. In cryptocurrencies and decentralised finance (DeFi), APY is used to express the returns users can get from staking, liquidity mining and other types of income farming.
📍 UNDERSTANDING APY CALCULATION
APY allows users to understand what annual returns they can expect from their investments, taking into account reinvestment of interest earned. This helps to compare different investment opportunities in cryptocurrency startups:
➡️ Comparing the returns of different cryptocurrencies in staking, income farming on one exchange.
➡️ Comparing the yield of staking one coin on different exchanges.
The rate, which is calculated using the simple interest formula, only takes into account the initial investment amount. In comparison, APY gives a more accurate idea of how much an investor will earn, taking into account the re-investment of interest
📍 THE APY CALCULATION FORMULA IS:
APY is the Annual Percentage Yield
r is the interest rate per period (in decimal form, e.g. 0.05 for 5%)
n is the number of times interest is compounded per year
For example, if an investment has an annual interest rate of 5% compounded quarterly, the APY would be:
APY = (1 + 0.05/4)^(4) - 1 = 5.127%
This means that over a year, the investment would earn an effective annual return of 5.127%, taking into account the compounding effect. Note that this formula assumes that the interest is compounded at the end of each period, which is often referred to as "compounding frequency". The more frequently interest is compounded, the higher the APY will be.
📍 THREE CRUCIAL POINTS TO KEEP IN MIND ARE:
1️⃣ Frequency of interest accrual. The more frequently interest is accrued, the higher the APY will be, even if the nominal interest rate remains the same.
2️⃣ Reinvestment. APY assumes that all interest earned is reinvested, which increases the total return.
3️⃣ Transparency. APY provides a more accurate representation of potential returns compared to a simple interest rate.
APY is a forecast and actual returns may vary. It may be affected by market volatility, changes in interest rates, risks associated with a particular investment product. APY is specified for each product and each coin separately, you can find this information on the website of the cryptocurrency exchange. To understand the amount of earnings, you need to know the period of accrual of income. For example, accrual in staking can occur both every minute and every day.
In addition to APY, there is another key rate to consider: APR (Annual Percentage Rate). Similar to APY, APR is a rate that measures the yield of an investment, but it is calculated using the simple interest formula. While APR is commonly associated with the cost of borrowing at an interest rate, it can also be applied to investments. Like APY, APR is not a fixed value, as it can fluctuate based on network activity and other factors.
📍 CONCLUSION
APY is a critical parameter that represents the return on an asset with compound interest, taking into account the reinvestment of profits after each accrual. This metric is essential when evaluating the feasibility of staking or other income-generating opportunities. For instance, it can help you decide whether to stake Coin A or convert it to Coin B and stake it instead. By comparing APY rates for different coins and staking options, you can make informed decisions about where to allocate your assets to maximize your returns.
Traders, If you liked this educational post🎓, give it a boost 🚀 and drop a comment 📣
A Simple/Consistent Trading Strategy Using AnchorBars For AllI was talking with a friend today and he stated he just wanted something simple and consistent.
He stated he was using Weekly, Daily, and 30 Min charts to try to confirm his trade setups.
He did not want to swing for trades too often - only when the Weekly, Daily, 30 Min charts aligned.
I've build multiple systems somewhat like the one I'm showing you in this video. The trick to managing this system is to avoid consolidation periods. When price settles into an extended sideways range - you want to cut your trading down to almost NOTHING and wait for a more defined trend.
Here you go. Simple and easy.
If you don't understand AnchorBars, you can learn more on my other TradingView videos.
Go Get Some...
Elementary Bitcoin in its entirety for beginnersUnlike all kinds of cryptocurrencies, the issue of Bitcoin is limited by the condition of a regular reduction in the size of the mining reward. Naturally, the American dollar will always be issued without any special restrictions. This allows you to make a basic calculation: “infinity” divided by “21 million” = “infinity”. That is, theoretically, in the infinite future, Bitcoin can cost as much as you like; based on general data, you can already calculate the nearest maximum target of $120k at the end of 2025. Of course people won't spend all their dollars on Bitcoin because they have other needs to survive. People will buy and sell Bitcoin to achieve their budget goals. Therefore, the price will not rise every day.
Looking at the figure, you can see three symbolic exponents (blue at the bottom, red at the top and orange in the middle) the struggle between buyers and sellers unfolds. But this is not a fact that the price will reach them, since the real exponential median is extended into eternity, or at least for the next hundred years until all Bitcoin is mined. The most likely upward trend will fluctuate around a straight white line. I think the price will charge below this line and shoot exponentially much higher again and again as mankind's speculative sentiment never runs out.
Therefore, in the near future, since the price has not reached its nearest maximum immediately, a break is needed to recharge. Anything can happen at once, but most likely it will drop below the previously mentioned orange exponential and below the white straight line to collect at least part of the liquidity between $28k-33k and reverse fast back to its nearest target at $120k. I believe this downward and upward movement will occur before the end of 2025. However, from my own experience, I can note that my scenarios are implemented much faster because we are not given time, we create it ourselves. Therefore, just stay in touch and watch the unfold of events vertically if you are not in a hurry. =]
I still provide brief comments as the story progresses from that “Watchlist, details and news” section in the upper right corner of the screen on the stationary monitor.
Best wishes.
Combined Staking and Shorting Strategy with Technical AnalysisThis strategy involves buying and staking cryptocurrencies during oversold conditions while shorting during overbought conditions to maximize profits from both price movements and staking rewards.
Strategy Breakdown
Buy and Stake
1. Identify Oversold Condition:
- Use technical indicators (like RSI or a combination of RSI and CCI) to identify an oversold condition on the 4-hour chart.
2. Wait for Support Reclamation:
- Wait for the cryptocurrency to reclaim a previously broken support level, indicating a potential price reversal.
3. Buy Cryptocurrency:
- Purchase the cryptocurrency at this point.
4. Stake Cryptocurrency:
- Stake the purchased cryptocurrency to earn staking rewards.
Short and Profit
1. Price Breakdown:
- If the price breaks down below a new support level, initiate a short position.
2. Target Profits:
- Set profit targets based on the 30-period average price change on the 4-hour chart.
Short and Hold
1. Identify Overbought Condition:
- Use technical indicators to identify when the price enters the overbought region.
2. Wait for Support Break:
- Wait for the price to break below a support level (or a previously broken resistance level), signaling a potential downtrend.
3. Go Short:
- Initiate a short position while still holding your staked positions to hedge against potential losses.
Pros and Cons
Pros
1. Earning Staking Rewards:
- Continues to earn staking rewards even when prices are volatile.
2. Capitalizing on Market Conditions:
- Gains from both upward (via staking) and downward (via shorting) price movements.
3. Risk Management:
- Hedging through short positions can protect against significant losses in a bear market.
4. Enhanced Profits:
- Potential for higher overall returns by combining staking rewards with profits from shorting.
Cons
1. Complexity:
- Requires a good understanding of both technical analysis and market timing.
2. Transaction Costs:
- Multiple trades (buying, shorting, covering) can lead to higher transaction fees.
3. Market Risks:
- Volatility can lead to unexpected losses, especially if the market moves against your short positions.
4. Staking Risks:
- Staked assets might be locked for a period, limiting liquidity and flexibility.
Using Leverage
Leverage can amplify both gains and losses. It allows you to open larger positions than your capital would normally allow, but it comes with increased risk.
How to Use Leverage
1. Careful Position Sizing:
- Use leverage sparingly. Consider using 2x to 5x leverage rather than extreme levels.
2. Risk Management:
- Always use stop-loss orders to limit potential losses.
3. Monitor Margin Levels:
- Keep a close eye on margin requirements to avoid liquidation.
4. Balancing Exposure:
- Maintain a balanced portfolio. For instance, if you use leverage to go short, ensure your staked positions are not excessively exposed to market downturns.
5. Leverage in Short Positions:
- Use leverage for short positions to maximize potential profits from price declines. For example, if you have $100 in staked assets, you might use $20 to $50 of your own capital and $20 to $50 of borrowed funds to short an equivalent value.
Best Trend Following Strategies for Gold. XAUUSD Day Trading
The recent bull run on Gold is a perfect example of a strong trending market. For traders, such sentiment always provides very profitable trading opportunities.
In this article, I will share with you 3 best trend-following strategies for day trading Gold that showed extremely high performance this year.
So what I did, I back tested 4H/1H time frame since the middle of February when the bull market started.
I tested various strategies: price action, SMC, multiple indicators, candlestick patterns ; and I was looking for the ones that showed the highest accuracy and profitability.
1. Moving Averages Crossover
The first strategy that showed a very high performance was based on a crossover of 2 moving averages.
Exponential MA with 30 length.
Simple MA with 9 length.
For entry signal, Simple MA should cross Exponential MA from the downside and a candle should close above both MAs'.
Stop loss will be below the closest horizontal support.
The setup is considered to be profitable if, after the entry, the price moved up at least by pips distance from entry to stop loss.
13 setups we spotted.
9 of them were profitable.
Total winning rate is 69%.
2. Trend-Following Patterns
The second strategy that showed a very high performance was based on classic price action patterns.
I was looking for bullish patterns like bullish flag, falling wedge, horizontal range, double bottom, head and shoulders, ascending triangle, cup & handle.
Bullish confirmation was a breakout and a candle close above a neckline of the pattern.
The pattern is considered to be losing if after the breakout of the neckline, the price dropped below its lows.
The pattern is considered to be profitable if, after the entry, the price moved up at least by pips distance from entry to stop loss.
From 14th of February to 8th of April, I found 37 bullish patterns.
According to the rules that I described above, 31 pattern turned out to be profitable.
That gives 83% winning rate.
3. Break of Structure (BoS)
The Break of Structure strategy is very old and based on breakouts of current highs.
In a bullish trend, after the price violates the levels of a current Higher High HH, a bullish continuation is expected.
A long trade is opened after the candle closes above HH or on a retest.
With such a strategy, Stop Loss is lying below the last Higher Low HL.
The setup is considered to be profitable if, after the entry, the price moved up at least by pips distance from entry to stop loss
For the same period, I identified 21 Breaks of Structure.
According to the rules, 18 setups were profitable.
Total win rate is 85%.
Remember that you should not overestimate the performance of these strategies. They work perfectly only in times of a strong bullish market. Such periods are extremely rare.
However, once you see a strong bullish season, these strategies will help you to get maximum from it.
❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
ICT Breaker & Mitigation Blocks EXPLAINEDToday, we’re diving into two powerful concepts from ICT’s toolkit that can give you an edge in your trading: Breaker Blocks and Mitigation Blocks. There are one of my favourite PD Arrays to trade, especially the Breaker Block. I’m going to explain how I interpret them and how I incorporate them into my trading. Stay tuned all the way to the end because I’m going to drop some gold nuggets along the way"
Ok, so first of all let’s go through what both these PD Arrays look like and what differentiates them, because they are relatively similar and how they are used is practically the same.
On the left we have a Breaker Block and on the right a Mitigation Block. They both are reversal profiles on the timeframe you are seeing them on, and they both break market structure as you can see here. The actual zone to take trade from, or even an entry from, in the instance of this bearish example is the nearest down candle or series of down candles after price makes a lower low. When price pulls back to this area, one could plan or take a trade.
The defining difference is that a Breaker raids liquidity on its respective timeframes by making a higher high or lower low before reversing, whilst a Mitigation Block does not do that. For this reason, a Breaker is always a higher probability PD Array to trade off from. As you should know by now if you are already learning about PD Arrays such as these is that the market moves from one area to liquidity to another. If you don’t even know what liquidity is, stop this video and educate yourself about that first or you will just be doing yourself a disservice.
Alright, so let’s go see some real examples on the chart. Later on I’ll give you a simple mechanical way to trade them, as well as a the discretionary approach which I use. And of course, some tips on how to increase the probability of your setups.