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The whole truth about trading - playing against fateIt is apparent that your interest in trading stems from a desire to transcend the conventional 9 to 6 work regimen or to establish an additional revenue stream for enhanced financial stability. Regardless of the impetus, trading imbues one with a sense of hope—a hope for attaining financial autonomy and catering to the exigencies of one's familial responsibilities. Nevertheless, hope unaccompanied by acumen proves inadequate in the realm of trading. Are you prepared to delve into the intricacies of trading in its entirety? Can you harness the mechanisms of trading to your advantage and prosper therein? Trading is a means of slow enrichment For many, the following assertion may not be warmly received, yet it warrants acknowledgment: Trading serves as a gradual enrichment scheme. While anecdotes exist of traders who commenced with modest capital and ascended to seven-figure balances, such instances are rare. The reality is stark: the odds of such success are exceedingly slim. The allure of amassing substantial wealth swiftly is tempting, but it often necessitates assuming excessive risk. Only those blessed with exceptional luck may realize significant gains in short order. Conversely, the vast majority—99.99%—who pursue this path find themselves depleting their initial investment. Merely a fortunate minority attain even modest profits, and their success is often attributed more to chance than skill. Consider the perspective of Warren Buffett, whose wealth is renowned: "My wealth is a product of American residency, fortuitous genetics, and the power of compound interest." The crux lies in compound interest—the gradual accumulation of profits over time. Buffett's ascent to becoming the world's wealthiest investor spanned decades, not mere weeks or months. Hence, if one views trading as a shortcut to affluence, disillusionment is inevitable. You need money to make money from trading One of the most pervasive trading fallacies is the belief that possessing a profitable trading strategy guarantees the potential to amass millions in the market—a notion that has ensnared many traders. While it is feasible to develop a lucrative strategy, its profitability alone does not guarantee the attainment of vast wealth. Why? Because the magnitude of your initial deposit plays a pivotal role. Consider this scenario: Suppose you possess a trading strategy yielding a 20% annual return. With an account balance of $1,000, your potential earnings amount to $200 per year. With $10,000, your potential earnings escalate to $2,000 annually. Scaling up further, with a $1 million account, potential earnings soar to $200,000 per year. This illustrates that while a trading strategy is undeniably significant, it represents only one facet of the equation. Equally crucial is the size of your trading account. This elucidates why hedge funds attract vast sums—often in the millions, if not billions of dollars—since substantial capital is indispensable for maximizing returns from trading endeavors. Trading is one of the worst ways to earn a regular income Trading is often sought out by individuals seeking an alternative income stream, aiming to liberate themselves from the confines of a conventional 9 to 6 job in pursuit of pursuing their passions. However, it is crucial to confront a sobering reality: trading stands as one of the least reliable avenues for securing a consistent income. Why? The dynamics of financial markets are inherently mercurial. A strategy that yields profits one week may falter the next. This isn't to suggest that such strategies become entirely obsolete, but rather that market conditions necessitate adaptability. Realigning a strategy to suit evolving market dynamics demands time—a commodity not readily available in the fast-paced world of trading. This adjustment period could extend over several weeks or even months. Consequently, anticipating profits on a daily, weekly, or even monthly basis proves unrealistic. Success in trading hinges upon one's ability to capitalize on market opportunities as they arise, accepting the yields bestowed by the market, and refraining from unrealistic expectations of consistent returns. You're always studying the markets Continuous learning is indispensable for success in trading. Reflecting on my own journey, I initially gravitated towards indicators and price action trading, convinced that these tools alone would suffice for profitability. However, this mindset hindered my progress, as I neglected broader market perspectives. Recognizing the limitations of my approach, I embarked on a journey of exploration. I delved into the practices of accomplished traders, discovering diverse strategies such as trend trading, system trading, and mean reversion trading. Today, my repertoire encompasses multiple trading strategies across various markets. This diversified approach has engendered a more consistent capital curve, enhancing my overall returns. The pivotal lesson gleaned from this experience is clear: achieving profitability in trading does not signify the culmination of one's learning curve. On the contrary, ongoing education and exploration of the markets remain imperative for sustained success. How do you become a successful trader when all the odds are against you? Embrace Existing Solutions: Attempting to forge your own path in trading can prove both time-consuming and costly. Instead, seek out established trading algorithms equipped with tested and proven trading rules. Consider investing in algorithms like mine, which come backed by historical testing results. Maintain Financial Stability: Relying solely on trading for income places undue psychological pressure on yourself. The imperative to generate monthly income often leads to hasty and ill-advised trading decisions. Many seasoned traders, therefore, diversify their income streams. For instance, some engage in mentorship or operate hedge funds that levy management fees irrespective of market performance. By securing a stable income through alternate means, you can focus on trading without financial anxiety. Harness the Power of Compound Growth: Albert Einstein hailed compound interest as the eighth wonder of the world. Yet, I propose introducing you to the ninth wonder: the regular infusion of funds to augment profits. Consider this scenario: with an initial $5,000 investment earning an average annual return of 20%, you would amass $191,688 over 20 years. However, by adding an additional $5,000 to your account annually and compounding profits, your total would skyrocket to $1,311,816 over the same period. Witness the transformative potential of consistent contributions and compounding gains.
Education
by truepersonal
3
3 Triangle Patterns Every Trader Should Know Hello, friends!Some EDU today!💪 Triangle chart patterns, a discreet yet powerful tool in the world of technical analysis, hold the key to deciphering market trends. These geometric formations are not just lines and shapes on a chart; they are windows into the psychology of market participants, offering insights that can guide strategic decision-making. How to Trade Triangle Chart Patterns A triangle chart pattern is characterized by the price gradually narrowing within a specific range over time, visually representing a battle between bulls and bears. The triangle pattern typically falls under the category of a "continuation pattern." This means that once the pattern completes, it is generally assumed that the price will continue in the same direction as the trend before the pattern's emergence. To identify a triangle pattern, it usually requires at least five touches of both support and resistance lines. For instance, you might observe three touches on the support line and two on the resistance line, or vice versa. There are three primary types of triangle chart formations: symmetrical triangles, ascending triangles, and descending triangles. Symmetrical Triangle A symmetrical triangle is a chart pattern where the slopes of the price's highs and lows converge, forming a triangular shape. During this formation, the market experiences lower highs and higher lows, indicating a lack of clear trend direction. In a hypothetical battle between buyers and sellers, this would result in a draw. It's essentially a period of consolidation. As the two slopes get closer to each other, it signifies an impending breakout. The direction of the breakout is uncertain, but it's highly likely to occur. Eventually, one side of the market will give in. To capitalize on this situation, traders can place entry orders above the slope of the lower highs and below the slope of the higher lows within the symmetrical triangle. Since a breakout is expected, traders can ride the market in whichever direction it moves. Ascending Triangle An ascending triangle forms when there's a resistance level and a series of higher lows. During this period, there's a level that buyers struggle to surpass, but they gradually push the price up, as evidenced by the higher lows. This pattern indicates that buyers are gaining strength as they consistently create higher lows. They exert pressure on the resistance level, making a breakout likely. However, the direction of the breakout remains uncertain. Many sources suggest that buyers often win this battle, causing the price to break past the resistance. But it's not always the case; sometimes, the resistance is too strong, and buyers lack the power to breach it. Traders should be prepared for movement in either direction. Entry orders can be set above the resistance line and below the slope of the higher lows within the ascending triangle. Descending Triangle Descending triangles are the opposite of ascending triangles. In this pattern, a series of lower highs forms the upper line, while the lower line represents a strong support level. Typically, the price eventually breaks below the support line and continues to decline. However, in some instances, the support line proves to be formidable, causing the price to bounce off it and make a significant upward move. Regardless of the price's ultimate direction, what's important is recognizing that it's poised for movement. Traders can place entry orders above the upper line (the lower highs) and below the support line. In each of these scenarios, the subsequent price movement can present profitable trading opportunities, depending on the direction of the breakout. In conclusion, triangle chart patterns are more than just lines and shapes; they are a trader's roadmap to understanding market dynamics. By recognizing these patterns, traders gain an edge in predicting potential price movements and making informed decisions. Whether it's the symmetrical tug-of-war, the ascending climb, or the descending descent, triangles offer a glimpse of supply and demand on the market. Remember, while triangles provide valuable insights, they are not crystal balls. Risk management and ongoing analysis are crucial in trading. With the right strategies and discipline, you can navigate these patterns to seize profitable opportunities and master the art of trading. Happy trading! 🚀 Your Kateryna!
BITSTAMP:BTCUSDEducation
by RocketBomb
16
Keltner Channels vs Bollinger BandsKeltner Channels vs Bollinger Bands: Which Indicator Should You Use? If you’re a trader, you likely know that indicators are a valuable tool for identifying trends and finding entry and exit points. Two popular indicators are Keltner Channels and Bollinger Bands. Both help you measure volatility, but which one is better? In this article, we’ll dive into the differences between the two, explain their components, and discuss which one is best. Keltner Channels The Keltner Channel is an indicator that helps traders determine trends, momentum, and potential reversal areas in a given market. It’s named after Chester Keltner, who first introduced it in the 1960s. Keltner Channels are composed of three lines, forming an envelope. The middle of these three lines is an exponential moving average (EMA), usually set to 20 periods. The upper and lower lines are multiples of the Average True Range (ATR) added or subtracted from the EMA, often double. The ATR measures the volatility of an asset by taking the average of the true ranges of its price movements over a certain period. We can interpret Keltner Channels in several ways. The upper and lower bounds act as dynamic support and resistance levels, and traders use them to determine entry and exit points. Additionally, when price breaks through one of the bounds, it may signal a potential reversal or a continuation of the current trend, depending on price action and other technical factors. For instance, a market in a strong bullish trend will appear to stick close to the upper line, often retracing to the EMA before continuing higher. Meanwhile, closes far outside of the lines may sometimes signal a reversal, given how far price has moved beyond its expected true range. Following a ranging market, determined when the lines are effectively horizontal, these kinds of extreme moves may signal a breakout. Bollinger Bands The Bollinger Bands is a widely used technical indicator that helps us identify an asset's volatility and potential price movements. It was created by John Bollinger in the 1980s and has since become a popular tool among traders of all levels. Like Keltner Channels, the Bollinger Bands tool comprises three components: the middle line and two outer lines. The middle line is a simple moving average (SMA), typically 20 periods long. The upper and lower bands are calculated by adding and subtracting a multiple of the price’s standard deviation from the SMA, respectively. This multiple is set to two by default, but some will adjust it according to their preferences. Instead of using the true range, Bollinger Bands use standard deviation (STD) – the square root of the variance of a set of price movements over time. Because they utilise standard deviation, Bollinger Bands are slightly more responsive to volatility than Keltner Channels. When the range constricts, volatility is low; and when the range expands, volatility is increasing. Many traders prefer Bollinger Bands to gauge volatility in the market. As with Keltner Channels, the bands show dynamic support and resistance levels. They’re also quite effective when used to detect reversals – explained shortly. Additionally, we can apply Bollinger Bands to detect trends/breakouts when price hugs the bounds, though arguably not as well as Keltner Channels. Keltner Channels vs Bollinger Bands So, we know that using Keltner Channels and Bollinger Bands helps us to measure volatility while trading. But what exactly are their key differences? ATR vs STD The first and most fundamental difference is how each indicator measures volatility. ATR, used in Keltner Channels, takes the average of absolute changes in price, or an average of the true range. The standard deviation used by Bollinger Bands indicates how much price may deviate from its average. While the difference may seem subtle, it can be significant in certain market conditions. Standard deviation gives more weight to larger values over smaller ones, effectively making Bollinger Bands more responsive to volatility. EMA vs SMA The second is the moving average both indicators use. Keltner Channels employ an exponential moving average, which is more responsive to recent price action than other moving averages. Bollinger Bands implement the simple moving average, which reacts slower than the EMA. The impact isn’t as significant as ATR vs standard deviation, but the more responsive nature of the EMA may help traders get into positions more often if they’re trading pullbacks. Trading Trends To determine a trend with Bollinger Bands, we typically look for the bands to start widening, which indicates volatility (usually following a breakout). When the bands become tight, it’s expected that a new trend could be about to form. To identify a trend using Keltner Channels, we can examine whether it slopes up or down. Given that Keltner Channels are often slower moving, multiple closes outside the channel can show us that an asset has momentum and is looking to continue the trend. Trading Reversals Statistically, 95% of price action should be inside Bollinger Bands with two standard deviations. This is significant for identifying potential overbought and oversold areas; moves beyond the bounds indicate that the price action is extreme and has a strong likelihood of reversing. Keltner Channels can be used to find reversals, but it’s often much harder than with Bollinger Bands. A price will regularly breach or close outside of the channel in a strong trend while not crossing Bollinger Bands. It’s best to apply Keltner Channels to trend trading and identifying breakouts. Using Keltner Channels and Bollinger Bands in a Strategy Overall, Bollinger Bands are a more responsive indicator that may help us identify when volatility could be about to pick up (tightening) and when a new trend has likely started (widening). They’re well suited to trading reversals, thanks to the statistics of standard deviations. Keltner Channels tend to be less responsive to volatility, but they may be much better at identifying strong trends, especially when price hugs or continuously closes beyond the lines. When price ranges, Keltner Channels often show a new trend forming much faster than Bollinger Bands, thanks to the telltale sloping of the channel. So which one is best? Ultimately, it comes down to the individual trader and their style. Some may prefer to trade reversals with Bollinger Bands or jump on board breakouts with Keltner Channels. You could play around with both in the free TickTrader platform from us at FXOpen to get an idea of how to apply both indicators while trading. Closing Thoughts You should now have a solid overview of the differences between Keltner Channels and Bollinger Bands. While they may seem similar, taking the time to experiment with them will show you the qualities of each and how they could be applied to various scenarios. Once you settle on your favourite, why not combine it with other indicators, like RSI or Stochastic oscillator, to develop your own strategy? Then, when you’re ready, open an FXOpen account and start using your system for real trading! 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.
Editors' picks
Education
by FXOpen
8
Liquidity as the Key to understanding the MarketLiquidity in the market is a key factor in price movement especially in the cryptocurrency market. Understanding how and where liquidity appears is fundamental to being able to determine the future price movement of an asset. Liquidity: I would like to start by showing what liquidity is and how it can be detected. In our case, liquidity is the accumulation of buy or sell orders, and the more of them there are, the greater the opportunity to turn a currency into an asset and vice versa. According to technical analysis, an asset has so-called price levels from which further downward or upward movement occurs. Exactly from these levels on the chart, which are seen by all traders without exception, trades are opened, and stop-losses are set for the nearest minimum or maximum. Thus, liquidity is accumulated behind the levels, which acts as a magnet for the price as it is of great interest for big players to fill their orders. 90 percent of traders' stop losses are very close to each other, therefore, with a significant force of price movement in one direction and subsequent interaction with the level of support or resistance, positions are liquidated and a sharp purchase or sale of an asset at stop losses occurs. Please pay attention to the main point. Liquidity is a tool for price movement used by big players. Always keep this in mind. Gap: A gap is a result of low liquidity in the market and a high trading volume of the stock. Gaps are important for technical analysis because they signal shifts in the supply and demand equilibrium. Major gaps indicate a substantial imbalance between buyers and sellers, causing a swift repricing. It is always important to remember that gaps are visible to every market participant and many people when a gap appears start opening trades directed towards its filling thus provoking the emergence of liquidity. In turn, this can lead the price in the opposite direction to the one where the gap is located in order to liquidate recently opened positions of cunning traders. But as a rule, the price eventually comes to the gap and fills it partially or completely removing inefficient pricing. You can think of it as a magnet for price. Fair Volume Gap: FVG (Fair Volume Gap) has the same meaning as a gap (i.e. a magnet for price) but not all traders are focused on this kind of inefficient pricing. In this case it is also significant that according to the common technical analysis the level of 0.5 major candles is used as a strong level of support and resistance and therefore liquidity will be near these levels. Thus FVG filling is achieved also at the expense of ordinary traders buying or selling from these levels. Luquidity pools: It is also worth mentioning the so-called liquidity pools. These are often staggered liquidity clasters combined with zones of inefficient pricing, which together lead to very significant and rapid price movements. Let's look at the essence of this by the example of how a sharp upward growth occurs. Gradually, a major player moves the price down, leaving liquidity on top and not touching it at all, since we will still need it. When long positions are sufficiently liquidated, we can start collecting liquidity from above. And since this liquidity has not been affected at all, sharp liquidation of short positions level by level occurs. It is worth noting the significant impact of inefficient pricing zones through which the asset, as if accelerating faster, reaches clusters of liquidations and, accordingly, a very rapid growth of the asset occurs. These are the basics that I hope will help you improve your trading. I plan to continue developing the topics of liquidity, pricing and the principles of determining price movements. What do you think about it?
Editors' picks
Education
by glazirovaniysirok
101
Trade Entry and Management Techniques Using Swing High PivotsIn today's video idea, we will delve into a comprehensive strategy for trade entry and management, centered around utilizing swing high pivots as crucial reference points. We will also explore the effective integration of technical tools such as Outer Bands, ribbons, and Target View Trades (TV-Trades) to enhance precision in trading decisions. By the end of this tutorial, you will gain valuable insights into determining trade viability and optimizing trade execution. Understanding Swing High Pivots: Swing high pivots serve as pivotal landmarks in market analysis, offering valuable insights into potential trade setups. When identifying swing high pivots, focus on significant price peaks that indicate potential trend reversals or continuation points. These points will serve as key references for evaluating trade opportunities and managing risk effectively. Trade Entry Strategies: Utilizing swing high pivots as reference points, assess the market conditions to determine the viability of trade entry. Look for confluence with other technical indicators such as Outer Bands and ribbons to validate trade setups. Prioritize trades that align with the prevailing market trend and exhibit strong momentum, increasing the probability of success. Managing Trades: Once you enter a trade, it is essential to implement effective management techniques to optimize profitability and mitigate risks. Continuously monitor price action relative to swing high pivots and technical indicators to gauge trade performance. Implement trailing stop-loss orders to protect profits and minimize potential losses as the trade progresses. Integration of Technical Tools: Explore the functionalities of technical tools such as Outer Bands, ribbons, and Target View Trades (TV-Trades) to refine trade entry and exit points further. Outer Bands provide larger trend information, aiding in direction, trade confirmation and risk management. Ribbons offer visual cues for trend direction and momentum, enhancing trade precision. Target View Trades (TV-Trades) provide a systematic approach to identify optimal entry and exit points, facilitating disciplined trading execution. Conclusion: Mastering trade entry and management techniques is essential for navigating the dynamic landscape of financial markets successfully. By incorporating swing high pivots and leveraging technical tools effectively, traders can make informed decisions, capitalize on lucrative opportunities, and achieve consistent profitability in their trading endeavors. Continuously refine your skills through practice and experimentation, adapting to evolving market conditions for sustained success.
CME_MINI:NQM2024Education
by CFRN
3
Swing Mapping Part 2: Trade Entry TechniquesWelcome to part 2 of our 3-part series on swing mapping – a highly underestimated technique that can be applied to any market on any timeframe. In Swing Mapping Part 1 we outlined the key principles of swing mapping which involved identifying potential swings, monitoring them, and drawing conclusions about market structure as swings levels are held or broken. Today, we will take this a step further and look at how swing mapping can be used to identify trade entry setups without the need for any additional indicators. We will showcase four simple entry setups that have the potential to unlock a plethora of trading opportunities. Swing Mapping Entry Setups: Breakouts and Reversals Swing mapping entry setups fall into two broad categories: breakouts and reversals. Breakouts involve entering with momentum as the market breaks above a swing that you have identified. Reversals on the other hand, involve entering against the prevailing momentum on a certain type of reversal that occurs at a swing level. The breakout and reversal swing mapping entry techniques that we will outline below can be applied to any market on any timeframe. Breakout Entry Setups 1. Break & Retest The break & retest setup can occur in a trending market structure or in a range bound market structure. Entry Trigger: Break and close above (below) a key level of swing resistance (support). This should be followed by a retest of the broken resistance (support) level. The entry trigger occurs when the market forms a small swing low (high) at the broken resistance (support) level. Stop Placement: Below (above) nearest swing low. Example: S&P 500 5min Candle Chart In this example the market breaks above a key level of swing resistance. This is followed by a retest of the broken resistance level during which the market formed a cluster of small swing lows – indicating that broken resistance had become support. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results 2. Cluster Breakout The cluster breakout setup should only be taken when a clear trend has developed. During pullbacks in trends, a market tends to form clusters of small swings. The cluster breakout setup looks to enter on a breakout above (below) a cluster of swing highs (lows). The breakout should occur in the direction of the prevailing trend. Entry Trigger: Breakout above two or more small swing highs (lows) that have formed during a pullback in an established uptrend (downtrend). Stop Placement: Below (above) nearest swing low. Example: S&P 500 5min Candle Chart Sticking with the same example, shortly after the break & retest entry setup occurred a strong uptrend developed during which the market formed a cluster of swing highs as the trend consolidated. When the market broke through the small cluster of swing highs, our entry setup was triggered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results Reversal Entry Setups 1. Fakeout A fakeout occurs when the market breaks above a swing level only to reverse within the same or following two candles – trapping those traders who had anticipated a breakout. Entry Trigger: Break above (below) swing resistance (support) level followed by a close back below (above) the swing resistance (support) level within the same or following two candles. Stop Placement: Below (above) fakeout low (high) Example: Tesla Daily Candle Chart This example from Tesla’s daily candle chart highlights the plethora of trading opportunities the fakeout entry setup can offer. We see multiple instances of long and short opportunities when the market threatens to break above (below) a swing level only to fakeout. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results 2. Hot Touch: Double Top/Bottom The ‘hot touch’ is a specific variation of the classic double top/bottom. The market must touch and reverse from a swing level within the same candle like a cat that’s just touched a hot tin roof! Entry Trigger: An exact double top/bottom forms from a single candle. Stop Placement: Below (above) the double bottom (top). Example: EUR/USD 5min Candle Chart In the below example a hot touch double top forms in a range bound market – causing prices to reverse sharply and retest the bottom of the range. It is also worth noting the two fakeout patterns that also occurred. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results Disclaimer: This is for information and learning purposes only. The information provided does not constitute investment advice nor take into account the individual financial circumstances or objectives of any investor. Any information that may be provided relating to past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results or performance. Social media channels are not relevant for UK residents. Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 84.01% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Education
by Capitalcom
Smart Money Concepts Detailed Learning Plan. 5 Essential Topics If you want to learn Smart Money concepts, but you don't know what to start with, this article with help. I will share with you 5-steps Smart Money Concepts learning plan . 5 important topics to study in SMC. Topic 1: Market Structure - the analysis of a behavior of a price on a chart. In the contest of Smart Money Concepts you should learn: -SMC structure mapping -Market trend identification -Trend change -Trend reversal -SMC important events: BoS, CHoCH Learn Trend Analysis Leach ChoCH Topic 2: Liquidity Zones - learn to identify the areas on a price chart where liquidity concentrates. Learn How to Identify Liquidity Zones Topic 3: Imbalance - one of the most accurate signals of the presence of big players / smart money on the market. Learn How to Identify Imbalance with Candlestick Topic 4: Order Block - the specific areas on a price chart where institutional traders / smart money are placing significant number of trading orders. Top 5: Top-Down Analysis - structured and consistent analysis of multiple time frames. After you study Topic 1, 2, 3, 4, you should learn to apply these knowledge and techniques on multiple time frames, to make informed decisions, following long-term, mid-term, short-term analysis. Learn Top - Down Analysis The 5 topics that we discussed are essential for your success as a smart money trader. Study these topics with care, and I guarantee you that you will achieve exceptional results. ❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
OANDA:XAUUSDEducation
by VasilyTrader
4
How to Trade the Cypher Harmonic PatternHow to Trade the Cypher Harmonic Pattern If you’re an avid trader, you’re probably familiar with harmonic patterns. One of the rarer and more advanced patterns is the Cypher, which can be an effective tool for identifying potential trend reversals and entry points. However, successfully trading the Cypher pattern requires a thorough understanding of its structure and rules. In this article, we’ll delve into the specifics of the Cypher pattern, how you can spot it, and offer some practical tips on how to trade it. What Is the Cypher Chart Pattern? The Cypher is a type of harmonic pattern used by traders to identify potential buying and selling opportunities in the markets. Specifically, it’s used to help find areas where a reversal may occur. The pattern is made up of five swing points (X, A, B, C, D) and four legs (XA, AB, BC, CD). It’s characterised by an “M” shape when bullish and a “W” shape if bearish. Traders typically place orders at D to catch the potential reversal. Like other harmonic patterns, the Cypher requires that specific Fibonacci ratios be met before it is traded. However, the ratios used for the Cypher are relatively unique, which makes the formation one of the less common harmonic patterns. The Cypher is also more advanced than other patterns, like the Gartley, Bat, or Butterfly, so you may need to spend some extra time learning how to recognise and trade it effectively. Once you master the skill, however, you’ll find that the Cypher can be a valuable addition to your trading arsenal. Identifying the Cypher Pattern At its simplest, the Cypher pattern comprises an impulse leg, XA, that retraces to form AB. Another impulse beyond the swing point A creates the BC leg, and a final retracement to D generates the CD leg. Here are the Cypher harmonic pattern rules that must also be met: AB retraces XA by 38.2% to 61.8%. BC extends XA by 127.2% to 141.4%. CD retraces XC by 78.6%. It’s acceptable if the ratios don’t line up exactly. For example, if AB retraces XA by 63% and the rest of the pattern looks correct, you can still consider trading. This is especially true for the final rule. Generally speaking, CD often moves slightly beyond the 78.6% area before reversing but can sometimes stop just short of the actual point, so don’t be discouraged if the ratios aren’t perfect. Drawing the Cypher Pattern Now that we know how to identify the Cypher, we can begin plotting it on live charts. To help develop your Cypher drawing skills, try using the TickTrader platform offered by us at FXOpen. You’ll be able to use the built-in XABCD drawing tool, as seen in the chart above. To draw the Cypher pattern: Choose the XABCD tool from the sidebar in “Patterns.” Click to place X at your first swing point. Add the following A, B, and C points at the corresponding swing highs and lows. Place D at 78.6%. To be notified as soon the price reaches the area, open an FXOpen account to gain access to customisable alerts. You may notice that the ratios on the chart are expressed as numbers instead of percentages. Just multiply the number by 100 to get the percentage, such as 1.272 = 127.2%. Using the Cypher Pattern While Trading So, now we know how to identify and draw the Cypher pattern, but how do you trade it? Follow these steps to get an idea of how you can apply the Cypher pattern to forex and other markets. Entry Traders have two options when it comes to entering a Cypher pattern. They can either set a limit order at the 78.6% level or use a market order after confirming that the price is beginning to reverse. Setting a limit order runs the risk of missing an entry if the price just goes beyond the level, but it can also make life easier since you don’t need to actively watch for confirmation. Meanwhile, looking for validation, like if D begins to reverse at a support/resistance level or with a candlestick pattern (such as a pin bar or tweezer tops/bottoms), and entering with a market order may potentially offer you a worse risk/reward ratio, but can get you into trades with more certainty. Stop Loss Since X should always be the most extreme point out of X, B, and D, stop losses can be placed just above (bearish Cypher) or below X (bullish Cypher). Beyond X, the setup becomes invalid, so this is a suitable area to set a stop. If entering with a market order, you could set a stop loss above (bearish Cypher) or below (bullish Cypher) the candle you entered on for potentially greater risk/reward, but be aware that the price could still hit your stop loss and take off without you. Take Profit Many traders begin to partially close their position at A, although you could choose C if you want to take a more aggressive approach. Beyond the structure, you could set targets based on Fibonacci extension levels, like 1.272 or 1.618. This is done by applying the Trend-Based Fibonacci Extension tool to X, A, and B, which will project levels outside the formation. Bullish Cypher Pattern Example Here, we have an almost perfect AB retracement of 61.4%, followed by a pinpoint CD retracement to the 78.6% level. Note that the tool shows the pullback as 73.7%, but we know by applying the Fibonacci retracement tool to X and C that it actually hit the expected level. Even if you weren’t using the Fibonacci retracement tool, you could still consider the hammer and following bullish engulfing candle signs of a reversal and enter with a market order. The stop loss was placed suitably, just below X. Given how well this example aligns with the ratios, you could decide to be more aggressive and set a profit target at C. You might also use the Trend-Based Fibonacci Extension tool, as we’ve used here, to find further targets, such as 127.2%. Bearish Cypher Pattern Example In this example, we can see a bearish Cypher forming as part of a larger downtrend. The AB retracement of 62.9% and BC extension of 129.6% are very close to the ratios of 61.8% and 127.2%, so we can be confident that the price is likely to reverse at 0.786 before breaking down further. As such, a limit order at 78.6% would have been ideal, as the price retraced to 79% before plummeting. The risk/reward ratio here is also attractive with a stop loss just above X. A conservative profit-taking approach would be to partially close the position at A, although C would have also been suitable in this scenario. Using the Fibonacci extension tool applied as described above showed us an optimal second target at 161.8%. Your Next Moves Now that you have an overview of what the Cypher pattern is, how to identify it, and how to trade it, you can put your knowledge to the test. You can follow these steps: Head over to TickTrader and hunt for the hallmark “W” and “M” shapes the Cypher creates to get used to spotting them. Once you’ve identified a few, try using the guide and examples above to determine how you would have traded the pattern and note the results. Take a look at the Cypher pattern indicator to help you identify formations you might have missed. Draw up some rules around how you’d like to incorporate Cyphers into your own system. You could also explore how other technical factors, like trendlines, support/resistance levels, and chart patterns, can add confluence to your Cypher trades. Open an FXOpen account and have a go at trading Cyphers in live markets, continuing to refine your strategy. Broaden your horizons by learning more about harmonic patterns. If you’ve mastered the Cypher, you’re probably ready for other advanced patterns, like the Shark, 5-0, and Three Drives. 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.
Education
by FXOpen
2
The Wash and Rinse To See True Support/ResistanceTrue support and resistance is found in the meat of the move, not at the extreme highs and lows. To find it, Simply draw a zone or box and look for the place that price touches the most, and then pay attention to what happens afterward. In this lesson, I set up a trade plan and show how a Wash and Rinse structure at the pivot of a swing uses the most touches to find true support in a market. I then show how to identify it. The Wash and Rinse has a process that we can follow in real-time. 1. Multi-Pivot Line (MPL) 2. Zoom through the MPL 3. Come back and retest the MPL 4. Zoom back through the MPL the other way What happens in this process, is that buyers are holding some level. Price then busts that level triggering stops and at the same time encouraging shorts to enter. Then price rips back up essentially cleaning the book of orders and showing where the true support is (at least for the time being). Once you can recognize this structure, you can begin making your own observations and use these levels to read a market or begin to build a setup around it. The most important part is to learn to design a plan with objective rules around what you observe. Shane
NASDAQ:RCKTEducation
by ShaneBlankenship
2
Tracking The Footprints of WRB GapsThis is the first in a series of posts on Gaps. Gaps are a sudden supply/demand imbalance that shows up in the price bars of a chart, It's the expansion that comes after a contraction. Gaps will show us a significant area of buyers/sellers that take control and when they lose that control. In the video, I discuss and define a Wide Range Bar (WRB) Gap and show how to mark it out on a chart. A WRB Gap is a bar larger than the last 3 bars with a space between the previous bar and the subsequent bar. We will be marking the base of the gap. If it's an up Gap, mark out the bottom 1/3 of the bar, if it's a down gap, mark out the upper 1/3 of the bar. We can then make observations about how price interacts with the base of this gap when or if it gets there. Then begin to notice where in the swing process the Gap is happening. Don't make conclusions, just observe and learn. There are many ways to trade Gaps but first, we must first lay out some foundations and then come up with objective ways to see them. For now, simply look for the biggest ugliest bars on your chart and mark them out and observe. These are footprints that we can follow and track. Shane
AMEX:ARKKEducation
by ShaneBlankenship
2
One-Line Practice: Set Yourself Aside and FollowIn this video, I set up a trading plan and introduce a trend line exercise you can practice in any market and in any time frame. There is no one right way to draw a trend line, it's a matter of function and what you are trying to see. We will be drawing a trend line off two relative (same size swings). This will identify the footprints of organized volatility on a chart. This exercise is designed so that you can learn about markets and price flow in your own hand. Its objectives are: 1. Learn to isolate relative market structures. 2. Learn to set yourself aside and follow price no matter what price is doing. 3. Allow the practice and price flow to teach you. We first need to make some objective swing definitions: Confirmed Swing High/Low: A new high confirms a swing low and a new low confirms a swing high. Balanced/Relative Swing: Same size reaction legs. One Line Practice Instructions: 1. Identify two confirmed relative (same size reaction legs) swings. 2. Anchor a trend line at the two lows and make observations (not expectations) about how price interacts with the line. 3. Always follow the last two relative confirmed swings with the trend line. 4. Draw a box across the top of each swing and observe how price interacts with the boxes. By identifying two same sized swings that confirmed new highs, we have found some organized volatility and behavior. We can then participate in that continued behavior or have a way to know when it changes. Shane
NYSE:NOWEducation
by ShaneBlankenship
2
What LOSER Traders Say – 6 PhrasesI like to say… Go where winners thrive and excuse givers die! If you’ve ever uttered the following phrases below – I urge you to stop saying them from today. And when you do utter these below phrases, you’re going to manifest losing, despair and hopelessness. But it’s not your fault. It’s the conditions and echo of amateur traders – that other traders listen to. I don’t believe for one second you want the loser mentality. I believe you want to embrace the mindset of a true trading champion. So let’s stop saying the below: The Market is Wrong: A Blame Game for the Weak Newsflash: the market isn’t out to get you. Another newsflash, the market is NEVER wrong. It goes up, down and sideways. What you’re seeing in the charts is HISTORICAL. So, what comes out in the future is untold but the truth. There should be NO ego for ever saying – The market is wrong. Take control of what the market is currently doing and what it has done and analyze your approach. I Suck at Trading: The Pity Party Pitfall Negative self-talk is the fastest route to trading mediocrity. We are ALL bad at something when we start. We continue to be bad at something if we don’t practice hard, work at it and have persistence. If you’re convinced you suck at trading, it’s time to silence that inner critic. Trading is no different from picking up another skill, vocation, endeavour and hobby. Maybe I Should Just Give Up: The Quitters’ Anthem Throwing in the towel is the easy way out. In fact, I don’t believe traders lose. They simply quit. But winners persevere. If thoughts of giving up dance in your mind, consider this: Success often comes to those who refuse to quit. Risk less. Tweak your strategy. Have your game plan with a solid back tested journal. Reassess your goals. Take a deep breath and remember that every setback is a setup for a comeback. Damn, This is a Slow Process: Impatience, the Silent Killer Trading success is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. Complaining about the slow process won’t expedite your journey to financial triumph. Whether you’re holding gold and waiting for the market to rally to new highs – It will come – you just need patience. Winners understand that patience is a trader’s virtue. So either you run the marathon, or give up trying knowing it’s going to be a long road. I Can’t Do It Your mind is a powerful tool. And when there are challenges and doubts, you’ll find that you’ll keep telling yourself – you can’t do it. Think of thoughts as tiny branches of a tree. The more you think a certain way, the bigger the tree becomes. And this will set yourself up for failure. Random thought: This is why when a woman says I’m fat 1,000 times. No matter how thin she is, you can’t convince her that she is thin. Because of the tree she has build in her mind about her self-image. Same with trading. Stop saying negative thoughts. Be kinder to yourself and who you are. Winners replace “I can’t” with “I will.” Winners replace Should, Would, Could with DO! Cultivate a positive trading mindset, believe in your abilities, and watch how your confidence transforms your trading outcomes. I’ll Start Tomorrow Procrastination is the biggest thief of success. Tomorrow is the favorite day of the loser. If you constantly push your trading plans to the next day, you’re delaying your success. You’re delaying profit opportunities. You’re delaying your learning process. Winners take action today. Start now, stick to your plan, and relish the progress you’ll make. Tomorrow’s victories are earned through today’s actions. FINAL WORDS: So from today, say and manifest a more optimistic and positive mindset. Don’t say any more loser phrases. And let’s cultivate a winning mentality and tree of positive branches to your mind. Let’s sum up the phrases you must NOT say: The Market is Wrong: A Blame Game for the Weak I Suck at Trading: The Pity Party Pitfall Maybe I Should Just Give Up: The Quitters’ Anthem Damn, This is a Slow Process: Impatience, the Silent Killer I Can’t Do It I’ll Start Tomorrow
TVC:SA40Education
by Timonrosso
Level breakdown. The most effective setupsWhat is a level breakout? A breakout is the price's consolidation above a certain level followed by further movement in the direction of the breakout. But the immediate question that should arise in your mind is about the consolidation of price, as it might be difficult for inexperienced individuals to understand. However, there is nothing overly complex about it either; consolidation refers to the candle closing above the level A breakdown can occur at a horizontal or inclined level. Bullish breakout: We observe a trending market encountering resistance at a horizontal level. After two unsuccessful attempts, the price breaks through the level. Bearish breakout: Why do level breakouts work? Imagine a scenario: a strong resistance level on the chart is heavily defended by bears, preventing the price from breaking through. Despite several attempts, the bears hold their ground until the bulls come to the rescue. They overpower the bears, but their strategy doesn't end there. Instead of retreating, they press forward, driving the opposition towards the next resistance level, where the cycle repeats. Breakouts occur when the price breaches a significant level. Observing price movements on a chart reveals that prices often consolidate and encounter specific levels. When the price reaches a level and swiftly reverses, it indicates the strength of that level. Upon a price retest of this level, careful monitoring is essential to anticipate a potential breakout. Repeated tests of the same level signify its strength, yet eventually, the price will break through any level. This is when traders should be prepared to initiate a breakout trade. Breakouts offer lucrative trading opportunities because they often mark the inception of new price movements and trends. By entering trades at the onset of emerging trends, traders position themselves for potential profits. Moreover, reliable breakouts typically occur during periods of robust price momentum when traders seek to capitalize on rapid price fluctuations. Breakouts occur at important price levels. It can be: Support or resistance levels. Patterns Market highs or lows. Trend lines. Price channels. Moving averages. Fibonacci levels. One reason breakouts can lead to rapid price movements is due to the attention they attract from market participants monitoring key levels. When one group of traders capitalizes on a breakout, another group is compelled to swiftly exit their losing positions, resulting in sharp price fluctuations post-breakout. There exist various types of breakouts, and as traders, our objective is to identify high-probability breakout opportunities and initiate trades. However, this task is not always straightforward. Consequently, levels marked at potential breakout points should be regarded as zones rather than rigid lines. Identifying Psychologically Important Levels: Repeated testing of a specific zone by the price often signifies its significance. Having reached a certain level, the price enters a sideways movement, forming a consolidation. Using a rectangle, we outline the area encompassing the lower wicks of the candles, delineating our support/resistance area. When trading breakouts, it is wise to wait until the candle closes outside the support or resistance area to confirm the breakout. Triangles are chart patterns indicating price compression, often culminating in a breakout. The direction of the breakout is typically uncertain. Within the circle, you can observe the precise location of a potential breakout. Notably, there is a robust breakout momentum evidenced by several full-bodied candles. Subsequent to breaching the upper level of the triangle, the price retraces to test the previously breached resistance, now acting as a support area. This pullback serves as a crucial confirmation signal. Breakouts and false breakouts: Typically, candlestick shadow breakouts are not considered true breakouts. A true breakout occurs only when the price finally closes outside the level. This approach provides a more secure entry point, making it easier to open positions in the appropriate direction. The upper rectangle constantly holds down the price, with the exception of some candles, characterized as a pin bar. This represents an initial false breakout as only one candle breaks the resistance area but fails to close, leaving its body above that area. Therefore, we classify this signal as false. However, the subsequent pin bar pushes the price higher, causing the candle to close above the resistance area. This is a genuine breakout signal, especially enhanced by the presence of a strong, saturated breakout candle. Trading Breakouts: Trading market breakouts carries inherent risks due to the prevalence of false breakouts, which are statistically more common. Therefore, it is extremely important to understand the market structure and monitor the movement of prices to the appropriate level. Markets operate in cycles, moving between trending phases and periods of consolidation. The duration of market consolidation correlates with the strength of subsequent breakouts and subsequent trends. Prolonged consolidation periods are not only observed by you, but by traders worldwide. Among them, some opt for trading bounces from levels, while others prefer trading breakouts. Extended consolidation behind a resistance level can trigger stop-loss orders for many bears and prompt numerous bulls to initiate new buying positions. Consequently, after prolonged periods of flat movement, prices frequently surge explosively following a breakout, ushering in a robust trend. The breakout trading strategy offers multiple entry approaches, allowing traders to select the one that aligns best with their preferences and objectives. Entering the breakout after the price has consolidated beyond the zone: One strategy assumes that the breakout occurred when the candle closed outside the level. While this pattern can be effective, I personally find it risky due to the many nuances associated with this strategy. Instead I prefer a different approach... Breakout entry with retest: This tactic is a bit more challenging as it requires patience and discipline. What particularly appeals to me in this strategy is that I rely on additional data during a potential retest (with a 60-70% likelihood after the zone is breached). Breakout of the symmetrical triangle pattern: As the market tightens its consolidation, it eventually breaches the support of the triangle, followed by a retest of this level as new resistance. For the stop-loss placement, it's advisable to position it inside the triangle above the breakout candle. Regarding take profit, we target the nearest level, ensuring the risk-to-reward ratio remains acceptable. Best Breakout Trading Method: Accumulation of positions/liquidations - consolidation. When a tight consolidation occurs near a resistance level, it tells us that buying pressure remains high for a long period of time and sellers do not have enough strength to reverse the price from the level. When the price breaks through a resistance level, traders with short positions cut their losses. At the same time, the pressure from buying traders who will open breakout transactions is increasing. All these factors cause the price to rapidly move up without significant pullbacks. __________________________________________________________________________________ I have only covered a portion of the basics. Of course, trading involves various elements such as price action, indicators (divergences), but that would make this post too long ;) If you enjoy my educational articles, please leave comments, and I'll continue writing them.
Education
by truepersonal
9
Options Blueprint Series: Calendar Spreads - Timing the MarketIntroduction to Calendar Spreads Calendar spreads, also known as time spreads or horizontal spreads, are advanced options strategies that involve buying and selling two options contracts on the same underlying asset, such as the S&P 500 Futures, but with different expiration dates. The strategy aims to profit from the differing time decay rates of the short-term and long-term options. Traders often deploy calendar spreads to capitalize on expected stable or sideways market conditions. Why S&P 500 Futures Options for Calendar Spreads? The S&P 500 index, encapsulating the performance of 500 of the largest companies listed on stock exchanges in the United States, serves as a premier gauge of U.S. equities. Its derivative products, notably the S&P 500 Futures Options, present traders with a fertile ground for executing calendar spread strategies. These options inherit the index's broad market exposure and liquidity, making them an ideal candidate for such strategies. Let's delve into the contract specifications and characteristics that make S&P 500 Futures Options and Micro Options particularly suited for calendar spreads. Contract Specifications: S&P 500 Futures Options (Standard): These contracts are based on the E-mini S&P 500 futures. Each contract represents an agreement to buy or sell the futures contract at a set price before the option expires. The standard option contract size typically mirrors the underlying futures contract, which is valued at $50 x S&P 500 Index. Micro S&P 500 Futures Options: Introduced as a more accessible variant, Micro S&P 500 Futures Options are 1/10th the size of their standard counterparts. This smaller contract size reduces the capital requirement, making it more appealing for individual traders and those looking to fine-tune their market exposure. The contract size for Micro Options is $5 x S&P 500 Index, maintaining the leverage and flexibility of the standard options but at a scale more manageable for a wider range of investors. Characteristics Beneficial for Calendar Spreads: Liquidity: Both standard and micro contracts benefit from high liquidity, ensuring tight bid-ask spreads. This liquidity facilitates easier entry and exit from positions, a critical factor when managing calendar spreads that require precision in timing and the ability to adjust positions quickly in response to market movements. Volatility Patterns: Understanding and anticipating volatility patterns is crucial for the success of calendar spreads. The S&P 500's inherent volatility, influenced by economic indicators, corporate earnings, and geopolitical events, can affect options pricing and the optimal structuring of calendar spreads. Strategic Flexibility: The availability of both standard and micro contract sizes provides traders with flexibility in managing their market exposure and tailoring their strategies to match their risk appetite and investment goals. Incorporating S&P 500 Futures Options into calendar spread strategies not only leverages these inherent characteristics but also taps into the dynamic interplay of time decay and market movements. Traders must, however, remain vigilant of the underlying market conditions and adapt their strategies to align with evolving market dynamics. Constructing a Calendar Spread To construct a calendar spread with S&P 500 Futures Options, a trader needs to undertake a series of thoughtful steps. Initially, one must select an appropriate strike price that aligns with their market outlook. Typically, at-the-money (ATM) or slightly out-of-the-money (OTM) options are preferred due to their sensitivity to time decay, which is a pivotal component of this strategy. Example Setup: Buying a Long-term Option: Consider purchasing a long-term put option on the S&P 500 Futures with an expiration date 30 days from now. The selection of a long-term option is strategic, as it retains its time value better compared to shorter-term options. Selling a Short-term Option: Simultaneously, sell a short-term put option on the S&P 500 Futures with the same strike price as the long-term call but with an expiration date 5 days away. This option is expected to lose time value rapidly, which is beneficial for the seller. As seen on the below screenshot, we are using the CME Options Calculator in order to generate fair value prices and Greeks for any options on futures contracts. Underlying Asset: S&P 500 Futures (Symbol: ES1! or MES1!) Strategy Setup: o Buy 1 OTM put option with a strike price of 5260 (Cost: 44.97) o Sell 1 OTM put options with a strike price of 5260 (Credit: 7.78) Net Debit: 37.19 (44.97 – 7.78) Maximum Profit: Achieved if prices are at 5260 at expiration. Maximum Risk: Limited to the net debit of 37.19. The essence of this setup lies in capitalizing on the accelerated time decay of the short-term sold option relative to the slower decay of the long-term bought option. Ideally, the underlying asset's price will be close to the strike price at the short option's expiration, maximizing the profit from its time decay while still benefiting from the long-term option's retained value. Adjustments for Market Movements: f the market moves significantly, the spread can be adjusted by rolling the short-term option forward to the next month, potentially locking in gains or reducing losses. A successful calendar spread hinges on precise timing and a keen understanding of volatility. The trader must monitor the implied volatility of the options, as an increase in volatility can enhance the spread's value, while a decrease can diminish it. Potential Market Scenarios and Responses Optimal Market Condition : The calendar spread thrives in a market exhibiting minimal price movement, particularly around the strike price of the options involved in the spread. This stability allows the trader to exploit the differential time decay effectively. Market Moves Against the Position : In the event of adverse market movements, the trader might need to adjust the strategy. This could involve rolling the short option to a different strike or expiration date, or possibly closing the position early to mitigate losses. Flexibility and proactive risk management are paramount, as market conditions can change rapidly. The construction and management of a calendar spread with S&P 500 Futures Options involve a delicate balance of market prediction, timing, and risk management. By judiciously selecting strike prices, expiration dates, and adjusting in response to market movements, traders can navigate the complexities of calendar spreads to seek profit from the nuances of time decay and implied volatility in the options market. Risk Management Effective risk management is crucial when trading calendar spreads, particularly with S&P 500 Futures Options, due to the potential for rapid changes in market conditions. Identifying and mitigating potential losses involve several strategies: Position Sizing: Keeping each trade to a reasonable proportion of the total portfolio reduces the impact of any single trade's loss. Diversification across different strategies and assets can also help manage systemic risks. Stop-Loss Orders: Implementing stop-loss orders for the position can help limit losses. This is especially important if the market moves sharply in an unexpected direction, affecting the spread unfavorably. Continuous Monitoring and Adjustments: The calendar spread requires regular monitoring and potential adjustments to respond to changes in the underlying asset's price or volatility. This may involve rolling out the short position to a further expiration date or adjusting strike prices to better align with the market conditions. Hedging: In some scenarios, traders might consider using additional options strategies or the underlying futures contracts themselves to hedge against significant market moves. This approach can help protect the portfolio from large, unexpected shifts in the market. Conclusion Calendar spreads offer a sophisticated strategy for traders looking to profit from the nuances of time decay and volatility in the options market, particularly with S&P 500 Futures Options. This strategy suits those with a nuanced understanding of market movements and the patience to monitor and adjust their positions over time. While calendar spreads can offer attractive opportunities for profit, especially in sideways markets, they also require diligent risk management and an active trading approach. Encouraging further education and risk-aware trading practices is essential for success in options trading. Traders should continually seek to expand their knowledge of market conditions, options strategies, and risk management techniques to refine their trading approach and better navigate the complexities of the financial markets. By embracing a disciplined approach to trading calendar spreads, investors can explore the potential of this strategy to enhance their trading arsenal, leveraging the dynamic nature of S&P 500 Futures Options to tap into market opportunities while managing the inherent risks of options trading.   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.
CME_MINI:ES1!Education
by traddictiv
What Is the Spot Market?What Is the Spot Market? The spot market is a fundamental aspect of the financial world. The concept may be unfamiliar to some, hence it is important to provide a comprehensive spot market definition, examine the types of markets, and identify the key players. Let’s delve into the topic. Spot Market: Meaning A spot market is a financial market in which assets such as commodities, equities, and currency pairs are traded for the immediate delivery of an asset or its cash alternative. To make it even simpler, it is a marketplace in which buyers and sellers come together to trade assets and settle the transactions immediately, unlike a futures contract, which involves trading contracts for future delivery. What Is a Spot Trade? A spot trade is a financial transaction in which assets are bought or sold at the current market price, referred to as the spot price. In a spot trade, the asset is delivered immediately or within a concise timeframe (often, it may take up to 2 business days, not counting the day of the transaction). In highly liquid markets, the spot price typically fluctuates within seconds due to trades being quickly executed and new transactions occurring. Spot Market Buying If you believe the currency pair will rise in value, you will buy the base currency (go long). For example, if you believe EUR will rise in value against USD, and the EUR/USD’s current bid price is 1.0900, you would buy at 1.0900. Spot Market Selling If you believe the quote currency will rise in value against the base currency, you will sell the currency pair (go short). For example, if you thought USD would rise in value against the EUR, and the current ask price of the EUR/USD pair was 1.0800, you would sell at 1.0800. How the Spot Market Works The spot market is organised through OTC and exchange trading. Traders open buy and sell positions on a particular asset, counting on instant delivery of an asset or its cash equivalent. What Different Spots Mean Over-the-counter (OTC) trading refers to financial transactions that take place outside of a traditional exchange. It’s typically done between two parties, such as a buyer and a seller, and can include a wide range of financial instruments such as stocks, bonds, currencies, and commodities. Since OTC trading does not take place on a formal exchange, it is not subject to the same regulations and oversight as exchange-based trading. Exchanges function as meeting points for traders and dealers to buy and sell financial instruments. By gathering orders from various participants, the exchange calculates and displays the current price and trading volume of each asset. Electronic platforms have made trading more efficient, with prices determined instantly, given the large number of trades on exchanges. What Is the Spot Forex Market? The spot market in forex is the largest and most liquid OTC marketplace in the world, with an average daily trading volume of over $7.5 trillion. Like any other spot trade, FX spot trade is the purchase or sale of a currency traded in pairs. What Is the Difference Between Futures and Spot Markets? Futures contracts are derivatives in which the underlying asset is traded in the spot market. The main difference between the terms is the timing of when the delivery takes place. In the spot market, delivery is immediate, whereas when dealing with futures contracts, the delivery occurs at a future date. Traders frequently close out their contracts to avoid making or taking delivery. Example of a Spot Market Trade Toni owns an electronics store in California and is looking for suppliers dealing with good quality electronics at a competitive rate. He looks on the internet and finds a Chinese supplier giving almost a 30% discount on bulk orders of over $20,000. The payment needs to be made in CNY, and Toni might save a lot if the current rate for USD/CNY is high. He checks the current USD/CNY rate, which is 6.74. Toni decides to execute a foreign exchange trade to convert the CNY equivalent of $20,000. USD/CNY rate = 6.74 Purchase amount = $20,000 CNY amount = 134,800 ($20,000 X 6.74) The foreign exchange spot market transaction is settled, and Toni can make the payment, which allows him 30% savings on his purchase. Advantages and Disadvantages of the Spot Market The spot market has several benefits, such as real-time access, flexibility, considerable liquidity, and generally lower costs than the futures contracts. However, it also carries a risk of “unexpected” price and lack of planning. Advantages: If traders are dissatisfied with current prices and terms, they can hold and look for a better deal. Traders can take advantage of real-time prices, which can be beneficial for those looking to manage their short-term exposure to an asset. In contrast to some futures contracts, which have minimum investment amounts for a single contract, there may be no minimum capital requirements. Unlike futures contracts, spot trades don’t have an expiry date. It is considered to be highly liquid, making it easy for traders to enter or exit positions quickly and at favourable prices. Disadvantages: As some financial instruments are highly volatile, a trader may make a transaction at a worse price than they expected. As a result, trading on the spot can pose some risks, particularly for highly volatile assets. Spot trades typically lack planning, as opposed to futures, in which parties agree on a price and delivery at a later date. Final Thoughts Before engaging in spot trades, traders and investors prefer to learn the definition and meaning of the spot market as well as the risks involved when trading in it. Having a solid understanding and developing a well-thought-out strategy is essential. 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.
Education
by FXOpen
2
How To Trade A Symmetrical Triangle Break-Out A symmetrical triangle is a geometric formation found in technical analysis, often appearing during periods of market consolidation. It's characterized by converging trendlines, typically drawn by connecting a series of lower highs and higher lows. This pattern reflects a balance between buyers and sellers, signaling indecision in the market regarding the future price direction. Here's how a symmetrical triangle pattern typically looks: Upper Trendline: Connects a series of lower highs. Lower Trendline: Connects a series of higher lows. As the price oscillates between these trendlines, the trading range becomes narrower, forming the triangle pattern. Trading a breakout in forex involves capitalizing on a significant price movement that occurs when the price breaks out of the symmetrical triangle pattern. Traders employ a systematic approach to identify, confirm, and capitalize on these breakouts: Pattern Identification: Recognizing the symmetrical triangle pattern entails observing the converging trendlines and confirming their formation with multiple swing highs and swing lows. Determining Breakout Direction: Traders closely monitor price action within the triangle, looking for signs of an impending breakout. Breakouts can manifest in either direction, and traders seek confirmation through a decisive breach of a trendline, often accompanied by increased trading volume. Confirmation and Entry: Patience is key as traders await confirmation of the breakout. Some may wait for a close above or below the trendline, while others may enter trades immediately upon breakout, anticipating further momentum. Risk Management: Implementing effective risk management strategies is crucial. This involves setting stop-loss orders to mitigate potential losses if the breakout fails or reverses. Monitoring and Adjusting: Traders diligently monitor price action post-breakout, anticipating volatility and potential retests of breakout levels. They adjust stop-loss and take-profit levels based on evolving market conditions and price movements. Trade Management: Once in a trade, traders adhere to their predefined trading plans. They consider scaling out of positions as price reaches predetermined targets or if market conditions shift. Successful breakout trading in forex requires discipline, patience, and effective risk management. It's imperative to integrate technical analysis with other market factors like fundamentals and sentiment for well-informed decision-making.
Editors' picks
EIGHTCAP:XAUUSDEducation
by CASHTICKER
33
WHAT IS THE BEST TRADER MINDSET?Optimism, pessimism and realism which trader's mindset is better? The answer seems obvious: optimism. Optimistic traders overestimate their strength and the situation, pessimists do not believe in their strength, so the best is common sense realism. The realistic version of the world perception implies assumption of both favorable and unfavorable variants of the event outcome. But on the other hand, realist traders miss the opportunities that optimists see and underestimate the risks. All three types of trader's thinking have their own strengths and weaknesses. WHICH TYPE OF TRADER'S MINDSET IS THE MOST PRODUCTIVE? 1. Optimism "Think positive", "Set yourself up only for success" such motivational mottos are in every trading book. An optimistic attitude has many advantages: Optimist traders are better motivated. They believe in success, so they set the bar higher. Optimist traders are better at dealing with negative emotions. Optimist traders are more confident in their abilities. Optimist traders' brains are programmed in advance for a positive outcome. All of this is good as long as it is within the bounds of common sense. And often the boundary between common sense and unhealthy thinking of a trader is not visible. And as soon as optimism crosses the boundaries of adequacy, problems begin: Ignoring danger. Imagine a person who confidently drives through a red light, thinking that nothing will happen to him. The only thing left to do is to convince other drivers of this. Overestimating possibilities. The set goals turn out to be unattainable. And trying to achieve them leads to burnout. Denial of the need to solve problems. The optimist believes in the best, but problems do not go anywhere. And someday their volume will become critical. Everything is good in moderation. An optimist is inclined to work harder, but he is also inclined to take unreasonable risks. 2. Pessimism The strength of pessimism is the ability to assess risks and minimize them. Pessimist traders are more cautious. They try to double-check everything 10 times, so they are less likely to take risky actions. However, they also earn less. A pessimist trader tries to diversify risks, thinks through several ways of retreat. Pessimism goes to the extreme, when a trader thinks that everything is bad and it will be even worse in the future. They blame others for failures, as they cannot find the strength to admit his mistakes. They have no motivation; they live in constant expectation. 3. Realism The sweet spot? Not a fact. The realist trader does have a sober assessment of the risks without going overboard. But they also have extremes: Fatalism. While optimistic traders believe in the best, realists follow the path of pessimistic traders. They accept reality, believing that this is fate. Realist traders do not fall into stress, but do not believe that the situation can be changed for the better. Pragmatism. Realist traders think that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. They effectively solve current problems, but trying to look at something bigger is out of the question. Rationalism. Algorithmic, schematic thinking of the trader is manifested in other aspects of life. Which type of trader's mindset is the most productive? All three types in one trader, from which the best is taken. Moderate optimism in achieving goals, moderate pessimism in assessing risks, moderate realism in building a system. And extremes are best avoided. In conclusion, each of these traits has its strengths and weaknesses, but when combined in moderation, they can create a well-rounded approach to trading. Optimism provides motivation, confidence, and a positive outlook, which can help traders set higher goals and persevere through challenges. Pessimism, on the other hand, can help traders assess and minimize risks, promoting caution and careful decision-making. Realism offers a sober assessment of situations and helps traders develop practical solutions to problems. Ultimately, the most constructive trader's mindset is one that leverages the strengths of each of these traits while avoiding their extremes. When you lose a trade, don't think too negatively. When you win, try not to get euphoric. Extreme emotional swings will push you into the abyss. Therefore, the most constructive trader's mindset is a balanced combination of optimism, pessimism, and realism. Traders, If you liked this educational post🎓, give it a boost 🚀 and drop a comment
Education
by Lingrid
9
Break down of our 700 pip trade.Below, we explain why and how we entered the market. On the 30-minute timeframe, we identified an engulfing candle, marking it as a Point of Interest (POI). With a refined risk of just 1 pip, we patiently awaited price to retrace to this level, anticipating a high probability bounce to the upside.. We observed the price returning to our Point of Interest (POI), meeting perfectly with a 4-hour candle and rebounding as anticipated from the engulfing candle. Our target is now set at the previous high, where we plan to take profit 1. As the trade unfolded, a 4-hour trend emerged and was honored before propelling towards our target and surpassing it. This straightforward technique serves as a method to mitigate risks while aiming for substantial rewards, offering a valuable approach for your trading endeavors.
TVC:GOLDEducation
by samstoobad
10 EMA strategy ^BEST TREND-FOLLOWING STRATEGY^Welcome! Today, I'm excited to share with you one of the most effective trend-following strategies that is adaptable to any timeframe and asset class ( OANDA:XAUUSD , NSE:NIFTY , FX:USDCHF ), boasting a remarkable risk/reward ratio of up to 1:10. Let's dive right in. As mentioned, this strategy revolves around the Exponential Moving Average (EMA), specifically the 10-period EMA. For those unfamiliar, the EMA places greater emphasis on recent price data compared to a Simple Moving Average (SMA), providing a dynamic view of market trends. When the price on your chart is above the 10 EMA, it signifies a bullish trend; conversely, when the 10 EMA is above the price, it indicates a bearish trend. Let's illustrate with an example: Imagine a bullish trend with four consecutive green candles followed by a red candle. Our entry point occurs when this red candle, the trigger candle, fails to touch the 10 EMA. Subsequently, when a green candle crosses above the high of the trigger candle, we enter the trade. Setting our stop loss (SL) just below the EMA line beneath the trigger candle, we establish our take profit (TP) based on a risk/reward ratio, starting at 1:2 and potentially reaching an impressive 1:10. Trailing the 10 EMA line allows us to stay in the trade longer, albeit experiencing initial stop-loss hits. However, perseverance reveals the strategy's efficacy over time. Now, for short positions, such as during a downtrend characterized by three red candles followed by a green candle, our entry occurs when the low of the green candle is breached by the subsequent red candle. Setting the SL just above the EMA line above the trigger candle and TP based on the risk/reward ratio, we execute the trade. For those interested in trailing stops, there are two options: firstly, trailing along the 10 EMA line; secondly, utilizing the Average True Range (ATR) for algorithmic trading enthusiasts. With this strategy's flexibility and potential for significant returns, it offers traders a robust approach to navigating diverse market conditions. ***Here are 2 examples of Long & Short: Long position in BINANCE:SOLUSDT www.tradingview.com Short in FOREXCOM:EURCAD It's crucial not only to grasp the concept of this strategy but also to put it into practice. 💼 Start by implementing it with small capital or utilize paper trading, which platforms like TradingView offer. 📝 Additionally, don't hesitate to experiment. For instance, try using an 11-period EMA and assess its effectiveness. You might find that it better suits your trading style and objectives. 🧪💡 Remember, trading is a journey of discovery! 🚀 Don't be afraid to explore new strategies and techniques along the way. 🌟 Like (boost), follow, comment, and share this strategy to spread the knowledge and empower fellow traders! 📈🚀👍 For the optimal TradingView experience, upgrade now to unlock the platform's full potential: www.tradingview.com
NASDAQ:TSLAEducation
by smarttrader012
Understanding Trends: Indicators, Trendlines, and PivotsIn this video I describe trends, what the are, what a proper trend should look like and ways of indentifying a trend. I cover the following tools to identify trends: Trendlines (with consistency) Internal Trendlines Indicators: Linear regression, EMA, Channels/Bands Pivot swings I think no matter how YOU define a trend, it should be the following things: Consistent Measurable - so you can analyze it later Fit your trading style I hope you learned something new in this video. Please drop a comment if you like the content.
AMEX:SPYEducation
by JoeRodTrades