How to Trade Liquidity Sweep in Forex Market (SMC Trading)
I will show you a real example of trading liquidity sweep with Smart Money Concepts.
You will learn the essential SMC liquidity basics, a simple and profitable strategy to identify and trade liquidity sweep.
I will share with you an accurate entry confirmation signal that works perfectly on any Forex pair.
Liquidity Basics
In order to trade liquidity sweeps profitably, you should learn to identify significant liquidity zones.
To spot them, analyze a historic price action and find clusters of important historic key levels.
Examine a price action on EURUSD on an hourly time frame.
I underlined multiple horizontal key levels.
The price respected each level, found support on them, and rebounded.
What is so specific about these levels is that they are lying close to each other, composing a liquidity cluster.
That fact that EURUSD strongly bounced from these levels suggests that buying interest and high buying volumes were concentrated around them.
We can unite these levels and treat them as a single demand zone that has just been broken and turned into a supply zone.
After we found a valid liquidity zone, we can look for a liquidity sweep.
First, we should let the price approach that area and look for a specific price behavior then.
That is a perfect example of a liquidity sweep.
You can see that the price formed a wide range candle with a long tail.
Its high went way beyond the underlined area, but its body closed within.
In order to understand, why a liquidity sweep occurred, let's zoom in our chart and try to understand a behavior of the market participants.
Our supply zone concentrated selling orders , we assume that sellers were placing their orders across its entire length.
Their stop losses were presumably lying above that area.
Smart Money know that and with a liquidity sweep they manipulate the market, making sellers close their positions in a loss (buying back their positions from the market) and providing a liquidity for big players.
After a formation of a such a candlestick, a reliable confirmation of a saturation of the Smart Money is a formation of a strong bearish candle - a clear sign of strength of the sellers.
A bearish engulfing candle above confirmed a completion of a liquidity sweep and indicates a highly probable bearish continuation.
Your perfect sell entry is immediately after a close of such a candlestick.
Stop loss should strictly lie above the high of a liquidity sweep.
Take profit is based on a local low.
Look, how quickly the price reached the goal.
Your strategy of trading liquidity sweeps of demand zones is absolutely the same.
Let the price test a demand zone, wait for a formation of wide range bearish candle with a tail going below its lows.
Wait for a bullish imbalance candle and buy immediately then.
Stop loss will be below the low of a liquidity sweep, take profit - a local high.
This SMC strategy works on any time frame and can be applied for trading any Forex pair, Gold, Silver, Crypto and commodities.
Try it by your own and let me know your results.
❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
I am part of Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analysis.
Candlestick Analysis
A Step-by-step Guide to One of the Chart Analysis MethodHello Friends,
Welcome to RK_Chaarts,
Today we're going to learn step-by-step guide to one of the chart analysis Method by analyzing a chart of " Varun Beverages Ltd. (VBL) " to identify a trend change opportunity.(Educational Post).
Let's get started!
Applying Elliott Wave Theory
First, we can see that the bottom formed in March 2025 is likely a Wave ((4)) in Black as a bottom, marked as such on the chart. From there, Wave 5 should move upwards. Looking at the daily timeframe, we can see that price gone up in five sub-divisions of Wave (1) in Blue of Wave ((5)) in Black have completed, marked as Red 1-2-3-4-5, that means blue intermediate Wave (1) has ended, and Wave (2) has begun, which is unfolded in corrective nature marked as WXY in Red of Wave (2) in Blue.
According to the wave principle, Wave (2) should not retrace more than 100% of Wave (1), which started from the 419.65 bottom. Therefore, 419.65 becomes our invalidation level. If the price moves below this level, it would invalidate our Wave (2) principle.
Assuming our wave counts are correct, the upward movement is in the five sub-divisions, and the downward movement is in the three sub-divisions. Definitely, the conviction is increasing that we have correctly identified Waves (1) and (2). Shown in chart image below
Tweezers at Bottom
Now, we can see that Wave 2 has retraced more than 70% and has formed a Tweezer candlestick pattern at the bottom. A bearish candle was followed by a bullish candle, both with a Tweezer-like shape, with the second candle being green. This could indicate a potential reversal. Moreover, the latest candle has also taken out the high of the previous two candles, showing follow-through. The price has also shown follow-through on the upside after that. So, this can be considered as the first sign that Wave 2 might be ending, marked by a significant Tweezer pattern at the bottom with a follow-through candle. Shown in chart image below
Significant Breakout Pending Yet
Secondly, from the top where Wave 1 ended, we've been considering the decline from around 560.50 as a resistance. We drew a resistance trend line, and if the price breaks out above it, we can say that the resistance trend line has been broken, indicating a breakout above the last fall's trend line, Which is not Broken yet. Shown in chart image below
Dow Theory
The Dow Theory states that when the price moves up, it forms a Higher High, Higher Low pattern, and when it moves down, it forms a Lower High, Lower Low pattern. Somehow, the Dow Theory also needs to change, as the last swing was forming a Lower High, Lower Low pattern. The last swing high was at 479, which we marked with a green arrow. If the price crosses above it, we can say that the price is now forming a Higher High pattern. This indicates that the Dow Theory is changing from a falling trend to a rising trend. Shown in chart image below
Stop Loss
Once the Dow Theory also changes, we can use the last swing low at 446.15 as our stop loss. However, this stop loss will only be valid after the Dow Theory changes; otherwise, the invalidation level will remain at 419. Shown in chart image below
Projected Target of Wave (3)
So, friends, we've applied the Elliott Wave principle, and there's been a significant retracement, all within the valid range, without violating any rules or triggering invalidation. There's limited room left on the downside, and then we have the Tweezer candlestick pattern, which is a significant sign. We're expecting a reversal from there, and the price has followed up with an upward move.
What's left now is the breakout above the resistance trend line and a change in the Dow Theory. Once these two conditions are confirmed, all parameters will match, and we can add a position to our portfolio using the last swing low as our stop loss, instead of the invalidation level.
This is how chart analysis is done for investment purposes. We've seen many signs in our favor, and yet we still use a stop loss to prevent significant losses in case the stock or market moves unexpectedly. This is what stop loss is all about - minimizing potential losses.
We've also discussed the target projection based on Wave theory, 161.8% level, which we explained through an image. So, friends, I hope you've understood the entire conclusion and learned how to analyze charts using different methods, one of which we shared with you today.
I am not Sebi registered analyst.
My studies are for educational purpose only.
Please Consult your financial advisor before trading or investing.
I am not responsible for any kinds of your profits and your losses.
Most investors treat trading as a hobby because they have a full-time job doing something else.
However, If you treat trading like a business, it will pay you like a business.
If you treat like a hobby, hobbies don't pay, they cost you...!
Hope this post is helpful to community
Thanks
RK💕
Disclaimer and Risk Warning.
The analysis and discussion provided on in.tradingview.com is intended for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon for trading decisions. RK_Chaarts is not an investment adviser and the information provided here should not be taken as professional investment advice. Before buying or selling any investments, securities, or precious metals, it is recommended that you conduct your own due diligence. RK_Chaarts does not share in your profits and will not take responsibility for any losses you may incur. So Please Consult your financial advisor before trading or investing.
NASDAQ Bread and Butter & Turtle Soup Example XIIaight, so im gonna break down a trade i took on nasdaq today using a setup i picked out myself from the ict concepts. just my own flavor of it, ya know
before i knock out at night, i open up the charts real quick — just tryna see if there's any clean liquidity chillin’ nearby. if there aint, i shut it down and catch some solid sleep. but if there is... bingo baby
this basically means i might just wake up rich tomorrow, bro. on the daily, im seeing two strong green days back to back, and right above that boom some equal highs just sitting there, begging to get run. they are even cleaner on the 1h. bias locked in. im waking up tomorrow and hunting longs, simple as that.
i mark up the daily open first thing. if im lookin for longs, i wanna see some turtle soup under the open. if im hunting shorts, i need that setup above the open. thats just how i roll.
if there is a swing low, trend liquidity, or some equal lows carryin over from yesterday, im locked in on those levels for turtle soup. if not, im just chillin, waitin for price to build some fresh liquidity during the day and then snatch it.
in this setup, i got some leftover liquidity from yesterday plus a clean 4h fvg sittin there like a neon sign.
next, i check the time. liquidity grabs usually hit during one of the killzones depends on the pair, but im watchin asia, london, or new york sessions.
then i scope out if there is any news droppin around that time, especially stuff that could move the pair. no point in getting blindsided.
and yeah, i always peep correlated pairs too sometimes they snitch before your chart even says a word.
when all the stars and planets line up just right, that is when I drop down to the 15m and wait for a clean csd to show up. but here is the thing i dont jump in the second i see it. i wanna see price actually leave the liquidity zone.
yeah, it might lower my rr a bit, but the win rate goes way up. It keeps me outta those fake-ass turtle soups that look good at first but just wanna wreck your stop.
once im in the trade, i usually try to close out half the position the same day take profits where the chance of price reversing is damn near zero. then i let the other half ride toward my target liquidity. just lettin it breathe, do its thing.
thats it, peace out
What Is a Morning Star Pattern & How Can You Use It in Trading?What Is a Morning Star Pattern, and How Can You Use It in Trading?
The morning star candlestick is a popular price action pattern that technical analysts and traders use to identify potential trading opportunities. It indicates a reversal from a bearish to a bullish trend and is a valuable addition to any trader's toolkit. In this article, we will cover all the technical aspects of the morning star candlestick pattern.
What Is the Morning Star Candlestick Pattern?
The morning star in technical analysis is a reversal formation that appears at the end of a downtrend and signals a trend reversal. It consists of three candles.
To identify it on the chart, you should look for the following:
1. Downtrend: The market should be in a downtrend, and the first candle should be long and bearish.
2. Indecision: The second candle is usually expected to have a gap down, but gaps are uncommon in forex. Therefore, a small-bodied candle is considered sufficient. It's worth noting it can be either bullish or bearish, but if it’s bullish, the signal is stronger.
3. Significant increase: The third candle should be strong and bullish and close above the midpoint of the first bearish one. If it forms with a gap up, the buy signal is considered stronger.
When Morning Star Candlestick Patterns Occur
Traders can identify the morning star candlestick pattern in stocks, forex pairs, commodities, and cryptocurrencies*. It may also be observed across various timeframes, from minutes to weeks.
Generally speaking, a morning star pattern can be considered more reliable when it appears on a higher timeframe. For instance, a morning star candlestick pattern has more significance when it occurs over three days vs three minutes, given the increased amount of price action and market participation reflected over longer periods.
Psychology Behind the Pattern
The morning star reversal pattern reflects a shift in market sentiment from bearish to bullish. Initially, a strong bearish candle indicates prevailing selling pressure. The second candle, with its small body, suggests indecision as the market stabilises and neither bulls nor bears dominate. This pause indicates that sellers are losing momentum. The third morning star candle, a strong bullish one, confirms the shift as buyers take control, driving prices higher. This pattern signals that the downtrend is likely exhausted, and a potential reversal is underway due to increasing buyer confidence.
Trading with the Morning Star
Traders can use the following steps to trade this setup:
1. Identify the setup: Look for a setup on the chart formed after a solid downtrend.
2. Confirmation: After identifying the formation, traders should confirm it before entering a long position.
3. Enter a long position: Consider entering a long position once the formation is confirmed.
4. Determine a take-profit target: Although candlesticks don’t provide specific entry and exit points, traders may consider the closest resistance level to take potential profit.
5. Monitor the trade: Continuously monitor the trade and adjust the stop-loss and take-profit levels as needed based on market conditions.
What Is the Morning Star Candlestick Strategy?
The morning star trading strategy leverages the formation's ability to signal a bullish reversal after a downtrend. The formation's reliability increases when it occurs at a support level and is confirmed by a momentum indicator like the RSI or MACD.
Entry:
- Traders look for the full morning star to form at a support level.
- They then look for a confirmatory bullish signal from a momentum indicator, such as RSI showing oversold conditions, a bullish MACD crossover, or a bullish divergence in either.
- Traders may wait for additional confirmation, like RSI moving back above 30, or enter on the close of the third candle in the pattern.
Stop Loss:
- A stop loss might be set below the swing low of the setup.
- Alternatively, traders may place the stop loss beyond the lower boundary of the established support level.
Take Profit:
- Profits might be taken at a predetermined risk-reward ratio, like 2:1 or 3:1.
- Traders also often aim for an opposing resistance level where a further reversal might occur.
Morning Star and Other Formations
Traders should not confuse the morning star candle formation with other formations, such as the evening star, which is the complete opposite.
Doji Morning Star
In a traditional morning star reversal pattern, the candle that appears in the middle of the formation has a small real body, meaning there is a clear difference between the opening and closing prices.
In a morning doji star formation, the second candlestick has characteristics of a doji, where the opening and closing prices are very close to each other, resulting in a very small real body. This reflects the indecision as neither bulls nor bears can take control of the market.
The doji setup is less common than the traditional formation, but it still signals a potential upward movement after a prolonged downtrend.
Evening Star
In contrast to a morning setup, an evening star is a bearish setup occurring after an uptrend. It also consists of three candles – a long bullish one, a small-body one (it can also be a doji), and a long bearish one that closes below the midpoint of the first bullish candle. This suggests that the market is about to turn down.
Benefits and Limitations of the Morning Star Candle
The morning star is a useful tool for traders seeking to identify potential market reversals, but it does come with some benefits and limitations.
Benefits
- Strong Reversal Signal: Indicates a bullish reversal after a downtrend, helping traders anticipate upward moves.
- Broad Applicability: Effective across various financial instruments such as forex, stocks, commodities, and cryptocurrencies*.
- Timeframe Flexibility: It can be observed on different timeframes, from intraday to weekly charts.
Limitations
- False Signals: Like all patterns, it can produce false signals, especially in volatile markets.
- Confirmation Needed: A morning star pattern entry requires confirmation from additional indicators or formations to improve accuracy.
- Experience Required: Identifying the formation correctly and interpreting its signals requires experience and a good understanding of price action.
Final Thoughts
While candlestick formations such as the morning star can be useful for traders to identify potential trading opportunities, it is crucial to remember that they are not foolproof and should not be the sole choice of market participants when making their trading decisions. Traders should also incorporate technical indicators and develop risk management techniques to potentially minimise losses.
FAQ
What Is a Morning Star in Trading?
The meaning of a morning star in trading refers to a bullish reversal formation consisting of three candles. It appears at the end of a downtrend, indicating a potential shift to an uptrend. The setup includes a long bearish candle, a small-bodied candle, and a long bullish candle.
Is the Morning Star Bullish or Bearish?
It is a bullish candlestick pattern that indicates a potential reversal from a downtrend to an uptrend in the market. It suggests that the selling pressure is subsiding, and buying pressure is beginning to take over.
What Does the Morning Star Pattern Indicate?
It is a three-candle price action, often indicating a bullish reversal in the market. It suggests that selling pressure has been exhausted, and buyers are starting to gain control of the market.
How Do You Read the Morning Star Pattern?
To read the morning star formation, traders should look for the following characteristics: a long bearish candle formed in a solid downtrend and followed by a bullish or bearish candle with a small real body, which in turn is followed by a long bullish candle closing above the midpoint of the first one.
What Is the Opposite of Morning Star?
The opposite of a morning star is the evening star, a bearish reversal pattern. It appears at the end of an uptrend, signalling a potential shift to a downtrend. The morning and evening stars are similar, except the latter mirrors the former, consisting of a long bullish candle, a small-bodied candle, and a long bearish candle.
*Important: At FXOpen UK, Cryptocurrency trading via CFDs is only available to our Professional clients. They are not available for trading by Retail clients. To find out more information about how this may affect you, please get in touch with our team.
This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
What Is the Hanging Man Candlestick Pattern: Meaning & Trading?What Is the Hanging Man Candlestick Pattern, and How Can You Trade It?
In the world of technical analysis, candlestick patterns play a vital role in helping traders decipher market trends and potential reversals. Among the many setups, the hanging man holds particular significance. This distinctive formation captures traders' attention as it often serves as a warning sign of a possible trend reversal. This article will go through the technical analysis of the hanging man formation and explain how traders can trade with it.
What Is a Hanging Man Pattern?
The hanging man candlestick pattern is characterised by a small body near the top of the candlestick, a long lower shadow, and little to no upper shadow. It resembles a figure hanging from its head, hence the name "Hanging Man."
Psychology Behind the Hanging Man
The psychology behind the hanging man candlestick pattern reflects a shift in market sentiment. After a sustained uptrend, the appearance of this pattern indicates that buyers are losing momentum. The long lower shadow shows that sellers were able to push prices down significantly during the trading session. Although buyers managed to drive prices back up, the close near the open price suggests weakening bullish sentiment. This pattern signals that selling pressure is increasing, potentially leading to a bearish reversal as confidence among buyers diminishes.
The hanging man is a versatile formation that can be applied across a wide range of financial instruments, including stocks, cryptocurrencies*, ETFs, indices, and forex, on different timeframes.
Identifying a Hanging Man Candlestick on Trading Charts
To spot a hanging man pattern in stocks and other financial instruments, you may follow these key steps:
Look for an existing uptrend: Start by identifying a prevailing upward price movement on the chart.
Locate a candlestick with specific characteristics: Search for a candlestick with a small body near the top, a long lower shadow, and little to no upper shadow. This formation resembles a figure hanging from its head. The colour of the candle doesn’t matter, but if it’s bearish, the signal is stronger.
Consider supporting indicators: Utilise other technical indicators or oscillators to further validate the potential reversal. These can include trendlines, moving averages, or momentum indicators that align with the bearish interpretation.
Note that there is no such thing as an inverted hanging man candlestick or a bullish hanging man candlestick pattern.
Trading the Hanging Man Pattern
Those trading the hanging man reversal pattern need to apply a systematic approach in order to increase the likelihood of successful trades. Here are a few steps traders usually follow to trade this pattern:
- Identification: Identify the setup by using the steps mentioned above.
- Look for confirmation signals: The setup alone is not sufficient for making trading decisions. Seek additional confirmation through subsequent candlestick patterns or technical indicators. This can include bearish candlestick patterns (e.g. bearish engulfing or shooting star), a breach of support levels, or the convergence of other indicators signalling a potential reversal.
- Define your entry point: An entry point can be either when the next candlestick confirms the bearish sentiment or when the price breaches a significant support level.
- Consider risk management: Assess the risk-reward ratio of the trade and ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance. For efficient risk management, you may adjust your position size accordingly. Risk management tools like position sizing, setting stop-loss orders, and diversification may help protect your capital. You may set a stop-loss order above the hanging man pattern to limit potential losses if the trade goes against you.
- Identify profit targets: The candlestick itself doesn't provide specific targets. Traders can identify profit targets by looking at previous support levels, Fibonacci retracement levels, or other technical analysis tools like moving averages or pivot points.
- Monitor the trade: Keep a close eye on your position as it progresses. Pay attention to any changes in market conditions or additional signals that may invalidate the trade.
- Learn from outcomes: Regardless of the outcome of the trade, analyse it afterwards to identify areas for improvement. Assess whether the setup provided accurate signals and identify any factors that may have affected its success. This analysis will help refine your trading strategy over time.
Live Market Example
Consider the example of a hanging man on the forex USDJPY pair. An entry is placed on the next bearish candlestick with a stop loss just above the hanging man. The take profit order is at the next level of support marked by the orange line.
Limitations of the Hanging Man Candlestick
The hanging man candlestick pattern, while useful, has certain limitations that traders need to consider:
- False Signals: The hanging man can produce false signals, especially in volatile markets where price movements are erratic.
- Market Context: The effectiveness of the pattern varies depending on the broader market context and prevailing trends.
- Timeframe Sensitivity: Its reliability can differ across various timeframes; what works on a daily chart may not be as effective on an intraday chart.
- Not Standalone: It should not be used in isolation but as part of a comprehensive trading strategy that includes other indicators and risk management tools.
Comparing the Hanging Man to Similar Candles
Understanding how the hanging man pattern differs from similar candlestick patterns helps in accurate technical analysis. Here's a brief comparison of the hanging man with related patterns.
What Is the Difference Between a Hanging Man and a Hammer?
Both have the same candle structure. However, the hanging man candlestick occurs in an uptrend and signals a potential bearish reversal, while the hammer occurs in a downtrend, indicating a potential bullish reversal. Interestingly, it is possible to see a hanging man candlestick in a downtrend, often as part of a bullish retracement. Both candles require confirmation from subsequent price movements. They should be analysed within the context of the overall market trend and other technical indicators.
What Is the Difference Between a Pin Bar and a Hanging Man?
A pin bar and a hanging man are both single-candlestick patterns with small bodies and long shadows, but they serve different purposes in technical analysis. The pin bar has a small body and a long tail, indicating a reversal, but it can appear in any market condition. Its long tail shows a strong rejection of a certain price level, with the body pointing in the direction of the anticipated reversal.
The hanging man, however, specifically occurs after an uptrend and signals a potential bearish reversal, characterised by a small body at the top and a long lower shadow, indicating selling pressure.
What Is the Difference Between a Shooting Star and a Hanging Man Candlestick?
The shooting star and the hanging man are both bearish reversal patterns, but they differ in their appearance and context. A shooting star occurs after an uptrend and features a small body at the bottom with a long upper shadow, indicating that the price was pushed up significantly but fell back down, showing strong selling pressure.
The hanging man also appears after an uptrend but has a small body at the top with a long lower shadow, suggesting that sellers dominated the session despite an initial push by buyers. Both require confirmation from subsequent candlesticks to validate the reversal.
Final Thoughts
While the hanging man alone is insufficient for making trading decisions, it serves as a warning signal that buyers may be losing control and that selling pressure could increase. Traders seek additional confirmation through subsequent candlestick patterns, support and resistance levels, and other technical indicators to validate the potential reversal.
By understanding the implications of the setup within the broader market context and employing proper risk management strategies, traders can enhance their decision-making process and improve their chances of identifying different trading opportunities.
FAQ
What Does the Hanging Man Pattern Indicate?
The hanging man trading pattern in technical analysis typically indicates a potential trend reversal in an uptrend. It suggests that the buyers, who have been driving the market higher, are losing control, and the selling pressure may increase.
The hanging man is represented by a small body near the top of the candlestick, a long lower shadow, and little to no upper shadow. It resembles a figure hanging by the neck. This visual representation conveys the potential bearish sentiment.
Can a Hanging Man Candle Be Bullish?
No, there is no such thing as a bullish hanging man candlestick pattern. The bearish hanging man pattern indicates a potential trend reversal from an uptrend to a downtrend.
Is the Hanging Man Pattern Reliable?
The reliability of the formation, like any candlestick pattern, can vary depending on several factors. While the setup is widely recognised and considered a potential bearish reversal signal, it should not be relied upon as the sole basis for trading decisions. It is crucial to consider other factors and confirmation signals to increase its reliability.
What Is the Confirmation Candle for the Hanging Man?
A confirmation candle for the hanging man is a bearish candlestick that follows the pattern, confirming the reversal. This can include a bearish engulfing candle or a candlestick closing well below the hanging man's body, indicating increased selling pressure.
Is the Hanging Man Pattern Bearish?
Yes, it is generally considered a bearish pattern in technical analysis. It is formed when the price’s open or close is near or at its high, there is a significant decline during the trading session, and it closes not far from the opening price. The pattern resembles a hanging man with his legs dangling.
*Important: At FXOpen UK, Cryptocurrency trading via CFDs is only available to our Professional clients. They are not available for trading by Retail clients. To find out more information about how this may affect you, please get in touch with our team.
This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
What is a Bearish Breakaway and How To Spot One!This Educational Idea consists of:
- What a Bearish Breakaway Candlestick Pattern is
- How its Formed
- Added Confirmations
The example comes to us from EURGBP over the evening hours!
Since I was late to turn it into a Trade Idea, perfect opportunity for a Learning Curve!
Hope you enjoy and find value!
Learning#01 : Master Candle Theory🕯️ Master Candle Theory:
The Hidden Price Action Signal Most Traders Overlook
Introduction
In a world full of overcomplicated indicators and conflicting signals, sometimes the simplest patterns reveal the deepest insights. Master Candle Theory is one such underrated concept — a clean, structure-based method of reading price that often signals major breakouts before they happen.
Whether you're a beginner trying to understand price behavior or a seasoned trader looking to tighten your entries, this article will break down how to identify, understand, and apply Master Candle setups in real markets.
🔍 What is a Master Candle?
A Master Candle (MC) is a single large candlestick that fully engulfs the range (high to low) of the next 3 to 5 candles.
To qualify as a Master Candle:
The candle must have a relatively large range.
The next 3–5 candles should form completely within the high and low of that Master Candle.
These inside candles usually show reduced volatility and indecision.
This creates a "box" or price compression zone, which often leads to a significant breakout.
📊 Why It Matters
Price moves in cycles: expansion → contraction → expansion.
Master Candle formations represent the contraction phase — a build-up of pressure. Traders watching for breakouts from these formations can catch the next expansion leg with better precision.
Key benefits:
Clear structure: Easy to identify on any time frame.
Built-in risk control: The high and low of the MC give natural breakout and stop-loss levels.
Works across markets: Forex, crypto, indices — the principle applies universally.
🛠️ How to Trade the Master Candle Setup
Step 1: Identify the Master Candle
Look for a candle with a wide range.
Confirm that the next 3–5 candles stay within the high-low range of the MC.
Step 2: Mark the MC Range
Draw horizontal lines at the high and low of the MC.
This defines your breakout zone.
Step 3: Wait for a Breakout
Price should break out clearly above or below the MC range.
Volume increase or confirmation candle helps strengthen the signal.
Step 4: Manage the Trade
Entry: On breakout close or retest of the MC boundary.
Stop-loss: Just inside the opposite side of the MC.
Targets: Use previous structure, Fibonacci, or a fixed R:R ratio (e.g., 1:2+).
☠️ Pro Tips and Common Mistakes
✅ Best on higher time frames: MC setups are more reliable on 1H and above.
✅ Look for confluence: Combine MC setups with support/resistance, trendlines, or moving averages for higher probability trades.
❌ Avoid trading inside the MC range: It’s a zone of uncertainty — wait for confirmation.
❌ Don’t force the setup: Not every big candle is a Master Candle. Let the market show you clean, well-formed patterns.
🧠 Kiran’s Approach:
Real-World Application of Master Candle Theory
While the core theory is powerful on its own, I’ve refined a method that filters noise and improves accuracy using a multi-timeframe strategy I call HTF ~ LTF (Higher Time Frame vs. Lower Time Frame).
Here’s how I apply it in my day-to-day trading:
Identify the Master CandleI start by spotting a valid Master Candle and marking its high and low. This forms my breakout zone.
Define the No-Trade ZoneThe middle of the MC range is what I call the No-Trade Zone — a chop area where false breakouts are common. I avoid trading within this midrange.
Use HTF ~ LTF Confluence for BreakoutsOnce the price breaks the high or low of the Higher Time Frame (HTF) Master Candle, I don’t enter right away. Instead, I drop down to the Lower Time Frame (LTF) and wait for a candle to close beyond that breakout level.
Entry ConfirmationMy entry is taken above the high of the breakout candle on the LTF (for long setups), and vice versa for shorts. This gives me an added layer of confirmation and filters out weak breakouts.
Target and Stop-Loss
Target:
The full range of the Master Candle.
Stop-Loss:
For long trades: below the low of the MC.
For short trades: above the high of the MC.
⏱️ Ideal Time Frame Pairings
To apply the HTF ~ LTF (Higher Time Frame vs. Lower Time Frame) approach effectively, I use different time frame combinations based on the style of trade:
⏱️ For Intraday Trades:
Higher Time Frame: 15-minute or 25-minute
Lower Time Frame: 5-minute
⏱️ For Swing Trades:
Higher Time Frame: 75-minute or 1-Day
Lower Time Frame: 25-minute
⏱️ For Positional Trades:
Higher Time Frame: 1-Week
Lower Time Frame: 75-minute
This layered approach has helped me filter out noise, catch stronger momentum moves, and keep my trades structured and disciplined.
📈 Real Market Example
👻 Valid Breakout with Target Example :
👻 Valid Breakout with Partial Target Example :
👻 False Breakout with Valid Breakout Example :
📚 Final Thoughts
Master Candle Theory is a great way to bring structure and patience into your trading. Instead of chasing price, you’re learning to anticipate breakouts and position yourself logically.
Like all strategies, it’s not a magic bullet — but with the right discipline and context, Master Candles can become a high-probability tool in your technical arsenal.
How to draw support and resistance levels the right way?
1️⃣ Why Are Support and Resistance Levels So Important?
Support and resistance levels show where price has reacted strongly in the past. These are zones where many traders including large players have placed buy or sell orders.
Support = where buyers step in and push price up
Resistance = where sellers step in and push price down
These levels are important because they act like decision zones:
- Price might bounce from these levels
- Or break through and start a new move
- Or even fake out traders before reversing again
Knowing where these levels are gives you an edge:
- You can better time your entries and exits
- You avoid chasing price in the middle of nowhere
- You prepare for market reactions not random guesses
Think of them like traffic lights for the market when price hits them, something important usually happens.
2️⃣ Three Main Types of Support and Resistance
There are 3 key types of support and resistance levels traders commonly use:
- Level-Based: Horizontal zones drawn from key highs and lows
- Pattern-Based: Support/resistance found in chart patterns like triangles, flags, etc.
- Channel-Based: Diagonal trendlines showing support and resistance in a channel
Today, we focus on level-based support and resistance horizontal lines drawn on key price zones.
3️⃣ How to Draw Support and Resistance Levels
Use daily, weekly, or monthly timeframes to find major zones. These higher timeframes give you stronger, more respected levels.
Look for:
- Candle bodies that close and open around the same price
- Strong wicks rejecting a certain level
- Zones where price has bounced multiple times in the past
I often pick:
- The close of a red candle
- The open of the next green candle
These spots usually show where sellers lost control and buyers stepped in — or vice versa.
4️⃣ Timeframes and Their Strength
The higher the timeframe, the stronger the level:
- Monthly = very strong, long-term zones
- Weekly = strong and reliable
- Daily = useful for swing trading
- Lower timeframes (15m, 5m) = more noise, less reliable unless you're day trading or scalping
Pick levels based on your strategy:
- Swing traders = use daily/weekly/monthly
- Scalpers = lower timeframes with extra confluence (volume, structure)
5️⃣ Don’t Use Support/Resistance Alone
Support and resistance are helpful — but not enough by themselves. Always combine them with:
- Market structure (higher highs/lows)
- Volume confirmation
- Indicators or price action signals
You want to watch how price reacts at your levels. Wait for confirmation before making decisions.
6️⃣ Common Mistakes Traders Make
Mistake 1: Drawing too many levels clutters your chart and creates confusion.
Mistake 2: Keeping old levels that have already been broken or invalidated.
Mistake 3: Ignoring volume. Just because price hits a level doesn’t mean it will reverse. You need volume to back the move.
Also:
Don’t enter blindly on breakout, breakouts can fail. Wait for confirmation.
Don’t assume a level is strong just because it’s touched once — look for multiple rejections.
7️⃣ Example: How I Draw Support/Resistance
Let’s say I’m looking at a daily chart.
- I find a red candle that closes at 42,000
- Then a green candle opens at 42,000 and pushes higher
That tells me buyers stepped in at 42,000 — this is a potential support.
I draw my horizontal line across that level.
Then I zoom into 30m or 15m charts to watch price behavior when it comes back to that level.
If price respects it again, I may enter a trade based on the reaction.
This technique gives me more confidence and clarity.
I know where liquidity might be waiting.
I can combine it with indicators or volume tools.
I avoid random trades.
🔄 Summary
Identify a timeframe – Use the monthly, weekly, or daily chart.
Look for two candles – Draw your support or resistance line at the point where one candle closes and the next one opens.
Make sure the level hasn’t been hit yet – This helps you spot areas where liquidity grabs might happen.
Wait for price to reach the level – Once price touches the support or resistance zone, watch how it reacts.
After price touches the level, remove it – Once tested, that level is no longer fresh and should be cleared from your chart.
Support and resistance isn’t magic — but used with confluence, it becomes a powerful guide.
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Disclaimer: This is not financial advice. Always do your own research. This content may include enhancements made using AI.
Learn Best Candlestick Pattern For Trend Trading Gold XAUUSD
This secret pattern will change the way you trade Gold XAUUSD.
If you study technical analysis in Gold trading, there is one unique candlestick pattern that you absolutely need to know.
In this article, you will learn the structure and the meaning of one of the most accurate candlesticks in Gold trading.
I will teach you how to recognize this pattern and how to trade it for maximum profits.
Let's start with some theory and let me show you how this candlestick pattern looks.
This candlestick pattern is called inside bar.
It is based on a combination of at least 3 candles.
The first candlestick in a sequence should be a strong bullish or bearish candle. The consequent candles should strictly close within its range.
If at least 2 candles close within the range of the first candle with its bodies, that will be a valid inside bar.
The first candle will always be called the mother's bar , while the following candles will be called the inside bars.
That's a perfect example of the inside bar pattern on Gold XAUUSD chart on a daily.
This pattern is based on 2 important elements that you should always pay close attention to.
The upper boundary of the range of the mother's bar will compose a significant resistance that will provide a safe place to sell.
While the lower boundary of the range of the mother's bar will be a strong support to buy Gold from.
Look how nicely Gold price respected the resistance of the range, dropped to its support and started to grow then.
Once you identified the inside bar, you can easily trade it within the range.
However, I strictly recommend waiting for a confirmation signal before you place a trade.
One of the proven confirmations is a price action signal on lower time frames.
In the example above, Gold formed a bullish chart pattern - double bottom after a test of a support and a bearish pattern - head and shoulders after a test of a resistance.
Remember that the market can not stay within the range of the inside bar candlestick pattern forever.
Bullish violation and a candle close above the range will be a strong signal to buy Gold.
While, a bearish breakout of its range will provide a strong bearish confirmation.
That's how a breakout of the underlined resistance triggered a strong rally on Gold.
Inside bar is the essential pattern both for the gold swing traders and day traders.
This pattern provides a lot of profitable trading opportunities, being very simple to recognize.
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Bullish Engulfing Pattern: A Strong Reversal SignalBullish Engulfing Pattern: A Strong Reversal Signal
The bullish engulfing pattern is a two-candlestick formation that suggests a possible reversal from a downtrend to an uptrend in the financial market. This particular pattern holds immense value for traders and technical analysts as it equips them with the means to discern potential buying opportunities. In this article, we will explain how traders implement this pattern in their trading strategies.
What Is a Bullish Engulfing Pattern?
The bullish engulfing is a technical analysis pattern consisting of two candles. This formation emerges when a large bearish candlestick is succeeded by a larger green one that entirely engulfs it.
What does the bullish engulfing mean? The bullish engulfing indicates a potential shift in market sentiment, suggesting that buying pressure might surpass selling pressure in the near future and highlighting a possible reversal from a downtrend to an uptrend.
Traders can find the bullish engulfing candlestick pattern across various financial instruments, including currencies, stocks, cryptocurrencies*, ETFs, and indices.
Bearish Engulfing vs Bullish Engulfing
The bullish engulfing pattern has a counterparty - bearish engulfing. The bearish engulfing pattern occurs during an uptrend, indicating a change in market sentiment and potential price reversal to the downside. It consists of two candles, where the second is larger and bearish and completely engulfs the body of the preceding candlestick.
How Can You Trade the Bullish Engulfing Pattern?
Here are some steps traders consider when trading with the bullish engulfing:
- Identification: Look for a clear bullish engulfing setup on a price chart at the end of a downtrend.
- Entry Point: Although candlestick patterns don't provide precise entry and exit points as chart patterns do, there are general rules you could use.
The entry point could be set slightly above the high of the bullish engulfing formation. In the conservative approach, traders enter the market after several candles close higher. In a risky approach, traders open a buy position after the pattern is formed.
- Exit Point: A stop-loss level could be below the low of the engulfing candle or below a nearby support level. A take-profit level could be based on a trader’s risk/reward ratio or key resistance levels.
- Risk Management: You can consider a risk management strategy to potentially limit losses. Traders focus on appropriate position sizing and risk-to-reward ratios to maintain a balanced approach to trading.
- Trade Monitoring: Once you have entered the trade, monitor price action and market conditions. Pay attention to any sign of reversal confirmation or potential obstacles that may invalidate the signal.
- Stop-Loss and Take-Profit Adjustment: As the trade progresses, you may consider adjusting your stop-loss level to protect potential returns. Similarly, you may consider adjusting your take-profit level if the price signals a strong uptrend.
Live Market Example
Let's consider an example of a bullish engulfing on the forex chart. The bullish engulfing candle in the example below is marked with 1 and 2. The trader sets the entry point above the green candle and a stop-loss level below it. The take profit is at the closest resistance level.
How Do Traders Confirm a Bullish Engulfing Candlestick Pattern?
Confirming this pattern enhances the reliability of its signals and helps traders make informed decisions. Here are key steps to confirm it:
- Volume Analysis: Traders typically look for increased buying trading volume accompanying the candle. Higher volume suggests stronger buyers’ interest and validates the reversal signal.
- Follow-Up Candlesticks: Waiting for subsequent closes can confirm the upward momentum. A series of higher closes strengthens its credibility.
- Support Levels: If it forms near a significant support level, this adds context to the reversal, as buyers are stepping in at a critical price point.
- Technical Indicators: Complementary indicators like the Relative Strength Index (RSI), Stochastic Oscillator, or a pair of moving averages can confirm the shift in sentiment.
- Market Context: Traders assess the overall market trend and news to ensure the formation aligns with broader market conditions.
Bullish Engulfing and Other Patterns
Let’s take a closer look at how this pattern compares to other chart formations, like the piercing and harami.
What Is the Difference Between a Bullish Engulfing and a Piercing Pattern?
A bullish engulfing pattern occurs when a large bearish bar is followed by a larger candlestick that completely overtakes the former's body. This indicates a strong potential reversal from a downtrend to an uptrend.
In contrast, a piercing formation also signals a potential reversal but is slightly weaker. It forms when a bearish candle is followed by a bullish candle that closes above its midpoint but doesn’t envelop it entirely.
What Is the Difference Between a Bullish Engulfing Pattern and a Bullish Harami Pattern?
The bullish harami pattern consists of a large red candle followed by a smaller green candle that is completely contained within the body of the red candle. This formation suggests a potential reversal but is generally considered less strong than the bullish engulfing candle pattern, as the latter completely envelops the previous bearish bar, showing more decisive buying pressure.
Final Thoughts
While this pattern offers valuable insights into potential trend reversals, it's essential to complement it with technical indicators and robust risk management for effective use. Also, be sure to explore other patterns as they may look very similar but provide different signals.
FAQ
What Is a Bullish Engulfing Pattern?
A bullish engulfing pattern is a two-candlestick formation in technical analysis that suggests a potential reversal from a downtrend to an uptrend. It occurs when a large bearish candlestick is followed by a larger bullish candlestick that completely engulfs the body of the preceding bearish candle.
How Reliable Is the Bullish Engulfing Pattern?
The reliability of the bullish engulfing pattern as a reversal signal depends on various factors, including the overall market context, confirmation from other technical indicators, and the timeframe being analysed. While it can be a strong indication of a potential trend reversal, it is not foolproof and should be used in conjunction with other tools and fundamental analysis.
What Is a Bullish Engulfing Candle Trading Strategy?
The bullish engulfing candle strategy involves identifying this pattern at the end of a downtrend as a signal for a potential sentiment shift. Traders typically enter a buy position slightly above the high of the closing bar, with stop-loss levels set below the low or beneath nearby support levels. Take-profit levels are determined based on risk/reward ratios or key resistance levels.
Do Wicks Matter in Engulfing Candlesticks?
Yes, wicks matter in the formation. The wicks provide insights into price rejection and volatility. For a strong confirmation, the absence of long upper wicks suggests sustained buying pressure, reinforcing its validity as a reversal signal.
*Important: At FXOpen UK, Cryptocurrency trading via CFDs is only available to our Professional clients. They are not available for trading by Retail clients. To find out more information about how this may affect you, please get in touch with our team.
This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
Simple Break of Structure BoS Trading Strategy Explained
One of the best and reliable strategies to trade break of structure BoS is to apply multiple time frame analysis.
In this article, I will teach you my break of structure gold forex trading strategy. You will get a complete step-by-step guide with examples.
Let's start with a quick theory and let me explain to you what is break of structure BoS in Smart Money Concept SMC trading.
In a bullish trend, break of structure BoS is an important event that signifies a continuation of an uptrend. It is based on a violation and a candle close above the level of the last higher high (HH).
After a breakout, the broken level becomes the first strong support for trend-following buying.
Check multiple examples of confirmed breaks of structure BoS on GBPNZD forex pair on a weekly time frame.
In a downtrend, Break of Structure BoS means a bearish trend continuation . Break of Structure is considered to be confirmed when a candle closes below the level of the last lower low (LL).
The broken key level becomes the closest strong support for buying.
That's the example of a healthy downtrend on USDJPY forex pair on a daily. Each break of structure BoS pushed the prices lower, providing a strong signal to sell.
What newbie traders do incorrectly, they trade break of structure without a confirmation strategy, and it leads to substantial losses.
Though GBPCHF is trading in a bullish trend and though each BoS provided a trend-following signal. The price retraced significantly lower below the broken structure before the growth resumed.
When the price retests a broken structure after BoS in a bullish trend, start lower time frame analysis.
If you identified a break of structure on a daily, analyze 4h/1h time frames.
If on a 4H, then 30/15 minutes.
After the price sets a new higher high with BoS in uptrend, it usually starts trading in a minor bearish trend on lower time frames.
With our strategy, your signal to buy will be a retest of a broken structure and a consequent bullish Change of Character CHoCH . That will provide an accurate bullish signal.
In a bearish trend, analyze the lower time frames after a retest of a broken structure. Your signal to sell will be a bearish Change of Character CHoCH.
Look at a price action on EURCHF on a daily.
We see a strong bullish trend and a confirmed Break of Structure BoS.
According to the rules of our trading strategy, we start analyzing 4h/1h time frames after a retest of a broken level of the last Higher High.
Our signal to buy is an intraday bullish CHoCH. We open a long trade after that with the stop loss below the intraday lows and take profit being a current high.
That's how simple this strategy is.
Multiple time frame analysis provides the extra level of security.
Strong lower time frame confirmation substantially increases the win ratio of a trading setup.
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Japanese Yen Pairs: A Short Guide on Relative StrengthIndicators are a popular choice among many traders, and they certainly have their place in my own toolkit. But sometimes it is best to simply look the price to gauge strength. And doing so, it can help us scenario plan for future events. After I take a quick look at Japanese yen pairs, I wrap up on my preferred setup.
Matt Simpson, Market Analyst at Forex.com and City Index
How To Customize The 1 Minute Scalping IndicatorThis tutorial explains each setting of the 1 Minute Scalping Indicator in detail so you understand exactly how to adjust your settings to get the results you would like from the indicator.
Here is a list of the details we discuss:
How to fix loading errors
Tooltips that explain each setting for your reference
Trade modes and how they are affected by other settings
Average candle size rejection parameters
Higher timeframe candle filters, settings and levels
External indicator trend filtering capabilities and how to set them up correctly
Stoploss and take profit calculations and settings you can adjust
Signal arrow customization options
Candle coloring adjustments
Visual/styling options
Make sure to watch the whole video so you fully understand how each setting affects the indicator for best results.
Best Liquidity Grab / Sweep Strategy For Trading Forex & Gold
Learn how to trade liquidity grab / sweep with multiple time frame analysis.
Discover how to combine top-down analysis and smart money concept SMC for trading forex and gold.
You will get a complete step by step trading strategy with entry, stop loss and target.
1. In order to trade liquidity grab / sweep properly, you need to find liquidity zones first.
For this trading strategy, the best liquidity zones will be on a daily time frame.
Check these 2 significant liquidity zones on EURAUD forex pair on a daily.
The zone where the selling activity concentrate will be called a supply zone. While the zone with a strong concentration of a buying activity will be a demand zone.
2. After that, you should look for a liquidity grab / sweep.
For a valid liquidity grab / sweep the daily candle should violate the liquidity zone only with the tail / wick of the candle , while the body should stay within the zone.
Above is the example of a liquidity grab of a demand zone.
While the daily candle closed within the underlined area, the wick went beyond that.
3. After you identified a liquidity grab/sweep, start analyzing lower time frames . For this strategy, the best time frames are 4H and 1H.
On these time frames, you should look for a consolidation and a formation of a horizontal range.
Here is such a range on EURAUD on a 4H.
These ranges will be used for confirmation .
Your bullish signal will be a breakout of the resistance of the range ,
it will confirm a strong buying interest after a liquidity grab.
That is the example of such a confirmation.
4. After that, set a buy limit order on a retest of a broken resistance of the range. Take profit will be the closest strong resistance, stop loss will be below the support of the range.
That is how we trade a liquidity grab/sweep of a demand zone.
With the supply zone liquidity grab trading strategy, you should wait for a bullish liquidity sweep followed by a bearish breakout of a range on a 4H / 1H time frames.
I always say to my students that a single time frame analysis is not sufficient for profitable trading SMC.
A proper combination of multiple time frames is the key to consistent profits.
Following this strategy, you should achieve up to 80% winning rate trading liquidity grabs / sweeps.
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“Does size matter?” when it comes to backtesting?It’s the kind of question that gets a few smirks, sure. But when it comes to backtesting trading strategies, it’s not a joke, it’s the difference between confidence and false hope.
Let’s get real for a minute: the size of your candles absolutely matters.
What you don’t see can hurt you
Most people start testing on bigger timeframes. It’s faster, easier on the eyes, and the results look clean. But clean doesn’t mean correct.
Larger candles blur the details. That one nice-looking 4-hour candle? Inside, price could’ve spiked, reversed, chopped around, or triggered your stop before closing where it did. You’d never know. And that’s the problem.
You might think your entry worked beautifully… but only because the data smoothed out everything that actually happened.
A backtest should feel like a real trade
Trading isn't just about the final price. It’s about what price does to get there. That messy movement inside the candle? That’s where most trades are made or broken.
If your strategy is even remotely reactive, waiting for structure, confirmation, retests, or anything time-sensitive, you need to see what price did between the open and close.
And the only way to see that? Use smaller candles.
Smaller data, clearer picture
1-minute candles might look overwhelming at first, but they give you something the higher timeframes just can’t: behavior.
Not just outcomes. Not just win/loss stats. But the actual shape of the move, the hesitation, the fakeouts, the precise moment when the trade made sense—or didn’t.
And once you start testing with that level of detail, your strategy either earns your trust… or shows its cracks.
So how small should you go?
There’s no one-size-fits-all here. But as a general rule: if your idea relies on precision, go small. Test it on 1-minute or 5-minute charts, even if you plan to execute on higher timeframes. You’ll quickly see if the entry makes sense, or if you’ve been relying on candle-close hindsight.
Yes, it takes longer. Yes, you’ll stare at noisy charts for hours. But your strategy will thank you.
Watch out for “too good to be true”
One last thing, if your backtest results look flawless on 1h or 4h candles, pause. That’s often a sign that you’re testing a story, not a strategy.
Zoom in. See what actually happens. You might be surprised at how different the same trade looks when you’re not glossing over the details.
TL;DR:
In backtesting, size absolutely matters. Smaller candles reveal real behavior. Bigger ones hide the truth. So if you care about how your strategy actually performs not just how it looks.
go smaller. Your backtesting will get sharper, and your confidence? Way more earned.
Mastering Candlestick Patterns - How to use them in trading!Introduction
Candlesticks are one of the most popular and widely used tools in technical analysis. They offer a visual representation of price movements within a specific time period, providing valuable insights into market trends, sentiment, and potential future price movements.
Understanding candlestick patterns is crucial for traders, as these formations can indicate whether a market is bullish or bearish, and can even signal potential reversals or continuations in price. While candlesticks can be powerful on their own, trading purely based on candlestick patterns can be challenging and risky.
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What are we going to discuss:
1. What are candlesticks?
2. What are bullish candlestick patterns?
3. What are bearish candlestick patterns?
4. How to use candlestick patterns in trading?
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1. What are candlesticks?
A candlestick in trading is a visual representation of price movement in a specific time period on a chart. It is a fundamental element used in technical analysis to study market trends, determine price levels, and predict potential future price movements. A single candlestick consists of four main components: the open, close, high, and low prices for that time period.
Here’s how a candlestick works:
- The Body: The rectangular area between the open and close prices. If the close is higher than the open, the body is green, indicating a bullish (upward) movement. If the close is lower than the open, the body is red, signaling a bearish (downward) movement.
- The Wick (high and low of the candle): The thin lines extending above and below the body. These represent the highest and lowest prices reached during the period. The upper wick shows the highest price, while the lower wick shows the lowest price.
- The Open Price: The price at which the asset began trading in that time period (for example, the start of a day, hour, or minute depending on the chart timeframe).
- The Close Price: The price at which the asset finished trading at the end of the period.
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2. What are bullish candlestick patterns?
What is a Hammer Candlestick Pattern?
A hammer candlestick pattern has a small body near the top of the candle and a long lower wick, typically two to three times the length of the body. There is little to no upper wick. This formation shows that during the trading session, sellers managed to push the price significantly lower, continuing the downward momentum. However, buyers eventually stepped in with strong demand and drove the price back up near the opening level by the close.
What is an Inverted Hammer?
An inverted hammer has a small body near the bottom of the candle with a long upper wick, usually at least two to three times the size of the body, and little to no lower wick. This unique shape resembles an upside-down hammer, hence the name.
What is a Dragonfly Doji?
A dragonfly doji has a unique shape where the open, close, and high prices are all at or very close to the same level, forming a flat top with a long lower wick and little to no upper wick. This gives the candle the appearance of a "T," resembling a dragonfly.
What is a Bullish Engulfing?
A bullish engulfing candlestick consists of two candles. The first candle is bearish, indicating that sellers are still in control. The second candle is a large bullish candle that completely engulfs the body of the first one, meaning it opens below the previous close and closes above the previous open. This pattern reflects a clear shift in market sentiment. During the second candle, buyers step in with significant strength, overpowering the previous selling pressure and reversing the momentum. The fact that the bullish candle completely engulfs the previous bearish candle indicates that demand has taken over, signaling a potential trend reversal.
What is a Morning Star?
The morning star consists of three candles. The first is a long bearish candle, indicating that the downtrend is in full force, with strong selling pressure. The second candle is a small-bodied candle, which can be either bullish or bearish, representing indecision or a pause in the downtrend. Often, the second candle gaps down from the first, indicating that the selling pressure is subsiding but not yet fully reversed. The third candle is a long bullish candle that closes well above the midpoint of the first candle, confirming that buyers have taken control and signaling the potential start of an uptrend.
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3. What are bearish candlestick patterns?
What is a Shooting Star?
A shooting star has a smal body near the low of the candle and a long upper wick, usually at least twice the size of the body, with little to no lower wick. This shape shows that buyers initially pushed the price higher during the session, continuing the upward momentum. However, by the close, sellers stepped in and drove the price back down near the opening level.
What is a Hanging Man?
A hanging man has a distinct shape, with a small body positioned near the top of the candle and a long lower wick, usually at least twice the length of the body. There is little to no upper wick. The appearance of this candle suggests that although there was strong selling pressure during the session, buyers managed to bring the price back up near the opening level by the close. Despite the recovery, the long lower wick shows that sellers were able to push the price down significantly at one point. This introduces uncertainty into the uptrend and can indicate that bullish momentum is weakening.
What is a Gravestone Doji?
A gravestone doji has a distinctive shape where the open, low, and close prices are all at or near the same level, forming a flat base. The upper wick is long and stretches upward. This shape resembles a gravestone, which is where the pattern gets its name.
What is a Bearish Engulfing?
A bearish engulfing candlestick pattern is a two-candle reversal pattern that typically appears at the end of an uptrend and signals a potential shift from bullish to bearish sentiment. The first candle is a smaller bullish candle, reflecting continued upward momentum. The second candle is a larger bearish candle that completely engulfs the body of the first one, meaning it opens higher than the previous close and closes lower than the previous open. This indicates that bears have taken control, overpowering the buyers, and suggests a potential downside movement.
What is an Evening Star?
An evening star is a bearish candlestick pattern that typically signals a potential reversal at the top of an uptrend. It consists of three candles and reflects a shift in momentum from buyers to sellers. The pattern starts with a strong bullish candle, showing continued buying pressure and confidence in the upward move. This is followed by a smaller-bodied candle, which can be bullish or bearish, and represents indecision or a slowdown in the uptrend. The middle candle often gaps up from the first candle, showing that buyers are still trying to push higher, but the momentum is starting to weaken. The third candle is a strong bearish candle that closes well into the body of the first bullish candle. This candle confirms that sellers have taken control and that a trend reversal could be underway. The more this third candle erases the gains of the first, the stronger the reversal signal becomes.
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4. How to use candlestick patterns in trading?
Candlestick patterns are most useful when they appear at key levels, such as support, resistance, or significant trendlines. For instance, if a bullish reversal pattern like a hammer or bullish engulfing forms at a support level, it may indicate that the downtrend is losing momentum, and a reversal could be coming.
Trading based on candlestick patterns alone can be risky. To improve your chances of success, always seek additional confirmation from other technical analysis tools. Here are some common ones:
- Support and Resistance Levels: Look for candlestick patterns that form near key support or resistance levels. For instance, if the price reaches a support zone and a bullish reversal candlestick pattern forms, this may suggest a potential upward reversal.
- Fibonacci Retracement: Use Fibonacci levels to identify potential reversal zones. If a candlestick pattern appears near a key Fibonacci level (such as the Golden Pocket), it adds confirmation to the idea that the price may reverse.
- Liquidity Zones: These are areas where there is a high concentration of buy or sell orders. Candlestick patterns forming in high liquidity zones can indicate a stronger potential for a reversal or continuation.
- Indicators and Oscillators: Incorporating indicators like the Relative Strength Index (RSI), Moving Averages, MACD, or Stochastic RSI can help confirm the momentum of the price. For example, if a candlestick pattern forms and the RSI shows an oversold condition (below 30), this could indicate a potential reversal to the upside.
It’s crucial to wait for confirmation before entering a trade. After a candlestick pattern forms, it’s important to wait for the next candle or price action to confirm the signal. For example, if you spot a bullish reversal candlestick like a hammer at support, wait for the next candle to close above the hammer’s high to confirm that buyers are in control and a reversal is likely.
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Best Technical Indicator to Identify Order Block & Imbalance
Your ability to correctly identify Order Blocks on a price chart is essential for profitable trading Smart Money Concept.
In this article, I will show you a great technical indicator that will help you to spot Order Blocks on any financial market.
First, in brief, let me give you my definition of Order Block.
The problem is that in SMC trading there is no one single definition of that and many traders interpret it differently.
To me, an Order Block is a specific zone on a chart from where a strong price movement initiates and where a significant imbalance between supply and demand occurs .
This imbalance should strictly originate from a liquidity zone.
That definition implies that in order to identify an Order Block zone, one should learn to properly identify the imbalance and liquidity zones.
And again, there is no precise definition of an imbalance on a price chart. To me, a bullish imbalance is a formation of a bullish engulfing candle - the one that engulfs a range of previous bearish candle with its body.
Above is the example of a valid Order Block on GBPUSD.
A bearish imbalance is a formation of a bearish engulfing candle - the one that engulfs a range of a previous bullish candle with its body.
Above, you can see the example of an Order Block on USDCAD, based on a bearish imbalance.
There is one technical indicator that will help you to recognize such Order Blocks. It is called " All Candlestick Patterns" on TradingView.
Open settings of the indicator and make it show ONLY Engulfing Candles and choose "No Detection" in "Detect Trends Based on".
After that, hide the indicator and first, Identify the liquidity zones on a chart and wait for a test of one of these zones.
Here is a test of a liquidity zone on NZDUSD on an hourly time frame.
After that, turn on the indicator, and wait for its signal.
You can see that after some time, the price formed a bullish imbalance with a bullish engulfing candle. The indicator highlight that candle.
The Order Block zone will be based on the lowest low of 2 candles and the high of a bearish candle preceding the imbalance.
One more example. We see a test of a significant liquidity zone on EURAUD on a 4H time frame.
We turn on the indicator and look for a signal.
A bearish imbalance is formed and the indicator immediately notifies us.
An Order Block Zone in that case will be the area based on the highest high of 2 candles and the low of a bullish candle preceding the imbalance .
Of course, there will be the rare cases when the indicator will miss the imbalances. But while you are learning to recognize Order Blocks, this indicator will definitely help you a lot!
Thank you for reading!
❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
I am part of Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analysis.
TESLA Always Pay YOURSELF! Tsla Stock were you PAID? GOLD Lesson
⭐️I want to go into depth regarding the this topic but it is a long one with PROS & CONS for doing and not doing it.
Every trader must choose what's best for them but you will SEE when I finally get to the write up that MANY OF THE PROS are NOT FINANCIAL but PSYCHOLOGICAL❗️
Another of 🟢SeekingPips🟢 KEY RULES!
⚠️ Always Pay YOURSELF.⚠️
I know some of you chose to HOLD ONTO EVERYTHING and place your STOP at the base of the WEEKLY CANDLE we entered on or the week priors base.
If you did that and it was in your plan GREAT but... if it was NOT that is a TRADING MISTAKE and You need to UPDATE YOUR JOURNAL NOW.
You need to note EVERYTHING. What you wanted to see before your exit, explain why not taking anything was justified to you, were there EARLY exit signals that you did not act on. EVERYTHING.
🟢SeekingPips🟢 ALWAYS SAYS THE BEST TRADING BOOK YOU WILL EVER READ WILL BE YOUR COMPLETE & HONEST TRADING JOURNAL ⚠️
📉When you read it in black amd white you will have YOUR OWN RECORD of your BEST trades and TRADING TRIUMPHS and your WORST TRADES and TRADING ERRORS.📈
✅️ KEEPING an UPTO DATE JOURNAL is STEP ONE.
STUDYING IT IS JUST AS IMPORTANT👍
⭐️🌟⭐️🌟⭐️A sneak peek of the LESSON after will be HOW & WHEN TO ENTER WHEN THE OPEN BAR IS GOING THE OPPOSITE WAY OF YOUR IDEA.👌
🚥Looking at the TESLA CHART ABOVE you will see that we were interested in being a BUYER when the weekly bar was BEARISH (GREEN ARROW) and we started to consider TAKE PROFITS and EXITS when the (RED ARROW) Weekly bar was still BULLISH.🚥
Clear DayTrading strategy video. The "Inside Bar"🔉Sound on!🔉
📣Make sure to watch fullscreen!📣
Thank you as always for watching my videos. I hope that you learned something very educational! Please feel free to like, share, and comment on this post. Remember only risk what you are willing to lose. Trading is very risky but it can change your life!
3 Best Trading Opportunities to Maximize Profit Potential
Hey traders,
In the today's article, we will discuss 3 types of incredibly accurate setups that you can apply for trading financial markets.
1. Trend Line Breakout and Retest
The first setup is a classic trend line breakout.
Please, note that such a setup will be accurate if the trend line is based on at least 3 consequent bullish or bearish moves.
If the market bounces from a trend line, it is a vertical support.
If the market drops from a trend line, it is a vertical resistance.
The breakout of the trend line - vertical support is a candle close below that. After a breakout, it turns into a safe point to sell the market from.
The breakout of the trend line - vertical resistance is a candle close above that. After a breakout, it turns into a safe point to buy the market from.
Take a look at the example. On GBPJPY, the market was growing steadily, respecting a rising trend line that was a vertical support.
A candle close below that confirmed its bearish violation.
It turned into a vertical resistance .
Its retest was a perfect point to sell the market from.
2. Horizontal Structure Breakout and Retest
The second setup is a breakout of a horizontal key level.
The breakout of a horizontal support and a candle close below that is a strong bearish signal. After a breakout, a support turns into a resistance.
Its retest is a safe point to sell the market from.
The breakout of a horizontal resistance and a candle close above that is a strong bullish signal. After a breakout, a resistance turns into a support.
Its retest if a safe point to buy the market from.
Here is the example. WTI Crude Oil broke a key daily structure resistance. A candle close above confirmed the violation.
After a breakout, the broken resistance turned into a support.
Its test was a perfect point to buy the market from.
3. Buying / Selling the Market After Pullbacks
The third option is to trade the market after pullbacks.
However, remember that the market should be strictly in a trend .
In a bullish trend, the market corrects itself after it sets new higher highs. The higher lows usually respect the rising trend lines.
Buying the market from such a trend line, you open a safe trend-following trade.
In a bearish trend, after the price sets lower lows, the correctional movements initiate. The lower highs quite often respect the falling trend lines.
Selling the market from such a trend line, you open a safe trend-following trade.
On the chart above, we can see EURAUD pair trading in a bullish trend.
After the price sets new highs, it retraces to a rising trend line.
Once the trend line is reached, trend-following movements initiate.
What I like about these 3 setups is the fact that they work on every market and on every time frame. So no matter what you trade and what is your trading style, you can apply them for making nice profits.
❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
I am part of Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analysis.
Power of trendline + support/resistanceI would like to show the power of combining trendlines and support & resistance on your chart work. As we all know in order for a trendline to be effective it must be used with key major points and the trend must be clear whether it's an uptrend or downtrend, cause if the trend is neither then that would lead to false signals that would cause people to get stopped out.
If used with S&R it can give us way better entries and more accurate with high probability of winning, We all know if for example an Uptrend trendline is broken then that would mean we have sellers active and that means the trend will go down, however that is not entirely true if it was then we would all be millionaires lol. So in order to fix this and know for sure the trend is changing for real we need to combine both our Trendlines and S&R, as you can see from the chart our uptrend trendline was broken and those who entered immediately after the breakout would have been trapped by professional traders when the price pulled back to their entry points, but to avoid this and get a much better entry that has high accuracy like mine you would also need to use your "visible" support and resistance.
As the uptrend line was broken that gave us a sign sellers are active and might push the price down but that is not enough confirmation to sell, unless you want to make a loss obviously💀,If you noticed I also marked my Visible Support(CHANGE OF TREND), since this is the lowest point in the uptrend then we know if price breaks below it then it's a clear confirmation that sellers will overpower buyers and push the price down, our first confirmation was Price breaking the uptrend(not enough to sell), our second powerful confirmation was price breaking below the CHANGE OF TREND, now this shows that bears overpowered bulls causing a CHANGE OF TREND and a much higher winning probability and a much better R:R.
I know most people would see this as a late entry, but it's not trust me there's no better entry you can get better than this that has higher chance of winning and a better R:R also less risky. Most people chase the trend instead of waiting for the trend to come to them, that's also why they make many losses because they enter with few confirmations that have low probability
Mastering MACD- Complete Guide- 10 ways to trade itThe Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) is a versatile indicator that can help traders navigate the markets with precision. From trend identification to momentum assessment, the MACD provides multiple actionable insights. In this educational post, we’ll explore the key ways to use MACD effectively, with an example illustration accompanying each strategy.
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1. Signal Line Crossovers
The most common use of MACD is the signal line crossover, which identifies potential shifts in market momentum:
• Bullish Signal: When the MACD line (fast-moving) crosses above the signal line (slow-moving), it suggests upward momentum is increasing. This can be an entry signal for a long trade. Bullish crossovers often occur after a period of consolidation or a downtrend, signaling a reversal in market sentiment.
• Bearish Signal: When the MACD line crosses below the signal line, it signals downward momentum, often triggering a short-selling opportunity. Bearish crossovers can occur during retracements in an uptrend or at the start of a bearish reversal.
How to Use: Look for confirmation from price action or other indicators, such as a breakout above a resistance level for a bullish signal or a breakdown below support for a bearish signal. It's essential to avoid acting solely on a crossover; consider volume (stocks, crypto), candle stick formations and other market conditions.
Example: A bullish crossover on the daily chart on TRADENATION:XAUUSD indicates a potential buying opportunity as the price begins to rise. Add a stop-loss below recent lows to manage risk and look for a 1:2 risk:r eward in the next resistance.
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2. Zero Line Crossovers
The MACD’s zero line acts as a boundary between bullish and bearish momentum, making it a valuable trend confirmation tool:
• Above Zero: When the MACD line moves above the zero line, it confirms an uptrend, as the fast-moving average is above the slow-moving average. Sustained movement above zero often indicates a strong bullish trend.
• Below Zero: A MACD line below zero reflects a downtrend, indicating bearish market conditions. Persistent movement below zero confirms bearish momentum.
How to Use: Use the zero line crossover to validate trades based on other signals, such as candlestick patterns or trendline breaks. The crossover can act as a second layer of confirmation for existing trade setups.
Example: MACD on a crypto pair crosses above the zero line, confirming the start of a new bullish trend. Traders can combine this with volume analysis to ensure strong market participation.
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3. Histogram Analysis
The histogram represents the distance between the MACD line and the signal line, offering insights into momentum:
• Expanding Histogram: Indicates strengthening momentum in the direction of the trend. Larger bars show increasing dominance of bulls or bears.
• Contracting Histogram: Suggests weakening momentum, signaling a possible reversal or consolidation. Smaller bars indicate a loss of trend strength.
How to Use: Monitor the histogram for early signs of momentum shifts before a crossover occurs. The histogram can act as a leading indicator, providing advanced warning of potential changes in price direction.
Example: A shrinking histogram in a forex pair signals that the bullish momentum is losing steam, warning traders of a possible retracement. This can be a cue to tighten stop-loss levels or take partial profits. Conversely, an expanding histogram during a breakout confirms the strength of the move.
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4. Identifying Divergences
MACD divergences are powerful tools for spotting potential reversals:
• Bullish Divergence: Occurs when the price makes a lower low, but the MACD forms a higher low, signaling weakening bearish momentum. This often precedes a trend reversal to the upside.
• Bearish Divergence: Happens when the price makes a higher high, but the MACD forms a lower high, indicating diminishing bullish strength. This suggests a potential reversal to the downside.
How to Use: Combine divergence signals with support or resistance levels to enhance reliability. Divergences are most effective when spotted at major turning points in the market.
Example: On a TRADENATION:EURUSD chart, a bearish divergence signals an upcoming price reversal from an up trend to a down trend.
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5. Trend Confirmation
MACD confirms trends by staying consistently above or below the zero line:
• Above Zero: Indicates a strong uptrend. Look for pullbacks to enter long trades. The longer the MACD remains above zero, the stronger the trend.
• Below Zero: Reflects a persistent downtrend. Use rallies as opportunities to short. A sustained period below zero reinforces bearish dominance.
How to Use: Use MACD’s trend confirmation alongside other trend-following tools like moving averages or Ichimoku clouds. Ensure that market conditions align with the broader trend.
Example: Combining MACD trend confirmation with moving averages helps traders stay on the right side of the trend in a stock market index. For example, buy when both MACD and a 50-day moving average indicate an uptrend. Exit trades when the MACD begins to cross below zero or shows a divergence.
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6. Overbought and Oversold Conditions
Although MACD is not traditionally an overbought/oversold indicator, extreme deviations between the MACD line and the signal line can hint at stretched market conditions:
• Overbought: When the MACD line is significantly above the signal line, it may indicate a price correction is imminent. This often occurs after an extended rally.
• Oversold: When the MACD line is well below the signal line, it suggests a potential rebound. Such conditions are common following sharp sell-offs.
How to Use: Monitor extreme readings in conjunction with oscillators like RSI for added confidence. Look for reversals near key support or resistance levels.
Example: An extended bearish move with a large MACD-signal line gap warns traders of a potential price correction. This can signal an opportunity to exit. Pair this observation with a bullish candlestick pattern to confirm the move (in this example morning star)
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7. Combining MACD with Other Indicators
MACD works best when paired with complementary indicators to provide a more comprehensive market analysis:
• RSI (Relative Strength Index): Use RSI to confirm momentum and overbought/oversold conditions.
• Bollinger Bands: Validate price breakouts or consolidations with MACD signals.
• Support and Resistance: Use MACD signals around key levels for confluence.
How to Use: Wait for MACD signals to align with other indicator readings to improve accuracy. Cross-validation reduces false signals and increases confidence in trades.
Example: A bearish MACD crossover near a key resistance level reinforces a short-selling opportunity.
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8. Multi-Timeframe Analysis
Using MACD across different timeframes strengthens trade signals and provides context:
• Higher Timeframe: Identify the broader trend to avoid trading against the market. For instance, if the daily chart shows a bullish MACD, focus on long trades in lower timeframes.
• Lower Timeframe: Pinpoint precise entries and exits within the higher timeframe’s trend. The MACD on lower timeframes can help fine-tune timing.
How to Use: Align MACD signals on both higher and lower timeframes to confirm trade setups. This alignment minimizes the risk of false signals.
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9. Customizing MACD Settings
Traders can tailor MACD settings to suit different trading styles and timeframes:
• Shorter Periods: Provide more sensitive signals for scalping or day trading. Shorter settings react quickly to price changes but may generate more false signals.
• Longer Periods: Produce smoother signals for swing trading or position trading. Longer settings are less responsive but more reliable.
How to Use: Experiment with different settings on a demo account to find what works best for your strategy. Adjust settings based on the volatility and nature of the asset.
Example: A scalper uses a 5, 13, 6 MACD setting to capture quick momentum shifts in the market, while a swing trader sticks with the standard 12, 26, 9 for broader trends. Compare results across different markets to refine the approach.
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10. Crossovers or Divergence at Key Levels
Combining MACD crossovers with price action levels enhances the reliability of trade signals:
• Horizontal Levels: Use MACD signals to confirm reversals or breakouts at support and resistance levels. Crossovers near these levels are often more reliable.
• Fibonacci Retracements: You can combine MACD with retracement levels to validate potential entries or exits. Confluence with retracements adds weight to the signal.
How to Use: Wait for MACD signals to align with key price levels for higher probability trades. Confirmation from candlestick patterns or volume (stock and crypto) adds further credibility.
Example: A bullish MACD divergence aligns with a strong support level, signaling a strong buy setup. Add confirmation with a candlestick reversal pattern, such as a piercing pattern in our case, to enhance precision.
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Conclusion:
The MACD indicator’s flexibility makes it a must-have tool for traders of all styles. By mastering these strategies and integrating them in your trading, you can elevate your trading decisions.
Disclosure: I am part of Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analyses and educational articles.
[How to] Properly analyzing relative equal levels with orderflow🔑 This is a basic principle and idea overview of why price will behave a certain way around levels where double lows or highs are. Also reviewing what is called Low Resistance Liquidity. This happens when multiple levels are stacked going lower or higher without a stop hunt.
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