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Trend Analysis

The VWAP Blueprint: Your Gateway to Smart Money MovesVWAP: Volume Weighted Average Price What is VWAP? VWAP stands for Volume Weighted Average Price. It’s a trading benchmark that gives the average price an asset has traded at throughout the day, weighted by volume. This makes it more accurate than a simple moving average, especially for intraday analysis. Unlike regular moving averages that treat every price equally, VWAP emphasizes price levels where heavier trading occurred, providing a realistic snapshot of the true average market price institutions and algorithms are interacting with. The VWAP Bounce + Rejection Entry Strategy helps you enter trades at optimal zones of value using the Volume-Weighted Average Price (VWAP). This dynamic line acts as a magnet for price and often becomes a bounce zone when volume aligns. Instead of guessing support or resistance levels, this strategy lets you use VWAP as a real- time value guide, waiting for price to pull into it, show rejection, and bounce away with momentum. How VWAP Works The VWAP is calculated cumulatively from the market open: VWAP = (Cumulative Price × Volume) / Cumulative Volume With each tick or candle: Multiply the price by volume. Add it to the previous cumulative total. Divide by the total volume so far. This means VWAP resets daily and builds throughout the session, offering real-time insight Into what traders are willing to pay based on volume-weighted interest. Why VWAP Matters When price pulls back into VWAP and bounces with rejection, it signals that traders are defending value. Smart money often uses VWAP as a tool for entries or exits. When you align with that behavior and combine it with a clean rejection candle, you get a high-probability trade setup that’s based on logic and flow, not emotion. 1. Institutional Benchmark Institutions and smart money often aim to buy below VWAP (to secure a better-than-average price) and sell above VWAP. So the line often acts as a magnet or barrier where decisions cluster. 2. Intraday Bias Gauge Price above VWAP: Buyers dominate; bullish bias. Price below VWAP: Sellers control; bearish bias. 3. Support/Resistance & Mean Reversion VWAP behaves like a dynamic equilibrium level. Price frequently: Pulls back to VWAP during trends Here's a clear down trend 50 and 200 ma cross over. Await a pull back to trend or ma for continuation. Reverts to VWAP in consolidations Finds support/resistance at or around VWAP How to Use VWAP in Trading 1. Trend Confirmation Use VWAP as a bias filter: if price is cleanly above, favor longs if below, favor shorts. Combine it with higher highs/lows (or lower highs/lows) to validate trend strength. 2. Entry Opportunities In an uptrend: look for pullbacks to VWAP as a buy zone In a downtrend: look for retests of VWAP as a short opportunity. 3. Mean Reversion Strategy If price is far extended from VWAP, and volume shows divergence or exhaustion, consider fading the move with a target toward VWAP (especially in range-bound sessions). 4. Anchored VWAP You can anchor VWAP to specific candles, like a major high, low, or news release, to gauge value zones within a custom context. Best Timeframes for VWAP Intraday trading (1min to 15min): Ideal for scalpers and day traders. VWAP resets daily it’s not designed for swing trading unless you're using anchored VWAP. Pro Tips Don’t use VWAP in isolation pair it with: Market structure (HH/LL, BOS/CHoCH) Volume spikes or divergence Liquidity zones (order blocks, FVGs, imbalance) Session opens (London/NY open confluence) Use VWAP for confluence with other tools, not as a single trigger. VWAP is more than just a line it's a window into the heartbeat of the market. It shows where real money is positioned and whether you’re trading with or against that flow. Used with structure and context, VWAP becomes a weapon for precision entries, smart risk, and clean execution. Vwap entry types 1. VWAP Bounce (Mean Reversion Entry) Best for: Range-bound or early in the session. Entry: Price pulls back to VWAP and shows signs of rejection (e.g., pin bar, engulfing candle). Confirmation: Look for confluence with support/resistance, order blocks, or volume spikes. Stop: Below the recent swing low (if long). Target: Prior high or key level. 2. VWAP Break and Retest (Trend Continuation) Best for: Trending markets. Entry: Price breaks above VWAP with momentum and retests it from the other side. Confirmation: Lower time frame bullish structure, bullish candle on retest. Stop: Below VWAP or structure low. Target: pivot levels or structure high, fib levels. 3. VWAP Reclaim (Reversal Entry) Best for: Capturing a shift in momentum. Entry: Price moves below VWAP, then reclaims it (closes back above with strength). Confirmation: Break of market structure + volume surge Stop: Below reclaim candle. Target: Range high or key fib levels. 4. VWAP Confluence with Other Indicators Combine with: Moving Averages: e.g., 9, 50 and 200 SMA OR EMA Fibonacci retracement levels Order blocks / Liquidity zones Pivot points Use VWAP as a dynamic support/resistance level and enter when multiple signals align. Vwap examples
Education
by samstoobad
Mastering chart patterns - How to use them in trading!Chart patterns are visual formations created by the price movements of a financial asset—like a stock, currency, or cryptocurrency, on a price chart. Traders use these patterns in technical analysis to predict future market direction based on historical behavior. The main chart patterns are the reversal and continuation patterns. ------------------------------- What will we discuss? - Bullish reversal patterns - Bearish reversal patterns - Bullish continuation patterns - Bearish continuation patterns ------------------------------- Bullish reversal patterns: Double bottom A double bottom in trading is a bullish reversal pattern that signals the potential end of a downtrend and the beginning of an uptrend. It forms when the price of an asset falls to a low, bounces back up, then drops again to roughly the same low before rising once more. This creates a "W" shape on the chart. How to trade it: Before entering a trade, wait for the price to break back above the neckline with strong volume, as this indicates a potential bullish reversal. Once the breakout is confirmed, look for an entry on the pullback to the neckline. Inverted head and shoulders An inverted head and shoulders is a bullish reversal pattern that typically forms after a downtrend and signals a possible shift to an uptrend. It consists of three parts: * The left shoulder, where the price makes a low and then bounces. * The head, which is a deeper low followed by another bounce. * The right shoulder, a higher low similar in level to the left shoulder. How to trade it: Before entering a trade, wait for the price to break above the neckline with strong volume, as this confirms the pattern and signals a potential upward move. After the breakout, it's important to wait for a retest of the neckline to look for an entry. Traders typically place a stop-loss just below the right shoulder to manage risk. Falling wedge A falling wedge is a bullish chart pattern that often signals a potential reversal or continuation of an uptrend, depending on where it forms in a price trend. It appears when the price is moving lower but within a narrowing range, creating two downward-sloping, converging trendlines. Both the highs and lows are falling, but the lower highs are coming down faster than the lower lows, which shows that selling pressure is losing strength over time. How to trade it: Wait for the falling wedge to break above the downward trendline and for the price to reclaim the most recent lower high. A breakout alone isn’t always reliable, sometimes the price moves briefly above the trendline without making a higher high, resulting in a fake-out. To confirm the move, wait for a clear higher high and then look to enter on the retracement that follows. ------------------------------- Bearish reversal patterns Double top A double top is a bearish reversal pattern that signals a potential shift from an uptrend to a downtrend. It forms when the price reaches a high, pulls back, then rallies again to the same or similar high but fails to break above it. This creates an "M" shape on the chart. The neckline is the support level at the low point between the two peaks. When the price breaks below this neckline with strong volume, it confirms the pattern and suggests that selling pressure is taking over. How to trade it:
Before entering a trade, wait for the price to break below the neckline with strong volume, as this indicates a potential bearish reversal. Once the breakout is confirmed, look for an entry on the pullback to the neckline. Head and shoulders A head and shoulders is a bearish reversal pattern that typically forms after an uptrend and signals a potential shift to a downtrend. It consists of three peaks: * The left shoulder, where the price rises and then falls. * The head, which is a higher peak followed by another decline. * The right shoulder, a lower high that is roughly equal in height to the left shoulder. How to trade it: Before entering a trade, wait for the price to break below the neckline with strong volume, as this confirms the pattern and signals a potential downside move, After the breakout, it’s important to wait for a retest of the neckline to look for an entry. Traders typically place a stop-loss just above the right shoulder to manage risk Rising wedge A rising wedge is a bearish chart pattern that often signals a potential reversal or continuation of an downtrend, depending on where it forms in a price trend. It appears when the price is moving higher but within a narrowing range, creating two upward-sloping, converging trendlines. Both the highs and lows are rising, but the highs are increasing at a faster rate than the lows. This suggests that buying pressure is weakening over time, and the market may be preparing for a downturn. How to trade it: Wait for the rising wedge to break below the upsloping trendline and for the price to reclaim the most recent high low. A breakout alone isn’t always reliable, sometimes the price moves briefly below the trendline without making a lower low, resulting in a fake-out. To confirm the move, wait for a clear lower low and then look to enter on the retracement that follows. ------------------------------- Bullish continuation patterns Bullflag A bull flag is a continuation pattern that signals the potential for a price to continue moving upward after a brief consolidation or pullback. It forms when the price experiences a strong upward move (the flagpole), followed by a period of consolidation or a slight downward movement (the flag). The flag typically slopes downward or moves sideways, and the consolidation phase usually occurs within two parallel trendlines, creating a rectangle or slight downward channel. How to trade it? Before entering a position, wait for the price to break above the downsloping trendline and establish a higher high. If the price doesn’t make a higher high, it could be a fake-out. Once a higher high is confirmed, look for an entry on the retracement. The target is typically the length of the flagpole projected upward from the breakout point. Bullish pennant A bullish pennant is a continuation pattern that indicates the potential for a price to continue its upward trend after a brief consolidation. It forms when a strong upward move (the flagpole) is followed by a period of consolidation, where the price moves within converging trendlines, creating a small symmetrical triangle or pennant shape. The consolidation typically shows lower highs and higher lows, and the pattern suggests that the market is taking a "breather" before continuing its upward momentum. How to trade it? Before entering a position, wait for the price to break above the downsloping trendline and establish a higher high. If the price doesn’t make a higher high, it could be a fake-out. Once a higher high is confirmed, look for an entry on the retracement. The target is typically the length of the flagpole projected upward form the breakout point. Ascending triangle An ascending triangle is a bullish continuation pattern that typically forms during an uptrend, signaling that the price is likely to continue moving higher. It is characterized by a horizontal resistance line at the top, formed by a series of peaks at roughly the same price level, and an ascending support line at the bottom, formed by higher lows. This creates a triangle shape, where the price is gradually compressing between the horizontal resistance and the rising support. How to trade it? Before entering a position, wait for the price to break above the horizontal resistance level with strong volume. Once the breakout occurs, look for an entry on the retracement back to this area. ------------------------------- Bearish continuation patterns Bearflag A bear flag is a bearish continuation pattern that suggests the price is likely to continue moving downward after a brief consolidation or upward pullback. It forms when there is a strong downward move (the flagpole), followed by a period of consolidation or slight upward movement (the flag). The flag typically slopes upward or moves sideways, and the consolidation occurs within two parallel trendlines, creating a rectangular or upward-sloping channel. This pattern shows that, despite the short-term pullback, the overall downtrend remains intact. How to trade it? Before entering a position, wait for the price to break below the upsloping trendline and establish a lower low. If the price doesn’t make a lower low, it could be a fake-out. Once a lower low is confirmed, look for an entry on the retracement. The target is typically the length of the flagpole projected downward for the breakout point. Bearish pennant A bearish pennant is a bearish continuation pattern that signals a potential continuation of a downtrend after a brief consolidation. It forms when there is a strong downward move (the flagpole), followed by a period of consolidation where the price moves within converging trendlines, creating a small symmetrical triangle or pennant shape. The consolidation typically shows lower highs and higher lows, indicating that the price is taking a pause before continuing its downward movement. How to trade it? Before entering a position, wait for the price to break below the upsloping trendline and establish a lower low. If the price doesn’t make a lower low, it could be a fake-out. Once a lower low is confirmed, look for an entry on the retracement. The target is typically the length of the flagpole projected downward for the breakout point. Descending triangle A descending triangle is a bearish continuation pattern that typically forms during a downtrend, indicating that the price is likely to continue moving lower after a period of consolidation. The pattern is characterized by a horizontal support line at the bottom, formed by a series of lows at approximately the same price level, and a descending resistance line at the top, formed by a series of lower highs. The price contracts between these two trendlines, creating a triangle shape with a downward-sloping upper boundary and a flat lower boundary. How to trade it? Before entering a position, wait for the price to break below the horizontal support level with strong volume. Once the breakout occurs, look for an entry on the retracement back to this area. ------------------------------- Thanks for your support. - Make sure to follow me so you don't miss out on the next analysis! - Drop a like and leave a comment!
Education
by Youriverse
74
Understanding Moving Averages In TradingToday, we dive into a comprehensive guide on Moving Averages (MAs) — one of the most fundamental yet powerful tools in technical analysis. Whether you're a seasoned trader or just starting out, understanding how MAs work can help you better interpret market trends, identify potential entry and exit points, and smooth out price data for clearer decision-making. In this article, we’ll break down the different types of moving averages, how they’re calculated, when to use them, and common strategies that incorporate them into successful trading plans. 1️⃣ 1. What are Moving Averages? Moving averages (MAs) are statistical calculations used in technical analysis to smooth out price data and identify trends over a specific period. They help traders filter out short-term fluctuations and focus on the overall direction of an asset's price. 2️⃣ 2. Importance Moving averages (MAs) play a crucial role in technical analysis by helping traders identify trends, reduce noise, and make informed trading decisions. Here’s why they are important: Trend Identification: MAs help traders determine the overall direction of the market. Dynamic Support & Resistance: Traders watch key MAs (e.g., 50-day and 200-day) to anticipate price reactions. Trading Signals & Crossovers: Detects potential changes in trend direction. Golden Cross (Bullish): When a short-term MA (e.g., 50-day) crosses above a long-term MA (e.g., 200-day), signaling a potential uptrend. Death Cross (Bearish): When a short-term MA crosses below a long-term MA, indicating a possible downtrend. Momentum Confirmation: A steeply rising MA suggests strong bullish momentum, while a declining MA signals bearish strength. 3️⃣ 3. Moving Averages Types Simple Moving Average (SMA): Calculates the simple average of past prices. Exponential Moving Average (EMA): Prioritizes recent prices for faster response. Weighted Moving Average (WMA): Prioritizes recent prices for faster response. Hull Moving Average (HMA): Smooths trends while reducing lag effectively. Smoothed Moving Average (SMMA): Averages data with less sensitivity to noise. Triangular Moving Average (TMA): Applies a double smoothing to price data. Adaptive Moving Average (AMA): Adapts dynamically to changing market trends. Kaufman Adaptive Moving Average (KAMA): Adjusts speed based on volatility and noise. Double Exponential Moving Average (DEMA): Uses dual EMAs to reduce lag in trends. Triple Exponential Moving Average (TEMA): Enhances trend detection with triple EMAs. Arnaud Legoux Moving Average (ALMA): Minimizes lag while improving price smoothness. Variable Moving Average (VMA): Adjusts its value based on market conditions. Volume-Weighted Moving Average (VWMA): Weights price data according to trading volume Jurik Moving Average (JMA): A highly smooth and responsive MA that reduces lag and noise. Fractal Adaptive Moving Average (FRAMA): Adapts to market fractal geometry, adjusting speed based on volatility. Zero Lag Exponential Moving Average (ZLAMA): A variation of EMA that eliminates lag by compensating for past price movements. 4️⃣ 4. Calculations Moving averages are fundamental tools in technical analysis, helping to smooth price data and highlight trends. However, not all moving averages are created equal—each type is calculated differently, affecting how it responds to market movement. In this section, we’ll focus on the formulas behind a few of the most relevant and widely used types: the Simple Moving Average (SMA), Exponential Moving Average (EMA), and Weighted Moving Average (WMA). a. Simple Moving Average (SMA) The Simple Moving Average (SMA) calculates the average price of an asset over a specified period. Lag: High (delayed response to price changes) Best for: Identifying long-term trends and support/resistance SMA = P1 + P2... + ... + Pn / n Where: P1 + P2... + ... + Pn: are the prices (usually closing prices) of the last n periods. n: is the number of periods on average. It gives an equal weight to all prices in the period. ta.sma(close, length) b. Exponential Moving Average (EMA) The Weighted Moving Average (WMA) assigns higher weights to more recent prices, reducing lag and increasing responsiveness compared to SMA. Lag: Lower than SMA but higher than EMA Best for: Short-term trading strategies EMA = (Pt × α) + EMAy × (1 − α) Where: Pt: Current price (usually the closing price) EMAy: Previous period’s EMA α (alpha): Smoothing factor = 2 / (n + 1) n: Number of periods in the EMA It gives more weight to recent prices, reducing the lag compared to SMA. ema = ta.ema(close, length) c. Weighted Moving Average (WMA) The Weighted Moving Average (WMA) assigns higher weights to more recent prices, reducing lag and increasing responsiveness compared to SMA. Lag: Lower than SMA but higher than EMA Best for: Short-term trading strategies WMA = (P1 × w1 + P2 × w2 + ... + Pn × wn) / (w1 + w2 + ... + wn) Where: P1...Pn: Prices (usually closing) over the last n periods w1...wn: Weights assigned to each period (most recent gets the highest weight) n: Number of periods It reacts faster than SMA but smoother than EMA due to its linear weighting. wma = ta.wma(close, length) While there are many variations of moving averages available, the formulas covered here—SMA, EMA, and WMA—represent the most essential and commonly applied in both trading platforms and manual analysis. Understanding how these are calculated gives deeper insight into their strengths, limitations, and the types of signals they provide. 5️⃣ 5. Choosing the Right MA Choosing the Right Moving Average for Your Trading Style Choosing the right moving average (MA) depends on your trading style, time horizon, and goals. Different types of MAs have varying levels of sensitivity to price movements, so the choice should align with your trading strategy. Here’s how you can choose the best moving average based on your trading approach: Short-Term Traders (Day Traders, Scalpers) Exponential Moving Average (EMA): The EMA reacts faster to price changes, which is crucial for short-term traders who need to enter and exit positions quickly. Simple Moving Average (SMA): While less sensitive than the EMA, shorter-term SMAs (like the 5 or 10-period) can still be useful for spotting very quick trend changes. Hull Moving Average (HMA): Offers a good balance between smoothness and responsiveness, reducing lag while staying sensitive to price changes. Medium-Term Traders (Swing Traders) Simple Moving Average (SMA): Longer SMAs (like the 50-period or 100-period) are effective in identifying the general trend over a few days or weeks. Exponential Moving Average (EMA): The 20-period or 50-period EMA can work well for medium-term traders, providing a smoother trend signal while still responding to changes. Smoothed Moving Average (SMMA): The SMMA gives a smoother trend and reduces the noise, which is ideal for swing traders who look for stable trends over a couple of weeks. Long-Term Traders (Position Traders, Investors) Simple Moving Average (SMA): Longer SMAs like the 100-period or 200-period SMA are perfect for long-term traders and investors. These averages provide a clear indication of the long-term trend and act as reliable support and resistance levels. Triangular Moving Average (TMA): TMA smooths out price movements even more and is useful for capturing long-term trends. It's slower, but highly effective for those trading in longer time frames. Trend-Following Traders Exponential Moving Average (EMA): As trend-following traders rely on capturing long trends, EMAs with longer periods (50, 100, 200) are a solid choice, providing smoother signals with less noise. Hull Moving Average (HMA): The HMA reduces lag, making it a great choice for trend-following traders who want to react quickly to changes while staying in the trend. 6️⃣ 6. How To Use Moving Averages Moving averages (MAs) are one of the most widely used tools in technical analysis due to their simplicity and effectiveness in identifying trends, smoothing price data, and signaling potential market reversals. They are used by traders to help spot entry and exit points, determine the direction of the market, and define dynamic support and resistance levels. Here’s a deeper dive into how moving averages are used in trading: Identifying Trends Uptrend: When the price is consistently above the moving average, it indicates a bullish trend. The longer the period of the moving average, the smoother it becomes, showing the overall direction of the market. Downtrend: Conversely, when the price is consistently below the moving average, it indicates a bearish trend. Sideways/Consolidation Market: When the price hovers around the moving average without a clear direction, the market is often in a consolidation phase. Support and Resistance Levels Support Levels: When the price is above a moving average and then pulls back to touch it, the moving average often acts as a support level. Traders anticipate the price to bounce off the moving average and resume its uptrend. Resistance Levels: When the price is below a moving average and then rallies back to it, the moving average often acts as a resistance level. This resistance can lead to a reversal or consolidation as the price struggles to break above the MA. 7️⃣ 7. Golden Cross & Death Cross One of the most well-known signals involving moving averages is the crossover of short-term and long-term moving averages. These crossovers are used to signal potential trend changes and provide traders with entry and exit signals. Golden Cross: Occurs when a short-term moving average crosses above a long-term moving average. Death Cross: Occurs when a short-term moving average crosses below a long-term moving average. Golden Cross This is considered a bullish signal, indicating that an uptrend may be starting or strengthening. When it happens: A common example of a Golden Cross is when the 50-day moving average crosses above the 200-day moving average. The short-term trend is gaining strength and could signal the beginning of a sustained uptrend. Why it works: The Golden Cross indicates that recent prices are moving higher and that momentum is accelerating. It suggests that buying pressure is overpowering selling pressure. Death Cross This is considered a bearish signal, indicating that a downtrend may be imminent or already in place. When it happens: A typical example of a Death Cross is when the 50-day moving average crosses below the 200-day moving average, signaling that the short-term trend is weakening and a bearish shift may be in play. Why it works: The Death Cross shows that short-term price movements are declining relative to longer-term trends, and it indicates increasing selling pressure. 8️⃣ 8. MA Strategies Trend Following The trend following strategy focuses on identifying and capitalizing on strong price movements in one direction. Trend Identification: Moving averages are used to identify whether the market is trending up or down. The most common trend-following strategy is to buy when the price is above a key moving average and sell when it’s below. Trend Confirmation: Once the trend is identified using MAs, traders can enter trades that align with the trend. The idea is to "ride the wave" of the trend as long as possible until there is evidence of a reversal or loss of momentum. MA Crossover Moving average crossovers are one of the most popular and widely used strategies in technical analysis. Crossovers occur when a short-term moving average crosses over a longer-term moving average, signaling potential trend changes. Short-Term Crossovers: These are typically faster and more sensitive, which can help traders spot quicker market changes. Short-term crossovers tend to generate more signals, but they can also lead to more false signals in choppy or sideways markets. (9 EMA & 21 EMA Strategy) Long-Term Crossovers: These are slower and less frequent but tend to produce more reliable trend signals. Long-term crossovers filter out market noise and provide a clearer view of the overall market direction. (The 50/200-Day Moving Average Strategy) Mean Reversion Mean reversion is based on the idea that prices tend to return to their average over time. How to Identify Overextended Prices Overbought and Oversold Conditions: When the price is significantly above or below a moving average, it may be overextended. In such cases, traders expect the price to revert to the moving average. Using MAs as a Benchmark: Traders can use longer-term MAs, like the 50-day or 200-day moving averages, to identify overextended conditions. If the price moves significantly above or below the moving average, it is often seen as an opportunity for mean reversion trades. Trading Moving Average Pullbacks Pullbacks: A pullback is when the price moves against the prevailing trend, temporarily retracing toward the moving average before resuming its original trend. Buying Pullbacks in Uptrends: In an uptrend, traders look to buy when the price pulls back to a moving average like the 50-day or 200-day MA, assuming the trend will continue. Selling Pullbacks in Downtrends: In a downtrend, traders look for selling opportunities when the price temporarily rallies back to a moving average, anticipating a return to the downtrend. 9️⃣ 9. Key Takeaways Moving Averages (MAs) smooth price data, helping identify trends, entry, and exit points. Trend Following Strategies use MAs to align trades with the market’s direction (uptrend, downtrend). Support & Resistance: MAs act as dynamic levels where prices may reverse or consolidate. Crossovers: - Golden Cross (50/200-day crossover) signals a bullish trend. - Death Cross (50/200-day crossover) signals a bearish trend. - Short-Term Crossovers (9/21 EMA) provide faster signals for active traders. Mean Reversion Strategy: Prices often revert to their moving average after being overextended. Pullback Trading: Enter trades when prices pull back to key MAs during trends. Combining Indicators: - RSI confirms MAs’ buy or sell signals. - MACD crossover strengthens trend direction confirmation. - Bollinger Bands help assess volatility, confirming price targets and trends. Timeframe Selection: Short-term traders use quicker MAs (e.g., 9 EMA), while long-term traders prefer slower MAs (e.g., 200-day SMA). Best MA Settings: For trend-following, use 50/200-day MAs; for short-term, use 9/21 EMAs. Stay sharp, stay ahead, and let’s make those moves. Until next time, happy trading!
CME_MINI:ES1!Education
by CandelaCharts
SPY/QQQ Plan Your Trade Update : Behind The Scenes ResearchI want to say thank you to all of you and to share with you all the work/resources/servers/and other data I maintain to help me identify where and how the markets will present opportunities to all of us. This video shows you a bit of the behind-the-scenes work I do and some of my proprietary modeling systems. I'm not sharing this with you to try to win you over or to tell you I do more than anyone else in terms of research. I'm sure there are many others who go much further than I do in terms of trying to dissect the markets and the opportunities available. But I do believe I deliver very unique research, which is a one-of-a-kind solution for traders. Again, I'm not 100% accurate (I wish I were). But I am trying to share some of the decision-making solutions I use to understand where the markets are likely to move over the next 2- 4+ months and how traders can profit from my research. Remember, you are only seeing about 10% of my total research, tools, modeling systems, and capabilities in these Plan Your Trade videos. I want to thank all of you who continue to value my work. It is not easy. It takes money, time, and resources to continue to monitor all of these systems/algos. The end result, I believe, is one of the most unique future/current modeling system resources you can find anywhere. Again, thank you for making my research a success. I promise to do more and improve my tools over the next 12+ months for everyone to find better profits. Get some. #trading #research #investing #tradingalgos #tradingsignals #cycles #fibonacci #elliotwave #modelingsystems #stocks #bitcoin #btcusd #cryptos #spy #gold #nq #investing #trading #spytrading #spymarket #tradingmarket #stockmarket #silver
AMEX:SPYEducation
by BradMatheny
2
How to Trade Liquidity Sweeps Using PDH/PDL Levels (Smart Money This guide shows how to use the **Liquidity Sweep Detector – PDH/PDL Levels** script, now live on my profile. **What It Does:** - Accurately plots the previous day's high and low on intraday charts (15m, 1H) - Detects when price *sweeps* above or below those levels (potential liquidity grabs) - Visually marks sweeps with a dashed line and alerts you in real time - Optional table to show current sweep status (can be toggled off) **How I Use It:** - Wait for a sweep above PDH or below PDL - Look for rejection candles or structure shift afterward (e.g., CHoCH or BOS) - Combine with session timing (e.g., London/NY) for confluence **Pro Tip:** Set alerts to catch sweeps even when you're away from the screen. Just click "Add Alert" and use: - `PDH Sweep Triggered` - `PDL Sweep Triggered` This is part of how I approach Smart Money trading — combining market structure with real liquidity events. Script is open and free to use — find it on my profile: **Liquidity Sweep Detector – PDH/PDL Levels**
Education
by backtestbay
What Is Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA) in Investing and Trading?What Is Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA) in Investing and Trading? Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) is a popular strategy used by investors and traders to manage market fluctuations and build positions over time. Instead of trying to time the market, DCA focuses on consistent, regular investments regardless of price movements. This article answers “What is DCA?”, its advantages and limitations, and how it can be applied in both investing and trading. What Is Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA)? So what is DCA investing? Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) is a strategy that involves consistently investing a fixed sum at regular intervals, regardless of the asset’s current price. This approach helps distribute the cost of purchases over time, potentially reducing the impact of short-term price fluctuations. Instead of trying to time the market perfectly—a challenging task even for experienced traders—a dollar-cost averaging strategy focuses on regular contributions to average the cost of assets. This method offers a straightforward, disciplined strategy for both long-term investors and traders who wish to build or adjust positions gradually. By spreading out purchases, a DCA strategy may help mitigate the effects of market volatility. For example, during a period of market decline, the fixed investment buys more units at a lower cost, which could result in higher returns when prices recover. Conversely, during a sustained rise, the investor buys fewer units, which helps avoid overexposure. For example, if you invest $50 every week and the market is rising, you will buy fewer stocks, but when the market is moving down, you will buy more with the same amount. What does DCA mean for market participants? DCA is particularly useful in uncertain economic environments where price swings are common. It provides a systematic approach to entering the market, removing the need to make snap decisions based on short-term market movements, and fostering a steady accumulation of assets over time. How Does DCA Work? DCA investing operates by establishing a regular schedule for investing a set amount of money into a chosen asset, regardless of its current market price. Instead of waiting for a particular price or market condition, funds are allocated at consistent intervals—be it weekly, monthly, or quarterly. Over time, this means buying more units when prices are lower and fewer units when prices are higher, resulting in an average purchase price that can be lower than if the investment was made in one lump sum. Consider an investor using DCA. They commit £100 every month to buy company shares. In the first month, the share price is £20, so they purchase 5 shares. The next month, the price drops to £10, allowing them to buy 10 shares with the same £100. In the third month, the price rises to £25, and they purchase 4 shares. Over three months, the investor has spent £300 and acquired 19 shares in total. To calculate the average cost per share, divide £300 by 19, which equals approximately £15.79 per share. This average is lower than the highest price paid and reflects the effect of buying more shares when prices are low and fewer when prices are high. DCA also simplifies the process of entering the market. By adhering to a set timetable, investors bypass the need for constant market analysis, making it particularly appealing for those who prefer a more hands-off strategy. This systematic approach can be applied not only to traditional investments like shares and funds but also to other assets that traders and investors engage with. DCA in Trading DCA isn't just for long-term investors; traders can also employ it to navigate the ups and downs of fast-moving markets. By spreading out their entries or exits, traders may potentially lower the average cost of a position or build on a winning trend, all while managing their exposure to volatile moves. Lowering the Average Price For traders facing a position that's moving against them, DCA offers a way to adjust the average entry cost. By allocating additional funds, the average price of the position may be reduced. This approach can create a potential opportunity to exit with better returns if the market reverses. However, it is important to note that this method also increases exposure, and additional entities might compound losses if the trend continues. Adding to a Winner Conversely, traders may apply DCA to increase their positions when an asset shows strength. By gradually adding to an effective trade, the overall exposure is built in a controlled manner, potentially capturing further movement without committing all capital at once. This method is particularly popular in markets where momentum builds slowly, allowing traders to gradually take advantage of the sustained trend. Applications Across Markets Using DCA in stocks can help manage entries during periods of volatility, especially when market sentiment shifts rapidly. Forex traders often use similar techniques to adjust positions in response to fluctuating currency pairs, while the high volatility seen in crypto* markets makes DCA an appealing strategy for building positions gradually. When using DCA in trading, a disciplined approach is essential. Whether lowering the average cost in a losing position or building on an effective trade, traders should carefully consider the additional risk that comes with increased exposure. Advantages of Dollar-Cost Averaging Dollar-cost averaging offers a range of advantages that make it an attractive strategy for both investors and traders, especially when navigating uncertain markets. Mitigating Market Volatility By investing a fixed amount at regular intervals, DCA spreads out exposure over time. This approach can reduce the impact of sudden market swings. Instead of being affected by a one-off high price, the average cost is spread across different market conditions. This may help stabilise entry points and smooth out short-term volatility. Disciplined Investment Approach DCA promotes a structured investment routine. With regular contributions, there is less temptation to try timing the market. This disciplined approach might be particularly useful when markets are highly volatile or ahead of news and economic events. It encourages systematic investing, reducing the likelihood of making impulsive decisions driven by market noise. Accessibility for All Traders DCA does not require intricate market analysis or deep expertise in market timing. Its straightforward nature makes it appealing to both newcomers and seasoned traders looking for a simpler method to build positions over time. By providing a clear framework, DCA allows traders to focus on long-term goals without the pressure of constant market monitoring. Limitations of Dollar-Cost Averaging While dollar-cost averaging offers a structured approach to investing and trading, there are some limitations to consider. Potential Opportunity Cost Spreading out investments means funds are gradually deployed over time. In a market that is consistent, waiting to invest might lead to missed returns compared to committing all funds upfront. This method can reduce the impact of volatility but might underperform during extended trends. Continued Exposure to Market Trends Investors remain exposed to the market throughout the investment period. If the market experiences a prolonged trend, regular investments will accumulate at better prices, but overall returns may still suffer. This approach does not eliminate market risk and requires a long-term perspective to potentially see a turnaround. Dependence on Consistency The effectiveness of dollar-cost averaging relies heavily on maintaining a consistent investment schedule. Any interruption or inconsistency can dilute the intended advantages of the strategy. It also assumes that investors are able to commit regular funds, which may not be feasible in all financial situations. Comparing DCA to Lump-Sum Investing Comparing DCA to lump-sum investing offers insights into different approaches to managing market exposure and returns. Risk Exposure Lump-sum investing involves placing all available funds into an asset at once. This method can yield higher returns if the market moves in their favour, but it also exposes the investor to immediate risk if the market moves against them. In contrast, risk is spread over time through a dollar-cost average, meaning regular investments reduce the likelihood of entering the market at a high point and potentially lowering the overall average cost. Market Conditions The performance of each approach can vary depending on market trends. In steady trends, lump-sum investing may capture more returns since all funds are deployed early. However, in volatile or declining conditions, DCA could mitigate the effects of short-term fluctuations by smoothing out entry prices over time. Flexibility and Commitment Lump-sum investing requires confidence and a readiness to commit all funds immediately. DCA, on the other hand, offers a more measured entry into the market. This method is popular among those who prefer a systematic approach and might not have a large sum available at one time. The Bottom Line Understanding the dollar-cost averaging definition can help investors and traders potentially manage market volatility and reduce emotional decision-making. While it has its limitations, DCA can be an effective strategy for building positions over time. FAQ What Is an Example of Dollar-Cost Averaging? Imagine investing £100 into a stock every month, regardless of its price. In January, the stock costs £20, so you buy five shares. In February, the price drops to £10, allowing you to buy 10 shares. In March, the price rises to £25, and you buy four shares. Over three months, you’ve invested £300 and purchased 19 shares, averaging out your cost per share to £15.79. Is There the Best Dollar-Cost Averaging Strategy? The most effective DCA strategy depends on individual goals. A consistent, long-term approach with regular investments—whether weekly or monthly—may help smooth out market volatility. Focusing on diversified assets could also reduce risk exposure. What Is the Daily DCA Strategy? This strategy involves investing a fixed amount every day through DCA, meaning it may help minimise the impact of short-term price fluctuations in volatile markets. However, it requires careful planning due to frequent transactions and potential fees. Does Dollar-Cost Averaging Work With Stocks? Yes, DCA is commonly used with stocks. It may help manage the effects of market volatility, allowing investors to build positions over time without worrying about short-term price swings. What Does DCA Mean in Stocks? DCA, or dollar-cost averaging, in stocks, means regularly investing a fixed amount, regardless of price, to average out the cost per share over time and manage market volatility. A similar answer is true for “What does DCA mean in crypto*?”, except it would involve a regular fixed investment in a particular cryptocurrency*. How to Calculate DCA in Crypto* Investing? There is a simple formula to calculate DCA, meaning in crypto*, an investor would just divide the total amount invested by the total number of units purchased. This provides the average cost per unit over time, regardless of price fluctuations. *Important: At FXOpen UK, Cryptocurrency trading via CFDs is only available to our Professional clients. They are not available for trading by Retail clients. To find out more information about how this may affect you, please get in touch with our team. 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.
NASDAQ:NVDAEducation
by FXOpen
1
Mastering Stop Losses: How Not to Trigger Them at the Worst TimeThere are few things more humiliating in trading than setting a stop loss… only to have the market tag it by a hair’s breadth before rocketing in the direction you knew it was going to go. Oftentimes (hopefully not too often), stop losses are the financial equivalent of slipping on a banana peel you placed yourself. But stop losses aren't the enemy. Their placement, however, could be. If you’ve ever rage-quit your chart after being wicked out by a fakeout, this one’s for you. Let’s talk about how to master stop losses — without feeling like the market is personally out to get you. 😬 The Necessary Evil: Why Stop Losses Exist First, let's acknowledge the elephant in the room: stop losses sometimes sting. They're like smoke alarms. Annoying when they chirp over burnt toast, lifesaving when there’s an actual fire. The purpose of a stop loss isn’t to predict exactly when you’re wrong — it’s to limit how wrong you can be. It's the difference between losing a quick battle and losing the whole war. Trading without a stop loss is like walking a tightrope without a net — all fine until it’s not. 🤔 The Amateur Mistake: "Where Should I Put My Stop?" A lot of traders approach stop-loss placement like they're picking lottery numbers: random, emotional, hopeful. "I’ll just slap it 10 pips below my entry. Seems safe." But the market doesn’t care about your preferred round numbers. It cares about liquidity, volatility, and structure, regardless if it's the forex market , the crypto space , or the biggest stock gainers out there. Good stop-loss placement is about logic, not luck. It's about asking: Where is my trade idea invalidated? Where does the market prove me wrong? If you're placing stops based on how much you're "willing to lose" rather than where your setup breaks down, you’re setting yourself up to be triggered — emotionally and financially. 💪 The Art of "Strategic Suffering" Good stops hurt a little when they’re hit. That’s how you know they were placed properly. Stops shouldn't be so tight they get hit on routine noise, but they also shouldn't be so far away that you need therapy if it fails. Think of it as strategic suffering: you’re accepting controlled pain now to avoid catastrophic pain later. Legendary trader Paul Tudor Jones famously said: “The most important rule of trading is to play great defense, not great offense.” 🤓 Where Smart Traders Place Their Stops Want to know where smart money hides their stops? It's not random. It’s calculated. Below key swing lows for long trades (how much below depends on the risk-reward ratio they’ve chosen to pursue) Above key swing highs for shorts (how much above is, again, tied to the risk-reward ratio) Outside of obvious support/resistance zones (also, risk-reward plays a role) In other words: start thinking like the market. Where would a big player have to exit because the structure is truly broken? That’s where you want your stop. 👀 Avoiding the Stop-Hunter’s Trap Is stop-hunting real? Oh yes. And no, it’s not personal. You're just very readable if you park your stops in obvious, lazy places. The market loves liquidity. Price often pokes below swing lows or above highs because that’s where the money is. Stops create liquidity pockets that big players exploit to enter their trades at better prices. So how do you avoid becoming easy prey? Give stops a little breathing room past obvious levels. Use volatility measures like ATR to set dynamic buffers. Respect structure, not just random dollar/pip amounts. A good stop is hidden in plain sight but protected by logic, not hope. ⚖️ Sizing Smarter: Risk per Trade Matters More Than Stop Distance (What’s Risk-Reward Ratio?) Here’s where many traders mess up: they think tighter stops are always better. Wrong. Your stop distance and your position size are a package deal. If your trade idea requires a wider stop to be valid, your position size should shrink accordingly. Trying to cram your usual size into a wide stop setup is how small losses turn into account-threatening disasters. Hedge fund pioneer George Soros once said: “It’s not whether you’re right or wrong that's important, but how much you make when you're right and how much you lose when you're wrong.” Master your sizing relative to your stop, and you master your survival. In other words, the risk-reward ratio should be playing a key role in placing your stop losses. 🥤 Mental Stops vs Hard Stops: Pick Your Poison Some traders swear by mental stops: “I'll get out when it hits this level.” Others use hard stops: set-and-forget protective orders baked into the system. Both have pros and cons: Mental stops allow flexibility but risk emotional sabotage. Hard stops guarantee protection but can trigger on sudden, hollow wicks. Pro tip? Use hard stops if you’re new or undisciplined. You don’t want to be the guy saying “I’ll close it soon...” while watching your unrealized loss grow a second head. 🤯 Stop-Loss Psychology: It’s You, Not the Market If you find yourself constantly blaming “stop-hunting whales” or “market manipulation” every time you get tagged out... maybe it’s not them. Maybe it's your stop placement. Discipline in trading isn’t just about clicking buttons at the right time. It’s about planning for the tough times—and sticking to your plan even when it feels bad. ❤️ Final Thought: Love Your Stops (Or at Least Respect Them) Stop losses aren't your enemy. They're your overprotective friends. Sometimes they’ll throw you out of a trade you "knew" would come back. But more often, they’ll save you from very dangerous outcomes. Mastering stop losses isn't about never getting stopped out. It’s about getting stopped out properly — with dignity, with minimal damage, and with your account intact. In trading, pain is inevitable. Wipeouts are optional. Your move: How do you manage your stops — and have you ever been wicked out so badly you considered quitting trading? Drop your best (or worst) stop-loss stories below.
Education
by TradingView
21
Candlestick Patterns + Trend and Momentum: A Perfect CombinationCandlestick patterns provide valuable insights into price action, showing potential reversals, continuations, or market indecision. However, to significantly improve their effectiveness, combining candlestick analysis with trend and momentum indicators is essential. Here’s how you can use these combinations to trade with more confidence and accuracy. 1. Why Candlestick Patterns Matter Candlestick patterns visually represent traders’ psychology through price movements, including four key prices: Open, Close, High, and Low. Some of the most common and useful patterns include: Doji: Indicates market indecision and potential reversals. Hammer & Hanging Man: Signals possible trend reversals at support or resistance. Engulfing Pattern: Often marks the beginning of a significant reversal. Morning/Evening Star: Combination patterns that strongly suggest a trend reversal. 2. Adding Trend and Momentum Indicators Candlestick patterns alone might lead to false signals or confusion. By pairing them with other technical tools, such as moving averages, RSI (Relative Strength Index), or MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence), you gain crucial context to confirm the reliability of the patterns. Here’s how: Trend Alignment: Using moving averages, such as the 20 or 50-period EMA, helps confirm whether a bullish candlestick pattern appears in an uptrend (strengthening the signal) or countertrend (potentially weaker signal). Momentum Confirmation: Oscillators like the RSI or MACD can confirm the underlying momentum behind a candlestick pattern. For instance, a bullish engulfing pattern becomes more reliable if it coincides with RSI moving upward from oversold territory or MACD showing a bullish crossover. Volume Analysis: Higher volume on the candle that forms the pattern typically confirms increased market interest and strengthens the validity of the signal. 3. Practical Example: Bullish Engulfing + RSI Imagine you spot a bullish engulfing pattern forming at a clear support level after a downtrend: Step 1: Identify the Pattern: Confirm the bullish engulfing visually. Step 2: Check RSI: Ensure RSI is below 30 or rising, signaling oversold conditions and potential bullish momentum. 4. Why This Approach Works Enhanced Accuracy: Combining candlestick signals with trend and momentum indicators increases signal reliability. Improved Risk Management: Clearer signals mean more confident entries and better-defined stop-loss levels. Reduces False Signals: Multiple confirmations reduce the risk of false breakouts or reversals. 5. Final Tips Always look for multiple confirmations (trend, momentum, volume) before making trade decisions based solely on candlestick patterns. Be patient—waiting for full confirmation can help avoid premature trades. Regularly backtest and practice recognizing these combined signals to strengthen your trading strategy.
AMEX:SPYEducation
by TrendGo_Official
Your ULTIMATE Guide For Time Frames in Gold, Forex Trading If you just started trading, you are probably wondering what time frames to trade. In the today's post, I will reveal the difference between mainstream time frames like daily, 4h, 1h, 15m. Firstly, you should know that the selection of a time frame primarily depends on your goals in trading. If you are interested in swing trading strategies, of course, you should concentrate on higher time frames analysis while for scalping the main focus should be on lower time frames. Daily time frame shows a bigger picture. It can be applied for the analysis of a price action for the last weeks, months, and even years. It reveals the historical key levels that can be relevant for swing traders, day traders and scalpers. The patterns that are formed on a daily time frame may predict long-term movements. In the picture above, you can see how the daily time frame can show the price action for the last years, months and weeks. In contrast, hourly time frame reflects intra week & intraday perspectives. The patterns and key levels that are spotted there, will be important for day traders and scalpers. The setups that are spotted on an hourly time frame, will be useful for predicting the intraday moves and occasionally the moves within a trading week. Take a look at the 2 charts above, the hourly time frame perfectly shows the market moves within a week and within a single day. 4H time frame is somewhere in between. For both swing trader and day trader, it may provide some useful confirmations. 4H t.f shows intra week and week to week perspectives. Above, you can see how nicely 4H time frame shows the price action on EURUSD within a week and for the last several weeks. 15 minutes time frame is a scalping time frame. The setups and levels that are spotted there can be used to predict the market moves within hours or within a trading session. Check the charts above: 15 minutes time frame shows both the price action within a London session and the price action for the last couple of hours. It is also critical to mention, that lower is the time frame, lower is the accuracy of the patterns and lower is the strength of key levels that are identified there. It makes higher time frame analysis more simple and reliable. The thing is that higher is the time frame, more important it is for the market participants. While lower time frames can help to predict short term moves, higher time frames are aimed for predicting long-term trends. ❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️ I am part of Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analysis.
TRADENATION:XAUUSDEducation
by VasilyTrader
6
Ultimate Guide to Master ICT KillzonesWhy Timing Matters Just as Much as Price Smart Money Concepts (SMC) and ICT methodologies are built on the idea that markets are manipulated by large players with precision. While most traders obsess over price levels, entry models, and liquidity zones, many fail to realize that none of those matter if they happen at the wrong time. Time is not an afterthought, it's a core part of the edge. Price can show you where the move might happen, but time shows you when smart money is most likely to act. That window of action is what ICT calls the killzone. What Are Killzones? Killzones are specific time periods in the trading day when smart money typically executes large moves. These sessions have predictable volatility and institutional order flow. They are not just random hours, they coincide with major session opens and overlaps. The most relevant killzones are: London Killzone (LKO), 2 AM to 5 AM EST New York Killzone (NYKO), 7 AM to 10 AM EST New York Lunch/Dead Zone, 11:30 AM to 1 PM EST (low probability, often reversal traps) Each killzone offers unique opportunities depending on how liquidity has been engineered prior. ICT-style setups are most reliable when they form within, or directly in anticipation of, these windows. The Trap Before the Real Move Smart money loves to trap retail traders. This trap usually happens just before or early in a killzone. For example, if price takes out a key high at 2:30 AM EST (London open), many retail traders see a breakout. But those in tune with SMC see it as a classic liquidity raid, bait before the reversal. Once that external liquidity is taken, smart money shows its hand with displacement, a sudden, aggressive move in the opposite direction. This typically forms a clean imbalance (Fair Value Gap) or a breaker block. That’s your cue. If the price returns to that level within the killzone, that’s the optimal entry window. Confluence is King: Time, Liquidity, and Structure The most reliable SMC setups happen when: Liquidity is swept early into a killzone Displacement confirms the real direction during the killzone Entry happens via return to an FVG or OB created within that same session The setup might still look right if it forms outside these windows, but without proper timing, it’s often just noise or engineered liquidity to trap impatient traders. Real-World Example: NY Killzone Short NY, At 8:30 AM EST, price runs above the Asian highs, sweeping liquidity Displacement, Sharp bearish move breaks structure to the downside at 8:45 AM Entry, Price retraces into the 5M FVG at 9:10 AM Result, Clean reversal into a nice profit trageting liquidity, all within the NY session Outside of this killzone structure, the same setup likely would have chopped or failed. Common Mistakes Traders Make With Time Chasing price outside of killzones, Setup might look good, but volume is thin and no follow-through comes Assuming all killzones are equal, London setups are often cleaner in structure, while NY has more manipulation around news Forcing trades in NY lunch, Midday reversals do happen, but they’re lower probability. If you're not already in a position by 11 AM EST, it's often best to wait for the next day The Discipline Edge Most traders overtrade not because they lack setups, but because they don’t filter based on time. By only trading when price interacts with your levels during active killzones, you immediately reduce the number of bad trades and increase your focus on meaningful opportunities. Good setups are rare. Good setups in the right timing window are even rarer. That’s where consistency comes from. Final Thoughts Time is not optional. In SMC and ICT, it’s not enough to have the level, you need the timing. Killzones are your filter, your edge, and your context for every trade. Once you understand how time and price move together, and stop treating every moment on the chart equally, your trading will start to reflect the true flow of smart money. Wait for time, wait for price, then strike. ___________________________________ Thanks for your support! If you found this guide helpful or learned something new, drop a like 👍 and leave a comment, I’d love to hear your thoughts! 🚀 Make sure to follow me for more price action insights, free indicators, and trading strategies. Let’s grow and trade smarter together! 📈
CAPITALCOM:US100Education
by TehThomas
70
The Golden Code: Unlocking the Markets with Fibonacci Sequence “Mathematics is the language in which God has written the universe.” – Galileo Galilei If this is true, then the Fibonacci sequence is the poetry of that language, especially in trading. 📚 What is Fibonacci? Why Should Traders Care? Fibonacci is more than just a sequence of numbers — it’s a universal law of growth and proportion. From galaxies to sunflowers, and now to the charts on your TradingView screen, Fibonacci is everywhere. In trading, Fibonacci retracement levels are used to identify potential reversal zones, where price is likely to bounce or stall, making it one of the most powerful tools in a trader’s arsenal. But few truly understand its depth, and fewer still use it intelligently. Let’s dive into the power of the Fibonacci sequence, how it influences retracements, and how you can use it to your trading advantage, whether you’re a scalper, swing trader, or position trader. 🧠 The Fibonacci Sequence: Where It All Begins The Fibonacci sequence is a series of numbers where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, ... Some Math somebody? Take your seats and calculators away! 😂😂 📉 Fibonacci Retracement Levels & How They're Calculated These levels are percentages based on relationships between Fibonacci numbers. ✅ 0.236 (23.6%) Divide a number by the one three places ahead: Example: 13 ÷ 55 = 0.236 Another: 21 ÷ 89 = 0.236 ✅ 0.382 (38.2%) Divide a number by the one two places ahead: Example: 21 ÷ 55 = 0.382 Another: 34 ÷ 89 = 0.382 ✅ 0.500 (50.0%) Not directly from Fibonacci, but commonly used due to psychological midpoint in markets. ✅ 0.618 (61.8%) – The Golden Ratio Divide a number by the next number: Example: 34 ÷ 55 = 0.618 Another: 55 ÷ 89 = 0.618 This is the famous Golden Ratio, which appears in nature, art, and financial markets. ✅ 0.786 (78.6%) Derived from the square root of 0.618: √0.618 = 0.786 📈 Fibonacci Extension Levels & How They're Calculated Extensions project price targets beyond the retracement. ✅ 1.000 (100%) A full projection of the original move. ✅ 1.272 (127.2%) Square root of 1.618: √1.618 = 1.272 ✅ 1.618 (161.8%) – The Golden Extension Divide a number by the previous one: Example: 55 ÷ 34 = 1.618 Another: 89 ÷ 55 = 1.618 ✅ 2.000 (200%) A full double of the original move. ✅ 2.618 (261.8%) 1.618 + 1.000 = 2.618 This creates ratios that are found in nature, architecture, music, and, yes, price movements. 🔍 Fibonacci Retracement: Mapping Pullbacks with Precision When price moves impulsively in one direction, it often retraces a portion of that move before continuing in the same direction. Fibonacci retracement is used to map this pullback. Here’s how traders use it: Identify a clear impulsive move (either bullish or bearish). Plot the Fibonacci retracement tool from swing low to swing high (for bullish moves), or from swing high to swing low (for bearish moves). Watch how price reacts around key levels: 38.2% = Shallow pullback 50% = Midpoint (psychological) 61.8% = Golden Zone 78.6% = Deep retracement (but still valid) 🔥 Pro Tip: Most institutional traders love the 61.8% retracement, often placing hidden liquidity and traps around that area. 🔄 Fibonacci Extensions: Predicting Take-Profit Zones Once price retraces and continues its trend, Fibonacci extensions help identify possible target zones: Common extension levels: 1.272 1.618 → Golden Target 2.000 2.618 For example: After a bullish retracement to 61.8%, price often rallies to 1.272 or 1.618 extensions, making these ideal profit-taking zones. 🔄 Real-Life Market Behavior: Fibonacci in Price Action Let’s take a real example: 🟨 Example: XAU/USD Bearish Retracement Impulsive rally from $2,832.99 to $2,930.77. Price pulls back to $2,880 – exactly at the 50% Fibonacci retracement. Followed by a strong continuation to the upside. Price reach for the 127.20% and beyond to 161.80% Fibonacci extension of the original rally before pausing for some times — textbook Fibonacci behavior. 💡 This isn’t magic. It’s structure, order, and smart money playing on the same field. 🧬 Fibonacci + Confluence = Confirmation Fibonacci works best when combined with other tools: Support/Resistance Order Blocks Imbalances Trendlines Candlestick Patterns ✅ A 61.8% retracement + bullish order block + bullish engulfing = a high-probability long setup. ✅ A 78.6% retracement + unfilled imbalance = possible stop-hunt trap or liquidity grab. 🧠 Fibonacci Psychology: Why It Works Fibonacci works because it reflects natural human behavior: Fear and greed create overextensions and pullbacks. Traders place stops and entries near these key ratios, causing self-fulfilling reactions. Algorithms and institutional models often base trade entries on Fibonacci confluences. 💥 Common Mistakes Traders Make ❌ Using Fibonacci on every small swing – noise, not signal ❌ Forcing the retracement tool to “fit” your bias ❌ Ignoring higher time frame structure ❌ Using Fibonacci alone without confluence Remember: Fibonacci is a guide, not a guarantee. 📈 How to Trade with Fibonacci (Step-by-Step) First, identify market structure (trending or ranging). Second, mark swing high and swing low. Third, plot retracement tool accordingly. Fourth, look for confluence zones: 38.2%, 50%, 61.8%... Price action signals (e.g., pin bars, engulfing) Institutional concepts (order blocks, imbalances) Enter with confirmation, not just based on levels. Set stop loss below/above structure or 78.6% line. Target extension levels or previous high/low. 🌀 Fibonacci in Different Trading Styles Scalpers Use Fibonacci on 1min–5min timeframes to catch micro pullbacks and entries. Swing Traders Use Fib retracements from daily or 4H structure to plot entries and targets. Position Traders Use weekly/monthly Fibonacci zones for macro views and long-term targets. 🧠 Final Thoughts: Fibonacci Is Structure, Not Sorcery The Fibonacci sequence is a map of order in a chaotic world. In trading, it helps bring discipline, clarity, and precision. It’s not about being right every time, it’s about stacking probabilities in your favor. 🧭 Ready to Master Fibonacci? If you’ve read this far, drop your thoughts in the comments and share your favorite Fibonacci setup! Let’s build a community of traders who use mathematics and structure, not hope and guesswork. Follow for more educational breakdowns, trading insights, and strategy walkthroughs — posted weekly.
CAPITALCOM:GOLDEducation
by AmaWina
2
Unlock Trading Success with Multi-Timeframe MasteryIn trading, particularly in the Forex market, a well-defined strategy is crucial for consistent profitability. One of the most effective techniques used by successful traders is multi-timeframe (MTF) analysis. By examining price action across different timeframes (e.g., daily, 4-hour, 1-hour), traders gain a clearer understanding of market structure, trend direction, and optimal entry/exit points. This article explores how MTF analysis works, its benefits, and practical steps to implement it in your trading. 🔍1. Analyzing a Pair Across Multiple Timeframes for Clearer Trend Direction The foundation of MTF analysis lies in identifying the major and minor trends. By analyzing at least two timeframes, traders can align their strategies with the broader market direction while fine-tuning entries on shorter timeframes. ⚡The High Wave Cycle (HWC) Approach To begin, determine your High Wave Cycle (HWC), which depends on your trading strategy and timeframe. For instance: If you trade on the daily timeframe, your HWC might be the monthly chart. If you trade on the 1-hour timeframe, your HWC could be the weekly chart. The HWC helps you identify the major trend. For example, on the daily chart, you might analyze the trend using Dow Theory, pinpoint key support and resistance levels, and identify trendlines or patterns. This gives you a clear picture of the market’s broader direction. Once the HWC is defined, give it significant weight when analyzing lower timeframes for trade setups. For instance, if the daily chart (HWC) shows a downtrend, you’d prioritize bearish setups on the 1-hour chart, even if a minor uptrend appears. Example: SOLUSDT Trade Setup Consider a scenario where the 1-hour chart shows a strong uptrend. The price breaks a key resistance level and a descending trendline, suggesting a potential long position. However, checking the daily chart.. (HWC) reveals a clear downtrend. According to Dow Theory, a major trend reversal requires a confirmed break above the previous high (e.g., $150). Since this hasn’t occurred, the market remains bearish. In this case, MTF analysis guides your strategy: Reduce position size to lower risk, as you’re trading against the major trend. Take profits early, as the price could reverse at any moment. Avoid overtrading by limiting the number of positions until the trend change is confirmed. This approach ensures your trades are aligned with the bigger picture, minimizing losses from false signals. 🎯2. Spotting Entries and Exits by Confirming Trends Across Timeframes MTF analysis not only enhances risk management but also improves the precision of your entries and exits. By confirming signals across timeframes, you can filter out noise and focus on high-probability trades. Example: Bitcoin (May 15, 2021) Let’s rewind to May 15, 2021, during Bitcoin’s post-bull run correction. On the daily chart (HWC), the price formed lower highs and lows, breaking a key support level, signaling a bearish trend and a potential exit for long positions. This indicates that spot traders should sell, and swing traders on lower timeframes should focus exclusively on short positions. On the 1-hour chart, you might spot a minor pullback, tempting a long trade. However, MTF analysis reminds you to align with the daily downtrend, so you’d only consider short setups. This disciplined approach prevents you from trading against the major trend, improving your win rate. 📊The Medium Wave Cycle (MWC) for Added Clarity Between the HWC and lower timeframes lies the Medium Wave Cycle (MWC), which provides an intermediate perspective. For example, if your HWC is the daily chart, the MWC might be the 4-hour chart. The MWC helps confirm the major trend’s strength or detect early signs of reversals before zooming into lower timeframes for entries. By checking the MWC, you can filter out noise and ensure your trades align with both the major and intermediate trends. 💡Conclusion Multi-timeframe analysis is a game-changer for traders seeking consistency and precision. By combining the major trend from your HWC, the intermediate perspective from your MWC, and minor trends on lower timeframes, you can make informed decisions, manage risk effectively, and time your trades with confidence. Start by defining your HWC and MWC, analyzing the major trend, and aligning your entries and exits with multiple timeframes. Pick a pair, test this strategy on a demo account, and share your results in the comments below! With practice, MTF analysis will give you a tactical edge in navigating the markets. 🤍 btw im Skeptic :) & If you found this article helpful, don’t forget to like, share, and follow for more insights and trading strategies! <3
Education
by SkepticWise
10
What Is SMT Divergence, and How Can You Use It in Trading?What Is SMT Divergence, and How Can You Use It in Trading? SMT divergence, or Smart Money Technique divergence, is a concept used by traders to analyse imbalances in correlated markets. By identifying when price movements deviate between related instruments, traders can uncover potential shifts in market momentum, often linked to institutional activity. This article explores what SMT divergence is, how SMT divergence trading works, and its practical applications. What Is SMT Divergence? SMT divergence, short for Smart Money Technique divergence, refers to a specific type of price discrepancy between two correlated financial instruments. Part of the Inner Circle Trader (ICT) methodology, this divergence is often interpreted as a sign of institutional or "smart money" activity, as it highlights potential inefficiencies or imbalances in the market. Here’s how an ICT SMT divergence works: correlated instruments—like EUR/USD and GBP/USD in forex, or major stock indices like the S&P 500 and NASDAQ—typically move in the same direction under normal market conditions. SMT divergence occurs when one instrument makes a higher high or lower low, while the other fails to follow suit. This inconsistency suggests that buying or selling pressure may be uneven across these markets, often caused by larger market participants adjusting their positions. For example, if EUR/USD forms a new high, while GBP/USD lags behind and fails to break its previous high. This divergence could indicate waning momentum in one pair, hinting at a potential reversal or shift in the overall market structure. Traders analysing SMT divergence often see these moments as key opportunities to assess whether institutional players might be involved. To identify an SMT divergence, you can monitor two correlated assets’ charts and observe discrepancies. Also, there are SMT divergence indicators for MT4, MT5, and TradingView available online that can automate the process. The Core Components of SMT Divergence SMT divergence relies on three key components: correlated instruments, divergence between price movements, and the involvement of institutional players. Understanding these elements is crucial for applying this concept. 1. Correlated Instruments At the heart of SMT divergence is the relationship between correlated markets. These are instruments that typically move in tandem due to shared economic drivers. For instance, in forex, pairs like EUR/USD and GBP/USD often exhibit similar trends because they’re influenced by the strength of the US dollar, as well as their close regional ties and trade relationships. In equities, indices like the Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500 often align because they reflect broader market sentiment and contain overlapping stocks. 2. Divergence in Price Movements The divergence occurs when these typically correlated instruments fail to move in sync. For example, one instrument may reach a higher high, while the other stalls or even reverses. This mismatch is more than just noise—it can signal a deeper imbalance in the market, often linked to uneven supply and demand dynamics. It’s these price discrepancies that traders scrutinise to identify potential turning points. 3. Institutional Activity One of the reasons SMT divergence is so closely watched is its potential link to smart money behaviour. Institutions often use correlated instruments to mask their actions, creating subtle imbalances that only become apparent through careful analysis. For instance, when one correlated pair lags, it might reflect deliberate accumulation or distribution by larger players. How Traders Analyse SMT Divergence Analysing SMT divergence helps in understanding the nuanced relationship between correlated instruments and interpreting these imbalances correctly. Unlike leading correlations—such as oil influencing the Canadian dollar—SMT divergence doesn’t rely on one asset consistently driving the other. Instead, it focuses on shifts in momentum where neither instrument is the leader, but their combined behaviour hints at potential market moves. Identifying Divergence Traders start by observing price action in two correlated instruments or timeframes. SMT divergence becomes apparent when one instrument forms a higher high or lower low, while the other fails to do so. For example, if EUR/USD makes a higher high, but GBP/USD stalls below its previous peak, this inconsistency could signal fading bullish momentum in the broader market. The key is that neither asset leads; instead, the divergence itself provides the signal. Some common correlations traders use include: - Forex Pairs: EUR/USD and GBP/USD USD/JPY and USD/CHF DXY and USD/CAD - Cryptocurrencies*: BTC/USD and ETH/USD - Equity Indices: S&P 500 and NASDAQ FTSE 100 and DAX - Treasuries: US 10-Year Treasury Yield and USD/JPY - Commodities: Brent Crude and WTI Crude Oil Interpreting Divergence at Extremes SMT divergence is particularly significant when it occurs at market highs or lows. When divergence appears at highs—such as one instrument making a higher high while the other fails—it often signals a potential bearish reversal in the stronger instrument. Conversely, at lows, if one makes a lower low while the other holds firm, it may indicate a potential bullish reversal in the weaker one. This imbalance highlights where momentum might shift. Adding Context Traders rarely rely on an SMT divergence strategy alone. They often look for supporting evidence, such as volume analysis, market structure shifts, or order flow data, to confirm the signal. For instance, divergence combined with signs of institutional selling near a high could strengthen the case for a bearish move. SMT Divergence in Different Market Conditions SMT divergence behaves differently depending on market conditions, offering traders insights that vary between trending and ranging environments. Its effectiveness hinges on the context in which it appears, so understanding how it adapts to different scenarios is key. Trending Markets In trending markets, SMT divergence often signals potential reversals or pauses in momentum. For example, in a strong uptrend, divergence at a new high (where one correlated instrument makes a higher high while the other does not) can indicate waning buying pressure. This inconsistency might suggest that institutional players are beginning to reduce their positions or shift market direction. A similar principle applies in downtrends: divergence at a fresh low, where one instrument breaks lower while the other doesn’t, could signal that bearish momentum is losing steam. Traders often use these moments to reassess their analysis and consider the possibility of a reversal or pullback within the trend. Ranging Markets In a range-bound environment, SMT divergence takes on a different role. Rather than hinting at trend reversals, it often highlights potential breakouts or false moves. For instance, during a consolidation phase, if one correlated instrument makes a sharp move outside the range while the other stays contained, it may signal that the breakout is unsustainable and a reversal back into the range is likely. Alternatively, if both instruments diverge significantly at the edges of the range, it could suggest that smart money is accumulating or distributing positions in preparation for a breakout. Different Asset Classes SMT divergence isn’t limited to one market type. In forex, it often reveals imbalances caused by macroeconomic drivers like central bank policies. In equities, it can signal sector rotation or institutional adjustments. Commodities, particularly oil or gold, may show divergence influenced by supply and demand dynamics. Limitations and Common Misconceptions While SMT divergence is a powerful tool for analysing market imbalances, it’s important to understand its limitations and avoid common misconceptions. Misinterpreting divergence can lead to flawed decisions, especially if it’s viewed in isolation or without proper context. Limitations - False Signals: Not all divergences indicate institutional activity or meaningful shifts in the market. Low liquidity or erratic price movements can create divergence that doesn’t hold significance. - Context Dependency: SMT divergence requires a solid understanding of market conditions. Its reliability decreases in highly volatile or choppy environments where correlations break down temporarily. - Not a Standalone Tool: Relying solely on SMT divergence can be risky. Traders use it alongside other forms of analysis, such as market structure or volume data. Common Misconceptions - Always Linked to Institutional Activity: Not every instance of SMT divergence involves smart money. Divergences can also result from retail trading activity or macroeconomic events. - Predicting Market Direction: SMT divergence doesn’t guarantee outcomes; it highlights imbalances. Further analysis is needed to evaluate whether the market will reverse, continue, or consolidate. - Universal Applicability: While it works across various markets, not all instruments are equally suitable for SMT divergence due to differences in liquidity or drivers. Practical Applications of SMT Divergence SMT divergence is a versatile analytical method that traders use to refine their strategies and deepen their understanding of market dynamics. Here’s how it’s typically applied in practice: Identifying Market Turning Points One of the most common uses of SMT divergence is spotting potential reversals. When divergence appears at key highs or lows, it often signals that momentum is shifting. When combined with other common trading tools, such as support and resistance, as well as ICT methodology concepts like order blocks and fair value gaps, this can be used to time entries or adjust risk exposure. Potentially Enhancing Risk Management SMT divergence can potentially enhance risk management by offering early warnings about changes in market conditions. If divergence aligns with other factors—such as weakening volume or significant resistance/support levels—it can serve as a signal to tighten stops or reduce position sizes, depending on the trader’s broader approach. At the same time, it can also provide clear boundaries for setting stop losses. If a trader has confidence that a reversal in one asset is likely due to an SMT divergence, then a stop loss can be placed immediately after the maximum or minimum of the divergence. The Bottom Line The SMT divergence is a valuable tool for understanding market imbalances and spotting potential turning points. By combining it with other analysis methods, traders can gain deeper insights into price action. FAQ What Does Divergence Mean in Trading? Divergence in trading refers to a mismatch between the price action of an asset and a technical indicator or between two correlated instruments. It often signals a potential change in trend, as the imbalance suggests a shift in market momentum. What Is SMT in Trading? SMT in trading stands for Smart Money Technique. SMT divergence is one of the ICT trading concepts. It focuses on identifying market imbalances that may reflect the activity of institutional traders, seen through divergence between correlated instruments. What Does SMT Divergence Mean? The SMT divergence meaning refers to an occasion when two correlated instruments fail to move in sync. One can make a higher high while the other does not or one can make a lower low while the other doesn’t. This indicates potential smart money involvement and signals a possible trend shift. What Is an Example of SMT Divergence? A common example is in forex, where EUR/USD forms a higher high, but GBP/USD does not. This divergence could suggest fading bullish momentum, signalling a possible reversal in EUR/USD. What Is the Strongest Divergence Indicator? While SMT divergence itself is powerful, traders often combine it with indicators like RSI or volume profiles for added confirmation. The strongest signals come from divergence paired with a broader market context. *Important: At FXOpen UK, Cryptocurrency trading via CFDs is only available to our Professional clients. They are not available for trading by Retail clients. To find out more information about how this may affect you, please get in touch with our team. 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
1
Buy Fear, Not Euphoria: The Trader's EdgeWhen you look back at the greatest trading opportunities in history, they all seem to share a common element: fear. Yet, when you're in the moment, it feels almost impossible to pull the trigger. Why? Because fear paralyzes, while euphoria seduces. If you want to truly evolve as a trader, you need to master this fundamental shift: buy fear, not euphoria. Let's break it down together. ________________________________________ What Fear and Euphoria Really Mean in Markets In simple terms, fear shows up when prices are falling sharply, when bad news dominates the headlines, and when people around you are saying "it's all over." Euphoria, on the other hand, is everywhere when prices are skyrocketing, when everyone on social media is celebrating, and when it feels like "this can only go higher." In those moments: • Fear tells you to run away. • Euphoria tells you to throw caution to the wind. Both emotions are signals. But they are inverted signals. When fear is extreme, value appears. When euphoria is extreme, danger hides. ________________________________________ Why Buying Fear Works Markets are pricing machines. They constantly adjust prices based on emotions, news, and expectations. When fear hits, selling pressure often goes beyond what is rational. People dump assets for emotional reasons, not fundamental ones. Here’s why buying fear works: • Overreaction: Bad news usually causes exaggerated moves. • Liquidity Vacuums: Everyone sells, no one buys, creating sharp discounts. • Reversion to Mean: Extreme moves tend to revert once emotions stabilize. Buying into fear is not about being reckless. It’s about recognizing that the best deals are available when others are too scared to see them. ________________________________________ Why Chasing Euphoria Fails At the peak of euphoria, risks are often invisible to the crowd. Valuations are stretched. Expectations are unrealistic. Everyone "knows" it's going higher — which ironically means there's no one left to buy. Chasing euphoria often leads to: • Buying high, selling low. • Getting trapped at tops. • Emotional regret and revenge trading. You’re not just buying an asset — you're buying into a mass illusion. ________________________________________ How to Train Yourself to Buy Fear It's not enough to "know" this. In the heat of the moment, you will still feel the fear. Here's how you build the right habit: 1. Pre-plan your entries: Before panic strikes, have a plan. Know where you want to buy. 2. Focus on strong assets: Not everything that falls is worth buying. Choose assets with strong fundamentals or clear technical setups. 3. Scale in: Don’t try to catch the bottom perfectly. Build positions gradually as fear peaks. 4. Use alerts, not emotions: Set price alerts. When they trigger, act mechanically. 5. Remember past patterns: Study previous fear-driven crashes. See how they recovered over time. Trading is a game of memory. The more you internalize past patterns, the easier it is to act when everyone else panics. ________________________________________ A Recent Example: April 2025 Tariff Panic Very recently, at the start of April, Trump’s new tariff announcements sent shockwaves through the market. Panic took over. Headlines screamed. Social media was flooded with fear. But if you looked beyond the noise, charts like SP500 and US30 told a different story: the drops took price right into strong support zones. At the time, I even posted this : support zones were being tested under emotional pressure. If you had price alerts set and reacted mechanically, not emotionally , you could have bought into that fear — and potentially benefited from the rebound that followed just days later. This is the essence of buying fear. ________________________________________ Final Thoughts In trading, you are paid for doing the hard things. Buying when it feels terrible. Selling when it feels amazing. Remember: Fear offers you discounts. Euphoria offers you traps. The next time the market feels like it's crashing, ask yourself: • Is this fear real, or exaggerated? • Is this an opportunity hiding under an emotional fog? If you can answer that with clarity, you're already ahead of 90% of traders. Stay rational. Stay prepared. And above all: buy fear, not euphoria. 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.
TRADENATION:US500Education
by Mihai_Iacob
From Scanner to Trade: Full Workflow GuidesFrom Scanner to Trade: Full Workflow Guides Table of Contents Introduction Why a Full Workflow is Crucial for Consistent Trading Step 1: Defining Your Edge-What to Scan For Step 2: Setting Up Scanners in TradingView Step 3: Filtering & Ranking Potential Trades Step 4: Deep Analysis-Technical, Fundamental, and Sentiment Checks Step 5: Planning the Trade-Entries, Exits, and Risk Step 6: Executing the Trade and Real-Time Adjustments Step 7: Trade Management-Monitoring and Adapting Step 8: Post-Trade Review and Journaling Step 9: Tips, Case Studies, and Advanced Workflows Conclusion: Making the Scanner-to-Trade Workflow Your Own Introduction What separates a consistent trader from someone who hops between strategies, never seeing results? Workflow. The difference is as dramatic as preparing a gourmet moussaka with carefully layered ingredients versus tossing random ones into a pan. As passionate trading tool creators, we know the power of process . Yet, most TradingView users stop at scanning for new tickers, rarely following a structured approach from scanning to trade selection , execution , and review . That’s where this in-depth guide comes in. This article will walk you through a step-by-step workflow , using TradingView’s powerful features and easy-to-follow frameworks to help you transform from a chart-hopper into a methodical trader. Let’s get started! Why a Full Workflow is Crucial for Consistent Trading Before we break down the process, let’s understand why a workflow matters. Eliminates Guesswork : A workflow ensures every trade passes the same high standards, reducing emotional decisions. Saves Time : Systematic filtering and ranking quickly highlight the best opportunities. Improves Results : Backtests show that traders using a structured workflow outperform those who pick trades impulsively. Enables Review : Every step can be reviewed post-trade, so you always know what worked and what didn’t. The workflow is your trading “recipe.” Follow it, tweak it, and the results will come. Step 1: Defining Your Edge-What to Scan For Your workflow begins before you scan. First, define what you want to find. Are you a breakout trader, mean-reversion specialist, or a momentum chaser? Your edge -the reason you believe you can profit-should drive every scan. Ask Yourself: Do I want to catch squeeze breakouts with momentum? Am I seeking multi-timeframe trend alignment? Are volume spikes important for my entries? Do I care about a stock’s fundamentals or just the chart? Case Study: Finding Squeeze Momentum Setups Suppose you love the squeeze momentum strategy. Your scanner should look for: Low Bollinger Bandwidth (market coiling up) Rising momentum (e.g., MACD turning up) Volume spike confirming interest This is your “ingredient list”-customize it to your taste and strategy. Step 2: Setting Up Scanners in TradingView TradingView’s Stock Screener is powerful, yet many traders barely scratch the surface. Here’s how to go beyond the basics. 2.1 Launching the Screener Open any TradingView chart. Click the Screener tab (bottom panel). Choose Stocks , Crypto , or Forex according to your focus. 2.2 Customizing Your Filters Set market (e.g., NASDAQ, NYSE, Crypto Top 100). Add technical filters: price change %, RSI, MACD, volume, volatility, and, if available, squeeze momentum values (e.g., your custom script output). Add fundamental filters if needed: EPS growth, P/E ratio, market cap, etc. Example Setup: Squeeze Momentum Breakout Scan Market: US stocks (selected in the screener) Liquidity Filter: Volume × Price > 100M USD (focuses on liquid stocks and avoids thinly traded names) Volatility & Momentum Filter: Vol Change > 10% (captures stocks with significant recent movement) Minimum Price Filter: Price > 10 USD (to avoid penny stocks and illiquid tickers) Volatility Squeeze Condition: 1. Bollinger Bands (20, 1 day) Lower above Keltner Channels (20, 1 day) Lower, and 2. Bollinger Bands (20, 1 day) Upper below Keltner Channels (20, 1 day) Upper (classic squeeze setup: BB inside KC highlights contraction/ready-to-expand momentum) Calibration isn't about being perfect-it's about making your tools work better for specific markets. 2.3 Saving and Automating Your Scanner Save your screener settings as a preset ( Save Screener Template ). Set up alerts (once this feature becomes available in TradingView) so you’ll be notified when a new ticker matches your criteria. Step 3: Filtering & Ranking Potential Trades Your scanner likely spits out dozens of results. Time to filter and rank them, so you focus only on the “cream of the crop.” 3.1 The First Pass-Eliminate Noise Skip tickers with low liquidity (e.g., daily volume < 100,000 shares for stocks). Ignore assets with unreliable price action (wide spreads, frequent gaps). Check for major news events or earnings that could cause unexpected volatility. 3.2 Ranking Your Candidates Prioritize by: Strength of signal (e.g., squeeze + multi-timeframe trend alignment) Volume surge (higher is better) Relative strength vs. benchmark (e.g., SPY, BTC) Proximity to strong support/resistance (closer is often better for risk/reward) Pro Tip: Create a Scorecard Assign 1–5 points for each criterion and total up scores for each ticker. Focus on the top 3–5 results. Don’t just “feel” your top picks-score them for objective clarity! Step 4: Deep Analysis-Technical, Fundamental, and Sentiment Checks With ranked candidates, now perform a deeper dive. This is where your experience and favorite tools come into play. 4.1 Charting and Technicals Apply your key indicators (e.g., Squeeze Mom, Power Trends, Volume Profile). Check price structure: higher highs/lows, base breakouts, wedges, etc. Look for confluence: do different indicators and patterns agree? 4.2 Multi-Timeframe Confirmation Check setup validity on daily, 4H, and 1H charts. Does the larger trend support your trade, or are you trading against momentum? 4.3 Optional: Fundamental & Sentiment Checks Is the company reporting earnings soon? Any big news? For crypto, is there on-chain or social sentiment you should know about? Example Workflow: Chart 1: Daily Squeeze setting up, MACD positive, volume picking up. Chart 2: 1H uptrend confirmed, minor pullback for entry. News: No earnings for two weeks-less risk of surprise. Step 5: Planning the Trade-Entries, Exits, and Risk Now that you have a shortlist of well-vetted opportunities, it’s time to craft a plan. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail-so we layer in precise entries, realistic targets, and robust risk management. 5.1 Entry Strategies: The Art of Timing Your scanner found potential, but your entry determines your reward-to-risk. Here’s how to approach it on TradingView: Breakout Entry: Place buy-stop orders just above resistance or the squeeze “release” point. Pullback Entry: Wait for a retrace to moving average or previous support, then enter on bullish reversal candle. Confirmation Entry: Wait for indicator confirmation (e.g., Squeeze firing, MACD cross, volume surge) before pulling the trigger. Great entries are less about prediction and more about preparation and confirmation. Visualizing Your Entry Draw horizontal lines at anticipated entry points ( Alt + J hotkey). Use TradingView’s “long position” tool to visualize profit/loss zones. 5.2 Setting Targets: Aim for Realistic Wins Don’t hope-measure! Define exits before entering so emotion doesn’t sabotage your plan. Price Target: Project a move based on past squeeze breakouts (e.g., last breakout ranged $4, set target for similar move). ATR (Average True Range): Use ATR to estimate typical moves and avoid setting targets too far or too close. Fibonacci Extensions: Use Fibs to find likely resistance/support for partial profits. 5.3 Stop Losses: Defend Your Capital Risk management is your lifeline. Set stops where the trade idea is invalidated-not just at arbitrary numbers. Below previous support or swing low (for long trades). At technical invalidation-e.g., squeeze fails and price dips below the setup. ATR-based stop (e.g., 1.5x ATR below entry). Trade Example: Entry: Breakout above $100. Stop Loss: $97 (previous support, 1.5x ATR). Target: $104 (measured move from last squeeze). 5.4 Position Sizing: How Much to Risk? Golden Rule: Risk only a small percentage of your trading capital per trade. Standard: 1–2% of account per trade. Use TradingView’s position tool to measure. Calculate shares/contracts based on distance from entry to stop. Position sizing is the invisible lever that controls your trading destiny. Step 6: Executing the Trade and Real-Time Adjustments Execution bridges planning and reality. Even the best plans need discipline, fast reflexes, and the willingness to adapt if markets shift. 6.1 Entering the Trade: Be Precise Use limit or stop orders, not market orders, to avoid slippage-especially in fast-moving assets. Review your parameters one last time. Set alerts using TradingView’s Alarm Clock icon for your entry, stop, and target. // Basic Alert Example in Pine Script if (ta.crossover(ta.sma(close, 9),ta.sma(close, 21)) ) alert("Bullish crossover detected", alert.freq_once_per_bar) 6.2 Monitoring During the Trade Keep emotions out-let the process work. However, always watch for: Sudden news events or market shocks. Volume surges against your position. Reversal candles (e.g., bearish engulfing at target zone). 6.3 Adjusting On-the-Fly Sometimes, price action demands flexibility: Move stop to break-even once price moves in your favor. Scale out (sell a portion) at first target, let the rest run. Exit early if your setup is invalidated (e.g., heavy volume reversal). Adaptation is not abandoning the plan-it’s respecting the market’s message. Step 7: Trade Management-Monitoring and Adapting Trade management is an art that separates amateur from pro. 7.1 Trailing Stops and Locking Profits Use trailing stops (fixed % or ATR-based) to lock in gains if price runs well past your target. TradingView’s “long/short position” tool helps visualize your risk/reward as price moves. 7.2 Scaling In/Out Scale in: Add to winners on confirmed strength (e.g., after strong breakout retest). Scale out: Sell partial positions at key resistance/fib levels. 7.3 Dealing With Adverse Moves If stop hit, close trade-review, don’t revenge trade. If setup changes dramatically (e.g., news reversal), consider exiting early. The best traders protect profits, not egos. Step 8: Post-Trade Review and Journaling By now, you’ve completed the trade-but the learning (and edge-building) is just beginning. 8.1 Review Every Trade: The Secret to Improvement Did you follow your plan? If not, why? What worked? What didn’t? Were your scanner criteria effective? Was your sizing/risk on point? 8.2 Journaling Your Workflow Create a trade journal, either in TradingView’s notes or external tool (Notion, Google Sheets, etc.) Screenshot entry/exit with annotations. Log your scanner triggers and reasoning. Add psychological notes: Were you calm or emotional? Tag setups: “Earnings Squeeze,” “Breakout,” etc. A detailed journal is your best trading mentor. 8.3 Performance Analysis Periodically review your logs to spot patterns: Which setups yield best R/R? Where do you most often break your rules? How does time of day/market impact outcomes? Step 9: Tips, Case Studies, and Advanced Workflows 9.1 Expert Tips for Workflow Success Automate alerts for scanner triggers-don’t stare at screens all day. Batch your research (e.g., scan every evening, then focus only on finalists). Develop a pre-trade checklist (see sample below). Refine regularly: Tweak scanner filters as markets evolve. // Sample Pre-Trade Checklist as Comments // 1. Is the squeeze setup clear on multiple timeframes? // 2. Is volume confirming the move? // 3. Any major news/earnings ahead? // 4. Stop loss + target realistic? 9.2 Real-World Case Study: Squeeze Momentum on TSLA Imagine your scanner spits out NASDAQ:TSLA due to a tight squeeze and surge in volume. Analyze the chart: Daily chart shows a strong squeeze setup with multi-timeframe squeezes firing bullish momentum (see the MTF Squeeze dashboard and green histogram). Volume spikes confirm buying interest. The 4H and daily timeframes are both aligned to the upside. Check Earnings: Earnings are 30 days away, reducing the risk of event-driven surprises. Trade Setup: Set entry just above the most recent swing high ( $197.5 ), with stop-loss below the support and squeeze base ( $186 ). The initial profit target is set at a measured move near $220 (prior swing high resistance and typical squeeze expansion). Manage the Trade: Enter on breakout above $197.5; once price reaches around $208–$210, move stop to break-even. As price hits $220, sell half and trail the remainder using the 4H ATR or dynamic support. Journal: “Setup fired as per screener and indicator alignment: volume spike, momentum, and squeeze breakout confirmed. Exited partial at target, managed risk throughout.” 9.3 Advanced: Multi-Timeframe, Multi-Asset Workflow Combine scans across different assets (stocks, crypto, forex) using saved screener presets for catching opportunities globally. Create custom “watchlists” for different strategies, and rotate focus based on market conditions. Stocks: Focus on squeeze breakouts. Crypto: Seek mean reversion in sideways markets. Forex: Look for multi-timeframe trend alignment. Conclusion: Making the Scanner-to-Trade Workflow Your Own Trading is not about prediction, but process. The difference between hope and edge is workflow-layered, adaptable, and reviewable. By mastering the scanner-to-trade workflow, you can: Act with confidence, not hesitation. Avoid missed wins and costly emotional losses. Turn complexity into clarity-one structured step at a time. Start simple, layer in complexity as your skills grow, and let your journal be your improvement compass. The recipes here are just a foundation-make them your own, adapt them for your tools, markets, and goals. Your next high-quality trade is just a repeatable workflow away. Happy trading and happy building!
CME:BTC1!Education
by TradeVizion
TWAP and Chaikin's Osc vs VWAP Orders and VWAP IndicatorThere are two primary Order Types that the Professional Side of the market use. 1. Time Weighted at Average Price, aka TWAP , is used extensively by the Dark Pool Buy Side, Derivative Developers, and Sell Side Banks of record for Buybacks for corporations. The TWAP can be set at a penny to few pennies spread and pings and transacts on a specific TIME to PRICE. It can be set to time intervals shorter or longer. This is why the stock market is called "fully automated". TWAP is used most of the time. It is rare for the Giant Institutions to use VWAP orders due to the May 2010 FLASH CRASH when a fundamental trader of e-minis accidentally hit the VWAP order type rather than the TWAP order type which caused a massive collapse of all stocks as VWAPs accelerate selling as volume increases. 2. Volume Weighted at Price or VWAP is ALSO an ORDER TYPE. It is primarily used by Small Funds Managers and Small Asset Managers who are independents trading their customers' investment money actively, often intraday. Volume Weighted at price ORDER TYPES are also automated and ping to trigger the order to transact as volume increases. This is an easy, simple way for a busy small fund manager to cope with the complexity of buying and selling stocks with 10,000 share lots to 100,000 share lots. These are the NEW "whales" of the market. Professional Traders Swing trade 1 million to 5 million or higher share-lot sizes. The size of the orders of the professional trader has increased significantly in the past decade. All of you need to be aware of the market participants on the professional side as they control 80% of the 1 trillion dollars that exchange hands daily on the US Markets. Using Chaikin's Oscillator is ideal for tracking the Dark Pool Buy Side who create the bottoms. This excellent indicator analyzes all 3 data sets: price, volume and time. Thus, it can signal early that the Dark Pools have slowly started to accumulate over time and the runs down will turn into a bottom and then pro traders will nudge price to inspire VWAP orders from the Smaller funds managers. The VWAP INDICATOR is excellent for tracking the smaller funds managers' trading activity and it ALSO has price, volume, and time in the formula. So this is great for those of you who need an indicator for following smaller funds activity as these smaller funds VWAP orders trigger more and more volume and then runs that can move up or down for several days. TradingView has an awesome group of indicators to use. You should customize your indicators to which market participant groups you wish to track so that you can be ready and in a position before the big runs up or down. Trade Wisely, Martha Stokes CMT
NASDAQ:AMZNEducation
by MarthaStokesCMT-TechniTrader
4
HOW-TO: Use the Camarilla Pivots & BBT Strategies indicatorThis how-to shows the Camarilla Pivot & BBT Strategies indicator in action, the 5-minute timeframe is ideal for this. It shows the price action reacting to the HA play (S3 to R3 traversal). The "H" means that the ticker is in a Higher range on this day, the "A" refers to the label on the strategy in the image. In fact, the price does past R3 (which is the exit point) and reaches R4, at which point it trigger the "E" play, which is an R4 extreme reversal. A great trade, if you took it!
NASDAQ:NVDAEducation
by BruzX
2
It’s Not Always the Strategy — Sometimes It’s the Wrong PairMany traders endlessly tweak their strategies, thinking small losses or missed trades are always a sign the system itself is broken. But in reality, sometimes the real problem isn't the strategy — it's the market you're applying it to. Different forex pairs have different "personalities." Some are cleaner, trending smoothly with respect to structure, while others are choppier, heavily manipulated, or extremely news-sensitive. A structure-based strategy might perform well on pairs like GBP/JPY, where price respects support, resistance, and supply-demand zones cleanly. But the same strategy could struggle badly on a pair like EUR/USD, where high liquidity and institutional manipulation cause frequent fakeouts and liquidity sweeps. Choosing the right pair for your strategy is just as important as the rules of the system itself. A good strategy in the wrong market will feel like a broken strategy. Before doubting your edge, ask: "Am I applying my system in the right place?" Adapt your focus. Match your strategy with a market that suits its nature — and you'll be surprised how much smoother your trading becomes. #forex #tradingpsychology #forexeducation #gbpjpy #eurusd #forextrading #tradingview
Education
by fxtrends28
Gambling Is Not Trading : A Quick Reminder to THINKI've been getting quite a few messages from followers and many are positive. I seems my videos are helping many of you learn better skills and helping you find profits from these bigger price swings. But it also seems some of you are really gambling for the bigger gains with 0DTE options and taking excessive risks (IMO). I want to urge all of you to THINK and to try to learn to adopt a more fluid style of trading. The markets will quickly humble many of you gamblers. They have a way of taking everything you have when you let your guard down. Start Small. Build Your Skills. Learn How To Check Yourself When You Get Into That Gambling Mode. Remember, The Market Can Take EVERYTHING (And MORE). The trick to trading is to learn to GROW your account without gambling. It is like being a Sniper. You have to learn when to take your shot and you also have to learn when to be patient and wait. One of the best pieces of advice I've heard came from a friend (who trades options). He stated. Start Small Book Winners Quickly Book Anything over 20-25% -- Then Plan For The next Attack. Think about it. He's been trading for more than 20 years and has learned many of the pitfalls over that time. And, he is the one guy that I've seen generate 100-200%+ a week (consistently) over the past 2+ years. If you want to survive as a trader, you have to start thinking like a trader (not a GAMBLER). I hope this video helps. Get some. #trading #research #investing #tradingalgos #tradingsignals #cycles #fibonacci #elliotwave #modelingsystems #stocks #bitcoin #btcusd #cryptos #spy #gold #nq #investing #trading #spytrading #spymarket #tradingmarket #stockmarket #silver
AMEX:SPYEducation
by BradMatheny
10
Visa-Ripple Partnership Could Spark a Significan from Trenovia GThe financial world is undergoing a period of active transformation, and one of the most talked-about developments is the potential partnership between Visa and Ripple. According to a new analytical report by Trenovia Group, such a strategic collaboration could act as a catalyst for a substantial rise in Visa's stock value in the coming months. Key Growth Drivers Trenovia Group analysts emphasize that integrating Ripple’s technologies into Visa’s ecosystem would dramatically enhance the speed and reduce the cost of international transactions. RippleNet, built on blockchain technology, offers unique advantages: near-instant settlements, greater transparency, and lower fees compared to traditional interbank systems. Partnering with Ripple would provide Visa with a powerful technological upgrade, reinforcing its dominance in the payment solutions market, particularly in cross-border transfers. Expected Market Reaction According to Trenovia Group, even the announcement of such a partnership could trigger a strong positive reaction from investors. In an increasingly competitive payments landscape, adopting blockchain innovations would be seen as a forward-looking move, enhancing Visa’s market appeal. Technical analysis also points to favorable conditions: Visa shares are maintaining solid support around $260, and the formation of a "bullish flag" pattern suggests the potential for a breakout following positive news. Strategic Importance of the Alliance Trenovia Group highlights the long-term strategic benefits of this union. As digital currencies and decentralized payment systems gain traction, the integration of blockchain-based solutions would ensure Visa’s adaptability to evolving market and regulatory demands. Meanwhile, Ripple would gain access to Visa’s vast global client network, boosting its position as a leader in the corporate cross-border payments sector. Conclusion According to Trenovia Group’s forecast, the Visa-Ripple partnership could provide a powerful boost to Visa’s stock. Upon successful integration of RippleNet technologies, analysts project a 15–25% rise in Visa's share price within the first six months after the announcement. For investors, this could represent a rare opportunity to invest in the expansion of the world’s leading payment platform during a crucial phase of digital transformation.
CRYPTOCAP:XRPEducation
by HCN-News12
Solvery IG Predicts Bitcoin to Reach $105,000 by May 10, 2025The cryptocurrency market continues to surprise even the most seasoned investors. Against this backdrop, the analytical firm Solvery IG has released an ambitious forecast: according to their calculations, Bitcoin's price could reach $105,000 by May 10, 2025. Factors Supporting Bitcoin's Growth In recent months, the market has shown strong positive momentum. Several key factors have contributed to this trend: Institutional Investments: Major banks, funds, and corporations are increasingly incorporating Bitcoin into their portfolios as a hedge against risks. Macroeconomic Instability: Inflationary pressures and weakening fiat currencies are driving investors to seek alternative assets. According to Solvery IG experts, it is the combination of these factors that creates a "perfect storm" for the continued growth of the leading cryptocurrency. Analysis and Potential Risks Despite the optimistic forecast, potential threats should not be overlooked. The cryptocurrency market remains highly volatile. Possible tightening of regulations in the U.S. and Europe, as well as sudden shifts in Federal Reserve policies, could exert downward pressure on the market. Nevertheless, Solvery IG highlights a crucial technical point: according to their data, Bitcoin has successfully held above key support levels between $60,000 and $65,000. This indicates strong buyer sentiment and supports expectations for a continued upward trend. The impact of the halving event, which occurred in April 2024, should also be taken into account. Historically, Bitcoin has shown significant growth 12–18 months following a halving, and the current market behavior aligns closely with these cyclical patterns. What This Means for Investors If Solvery IG’s forecast comes true, Bitcoin would achieve more than a 50% increase compared to current levels. This presents significant opportunities for long-term investors. However, experts advise exercising caution, diversifying risks, and avoiding allocating all funds to a single asset. Cryptocurrencies remain high-risk instruments, and successful investing requires a deep understanding of the market and a realistic assessment of all potential scenarios. Conclusion Solvery IG’s prediction of Bitcoin reaching $105,000 by May 10, 2025, sounds promising, especially given the positive momentum in recent months. However, investors should always remember: high returns come with high risks.
BITSTAMP:BTCUSDEducation
by HCN-News12
The Gold-Silver Ratio ExplainedCOMEX: Micro Gold Futures ( COMEX_MINI:MGC1! ), Micro Silver Futures ( COMEX_MINI:SIL1! ) The Gold-Silver Ratio is a financial term that measures the relative value of gold to silver. Specifically, how many ounces of silver it takes to buy one ounce of gold. The Gold-Silver Ratio is an important tool for traders and investors. It has been used to indicate the market sentiment towards these two precious metals. A high ratio suggests that gold is more valued than silver, often seen during economic turmoil or when investors seek safe-haven assets. On the contrary, a lower ratio implies that silver is gaining value relative to gold, which normally occurs during periods of economic growth and strong industrial demand. The ratio fluctuates over time due to supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical events, and changes in the global economy. By analyzing the ratio, traders can make informed decisions about when to buy or sell. This ratio reflects not only the market’s valuation of these metals but also an instrument for profit-making in the commodities market. Historical Gold to Silver Ratio Since 2000, the Gold-Silver Ratio has seen considerable fluctuations, reflecting various economic and market conditions. In the first decade of the 21st century, the ratio hovered around 65:1, meaning it took 65 ounces of silver to buy one ounce of gold. However, the ratio has spiked during times of economic uncertainty. For example, during the financial crisis of 2008, the ratio reached highs not seen in decades. More recently, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing economic turmoil, the ratio surged, at one point exceeding 110:1 in 2020, indicating a strong preference for gold as a safe-haven asset compared to silver. Over time, the Gold-Silver Ratio has been trending up, meaning gold has gained value at a faster pace compared to silver. As of last Friday, gold is trading around all-time high at $3,330, while silver is quoted at $33.0. This makes the Gold-Silver Ratio almost exactly at 100. When to Buy and Sell based on the Gold-Silver Ratio? The decision to buy or sell the ratio hinges on interpreting its current value in the context of historical trends and market conditions. When to Buy Silver: A high Gold-Silver Ratio, typically at or above the 90:1 mark, suggests that silver is undervalued relative to gold. This is often interpreted as a buying signal for silver. In such scenarios, silver is cheaper than gold, and investors may see it as an opportunity to purchase silver at a relatively low price. The rationale is that if the ratio decreases, the relative value of silver will increase compared to gold, potentially leading to significant gains. When to Sell Silver/Buy Gold: Conversely, when the Gold-Silver Ratio is low, say around 50:1, it indicates that silver is relatively expensive, or gold is undervalued. In such situations, investors might consider selling silver and buying gold. The expectation is that the ratio will normalize or increase, meaning that gold’s value could rise relative to silver, offering a favorable return on the gold investment. The Gold-Silver Ratio can be a valuable indicator of when to buy or sell gold and silver. However, since the ratio is not stable but upward trending over time, we could not use a mean-reversion strategy. The price band for normal, high and low ranges should be updated regularly. Trade Setup with Micro Gold and Silver Traders could deploy the Gold-Silver Ratio trading strategy using COMEX Micro Gold Futures ( AMEX:MGC ) and Micro Silver Futures ( AMEX:SIL ). The big advantages of using futures contracts are capital efficiency and leverage. MGC contracts have a notional value of 10 troy ounces of gold. With Friday settlement price of $3,330.7, each June contract (MGCM5) has a notional value of $33,307. Buying or selling one contract requires an initial margin of $1,500 at the time of writing. By putting a deposit equivalent to less than 0.5 ounce, traders could gain the full exposure to 10 ounces of gold. If gold prices move up by 5%, a long futures position would double in value (= (33307*0.05) / 1500 = 111%). This futures contract has a built-in leverage of 22:1. Conversely, Micro Silver (SIL) contracts have a notional value of 1,000 troy ounces of silver. With Friday settlement price of $33.02, each June contract (SILM5) has a notional value of $33,020. Buying or selling one contract requires an initial margin of $3,000 at the time of writing. By putting a deposit equivalent to 91 ounces, traders could gain the full exposure of 1,000 ounces of silver. If silver prices move up by 5%, a long position in Micro Silver futures would gain 55% (= (33020*0.05) / 3000). This futures contract has a built-in leverage of 11:1. Micro gold futures (MGC, 10 oz) contracts tap into the deep liquidity of standard-size gold futures contracts (GC, 100 oz). As of last Friday, GC has an open interest (OI) of 447,356 contracts, while the OI for MGC is 44,449, according to data from CME Group. The OI for standard Silver Futures (SI, 5000 oz) and Micro Silver Futures (SIL, 1000 oz) are 154,276 and 12,345, respectively. Happy Trading. Disclaimers *Trade ideas cited above are for illustration only, as an integral part of a case study to demonstrate the fundamental concepts in risk management under the market scenarios being discussed. They shall not be construed as investment recommendations or advice. Nor are they used to promote any specific products, or services. CME Real-time Market Data help identify trading set-ups and express my market views. If you have futures in your trading portfolio, you can check out on CME Group data plans available that suit your trading needs www.tradingview.com
COMEX:GC1!Education
by JimHuangChicago
7
Why does it always go against you? You might be new to trading, you may have several years of experience. But, where a lot of people still seem to go wrong is in not realising the relationships. I have posted hundreds of educational posts here on Tradingview from cartoons, trying to simplify techniques through to market relationships between technical systems such as Elliott Wave and Wyckoff. Many new traders fall foul of social media posts covering "SMC - Smart Money Concepts" and are not seasoned enough to appreciate what or why these can work for some and not for others. You have Elliott Wave traders, there is a saying along the lines of "if you put 10 Elliott traders in a room searching for a wave count you will come out with 11 different answers" This isn't to say Elliott doesn't work, nor Smart Money. The market seeks liquidity, it forms seemingly complex patterns that humans try to make sense of. We are great at that, seeing patterns even if they are not there. - Look, there's an upside-down butterfly 1.618 extension! First, you need to appreciate Elliott Wave counts on smaller timeframe are pointless, especially in the age of algo's and bots. However, sentiment on the larger timeframes can't really be spoofed. In this first image; you can see a market wave that is straight out of a textbook. Let's also add some Wyckoff; if you were to visualise this - Wyckoff schematics would be visible on smaller timeframes, the Green boxes represent accumulation and the Red show distribution. Let's overlay and Elliott Wave count - Take that to the next level, this count is only part of a higher fractal count. How does this fit into smart money concepts? well, it's more like - How does Smart Money fit into this? Elliott waves and Wyckoff have been around for over 100 years. Many of the techniques shown on YT video's today can be traced back to these older concepts. Now, if you can see how a 1-2 EW count pushes up for a 3. You can zoom in again and start to see what to expect when trading using SMC. In this image you can see a drop, then a gap as price pushes back up (I haven't bothered drawing wicks for simplicity assume their inside the box) Many traders would now anticipate a move that looks something like this. Only to see price do this Yeah - you're not the only one! The next issue is where and how Supply and Demand is drawn. Ok, the gap didn't hold, it must be the demand level there. GO AGAIN!!! How did that play out? Trade 1, Trade 2 = What about now? Price holds the support This time you are afraid to go in. Then one of two things happens. 1) Or 2) In the first image, we can see a sweep of prior liquidity and that creates momentum for a move up. In the second image, price simply melts away. This is an easy fix. It all comes down to understanding what the charts are trying to tell you. People love to talk about how "Smart Money" is the banks and institutional players - how they are playing against you on every click of the button. The truth is, most people don't understand the market. When larger players enter the market, the can leave a pretty obvious footprint. In addition to that - they leave behind orders they had but were unable to fill. These orders they will be defended with even more buying or selling (if they need to), and this is the premise for a rally and pullback or a drop to pullback. Now, visualise a 1-2 Elliott Wave move. Why do you think 2 often comes back so deep? What would you expect the move from 2-3 to do? Powerful push, yes? In this image, the move that created demand is simply the opposing colour candle before the power play. The significant move pushed up (showing institutional involvement). Hence, a location they will likely defend. In addition to the push up, they pushed with so much money - it created a natural gap. This type of example doesn't always have to be a power play 1-5 up, it could be visualised on pullback moves too. Here's a great example recently on Euro. The demand candle 'buy before the sell" is clearly targeted on the way up. Price fails to close above it, drops, goes back to retest - sweeps and drops. If you were to zoom in you will see on smaller timeframes evidence of a Wyckoff schematic with a UTAD. Add a volume profile there. As the price breaks above, after it's pullback you can see an acceleration in price and of course the area has the PoC. Back to where people go wrong. They will see this GAP created and assume price will come back here to reject and go. However, look closer and the demand that started the move is very near that gap. Where is the juicy liquidity? PoC is another little clue. Let's take this to another level. In this image I have a range, using the prior high just to give the example in this post. We are in an uptrend = we just broke the high, we expect a Pullback. Where would that likely target? Zoom in again. This time I have added a fixed range volume tool. What do you know?! Anyways, once you get a handle on the bigger picture and understand the relationships, you can zoom into any timeframe you like - the game is always the same. Have a great week all! Disclaimer This idea does not constitute as financial advice. It is for educational purposes only, our principal trader has over 25 years' experience in stocks, ETF's, and Forex. Hence each trade setup might have different hold times, entry or exit conditions, and will vary from the post/idea shared here. You can use the information from this post to make your own trading plan for the instrument discussed. Trading carries a risk; a high percentage of retail traders lose money. Please keep this in mind when entering any trade. Stay safe.
Education
by Mayfair_Ventures
3