BTC! To be or not to be ?In this chart if you look closely you will see just a pump with no fundamental rationale!
I have done my research and if my birdies are right Black Rock has gotten the SEC clearance for the BTC Fund but they have not started the drive.
Just a thinking point for you. Blackrock is the biggest asset manager out there in the known universe. So do you think Larry Fink will buy BTC at these prices?
He will drive it down and accumulate. You all have brains you do the maths and determine the median!! I have given you my viewpoint!
Trend Analysis
Getting Started with Forex Prop Trading: Intro Guide🔸Forex prop trading (short for foreign exchange proprietary trading) refers to a trading model where traders use capital provided by a proprietary trading firm to trade in the Forex (foreign exchange) market. Unlike traditional retail trading, where traders use their own funds, prop traders operate with the firm's capital, typically after passing a series of evaluations to prove their trading skills and risk management abilities. In return, the firm takes a percentage of the profits generated by the trader.
🆕 Here’s a more detailed look at how forex prop trading works and why it's appealing:
🔸 Access to Capital
Prop firms offer substantial capital to skilled traders, allowing them to trade with much larger account sizes than they might be able to on their own. For example, a trader might be funded with anywhere from $10,000 to $1,000,000 or more, depending on their experience and the firm's offerings.
🔸 Evaluation Process
Most prop firms require traders to pass an evaluation or assessment phase before providing access to live capital. This involves trading on a demo account and meeting specific performance metrics like profit targets, drawdown limits, and risk management rules. If the trader successfully passes this phase, they are then given access to a live account with the firm's capital.
🔸 Profit Sharing
Once a trader is funded, they enter into a profit-sharing agreement with the firm. Typically, the trader receives a percentage of the profits, often around 70-90%, while the firm keeps the rest as compensation for providing the capital and infrastructure. For example, if a trader makes $10,000 in profits and their profit split is 80/20, they would keep $8,000 while the firm takes $2,000.
🔸 Risk Management
Prop firms are very strict about risk management because they are providing their own capital. They impose limits on the maximum drawdown (the amount a trader can lose), daily loss limits, and leverage. If these rules are violated, traders risk losing their funded status.
🔸 Advantages for Traders
Low Financial Risk: Traders do not need to risk their own capital, reducing personal financial exposure.
No Pressure to Invest Large Sums: With access to firm capital, traders don’t need to save up large amounts to trade at higher levels.
Support and Resources: Many prop firms provide educational resources, trading platforms, and tools to help their traders succeed.
🔸Types of Prop Firms
Prop firms can generally be categorized into two types:
🔸Traditional Prop Firms: These firms often require traders to work in-office and provide access to a wide range of markets beyond Forex, including stocks, commodities, and derivatives. Online Prop Firms: The more popular model today, these firms operate remotely, allowing traders from around the world to participate.
🔸 Fees
Most prop firms charge traders an initial fee to cover the evaluation process. This fee can range from a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars, depending on the account size. In many cases, this fee is refundable if the trader successfully completes the evaluation.
🔸 Challenges
Strict Rules: If traders fail to adhere to the firm's rules (such as daily loss limits or maximum drawdown), they can lose their funded account.
Pressure to Perform: Trading with someone else’s capital can create pressure, which can affect trading decisions and lead to mistakes if not handled well.
🔸Bot Algo Trading in Forex
Algorithmic trading (algo trading) involves using pre-programmed instructions (algorithms) that can automatically execute trades in the Forex market based on specific conditions. These conditions can be price, volume, time, or other market indicators. Algo trading has become increasingly popular in the Forex market due to its ability to:
▪️Execute trades at high speed without the need for human intervention.
▪️Remove emotional biases, which can often lead to poor decision-making in trading.
▪️Test and optimize strategies through backtesting on historical data to ensure effectiveness.
▪️Implement complex strategies that would be difficult for a human to execute manually.
🔸what is a Bot Algo Expert?
A bot algo expert is typically a professional who specializes in developing and optimizing trading algorithms (bots) for Forex markets. They possess skills in coding, often using languages like Python, MQL4/5 (MetaQuotes Language), and other programming languages tailored to financial markets.
🔸The expert focuses on building bots that can:
▪️Identify trading signals based on technical indicators (like moving averages, RSI, Bollinger Bands).
▪️Automatically execute trades when certain criteria are met (such as entering or exiting positions).
▪️Manage risk by setting stop-loss and take-profit orders to minimize potential losses.
▪️Optimize performance by regularly updating the algorithm based on market conditions.
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Let's get back to the basics! ..4In this chart I have made it simple.
I accept that price can appreciate further but I will be looking for sell opportunities at levels posted earlier.
My main concern is how to handle this gigonormic rise with the expected fall to come. It will come and if you are following I assure you it will come by early December.
Logic:
Election results
FED rate Cut decision
Gradual decrease in Iran / Israel tension
US Government debt alleviation plan
Indian not buying gold even if it is the peak season
China's artificial stimulus
Please do not trade in isolation. Those out there who are showing massive profits are fudging you. God has given you a brain please use it !!
Replace a 100 000 USD salary with income from trading🔸 Develop a Strong Foundation in Forex Trading
Before considering Forex as a full-time source of income, it’s essential to build a solid foundation in trading.
▪️Learn the Basics: Understand Forex fundamentals such as how currency pairs work, how to read charts, how the market operates, and how global economic events affect price movements.
▪️Master Technical and Fundamental Analysis: Study technical analysis (price action, indicators, chart patterns) and fundamental analysis (macroeconomic data, interest rates, geopolitical events). This allows you to make informed trading decisions.
▪️Study Risk Management: Managing risk is crucial to avoid catastrophic losses. Learn how to calculate position sizes, set stop-losses, and limit leverage. Most professional traders risk no more than 1-2% of their capital per trade.
▪️Backtest and Paper Trade: Test your trading strategies on historical data and in demo accounts to ensure they are profitable over time. This will help you refine your approach without risking real money.
🔸 Create and Test a Trading Strategy
A successful trading career requires a well-defined trading strategy. This is critical for consistency and profitability.
▪️Define Your Trading Style: Determine whether you are a day trader, swing trader, or position trader, based on your risk tolerance, time availability, and financial goals.
▪️Build a Strategy Based on Time Frames and Setups: Whether you focus on scalping, trend trading, or breakout strategies, you need a strategy that works for your trading style. Be sure to incorporate indicators (moving averages, Fibonacci retracement, RSI) and a risk-reward ratio.
▪️Test the Strategy: Test your strategy on demo accounts or paper trade until you have confidence in its profitability over the long run. A good strategy should consistently deliver positive results over several months and market conditions.
🔸 Accumulate Enough Capital
Forex trading requires sufficient capital to replace a salary and generate consistent income.
▪️Set Realistic Capital Requirements: The amount of capital you need will depend on how much monthly income you need and how much risk you are willing to take. Generally, to replace a full-time salary with Forex income, you will need significant capital (likely in the range of $50,000–$100,000 or more). This amount allows you to generate enough returns without taking excessive risks.
▪️Calculate Your Required Return on Investment (ROI): Let’s say you need $3,000 per month to replace your salary. If you have a $100,000 account, you would need a 3% return per month. If your account is smaller (e.g., $10,000), you would need a much higher (and riskier) 30% return, which is unrealistic in the long run.
▪️Use Leverage Cautiously: Leverage can magnify both profits and losses. While Forex brokers often offer high leverage (e.g., 50:1, 100:1), it’s essential to use leverage cautiously, as it can lead to significant losses if a trade goes against you.
What America Does with Its Money ? 🇺🇸 Decoding America's Spending: A Deep Dive into Government Finances
This topic has been on the horizon for a while, and I think many new traders will be pleased to see it so LFG
Just like a business, the government has its own financial records :
💰 Money comes in (primarily from taxes)
💸 Money goes out (to fund a variety of programs)
With an expected gross domestic product (GDP) of nearly $29 trillion in 2024, the US remains the world’s largest economy, surpassing China’s $18.5 trillion.
However, the US government isn’t exactly profitable. In fact, it’s been consistently running a growing deficit, raising concerns about its long-term financial stability.
As a general election approaches, it's more important than ever to understand how the US generates and spends its money. So, let’s dive into the details
Here’s a quick overview:
- Revenue: A deep dive into taxes
- Spending: Powering the nation
- Bottom Line: Operating costs & the deficit
- National Debt: A mounting challenge
- The Future: America's financial outlook
1. Revenue: A Deep Dive into Taxes
The US government operates on an enormous scale, and like any large organization, it requires a consistent stream of income to stay functional. However, unlike businesses that sell products or services, the government generates revenue primarily through taxes and fees
In fiscal year 2023, the federal government collected an astounding $4.4 trillion
So, where does all of this money come from? Let’s take a closer look:
👥 Individual Income Taxes:Nearly 50% of the government’s total revenue comes from individuals. Every time you receive a paycheck, a portion is automatically sent to Uncle Sam. This also includes taxes on capital gains from investments.
🏦 Social Security and Medicare Taxes: About 36% of revenue is generated from these taxes, which support programs like Social Security and Medicare for retirees and older adults. It’s a system where current workers help fund benefits for those who have already retired.
🏢 Corporate Income Taxes:Around 10% of the total revenue comes from businesses, which contribute a portion of their profits to the federal government. This is reflected in the income tax provisions that companies report.
🧩 Other Revenue:The remaining ~4% is sourced from various channels such as excise taxes (extra charges on goods like alcohol and tobacco), estate taxes, customs duties, and even fees collected from national park visits.
2. Spending: Powering the Nation
Now that we’ve seen how money flows into the US Treasury, it’s time to explore the exciting part figuring out how it’s spent. The US government faces the enormous responsibility of keeping the country functioning, covering everything from national defense to healthcare and infrastructure. And that demands a massive amount of spending
In fiscal year 2023, the federal government's net cost was $7.9 trillion, which is almost as large as the combined GDP of Germany and Japan the world’s third and fourth largest economies!
-Outlays vs. Net Cost:In FY23, total outlays (the actual cash spent) reached $6.1 trillion. Outlays refer to the cash disbursements, while the net cost also includes accrual-based accounting adjustments, such as changes in the future value of federal employee retirement benefits.
Who’s Deciding Where the Money Goes
So, how does the government determine how to allocate all this money? It’s a balancing act involving both the President and Congress:
-The President’s Proposal: The President begins the process by proposing a budget, outlining spending priorities based on requests from federal agencies. Think of it as a wish list—with a lot of extra zeros.
-House and Senate Role:Next, the House and Senate Budget Committees take over. They review the President’s proposal, make adjustments, and ultimately create the final spending bills. This process involves hearings, debates, and a fair amount of political negotiation.
Types of Spending
-Mandatory Spending:These are legally required expenses, like Social Security and Medicare, which make up a significant portion of the budget. These costs rise over time, particularly as the population ages
-Discretionary Spending:This is the part of the budget where the President and Congress decide how much to allocate to areas like defense, education, and more. In FY23, discretionary spending accounted for roughly 28% of total outlays, and it involves a yearly struggle as various departments compete for funding.
-Supplemental Spending: In cases of emergency, Congress can pass additional funding outside the normal budget cycle, as it did for the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Where the Money Goes
Now, let's dive deeper into the specific areas where all that spending is directed:
-🏥 Healthcare Heavyweight:The Department of Health and Human Services commands the largest portion of spending, making up 22% of the net cost. This reflects the huge outlays for healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
-👵 Social Safety Net:Programs like Veterans Affairs and the Social Security Administration also require significant funding, together accounting for 18% of the budget. This demonstrates the high priority placed on supporting veterans and retirees.
-🫡 Defense and Security:The Department of Defense, tasked with ensuring national security, takes up 13% of government spending!
-💸 The Interest Burden: A growing share of the budget is going toward paying interest on the national debt, consuming 9% of total spending.
In FY23, government outlays represented 22% of the US economy (GDP). Over the past decade, this figure has remained slightly above 20%, excluding the exceptional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. Bottom Line: Operating Cost & Deficit
When government expenditures exceed its revenue, a budget deficit occurs
In FY23, the U.S. government recorded a $1.7 trillion deficit (revenue minus outlays).
Here’s a breakdown of two key financial terms:
-Net Operating Cost:This includes all costs incurred by the government, even if the payments haven’t been made yet. In FY23, the net operating cost was $3.4 trillion
-Budget Deficit:This is a narrower measure, focusing only on the cash difference between revenue and outlays. As mentioned, the FY23 budget deficit stood at $1.7 trillion
Both of these financial measures reveal a government consistently spending beyond its means—a pattern that has persisted for decades. In fact, over the past 50 years, the U.S. federal budget has only seen a surplus four times, with the most recent one occurring in 2001.
4. National Debt: A Mounting Challenge
So, how does the government continue operating despite being in the red?
It borrows money, mainly by issuing Treasury bonds, bills, and other securities. This borrowing adds to the national debt, which has grown into a major concern for the country’s economic outlook.
As of September 2024, the national debt has reached a staggering $36 trillion. To put that in perspective, it's as if every person in the US owes over $100,000!
Every time the government spends more than it earns, the shortfall is added to the national debt, which, in turn, increases the interest payments that need to be made in the future.
Why the Debt Keeps Growing ?
Several factors contribute to the relentless increase of the national debt:
-Persistent Deficits:For decades, the government has continuously spent more than it collects in revenue, leading to ongoing debt accumulation.
-Wars and Economic Crises: Significant events such as wars (like those in Iraq and Afghanistan) and economic crises (including the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic) often necessitate large government expenditures, further escalating the debt.
-Tax Cuts and Spending Increases: Policy decisions that either reduce government revenue (through tax cuts) or increase spending (by introducing new programs or expanding existing ones) also play a role in growing the debt.
The national debt presents a complicated issue without straightforward solutions. It requires balancing essential funding for programs and services while ensuring the nation’s long-term financial health.
5. The Future: America’s Finances
The road ahead is filled with challenges. The national debt continues to rise, with a debt-to-GDP ratio surpassing 100%, raising concerns about the nation's long-term economic stability and ability to fulfill financial commitments.
According to the Department of the Treasury, the current fiscal trajectory is unsustainable. Projections based on existing policies show a persistent gap between expected revenue and spending. Without substantial policy reforms, the national debt is likely to keep increasing.
Several factors will influence the future of America’s finances:
-Economic Growth: A strong economy generates higher tax revenues, making it easier to manage the debt. Conversely, slower growth could worsen the deficit and increase the debt burden.
-Interest Rates:Rising interest rates would elevate the cost of servicing the national debt, redirecting funds from other vital programs.
-Inflation: Excessive government debt can contribute to inflation, diminishing the purchasing power of individuals and businesses.
-Political Polarization: The significant partisan divide in U.S. politics complicates consensus-building on fiscal policy and the implementation of long-term solutions to address the debt.
-Demographic Shifts: An aging population increases pressure on entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare, leading to higher government spending and potentially widening the deficit.
To tackle the challenges of growing debt and deficits, a combination of strategies is needed:
-Controlling Spending:Identifying areas for budget cuts or finding more efficient methods to deliver government services.
-Increasing Revenue:Exploring avenues for raising revenue through tax reforms or other means.
-Fostering Economic Growth:Implementing policies that promote sustainable long-term economic growth and boost tax revenues.
-Encouraging Bipartisan Cooperation:Seeking common ground across party lines to implement lasting fiscal reforms.
The future of America’s finances remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: addressing the national debt and ensuring the nation’s long-term fiscal health will require tough decisions and a commitment to responsible financial management.
What Can Be Done?
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of these challenges, but meaningful change often starts with informed citizens. As we head into a new election cycle, understanding how the US government manages its finances is more crucial than ever.
So, what do you think should be America’s financial priorities?
Should policymakers concentrate on cutting spending, raising taxes, or fostering economic growth?
SWING TUTORIAL - RALLISIn this tutorial, we analyzes the reversal of NSE:RALLIS 's 50% decline, identifying key technical indicators that signaled a buying opportunity. We'll explore how to recognize bullish momentum and optimal entry points using chart analysis.
NSE:RALLIS reached its all-time high at 362 before experiencing a significant downturn. However, the stock began forming support levels near 200 in June 2022 and retested this level again in May 2023.
Key Observations:
1. Support Levels: The stock consistently found support at ₹200, indicating a potential reversal.
2. MACD Indicator: The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) line showed steady upward momentum, signaling increasing bullish pressure.
3. MACD Crossover: The successful crossover in June 2023 confirmed the bullish trend, creating an entry opportunity.
Trading Strategy and Results:
Based on this analysis, our entry point was established at the MACD crossover. The stock subsequently rose to its swing high levels, yielding approximately 85% returns in just 57 weeks.
Note: This case study demonstrates the effectiveness of combining technical indicators to identify bullish momentum. By recognizing support levels, MACD movements, and consolidation patterns, traders can pinpoint potential entry points.
Would you like to explore more technical analysis concepts or case studies? Share your feedback and suggestions in the comments section below.
Let's get back to the basics! ..3October 21 - 25 Roadmap
Fib extension levels indicated are sell levels
Green boxes or demand are buy levels (accumulate) with proper risk management
Pink box is your ideal retracement target
Sell Stop (NOT Stop loss) blow 2627)
This is my trading plan and not a recommendation. I am sharing and caring that is all. What you do is your own decision!
Let's get back to the basics! ..2The point of this chart is to demonstrate that prices dont just go zoom boom or crash bang! there is a semblance. Always remember the market is an efficient self correcting mechanism and that is why fair value gaps or imbalances are filled more often than not.
If the price elevates way above the 20 period moving average it means there is a distort in the market, and the market fixes the distorty. This is old school I agree, but it is tried and tested and it works. Your turn to agree!
New strategy based on 50/200 EMASaw this strategy on Reddit and tweaked some things to what I am showing to you now with a 80-85% win rate. You wait for the 50 EMA to cross over the 200 EMA either the same day or post/pre market before. After the crossover, you wait for the pullback and when a wick hits the 50 EMA and reverses, you enter a long trade until either the trading day is over or the RSI shows overbought. Anybody have any changes that would make it better or that I’m missing? I’ve noticed it works best on 15m.
Can you Identify these two Tradingview Indicators?I bumped-into two very unique tradingview indicators a while back, and I have been trying to identify them ever since. I have looked at hundreds, maybe thousands, of Indicators, and cannot find these two or who makes them. The Second one looks like the Ichimoku Oscillator but is not.
Now, i am on a Quest to find them. I have asked Tradingview help, and couple of the moderators, and they didn't know what they were. Can you help me identify them?
Let's get back to the basics!In this chart I have kept it simple. Old school style because I am old school. If you have the time please ponder on these fundamental and technical points.
1. Gold is overbought on higher time frames
2. Why is it overbought ? Clue (Sharks)
3. DT is edging ahead in the races and that is bad for gold and sharks know it
4. Middle eastern crisis is no bad or no worse than last week
5. DXY and US10Y is rising and XAU is rising in tandem? why ?
6. There are two plays here manipulation and FOMO
7. Manipulation drives FOMO. Sharks want to exit their longs and clear out the stops of the retail crowd and then crash boom bang. The sharks enter at lower prices
8. All the hype that you see on the media about US Debt and other countries cutting interest rates? What BS? do you buy it ?
9. Understand this simple fact. Gold costs you swap/interest or whatever you want to call it. Do you think the sharks don't understand this fact ( I am sure retail traders dont pay attention to such minor details)
10. Who makes the sharks richer?
I do not have a crystal ball but I can assure you that even if Fib levels or the MA levels dont work common sense will work.
I am selling and I am not asking you to sell. I will buy at 2580 and then layer it to 2530 in the coming week. Sorry I am more of a buffet guy.
Like or dislike is not my problem. This post is mostly for retail traders who have been taught BS by professional thieves!!
Swing Trading vs. Day Trading in Forex: Which Style Suits You?So, you’ve got a burning desire to trade forex and take over the world—or at least the markets—but there’s one major question still nagging you: How to get there? If you choose to do it with forex trading you’ve got two main ways — swing trading and day trading. Let’s break down what these two mean and which one is right for you. Spoiler alert: neither option involves overnight millionaire status, so let’s keep it real.
Swing Trading: The Art of Patience (But Not Too Much)
Swing trading — you’re not glued to your computer but you’re still in the game. Swing traders look to capture “swings” in the market. These are short- to medium-term price moves that typically last a few days to a few weeks. You’re riding the wave 🏄♂️ but getting off before it crashes on the shore. 🌴
➕ Pros of Swing Trading:
Less screen time : You don’t need to babysit your trades 24/7. Set it, slap a stop loss and chill.
Fewer trades, more quality : You’re focusing on larger, more meaningful moves, meaning fewer opportunities for revenge trading or panic closing.
Flexibility : You can have a life outside of trading. (Pro tip: Don’t quit that job yet!)
Catch bigger price moves : Swing traders benefit from multi-day to multi-week trends, potentially leading to larger gains (or losses, if you’re not careful).
➖ Cons of Swing Trading:
Overnight risk : The market doesn’t sleep, and neither do geopolitical events. Price gaps overnight can wreck your carefully laid plans.
Patience required : If you’re someone who wants immediate action, waiting a few days for your trade to play out might feel like watching paint dry.
FOMO : The market might move without you while you’re waiting for the “perfect” setup. Swing traders often miss smaller, quick gains.
Day Trading: The All-In, High-Adrenaline Life
Day trading — you’re jet skiing with a huge wave behind your back. And there’s a hurricane. It’s on fire. Well, not quite but kind of. You’re in and out of trades within minutes or hours, locking in gains (or losses) multiple times a day. It’s fast, furious, and not for the faint of heart.
➕ Pros of Day Trading:
No overnight risk : You close all your positions by the end of the day, so nothing can blindside you while you sleep.
Action-packed : If you love adrenaline, this is your jam. Every day offers multiple opportunities thanks to so many events happening.
Tighter risk control : You’re constantly monitoring the markets, which means you can (most likely) react quickly to minimize losses.
Quick profits (potentially) : You’re aiming for small, consistent wins. Compound them enough, and you could see some real returns.
➖ Cons of Day Trading:
It’s stressful : Constant focus is draining. If you’re not sharp, it’s easy to make emotionally driven mistakes.
More trades, more fees : Commissions and spreads can eat into your profits since you’re making multiple trades per day.
Time-consuming : You’re glued to your screen for hours. Day traders don’t have the luxury of doing much else while waiting for trades to play out.
Learning curve : It’s a steeper climb to become consistently profitable. Day trading requires mastering short-term price movements, and the odds are stacked against newbies.
❔ Which One Is for You?
So, which trading style matches your life and personality? Let’s break it down:
If you’ve got a day job or prefer some balance in your life, swing trading is your best bet. You can scan the charts in the evening, set your orders, and go about your business while Mr. Market does its thing.
If you thrive in fast-paced environments and can dedicate full days to trading, then day trading could be your playground. But be warned: it’s not just about speed; it’s about being sharp, disciplined, and, well, not losing your focus after a bad day.
If patience is your virtue , swing trading will test it, but the reward is potentially big, long-term moves with less stress.
If you live for the rush , day trading might feed your need for action, but be prepared for the pressure cooker environment and razor-thin margins.
Final Verdict
There’s no one-size-fits-all in forex trading. The key is to match the trading style to your personality, goals, and lifestyle. Are you cool with being patient and letting trades develop, or do you want to be locking in profits on the daily? Whatever you choose, stick to your plan, manage your risk, and remember: the market doesn’t care about your feelings—only your strategy.
If you’ve already tried one style and it didn’t work, don’t sweat it—there’s always another way to play the game. Share your experiences in the comments, and let’s keep the conversation going.
Uptrend or Fadeout? Learn the Key to Catching Market Breakouts1. Recognizing Market Structures: Uptrends and Downtrends
Higher Highs (HH) and Higher Lows (HL):
These are signs the market is in an uptrend—prices keep moving up, forming new highs (peaks) and lows (dips) that are higher than the previous ones.
Think of it like climbing stairs: each step higher shows the market’s strength.
Lower Highs (LH) and Lower Lows (LL):
When prices stop climbing and start forming lower peaks and lower dips, it signals that the market might be slowing down or reversing into a downtrend.
In the chart:
The first part shows a bullish (upward) move with Higher Highs and Higher Lows.
Later, the market shifts to lower highs, signaling a potential slowdown or shift toward a downward move.
2. What Is the LQZ (Liquidity Zone)?
Liquidity Zone (LQZ): This is a key price area where a lot of trading activity happens—like a hotspot where buyers and sellers clash.
When price reaches such a zone, it either breaks through and keeps moving in that direction (bullish continuation) or bounces back down (rejection).
Think of it like a soccer goal line: if the ball crosses the line, the team scores a goal (bullish move); if it’s blocked, the ball goes the other way (bearish move).
In the chart:
The LQZ is highlighted as the key level to watch. A clean breakout (with more than just a quick spike or wick) signals that buyers are strong enough to push the market higher.
If the price gets rejected at this zone, the sellers regain control, and the market might move down.
3. Scenarios: What Happens Next?
The chart offers two possible outcomes based on how price behaves near the LQZ.
Bullish Scenario:
If the price breaks above the LQZ and stays there, it’s likely to continue upward towards:
Target 1: 2,661.38
Target 2: 2,673.60
These are the next levels where buyers might take profits or where new sellers could appear.
Bearish Scenario:
If the price gets rejected at the LQZ and drops lower, it could move towards:
Bearish Target 1: 2,569.49
Bearish Target 2: 2,546.25
This suggests the sellers have taken control, pushing the market down.
4. How to Know When to Enter a Trade?
The chart highlights the importance of waiting for confirmation before jumping into a trade. Here’s a simple trade plan:
For a Buy (Long) Trade:
Wait until the price breaks above the LQZ and stays above it.
Enter on the first pullback (dip) after the breakout—this is often called a flag or retest.
For a Sell (Short) Trade:
If the price gets rejected at the LQZ, wait for a clear downward movement.
Enter after the first lower high forms, confirming that the sellers are in control.
Why wait for confirmation?
Jumping in too early might cause you to get caught in a false breakout or fake move. Think of it like waiting to see which team scores first before betting on the game.
5. Avoid Emotional Trading and Manage Risk
This chart reflects a key lesson: trading is a game of patience and probabilities.
If the trade doesn't go as expected, it’s important to step back and wait for the next opportunity.
Don’t chase trades just because you fear missing out (FOMO). You might enter too soon and hit your stop loss unnecessarily.
Risk Management Tip:
Use stop losses to protect your account from big losses.
Avoid placing multiple risky trades on the same pair just because you’re impatient. It’s better to wait for high-probability setups.
6. Summary: A Simple Trading Plan
Watch the LQZ level:
If the price breaks above, look to buy on the next dip.
If the price gets rejected, look to sell when it starts forming lower highs.
Set Clear Targets:
For bullish trades, aim for Target 1 and 2 above.
For bearish trades, aim for Bearish Targets 1 and 2 below.
Don’t Rush:
Wait for clear confirmation before entering.
Follow your trading plan and avoid emotional decisions.
The Coin Market is Different from the Stock Market
Hello, traders.
If you "Follow", you can always get new information quickly.
Please also click "Boost".
Have a nice day today.
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The coin market discloses a lot of information compared to the stock market.
Among them, it discloses the flow of funds.
Most of the funds in the coin market are flowing in through USDT, and it can be said that it currently manages the largest amount of funds.
Therefore, unlike the stock market, individual investors can also roughly know the flow of funds.
Therefore, you can see that it is more transparent than other investment markets.
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USDT continues to update its ATH.
You can see that funds are continuously flowing into the coin market through USDT.
USDC has been falling since July 22 and has not yet recovered.
The important support and resistance level of USDC is 26.525B.
Therefore, if it is maintained above 26.525B, I think there is a high possibility that funds will flow in.
If you look at the fund size of USDT and USDC, you can see that USDT is more than twice as high.
Therefore, it can be said that USDT is the fund that has a big influence on the coin market.
USDC is likely to be composed of US funds.
Therefore, if more funds flow in through USDC, I think the coin market is likely to develop into a clearer investment market.
But it is not all good.
This is because the more the coin market develops into a clearer investment market, the more likely it is to be affected by the existing investment market, that is, the watch market.
This is because large investment companies are working to link the coin market with the coin market in order to make the coin market an investment product that they can operate.
In order for the coin market to be swayed by the coin-related investment product launched in the stock market, more funds must flow into the coin market through USDC.
Otherwise, it is highly likely that it will eventually be swayed by the flow of USDT funds.
Therefore, USDC is likely to have a short-term influence on the coin market at present.
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As mentioned above, the most important thing in the investment market is the flow of funds.
The flow of funds in the coin market can be seen as maintaining an upward trend.
Therefore, there are more and more people who say that there are signs of a major bear market these days, but their position seems to be judging the situation from a global perspective and political perspective.
As mentioned above, the funds that still dominate the coin market are USDT funds, which are an unspecified number of funds.
Therefore, I think that the coin market should not be predicted based on global perspectives and political situations.
The start of the major bear market in the coin market is when USDT starts to show a gap downtrend.
Until then, I dare say that the coin market is likely to maintain its current uptrend.
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(BTCUSDT 1D chart)
The StochRSI indicator is approaching its highest point (100), and the uptrend is reaching its peak.
Accordingly, the pressure to decline will increase over time.
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(1W chart)
The StochRSI indicator is also in the overbought zone on the 1W chart.
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(1M chart)
On the 1M chart, the StochRSI indicator is showing signs of entering the overbought zone, but it is not expected to enter the oversold zone due to the current rise.
The movement of the 1M chart should be checked again when a new candle is created.
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You can see that the StochRSI indicator on the 1M chart is the most unusual among the three charts above.
In the finger area on the 1M chart, the StochRSI indicator was in the overbought zone, but it is currently showing signs of entering the oversold zone.
Therefore, you can see that the current movement is different from the past movement.
Therefore, I think it is not right to predict the current flow by substituting past dates.
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I wrote down my thoughts on the recent comments from famous people who say that the coin market will enter a major bear market along with the stock market.
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Have a good time. Thank you.
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- Big picture
It is expected that the real uptrend will start after rising above 29K.
The section expected to be touched in the next bull market is 81K-95K.
#BTCUSD 12M
1st: 44234.54
2nd: 61383.23
3rd: 89126.41
101875.70-106275.10 (overshooting)
4th: 134018.28
151166.97-157451.83 (overshooting)
5th: 178910.15
These are points where resistance is likely to be encountered in the future. We need to see if we can break through these points.
We need to see the movement when we touch this section because I think we can create a new trend in the overshooting section.
#BTCUSD 1M
If the major uptrend continues until 2025, it is expected to start by creating a pull back pattern after rising to around 57014.33.
1st: 43833.05
2nd: 32992.55
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The 3 Session of Rise Reversal Setup, with todays Silver R4 Going through my thinking process of the whole session, pair selection and the 3 trades i took. Gold breakout continuation long, NAS FOH Continuation short (stopped out) and then an end Session 3 sessions of rise reversal short with Silver. Additionally i am explaining the 3 sessions of rise setup in detail
This Wyckoff VSA Buy in Gold and Short S&P FuturesIn this video produced by Author of "Trading in the Shadow of the Smart Money", Gavin Holmes, we see clear buying by professionals in the GC futures contract (Indicator is PB in the Wyckoff VSA system for TradingView) and clear selling into the e-Mini S&P Futures contract (Indicator is PS in the Wyckoff VSA system for TradingView).
The markets move based on three universal laws, its simple as explained over 100 years ago by Richard D Wyckoff, a famous investor in the early 1900's.
The laws are:
Supply and Demand
Cause and Effect
Effort Vs Result
The fourth law to success is your belief system, often referred to in new thinking as:
The Law of Attraction. Enjoy the video and I hope it helps You succeed.
Namaste, Gavin Holmes, Author "Trading in the Shadow of the Smart Money" and "Think-Link-Create".
Breakout after 12 yearsTion Woong has been in the long triangle range for more than 12 years and it is breaking out now. with the larger STI index also moving on the higher side and construction in full swing the stock has fundamental tailwind also. looking for it to touch SGD 1.20 with a stop loss at SGD 0.50 .. Long term hold ... lets see
Trading GBPUSD | Judas Swing Strategy 15/10/2024Last week proved challenging for the Judas Swing strategy, with three consecutive losses and no wins, which heightened our anticipation for this week. Will we be able to break this losing streak? We'll soon find out. We typically arrive at our trading desks five minutes before the session starts to delineate our zones and settle into the trading rhythm.
After delineating our zones, the next step is to wait for a sweep of a high or low of the trading zone, which will assist us in establishing our bias for the trading session. Forty-five minutes later, price swept the liquidity at the high, indicating that we should look for selling opportunities during this trading session.
A few minutes after the high was swept, we observed a Break of Structure (BOS) on the sell side, which was encouraging as we avoid entering trades without analysis, even with a sell bias established for the session. Upon identifying the BOS, the next step is to find a Fair Value Gap (FVG) within the price leg that broke structure.
The final step in the entry checklist is to wait for price to pull back into the Fair Value Gap (FVG) and to execute the trade only after the candle that enters the FVG has closed. Shortly after, a candle entered the FVG, indicating that we could execute our trade following the close of the candle.
It's crucial to understand that by risking only 1% of our trading account for a potential 2% return, we minimize emotional attachment to the trades since we're only risking what we can afford to lose, and we stand to gain more than we risk. After executing the trade, we experienced a significant drawdown, which is a critical point for those who risk more than they can afford to lose.
After a patient wait, the trade has turned around and begun to move in our favor, which is thrilling. However, we must still keep our composure as the objective has not yet been achieved
According to our data, we can anticipate being in a position for an average of 11 hours, so the duration of this trade meeting our objective is not a concern; we simply need to remain patient for it to occur. After 15 hours and 20 minutes, our patience was rewarded when our take profit (TP) target was reached, resulting in a 2% gain on a trade where we risked 1%.
What Is the S&P 500 Index and How to Trade It via CFDs?What Is the S&P 500 Index and How to Trade It via CFDs?
The S&P 500 index is a cornerstone of the financial world, providing a snapshot of the US stock market by tracking 500 of the largest companies. This FXOpen article delves into the essence of the S&P 500, its operational mechanics, and how traders can navigate its movements through CFDs.
What Is the S&P 500?
The S&P 500 index, established in 1957, serves as a barometer for the US economic health, tracking the performance of 500 large companies listed on stock exchanges in the United States. It is widely regarded as one of the best representations of the US stock market and a leading indicator of other US equities. The index is managed by Standard & Poor's, a division of S&P Global, and is updated to reflect changes in the market and economy.
Inclusion in the S&P 500 is based on several criteria, such as market capitalisation, liquidity, domicile, public float, financial viability, and the length of time publicly traded. Market capitalisation, in particular, is a critical factor, ensuring that the index reflects the largest and most stable companies that meet Standard & Poor's stringent requirements. The criteria may change, so you can check the latest updates on the S&P Dow Jones Indices website.
The index uses a market capitalisation-weighted formula. In essence, market capitalisation weighting means those with a greater value, like Apple or Microsoft, have an outsized impact on the index’s movements. The calculation involves summing the adjusted market capitalisation of all 500 companies and dividing it by a divisor, a proprietary figure adjusted by Standard & Poor's to account for changes such as stock splits, dividends, and mergers.
S&P 500 stocks span all sectors of the economy, from technology and health care to financials and consumer discretionary. This broad sector diversification makes the index a valuable tool for investors seeking exposure to the entire US economy through a single investment.
The diversity and size of the companies included in the index also mean that it can serve as a benchmark for the performance of investment funds and portfolios.
What Moves the S&P 500?
Anyone learning how to invest in the S&P 500 will inevitably realise that a range of factors drives its movements. These include:
- Economic Indicators: Data such as US GDP growth, unemployment rates, and inflation can sway investor sentiment and market performance.
- Corporate Earnings: Quarterly earnings reports from companies within the index provide insights into their financial health, impacting their stock prices and the overall index.
- Interest Rates: Decisions by the Federal Reserve on interest rates can affect investor behaviour, as they influence borrowing costs and investment returns.
- Global Events: Political instability, geopolitical tensions, and global economic developments can lead to market volatility, affecting the index.
- Market Sentiment: Investors' perceptions and reactions to news and events play a crucial role in short-term market movements.
These elements combined dictate the daily and long-term trends seen in the S&P 500.
Trading the S&P 500 Index with CFDs
Trading the S&P 500 index has become a preferred method for investors seeking exposure to the performance of the US equity market. While S&P 500 ETFs, such as SPY, offer a popular way to invest directly in the performance of the 500 companies making up the index, many traders opt for S&P 500 Contracts for Difference (CFDs) for enhanced flexibility.
S&P 500 CFDs allow traders to speculate on the index's price movements without owning the underlying assets. This trading instrument mirrors the price movements of the S&P 500, enabling traders to open positions on both rising and falling markets. A key advantage of S&P 500 CFDs is the ability to use leverage, which can amplify returns. However, you should remember that leverage also increases risks. Traders can go long (buy) if they anticipate the index will rise or go short (sell) if they expect it to fall.
As with all CFDs, traders must consider factors such as the spread—the difference between the buy and sell prices—and the overnight financing cost, or swap, which may be charged when positions are held open past the market close. Understanding these costs is crucial for effective trading.
At FXOpen, we offer both US SPX 500 mini (S&P 500 E-mini at FXOpen) and the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) CFDs in our TickTrader platform, catering to all traders looking to take advantage of the movements in one of the world’s most-followed equity indices.
How You Can Trade S&P 500 CFDs
Trading S&P 500 CFDs requires a nuanced approach, given the index's unique characteristics and the broader economic factors influencing it.
Leveraging Economic Releases
The S&P 500 is particularly sensitive to US economic indicators such as employment data, inflation reports, and GDP figures. Traders can use these releases to gauge market sentiment and anticipate potential movements. For instance, stronger-than-expected economic growth can boost the index, while disappointing data may lead to declines.
Monitoring Earnings Seasons
Given that the S&P 500 comprises 500 of the largest US companies, their quarterly earnings reports are a significant driver of index performance. Traders often keep a close eye on earnings seasons, as positive surprises from key index constituents can lead to upward movements, while negative reports can drag the index down.
Following Federal Reserve Announcements
Interest rate decisions and monetary policy statements from the Federal Reserve have a profound impact on the S&P 500. Lower interest rates generally support higher index levels by reducing the cost of borrowing and encouraging investment, whereas hints of rate hikes can cause declines.
Utilising Technical Analysis
For S&P 500 CFDs, technical analysis can be particularly insightful. Support and resistance levels, trendlines, and moving averages can help traders identify potential entry and exit points. Given the index's liquidity and the vast number of traders watching these indicators, technical analysis can be a powerful tool.
Applying Risk Management
Due to the leverage involved in CFD trading, effective risk management is crucial. Setting stop-loss orders can potentially help protect against significant losses, especially during volatile market conditions. Additionally, position sizing is an important consideration, potentially limiting the risk exposure of a given trade.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the complexities and opportunities of trading the S&P 500 index, particularly through CFDs, offers a strategic advantage for those looking to navigate the financial markets. For those ready to dive into the dynamic world of S&P 500 trading, opening an FXOpen account can provide the necessary tools, resources, and platform to engage with the market effectively. Whether you're looking to trade the S&P 500 or explore other asset classes, FXOpen offers a gateway to a wide range of trading opportunities in the global markets.
FAQ
What Stocks Make Up the S&P 500?
The S&P 500 consists of 500 of the largest companies listed on US stock exchanges. Companies like Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Google's parent company, Alphabet, are significant contributors, given their large market capitalisations. Check the list here.
What Is the Difference Between the Nasdaq and the S&P 500?
The Nasdaq is tech-centric, including a large number of technology and biotech companies, while the S&P 500 is broader and viewed as a more comprehensive representation of the US economy.
Is an S&P 500 Index a Good Investment?
Since its inception, the S&P 500 index has delivered a historical return of around 9.9% annually. However, like any investment, it carries risks, and its past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
What Is the 20-year Return of the S&P 500?
The 20-year return, between 2004 and 2023, stands at 9%.
What Is the S&P 500 All-Time High?
The S&P 500's all-time high can vary as the market fluctuates. Its most recent all-time high was 5,100.92 on the 23rd of February, 2024.
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.
Avoiding the Pump and Dump: A Beginner's GuideAvoiding the Pump and Dump: A Beginner's Guide to Protecting Your Investments
In the dynamic world of stock trading, new traders are constantly seeking ways to maximize profits and minimize risks. Unfortunately, one of the most deceptive and harmful schemes that can easily trap beginners is the infamous pump and dump scheme. This fraudulent practice has been around for decades, targeting unsuspecting traders by artificially inflating a stock's price and then swiftly cashing out, leaving the victims with significant losses. For traders on platforms like TradingView, especially those just starting, it’s crucial to understand how to spot these schemes and avoid falling prey to them.
This guide will provide you with the knowledge you need to recognize pump and dump schemes by analyzing monthly, weekly, and daily charts, identifying repetitive patterns, and understanding market sentiment. By the end, you'll know exactly what to look for to safeguard your investments.
What is a Pump and Dump?
A pump and dump scheme occurs when a group of individuals, often coordinated through social media or private channels, artificially inflates the price of a stock. They "pump" up the stock by spreading misleading information or creating hype around the asset, leading to increased buying interest. Once the stock price has risen significantly, the perpetrators "dump" their shares at the elevated price, leaving uninformed buyers holding a stock that will soon plummet in value.
The key elements to watch out for are:
Unusual price spikes without any corresponding fundamental news.
High trading volume during these spikes, suggesting that a group of individuals is actively manipulating the price.
Aggressive promotion through emails, forums, or social media channels, often making exaggerated claims about a stock's potential.
Understanding Timeframes: Monthly, Weekly, and Daily Charts
One of the most effective ways to spot pump and dump schemes is by analyzing various timeframes—monthly, weekly, and daily charts. Each timeframe provides different insights into the stock's behavior, helping you detect irregular patterns and red flags.
Monthly Charts: The Big Picture
Monthly charts give you a broad overview of a stock's long-term trends. If you notice a stock that has been relatively inactive or stagnant for months, only to suddenly surge without any substantial news or developments, this could be a sign of manipulation .
What to look for in monthly charts:
Sudden spikes in price after a prolonged period of flat or declining movement.
Sharp volume increases during the price rise, especially when the stock has previously shown little to no trading activity.
Quick reversals following the price surge, indicating that the pump has occurred, and the dump is on its way.
For example, if a stock shows consistent low trading volume and then experiences a sudden burst in both volume and price, this is a classic sign of a pump. Compare these periods with any news releases or market updates. If there’s no justifiable reason for the spike, be cautious .
Weekly Charts: Spotting the Mid-Term Trend
Weekly charts help you see the mid-term trends and can reveal the progression of a pump and dump scheme. Often, the "pump" phase will be drawn out over several days or weeks as the schemers build momentum and attract more buyers.
What to look for in weekly charts:
Gradual upward trends followed by a sharp, unsustainable rise in price.
Repeated surges in volume that don’t correlate with any fundamental analysis or positive news.
Recurrent patterns where a stock has previously been pumped, experienced a sharp decline, and is now showing the same pattern again.
Stocks used in pump and dump schemes are often cycled through multiple rounds of pumping, so if you notice that a stock has undergone several similar spikes and drops over the weeks, it’s a strong indicator that the stock is being manipulated.
Daily Charts: Catching the Pump Before the Dump
Daily charts provide a more granular view of a stock's price movement, and they can help you detect the exact moments when a pump is taking place. Because pump and dump schemes can happen over just a few days, monitoring daily activity is critical.
What to look for in daily charts:
Intraday price spikes that happen suddenly and without any preceding buildup in momentum.
A huge increase in volume followed by rapid price drops within the same or subsequent days.
Exaggerated price gaps at market open or close, indicating manipulation during off-hours or lower-volume periods.
On a daily chart, if a stock opens significantly higher than the previous day's close without any news or earnings report to back it up, this could be the start of the dump phase. The manipulators are looking to sell their shares to anyone who has bought into the hype, leaving retail traders holding the bag.
Repeated Use of the Same Quote: A Telltale Sign of a Pump and Dump Scheme
Another red flag is when the same stock or "hot tip" keeps resurfacing in social media, forums, or emails. If you notice that the same quote or recommendation is being promoted repeatedly over time, often using the same language, this is a strong sign of manipulation. The scammers are likely trying to pump the stock multiple times by reusing the same tactics on new, unsuspecting traders.
Be cautious of stocks that:
Have been heavily promoted in the past.
Show a history of sudden spikes followed by rapid declines.
Are promoted with vague, overhyped language like "the next big thing" or "guaranteed gains."
If the same stock is mentioned multiple times in trading communities, check its historical chart. If the stock has undergone previous pumps, you will likely see sharp rises and falls that align with the promotional periods.
How to Avoid Pump and Dump Schemes
Now that you know how to spot the signs, here are actionable steps you can take to protect yourself from becoming a victim of a pump and dump scheme:
Do Your Research: Always verify the information you receive about a stock. Check if there’s legitimate news, earnings reports, or significant company developments that justify the price movement. Avoid relying solely on social media or forums for your stock tips.
Look at Fundamentals: Focus on stocks with solid fundamentals, such as earnings growth, revenue increases, and strong management. Stocks targeted for pump and dump schemes often have weak or non-existent fundamentals.
Use Multiple Timeframes: As we've discussed, examining stocks across different timeframes—monthly, weekly, and daily—can help you spot abnormal price behavior early on.
Monitor Volume and Price Movements: If you see large, unexplained surges in volume and price, be skeptical. Legitimate price increases are usually accompanied by news or fundamental changes in the company.
Avoid Low-Volume Stocks: Pump and dump schemes often target low-volume, illiquid stocks that are easier to manipulate. Stick to stocks with healthy trading volumes and liquidity.
Set Stop Losses: Always use stop losses to protect yourself from sudden price drops. Setting a stop loss at a reasonable level can help limit your losses if you accidentally invest in a stock being manipulated.
Be Wary of Promotions: If a stock is being aggressively promoted, ask yourself why. More often than not, aggressive promotions are a sign that the stock is part of a pump and dump scheme.
Conclusion
Pump and dump schemes prey on traders’ fear of missing out ( FOMO ) and the allure of quick profits . However, by using a disciplined approach to trading, analyzing charts across multiple timeframes, and paying close attention to volume and price movements, you can avoid falling victim to these schemes.
Remember: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Protect your investments by staying informed, doing thorough research, and trusting your analysis. By following these guidelines, you can navigate the markets with confidence and avoid the pitfalls of pump and dump schemes.
Happy trading, and stay safe!
Breakout Retest, A+ setup explained with todays R5 Silver longFull recap of my todays NY session showing my preparation, my shortlist, my thinking process into my entry window and a detailed breakdown of the trade, including a detailed explanation of the setup, what to look for and how to trade it. One more trade for your playbook!