BLS INTL SERVICES - Ready for a short term Up MoveThe stock had undergone a big correction even before the recent small cap index correction. The stock fell almost 28% from 475 to 340. It was pushed below the 200 DMA, from where it has been recovering. Even during the recent correction in the small cap index, the stock was in fact showing lot of strength and the relative strength compared to the small cap index is positive now. It is also making higher highs in the daily frame while it is still continuing to make the higher highs and higher lows in the weekly time frame as well. Now, it has also crossed above the short-term moving averages and the previous daily pivot. So, the stock looks likely to test 475 levels. So, I am looking at 15% returns in the short term from the stock. Of course, one has to always keep in mind the overall market weakness.
Volumespreadanalysis
TM 1D Investment Long Conservative TradeConservative Trade
+ long balance
+ 1/2 correction
+ ICE level
+ support level
+ biggest volume 2Sp+
- not waiting for a test
Monthly Trend
"+ long impulse
+ T2 level
+ 1/2 correction
+ support level
+ biggest volume Sp
+ weak test?"
Calculated affordable stop limit at $168.93
Take profits
20% at 1 to 2 R/R
20% at 1/2 1D
20% at 1D Creek
20% at 1/2 1M
20% at 1M T1
AFKS 1D Long Investment Conservative Trend TradeConservative Trend Trade
+ long balance
+ 1/2 correction
+ ICE level
+ support level
+ biggest volume 2Sp+
- above the manipulation level entry point
Calculated affordable virtual stop loss
1 to 2 R/R (less for missed entry)
Monthly Trend Trade
"+ long impulse
+ 1/2 correction
+ T2 level
+ support level
+ volumed manipulation"
I will double up if it gives me a better entry on hourly.
BOMBAY DYEING - Ready to Move to the Next OrbitThe stock after facing price rejection in the range of 224 to 241 was pushed down to the 50 DMA. It moved almost sideways in the last three months. Recently we saw some interest coming back into the stock with the relative strength and the money flow turning positive and the volume was also increasing. The stock remained very strong during the recent weakness we saw in the overall market. Now finally it has crossed above the price rejection zone with good volume support. The delivery volumes saw substantial increase recently. All other parameters like the buying pressure, volume adjusted momentums, absolute momentum everything seem to be favouring further up move. Looks like the stock is ready to move to the top into the next orbit.
SLB 5M Daytrade Long Aggressive CounterTrend tradeAggressive CounterTrend trade
- short impulse
+ support level
- unvolumed T1 level
+ volumed 2Sp-
- weak test closed below T1
+ first bullish bar closed entry
- target beyond 5M / 1H range
Calculated affordable stop limit
1 to 2 R/R take profit expandable to swing / investment trade
1 Hour CounterTrend
"- short balance
+ expanding ICE
+ support level
+ biggest volume manipulation"
1 Day Trend
"+ long impulse
+ SOS test level
+ support level
+ 1/2 correction"
1 Month Trend
"+ long balance
+ expanding ICE level
+ support level
+ 1/2 correction
+ volumed manipulation"
Sell SLB Limit 44.54, GTC
Sell SLB Stop 42.29 LMT 43.06, GTC
TDPOWER SYSTEMS - Likely to resume the Up Trend?The stock was in an uptrend and met with some price rejection in the range of 436 to 451, then it was pushed down to below 50 DMA. Then we saw some strength coming back below the 50 DMA and then today we saw an “Effort to move up” bar. Now the price is at the supply line and once the supply line is broken then we can see the stock testing the previous rejection zone and with some momentum it could take out the Price Rejection Zone and move up. Now the buying pressure and the money flow are positive while the relative strength is on the verge of turning positive. There is some good volume support as well. We also could see some committed buying coming in terms of delivery volumes. So, looks like the momentum is building up and this should see a stock being pushed up to test the rejection zone and further up. In other words the stock look likely to resume the Up Trend.
LAURAS LABS - A Stock to WatchThe stock has been moving up slowly and on the weekly, it has been making higher highs and higher lows. Also, it has been repeatedly bouncing from the 200 DMA. Currently after making a higher high on the weekly, it was pushed down back to the 200 DMA from where it has been bouncing. Now it has moved past the short-term moving averages as well. In the last few sessions, we saw good buying up bars. However, the key parameters like relative strength, money flow and the volume driven momentum are still in the negative territory tending to move to the positive side. Ideally this stock should make another higher high surpassing the earlier higher high which was around 520 levels. Ideally one should wait till it crosses 477 levels and all key parameters turn positive. This will also help to confirm that there is follow up bullishness. Hence this is a stock to watch.
MAZAGON DOCKS - ON A RECOVERY PATH ?The stock after a buying climax bar in the month of July was overwhelmed with the supply of the BC bar and was pushed down to below the 50 DMA levels. Then it started accumulating around the 50 DMA and now it's finally getting pushed above the short-term moving averages. And all the key parameters like the relative strength, absolute strength, the money flow, buying pressure are all nicely stacked up favouring further up move. So, this could move up again. Another 1000 points testing 5400 levels. However, it is better to watch the next couple of bars to see if there is follow-up support coming.
TATN 5M Daytrade Short Aggressive Trend TradeAggressive Trend Trade
- long impulse
+ biggest volume T1
+ biggest volume 2Sp-
+ weakness
- didn't wait for test to complete
+ target before 1/2 of hourly wave
Calculated affordable stop loss
1 to 2 R/R take profit
1H Trend
"+ exhaustion volume
+ short impulse
+ 1/2 correction
+ SOW / T2 volumed level
+ volumed manipulation"
1D CounterTrend
"- long impulse
- T1 level
+ resistance level
+ biggest volume manipulation"
1M Trend
"+ short impulse
+ SOW level
+ 1/2 correction
+ resistance level"
Convertible to Swing / Investment trade if 1H and 1D close right.
Watch out for the gap since it's a stop market!
We are we doiiiingggg lol ?Daily: Tuesday trading was bearish pushing into the weekly low. Wednesday's price failed to take out Tuesday's daily low creating indecision. For me, that's giving the idea that Thursday can go either way
4hr: RTH shows that the NY session had mostly bullish volume but still a bearish presence at the highs. Longs will be favored if we can get above 20.266.00
M15: After the NY session on Tuesday, the price went into accumulation and attempted the expansion today leaving behind a m15 imbalance that I will be curious how the price reacts to if retested
If it holds we can see long stepping back in, but if it fails price might push back to the lows
I want to see how the overnight session trades to see if it gives any sentiment of price moving higher or lower in the Asian and London sessions.
SMLT 1H Swing Long Aggressive CounterTrend TradeAggressive CounterTrend Trade
+ long impulse
+ 1/2 correction
+ volumed T1
- support level???
+ volumed 2Sp+
+ weak test
+ first bullish bar closed entry
Calculated affordable stop limit
1 to 2 R/R take profit expandable to Investment trade
Daily CounterTrend
"- short impulse
+ volumed TE / T1
+ support level
+ volumed Sp
+ weak test"
Monthly CounterTrend
"+ short balance
+ ICE level
+ 1/2 correction
+ support level
+ biggest volume manipulation"
NLMK 1H Long Swing Trend TradeTrend Trade
+ short impulse
+ support level
+ biggest volume T1?
- 1 bar reversal?
+ volumed 2Sp
+ weak test to 1/2
+ first bullish bar closed entry
Calculated affordable virtual stop
1 to 2 R/R expandable to 1D if closed Sp take profit
Daily Trend
" + long impulse
+ 1/2 correction
+ JOC level
+ support level
+ volumed manipulation"
Monthly Trend
"+ long impulse
+ T2 level
+ support level
+ volumed manipulation"
Cautionprevious day indecision candle shows that
we have some uncertainty at the highs
4hr market structure is still bullish but we acre consolidating
4hr Fixed Volume profile shows the POC is at the highs meaning fair value for price
I will not be considering buys just yet unless price breaks 20107.25 on the 4hr or
we have a market structure shift
on the m15 from 19,934.00
Since NQ is typically correlated with ES I will monitor both for direction confirmation and divergences and convergences
update as price develops
Bullish Outlook this week last week closed price closed bullish after Fed rate cut news, therefore possible draw on liquidity could be towards previous weeks high
4hr price action is bullish respecting bullish imbalances, created an area of resistance
4hr Fixed Volume profile shows the two highest volume nodes and buyers could still be in control
but we are waiting 4hr bullish close to confirm that price may want continue higher from this area
Since NQ is typically correlated with ES I will monitor both for direction confirmation and divergences and convergences
SWING IDEA - AGSTRAWeekly MACD Crossover is in play and also very good volumes in the Stock off late.
Expect the Stock to rally to its next leg up provided our Indices are stable and low volatile.
Any big move in market can take the stock down faster.
Ensure to follow Strict Risk Management when trading this stock.
If all is well, the stock can easily rally up to its Swing High levels.
BTCUSDT. Buying opportunitiesHello traders and investors!
For a month, I followed the previous analysis. Now, I’ve decided to create a new one. Let me remind you of the setup.
Quotes:
On the 8-hour time frame, a sideways range has also formed. The lower boundary is at 53,485, and the upper boundary is at 71,997.
On the 2-hour timeframe, the seller's vector 8-9 has reached the target of 56078. The volume and delta are conducive to gathering stop losses below the level. The quick recovery by the buyer after the breakout and the candle closing above 56078 increase the likelihood of the price dropping below the local low of 55606. For the buyer's range vector 9-10 to play out (with a potential target of 62745), it would be prudent to accumulate volume and push the price below the local low of 55606.
In fact, the price followed the assumptions. What’s next?
On the daily and 8-hour timeframes, the buyer absorbed the seller's candle and formed a buyer's zone. At the same time, on the 8-hour timeframe, the seller touched the lower boundary of the range at 53,485, from where the buyer resumed.
On the 2-hour timeframe, the seller manipulated the level of the beginning of the buyer's last impulse (56,078) at point 7 of the range. The price is currently above this level.
All these factors favor searching for buy opportunities.
I f the buyer defends 56,078 , potential targets are
58,519, 59,005, and 62,745, 65000 on the 2-hour timeframe,
61,166, 62,198, and 70,079 on the 8-hour timeframe,
and 61,166, 62,745, 70,079, and 72,797 on the daily timeframe.
Good luck with your trading and investments!
Two Roads to Profit. A Comparison of ICT/SMC and Advanced VSAHello traders and investors!
When we start engaging in trading and investing, we get acquainted with various methods of forecasting price movements. Gradually, if we have enough persistence, strength, and patience, we choose our own path to profitable trades. Among the most popular approaches, we can highlight the use of various oscillators and channels, Dow Theory, Elliott Waves, Fibonacci levels, supply and demand, Volume Spread Analysis (VSA), market auction theory, and the Inner Circle Trader/Smart Money Concept (ICT/SMC). Many traders combine elements from different approaches into their trading system.
I personally prefer a concept I call Advanced VSA. It’s a comprehensive set of tools that combines ideas from VSA, Dow Theory, and Supply and Demand analysis. The name "Advanced VSA" perfectly captures the essence of the method, as it is fundamentally based on analyzing volume and price spread.
Recently, the ICT/SMC concept has been gaining more and more popularity. Today, I want to explore the similarities and differences between ICT/SMC and Advanced VSA. If there are any inaccuracies in my explanation of ICT/SMC basics, feel free to correct me in the comments. Perhaps after reading this article, you’ll be able to decide which approach resonates more with you and which one you believe will help you in your trading. I hope this will be helpful. Let’s dive in!
Basic Differences
Before diving into the technical details, let's first clarify the key differences between these concepts.
Who Controls Price Movements
The ICT/SMC concept assumes that price movements are controlled by large players, such as market makers, who direct prices in the desired direction. This is similar to a model where one "center of power" determines the market's direction.
In contrast, Advanced VSA is based on the idea that two forces influence price — the Buyer and the Seller. All analysis revolves around the interaction between these two sides, creating a more balanced model where both forces are equally important.
Traded Volume
The ICT/SMC concept does not use traded volume as a part of its analysis.
In Advanced VSA, volume is an important factor. It is considered an integral part of the data that helps to understand market processes and the actions of participants.
Now let’s move on to a detailed comparison of the elements of these concepts.
What They Have in Common
Both concepts teach traders to identify price ranges on the chart where a large player (Market Maker in ICT/SMC) or a Buyer (in Advanced VSA) shows interest in buying, and ranges where the Market Maker or Seller is interested in selling. When the price returns to these ranges, traders can execute buys or sells. We can call these price ranges contextual areas for buying and selling.
Neither concept relies on technical indicators. Instead, they focus on the following key terms for identifying the trade direction and the trade entry point:
Trend
Trend break/half-trend
Trend confirmation
Accumulation/Distribution/Sideways movement/Flat
Contextual areas for buying and selling
The first four terms help determine the direction of the trade, while the fifth helps identify the entry point and the likely target of the trade.
Both methods suggest using higher timeframes to find contextual areas and lower timeframes to find entry points within those areas.
What Are the Differences
The differences between the concepts lie in the interpretation of key terms. For the first four terms (trend, trend break, trend confirmation, accumulation/distribution/Sideways movement), the distinctions are minor and relate mostly to specific interpretations. However, the main differences arise in the rules for identifying contextual areas of interest (buyer, seller, or market maker). Let's look at these differences in more detail.
Difference 1: Use of Volume
In ICT/SMC, contextual areas of interest are determined solely based on price action and candlestick patterns, without taking traded volume into account.
In contrast, Advanced VSA sees volume as an integral part of the analysis. contextual areas of interest are identified by both traded volume and price behavior (candlestick patterns). If there was interest from a buyer, seller in a specific price range, leading to a price change, it's logical to assume that the volume traded in that range should be higher than in previous periods over a similar timeframe.
To illustrate the importance of using all available data for analysis, consider an analogy with choosing the best time for a seaside vacation. If the decision is based only on water and air temperature, while ignoring factors like wind or rainfall, the choice may be misguided. For example, choosing April for its comfortable temperature might result in encountering constant rain and high waves.
Thus, in Advanced VSA, volume plays a crucial role, whereas it is absent in ICT/SMC.
Difference 2: Types of Contextual Areas of Interest
In ICT/SMC, the following types of contextual areas of interest are used: order block, breaker, mitigation block, and rejection block. All of these areas are formed by a specific arrangement of candles on the chart.
In contrast, Advanced VSA operates with a different set of contextual areas of interest: effort, zone, and range (sideways movement). Effort refers to a single candle or bar that indicates significant market activity. Zone is formed by a sequence of candles or bars, taking into account their traded volumes. Range (sideways movement) is defined by a series of consecutive candles/bars where price fluctuates within a limited range, interacting alternately with the upper and lower boundaries of the range. It's only possible to identify which party (buyer, seller, or market maker) controls the range after the price breaks out and confirms the move.
If the volumes align with Advanced VSA's criteria, order blocks and mitigation blocks in ICT/SMC can be considered as zones in Advanced VSA. So, not all order blocks and mitigation blocks will be considered zones in Advanced VSA. The breaker will be discussed separately, and there is no equivalent to the rejection block in Advanced VSA.
Difference 3. Price Attraction Points
In ICT/SMC, concepts such as fair value gap, liquidity void, and liquidity are used to describe price attraction points.
In Advanced VSA, the terms fair value gap and liquidity void are not utilized. Most of the time, these ICT/SMC elements correspond to price interest points in Advanced VSA, such as effort. The term liquidity has the same meaning.
Difference 4. Importance of Levels
In Advanced VSA, levels play an important role in identifying trade opportunities. To understand the significance of levels, let’s first recall the concepts of trend and range (sideways movement). In both ICT/SMC and Advanced VSA, a trend is broken down into components, often referred to as impulses or expansion moves. A range, on the other hand, is characterized by its boundaries and the vectors of price movement between those boundaries.
In Advanced VSA, important trading signals include the defense of a broken level or a price retracement to a level followed by its defense.
In Advanced VSA, the defense of a broken level or the cancellation of a breakout (where the price returns back behind the broken level) followed by a defense of that level is considered a signal for identifying trades. This method helps traders spot potential entry points where either buyers or sellers to protect a key price level, giving more confidence in the direction of the market. The most important levels include the base of the last impulse, the boundaries of a range, and the test level of a zone.
In ICT/SMC, there are no direct equivalents of these elements when it comes to searching for trades. However, breakers and sometimes mitigation blocks serve similar purposes to the levels in Advanced VSA, but the approaches differ. In ICT/SMC, trades are typically executed within the breaker or mitigation block, whereas in Advanced VSA, trades are found when a level is defended: buy trades above the level (supported by buyers), and sell trades below the level (supported by sellers).
Additionally, Advanced VSA allows for trading within ranges, moving from one boundary to the other, as long as the boundaries are defended.
Summary
Despite the shared terms and similar approaches, there are significant differences between the two concepts:
Number of forces influencing price movement: In ICT/SMC, it is believed that price is controlled by a single force, the Market Maker (MM). In contrast, Advanced VSA considers the interaction of two forces—buyers and sellers—as driving price movements.
Use of volume in analysis: ICT/SMC does not take traded volume into account during analysis, while in Advanced VSA, volume is a crucial element for identifying market forces and areas of interest.
Use of levels for trade entries: In ICT/SMC, levels do not play an important role, whereas in Advanced VSA, levels one of the possible places for identifying potential trade setups.
Good luck with your trading and investing!
RADICO - In to the next orbit ?The stock has been moving almost sideways with a upward bias for the last eight months. However, recently you can see that in the weekly it has been making a higher, high and higher lows. Now the stock has successfully moved out of this sideways range and also it has crossed above the supply line in the top. The move was with very high volumes. You can see a positive money flow in the weekly. On the daily you can see that the relative strength, absolute strength and the money flow has been positive. So, it looks like that stock is now ready to go into the next orbit. However, the ultra-high volume calls for some caution. So, one has to wait till the stock crosses above 1973 which is a high of the “BC” like bar of the last day. Relative strength turning positive on the weekly will add to the conviction.
UPL - Finally out of the woods?The stock had been in a downtrend for more than 15 months, losing almost 45% in value. In the last three months it was seeing some recovery and finally now it seems to be out of the woods. We can see the stock is making a higher high and higher low on the weekly and we can see a change of character in the weekly as well. Now finally the stock is decisively going above the 200 DMA and also the short-term moving averages. The relative strength and the money flow is also positive. Even the buying pressure and the absolute strength are also positive. It is showing a positive momentum as well. We can now confirm that the stock is finally ready to move up further and eventually the stock should be testing 800 levels.
STLA 1H Swing Long Aggressive CounterTrend TradeAggressive CounterTrend Trade
- short impulse
+ biggest volume T1
+ biggest volume Sp?
+ weak test closed 2 ticks below support level
+ first bullish bar closed entry
- resistance level
Calculated affordable stop limit
1 to 2 R/R take profit
Daily countertrend
"- short impulse
+ volumed TE/T1 level
+ support level"
Monthly trend
"+ long impulse
+ T2 level
+ 1/2 correction
+ support level"
STLA @NYSE
Sell Limit 17.40, GTC
Sell Stop 16.53 LMT 16.84, GTC
BTCUSDT. Bitcoin is still in the gameHello traders and investors!
On the daily time frame, Bitcoin's price remains in a sideways movement near the lower boundary at 59,005. Despite three expansions below this boundary—on May 1 (56,552), July 5 (53,485), and August 5 (49,000)—only the May 1 expansion was significant, with the daily candle closing below the previous boundary of 59,005. The candles on July 7 and August 5 closed below 56,552 but failed to close below the wicks of the July 5 candle, which previously expanded the range. If the seller is aiming to push the price lower and has made two attempts on July 5 and August 6, we would expect to see a result with a solid close, not just a wick.
If we continue to think in terms of a sideways movement (which I believe we should), the current relevant vector is the buyer's 10-11. On August 8, a buyer's zone was formed (blue rectangle). The absorbed volume of the seller’s August 5 candle is impressive—the largest volume in a year.
Note that there are two levels formed by two tests: 62745 is the test of the seller's candle from August 2nd, which had increased volume, and 57642 is the test of the buyer's zone at the lower boundary of the range. Currently, the price is squeezed between these levels.
Let's analyze the lower time frames for potential trading ideas.
8H Timeframe Analysis
On the 8-hour time frame, a sideways range has also formed. The lower boundary is at 53,485, and the upper boundary is at 71,997. In the buyer's 5-6 vector, a buyer's zone has formed at the bottom (blue rectangle), and a seller's zone has formed at the top (red rectangle). Both zones have been tested. The buyer's zone was tested at 57,642, and the seller's zone at 60,711. Currently, the price is squeezed between these levels, with a potential target of 70,079 for the buyer's 5-6 vector. Let's study what’s happening in the buyer's vector on a lower time frame.
2H Timeframe Analysis
The price has formed a sideways range, with the lower boundary at 49,000 (daily level too) and the upper boundary at 62,745 (daily level too). The level of 57,642 from the 8-hour time frame is the potential target for the seller’s 6-7 vector, while 60,711 is the potential target for the buyer’s 7-8 vector.
Trading Ideas
Medium-term Buys : Can be considered from the idea of the buyer's 5-6 vector on the 8-hour time frame or the buyer's 10-11 vector on the daily time frame.
Short-term Buys : Can be considered from the idea of the buyer's 7-8 vector on the 2-hour time frame, defending levels at 57,642, 56,552, and 53,485.
Short-term Sells : Can be considered from the idea of the seller's 6-7 or 8-9 vector on the 2-hour time frame, defending levels at 60,711 and 62,745.
Good luck with your trading and investments!