HOW-TO: Optimizing FADS for Traders with Investment MindsetIn this tutorial, we’ll explore how the Fractional Accumulation/Distribution Strategy (FADS) can help traders especially with an investment mindset manage risk and build positions systematically. While FADS doesn’t provide the fundamentals of a company which remain the trader’s responsibility, it offers a robust framework for dividing risk, managing emotions, and scaling into positions strategically.
Importance of Dividing Risk by Period and Fractional Allocation
Periodic Positioning
FADS places entries over time rather than committing the entire position at once. This staggered approach reduces the impact of short-term volatility and minimizes the risk of overexposing the capital.
Fractional Allocation
Fractional allocation ensures that capital is allocated dynamically during building a position. This allows traders to scale into positions as the trade develops while spreading out the risk.
Using a high volatility setting, such as a Weekly with period of 12 , optimizes trend capture by filtering out minor fluctuations.
Increasing Accumulation Factor to 1.5 results in avoiding entries at high price levels, improving overall risk.
Increasing the Accumulation Spread to a higher value, such as 1.5 , expands the distance between buy orders. This leads to fewer trades and a more conservative accumulation strategy. In highly volatile markets, a larger distance between entry positions can significantly improve the average cost of trades and contribute to better capital conservation.
To compensate for the reduced number of trades, increasing the Averaging Power intensifies the position sizing proportionate to price action. This balances the overall risk profile by optimizing the average position cost.
This approach mimics the behavior of successful institutional investors, who rarely enter the market with full exposure in a single move. Instead, they build positions over time to reduce emotional decision-making and enhance long-term consistency.
Volatility
Momentum Trading Strategies Across AssetsMomentum trading is a strategy that seeks to capitalize on the continuation of existing trends in asset prices. By identifying and following assets exhibiting strong recent performance—either upward or downward—traders aim to profit from the persistence of these price movements.
**Key Components of Momentum Trading:**
1. **Trend Identification:** The foundation of momentum trading lies in recognizing assets with significant recent price movements. This involves analyzing historical price data to detect upward or downward trends.
2. **Diversification:** Implementing momentum strategies across various asset classes—such as equities, commodities, currencies, and bonds—can enhance risk-adjusted returns. Diversification helps mitigate the impact of adverse movements in any single market segment.
3. **Risk Management:** Effective risk management is crucial in momentum trading. Techniques such as setting stop-loss orders, position sizing, and continuous monitoring of market conditions are employed to protect against significant losses.
4. **Backtesting:** Before deploying a momentum strategy, backtesting it against historical data is essential. This process helps assess the strategy's potential performance and identify possible weaknesses.
5. **Continuous Refinement:** Financial markets are dynamic, necessitating ongoing evaluation and adjustment of trading strategies. Regularly refining a momentum strategy ensures its continued effectiveness amid changing market conditions.
**Tools and Indicators:**
- **Relative Strength Index (RSI):** This momentum oscillator measures the speed and change of price movements, aiding traders in identifying overbought or oversold conditions.
- **Moving Averages:** Utilizing short-term and long-term moving averages helps in smoothing out price data, making it easier to spot trends and potential reversal points.
**Common Pitfalls to Avoid:**
- **Overtrading:** Excessive trading can lead to increased transaction costs and potential losses. It's vital to adhere to a well-defined strategy and avoid impulsive decisions.
- **Ignoring Market Conditions:** Momentum strategies may underperform during sideways or choppy markets. Recognizing the broader market environment is essential to adjust strategies accordingly.
By understanding and implementing these components, traders can develop robust momentum trading strategies tailored to various asset classes, thereby enhancing their potential for consistent returns.
Source: digitalninjasystems.wordpress.com
NVDA: FREMA Linear Extensions - Horizontal VS DirectionalFREMA bands offer a dynamic edge over traditional ATR-based volatility bands by adapting to real buying and selling pressure (bullish and bearish part of candles) rather than just price movement. Unlike ATR bands, which expand symmetrically based on historical volatility, FREMA bands widen asymmetrically — expanding more on the upside during strong buying pressure and on the downside when selling dominates. This makes them highly effective for identifying momentum early, spotting true breakouts, and distinguishing strong trends from choppy markets. By responding directly to market psychology, they provide superior trade entries and exits, minimizing noise in ranging conditions while highlighting areas of genuine demand and supply shifts. For traders seeking a more responsive, trend-sensitive tool, FREMA bands deliver a clearer picture of market dynamics compared to conventional volatility indicators.
RESEARCH
Testing how price behaves within 2 types of linear extensions:
Horizontal
While giving an impression of being static, they're actually based on FREMA which is dynamic.
Use Horizontal Levels when expecting price to respect historical support/resistance, especially in sideways or mean-reverting markets.
Directional
Gives an immediate clue of being adaptable to the general angle of trend.
Use Linear Extensions when trading with momentum or trend continuation, as they adapt to market directionality.
Will price respect the static balance of past support and resistance, or will momentum dictate its own path along the trajectory of directional expansion? By tracking price interactions with both projections, we’ll uncover which model best maps the market’s intentions, offering valuable insights for future setups.
Stay tuned as we register these behaviors in real-time because once the market chooses its guide, the next move could be crystal clear.
combined guide for both the **Regime Classifier** and **kNN Here’s the combined guide for both the **Regime Classifier** and **kNN (k-Nearest Neighbors)** indicators with emojis, tailored for your TradingView chart description:
---
### **🔑 Individual Lesson Steps**
#### **Lesson 1: What is a Regime Classifier?**
👽 **Defining Market Regimes**
- A **market regime** refers to distinct market conditions based on price behavior and volatility.
- **Types of Market Regimes:**
- 🚀 **Advance** (Uptrend)
- 📉 **Decline** (Downtrend)
- 🔄 **Accumulation** (Consolidation)
- ⬆️⬇️ **Distribution** (Topping/Bottoming Patterns)
👾 **Why it Matters:**
- Identifying market regimes helps traders tailor their strategies, manage risk, and make more accurate decisions.
---
#### **Lesson 2: Anatomy of the Regime Classifier Indicator**
👽 **Core Components**
- **Median Filtering:** Smooths out price data to capture significant trends.
- **Clustering Model:** Classifies price trends and volatility into distinct regimes.
- **Volatility Analysis:** Analyzes price volatility with rolling windows to detect high and low volatility phases.
👾 **Advanced Features:**
- **Dynamic Cycle Oscillator (DCO):** Tracks price momentum and cyclic behavior.
- **Regime Visualization:** Color-coded display of market conditions to make trends and patterns clearer.
---
#### **Lesson 3: Configuring the Regime Classifier Indicator**
👽 **Customization Settings**
- **Filter Window Size:** Adjusts sensitivity for detecting trends.
- **ATR Lookback Period:** Determines how far back the volatility is calculated.
- **Clustering Window & Refit Interval:** Fine-tunes how the indicator adapts to new market conditions.
- **Dynamic Cycle Oscillator Settings:** Tailors lookback periods and smoothing factors.
👾 **Why It’s Useful:**
- Customizing these settings helps traders optimize the indicator for different trading styles (e.g., scalping, swing trading, long-term investing).
---
#### **Lesson 4: Using the Indicator for Regime-Based Trading Strategies**
👽 **Adapt Strategies Based on Regimes**
- **Advance Regime:** Focus on long positions and trend-following strategies.
- **Decline Regime:** Prioritize short positions or hedging strategies.
- **Accumulation Regime:** Watch for breakout opportunities.
- **Distribution Regime:** Look for trend reversals or fading trends.
👾 **Using the Dynamic Cycle Oscillator for Confirmation:**
- 🌡️ **Overbought/Oversold Conditions:** Identify potential reversals.
- 🔄 **Trend Momentum:** Confirm if the trend is gaining or losing strength.
---
#### **Lesson 5: Combining Volatility and Price Trends for High-Confidence Trades**
👽 **Interpreting Volatility Clusters**
- 🔥 **High Volatility:** Indicates caution, risk management, or hedging opportunities.
- 🌿 **Low Volatility:** Suggests consolidation or trend continuation.
👾 **How Volatility Clusters Interact with Price Trends:**
- Combine trend direction with volatility analysis to refine trade entries and exits for more precise decisions.
---
#### **Lesson 6: Backtesting and Live Application**
👽 **Validate Using Historical Data**
- Guide traders on **backtesting** strategies using historical data to see how the indicator would have performed.
👾 **Real-Time Application:**
- Implement the Regime Classifier in **live markets** to monitor ongoing price conditions and gain actionable insights.
---
### **🔑 kNN (k-Nearest Neighbors) Indicator Lesson Steps**
#### **Lesson 1: What is kNN?**
👽 **Defining kNN**
- **k-Nearest Neighbors** is a machine learning algorithm that makes predictions based on the proximity of data points.
- It identifies the nearest neighbors of a data point and classifies it according to the majority class of those neighbors.
👾 **Why it Matters:**
- **kNN** helps traders forecast price movement, trends, and potential reversals by analyzing historical data.
---
#### **Lesson 2: Anatomy of the kNN Indicator**
👽 **Core Components**
- **Training Data:** Historical price data used to identify the neighbors of a point.
- **Distance Metric:** Determines the closeness of data points (e.g., Euclidean distance).
- **k Parameter:** The number of nearest neighbors to consider for predictions.
👾 **Advanced Features:**
- **Distance Calculation:** Helps assess how similar current price movement is to historical patterns.
- **Prediction:** The majority of the nearest neighbors determines the expected price movement (up or down).
---
#### **Lesson 3: Configuring the kNN Indicator**
👽 **Customization Settings**
- **k (Number of Neighbors):** Adjust to control how many historical data points influence predictions.
- **Distance Metric:** Choose from Euclidean, Manhattan, or other metrics based on data characteristics.
- **Window Size:** Defines how many data points (e.g., time periods) are used for analysis.
👾 **Why It’s Useful:**
- Tuning these settings allows traders to adjust the sensitivity and precision of predictions, optimizing for various trading styles.
---
#### **Lesson 4: Using the kNN Indicator for Predictive Trading Strategies**
👽 **Predicting Price Movements**
- Use **kNN** to identify trend directions and price reversals based on historical proximity.
- **Uptrend Prediction:** Identify moments where the nearest neighbors suggest a continuation of the trend.
- **Downtrend Prediction:** Signal when the majority of neighbors point toward price decline.
👾 **Using Predictions to Enhance Trade Entries:**
- Use **kNN** signals in conjunction with **Regime Classifier** regimes to validate and enhance entry and exit points.
---
#### **Lesson 5: Combining kNN Predictions with Regime Classifier for Precision**
👽 **Refining Trade Confidence**
- Cross-reference **kNN predictions** (uptrend/downtrend) with **Regime Classifier’s** regime identification for higher precision trades.
- **Example:** If **kNN** predicts an uptrend and the **Regime Classifier** signals an **Advance** regime, you can confidently go long.
---
#### **Lesson 6: Backtesting and Live Application**
👽 **Validate Predictions with Historical Data**
- Backtest using **kNN** on past price data to measure accuracy in predicting trends and reversals.
- **Real-Time Application:** Implement **kNN** in live markets alongside **Regime Classifier** for comprehensive decision-making.
---
### **🔄 Combined Lessons for Advanced Mastery**
#### **Combo 1: Regime Identification and kNN Predictions for Strategy Optimization**
💡 **Objective:** Combine market regime identification with kNN predictions to refine trading strategies.
- Merge **Lesson 1 (Understanding Regimes)** and **Lesson 1 (What is kNN?)**.
- **Practical Exercise:** Use both indicators to identify regimes and predict price trends in live charts.
---
#### **Combo 2: Customization, Practical Usage, and Enhanced Predictions**
💡 **Objective:** Equip traders to fine-tune both indicators for their unique strategies.
- Merge **Lesson 3 (Settings Configuration for Regime Classifier)** and **Lesson 3 (kNN Indicator Configuration)**.
- Walkthrough: Customize settings and combine both indicators to predict price trends and adjust strategies accordingly.
---
#### **Combo 3: Comprehensive Trading Strategy with Regime Classifier and kNN**
💡 **Objective:** Build a full-fledged trading system using both indicators for market regime analysis and predictive signals.
- Combine **all lessons** for a complete, systematic trading approach:
- 🔍 **Identify market regimes**
- 🔄 **Use kNN predictions** to assess potential price movements
- 📈 **Combine with Dynamic Cycle Oscillator** for entry/exit timing
- 💥 **Execute trades** with a comprehensive strategy
---
These lessons and combos provide traders with the essential tools to master both the **Regime Classifier** and **k-Nearest Neighbors** indicators, from understanding the fundamentals to implementing advanced strategies and refining predictions for more accurate market analysis.
HOW-TO: Optimize Risk in Volatile Markets on TradingViewThe Fractional Accumulation Distribution Strategy (FADS) is designed to dynamically optimize entry points and position sizing based on market conditions. It leverages volatility-based trend detection and adaptive scaling to identify high-probability demand and supply zones using ranges from higher timeframes.
In volatile markets, traders can improve capital allocation and optimize their personal risk preference in various ways when using FADS.
The settings used in this demonstration differ from the default script settings to highlight specific features or behaviors under unique market conditions. Users are encouraged to experiment with these parameters to suit their trading preferences.
USE CASES:
Adjust volatility setting to adapt to any timeframe
Traders with high risk tolerance can use lower volatility period to increase the frequency of accumulation and distribution phases which often results in entering at higher price levels.
To optimize for a better trend capture, the period can be increased to filter out minor fluctuations resulting in better entry and exit price levels.
Adjusting Volatility Input and Range for Higher Timeframes
Working with higher timeframes such as daily in a volatile market, reducing risk can be achieved by increasing the volatility input and reducing the period.
Adjusting Positions Spacing via Spreads Settings
The Accumulation and Distribution Spreads are one of the conditional components, defining how the strategy scales into positions during separate phases.
Accumulation Spread determines the distance between additional buy positions during the accumulation phase.
A trader with a lower risk tolerance can use larger value to increase the distance between buy orders, leading to fewer trades and a more conservative accumulation. In contrast, smaller values increase frequency of buy orders leading to a more aggressive accumulation.
In extreme volatile markets, a larger distance between entry positions can significantly improve average cost of trades and capital conservation.
Distribution Spread determines the distance between exits during the Distribution Phase.
Larger value increases the distance between sell orders, reducing sell frequency and leading to more deliberate distribution.
Smaller value decreases the distance, making the strategy more aggressive in taking profits or scaling out of positions.
Increased DS forces strategy to distribute at higher price levels which in its turn increases potential profits as well as risks! Keep in mind that markets are unpredictable so increase it considering y risk tolerance.
Cross-Functional Setup for FADS
Here’s how the setup impacts performance across two scenarios:
Default Setup for 15-Minute Timeframe:
Using the default setting on smaller timeframes like 15 minutes naturally reduces the number of trades. This is due to filtering out short-term fluctuations and focusing on extreme price levels influenced by weekly volatility metrics. This approach works well for traders seeking fewer but more strategic entries and exits.
Custom Setup for Higher Trade Frequency for 15-Minute Timeframe:
For traders using smaller timeframes and seeking to capture more frequent fluctuations, the following adjustment approaches can help balance increased trade frequency while reducing risk.
Adjust Volatility Factor
Reduce the volatility factor to 'Daily' from 'Weekly' to increase the number of trades by capturing more fluctuations.
Increase Period
Increase the period to smooth trends and compensate for higher volatility, which helps filter out minor fluctuations and reduces overall trade count.
Increase Accumulation Threshold
Raise the accumulation threshold to target lower price levels, which reduces trade frequency and lowers risk by focusing on more significant price drops.
Adjust Accumulation Spread
Increase the accumulation spread to leave larger gaps between entry points during the accumulation phase, reducing risk.
Additionally, uncheck the accumulation spread checkbox to increase frequency of trades at targeted zones.
Rationale:
By reducing the volatility factor to 'Daily,' the number of trades increases as smaller price fluctuations are captured. To offset the associated risks, adjustments to the accumulation threshold and spread help filter for better trade opportunities.
Using Trendlines on ATR for Trading Strategy:Average True Range:
Volatility Resistance: The ATR oscillating at a resistance line suggests that the market volatility has reached a point where it has been repeatedly unable to break through to higher levels. This can mean that despite attempts, the volatility hasn't sustained at higher levels, potentially indicating a stabilization or a ceiling on how volatile the market might get in the short term.
Market Sentiment: This oscillation can also reflect a market where there's a tug-of-war between buyers and sellers, leading to a stabilization of price movement range. When volatility hits a resistance level, it might indicate that the market is preparing for a significant move or a breakout, or conversely, that it might revert back to lower volatility after some consolidation.
Breakout Strategy:
Signal for Breakout: If the ATR breaks above the resistance line where it has been oscillating, it could signal an upcoming increase in volatility, potentially leading to a significant price movement. Traders might consider this a signal to prepare for a breakout trade, either buying or selling depending on the price trend.
Trade Entry: Following a breakout, traders could use this ATR trendline break as a cue to enter a trade in the direction of the breakout, expecting that increased volatility will lead to a more substantial price move.
Stop Loss and Profit Taking:
Stop Loss: The resistance line where ATR oscillates can be used to set dynamic stop losses. If the ATR moves above this line, indicating higher volatility, a trader might adjust their stop loss to be a multiple of the ATR away from the current price to account for the increased risk.
Profit Targets: Similarly, profit targets can be set based on ATR levels. For instance, if the ATR is oscillating near resistance, traders might aim for a profit target that's one or two ATRs away from the entry point, anticipating where volatility might push the price.
Trend Confirmation:
Confirming Trends: ATR's behavior at resistance can confirm trends. If the price is trending upward but the ATR fails to move above its resistance, it might indicate that the trend lacks strong momentum or that a reversal could be on the horizon.
Risk Management:
Adjusting Position Size: High ATR levels near resistance could suggest increasing market noise, prompting traders to reduce position sizes or adjust their risk management strategies to account for potential whipsaws or false breakouts.
Counter-Trend Strategy:
Reversal Signals: If the ATR repeatedly fails to break through resistance, it might signal that the market is overstretched, potentially leading to a decrease in volatility or even a trend reversal. Traders could look for bearish signals if this happens in an uptrend or bullish if in a downtrend.
Incorporating these strategies requires careful observation and should ideally be combined with other forms of technical analysis or indicators for confirmation. Remember, while ATR provides insights into volatility, it does not indicate the direction of price movement, so it should be part of a broader trading strategy.
Beta is not right indicator to pick high volatile stocksI have done extensive analysis on lot of stocks to see, which group of stocks gives more returns compared to market, index or any other household branded companies.
Before i get into alternative to beta, here i will try to get into the details of beta calculation to understand ourselves why beta may not represent true nature or momentum of a stock.
How is beta calculated?
Beta is multiplication of two numbers, Correlation and volatility. If any one number out of these two are less, the result will be a low beta number.
Correlation: If a stock moves in same +ve or -ve direction as that of market, it will have good correlation. On a given window of 48 prior days from now, how many days(or whatever timeframe) the stock matches up/down movement with respect to market, will give us correlation number. This value will be in the range +1 to -1. If price moves as per market direction, it will be 0 to +1. If price moves in opposite direction of market( that is stock goes up when market goes down or stock goes down when market goes up), the correlation will be 0 to -1.
Usually in practice, all stocks are mostly positively correlate with market, so they end up having values between 0 and +1. This means, stocks with close to +1 correlation will have high beta and low correlation( say 0.5) will result in low beta.
So correlation will play big role in beta value of a stock.
However there will be few stocks, which doesn't move exactly as that of market but still are high volatile. I will explain volatility in short. If one is filtering stocks based on beta, they will loose out gains on these high volatile stocks.
Instead of measuring an expected amount of return on a stock with respect to beta, we could simply use volatility to monitor a list of high volatile stocks to reap good returns over time.
Volatility: If market moves +0.5%, say stock x moves 1%, conversely if market moves -0.5%, stock x moves -1%, it is safe to say stock x is high volatile. In statistics/math terms, how much the stock is deviating from its mean compared to market, gives a relative value of volatility with respect to market. Standard deviation of stock versus market gives the volatility of the stock.
Higher the volatility, higher the gains or losses on the stock. Expecting returns on a stock based on the standard deviation is difficult. Instead, I will simply use a different calculation(explained below), that helps you easily see the expected returns in layman terms.
Say, if you buy a stock at the lowest price on a specific month, and sell at highest price in that same month, the profit can be measured in percentage wise. That same number averaged over 12 months gives a rough idea of how much profit one can expect if timed properly every month.
Selecting and timing on these high percentage profit returning stocks will amplify the returns over long time, compared to investing or trading in the low volatile stocks.
The indicator(free) of mine sangana beta table will list the stocks sector wise, how much percentage a stock moves low to high in a month.
It works for S&P500 and Nifty 500 stocks.
Happy trading !!!
Trading Timeframes: Measured Moves and ContextIn the previous post, we introduced the concept of measured moves, a structured framework for estimating future price behavior. This method is based on the observation that each swing move tends to be similar in size to the previous one, assuming average price volatility remains consistent. While not exact, this approach offers a practical way to approximate the potential extension of a swing move.
A common question that arises is: which timeframe should you use for measured moves, and how do you choose the correct swing move? These questions open up a completely different and important topic.
Imagine analyzing a chart across three timeframes: daily, weekly, and monthly. You’ve projected a viable measured move on each chart. Now, ask yourself: which projection is the correct one? Where is the move most likely to play out?
Daily
Weekly
Monthly
The reality is that there is no singular “correct” answer. The appropriate measurement depends entirely on your purpose as a trader, the timeframe you operate in, and trading style.
The Fractal Nature of Price Action
Price action is fractal by nature. Regardless of whether you’re observing a 30-minute chart, a daily chart, or a weekly chart, the price displayed is the same in real time. However, the purpose of charts is to provide context. Each timeframe offers a unique perspective on how price has developed. For example, a 5-minute chart may reveal details about intraday movements while a daily chart condenses those details into broader a broader structure and context.
These perspectives may align or contradict one another, they can confirm or challenge your biases. The key takeaway is that charts and timeframes are tools to contextualize price, not definitive answers.
Defining Your Trading Timeframe
To navigate the apparent contradictions between timeframes, start by defining your trading timeframe. This is where you analyze price structure, execute trades and define holding periods. This will answer the opening question: measured moves and other tools should in preference align with your trading timeframe.
In case one wants to consider context, for various reasons, then multiple timeframes can be utilized. These act as a complement, not replacement.
Here’s how different timeframes can be used for context.
Higher timeframe: Moving one timeframe up will compress the price data, providing a broader context, but at the expense of detail.
Lower Timeframe: Moving one timeframe down will reveal intricate details, but can introduce excessive noise.
The balance between these components should match your trading style. Without a clear and defined approach, there is a risk of confusion and contradictory biases.
The Concept of "Moving in Twos"
Another, more anecdotal observation in price movement is the idea of “moving in twos.” This concept suggests that price often moves in sequences of two swings: an impulse move, followed with a pullback, which then repeats.
There tends to be some price disruption after this has played out, but does not always imply that trend movement must stop after two moves. However, measured moves tend to align more reliably with these sequences.
While not a scientifically validated principle, this concept has been discussed by traders such as Al Brooks, Mack and more. It provides a practical heuristic for applying measured moves more consistently.
Practical Application
To apply these ideas, consider the following:
Define your trading timeframe. Use it as the primary basis for your measured move projections.
If needed, incorporate one higher or lower timeframe to balance context and detail. However, these additional perspectives should not overrule your primary focus.
Think in terms of “moving in twos.” Use this concept to locate sequences.
This post was about the relationship between timeframes and the fractal nature of price action. The focus is on our role as traders and how we decide to operate, rather than absolute answers. This might be clear to most, but if not, take some time to think about and define your trading style.
Measured Moves: A Guide to Finding TargetsMeasured Moves: A Guide to Finding Targets
Visualizing the boundaries of price movement helps anticipate potential swing points. The concept of measured moves offers a structured framework to estimate future price behavior, based on the observation that each swing move often mirrors the size of the previous one, assuming average price volatility remains consistent. While not exact, this approach provides a practical method to approximate the extension of a swing move.
Background
Determining profit targets across various methods and timeframes can be challenging. To address this, I reviewed the tactics of experienced traders and market research, noting key similarities and differences. Some traders relied more on discretion, while others used technical targets or predetermined risk-to-reward ratios. Levels of support and resistance (S/R) and the Fibonacci tool frequently appeared, though their application varied by trader.
Based on current evidence, levels appear most relevant when tied to the highest and lowest swing points within the current price structure, for example in a range-bound market. In contrast, sporadic or subtle levels from historical movements seem no more significant than random points. The Fibonacci tool can provide value since measurements are based on actual price range; however, the related values have limited evidence to support them.
To explore these ideas, I conducted measurements on over a thousand continuation setups to identify inherent or consistent patterns in swing moves. It’s important to emphasize that tools and indicators should never be used blindly. Trading requires self-leadership and critical thinking. The application of ideas without understanding their context or validity undermines the decision-making process and leads to inconsistent results. This concept formed the foundation for my analysis, ensuring that methods were tested rather than taken at face value.
Definitions
Trending price movement advances in steps, either upward or downward. This includes a stronger move followed by a weaker corrective move, also known as a retracement.
When the corrective move is done and prices seem to resume the prevailing trend, we can use the prior move to estimate targets; this is known as a projection.
For example, if a stock moves up by 10%, pauses, and subsequently makes another move, we can utilize that value to estimate the potential outcome. Well thats the idea..
Data
Through manual measurements across various timeframes, price structures, and stock categories, I have gathered data on retracements and projections. However, this information should not be considered precise due to market randomness and inherent volatility. In fact, deviations—such as a notable failure to reach a target or overextensions—can indicate a potential structural change.
As this study was conducted with a manual approach, there is a high risk of selection bias, which raises concerns about the methodology's reliability. However, it allows for a more discretionary perspective, enabling observations and discretion that might be overlooked in a purely automated analysis. To simplify the findings, the presented values below represent a combination of all the data.
Retracement Tool
In the context of price movements within a trend, specifically continuation setups, retracements typically fall between 20% and 50% of the prior move. While retracements beyond 50% are less common, this does not necessarily invalidate the setup.
From my observations, two distinct patterns emerge. First, a shallow retracement where the stock consolidates within a narrow range, typically pulling back no more than 10% to 20% before continuing its trend. Second, a deeper retracement, often around 50%, followed by a nested move higher before a continuation.
For those referencing commonly mentioned values (though not validated), levels such as 23.6%, 38.2%, 44.7%, and 50% align with this range. Additionally, 18% frequently appears as a notable breakout point. However, I strongly advise against relying on precise numbers with conviction due to the natural volatility and randomness inherent in the market. Instead, a more reliable approach is to maintain a broad perspective—for example, recognizing that retracements in the 20% to 50% range are common before a continuation. This approach allows flexibility and helps account for the variability in price action.
Projection Tool
When there is a swing move either upward or downward, we can utilize the preceding one of the same type for estimation. This approach can be used exclusively since it is applicable for retracements, projections, and range-bound markets as long as there has been a similar price event in recent time.
In terms of projection, the most common range is between 60% and 120% of the prior move, with 70% to 100% being more prevalent. It is uncommon for a stock to exceed 130% of the preceding move.
Frequently mentioned values in this context include 61.8% and 78.6% as one area, although these values are frequently surpassed. The next two commonly mentioned values are 88.6% and 100%, which are the most frequent and can be used effectively on their own. These values represent a complete measured move, as they closely mimic the magnitude of the prior move with some buffer. The last value, 127%, is also notable, but exceeding this level is less common.
Application
The simplest application of this information is to input the range of 80% to 100% into the projection tool. Then, measure a similar prior move to estimate the subsequent one. This is known as the measured move.
There are no strict rules to follow—it’s more of an art. The key is to measure the most similar move in recent times. If the levels appear unclear or overly complicated, they likely are. The process should remain simple and combined with a discretionary perspective.
Interestingly, using parallel channels follows the same principle, as they measure the range per swing and project average volatility. This can provide an alternative yet similar way to estimate price movement based on historical swings.
The advantage of this method is its universal and adaptable nature for setting estimates. However, it requires a prior swing move and is most effective in continuation setups. Challenges arise when applying it to the start of a new move, exhaustion points, or structural changes, as these can distort short-term price action. For instance, referencing a prior uptrend to project a downtrend is unlikely to be effective due to the opposing asymmetry in swing moves.
In some cases, measured moves from earlier periods can be referenced if the current range is similar. Additionally, higher timeframes take precedence over lower ones when determining projections.
This is nothing more than a tool and should be used with a discretionary perspective, as with all indicators and drawing tools. The true edge lies elsewhere.
Example Use
1. Structure: Identify an established trend or range and measure a clear swing move.
2. Measured Move: Apply the measurement to the subsequent move by duplicating the line to the next point or using a trend-based Fibonacci extension tool set to 100% of the prior swing.
The first two points define the swing move.
The third point is placed at the deepest part of the subsequent pullback or at the start of the new move.
3. Interpretation: While this is a simple tool, its effective use and contextual application require experience and practice. Remember, this process relies on approximation and discretionary judgment.
Breakout Signals via Asymmetrical AveragingSpecial Application of Average Bullish & Bearish Percentage Change Indicator
INDICATOR AVERAGES BULLISH AND BEARISH VOLATILITY SEPARATELY THROUGH THEIR NATIVE PAST CANDLE COUNT. NOT PERIODICALLY!
Asymmetrical averaging is a versatile technique that involves assigning different lengths for independent averaging of opposite market forces. This adaptability uncovers high-probability breakout signals by establishing a threshold that filters out irrelevant fluctuations.
Below, I illustrated 2 practical examples of the method applied to bullish and bearish breakout scenarios:
Bullish Breakout Example:
Set the bullish averaging to 30 and the bearish averaging to 1000.
If the bullish average consistently surpasses the bearish threshold, it indicates robust buying momentum and a potential breakout to the upside.
The extreme bearish average establishes a consistent baseline, filtering out short-term fluctuations and focusing on significant upward momentum to deliver reliable bullish breakout signals.
Bearish Breakout Example:
Set the bearish averaging to 30 and the bullish averaging to 1000.
If the bearish average rises above the bullish threshold, it signals growing selling pressure and a potential breakout to the downside.
The extreme bullish average provides a steady reference point, eliminating minor fluctuations and isolating significant downward momentum for dependable bearish breakout signals.
LINK TO THE INDICATOR:
Raw VS Percentage Volatility FormatA Quantitative Comparison of "Buying & Selling Pressure" and "Average Bullish & Bearish Percentage Change"
In market analysis, the choice of averaging method can profoundly influence the insights derived. The "Buying & Selling Pressure " and "Average Bullish & Bearish Percentage Change" indicators demonstrate the unique strengths of fixed-period and candle-count-based averaging approaches.
Key Differences Between Fixed-Period and Candle-Count Averaging
Fixed-Period Averaging in BSP:
➡︎ In "Buying & Selling Pressure", candle metrics are averaged over a defined period (e.g., 14 bars).
➡︎ This provides rapid insights into market sentiment changes, making it ideal for tracking incentive shifts and volatility in real time.
➡︎ However, because this method includes all candles in the averaging window, it may reflect short-term fluctuations, offering less stability compared to candle-count-based methods.
Candle-Count Averaging in ABBPC:
➡︎ "Average Bullish & Bearish Percentage Change"uses a predefined count of bullish or bearish candles for averaging percentage changes.
➡︎ This produces stable and reliable values, which are less sensitive to noise and better suited for risk and reward assessment.
➡︎ The focus on specific candle states ensures that only relevant market behaviors contribute to the averages.
Using Percentage Change for Risk Definition
One of the greatest strengths of the "Average Bullish & Bearish Percentage Change" indicator is its ability to assist in risk and reward calculations with much more market related figures instead of raw values of volatility:
Defining Risk
The average percentage change of bearish candles can serve as a dynamic stop-loss level.
For example, if the average bearish percentage change over the last 10 candles is 2%, a trader can set a stop-loss at 2% below their entry to account for typical market behavior.
Quantifying Reward:
The average bullish percentage change helps identify realistic profit targets.
If the average bullish percentage change over the last 10 candles is 3%, a trader can set a target at 3% above their entry to maintain a favorable risk-to-reward ratio.
Dynamic Adjustments:
As the market evolves, these average percentage changes update, allowing traders to adjust their risk and reward levels in real time for better precision.
Quantitative Advantages of Percentage Change Averaging
Normalization Across Price Levels:
Percentage changes enable consistent comparison across assets with vastly different price ranges.
Enhanced Stability for Risk Assessment:
Candle-count averaging smooths out noise, offering a reliable basis for setting risk parameters like stop-losses and profit targets.
Improved Predictability:
By isolating specific candle behaviors, percentage-based metrics provide clearer signals for trend-following or mean-reversion strategies.
Advantages of BSP’s Fixed-Period Averaging
Despite being less stable, "Buying & Selling Pressure " excels in areas requiring speed and adaptability:
Fast Incentive Tracking:
Period-based averaging adapts quickly to changing market conditions, providing timely insights into shifts in buying or selling pressure.
Broad Volatility Capture:
BSP includes all candles in the defined period, capturing overall market dynamics, including sudden spikes or reversals.
Real-Time Decision Making:
Its responsiveness makes it highly suitable for momentum or breakout trading strategies.
Bottomline:
Use "Average Bullish & Bearish Percentage Change" for stable, consistent data ideal for risk assessment, particularly when defining dynamic stop-loss levels or profit targets based on average percentage changes.
Use "Buying & Selling Pressure " for its speed and adaptability in tracking real-time shifts in market incentives and capturing volatility.
Why Trading Sessions Matter in Forex: Key OverlapsThe Forex market is open 24 hours a day during the weekdays, allowing traders flexibility to trade at any time. However, understanding the best times to trade is essential for effective trading. The market is divided into four main sessions: Sydney, Tokyo, London, and New York, each corresponding to peak activity in key financial centers. Using a Forex Market Time Zone Converter can help traders determine which sessions are active in their local time, making it easier to plan around high-liquidity periods.
Although the market is technically always open, not all trading times are equally profitable. Higher trading volume, which generally occurs during session overlaps, creates ideal conditions for traders. For example, the overlap of the London and New York sessions sees the highest volume, with more than 50% of daily trades occurring in these two centers. Trading at this time, especially with currency pairs like GBP/USD, can lead to tighter spreads and quicker order execution, reducing slippage and increasing the likelihood of profitable trades. Similarly, trading AUD/JPY during the Asian session, when the Tokyo market is active, is advantageous due to higher trading activity for these currencies.
Conversely, trading during times when only one session is active, such as during the Sydney session alone, can result in wider spreads and less market movement, making it harder to achieve profitable trades. Planning trades around high-activity sessions and overlaps is key to effective forex trading.
Quadruple Witching: What Retail Traders Should Know█ Quadruple Witching is Happening Today: What Retail Traders Should Know!
Today marks Quadruple Witching, a pivotal event in the financial markets that occurs four times a year—on the third Friday of March, June, September, and December. During Quadruple Witching, four types of derivative contracts expire simultaneously:
Stock Index Futures
Stock Index Options
Single Stock Futures
Single Stock Options
When all four of these contracts expire simultaneously, it can lead to increased trading volume and heightened volatility in the markets. The term "witching" is derived from the "Triple Witching" event, which involves the simultaneous expiration of three types of contracts (stock index futures, stock index options, and single stock options). Quadruple Witching adds the expiration of single stock futures to this mix.
This convergence leads to a surge in trading activity and heightened market volatility as traders and investors adjust or close their positions.
█ When Does Quadruple Witching Occur?
Quadruple Witching takes place on the third Friday of March, June, September, and December each year. These dates align with the end of each fiscal quarter, making them significant for various market participants.
█ What Retail Traders Should Be Aware Of
⚪ Increased Volatility
Price Swings: Expect more significant and rapid price movements in both individual stocks and broader market indices.
Unpredictable Trends: Sudden shifts can occur, making it challenging to anticipate market direction.
⚪ Higher Trading Volume
Liquidity Peaks : Trading volumes can spike by 30-40%, enhancing liquidity but also increasing competition for trade execution.
Potential for Slippage: High volumes may lead to slower order executions and potential slippage, where trades are executed at different prices than intended.
⚪ Potential for Market Manipulation
Large Institutional Trades: Institutions managing vast derivative positions can influence stock prices, creating opportunities and risks.
Short-Term Opportunities: Retail traders might find short-term trading opportunities but should exercise caution.
⚪ Emotional Discipline
Stress Management: The fast-paced and volatile environment can be emotionally taxing. Maintain a clear trading plan to avoid impulsive decisions.
Risk Management: Use stop-loss orders and position sizing to protect against unexpected market moves.
█ Historical Perspective and Market Behavior
Historically, Quadruple Witching days have been associated with noticeable market movements.
⚪ Price Trends
Some studies suggest that markets may trend in the direction of the prevailing market sentiment leading into the expiration day.
⚪ Volatility Patterns
Volatility tends to spike during Quadruple Witching, especially in the final hour of trading, as traders finalize their positions.
⚪ Volume Spikes
Trading volumes can increase by 30-40% compared to regular trading days, reflecting the high level of activity as contracts expire.
█ Tips for Navigating Quadruple Witching
⚪ Avoid Trading
Some traders prefer to stay out of the market to avoid unpredictable price movements and potential losses.
⚪ Stay Informed
Market News: Keep abreast of financial news and updates that may influence market sentiment.
Contract Expirations: Be aware of which contracts are expiring and their potential impact on specific stocks or indices.
⚪ Focus on Liquidity
Trade Liquid Stocks: Opt for highly liquid stocks and ETFs to ensure smoother trade executions and tighter bid-ask spreads.
Avoid Thinly Traded Assets: Steer clear of stocks with low trading volumes to minimize execution risks.
⚪ Use Limit Orders
Control Entry and Exit Points: Limit orders allow you to set specific prices for buying or selling, helping manage execution prices amidst volatility.
⚪ Monitor Key Levels
Support and Resistance: Keep an eye on critical technical levels that may act as barriers or catalysts for price movements.
Volume Indicators: Use volume-based indicators to gauge the strength of price movements.
⚪ Maintain Discipline
Stick to Your Plan: Adhere to your trading strategy and avoid making decisions based on fear or greed.
Manage Risk: Implement strict risk management practices, such as setting stop-loss levels and not overexposing your portfolio.
█ Key Takeaways
⚪ Frequency: Occurs four times a year on the third Friday of March, June, September, and December.
⚪ Impact: This leads to increased trading volume and volatility due to the expiration of four types of derivative contracts.
⚪ Strategies: Traders may choose to avoid trading, focus on liquid assets, implement strict risk management, or exploit short-term volatility.
⚪ Risks: These include unpredictable price movements, liquidity issues, execution challenges, and emotional stress.
█ Conclusion
Quadruple Witching can significantly impact market dynamics, presenting both opportunities and challenges for retail traders. By understanding the mechanics of this event and implementing strategic measures, traders can better navigate the heightened volatility and make informed decisions. Remember to stay disciplined, manage your risks effectively, and focus on liquid assets to optimize your trading performance during Quadruple Witching days.
-----------------
Disclaimer
This is an educational study for entertainment purposes only.
The information in my Scripts/Indicators/Ideas/Algos/Systems does not constitute financial advice or a solicitation to buy or sell securities. I will not accept liability for any loss or damage, including without limitation any loss of profit, which may arise directly or indirectly from the use of or reliance on such information.
All investments involve risk, and the past performance of a security, industry, sector, market, financial product, trading strategy, backtest, or individual's trading does not guarantee future results or returns. Investors are fully responsible for any investment decisions they make. Such decisions should be based solely on evaluating their financial circumstances, investment objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs.
My Scripts/Indicators/Ideas/Algos/Systems are only for educational purposes!
Major earnings are times to hedge or BTDAs far more eloquent and technical writers have covered (spotgamma, etc) - it's very clear that the markets in general are driven by single name options on the largest market cap companies.
And to help visualize just how much volatility can happen around earnings on these single names, I wanted to be able to visualize those earnings dates and impacts against some of the major benchmark ETFs like SPY or QQQ.
So far, I hadn't seen a place that gives this a more clear presentation so here is my first attempt at visualizing just how large the ripples are from the "megacaps" (AAPL, MSFT, NVDA, TSLA, etc) in a very "glanceable" way.
Introducing this indicator here first!
Earnings Date Highlighter - from0_to_1
Easily see the earnings dates from top market movers or the top holdings of your favorite ETF!
Why WAITING on XAU Will pay BIG TIME The charts cover different timeframes of the XAU/USD (Gold/US Dollar) pair, and they reveal several key technical structures and patterns that are useful for trading analysis.
1. Flag Pattern and Breakout (5-Minute and 15-Minute Charts)
- On the 5-minute and 15-minute charts, there is a visible **flag pattern** following a strong upward move (bullish flag). This pattern typically indicates a continuation of the prevailing trend after a consolidation phase.
- The flag's lower trendline (support) and upper trendline (resistance) are marked in yellow. The price consolidated between these lines, and the breakout occurred upwards, confirming the bullish continuation. This breakout could be a potential entry point for a long position, with the stop loss below the flag's lower trendline and a target based on the flagpole's length (the initial strong upward move preceding the flag).
2. Descending Channel and Potential Reversal (1-Hour and 4-Hour Charts)
- The 1-hour and 4-hour charts display a **descending channel** (marked with yellow trendlines). The price recently touched the lower trendline and bounced back, showing signs of a potential reversal.
- If the price continues to break above the upper trendline of the descending channel, it could signal a bullish reversal, providing a possible entry for a long trade. The risk management strategy should include placing a stop loss below the recent low (or the channel's lower trendline) and targeting previous resistance levels or the channel's upper boundary.
3. Broadening Wedge Formation (4-Hour Chart)
- The broader view on the 4-hour chart shows a **broadening wedge pattern**, where the price has been making higher highs and lower lows. This pattern is generally considered a sign of increasing volatility and potential trend reversal.
- If the price breaks above the broadening wedge's upper trendline, this could further confirm a bullish reversal. Conversely, a break below the lower trendline would suggest further downside potential.
4. Support and Resistance Zones (Highlighted on All Charts)
- Several horizontal lines mark significant **support and resistance levels** around $2,507 and $2,532.144, respectively. These levels could serve as potential entry or exit points based on how the price reacts when approaching them.
- Observing how the price interacts with these levels can provide clues for future price action. For example, a sustained move above $2,507 could confirm a bullish sentiment, whereas a rejection or false breakout might suggest the continuation of the bearish trend.
Trading Strategy Recommendations:
1. Flag Pattern (Short-Term Bullish) If looking for short-term trades, consider entering a long position on a confirmed breakout of the flag pattern, with a stop loss below the flag's lower trendline. Target a move equal to the height of the flagpole added to the breakout point.
2. Descending Channel (Potential Reversal):If trading based on the descending channel, a break above the upper trendline could signal a reversal and a potential buying opportunity. In contrast, if the price rejects the upper trendline, consider shorting with a stop above the recent highs and target the lower boundary.
3. Broadening Wedge (Cautious Approach): For traders cautious about volatility, wait for a confirmed breakout from the broadening wedge to determine the trend direction. Enter long if it breaks upwards and short if it breaks downwards, setting stop losses just beyond the breakout points.
4. Support and Resistance Levels (Decision Zones): Use the marked support and resistance zones as decision points. Enter trades based on confirmation signals near these levels, and manage risk by adjusting stop-loss orders accordingly.
By combining these observations with confluence factors such as higher time frame trends, candlestick patterns, and multi-touch confirmations, you can refine your entry and exit points and enhance your trading strategy.
How to use Implied Volatility Index to analyze Bitcoin▮ Introduction
Bitcoin is known for its price volatility. Analyzing the price chart alone is often not enough to make buy and sell decisions.
Implied volatility indexes such as DERIBIT:DVOL and VOLMEX:BVIV can complement traditional technical analysis by providing insights into market sentiment and expectations.
▮ Understanding DVOL/BVIV
DVOL and BVIV measure the expected implied volatility of Bitcoin over the next 30 days, derived from real-time call and put options.
DVOL is calculated by Deribit, the world's largest Bitcoin and Ether options exchange.
BVIV is calculated by Volmex Finance; the data is extracted from exchanges (currently Deribit and OKX), and then combined into a single set.
* In addition to Bitcoin, it is possible to analyze Ethereum-specific instruments through the ticks DERIBIT:ETHDVOL and VOLMEX:EVIV, whose line of reasoning is the same.
▮ Interpreting the chart
🔶 High DVOL/BVIV values indicate that the market expects greater volatility in the next 30 days. This is usually associated with uncertainty, fear, or expected major events.
🔶 The index does not indicate the direction of the price, but rather whether volatility will increase or decrease.
🔶 Low values indicate an expectation of lower volatility and are usually associated with calmer and more optimistic markets.
🔶 To get an idea of the expected daily movement of Bitcoin, simply divide the DVOL value by 20. For example, a DVOL of 100 indicates an expected daily movement of 5%.
🔶 Divergences between the price of Bitcoin and DVOL/BVIV can signal inflection points.
🔶 Price rising with a drop in DVOL/BVIV may indicate exhaustion and a potential top.
🔶 Price falling with a drop in DVOL/BVIV may indicate exhaustion and a potential bottom.
▮ Example
The price of BTC here is at the top in white.
The DVOL and the RSI of DVOL are both in red.
The reason I put the RSI here is that it is easier to analyze DVOL, since the values are in a fixed range, therefore easier to interpret.
On March 25, 2022, the RSI shows a contracted value of 30, that is, low implied volatility. This foreshadows a period of calm that precedes a period of agitation.
In this case, the “agitation” soon materializes in a period of price decline.
When the RSI then reaches the upper limit range, at 83 (on May 12, 2022), a peak in volatility is characterized.
Then, after that, it begins to decrease. This decrease in volatility in DVOL corroborates the moment of Bitcoin’s lateralization within the orange box.
▮ Conclusion
Although DVOL and BVIV should not be used in isolation, they can be valuable tools for confirming price chart signals and anticipating major movements.
Incorporating implied volatility analysis into your strategy, can improve the timing of entries/exits and help manage risk.
⚠️ But remember:
Just because a strategy worked in the past does not mean it will work forever.
Past profitability is no guarantee of future profitability.
Do your own analysis and risk management.
Trend Strategy: Liquidity with DCF█ INTRODUCTION
This trading strategy is designed to maximize your chances of success by focusing on the most favorable currency pairs and aligning your trades with strong market trends.
Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
1. Identify the DCF (Daily Capital Flow) Index: Start by analyzing the overall flow of capital across various currencies. This involves identifying which currencies are gaining strength and which are weakening. By combining the strongest currencies against the weakest, you can select currency pairs that are more likely to move in your favor, taking advantage of minimal market resistance.
2. Wait for a trap play: A trap play is a market pattern where the price seems to move against the trend but then quickly reverses, trapping traders who took the bait. Look for this trap play to form in the direction of the identified capital flow. The key signal here is the price crossing the 10-period Exponential Moving Average (EMA), which acts as a trigger for entry into the trade.
3. Place your stop loss: To manage risk, place your stop loss just below the bar or candlestick that forms the trap play. This way, if the market moves against your position, your losses will be limited.
4. Stay in the trend: As long as the price remains above the 20-period Simple Moving Average (SMA) on a closing basis, you stay in the trade. This indicates that the trend is still strong, and there's no need to exit prematurely.
5. Take profit: Monitor the market for a trap play forming in the opposite direction of your trade. This suggests that liquidity is building up, and the market might reverse. This is your cue to take profit and close the trade.
6. Repeat: Once you've closed the trade, start the process again by identifying the DCF, finding new optimal pairs, and following the steps above.
By consistently applying this strategy, you can leverage market trends and manage risk effectively, potentially leading to consistent profits.
How Experienced Traders Navigate VolatilityIn today’s turbulent markets, it is a timeless reminder to discuss volatility, how experienced traders can navigate volatility and manage their risk, and why it’s important to always be prepared. Recently, we saw dramatic price action with the USD/JPY pair influenced by the Bank of Japan’s policies or even gold’s march to all-time highs against the Dollar. In this post, we’ll be discussing the art and science of volatility in forex markets and aim to remind all traders about what it is and how to deal with it.
Understanding Forex Volatility
Volatility is quite simple, despite sounding complex. At its core, volatility measures how much a currency’s value deviates from its average. High volatility means more significant price swings from its average and low volatility means less significant price swings or a lack thereof. Now that you understand the basics, let’s move on to the next concept – trading around volatility and the associated risks.
Trading in Volatile Markets
Experienced traders know that volatility will spike at some point in a market cycle. Throughout market history there have been many examples of this, and volatility spikes can correspond with market crashes, unexpected economic figures, and major news events, such as elections or wars. These volatile moments may present opportunities to the prepared trader, but it is also equally important to manage your risks in these scenarios. Therefore, the first step to this is crucial: be fully equipped for it.
Know The Risks
Experienced traders can find potential opportunities in volatility, as mentioned above, but it also means more risk because of potentially higher spreads, faster and unexpected price movements, and larger percentage moves in either direction. That’s why it’s important to assess your risk tolerance before diving in, and once again, be prepared for volatility to strike at any moment.
Technical Indicators for Volatility
There are several technical indicators that you can employ on your charts to measure volatility in the currency pair that you’re analyzing. We’ve compiled a small list below to get you started, but please keep in mind that there are many more to share in an upcoming post here on TradingView, so please stay tuned for more updates from us:
Bollinger Bands: Measures and displays a currency pair’s standard deviation.
Average True Range (ATR): Shows the average range of symbols over specific periods of time.
Relative Strength Index (RSI): Measures price change and size.
We Know Volatility
We’ve seen booms and busts, and presidents come and go over our 20+ years working in forex markets, but throughout that time we’ve remained steadfast, providing traders with the education, resources, and tools they need. That’s why we publish content like this to ourus official TradingView profile – be sure to follow along.
The Power of Trap Plays: Understanding Liquidity Warnings█ INTRODUCTION
In the world of trading and investing, understanding market dynamics is crucial for success. One of the key concepts that often go unnoticed, yet plays a significant role in shaping market behavior, is the "trap play." Trap plays are strategic moves by large market participants designed to exploit or manipulate liquidity, creating opportunities for informed traders while serving as warnings for those who are less vigilant. In this article, we explore why trap plays are good liquidity warnings and how they can be used to navigate the complexities of the financial markets.
█ WHAT ARE TRAP PLAYS?
Trap plays are deceptive market maneuvers where large players, often institutions or experienced traders, create a false sense of market direction to entice retail traders or smaller players into making decisions that ultimately lead to losses. These plays can manifest in various forms, such as false breakouts, sudden reversals, or unexpected price spikes, all aimed at manipulating the supply and demand dynamics of a particular asset.
For example, a false breakout occurs when the price of an asset appears to break through a significant support or resistance level, leading traders to believe that a strong trend is about to emerge. However, once these traders enter positions based on this perceived breakout, the price reverses, trapping them in losing positions.
█ TRADING TRAP PLAYS
While trap plays are often viewed negatively, they can be valuable tools for astute traders who recognize them as liquidity warnings. By understanding the mechanics of trap plays, traders can:
◆ Avoid Being Trapped: By staying vigilant and not rushing into trades based on apparent breakouts or breakdowns, traders can avoid falling victim to traps set by larger players. This caution is particularly important during periods of low liquidity or heightened market volatility.
◆ Identify Reversal Opportunities: Savvy traders can use trap plays to their advantage by recognizing when a false breakout or other trap play is likely to reverse. This insight allows them to position themselves on the right side of the trade, capitalizing on the missteps of others.
◆ Gauge Market Sentiment: Trap plays can also provide insights into market sentiment and the intentions of large players. By observing how these plays unfold, traders can gain a better understanding of the underlying liquidity conditions and adjust their strategies accordingly.
█ CONCLUSION
Trap plays are more than just deceptive tactics used by large market participants; they are also important liquidity warnings that can provide valuable insights into the state of the market. By recognizing and understanding these plays, traders can protect themselves from potential losses and even use these situations to their advantage. In the fast-paced and often unpredictable world of trading, staying aware of liquidity conditions and the potential for trap plays is essential for long-term success.
Market Anxiety Reflected in the "Fear Index"www.tradingview.com
Market Anxiety Reflected in the "Fear Index": Understanding the Nikkei Volatility Index
The Nikkei Stock Average experienced significant volatility on August 7th in the Tokyo stock market. Although it initially plunged over 900 points at the opening, it quickly recovered.
One factor behind the sharp drop in Japanese stocks was the hawkish remarks made by Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda during the Monetary Policy Meeting. However, at a financial and economic symposium held in Hakodate, Hokkaido, Deputy Governor Uchida stated, "We will not raise interest rates under unstable financial market conditions." He also mentioned, "For the time being, we believe it is necessary to firmly continue monetary easing at the current level," easing market concerns about further rate hikes.
While the stock market is being swayed by the remarks of government and Bank of Japan officials, an analysis of the Nikkei Volatility Index, also known as the "fear index," revealed that it surpassed the warning level, reaching 45.63 on July 23rd. This indicates a highly unstable state in the stock market. Being able to anticipate rapid changes in volatility can make it easier to manage funds and trades, reducing the risk of being overwhelmed by market fluctuations.
The warning level is not only exceeded when the index surpasses 40 but also when it falls below 20, requiring market participants to exercise caution. When the index dips below 20, a situation akin to the "calm before the storm" can arise, making market movements difficult to predict. For instance, the usual correlation between the number of advancing and declining stocks and overall market movements may break down under these circumstances.
Although turbulent markets like this are rare, market participants must still be prepared for unforeseen events.
How to read the VIX properly
This video explains the VIX indicator, how I use it to guide my trading decisions, and my perspective on the market. You can download the TradingView indicator for free, as it is open-source. Additionally, I'll provide a link to my Thinkorswim version in the YouTube video description. The VIX is an excellent tool for market guidance, based on options trading activity 30 days out on the S&P 500. It indicates market fear when it rises due to increased options buying and selling. Thank you for watching! If you have any questions or comments, feel free to share them—I enjoy discussing these topics. No indicator is perfect, but I use this one daily to gauge the market.
HOW-TO: Cyato Bands
█ Overview
Welcome to the getting started page dedicated to my automated trading strategy Cyatophilum Bands, which is in continuous development.
The strategy principle is to identify consolidation areas, catch breakouts and ride the trend as long as possible.
█ Trade examples
Breakout from Tight Consolidation
Price consolidates within a narrow range and identifies the breakout point.
False Breakout Avoidance
Filter out noise from the market by incorporating volume, trend and range filters.
Multi-Timeframe Analysis
Set the Bands time frame higher than the current chart to perform MTF analysis.
Reversal Confirmation
In the strategy direction settings, you can choose to go long, short or both.
Profitable Trend Continuation
A cool feature the take profit has is that it gets disabled when the trend is strong and clear, allowing to play safe in a ranging market, while maximizing profits in strong trends.
█ Indicator settings
Bands Settings
The band configuration settings allow you to create any kind of band, my favorite is the Donchian channels, but you can also create Bollinger and Kelter kinds of bands.
Filter Settings
The entry is triggered by a band breakout, but only that is not enough to create a solid strategy. Adjust the consolidation area, set a volume, range and trend filter to strengthen your entry.
Stop Loss Settings
Easily create a stop loss system using %, ATR, pips or AUTO calculation modes.
Add a trailing stop using ATR or Classic modes. (more modes can be added upon request)
Take Profit Settings
Set a take profit system using also different modes and the amazing feature to disable take profit during strong trends.
Backtest Settings
Backtest quickly using the information panel. See if you beat buy and hold and ATH buy and hold, as well as other stats like daily return.
█ Backtesting results & preconfigured charts
BTC/USDT
Snapshot:
Chart : www.tradingview.com (Access Required)
ETH/USDT
Snapshot:
Chart : www.tradingview.com (Access Required)
BNB/USDT
Snapshot:
Chart: www.tradingview.com (Access Required)
SOL/USDT
Snapshot:
Chart: www.tradingview.com (Access Required)
ADA/USDT
Snapshot:
Chart: www.tradingview.com
AVAX/USDT
Snapshot:
Chart: www.tradingview.com
LINK/USDT
Snapshot:
Chart: www.tradingview.com
MATIC/USDT
Snapshot:
Chart: www.tradingview.com
IMX/USDT
Chart: www.tradingview.com
█ SCRIPT ACCESS
Indicator and automation tools access can be purchased on my website. Links in my signature below.
Understanding Volatility and How Traders Can Use It to Their BenWhat is Volatility?
Volatility refers to the degree of variation in the price of a financial instrument over time. It is a statistical measure of the dispersion of returns for a given security or market index. In simpler terms, volatility represents the amount of uncertainty or risk related to the size of changes in an asset’s value. High volatility means the price of the asset can change dramatically over a short period in either direction, while low volatility implies more stable prices with fewer and smaller fluctuations.
Measuring Volatility
Historical Volatility: This measures past market prices and their fluctuations over a specific time period. It is calculated by taking the standard deviation of returns over that period.
Implied Volatility: This is derived from the market price of a market-traded derivative (e.g., an option). It reflects the market's view of the likelihood of changes in a given security's price.
Volatility Indexes: Tools like the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) track market expectations of near-term volatility conveyed by S&P 500 stock index option prices.
How Traders Can Use Volatility to Their Benefit
Identifying Trading Opportunities:
High Volatility: Traders often seek high volatility environments as they provide more opportunities to capture significant price movements. This is particularly beneficial for day traders and short-term traders who can capitalize on rapid price changes.
Low Volatility: During periods of low volatility, traders might focus on strategies like mean reversion, where they anticipate that prices will return to their average.
Risk Management:
Understanding volatility helps traders manage risk better. By using tools such as stop-loss orders, traders can limit potential losses during volatile periods.
Position sizing based on volatility can help in adjusting exposure. For instance, smaller positions might be taken during high volatility to mitigate risk, while larger positions could be considered during stable periods.
Volatility-Based Strategies:
Options Trading: Traders can use volatility to their advantage in options trading. Strategies like straddles and strangles profit from significant moves in either direction, which are more likely during high volatility periods.
Market Timing:
Hedging: Traders can hedge their portfolios against volatility by taking positions in assets or derivatives that are negatively correlated with their current holdings.
Volatility can provide insights into market sentiment and potential turning points. For instance, a spike in volatility often precedes significant market corrections or rallies.
Traders can use technical indicators like Bollinger Bands, which adjust for volatility, to identify overbought or oversold conditions in the market.
Conclusion
Volatility is a fundamental concept in trading that can both pose risks and offer opportunities. By understanding and measuring volatility, traders can enhance their risk management practices, identify profitable trading opportunities, and employ volatility-based strategies to improve their overall trading performance. Whether dealing with high or low volatility environments, a keen awareness of market fluctuations is essential for successful trading.