Behind the DCA Strategy: What It Is and How It WorksWho invented the Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA) investment strategy?
The concept of Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA) was formalized and popularized by economists and investors throughout the 20th century, particularly with the growth of the U.S. stock market. One of the first to promote this strategy was Benjamin Graham , considered the father of value investing and author of the famous book The Intelligent Investor (published in 1949). Graham highlighted how DCA could help reduce the risk of buying assets at excessively high prices and improve investor discipline.
When and How Did Dollar Cost Averaging Originate?
The concept of DCA began to take shape in the early decades of the 20th century when financial institutions introduced automatic purchase programs for savers. However, it gained popularity among retail investors in the 1950s and 1960s with the rise of mutual funds.
Overview
The core principle of DCA involves investing a fixed amount of money at regular intervals (e.g., every month. This approach allows investors to purchase more units when prices are low and fewer units when prices are high, thereby reducing the impact of market volatility.
Why Was DCA Developed?
The strategy was developed to address key challenges faced by investors, including:
1. Reducing Market Timing Risk
Investing a fixed amount periodically eliminates the need to predict the perfect market entry point, reducing the risk of buying at peaks.
2. Discipline and Financial Planning
DCA helps investors maintain financial discipline, making investments more consistent and predictable.
3. Mitigating Volatility
Spreading trades over a long period reduces the impact of market fluctuations and minimizes the risk of experiencing a significant drop immediately after a large investment.
4. Ease of Implementation
The strategy is simple to apply and does not require constant market monitoring, making it accessible to all types of investors.
Types of DCA
Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA) is an investment strategy that can be implemented in two main ways:
Time-Based DCA → Entries occur at regular intervals regardless of price.
Price-Based DCA → Entries occur only when the price meets specific criteria.
1. Time-Based DCA
How It Works: The investor buys a fixed amount of an asset at regular intervals (e.g., weekly, monthly). Entries occur regardless of market price.
Example: An investor decides to buy $200 worth of Bitcoin every month, without worrying whether the price has gone up or down.
2. Price-Based DCA
How It Works: Purchases occur only when the price drops below a predefined threshold. The investor sets price levels at which purchases will be executed (e.g., every -5%). This approach is more selective and allows for buying at a “discount” compared to the market trend.
Example: An investor decides to buy $200 worth of Bitcoin only when the price drops by at least 5% compared to the last entry.
Challenges and Limitations
1. DCA May Reduce Profits in Bull Markets
If the market is in an bullish trend, a single trade may be more profitable than spreading purchases over time or price dips.
2. Does Not Fully Remove Loss Risk
DCA helps mitigate volatility but does not protect against long-term bearish trends. If an asset continues to decline for an extended period, positions will accumulate at lower values with no guarantee of recovery.
3. May Be Inefficient for Active Investors
If an investor has the skills to identify better entry points (e.g., using technical or macroeconomic analysis), DCA might be less effective. Those who can spot market opportunities may achieve a better average entry price than an automatic DCA approach.
4. Does Not Take Full Advantage of Price Drops
DCA does not allow aggressive buying during market dips since purchases are fixed at regular intervals. If the market temporarily crashes, an investor with available funds could benefit more by buying larger amounts at that moment.
5. Higher Transaction Costs
Frequent small investments can lead to higher trading fees, which may reduce net returns. This is especially relevant in markets with fixed commissions or high spreads.
6. Risk of Overconfidence and False Security
DCA is often seen as a “fail-proof” strategy, but it is not always effective. If an asset has weak fundamentals or belongs to a declining sector, DCA may only slow down losses rather than ensure future gains.
7. Requires Discipline and Patience
DCA is only effective if applied consistently over a long period. Some investors may lose patience and leave the strategy at the wrong time, especially during market crashes.
Trend Analysis
Gann Astro Trading Course | Gann Trading StrategyGann Astro Trading Course | Free Lesson. Gann Astro Trading | Gann Time Cycles | Gann Financial Astrology. Gann Trading Strategy - Gann Trading Course
TOPIC OF THIS VIDEO - Gann Astro Trading Course | Free Lesson
🎯 Unlock the Market’s Hidden Code with W.D. Gann’s Strategies!
What if market movements weren’t random — but followed a precise, predictable blueprint? In this powerful breakdown, we dive into the groundbreaking methods of W.D. Gann, revealing how price, time, and planetary positions create a hidden pattern behind market highs and lows.
Gann’s revolutionary idea was that time and price vibrate together — making them interchangeable. By converting prices into planetary longitudes, tracking time cycles, and applying market geometry, you can uncover the market’s natural rhythm and predict turning points with remarkable accuracy. This video unveils the core of Gann’s strategy, giving you the tools to anticipate price moves before they happen.
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📌 What You’ll Learn in This Video:
✅Gann Square of 9 Explained – Understand how this iconic tool aligns price and time with planetary degrees to identify key turning points.
✅Price to Longitude Conversion – Learn how to convert market prices into planetary longitudes to uncover hidden reversal points.
✅ Time and Price Interchangeability – Discover how Gann’s theory of time-price equality helps predict trend shifts.
✅ The 10% Decimal Shift Rule – A powerful trick to reveal harmonic price levels by shifting the decimal point.
✅ Market Geometry: The Blueprint of Price Movements – Explore Gann’s geometric approach using circles, squares, and hexagons to map market pivots.
✅ Planetary Cycles and Longitudes – See how planetary movements — like Saturn’s retrograde and Mars' heliocentric positions — influence price action.
✅ Harmonic Degrees and Price Reactions – Find out why 10, 15, and other degree increments often mark critical spike reversal areas.
✅ Equilibrium Principle – Learn how Gann's "squared out" price and time cycles lead to powerful reversal setups.
✅ Real Case Studies: Tesla & IBM Analysis – Watch Gann’s techniques in action as we analyze historical charts to uncover price pivots and reversal dates.
market geometry and harmonic degrees.
Mastering MACD- Complete Guide- 10 ways to trade itThe Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) is a versatile indicator that can help traders navigate the markets with precision. From trend identification to momentum assessment, the MACD provides multiple actionable insights. In this educational post, we’ll explore the key ways to use MACD effectively, with an example illustration accompanying each strategy.
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1. Signal Line Crossovers
The most common use of MACD is the signal line crossover, which identifies potential shifts in market momentum:
• Bullish Signal: When the MACD line (fast-moving) crosses above the signal line (slow-moving), it suggests upward momentum is increasing. This can be an entry signal for a long trade. Bullish crossovers often occur after a period of consolidation or a downtrend, signaling a reversal in market sentiment.
• Bearish Signal: When the MACD line crosses below the signal line, it signals downward momentum, often triggering a short-selling opportunity. Bearish crossovers can occur during retracements in an uptrend or at the start of a bearish reversal.
How to Use: Look for confirmation from price action or other indicators, such as a breakout above a resistance level for a bullish signal or a breakdown below support for a bearish signal. It's essential to avoid acting solely on a crossover; consider volume (stocks, crypto), candle stick formations and other market conditions.
Example: A bullish crossover on the daily chart on TRADENATION:XAUUSD indicates a potential buying opportunity as the price begins to rise. Add a stop-loss below recent lows to manage risk and look for a 1:2 risk:r eward in the next resistance.
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2. Zero Line Crossovers
The MACD’s zero line acts as a boundary between bullish and bearish momentum, making it a valuable trend confirmation tool:
• Above Zero: When the MACD line moves above the zero line, it confirms an uptrend, as the fast-moving average is above the slow-moving average. Sustained movement above zero often indicates a strong bullish trend.
• Below Zero: A MACD line below zero reflects a downtrend, indicating bearish market conditions. Persistent movement below zero confirms bearish momentum.
How to Use: Use the zero line crossover to validate trades based on other signals, such as candlestick patterns or trendline breaks. The crossover can act as a second layer of confirmation for existing trade setups.
Example: MACD on a crypto pair crosses above the zero line, confirming the start of a new bullish trend. Traders can combine this with volume analysis to ensure strong market participation.
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3. Histogram Analysis
The histogram represents the distance between the MACD line and the signal line, offering insights into momentum:
• Expanding Histogram: Indicates strengthening momentum in the direction of the trend. Larger bars show increasing dominance of bulls or bears.
• Contracting Histogram: Suggests weakening momentum, signaling a possible reversal or consolidation. Smaller bars indicate a loss of trend strength.
How to Use: Monitor the histogram for early signs of momentum shifts before a crossover occurs. The histogram can act as a leading indicator, providing advanced warning of potential changes in price direction.
Example: A shrinking histogram in a forex pair signals that the bullish momentum is losing steam, warning traders of a possible retracement. This can be a cue to tighten stop-loss levels or take partial profits. Conversely, an expanding histogram during a breakout confirms the strength of the move.
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4. Identifying Divergences
MACD divergences are powerful tools for spotting potential reversals:
• Bullish Divergence: Occurs when the price makes a lower low, but the MACD forms a higher low, signaling weakening bearish momentum. This often precedes a trend reversal to the upside.
• Bearish Divergence: Happens when the price makes a higher high, but the MACD forms a lower high, indicating diminishing bullish strength. This suggests a potential reversal to the downside.
How to Use: Combine divergence signals with support or resistance levels to enhance reliability. Divergences are most effective when spotted at major turning points in the market.
Example: On a TRADENATION:EURUSD chart, a bearish divergence signals an upcoming price reversal from an up trend to a down trend.
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5. Trend Confirmation
MACD confirms trends by staying consistently above or below the zero line:
• Above Zero: Indicates a strong uptrend. Look for pullbacks to enter long trades. The longer the MACD remains above zero, the stronger the trend.
• Below Zero: Reflects a persistent downtrend. Use rallies as opportunities to short. A sustained period below zero reinforces bearish dominance.
How to Use: Use MACD’s trend confirmation alongside other trend-following tools like moving averages or Ichimoku clouds. Ensure that market conditions align with the broader trend.
Example: Combining MACD trend confirmation with moving averages helps traders stay on the right side of the trend in a stock market index. For example, buy when both MACD and a 50-day moving average indicate an uptrend. Exit trades when the MACD begins to cross below zero or shows a divergence.
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6. Overbought and Oversold Conditions
Although MACD is not traditionally an overbought/oversold indicator, extreme deviations between the MACD line and the signal line can hint at stretched market conditions:
• Overbought: When the MACD line is significantly above the signal line, it may indicate a price correction is imminent. This often occurs after an extended rally.
• Oversold: When the MACD line is well below the signal line, it suggests a potential rebound. Such conditions are common following sharp sell-offs.
How to Use: Monitor extreme readings in conjunction with oscillators like RSI for added confidence. Look for reversals near key support or resistance levels.
Example: An extended bearish move with a large MACD-signal line gap warns traders of a potential price correction. This can signal an opportunity to exit. Pair this observation with a bullish candlestick pattern to confirm the move (in this example morning star)
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7. Combining MACD with Other Indicators
MACD works best when paired with complementary indicators to provide a more comprehensive market analysis:
• RSI (Relative Strength Index): Use RSI to confirm momentum and overbought/oversold conditions.
• Bollinger Bands: Validate price breakouts or consolidations with MACD signals.
• Support and Resistance: Use MACD signals around key levels for confluence.
How to Use: Wait for MACD signals to align with other indicator readings to improve accuracy. Cross-validation reduces false signals and increases confidence in trades.
Example: A bearish MACD crossover near a key resistance level reinforces a short-selling opportunity.
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8. Multi-Timeframe Analysis
Using MACD across different timeframes strengthens trade signals and provides context:
• Higher Timeframe: Identify the broader trend to avoid trading against the market. For instance, if the daily chart shows a bullish MACD, focus on long trades in lower timeframes.
• Lower Timeframe: Pinpoint precise entries and exits within the higher timeframe’s trend. The MACD on lower timeframes can help fine-tune timing.
How to Use: Align MACD signals on both higher and lower timeframes to confirm trade setups. This alignment minimizes the risk of false signals.
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9. Customizing MACD Settings
Traders can tailor MACD settings to suit different trading styles and timeframes:
• Shorter Periods: Provide more sensitive signals for scalping or day trading. Shorter settings react quickly to price changes but may generate more false signals.
• Longer Periods: Produce smoother signals for swing trading or position trading. Longer settings are less responsive but more reliable.
How to Use: Experiment with different settings on a demo account to find what works best for your strategy. Adjust settings based on the volatility and nature of the asset.
Example: A scalper uses a 5, 13, 6 MACD setting to capture quick momentum shifts in the market, while a swing trader sticks with the standard 12, 26, 9 for broader trends. Compare results across different markets to refine the approach.
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10. Crossovers or Divergence at Key Levels
Combining MACD crossovers with price action levels enhances the reliability of trade signals:
• Horizontal Levels: Use MACD signals to confirm reversals or breakouts at support and resistance levels. Crossovers near these levels are often more reliable.
• Fibonacci Retracements: You can combine MACD with retracement levels to validate potential entries or exits. Confluence with retracements adds weight to the signal.
How to Use: Wait for MACD signals to align with key price levels for higher probability trades. Confirmation from candlestick patterns or volume (stock and crypto) adds further credibility.
Example: A bullish MACD divergence aligns with a strong support level, signaling a strong buy setup. Add confirmation with a candlestick reversal pattern, such as a piercing pattern in our case, to enhance precision.
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Conclusion:
The MACD indicator’s flexibility makes it a must-have tool for traders of all styles. By mastering these strategies and integrating them in your trading, you can elevate your trading decisions.
Disclosure: I am part of Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analyses and educational articles.
How to Draw Trendlines Like a Pro – Rulers Out, Rules In!Hi everyone!
If you don’t have any rules for drawing a trendline, then this is by far the most subjective technical analysis criterion of all. So, grab your ruler, and let’s dive in! ;)
Without clear guidelines, you can draw it however you want, shaping the narrative to fit your bias. This makes it the perfect tool to talk yourself into a trade or justify staying in a bad one—there’s always a new “support” coming…
If you don't have rules, you can always find some dots to connect, making it look "perfect" for you.
In this post, I'll discuss buying opportunities using trendlines, share key rules for drawing them correctly, and highlight common mistakes to avoid - all with a focus on mid- and long-term investment opportunities.
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The Basics: How to Draw a Trendline
The trendline is a highly effective tool for mid- and long-term investors to find an optimal buying zone for their chosen asset. I always take a full view of the chart, analyzing its entire history to find the longest trendline available. The longer the trendline, the stronger it is!
To draw a trendline, we simply connect two points and wait for the third touch to confirm it. Easy, right?
The strongest trendline comes from points that are easily recognizable—you should spot them in a split second.
Maximum view, if possible Monthly chart, connect the dots and wait for a third one.
For me, the third and fourth touches are the most reliable.
If you have to look deeply to find where to draw a trendline, then it's already a first sign that it’s not strong! The best ones appear instantly.
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Two Myths About Trendlines
Myth #1: "You cannot draw a trendline without three touching points."
Don’t even remember from where I heard that kind of bs but as you see in the images above, yeah I can. If I have a correct lineup, the third touch is the strongest.
Myth #2: "The more touches, the stronger the trendline."
Yes, a trend appears stronger with more touches, but each additional touch increases the odds of a break or trend change. To buy from, let’s say, the sixth touch, there must be strong confluence factors, and fundamentals should support the investment.
“The trend is your friend, until the end when it bends.” — Ed Seykota
Sure, I’ve had great trades from the fifth or seventh touch, but as said, the area has to be strong, combining multiple criteria. Think of a trendline like 3-5 cm thick ice on a lake. You can’t break it with one hit, or the second, or the third. But after the fourth or fifth, it starts to crack, and by the sixth—boom!
From my psychological perspective, the more touches, the weaker the trendline becomes.
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Rule #1: Wick to Wick or Body to Body
If there aren't any anomalies, the trendline should always be drawn from wick to wick (image below) or body to body.
Here was the trendline draw from wick to wick
I mostly use body-to-body when there is a lot of noise on the chart and many large wicks that don’t show the real price behavior—whether from a panic sell-off or other unexpected market moves.
Candlestick chart, the trendline drawn from body-to-body
Tip! Body-to-body means drawing trendlines from closing prices to remove unnecessary noise from the chart. To make the chart even clearer, I often use a line chart (it tracks closing prices), which filters out the noise and gives a cleaner view of the price action.
The same chart as above using line chart.
Mistake to avoid: If you start from the wick but the second point is from the body, it's wrong. This can lead to misleading breakout trades or confusing rejection trades.
If there are no significant large wicks, go from wicks.
If a chart offers a lot of huge panic-sell wicks, use bodies instead to get a cleaner setup.
Quite often, I use a hybrid version as well. We are investors, not traders. We need a price zone, not an exact price!
In these cases, I combine wicks and closing prices to find the optimal trendline, which stays somewhere between them.
Light-blue is the zone
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Rule #2: Higher Highs Strengthen the Trendline
A trendline is more reliable if the price makes a new higher high (HH) after the previous rejection, and before it approaches a trendline.
The third and fourth touch came from higher high (HH) levels
This confirms that the recent trend is strong. If it all lines up, we can step in!
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Rule #3: Even Timing Between Touches
A trendline rejection works best when the timing between touches is symmetrical. They don’t have to be perfectly equal but they also shouldn’t be wildly different - one touch being very small and another very large can weaken the trendline’s reliability.
A good combinations is when the price comes from higher high levels, the next touch has an equal or fairly similar distance between previous ones.
Yeah, there are quite a lot of touches, but you get the point; market symmetry plays an important role in making decisions.
Warning: If the next touch comes too soon, especially from a lower high (LH) levels, which signals that momentum may be fading, and the touch happens at an uneven distance, it weakens the trendline’s reliability. So, watch out for that.
Two alerts: uneven length between touches & comes from lower highs.
Next red alert: When there are huge uneven gaps between touches, as shown in the picture below.
The first and second touch compared to the second and third touch are out of balance, weakening the trendline's reliability.
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Trendline Summary: Key Criteria for Mid- to Long-Term Analysis
Open the maximum chart view – analyze all available data for the asset.
The higher the timeframe, the stronger the trendline.
A trendline needs two clean and clear points to be drawn.
The highest probability rejection happens at the third and fourth touch.
If there are large wicks or panic sell-offs, use closing prices (body-to-body).
Remove noise and wicks by using a line chart for a clearer view.
A trendline touch is strongest when the price approaches from a higher high (HH).
A trendline touch is strongest when the distance between touches is symmetrical.
A slight flex in the trendline is ideal; it should be between 20 to 35 degrees, not too steep in its climb. ;)
These are the main criteria for a trendline that I use when analyzing stocks or any asset from a mid-to long-term perspective.
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Trendlines Alone Are Not Enough
Now, here’s the interesting part. Even if a trendline looks perfect and meets all criteria, I still won’t rush to share an analysis. Why? Because a trendline alone isn’t enough.
A trendline is just one piece of the puzzle. We need multiple confluence factors in a single price zone to make the setup truly strong and reliable. Usually, I need at least 3-7 criteria to align before making a move or recommendation.
So, that's it! A brief overview and hopefully, you found this informative. Feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts!
Before you leave - Like & Boost if you find this useful! 🚀
Trade smart,
Vaido
Chart Analysis and Trading Strategy (2)
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If you look at the candle that the finger is pointing to, you can see that it is a bearish candle with Open > Close.
If you look at this on a 30m chart, you can see that it moves as follows and forms lows and highs.
These candle movements come together to form a candle arrangement, and by looking at this, we ultimately set support and resistance points.
As your understanding of candles deepens, you will study charts in various ways.
The reason is that you may know it when you look at the chart, but you cannot when you trade.
That is, because the understanding of candles is not clear.
As you study the charts over and over again, you will learn that charts tend to converge to the median and average values.
You learn that they converge to the median and average values while studying various indicators, but you end up not knowing what you can learn from them.
What is important in the arrangement of candles is that the arrangement of the Open and Close bodies and the Low and High tails that make up the candles play an important role in setting support and resistance points.
I recommend that you understand this explanation through the Internet or a book.
The reason is that it is something that requires a lot of time investment to acquire.
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The HA-MS indicator was created to quickly display support and resistance points as objective information.
Therefore, you can see that when the channel composed of the HA-Low indicator and the HA-High indicator is broken, a trend is formed, and if not, a sideways movement is shown.
The HA-Low, HA-High indicators are indicators created by combining the arrangement of candles and the RSI indicator on the Heikin-Ashi chart.
Therefore, the trading strategy is used to create a trading strategy depending on whether there is support near the HA-Low, HA-High indicators.
The other indicators, BW(0), BW(100), DOM(-60), and DOM(60), are used as support and resistance to create a detailed response strategy.
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Based on this information, trading should be divided into trading in the sideways section and trading in the trend to create a trading strategy.
This trading time is created based on whether there is support in the HA-Low, HA-High indicators.
Since it is made of indicators, I think it provides objective information for chart interpretation with others, reducing the room for controversy.
This is the fundamental reason for using indicators.
It is because we can share objective information with each other.
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In trading within the sideways section, information about the trend is not particularly necessary.
If you set the sideways section with your own indicator or support and resistance points, you can trade based on whether there is support at the end of that section.
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However, when you leave the sideways section, information about the trend is necessary.
That is why we use the M-Signal indicator and Trend Cloud indicator on the 1D, 1W, and 1M charts as indicators for the trend.
For short-term information, you can use the M-Signal indicator and Trend Cloud indicator on the 1D chart.
If the Trend Cloud indicator is displayed in green and the price is maintained above the M-Signal indicator on the 1D chart, it can be interpreted that there is a high possibility of a turn to an uptrend.
If not, it can be interpreted that there is a high possibility of a downtrend.
The mid- to long-term trend can be identified by checking the arrangement status of the M-Signal indicator on the 1W chart and the M-Signal indicator on the 1M chart.
That is, if the M-Signal on the 1W chart > the M-Signal on the 1M chart, it can be interpreted that the mid- to long-term trend is maintaining an uptrend.
Therefore, in order to continue the uptrend from a long-term perspective, the price must be maintained above the M-Signal indicator on the 1M chart.
If not, it is recommended to make short trades if possible.
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To better set the support and resistance points, look at the 1M chart > 1W chart > 1M chart in that order and draw a horizontal line on the indicators (HA-Low, HA-High, BW(0), BW(100), DOM(-60), DOM(60)) displayed on the chart and mark them on the chart.
Mark the support and resistance points on the chart as above.
This marks the support and resistance points with the low and high points.
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It is not easy to start trading at the low or high points every time.
Therefore, as I mentioned earlier, it is important to create a detailed response strategy based on the median and average values.
For this, the StochRSI 50 indicator is displayed.
In addition, the Close of the Heikin-Ashi chart of the 1D chart, which can be usefully utilized when trading below the 1D chart, is added.
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The information I mentioned above is ultimately information that can be obtained through chart analysis.
You can create a trading strategy by deciding whether to check it directly with your eyes and indicate support and resistance points, or to use an indicator that can be checked more quickly.
Chart analysis is about understanding the movement of the chart, and actual trading is conducted according to the trading strategy.
You may think that chart analysis is the trading strategy, but it is not.
No matter how well you analyze charts with your eyes, if you analyze charts when your psychological state is unstable due to subjective thoughts based on various information other than the chart, as I mentioned earlier, you may end up trading in the wrong direction.
To prevent this, it is necessary to use indicators so that subjective thoughts are not applied.
Even if you start trading at the support and resistance points created by the indicator, and it goes in the opposite direction and you suffer a loss, the influence will be weak.
The reason is that you created a trading strategy with the support and resistance points created by the indicator in advance.
Things to consider when starting a trade in a trading strategy are:
1. When to buy or how to buy
2. When to cut loss or how to cut loss
3. How to realize profit
For this reason, it is important to set support and resistance points through chart analysis.
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It is better to do chart analysis briefly.
If you spend too much time analyzing charts, you may end up being trapped in your own subjective thoughts, so be careful.
I think you can tell whether you will do chart analysis in an analyst-like manner or in a chart analysis necessary for trading by looking at how the support and resistance points are marked on the chart.
The ideas of chart analysis often do not include things that need to be considered when starting a trade.
Therefore, in order to apply them to actual trading, you need to create a trading strategy through chart analysis.
The chart analysis for trading reduces the need for separate chart analysis because the information necessary for the trading strategy is displayed on the chart.
However, it may need to change depending on your investment style or the time frame chart you are actually trading on, but it can be advantageous for trading because the support and resistance points are marked.
To ensure this, you need to create an indicator and receive support and resistance points as objective information.
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Thank you for reading to the end.
I hope you have a successful trade.
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Behind the Curtain: Unveiling Gold’s Economic Catalysts1. Introduction
Gold Futures (GC, MGC and 1OZ), traded on the CME market, are one of the most widely used financial instruments for hedging against inflation, currency fluctuations, and macroeconomic uncertainty. As a safe-haven asset, gold reacts to a wide range of economic indicators, making it crucial for traders to understand the underlying forces driving price movements.
By leveraging machine learning, specifically a Random Forest Regressor, we analyze the top economic indicators influencing Gold Futures on daily, weekly, and monthly timeframes. This data-driven approach reveals the key catalysts shaping GC Futures and provides traders with actionable insights to refine their strategies.
2. Understanding Gold Futures Contracts
Gold Futures (GC) are among the most actively traded futures contracts, offering traders and investors exposure to gold price movements with a range of contract sizes to suit different trading strategies. CME Group provides three types of Gold Futures contracts to accommodate traders of all levels:
o Standard Gold Futures (GC):
Contract Size: Represents 100 troy ounces of gold.
Tick Size: Each tick is 0.10 per ounce, equating to $10 per tick per contract.
Purpose: Ideal for institutional traders and large-scale hedgers.
Margin: Approximately $12,500 per contract.
o Micro Gold Futures (MGC):
Contract Size: Represents 10 troy ounces of gold, 1/10th the size of the standard GC contract.
Tick Size: Each tick is $1 per contract.
Purpose: Allows smaller-scale traders to participate in gold markets with lower capital requirements.
Margin: Approximately $1,250 per contract.
o 1-Ounce Gold Futures (1OZ):
Contract Size: Represents 1 troy ounce of gold.
Tick Size: Each tick is 0.25 per ounce, equating to $0.25 per tick per contract.
Purpose: Provides precision trading for retail participants who want exposure to gold at a smaller contract size.
Margin: Approximately $125 per contract.
Keep in mind that margin requirements vary through time as market volatility changes.
3. Daily Timeframe: Key Economic Indicators
Gold Futures respond quickly to short-term economic fluctuations, and three key indicators play a crucial role in daily price movements:
o Velocity of Money (M2):
Measures how quickly money circulates within the economy.
A higher velocity suggests increased spending and inflationary pressure, often boosting gold prices.
A lower velocity indicates stagnation, which may reduce inflation concerns and weigh on gold.
o Unemployment Rate:
Reflects the strength of the labor market.
Rising unemployment increases economic uncertainty, often driving demand for gold as a safe-haven asset.
Declining unemployment can strengthen risk assets, potentially reducing gold’s appeal.
o Oil Import Price Index:
Represents the cost of imported crude oil, influencing inflation trends.
Higher oil prices contribute to inflationary pressures, supporting gold as a hedge.
Lower oil prices may ease inflation concerns, weakening gold demand.
4. Weekly Timeframe: Key Economic Indicators
While daily fluctuations impact short-term traders, weekly economic data provides a broader perspective on gold price movements. The top weekly indicators include:
o Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP):
Measures the number of new jobs added in the U.S. economy each month.
Strong NFP numbers typically strengthen the U.S. dollar and increase interest rate hike expectations, pressuring gold prices.
Weak NFP figures can drive economic uncertainty, increasing gold’s safe-haven appeal.
o Nonfarm Productivity:
Represents labor efficiency and economic output per hour worked.
Rising productivity suggests economic growth, potentially reducing demand for gold.
Falling productivity can signal economic weakness, increasing gold’s appeal.
o Personal Spending:
Tracks consumer spending habits, influencing economic activity and inflation expectations.
Higher spending can lead to inflation, often pushing gold prices higher.
Lower spending suggests economic slowing, which may either weaken or support gold depending on inflationary outlooks.
5. Monthly Timeframe: Key Economic Indicators
Long-term trends in Gold Futures are shaped by macroeconomic forces that impact investor sentiment, inflation expectations, and interest rates. The most influential monthly indicators include:
o China GDP Growth Rate:
China is one of the largest consumers of gold, both for investment and jewelry.
Strong GDP growth signals robust demand for gold, pushing prices higher.
Slower growth may weaken gold demand, applying downward pressure on prices.
o Corporate Bond Spread (BAA - 10Y):
Measures the risk premium between corporate bonds and U.S. Treasury bonds.
A widening spread signals economic uncertainty, increasing demand for gold as a safe-haven asset.
A narrowing spread suggests confidence in risk assets, potentially reducing gold’s appeal.
o 10-Year Treasury Yield:
Gold has an inverse relationship with bond yields since it does not generate interest.
Rising yields increase the opportunity cost of holding gold, often leading to price declines.
Falling yields make gold more attractive, leading to price appreciation.
6. Risk Management Strategies
Given gold’s volatility and sensitivity to macroeconomic changes, risk management is essential for trading GC Futures. Key risk strategies may include:
Monitoring Global Liquidity Conditions:
Keep an eye on M2 Money Supply and inflation trends to anticipate major shifts in gold pricing.
Interest Rate Sensitivity:
Since gold competes with yield-bearing assets, traders should closely track interest rate movements.
Higher 10-Year Treasury Yields can weaken gold’s value as a non-yielding asset.
Diversification and Hedging:
Traders can hedge gold positions using interest rate-sensitive assets such as bonds or inflation-linked securities.
Gold often performs well in times of equity market distress, making it a commonly used portfolio diversifier.
7. Conclusion
Gold Futures remain one of the most influential instruments in the global financial markets.
By leveraging machine learning insights and macroeconomic data, traders can better position themselves for profitable trading opportunities. Whether trading daily, weekly, or monthly trends, understanding these indicators allows market participants to align their strategies with broader economic conditions.
Stay tuned for the next "Behind the Curtain" installment, where we explore economic forces shaping another key futures market.
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.
SUPPORTS AND RESISTANCE Support and resistance levels are key concepts that help investors navigate price movements. These levels are psychological and technical markers where a coin's price tends to slow down, reverse, or consolidate. Understanding them can make the difference between a successful trade and a missed opportunity. What Are Supports and Resistances? Support is a price level where demand for a cryptocurrency is strong enough to prevent further decline. Think of it as a floor where prices “bounce” upward. Resistance is the opposite— a ceiling where selling pressure prevents the price from rising further. These levels form due to the collective actions of traders. At support levels, buyers feel the price is low enough to enter the market. At resistance levels, sellers believe the price is high enough to secure profits. Why Don’t They Last Forever? Support and resistance levels are not permanent because market conditions, sentiment, and external factors are constantly changing. These shifts happen because of supply and demand imbalances or significant events, such as news about regulations, technological upgrades, or changes in market sentiment. Avoiding the Trap of Greed Many traders make the mistake of placing their buy or sell orders right at these levels, aiming for maximum gain. However, this approach can be risky: Support and resistance levels are zones, not fixed lines. A coin’s price might come close but not touch your order before reversing. Missed opportunities: Waiting for the “perfect” entry point might result in missing a profitable trade by a few cents. A wiser strategy is to avoid being too greedy: Place buy orders slightly above support and sell orders slightly below resistance to improve the likelihood of execution. The Big Picture Support and resistance levels are tools—not guarantees. Successful traders view them as part of a broader strategy.
Why DCA Does Not Work For Short-Term TradersIn this video I go through why DCA (Dollar Cost Averaging) does not work for short-term traders and is more suitable for investors. I go through the pitfalls than come through such techniques, as well as explain how trading should really be approached. Which at it's cost should be based on having a positive edge and using the power of compounding to grow your wealth.
I hope this video was insightful, and gives hope to those trying to make it as a trader. Believe me, it's possible.
- R2F Trading
Forex Trend Trading: A Complete Guide for Traders📊 Market Structure: Uptrend vs. Downtrend
🔼 Uptrend Market Structure (Higher Highs & Higher Lows)
Price makes higher highs (HH) and higher lows (HL).
Indicates buyers are in control.
Traders look for buying opportunities at key support levels.
Example Structure:
📍 HH → HL → Higher HH → Higher HL (trend continuation).
🔽 Downtrend Market Structure (Lower Highs & Lower Lows)
Price forms lower highs (LH) and lower lows (LL).
Sellers dominate the market.
Traders look for selling opportunities at resistance levels.
Example Structure:
📍 LL → LH → Lower LL → Lower LH (trend continuation).
📌 Steps to Trade Trends Effectively
1️⃣ Identify the Trend
✅ Use a higher timeframe (H4, D1, W1) to determine the major trend.
✅ Look for HH & HL (uptrend) or LH & LL (downtrend).
✅ Use trendlines, moving averages, and price action for confirmation.
2️⃣ Find Key Support & Resistance Levels
✅ Use previous swing highs and swing lows to mark key levels.
✅ Identify trendline support & resistance zones.
✅ Look for breakouts or retests for entry confirmation.
3️⃣ Use Technical Indicators for Confirmation
🔹 Moving Averages (MA) – 50 EMA & 200 EMA for trend direction.
🔹 RSI (Relative Strength Index) – Overbought (>70) or Oversold (<30) for trend exhaustion.
🔹 MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) – Confirms trend strength & momentum.
4️⃣ Plan Your Entry & Exit Points
✅ Entry Strategy:
Buy at higher lows (HL) in an uptrend.
Sell at lower highs (LH) in a downtrend.
Use candlestick patterns (pin bars, engulfing candles) for confirmation.
✅ Exit Strategy:
Place Stop Loss (SL) below last HL (uptrend) or above LH (downtrend).
Use Take Profit (TP) at key resistance/support levels.
Consider trailing stop losses to maximize gains.
5️⃣ Risk Management & Trade Execution
✅ Risk-to-Reward Ratio (RRR) – Aim for at least 1:2 or higher.
✅ Position Sizing – Risk only 1-2% of your capital per trade.
✅ Monitor Trade – Adjust SL/TP as the trade progresses.
🎯 Trend Trading Strategies
📌 Pullback Trading
Wait for a retracement to a support/resistance level.
Enter at key Fibonacci levels (38.2%, 50%, 61.8%).
Confirm with price action signals.
📌 Breakout Trading
Enter when price breaks a major resistance (uptrend) or support (downtrend).
Wait for a retest of broken structure before entering.
Avoid false breakouts using volume confirmation.
📌 Trendline Trading
Draw trendlines connecting HLs (uptrend) or LHs (downtrend).
Enter when price bounces off the trendline in the direction of the trend.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Trading against the trend without confirmation.
❌ Ignoring risk management and overleveraging.
❌ Entering too late in an extended trend.
❌ Ignoring economic news & fundamental factors.
📌 Final Thoughts
✅ Trend trading is a powerful strategy when used with proper market analysis.
✅ Always confirm trends with technical indicators & price action.
✅ Stick to your plan, manage risk, and stay disciplined for long-term success.
🔹 Happy Trading & Stay Profitable! 🚀📊
[How to] Properly analyzing relative equal levels with orderflow🔑 This is a basic principle and idea overview of why price will behave a certain way around levels where double lows or highs are. Also reviewing what is called Low Resistance Liquidity. This happens when multiple levels are stacked going lower or higher without a stop hunt.
Share this with your trading partner 💪🏽
Momentum Trading Strategies Across AssetsMomentum trading is a strategy that seeks to capitalize on the continuation of existing trends in asset prices. By identifying and following assets exhibiting strong recent performance—either upward or downward—traders aim to profit from the persistence of these price movements.
**Key Components of Momentum Trading:**
1. **Trend Identification:** The foundation of momentum trading lies in recognizing assets with significant recent price movements. This involves analyzing historical price data to detect upward or downward trends.
2. **Diversification:** Implementing momentum strategies across various asset classes—such as equities, commodities, currencies, and bonds—can enhance risk-adjusted returns. Diversification helps mitigate the impact of adverse movements in any single market segment.
3. **Risk Management:** Effective risk management is crucial in momentum trading. Techniques such as setting stop-loss orders, position sizing, and continuous monitoring of market conditions are employed to protect against significant losses.
4. **Backtesting:** Before deploying a momentum strategy, backtesting it against historical data is essential. This process helps assess the strategy's potential performance and identify possible weaknesses.
5. **Continuous Refinement:** Financial markets are dynamic, necessitating ongoing evaluation and adjustment of trading strategies. Regularly refining a momentum strategy ensures its continued effectiveness amid changing market conditions.
**Tools and Indicators:**
- **Relative Strength Index (RSI):** This momentum oscillator measures the speed and change of price movements, aiding traders in identifying overbought or oversold conditions.
- **Moving Averages:** Utilizing short-term and long-term moving averages helps in smoothing out price data, making it easier to spot trends and potential reversal points.
**Common Pitfalls to Avoid:**
- **Overtrading:** Excessive trading can lead to increased transaction costs and potential losses. It's vital to adhere to a well-defined strategy and avoid impulsive decisions.
- **Ignoring Market Conditions:** Momentum strategies may underperform during sideways or choppy markets. Recognizing the broader market environment is essential to adjust strategies accordingly.
By understanding and implementing these components, traders can develop robust momentum trading strategies tailored to various asset classes, thereby enhancing their potential for consistent returns.
Source: digitalninjasystems.wordpress.com
The Two-Faced Market: The Truth Behind Trend Reversals!🎭 The Two-Faced Market: The Truth Behind Trend Reversals! 📊🚀
📢 Ever entered a trade thinking you caught the perfect trend , only to get stopped out as the market reversed?
You're not alone. The market has a way of fooling traders—but if you understand its “two-faced” nature, you can stay one step ahead.
🔥 Why Trends Reverse (and How to Catch It Early!)
Most traders believe trends reverse due to "news" or "randomness." But in reality, the market gives signals long before the turn happens. Here’s what to watch for:
🔹 Momentum Divergence: The price makes a new high, but indicators like RSI/MACD don’t.
🔹 Volume Anomaly: The trend continues, but volume dries up—a sign of weakness.
🔹 Failed Breakouts: Price breaks a key level, only to fall back inside—trapping traders.
🔹 Candlestick Clues: Reversal patterns like engulfing candles or wicks rejecting key levels appear.
🚀 Mastering these signals can put you ahead of 90% of traders.
📊 Real Example: XAU/ USD Trend Reversal in Action
🔎 Breakdown of the setup:
✅ Step 1: Identify a trend (through market structure, trendline or moving average).
✅ Step 2: Look for failed breakouts against the trend
✅ Step 3: Look for trend-following setups
🎯 The Market’s Game: Recognizing The Shift
Trends don’t die suddenly—they fade before reversing. The best traders spot the early signs and position before the crowd.
💡 Have you spotted these reversal signs before? Drop a comment with your experience! 👇🔥
📚 Always follow your trading plan regarding entry, risk management, and trade management.
Good luck!
All Strategies Are Good; If Managed Properly!
~Rich
Disclosure: I am part of Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analysis.
Donchian Channel Strategy like The Turtles TradersThe Turtle Traders strategy is a legendary trend-following system developed by Richard Dennis and William Eckhardt in the 1980s to prove that trading could be taught systematically to novices. Dennis, a successful commodities trader, bet Eckhardt that he could train a group of beginners—nicknamed "Turtles"—to trade profitably using strict rules. The experiment worked, with the Turtles reportedly earning over $100 million collectively. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their strategy, focusing on the core components as documented in public sources like Curtis Faith’s Way of the Turtle and other accounts from the era.
Core Philosophy
Trend Following: The Turtles aimed to capture large price trends in any direction (up or down) across diverse markets—commodities, currencies, bonds, and later stocks.
Systematic Rules: Every decision—entry, exit, position size—was predefined. No discretion allowed.
Volatility-Based: Risk and position sizing adjusted to each market’s volatility, not fixed dollar amounts.
Long-Term Focus: They targeted multi-month trends, ignoring short-term noise.
Two Trading Systems
The Turtles used two complementary breakout systems—System 1 (shorter-term) and System 2 (longer-term). They’d trade both simultaneously across a portfolio of markets.
System 1: Shorter-Term Breakout
Entry:
Buy when the price breaks above the 20-day high (highest high of the past 20 days).
Sell short when the price breaks below the 20-day low.
Skip the trade if the prior breakout (within 20 days) was profitable—avoid whipsaws after a winning move.
Initial Stop Loss:
Exit longs if the price drops 2N below entry (N = 20-day Average True Range, a volatility measure).
Exit shorts if the price rises 2N above entry.
Example: Entry at $100, N = $2, stop at $96 for a long.
Trailing Stop:
Exit longs if the price breaks below the 10-day low.
Exit shorts if the price breaks above the 10-day high.
Time Frame: Aimed for trends lasting weeks to a couple of months.
System 2: Longer-Term Breakout
Entry:
Buy when the price breaks above the 55-day high.
Sell short when the price breaks below the 55-day low.
No skip rule—take every breakout, even after a winner.
Initial Stop Loss:
Same as System 1: 2N below entry for longs, 2N above for shorts.
Trailing Stop:
Exit longs if the price breaks below the 20-day low.
Exit shorts if the price breaks above the 20-day high.
Time Frame: Targeted trends lasting several months (e.g., 6-12 months).
Position Sizing
Volatility (N): N, or “noise,” was the 20-day Average True Range (ATR)—the average daily price movement. It normalized risk across markets.
Unit Size:
Risk 1% of account equity per trade, adjusted by N.
Formula: Units = (1% of Account) / (N × Dollar Value per Point).
Example: $1M account, 1% = $10,000. Corn N = 0.5 cents, $50 per point. Units = $10,000 / (0.5 × $50) = 400 contracts.
Scaling In: Add positions as the trend confirms:
Long: Add 1 unit every ½N above entry (e.g., entry $100, N = $2, add at $101, $102, etc.).
Short: Add every ½N below entry.
Max 4 units per breakout, 12 units total per market across systems.
Risk Management
Portfolio Limits:
Max 4 units in a single market (e.g., corn).
Max 10 units in closely correlated markets (e.g., grains).
Max 12 units in one direction (long or short) across all markets.
Stop Loss: The 2N stop capped risk per unit. If N widened after entry, the stop stayed fixed unless manually adjusted (rare).
Drawdown Rule: If account dropped 10%, cut position sizes by 20% until recovery.
Markets Traded
Commodities: Corn, soybeans, wheat, coffee, cocoa, sugar, cotton, crude oil, heating oil, unleaded gas.
Currencies: Swiss franc, Deutschmark, British pound, yen.
Bonds: U.S. Treasury bonds, 90-day T-bills.
Metals: Gold, silver, copper.
Diversification across 20-30 markets ensured uncorrelated trends.
O kurwa! Curvature in Technical Analysis: What Does It Tell Us?Curvature in TA is trading approach where curved lines are used instead of traditional straight trendlines. Curved lines help to visualize how trends evolve and can provide insights into potential reversals or trend continuations.
One of the known methods that utilize curvature is the MIDAS (Market Interpretation/Data Analysis System). This system was developed by physicist Paul Levine in 1995 and uses curved support and resistance lines based on Volume-Weighted Average Price (VWAP). The curves adapt dynamically as price and volume change, helping to identify trend shifts and potential reversals.
💡 Why should we use Curvature?
Dynamic Support and Resistance: Curved lines adapt to price changes, unlike static horizontal lines.
Reversal Signals: They can signal potential trend shifts earlier than traditional methods.
Better Trend Visualization: They are particularly useful for parabolic or exponential price movements.
📊 Applying Curvature to HBAR (1H TF)
There are two curves on my chart. Both of them shows a curvature pattern forming on the 1-hour timeframe.
L: The curve on left side indicates a strong downward move, and the price appears to be following this curve closely.
R: On the other hand I have drawn curve on the right side, which is alligned as downward curve as well, but it has different angle.
This post is meant to test my theory on real life example.
🔑 Key Points:
Breaks away from the curvature could indicate a potential trend reversal or consolidation.
Combining this analysis with volume and momentum indicators can improve accuracy when predicting possible bounce or breakdown scenarios. Let's see how it works!
MARKET TREND/STRUCTURE USING XAUUSDTRADEWITHKENNY
EDUCATIVE : The trendline drawn above highlights the bullish confirmation on the 4-hour timeframe at the 2,890 support level , following a fake breakout . The 2,880 level acted as a key support zone and was retested multiple times , as shown on the chart before continuing the trend .
It’s always advisable to perform a top-down analysis , starting from the weekly timeframe down to the hourly and minute timeframes , to refine entries at key levels for better trade execution.
Disclaimer : This is my personal view and should not be considered financial advice.
Quarterly Theory "QT"
Introduction to Quarterly Theory (QT)
Time must be divided into quarters for a proper interpretation of market cycles.
Combining QT (Quarterly Theory) concepts with basic ICT concepts leads to greater accuracy.
Understanding QT allows you to be flexible. It adapts to any trading style as it is universal across all time frames.
QT eliminates ambiguity by providing specific time-based reference points to look for when entering trades
.
THE CYCLE
Annual Cycle - 3 quarters each
Monthly Cycle - 1 week each
Weekly Cycle - 1 day each*
Daily Cycle - 6 hours each
Session Cycle - 90 minutes each
*Monday to Thursday, Friday has its own specific function .
Annual Cycle:
Q1 JANUARY - MARCH
Q2 APRIL - JUNE
Q3 JULY - SEPTEMBER
Q4 OCT - DECEMBER
Monthly Cycle**:
Q1 FIRST WEEK
Q2 SECOND WEEK
Q3 THIRD WEEK
Q4 FOURTH WEEK
Weekly Cycle*:
Q1 MONDAY
Q2 TUESDAY
Q3 WEDNESDAY
Q4 THURSDAY
Daily Cycle:
Q1 ASIA
Q2 LONDON
Q3 NEW YORK
Q4 AFTERNOON
**Monthly Cycle starts with the first full week of the month.
*Friday has its own cycle, which is why it is not listed.
Q1 indicates the quarters that follow.
If Q1 expands, Q2 is likely to consolidate.
If Q1 consolidates, Q2 is likely to expand.
TRUE OPENS
True price opens are the beginning of Q2 in each cycle. It validates key levels.
What are the true opens?
Yearly: First Monday of April (Q2)
Monthly: Second Monday of the month (Q2)
Weekly: Second daily candle of the week
Daily: Start of the London session (6 hours after the open of the daily candle)
Asia - London - NY - Evening: 90 minutes after the open of the 6-hour candle.
DIAGRAM:
Q1 (A) Accumulation - Consolidation.
Q2 (M) Manipulation - Judas Swing (Trade this).
Q3 (D) Distribution (Trade this).
Q4 (X) Continuation - Reversal of the previous quarter.
Q1 (X) Continuation - Reversal of the previous quarter.
Q2 (A) Accumulation - Consolidation.
Q3 (M) Manipulation - Judas Swing (Trade this).
Q4 (D) Distribution (Trade this).
ANNUAL CYCLE:
MONTHLY CYCLE:
WEEKLY CYCLE:
DAILY CYCLE:
UNDERSTANDING CHART/CANDLESTICK PATTERNSTRADEWITHKENNY
EDUCATIVE : The circled hammer candlestick on the chart confirms strong buying pressure on XAUUSD . As shown, the market broke through the key resistance level at 2,923.22 , continuing its upward movement.
I’ll be watching for buy opportunities on a retest of the previous key level at 2,923 . However, if the price breaks below this zone, it could move lower toward the key levels where the hammer candlestick initially formed.
KEY LEVELS : 2,923.22 , 2,911.85 , 2,906.77
CONCLUSION : Understanding chart patterns and market structure is crucial for trading success. Learning the market requires consistency, regardless of the losses you may encounter along the way.
Disclamer : This is my personal view and should not be considered financial advice.
Never Miss An Entry! Layered Crossover Strategy Explained🚀 Over 6000% Profit in 8 Months? Mastering Layered Entries with the Multi Crossover Strategy!
📈 Getting the perfect entry is key to maximizing profit. The Multi Crossover Strategy uses a layered entry system to ensure no opportunity is missed—delivering over 6000% profit in backtests with a 77% win rate on DOGEUSDT (15-minute chart).
🔹 The Layered Entry Approach:
Not all trends are the same. Whether it’s a bottom reversal, a bullish retracement, or a small pullback, setting the right long entry criteria is crucial. This strategy dynamically adapts using three key crossovers:
✅ Stochastic Crossover – The first signal, designed to catch the lowest point of a bullish reversal.
✅ 9 SMA Crossover – If the Stochastic entry is skipped, this crossover captures the move early.
✅ MACD Crossover – If both previous crossovers are missed, MACD serves as the final confirmation to enter before it’s too late.
By layering these crossovers, the strategy increases the chances of entering strong trends while minimizing false signals.
📊 Backtest Results (DOGEUSDT 15M Chart):
📌 Win Rate: 77%
📌 Profit Factor: 3.5
📌 Max Drawdown: 11.81%
📌 Avg Win: 2.2% | Avg Loss: 1.67%
📌 Risk-to-Reward Ratio: 1.33
📌 Profit Factor: 3.79
🚀 Can be Fully Automated with CryptoHopper – No manual execution needed! Just set a strategy alert and link to your preffered signal handler, like CryptoHopper.
🔍 Want to see it in action? Check out the strategy here:
How to manage your money in a way to get out of a bull traplet's say for example you bought 50 shares of BITX (bitcoin 2X bullish) on March 07, at Pivot for $45.50, and now you along with a lot of other longs are trapped.
Each time the market rallies other bulls get out at a loss on every rally. Causing another downturn.. trapping you further.
IF Your strategy is like mine so you won't close the trade in a loss, but you are wasting valuable time.
Also suppose you have 30 or 40% of your overall portfolio that is reserved for shorting.
When you take profits on the shorts, instead of saving the money for yor next short, you buy 50 more shares at the current market price of 37.
Now you can get out halfway to your original target, at $41 by selling both, at the same time. you made money on your long, enough to eliminate the loss if you sold the first lot below your original target.
In this example you can sell at $41, which is a lot easier to reach than $45 which might take another week. To determine the level you an get out simply add the two prices and divide by 2.
Trading Psychology or Technical Analysis—When Mind Meets MatterThere’s an age-old battle in trading that makes the bull vs. bear debate look like a game of pickleball (no offense, finance bros). It’s the clash between the traders who swear by their charts and the ones who insist it’s all about mindset.
The technicals versus the psychologicals. Fibonacci retracements versus fear and greed. RSI versus your racing heart.
TLDR? Both matter—a lot. But knowing when to trust your indicators, when to trust yourself, and when to blend both is the fine line that separates those who thrive from those who rage-quit.
⚔️ The Cold, Hard Numbers vs. the Soft, Messy Brain
Think of technical analysis as your sometimes inaccurate GPS in trading. It’s structured, predictable, and gives you clear entry and exit points—until it doesn’t. Because markets, much like a GPS in a tunnel, don’t always cooperate.
That’s where psychology creeps in. Your mind is the ultimate trading algorithm, but it’s often running outdated software. Fear of missing out? That’s just your brain throwing a tantrum. Revenge trading? A glitch in emotional processing. Overconfidence after three wins in a row? Well done, you genius.
Technical analysis gives you signals, but trading psychology determines how you act on them.
🤷♂️ When the Chart Says One Thing, and Your Brain Says Another
Picture this: You’ve mapped out the perfect setup. The moving averages align, volume confirms the breakout, and everything screams BUY .
But then your brain whispers, What if it reverses? What if this is a trap? What if I’m about to donate my account balance to the market gods?
You hesitate. The price moves without you. Now, frustration kicks in, and suddenly, you’re clicking BUY at the worst possible moment—just in time for a pullback.
Sometimes, the best trade is the one you don’t take. And sometimes, trusting the chart over your overthinking brain is the only way forward.
🔥 The Big Guys and Their Choices
Legendary investors have picked their sides in this debate. Howard Marks, the co-founder of Oaktree Capital, has long been a big believer in market psychology. He argues that understanding investor sentiment is more valuable than any chart pattern because markets are driven by cycles of greed and fear.
On the other hand, Paul Tudor Jones—one of the greatest traders of all time—leans on technicals, famously saying, “The whole trick in investing is: ‘How do I keep from losing everything?’ If you use the 200-day moving average rule, you get out. You play defense.”
Both approaches work. The question is: Are you the type who deciphers market mood swings, or do you trust that a well-placed moving average will tell you when to cut and run?
🌀 Overtrading: The Technical Trap and the Psychological Spiral
Overtrading usually starts with a good trade, a small win, and a rush of dopamine that convinces you you’ve cracked the code. So, you take another trade. Then another. And before you know it, you’re firing off entries like a caffeinated gamer, except your PnL is the one taking the damage.
Technical traders fall into this trap because they see too many setups. Every candlestick pattern, every little bounce, every “potential” breakout becomes a reason to trade.
Psychological traders, on the other hand, may overtrade out of boredom, frustration, or the need to “make back” losses.
The result? An emotional rollercoaster that ends with an account balance you don’t want to check the next morning.
The fix? Trade selectively. The best setups don’t come every five minutes, and forcing trades is like forcing a bad joke—it just doesn’t land.
💪 Fear, Greed, and the Art of Holding Your Ground
Every trader knows the feeling: You’re in profit, but instead of letting the trade play out, you close early because profit is profit, right?
Wrong.
Fear of losing profits is what keeps traders from maximizing their wins. And greed—the evil twin of fear—is what makes traders hold losing trades, hoping for a miracle. It’s the classic “let winners run, cut losers short” rule in reverse.
Technical traders know where their stops and targets are. The problem? They often ignore them when emotions take over. Psychological traders “feel” the market but get crushed when that gut feeling betrays them.
The best traders find the balance—using technicals to set logical targets and psychology to actually stick to the plan.
🤝 The Solution? A System That Checks Both Boxes
So, what’s the verdict? Do you put matter over mind or mind over matter?
The truth is, great traders do both. They develop strategies based on technicals but manage execution with discipline. They respect risk management rules not just because the chart says so, but because they know how destructive emotions can be.
Here’s what the best do differently:
✅ They journal trades —not just the setups but how they felt during the trade.
✅ They stick to a trading plan so they can trust their system over impulse.
✅ They set rules that help them to properly bounce back from losses .
✅ They know the value of knowledge and never stop learning. (We’ve got you covered here, too. Go check the Top Trading Books if you’re a trader and stop by the Top Books on Investing if you’re an investor).
💚 Final Thoughts: Mind and Market in Harmony
In the end, trading is never just one or the other. It’s not pure math, and it’s not pure mindset. It’s a dance between structure and instinct, strategy and psychology. The ones who get it right aren’t just great at reading charts—they’re great at reading themselves.
TradeCityPro Academy | Dow Theory Part 3👋 Welcome to TradeCityPro Channel!
Welcome to the Educational Content Section of Our Channel Technical Analysis Training
We aim to produce educational content in playlist format that will teach you technical analysis from A to Z. We will cover topics such as risk and capital management, Dow Theory, support and resistance, trends, market cycles, and more. These lessons are based on our experiences and the book The Handbook of Technical Analysis.
🎨 What is Technical Analysis?
Technical Analysis (TA) is a method used to predict price movements in financial markets by analyzing past data, especially price and trading volume. This approach is based on the idea that historical price patterns tend to repeat and can help traders identify profitable opportunities.
🔹 Why is Technical Analysis Important?
Technical analysis helps traders and investors predict future price movements based on past price action. Its importance comes from several key benefits:
Faster Decision-Making: No need to analyze financial reports or complex news—just focus on price patterns and trading volume.
Better Risk Management: Tools like support & resistance, indicators, and chart patterns help traders find the best entry and exit points.
Applicable to All Markets: Technical analysis can be used in Forex, stocks, cryptocurrencies, commodities, and even real estate.
In the previous session, we explained Principles 3 and 4 of the Dow Theory. Be sure to review and study them, and if you have any questions, let us know in the comments.
📑 Principles of Dow Theory
1 - The Averages Discount Everything (Not applicable to crypto)
2 - The Market Has Three Trends
3 - Trends Have Three Phases
4 - Trend Continues Until a Reversal is Confirmed
5 - The Averages Must Confirm Each Other
6 - Volume Confirms the Trend
📈 Principle 5: Trends Persist Until a Clear Reversal Signal Appears
Full Explanation:
Dow Theory says that once a market picks a direction—like going up (bullish trend) or down (bearish trend)—it keeps moving that way until something big and obvious says, “Nope, we’re turning around!” Think of it like momentum: the market’s lazy and sticks to its path unless it gets a solid reason to switch.
What’s a Trend? It’s the market’s overall direction. Uptrend means higher highs and higher lows (prices keep climbing). Downtrend means lower highs and lower lows (prices keep dropping). Sideways means it’s stuck in a range.
What’s a Reversal Signal? In an uptrend, if prices stop making new highs and start forming lower highs and lows, plus break a key level (like support), that’s a sign the trend’s flipping. In a downtrend, it’s the opposite—higher highs and lows plus breaking resistance mean it’s turning up.
Why Does This Happen? Markets reflect crowd behavior. When everyone’s buying or selling, the trend builds steam and doesn’t stop until the crowd’s mood shifts big-time.
Key Point: Small dips or spikes don’t count. A little drop in an uptrend? Normal. You need a clear pattern or a big break to call it a reversal.
Practical Use: Traders use this to avoid panic-selling on tiny moves and wait for strong signals before jumping ship.
Simple Example:
It’s like riding a bike downhill—you keep rolling fast until you hit a wall or slam the brakes.
📊 Principle 6: Trends Must Be Confirmed by Volume
Full Explanation:
This principle says a trend isn’t legit unless trading volume backs it up. Volume is how much is being bought or sold. If the trend’s real, volume should match it—high volume means lots of people are in on it, low volume means it might be fake or weak.
Uptrend: Prices rising with growing volume? That’s a strong bull run—buyers are all in. Prices up but volume’s tiny? Could be a fluke or manipulation.
Downtrend: Prices falling with big volume? Sellers mean business—bear trend’s solid. Falling prices with low volume? Might just be a quick dip, not a real crash.
How Volume Confirms: It’s like a lie detector for trends. Big volume says, “This move’s for real!” Low volume says, “Eh, don’t trust it yet.”
Extra Detail: In an uptrend, if volume starts dropping, it’s a warning—buyers might be losing steam. In a downtrend, low volume could mean sellers are running out of ammo, hinting at a bounce.
Why It Matters? Dow believed volume shows the market’s true energy. No crowd, no power—simple as that.
Practical Use: Traders check tools like OBV (On-Balance Volume) or volume bars. If a stock jumps but volume’s dead, they might skip it it’s a trap.
Simple Example:
It’s like a party if tons of people show up dancing, it’s a real vibe. If just two guys are there, it’s probably lame.
🎉 Conclusion
We’ve reached the end of today’s educational segment! We’ll start by explaining all of Dow Theory’s principles, and in the future, we’ll move on to chart analysis and the strategy I personally use for trading with Dow Theory. So, make sure you fully grasp these concepts first so we can progress together in this learning journey!
💡 Final Thoughts for Today
This is the end of this part, and I must say we have a long journey ahead. We will continually strive to produce better content every day, steering clear of sensationalized content that promises unrealistic profits, and instead, focusing on the proper learning path of technical analysis.
⚠️ Please remember that these lessons represent our personal view of the market and should not be considered financial advice for investment.
2025 ICT Mentorship: Premium & Discount Price Delivery Intro2025 ICT Mentorship: Lecture 4_Premium & Discount Price Delivery Intro
Greetings Traders!
In this video, we dive into the fundamental concept of Premium and Discount Price Delivery—a crucial aspect of smart money trading that helps us understand how institutions approach the market with precision and efficiency.
Understanding Currency Pairs
Before we explore premium and discount dynamics, it's essential to grasp the basics of currency pairs. A currency pair, like EUR/USD or GBP/USD, represents the value of one currency against another. For example, EUR/USD shows how many U.S. dollars (the quote currency) are needed to purchase one euro (the base currency). Just like any other tradable asset, currency pairs fluctuate in value due to various economic and market factors.
Trading Is Part of Everyday Life
Believe it or not, everyone in the world is a trader. Whether you're buying groceries at a store or negotiating for goods and services, you're participating in trading activities daily. Some people aim to purchase items at a discount, while others can afford to pay a premium—it’s simply part of life.
However, banks and financial institutions take trading to another level. They don’t just trade haphazardly—they operate with extreme precision, aiming to make high-quality investments by executing trades at premium prices and targeting discount levels. This strategic approach allows them to capitalize on market inefficiencies and ensure profitable outcomes.
Why Premium and Discount Matter?
The concept of premium and discount price delivery is foundational for understanding how the market moves. By recognizing where the market is trading at a premium (overvalued) versus a discount (undervalued), traders can make more informed decisions and align their strategies with institutional order flow.
Stay tuned as we break down how to identify these zones on a chart and how to incorporate them into your trading strategy. Make sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an update!
Happy Trading,
The_Architect