Anatomy of a Breakout: How to Spot It Before It Fakes You OutFew things in trading are as appealing as a breakout. The chart tightens, volume starts to stir, headlines align, your alerts start going off , and suddenly — boom! Price explodes above resistance. Your adrenaline spikes and you pop open that long.
But just as often, that breakout turns out to be nothing more than an expensive head fake. Price stalls. Sellers swoop in. Your stop gets clipped. And now you’re sitting there, blinking at your screen, “Welp… that was quick.”
Welcome to the bittersweet world of breakouts — where opportunity and deception dance like partners at a high-stakes poker table.
📢 What Is a Breakout, Really?
Let’s get the basics out of the way: A breakout happens when price pushes beyond a key support or resistance level that’s been holding for a while.
That level could be a previous high, a consolidation range, a trendline, or a psychological number that traders obsess over because humans love round numbers (did someone say Bitcoin BITSTAMP:BTCUSD at $120,000 ?).
The logic is simple: Once price clears a well-watched level, trapped shorts have to cover, new longs pile in, and momentum feeds on itself. That’s the dream scenario.
But markets aren’t always that generous. For every clean breakout, there are a few fakeouts lurking — luring in overeager traders with the promise of easy money before slamming the door shut.
⚠️ Why Breakouts May Fail
If breakouts were easy, we’d all be rich. The problem is that breakouts attract a special kind of crowd: late-to-the-party momentum chasers, breakout algorithm bots, and retail traders who read one blog post about technical analysis.
The moment price nudges above resistance, FOMO kicks in. Volume surges. But if the move isn’t backed by genuine institutional buying (you need lots of billions to move the needle nowadays), it quickly becomes what seasoned traders call a “liquidity vacuum” — thin air where the only participants are you, a few equally optimistic Reddit threads, and market makers more than happy to take the other side.
Sometimes breakouts fail because:
The move lacked volume confirmation.
Macro headlines shifted mid-breakout.
A key level was front-run, and the real buyers have already taken profit.
It was a deliberate trap set by larger players to hunt stops before reversing.
Or — more often — the market just needed an excuse to shake out weak hands before resuming the actual move later.
🍸 Volume: The Truth Serum
Let’s be very clear: Breakouts without volume are like dating profiles without photos — you should be suspicious.
When real breakouts occur, you’ll usually see strong accompanying volume. That’s your proof that big players — funds, institutions, serious money — are committing to the move. No volume? Maybe the summer vibes are already here .
Smart traders wait for confirmation:
Is volume above average relative to recent sessions?
Is price holding above the breakout level after the initial pop?
Are follow-through candles printing convincingly?
Are we seeing continuation across related sectors or instruments?
Without these signs, that breakout candle may just be a cruel joke.
🤯 Breakout Psychology
Breakouts prey on two of the most dangerous emotions in trading: greed and urgency. The market whispers, “If you don’t get in now, you’ll miss it.”
This is where breakout psychology becomes more dangerous than the chart itself. Once a breakout happens, most traders are no longer analyzing — they’re reacting. They buy late, set tight stops below the breakout level, and become easy prey for stop-hunting algorithms.
✨ Types of Breakouts
Not all breakouts are created equal. Here’s the lineup you should be watching for:
Clean Breakouts:
The rarest and most beautiful. Strong move, high volume, sustained momentum. You’ll know it when you see it — or after you’ve hesitated and missed it.
Fakeouts (a.k.a. False Breakouts):
Price nudges just past resistance, triggers breakout orders, then swiftly reverses. Designed to shake out breakout traders before resuming the original trend.
Break-and-Retest Setups:
Often the highest-probability trades. Price breaks out, then pulls back to retest the former resistance (now support). If buyers defend this retest, you’ve got confirmation.
News-Driven Breakouts:
Triggered by earnings, economic data, or political events. Volatile, fast, and often unsustainable unless backed by real fundamental shifts.
📈 The “Pre-Breakout Tell”: Reading the Tape
Good breakout traders aren’t just watching levels — they’re watching how price behaves near those levels in advance.
Tight consolidation? Lower volatility into resistance? Declining volume as price grinds higher? That often signals an impending breakout as supply dries up.
Conversely, choppy action with large wicks and erratic volume often signals indecision — ripe conditions for failed breakouts and fakeouts.
Tape-reading matters. The cleaner the structure before the breakout, the better your odds.
💰 Breakout Traders Need Thick Skin
Even with perfect analysis, breakout trading requires accepting that many will fail. That’s the game. Your job isn’t to nail every breakout — it’s to size your positions properly , keep losses small when faked out, and let the clean breakouts run when you catch one.
Stop-loss discipline is everything. Breakouts are binary events: you’re either right quickly, or you’re cutting the trade quickly. There’s no room for “maybe it’ll come back.”
The most painful breakouts are the ones that fake out, stop you, then continue in your original direction. Every breakout trader has lived that nightmare. Accept it. Build it into your risk plan.
👉 Takeaway: Prepare the Setup, Anticipate the Fakeout
Breakouts will always be part of every trader’s playbook. But they require discipline, experience, and an iron stomach. The market loves to tempt you with early signals — your job is to separate signal from noise.
Pro tip: Start your day by checking the Economic calendar and browsing the latest news — staying informed (and witty) helps you build better context for smarter decisions.
So before you chase that next breakout candle, ask yourself:
Is volume there?
Is the broader market supportive?
Have I managed my risk before clicking buy?
Because in trading, the only thing worse than missing a breakout… is getting faked out and blowing up your account chasing it.
Now over to you : Are you a breakout trader or a fakeout victim? Share your best (or worst) breakout stories — we’ve all been there.
Community ideas
Is every fall an opportunity?Is every fall an opportunity?
Of course not! Because sometimes, the lower you get, the lower you get. You need to know 2 things here:
1- Why did we buy?
2- How long is our maturity?
➡️ Example:
I believe that Bitcoin CRYPTOCAP:BTC will continuously increase in value in the long run. Because I know why I bought it. It's simple math (fixed in my article profile). But is there no risk?
Of course, there is risk.
❌ For example, if the US bans it?
This is unlikely today, but of course it can happen. As a matter of fact, the US banned gold investment between 1933-1974. Such a thing would not end Bitcoin, but it would make the road very long.
✅ So?
1- If you believe that what you are buying will appreciate in the long run and you have a long maturity, declines are opportunities.
2- But if you've only heard about your investment from someone, then you're more likely to get scared and sell at every drop.
Thanks for reading 🙏
What Is a Change of Character (CHoCH) and How Can You Trade It?What Is a Change of Character (CHoCH) and How Can You Trade It?
Navigating the nuances of Smart Money Concept (SMC) trading requires a keen understanding of market signals like the Change of Character (CHoCH). This concept can help traders detect and react to potential trend reversals. Today, we’ll delve into the mechanics of CHoCHs, explaining how they manifest in different market conditions and how they can be strategically leveraged for trading decisions.
Understanding Breaks of Structure
Understanding Breaks of Structure (BOS) is essential for traders before delving into concepts like Change of Character (CHoCH). A BOS in trading signifies a continuation within the current trend and is marked by a clear deviation from established swing points that indicate previous highs and lows.
In the context of an uptrend, a BOS is identified when the price exceeds a previous high without moving below the most recent higher low. This action confirms that the upward momentum is still strong and likely to continue as buyers push the market to new heights.
Similarly, in a downtrend, a BOS occurs when prices drop below a previous low without breaking the prior lower high, suggesting that sellers remain in control and the downward trend is set to persist.
By recognising these points where the market extends beyond its former bounds, traders can confirm that the current trend is robust and act accordingly. This foundational concept of BOS not only helps in assessing trend strength but also sets the stage for understanding more complex patterns like CHoCH, where the focus shifts from trend continuation to potential trend reversals.
CHoCH Trading Meaning
In trading, a Change of Character (CHoCH) signals a potential shift in market dynamics, often indicating a reversal from the prevailing trend. This concept is particularly valuable as it helps traders discern when the momentum is shifting, offering a strategic point to consider adjusting their positions.
A CHoCH occurs when there's a noticeable deviation in the market's price trend. For example, in a bullish trend characterised by a series of higher highs and higher lows, a CHoCH is indicated by the price failing to set a new high and subsequently falling below a recent higher low. This suggests that buyers are losing control, and a bearish trend could be emerging.
Similarly, during a bearish trend marked by lower highs and lower lows, a bullish CHoCH would occur if the price unexpectedly breaks above a recent lower high. This break indicates that sellers are losing their grip, and a bullish trend may be starting.
The Significance of CHoCHs Across Timeframes
The fractal nature of financial markets means that patterns and behaviours recur across various timeframes, each providing unique insights and implications for trading. Understanding CHoCHs in different timeframes is crucial for traders to effectively align their strategies with both short-term opportunities and long-term trend shifts.
In intraday trading, where decisions are made on lower timeframes (like minutes or hours), a CHoCH can signal a possible short-term trend reversal. For example, if a currency pair in a downtrend on a 15-minute chart suddenly posts a higher high, this could indicate a weakening of the bearish momentum, suggesting a potential bullish reversal.
Traders might use this information to close short positions or to consider a long position, capitalising on the emerging upward trend. These short-term CHoCHs allow traders to respond quickly to market changes, potentially securing returns before larger market shifts occur.
Conversely, CHoCHs observed on higher timeframes, such as daily or weekly charts, are particularly significant because they can indicate a shift in the broader market trend that might last days, weeks, or even months. Such changes can then be used by both long and short-term traders to adjust their positioning and directional bias.
How to Identify a CHoCH
The initial step to identify a CHoCH in trading involves clearly defining the existing trend on a specific timeframe. This is done by marking the significant swing highs and lows that delineate the trend's progress. These points should represent somewhat meaningful retracements in the price, providing clear markers of trend continuity or potential reversal points.
According to the Smart Money Concept (SMC) theory, the integrity of an uptrend is maintained as long as the price does not trade through the most recent significant higher low. Conversely, a downtrend is considered intact if the price does not surpass the most recent significant lower high. Therefore, traders focus their attention on these critical points.
To identify a CHoCH, traders watch for a break in these crucial high or low points. For instance, in an uptrend, a bearish CHoCH is indicated when the price achieves a higher high but then reverses to descend below the previous significant higher low.
Similarly, in a downtrend, a bullish CHoCH occurs when the price drops to a lower low before reversing to break above the previous significant lower high, setting a new high. Both types of breaks signal a potential reversal in the trend direction.
How to Trade a CHoCH
When trading a CHoCH, it’s essential to recognise that it should be integrated with other aspects of the SMC framework to get the best results. This includes the use of order blocks and imbalances, which are key components in identifying potential reversals.
Order Blocks and Imbalances
An order block is essentially a substantial consolidation area where significant buying or selling has occurred, and prices often revisit these zones before reversing. These blocks can be seen as levels where institutional orders were previously concentrated.
An imbalance, also known as a fair value gap, occurs when the price moves sharply up or down, leaving a zone that has not been traded extensively. Price often returns to these gaps to 'fill' them, establishing equilibrium before a potential reversal happens.
In practice, traders can look for a sequence where the price first approaches an order block and begins to fill any existing imbalances. This setup increases confidence in a potential reversal. As the price meets these criteria and a CHoCH occurs, this indicates that the influence of the order block is likely to initiate a price reversal.
Practical Example on GBP/USD
Consider the 4-hour chart of the GBP/USD pair above. We see the pair encounter an order block on the left, one that’s visible on the daily chart. As the price interacts with this block, it begins to retrace, attempting to fill the imbalance but moves away. Eventually, the price completes the fill of the imbalance and meets the previously established order block.
Switching to a 1-hour timeframe, this scenario unfolds similarly. After reaching the order block on the 4-hour chart, another CHoCH occurs, signalling the start of a new uptrend. This lower timeframe CHoCH, following the meeting of the order block, corroborates the potential for a reversal initiated by the higher timeframe dynamics.
This example illustrates how CHoCHs can be effectively utilised across different timeframes, tying back to the fractal nature of markets discussed earlier. By recognising these patterns and understanding their interaction with order blocks and imbalances, traders can strategically position themselves to capitalise on potential market reversals, aligning their trades with deeper market forces at play.
CHoCH vs Market Structure Shift
A Market Structure Shift (MSS) is a specific type of Change of Character that includes additional signals suggesting a potential trend reversal. Unlike a straightforward CHoCH that typically indicates a trend is shifting but may also be a false break, an MSS can be seen as a higher confluence CHoCH. An MSS occurs after the market first makes a key movement contrary to the established trend—forming a lower high in an uptrend or a higher low in a downtrend—without plotting a higher high or lower low.
Following these preliminary signals, an MSS is confirmed when there is a decisive break through a significant swing point accompanied by a strong displacement (i.e. impulse) move, creating a CHoCH in the process. This sequence not only reflects that the prevailing trend has paused but also that a new trend in the opposite direction is establishing itself.
Due to these additional confirmations, an MSS can offer added confirmation for traders, indicating a stronger likelihood that a new, sustainable trend has begun. This makes the MSS particularly valuable for traders looking for more substantiated signals in their trading strategy.
The Bottom Line
The concept of a CHoCH is instrumental in navigating the complexities of SMC trading. By identifying these crucial market signals, traders may align their strategies to capitalise on market movements efficiently.
FAQs
What Is CHoCH in Trading?
In trading, CHoCH is a technical observation that signifies a change in the trend's character, where the price movement breaks from its established pattern of highs and lows, suggesting a potential reversal or substantial shift in the market's direction.
What Is CHoCH in SMC Trading?
In Smart Money Concept (SMC) trading, a Change of Character (CHoCH) refers to a clear shift in market behaviour that indicates a potential reversal of the prevailing trend. This concept is used by traders to detect early signs of a momentum shift that might lead to significant changes in price direction, enabling strategic adjustments to their trading positions.
What Is a CHoCH in the Market Structure?
A CHoCH in market structure is identified when there is an observable deviation from established price patterns — specifically when new highs or lows contradict the current trend. It signifies that the previous market sentiment is weakening, and a new opposite trend may be starting, prompting traders to reassess their strategies.
How Do You Identify a CHoCH?
Identifying a CHoCH involves monitoring significant swing highs and lows for breaks that are contrary to the existing trend. For instance, in an uptrend, a CHoCH would be indicated by a failure to reach a new high followed by a drop below the recent higher low, suggesting a shift to a bearish outlook.
What Is ChoCH vs BOS in Trading?
While both CHoCH and Break of Structure (BOS) are critical in assessing market dynamics, they serve different purposes. CHoCH indicates a potential trend reversal by highlighting a significant change in the price pattern. In contrast, a BOS indicates a continuation of the current trend by showing the price surpassing previous significant highs or lows, reinforcing the ongoing direction.
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.
How to Spot Head & Shoulders Patterns in TradingViewDiscover how to identify and validate Head & Shoulders patterns using TradingView's built-in pattern recognition tools in this detailed tutorial from Optimus Futures. Chart patterns are essential tools for many futures traders, and the Head & Shoulders formation is among the most recognized reversal patterns in technical analysis.
What You'll Learn:
• Understanding the Head & Shoulders pattern: a key reversal formation in technical analysis
• How to access and use TradingView's pattern drawing tools and objects
• Step-by-step process for identifying potential Head & Shoulders formations on any timeframe
• Techniques for spotting the "head" by locating the highest high or lowest low pivot points
• How to identify matching "shoulders" on either side of the head formation
• Validating your pattern identification using TradingView's drawing tools
• Real-world example using crude oil futures on an hourly chart from October 2024
• Key characteristics that distinguish bearish Head & Shoulders reversal patterns
• Best practices for using pivot points and swing analysis in pattern recognition
This tutorial may benefit futures traders, swing traders, and technical analysts who want to improve their chart pattern recognition skills in TradingView. The techniques demonstrated could help you identify potential reversal opportunities and make more informed trading decisions when these classic formations appear on your charts.
Keywords: Head and Shoulders pattern, TradingView tutorial, chart patterns, technical analysis, reversal patterns, futures trading, pivot points, swing analysis, pattern recognition, trading education
Visit Optimus Futures to learn more about trading futures with TradingView:
optimusfutures.com
Disclaimer:
There is a substantial risk of loss in futures trading. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Please trade only with risk capital. We are not responsible for any third-party links, comments, or content shared on TradingView. Any opinions, links, or messages posted by users on TradingView do not represent our views or recommendations. Please exercise your own judgment and due diligence when engaging with any external content or user commentary.
This video represents the opinion of Optimus Futures and is intended for educational purposes only. Chart interpretations are presented solely to illustrate objective technical concepts and should not be viewed as predictive of future market behavior. In our opinion, charts are analytical tools—not forecasting instruments. Market conditions are constantly evolving, and all trading decisions should be made independently, with careful consideration of individual risk tolerance and financial objectives.
FED, rate cut possible on July 30? With the US Federal Reserve (FED) meeting on July 30 fast approaching, the markets are scrutinizing the slightest signals likely to indicate an inflexion in monetary policy. While a rate cut seems unlikely in the short term, it cannot be ruled out altogether. Despite Chairman Jerome Powell's firm stance, some influential members of the Monetary Policy Committee (FOMC) are actively pushing for monetary easing this summer.
1) Jerome Powell is not the only decision-maker on the FOMC, and there is pressure for a rate cut in July
Jerome Powell adopts a very cautious stance, making any monetary easing conditional on clear convergence towards the 2% inflation target. His main concern is the potentially inflationary impact of the tariffs currently under negotiation. However, Powell does not have absolute power. The FOMC has 12 voting members, including 7 permanent governors, the president of the New York Fed and 4 rotating regional bank presidents.
Although each vote is worth as much, the Chairman largely shapes the agenda and guides the discussions. Some members, such as Michelle Bowman and Christopher Waller, appointed under the Trump presidency, are pushing for a cut as early as July. Donald Trump's implicit support for this option adds political pressure, even if his direct influence is limited.
Below is a table showing the current balance of power between the voting members of the FOMC.
2) There will be a rate cut on July 30 if and only if the unemployment rate becomes worrying
On the fundamentals side, inflation measured by the PCE index, the FED's benchmark, remains slightly above target, but several key components are showing signs of normalization. Oil, which accounts for around 11% of the basket, is not showing any alarming technical signals with the geopolitical calm in the Middle East. The real estate sector and healthcare spending, also heavily weighted, are showing positive indications in favor of further disinflation. Moreover, tariffs are only marginally affecting services, which account for 67% of the PCE.
Despite this, Powell remains concerned about the risk of exogenous inflationary resurgence, especially if the universal 10% tariff were to apply to all US trading partners, with an expected impact on core PCE of +0.2% to +0.3%.
Markets are anticipating a first decline in September, but a July changeover cannot be ruled out if employment data, notably the NFP report of July 3, show a marked weakening of the labor market.
3) The S&P 500 index will need the FED's pivot to go higher, as it has returned to its all-time high
On the financial markets, a FED pivot would be a decisive bullish catalyst, especially for US equities, Bitcoin and other high-beta assets. Technical analysis of the S&P 500 shows a favourable technical configuration since the beginning of April, with a V-shaped recovery. But with the market now in contact with its all-time high, very positive fundamentals will be needed to consider going higher.
In short, the decision on July 30 will depend on a subtle trade-off between political pressures, inflation dynamics and the health of the job market. A status quo remains the central scenario, but a reversal is conceivable in the event of a sharp deterioration in macroeconomic data, good inflation figures or positive surprises on trade diplomacy.
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This content is intended for individuals who are familiar with financial markets and instruments and is for information purposes only. The presented idea (including market commentary, market data and observations) is not a work product of any research department of Swissquote or its affiliates. This material is intended to highlight market action and does not constitute investment, legal or tax advice. If you are a retail investor or lack experience in trading complex financial products, it is advisable to seek professional advice from licensed advisor before making any financial decisions.
This content is not intended to manipulate the market or encourage any specific financial behavior.
Swissquote makes no representation or warranty as to the quality, completeness, accuracy, comprehensiveness or non-infringement of such content. The views expressed are those of the consultant and are provided for educational purposes only. Any information provided relating to a product or market should not be construed as recommending an investment strategy or transaction. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
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All investments carry a degree of risk. The risk of loss in trading or holding financial instruments can be substantial. The value of financial instruments, including but not limited to stocks, bonds, cryptocurrencies, and other assets, can fluctuate both upwards and downwards. There is a significant risk of financial loss when buying, selling, holding, staking, or investing in these instruments. SQBE makes no recommendations regarding any specific investment, transaction, or the use of any particular investment strategy.
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Four Ways to Improve Focus When Trading“Execution is everything.” It’s a phrase you’ll hear time and again in trading circles, and for good reason. Having a solid strategy is important, but it means very little if you can’t stay focused enough to follow through. One moment of hesitation, one distracted click, and the edge you worked so hard to find can vanish in an instant.
Focus is the gateway to execution. Without it, even the best setups fall apart. Yet in a world of constant noise with live charts, endless alerts, social media and background distractions it’s never been harder to stay present and in control. Here are four ways to improve your focus while trading. Two are grounded and practical. Two are a bit more unconventional. All of them can help you sharpen your focus where it really counts in the moment of decision.
1. Start with a Written Game Plan
This is the foundation. Before you even open your trading platform, write down your trade ideas, key levels, and any news or events that could impact your market. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. A simple list of “if this, then that” scenarios is enough.
By putting your plan on paper, you free up mental space and reduce emotional interference. You’re no longer reacting to every tick or candle. You’re tracking a few clear ideas and waiting for price to confirm your bias. That alone can dramatically improve focus. When your brain knows the plan, it doesn’t need to make it up on the fly.
More importantly, a written plan acts as an anchor when the session heats up. If you get shaken by a false breakout or tempted by something that wasn’t in your prep, it’s easy to refer back and reset. The best traders are those who execute simple ideas with discipline, not those who chase every signal that flashes across the screen.
2. Silence the Noise Around You
Multitasking is the enemy of trading. One browser tab for news, another for Twitter, five charts open, notifications popping up on your phone it all adds up to mental chaos.
Clean up your digital workspace before you start trading. Close all tabs that aren’t directly relevant to your session. Mute group chats. Set your phone to silent and put it face down, or better yet, in a drawer. Keep your trading screen as clean as possible. Use one or two key charts. Turn off indicators you don’t need.
If you trade in a noisy household or shared office space, noise-cancelling headphones can be a game changer. Some traders even use ambient sound apps like brain.fm or simple white noise to drown out distractions and stay locked in. A quiet mind is a focused mind.
3. Stand Up Before You Enter a Trade
Here’s something a little unorthodox, but surprisingly effective. Before you click the buy or sell button, physically stand up.
This small physical action creates a moment of separation between your thinking and your doing. It forces you to pause, breathe, and check in with yourself. Am I acting on plan or emotion? Is this trade aligned with my prep, or am I forcing it out of boredom?
We’ve all taken impulsive trades, only to regret them seconds later. Standing up adds a layer of intentionality. It breaks the rhythm of screen-staring and puts your brain back in the driver’s seat.
Think of it as your personal circuit breaker. It gives you a chance to double-check your logic and stops you from slipping into autopilot mode. Some traders even take it a step further and stretch or roll their shoulders before re-engaging with the screen. It might sound silly, but the effect on your mindset is real.
4. Use a ‘Focus Trigger’ to Prime Your Brain
Our brains love routines. You can use that to your advantage by building a simple ritual that tells your mind, “It’s time to trade.”
This doesn’t have to be anything elaborate. It might be playing a song you only use when trading or doing a brief breathing exercise. Some traders even use the act of cleaning their desk or making a fresh cup of coffee as a cue to shift into a focused state.
Over time, these small rituals become associated with mental readiness. They condition your brain to transition from passive scrolling or chatting into active concentration. That’s powerful, especially on days when you’re feeling a bit foggy or distracted.
The goal isn’t to create a superstition. It’s to build a reliable on-ramp into a focused headspace something that centres you and sets the tone for your session.
Disclaimer: This is for information and learning purposes only. The information provided does not constitute investment advice nor take into account the individual financial circumstances or objectives of any investor. Any information that may be provided relating to past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results or performance. Social media channels are not relevant for UK residents.
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 85.24% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Learn Best Change of Character CHoCH Model in Trading with SMC
Most of the SMC traders get Change of Character CHoCH WRONG!
In this article, I will share with you Change of Character models that have a low accuracy and better to be avoided.
I will teach you the best CHoCH model for Forex Gold trading and show you how to identify it easily.
Let's start with the basic theory first and discuss what Change of Character signifies.
Change of Character in Bearish Trend
In a downtrend, Change of Character CHoCH is an important event that signifies a violation of a bearish trend.
CHoCH is confirmed when the price breaks and closes above the level of the last lower high.
Above, is a text book Change of Character model in a bearish trend.
For the newbie traders, such a price action provides a strong signal to buy while it fact it is NOT .
One crucial thing is missing in this model to confirm a bullish reversal.
According to basic trend analysis rules, we say that the market trend is bullish if the price forms a bullish impulse, retraces and sets a Higher Low HH , forms a new bullish impulse with a new Higher High HH.
Only then, we can say that the market is trading in up trend.
CHoCH model above confirms a bearish trend violation BUT it does not confirm a trend change.
Such a model may easily signify a deeper correction.
Look what happened with GBPNZD.
Though the price formed a confirmed bearish CHoCH, it was a false signal and just an extended correction.
That's a perfect bullish reversal model.
It combines CHoCH and conditions for a bullish trend.
Such a union is extremely accurate in predicting up movements.
Examine a price action on USDJPY.
Not only the price formed a confirmed CHoCH but also we see a start of a new bullish trend.
Change of Character in Bullish Trend
In an uptrend, Change of Character CHoCH is a significant event that signifies a violation of a bullish trend.
CHoCH is confirmed when the price breaks and closes below the level of the last higher low.
Above is a typical model of a bearish CHoCH.
For many traders, that is the signal to open short.
However, it is not that accurate and one important component is missing there.
According to basic price action rules, the market trend is bearish
if the price forms at least 2 bearish impulses with Lower Lows LL and a pullback between them with a Lower High LH.
Only when these 3 conditions are met, a bearish trend is confirmed .
Perfect bearish Change of Character model should include both CHoCH and a bearish trend price action. That will confirm a violation of a bullish trend and start of a new bearish trend.
EURCAD has a very strong potential to continue falling:
not only we see a valid bearish Change of Character but also
a start of a new bearish trend based on a price action.
Next time when you identify CHoCH on forex market, make sure that you check the preceding price action. It will help you to more accurate assess reversal probabilities and make a wiser trading decision.
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Skeptic | RSI Masterclass: Unlock Pro-Level Trading Secrets!Hey traders, it’s Skeptic ! 😎 Ready to transform your trading? 95% of you are using the Relative Strength Index wrong , and I’m here to fix that with a game-changing strategy I’ve backtested across 200+ trades. This isn’t a generic RSI tutorial—it’s packed with real-world setups, myth-busting insights, and precise rules to trade with confidence. Join me to master the art of RSI and trade with clarity, discipline, and reason. Big shoutout to TradingView for this epic free tool! 🙌 Let’s dive in! 🚖
What Is RSI? The Core Breakdown
The Relative Strength Index (RSI) , crafted by Welles Wilder, is a momentum oscillator that measures a market’s strength by comparing average gains to average losses over a set period. Here’s the formula:
G = average gains over n periods, L = average losses.
Relative Strength (RS) = | G / L |.
RSI = 100 - (100 / (1 + RS)).
Wilder used a 14-period lookback , and I stick with it—it’s smooth, filters noise, and gives a crystal-clear read on buyer or seller momentum. Let’s get to the good stuff—how I use RSI to stack profits! 📊
My RSI Strategy: Flipping the Script
Forget what you’ve read in books like The Handbook of Technical Analysis by Mark Andrew Lim— overbought (70) and oversold (30) aren’t just for shorting or buying. I go long when RSI hits overbought, and it’s been a goldmine. I’ve backtested over 200 trades with this approach, and it’s my go-to confirmation for daily setups. Why does it work? When RSI hits overbought on my 15-minute entry chart, it signals explosive buyer momentum. Here’s what you get:
Lightning-Fast R/R: I hit risk/reward targets in 30 minutes to 2 hours on 15-minute entries (longer for 1-hour entries, depending on your timeframe).
Massive R/R Potential: An overbought RSI on 15-minute can push 1-hour and 4-hour RSI into overbought, driving bigger moves. I hold for R/Rs of 5 or even 10, not bailing early. 🚀
Rock-Solid Confirmation: RSI confirms my entry trigger. Take BTC/USD:
BTC bounces off a key support at 76,000, sparking an uptrend.
It forms a 4-hour box range, but price tests the ceiling more than the floor, hinting at a breakout.
Trigger: Break above the box ceiling at 85,853.57.
On 15-minute, a powerful candle breaks the ceiling, and RSI hits overbought—that’s my green light. I open a long.
Soon, 1-hour and 4-hour RSI go overbought, signaling stronger momentum. I hold, and BTC pumps hard, hitting high R/R in a short window.
This keeps trades fast and efficient—quick wins or quick stops mean better capital management and less stress. Slow trades? They’re a mental grind, pushing you to close early for tiny R/Rs. 😴
Pro Rules for RSI Success
Here’s how to wield RSI like a trading weapon:
Stick to the Trend : Use RSI in the direction of the main trend (e.g., uptrend = focus on longs).
Confirmation Only: Never use RSI solo for buy/sell signals. Pair it with breakouts or support/resistance triggers.
Fresh Momentum: RSI is strongest when it just hits overbought/oversold. If the move’s already rolling, skip it—no FOMO, walk away!
Customize Zones: Overbought (70) and oversold (30) can shift—it might show reactions at 65 or 75. Adjust to your market’s behavior.
Backtesting RSI: Your Path to Mastery
To make RSI yours, backtest it across at least 30 trades in every market cycle— uptrend, downtrend, and range. Test in volatile markets for extra edge. 😏 Key takeaways:
Range Markets Kill RSI: Momentum oscillators like RSI (or SMA) are useless in ranges—no momentum, no signal. Switch to ROC (Rate of Change) for ranges—I use it, and it’s a beast. Want an ROC guide? Hit the comments!
Overextended RSI Zones: On your entry timeframe (e.g., 15-minute), check higher timeframes (e.g., 4-hour) for past RSI highs/lows. These are overextended zones—price often rejects or triggers a range. Use them to take profits.
Final Vibe Check
This RSI masterclass is your key to trading like a pro—fast R/Rs, big wins, and unshakable confidence . At Skeptic Lab, we live by No FOMO, no hype, just reason. Guard your capital— max 1% risk per trade, no excuses. Want an ROC masterclass or more tools? Drop a comment! If this fired you up, smash that boost—it means everything! 😊 Got a setup or question? Hit me in the comments. Stay sharp, fam! ✌️
Timeframes in Trading: Which Chart Tells You WhatHello, traders! 👋🏻 Why can the same chart tell a different story on 1D, 4H, or 15M? You’ve probably been there. BTC looks bullish on the daily… bearish on the 4-hour… and totally sideways on the 15-minute. So, which one is right?
The truth is: none of them is wrong. They’re just telling different parts of the story. Understanding timeframes in trading isn’t just a technical skill. It’s how you decode what the market is actually doing.
Every Timeframe Has a Role
Think of timeframes like zooming in and out on a map: The 1W chart tells you where the mountain ranges are, the macro trend. The 1D chart shows the highways and the current direction within that macro. The 4H chart reveals city streets, the local trend swings. And the 15M chart? That’s the back alleys, where the noise and micro moves live. BTC, for example, doesn't behave the same way across these views, and it shouldn't.
What Happens If You Ignore Timeframes?
You try to short a "breakdown" on the 15M, only to realize you just sold into 4H support.
You enter a 1D bullish breakout, only to panic when price pulls back aggressively on the 4H… forgetting that the 4H was just doing a retest. Or worse, you start trading against the macro trend, thinking the 15M chart holds more weight than it actually does.
How Professionals Read Timeframes (BTC Example)
Example:
You can start high, work down: 1W → 1D → 4H → 1H/15M. Check the macro first. Is BTC bullish, bearish, or ranging on the 1D or 1W? Then, you can map key levels: Support/resistance from higher timeframes is 10x more meaningful on lower timeframes. For example, BTC’s $30K, a weekly level, creates reactions even down on 5-minute charts. And, align context: A bullish setup on 15M is excellent, but check if it aligns with the 4H trend direction. If the 4H is also bullish, your setup has context. If not, expect chop.
🔗 BTC Right Now: Timeframe Confusion in Action
Just look at the current BTC structure. On the 1W, BTC is still trending higher, higher highs and higher lows from the $15K bottom in 2023. On the 1D, BTC trades inside a broad consolidation range after a strong uptrend. The price has repeatedly tested the $107K–$112K zone, acting as a key resistance cluster, while forming a series of higher lows. It's not a breakdown but a correction inside a bullish structure, testing previous supply zones. The 4H? Chaos. The price bounces between $105K and $112K, which is pure range behavior. The 15M? Traders are getting whipped trying to catch fake breakouts that mean nothing in the daily or weekly context.
Which Chart Tells You What?
All of them. But differently.
THE 1W TELLS YOU THE NARRATIVE.
THE 1D SHOWS YOU THE CURRENT DIRECTION.
THE 4H REVEALS TRADEABLE SWINGS WITHIN THAT DIRECTION.
THE 15M CAPTURES THE NOISE, THE TRAPS, AND THE MICRO OPPORTUNITIES.
If you’re only looking at one timeframe, you’re only seeing part of the picture. So, timeframes aren’t about right or wrong. They’re about perspective. If you’re a day trader, you probably live on the 5-minute to 15-minute charts, while still peeking at the 1H or 4H for structure.
If you’re a swing trader, the 4H and 1D are your home base, with the weekly chart guiding the bigger story. And if you’re thinking in months or quarters, the 1W and 1M are what actually matter – everything else is just noise.
So next time BTC feels “confusing”… zoom out. Or zoom in. The answer is probably hiding in the chart, just not the one you were looking at. Which timeframe do you trust the most when trading crypto? Drop it in the comments!
Sharing ScreenerSharing Screener with Others
There is no option to share my screeners with others so one can add Screener to a Layout and Publish. Then allow layout sharing which will give a sharable link
Step 1: Activate Screener on Chart using right side bar
Step 2: Save Layout as new name
Step 3: Publish Layout
Step 4: Share Layout and copy link
Your investor profileEach investor has unique characteristics:
The amount of their current investments and savings
Their capacity to generate future income and allocate it to savings
Their personal and financial circumstances that may condition their liquidity needs
Their motivations and objectives for saving
Their discipline
Their willingness to learn
The time available for monitoring
Their knowledge and experience
Their risk aversion
All these characteristics are called investor profile .
Unless all these characteristics of your profile change, you must stay true to your investor profile. Bullish market environments are a temptation to take on more risk than we should.
It is also important to keep in mind that your investor profile changes with your life cycle .
While it’s great to share experiences, your investor profile is unique . When making your decisions, take advice based on your individual characteristics.
It is very important that you seek advice from trusted platforms and professionals and pay special attention to ensure that there is no clear commercial bias that could lead you to certain products or operations that may not suit your investor profile.
It is not a wise decision to copy from others : friends or forums created by entities with an obvious commercial bias, because your investor profile is unique.
Did you like it? Share with your friends.
by HollyMontt
4 Powerful, Daily Affirmations for Faith-Based TradersAffirmations make a huge difference.
But why?
It's because they shape our beliefs.
Whatever we think, affects what we say.
Whatever we say, affects what we do.
Whatever we do, is who we become and what our life actual looks like.
Repeat these affirmations daily and watch your life change before your eyes.
Wealth flows to me with ease as I walk in purpose.
I reject scarcity and embrace Kingdom abundance.
I am open to divine provision in expected and unexpected ways.
I have more than enough to thrive and to give.
Happy trading!
For those of you who are trading to make a bigger impact in the world, I am praying for you!
Learn how to trade EOD / FOD Professional StrategyEOD /FOD is an acronym for End of Day buy or sell short entry that holds overnight and the First of Day sell the ETF or stock at Market Open. This is a strategy for experienced to Elite aka Semi-Professional Traders. Beginners need to hone skills and practice in a simulator.
Professional Traders use this strategy all the time. They rarely intraday trade aka "day trading" unless they are Sell Side Institution floor traders who do intraday trading all daylong.
EOD /FOD is a very simple, easy to learn strategy for when Buy Side Giant Dark Pools have accumulated OR have Supported the Market and the Dark Pools foot print of a rectangle that is narrow with consistent highs and lows.
TWAP Dark Pool orders trigger at a low price or lower and usually move price minimally. When in Support the Market mode. The run up is a long white candle.
TWAPs are automated Time Weighted At Average Price. These orders ping at a specific time and buy in accumulation mode. If the stock price suddenly moves up beyond the high range of the TWAP, then the orders pause or halt.
Then pro traders do nudges and runs are instigated by either Gap Ups by HFTs, OR smaller funds VWAP ORDERS, or MEME's or other large groups of retail traders all trading and entering orders in sync or as close to sync as possible to create a flood of small lots that do move price upward OR downward rapidly.
Using the EOD /FOD requires understanding of how the Dark Pools, Pro Traders and other groups react to price and what, where and when orders are automated.
When ever you see a platform trend pattern such as we have on the QQQ yesterday at close and early this morning, then the entry would have been in the last 5 minutes of yesterday's market.
Subtle Trading Challenges: Under-Discussed Psychological and OpsWhile traders often focus on well-known pitfalls like fear, greed, or overtrading , there are other subtle issues that can quietly undermine trading consistency and mindset. Below are a few under-discussed problems – touching on both psychology and day-to-day operations that many traders face.
Self-Worth Tied to Trading Performance
Some traders unknowingly tie their self-esteem or sense of self-worth to their trading results. When they have a losing day, they don’t just lose money – they feel personally defeated. This can trigger intense negative self-talk and emotional reactions to losses, sometimes causing traders to abandon their strategy or second-guess decisions in the heat of the moment. Because admitting such vulnerability is often seen as a weakness in trading circles, this issue rarely gets openly discussed, even though it can greatly sabotage a trader’s confidence and long-term consistency.
Analysis Paralysis and Decision Fatigue
In the age of overflowing data, traders can fall into “analysis paralysis” – overanalyzing market information to the point where they can’t make a clear decision. With countless indicators, news feeds, and opinions, it’s easy to get bogged down comparing options until no clear choice emerges, and this inaction can lead to missed profitable opportunities. Moreover, the mental strain of constantly dissecting information can cause decision fatigue, quietly diminishing the quality of any trades that are made. Unlike impulsive errors, this problem often masquerades as diligence, so it doesn’t get much attention in public discussions – yet it can erode a trader’s decisiveness and stress levels over time.
Constant Strategy Switching (System Hopping)
Another subtle pitfall is the tendency to jump between trading strategies too frequently, known as “system hopping.” Eager for a perfect method, traders might abandon a system after just a couple of losing trades and immediately switch to a new approach, never giving any strategy enough time to prove its worth. This habit – often fueled by impatience or get-rich-quick expectations – means the trader is always restarting the learning curve and never capitalizing on a method’s long-term edge. It’s an operational inconsistency that traders seldom admit openly, but it quietly undermines confidence and prevents the development of a stable, repeatable trading process.
Each of these problems tends to fly under the radar in trading forums or education, yet they subtly impact consistency and mindset. By recognizing these lesser-discussed challenges, traders can begin to address them and strengthen their overall discipline and performance.
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.
Instructions on how to potentially use the SIG[TP/SL (1H-4H-1D)]It's a HF algorithm for the 1H,4H,1D Time-Frames. Which means whenever the instrument reaches the open price, the algo might give a lot of signals and sometimes it might give plenty of reverse signals. In order to use the specific algo in the best possible way, here's a helpful guide on how to potentially use it:
1)Wait for the instrument to reach the open price.
2) ALWAYS, Follow the signals, e.g: We are at the open price. If it indicates buy signal, then open a long position. If for example 5 seconds later (again at the open price) it indicates a sell signal, then reverse the long position into a short position, and keep doing it until it gives a signal, that will be followed by a good sized candle.
3) The safest way is to close the trade when the price reaches the potential TP1.
4) Happy Trading!
*The text above is not an investment advice, and it does not guarantee any profit.
Why the Best Strategies Don’t Last — A Quant TruthOver the years, I’ve built strong connections with traders on the institutional side of the market.
One of the most interesting individuals I met was a former trader at Lehman Brothers. After the collapse, he transitioned into an independent quant. I flew to Boston to meet him, and the conversations we had were eye-opening, the kind of insights retail traders rarely get exposed to.
We didn’t talk about indicators or candlestick patterns.
We talked about how fast and aggressive algorithmic trading really is.
He told me something that stuck:
" People think hedge funds build one algorithm, run it for years, and collect returns. That’s rarely the case. Most algos are extremely reactive. If something stops working, we don’t fix it — we delete it and move on. That’s how the process works."
This isn’t an exception — it’s standard practice.
What stood out most in our talks was how adaptable these algorithms are. If market conditions shift — even slightly — the logic adapts immediately. These systems aren’t built on beliefs or opinions.
They’re built to respond to liquidity, volatility, and opportunity — nothing more.
This level of responsiveness is something most retail traders never factor into their approach, but it’s core to how modern markets operate.
█ How Quant Funds Use Disposable Strategies — And What Retail Can Learn
One of the most misunderstood realities in modern trading is how top quantitative funds like Two Sigma, Citadel, and Renaissance Technologies deploy, monitor, and replace their strategies.
Unlike traditional investors who develop a strategy and stick with it for years, many quant funds take a performance-first, outcome-driven approach. They:
Build hundreds of strategies,
Deploy only the ones that currently work, and
Retire or deactivate them the moment performance drops below their internal thresholds.
This is a deliberate, statistical, and unemotional process — and it's something that most retail traders have never been taught to think about.
█ What This Means
Quantitative firms often run:
100s of models simultaneously,
Each targeting a specific edge (e.g. trend-following, mean reversion, intraday order flow),
With tight risk controls and performance monitoring.
When a model:
Falls below a minimum Sharpe ratio (risk-adjusted return),
Starts underperforming vs benchmark,
Experiences a breakdown in statistical significance…
…it is immediately deprecated (removed from deployment).
No ego. No "fixing it."
Just replace, rebuild, and redeploy.
█ It runs live… until it doesn’t.
If slippage increases → they pull it.
If volatility regime changes → they pull it.
If too many competitors discover it → they pull it.
If spreads tighten or liquidity dries → they pull it.
Then? They throw it away, rebuild something new — or revive an old one that fits current conditions again.
█ Why They Do It
⚪ Markets change constantly
What worked last month might not work this week — due to regime shifts, volatility changes, or macro catalysts. These firms accept impermanence as part of their process.
⚪ They don’t seek universal truths
They look for temporary edges and exploit them until the opportunity is gone.
⚪ Risk is tightly controlled
Algorithms are judged by hard data: drawdown, volatility, Sharpe ratio. The moment a strategy fails to meet these metrics, it’s shut off — just like any risk engine would do.
⚪ They don’t fix broken models — they replace them
Time spent “tweaking” is time lost. New strategies are always in the pipeline, ready to rotate in when older ones fade.
█ Research & Real-World Validation
"Modern quantitative funds must prioritize real-time adaptability and accept that any statistical edge has a short shelf life under competitive market pressures." Adaptive Trading Agents” (Li, 2023)
Donald MacKenzie’s fieldwork on HFT firms found that algos are treated like disposable tools, not long-term investments.
Studies on adaptive algorithmic trading (e.g., Li, 2023; Bertsimas & Lo, 1998) show that funds constantly evaluate, kill, and recycle strategies based on short-term profitability and regime changes.
A former Two Sigma quant publicly shared that they regularly deploy hundreds of small-scale models, and once one fails risk thresholds or decays in Sharpe ratio, it’s immediately deprecated.
Walk-forward optimization — a method used in quant strategy design — is literally built on the principle of testing a strategy in live markets and discarding it if its forward performance drops.
█ Why Retail Rarely Hears This
Retail traders are often taught to:
“Stick with a system”
“Backtest 10 years”
“Master one setup”
But in the real quant world:
There is no perfect system. There are only edges that work until they don’t. And the moment market structure shifts — new volatility, different volume profile, regime change — the strategy is gone, no questions asked.
█ What This Means for Retail Traders
⚪ Don’t idolize “one perfect system.”
What worked in April might not work in June. Treat your strategies as temporary contracts, not lifelong beliefs.
⚪ Build modular logic.
Create systems you can tweak or retire quickly. Test new regimes. Think in frameworks, not fixed ideas.
⚪ Learn from regime shifts.
Volatility, spread, volume profile, macro tone — track these like a quant desk would.
⚪ Use metrics like:
- Win streak breakdown
- Market regime tracker
- Edge decay time (how long your setups last)
█ Final Thought
The best traders — institutional or retail — understand that there’s no such thing as a permanent edge. What matters is:
Having a repeatable process to evaluate strategy performance,
Being willing to shut off or rotate out what’s no longer working,
And staying adaptable, data-driven, and unemotional.
If you start treating your strategies like tools — not identities — you’ll begin operating like a professional.
-----------------
Disclaimer
The content provided in my scripts, indicators, ideas, algorithms, and systems is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendations, or a solicitation to buy or sell any financial instruments. I will not accept liability for any loss or damage, including without limitation any loss of profit, which may arise directly or indirectly from the use of or reliance on such information.
All investments involve risk, and the past performance of a security, industry, sector, market, financial product, trading strategy, backtest, or individual's trading does not guarantee future results or returns. Investors are fully responsible for any investment decisions they make. Such decisions should be based solely on an evaluation of their financial circumstances, investment objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs.
#AN010: De-Escalation, ECB, Oil Prices and more
Hi, I’m Forex Trader Andrea Russo and today we’re going to take a look at this week’s news. Thank you all for the great number of readers I’m receiving these days.
Don’t forget that by visiting my website, you can also connect with me on other platforms and you can also find exclusive Benefits for my readers.
🔶 Key Highlights of the Week
ECB’s Villeroy Confirms Rate-Cut Bias Amid Energy Volatility
Governor François Villeroy de Galhau signaled that the European Central Bank remains open to further rate cuts—even with recent oil-price volatility—due to a strong euro and controlled inflation
Oil Prices Surge—and Recede—on Iran Tensions and Ceasefire News
U.S. strikes on Iran triggered at 5–7% spike in crude, pushing Brent above $77/barrel, before plummeting as ceasefire sentiment returned
Dovish Shift at the Fed
Multiple Fed officials (Bowman, Waller, Goolsbee) openly support a July rate cut, shifting dollar sentiment
Emerging-Market Pressure: Indian Rupee in Focus
Rising oil costs and geopolitical instability weigh on the INR, prompting potential RBI intervention
Geopolitical De-escalation Eases Market Risk
A U.S.-Iran ceasefire triggered a sharp retreat in oil, boosted equities globally, and weakened safe-haven USD and gold
-Forex Market Reactions: What Traders Need to Know
EUR/USD:
Rate-cut window in Europe: The ECB's dovish tone softens EUR's upside, while oil volatility now has less impact.
USD weakness: Dovish Fed commentary has dented dollar strength
Key chart signals: A sustained break below 1.0670 could open further downside toward 1.0600–1.0535.
USD/JPY:
Choppy action off failed breakouts near 148.00—watch for JPY resilience risk amid risk-off repricing
AUD/USD & Other Emerging Currencies:
Oil-driven FX pressure affecting the AUD—tracked via crude sensitivity.
The Indian rupee weakness hints at broader emerging-market stress in risk-sensitive currencies
🛠️ Strategy & Outlook for Traders
Theme Implication for FX
Fed dovishness Dollar softness → supports EUR, JPY, EM currencies
ECB policy flexibility Cap on EUR gains → neutral bias until data confirms
Oil volatility Medium-term risk for AUD, CAD, NOK, RUB
Geopolitical calm Risk-on sentiment → pressure on safe-haven USD & JPY
🎯 Trade Setups:
EUR/USD: Short on fall below 1.0670—target 1.0600–1.0535; stop above 1.0760.
AUD/USD: Short biased if oil sustains above $75; aligned with broader commodity-driven themes.
USD/JPY: Watch for continuation short if risk appetite returns; else, trade reversals at 148.00 key.
Impact on the Dollar and Forex — Artavion AnalyticsThe development of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) — especially the digital yuan (e-CNY) — is becoming a key factor in transforming global currency flows. While the US dollar still dominates, the architecture of global liquidity is beginning to shift.
At Artavion, we see the e-CNY not just as a technological experiment but as a tool of China’s currency policy. Its goal is to strengthen the yuan’s role in international settlements and reduce dependence on the dollar, particularly in developing regions.
Why the Digital Yuan Matters
The e-CNY is already being used in China for retail payments and is being tested in cross-border transactions (e.g., in the mBridge project with the UAE and Thailand). This enables the creation of alternative payment systems not tied to SWIFT.
If the digital yuan gains broader acceptance, especially for commodity and energy settlements, its role in forex will grow, potentially weakening the dollar’s monopoly in certain regions.
CBDCs and Forex Structure
CBDCs won’t displace the dollar in the near term, but they are already influencing the structure of currency trading:
New currency pairs are emerging, especially in Asia;
Transactions are becoming faster and cheaper, particularly in the B2B segment;
Market participants are adjusting strategies to real-time settlements and the potential programmability of currencies.
Risks and Limitations
Privacy: CBDCs are under full state control;
Fragmentation: There is no unified technical standard across different countries’ CBDCs;
Geopolitics: The rise of the e-CNY could intensify currency competition with the dollar.
Artavion’s Conclusion
The digital yuan will not replace the dollar, but it is creating an alternative — especially in regions seeking autonomy from Western financial infrastructure. For traders and investors, this means reassessing currency risks and exploring new opportunities in decentralized settlement channels.
3 Line Strike Pattern: What It Means and How to Use It3 Line Strike Pattern: What It Means and How to Use It in Trading
Candlestick patterns are crucial tools for traders, offering valuable insights into market sentiment and potential price movements. Among these patterns, the Three Line Strike setup is particularly sought after by traders in forex, stock, commodity, and index markets. This article explores the intricacies of the Three Line Strike, explaining how to identify it on charts, highlighting its unique characteristics, and discussing how to incorporate it into trading strategies.
Three Line Strike Pattern: An Overview
The Three Line Strike is a candlestick pattern used in technical analysis to trade trend continuations. However, it often appears ahead of trend reversals. The pattern consists of four candlesticks and can be found in up- and downtrends.
Bearish Three Line Strike
The bearish 3 Line Strike candlestick pattern suggests a continuation of a downtrend. It starts with three consecutive bearish candles, each opening and closing lower than the previous one. This is followed by a large bullish candle, which opens lower and closes above the open price of the first bearish candle. This pattern reflects the strength of the downtrend. Still, it may appear at the bottom of the downtrend and signal a trend reversal.
Bullish Three Line Strike
The bullish 3 Line Strike candlestick pattern suggests the potential continuation of a solid uptrend. It starts with three consecutive bullish candles, each opening and closing higher than the last. This is followed by a large bearish candle, which opens higher and closes below the close of the first bullish candle. This pattern indicates that the solid uptrend may continue, but it may signal the market will turn down if it’s formed at the peak of the uptrend.
Analysing Three Line Strike Patterns
As the Three Line Strike pattern can provide both reversal and continuation signals, it’s vital to combine it with other analytical tools, including trend indicators like moving averages and oscillators like the Relative Strength Index. Also, traders consider the overall trend on higher timeframes.
- Entry: To enter a trade using the Three Line Strike, traders identify the overall trend. They may wait for the pattern to be formed and the following candle to close. If the following candle is bearish, traders usually open a sell position. If it is bullish, they consider an opportunity to go long. However, traders also may enter the market at the closure of the pattern’s fourth candle.
- Stop Loss: Risk management is crucial, and traders typically set their stop-loss levels above/below the fourth candle, considering the trend strength. Alternatively, they may place the stop-loss order below or above the nearest swing point or support/resistance level, considering market volatility and risk tolerance.
- Take Profit: Traders aim to secure their potential profits by setting profit targets based on the risk/reward ratio. This could be at the next significant support or resistance level or based on technical indicators, including Fibonacci retracements.
A trader finds a bullish 3 Line Strike setup on the daily chart of Qualcomm stock. However, this time, it serves as a reversal signal. They enter the short position at the close of the candle, following the pattern. Their stop loss is above the setup, with the take profit at the next support level.
A bearish Three Line Strike setup is formed on the hourly chart of Brent Crude Oil. A trader takes a long position at the close of the fourth candlestick. Their stop loss is below the formation, with the take profit placed at the next resistance level.
Psychology Behind the Three Line Strike Pattern
The effectiveness of the Three Line Strike pattern relies on understanding the underlying psychological factors influencing market participants. Greed, fear, hope, and anxiety drive buying and selling decisions.
- Initial Sentiment: The first few candlesticks in a Three Line Strike candlestick pattern represent the prevailing sentiment in the market. Typically, this sentiment is characterised by either greed (in an upward trend) or fear (in a downward trend), depending on the market direction prior to forming the pattern.
- Potential Reversal: Although this pattern is considered continuation, in most cases, it provides a reversal signal. A strong fourth candle that engulfs three smaller candlesticks reflects the change in the market sentiment. The reversal signal triggers market participants to reassess existing positions and strategies.
- Reaction: Those who were previously aligned with the old trend may feel fear or anxiety, leading them to unwind their positions to avoid potential losses. Meanwhile, contrarian traders, driven by a sense of opportunity and confidence, may enter new positions in anticipation of the emerging trend reversal, fueled by their belief that market sentiment is shifting.
Application in Trading Strategies
Applying the 3 Line strike pattern in trading strategies encompasses various elements beyond just its recognition. Let's delve into how traders implement additional steps to enhance their overall trading performance.
- Seeking Additional Confirmation: Traders often seek additional confirmation from other technical indicators such as the Relative Strength Index (RSI), Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD), or Bollinger Bands. These indicators offer complementary insights into market dynamics, validating the signals generated by the Three Line Strike pattern.
- Strategic Placement and Timeframe Alignment: Traders may align the pattern with key support or resistance levels on higher timeframes to validate its significance and potential reversal points. Through multi-timeframe trading, traders may gain a more comprehensive understanding of market trends to analyse future price movements.
- Entry and Risk Management: Traders should place their entry and exit points carefully. As the pattern may provide continuation and reversal signals, incorporating disciplined risk management techniques might help traders protect their capital and minimise their potential losses.
Caveats to the Pattern
High volatility periods can amplify the occurrence of false signals and erratic price movements, potentially leading to misguided trades. Conversely, during periods of low volatility, price action may be sluggish, and confirmations could be delayed. Therefore, it's important for traders to adapt their strategies accordingly.
Another important consideration is the possibility of false breakouts. Despite the apparent formation of a Three Line Strike pattern, there's a risk of the price briefly breaching the pattern's boundaries before reverting to its original direction. These false breakouts can deceive traders into entering premature trades, resulting in losses. To mitigate this risk, traders can exercise patience and vigilance, waiting for strong confirmation signals before committing to a trade.
Key Differences Between Three Line Strike and The Three Black Crows/Three White Soldiers
The key differences between the Three Line Strike pattern and the Three Black Crows/Three White Soldiers patterns lie in their trading formations and implications:
Aspect - Three Line Strike Pattern
Formation - Consists of four consecutive candlesticks, with the fourth candlestick completely engulfing the previous three.
Implication - Indicates either a trend continuation or a reversal in market sentiment, either from bullish to bearish or vice versa.
Aspect - Three Black Crows/Three White Soldiers
Formation - Consists of three consecutive candlesticks with progressively lower (crows) or higher (soldiers) closing prices.
Implication - Reflects a strong momentum in the direction of the prevailing trend, suggesting a continuation of the trend rather than a reversal.
The Bottom Line
The Three Line Strike is a complicated pattern as it may provide continuation and reversal signals. Despite its complexity, it often appears on a price chart, making it a valuable tool for traders. Mastering price action chart analysis is a gradual process. However, with skill, traders can potentially improve their trading efficiency.
FAQs
What Is the 3 Strike Rule in Trading?
The 3 strike rule in trading refers to the Three Line Strike pattern. The pattern consists of three consecutive up/down candles followed by a fourth long bearish/bullish candle that opens above/below the previous candle’s close but closes below/above the first candle's open. It’s believed to provide continuation signals, but it often appears before a trend reversal.
What Is the Three Strike Strategy?
The Three Strike Strategy refers to the 3 Line Strike candlestick pattern. It’s based on the assumption that the pattern will be followed by either a reversal or a continuation of the trend. Traders often wait for the candlestick to close above/below the pattern for an entry point, place a profit target, considering the closest resistance/support levels, and potentially limit losses by placing a stop-loss order below/above the pattern.
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.
Mastering Inverse Fair Value Gaps (IFVG) - How to use them?In this guide, I’ll explain the concept of the Inverse Fair Value Gap (IFVG), how it forms, and how you can use it to identify high-probability trading opportunities. You'll learn how to spot the IFVG on a chart, understand their significance in price action, and apply a simple strategy to trade them effectively.
What will be discussed?
- What is a FVG
- What is an IFVG
- What is a bullish IFVG
- What is a bearish IFVG
- How to trade the IFVG
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What is a FVG?
A FVG is a technical concept used by traders to identify inefficiencies in price movement on a chart. The idea behind a fair value gap is that during periods of strong momentum, price can move so quickly that it leaves behind a "gap" where not all buy and sell orders were able to be executed efficiently. This gap creates an imbalance in the market, which price may later revisit in an attempt to rebalance supply and demand.
A fair value gap is typically observed within a sequence of three candles (or bars). The first candle marks the beginning of a strong move. The second candle shows a significant directional push, either bullish or bearish, often with a long body indicating strong momentum. The third candle continues in the direction of the move, opening and closing beyond the range of the first candle. The fair value gap itself is defined by the price range between the high of the first candle and the low of the third candle (in the case of a bullish move), or between the low of the first candle and the high of the third (in a bearish move). This range represents the area of imbalance or inefficiency.
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What is an IFVG?
An Inverse Fair Value Gap (IFVG) occurs when a traditional Fair Value Gap (FVG) is not respected by price, and instead of acting as a support or resistance zone, price breaks through it with strength. Normally, a Fair Value Gap represents a price imbalance left by a strong move, and when price returns to this area, it often reacts by respecting the gap, bouncing off it or reversing, because it's seen as a high-probability level where orders may rest.
However, in the case of an IFVG, price does not respect this imbalance. Instead, it slices through the FVG in the opposite direction, showing that the initial momentum behind the imbalance has weakened or reversed. This breach is a strong indication that market sentiment is shifting. What was once a zone of strength now becomes invalid, and this failed reaction signals that the opposite side of the market (buyers or sellers) has taken control.
The IFVG highlights a key transition in momentum. It tells traders that the prior bias, bullish or bearish, is breaking down, and the new dominant force is pushing price beyond levels that would typically hold. This makes the IFVG useful not only as a sign of failed structure but also as a potential confirmation of a trend reversal or strong continuation in the opposite direction. Essentially, where an FVG usually acts as a wall, an IFVG is what’s left after that wall gets knocked down.
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What is a bullish IFVG?
A bullish Inverse Fair Value Gap (IFVG) occurs when price breaks through a bearish Fair Value Gap (FVG) instead of respecting it. In a typical bearish FVG, the expectation is that when price retraces into the gap, it will react to the imbalance, usually by reversing lower, as the area represents previous selling pressure or inefficiency caused by aggressive sellers.
However, when price does not react bearishly and instead breaks cleanly through the bearish FVG, it signals a shift in market sentiment and momentum. This breakout through the imbalance suggests that buyers are now in control and that the bearish pressure in that zone has been absorbed or invalidated. What was once considered a resistance area is now being overpowered, often leading to continued bullish movement.
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What is a bearish IFVG?
A bearish Inverse Fair Value Gap (IFVG) occurs when price breaks through a bullish Fair Value Gap (FVG) instead of respecting it. In a normal bullish FVG, the expectation is that when price returns to the gap, it will act as support and prompt a move higher, as this area represents a previous imbalance created by strong buying pressure.
However, when price fails to respect the bullish FVG and instead breaks down through it, this signals a shift in momentum to the downside. The anticipated support fails to hold, suggesting that buyers are no longer in control or that their efforts have been overwhelmed by aggressive selling. This kind of move transforms the bullish FVG into a bearish signal, as it confirms weakness in what was previously considered a demand zone.
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How to trade the IFVG?
Trading the Inverse Fair Value Gap (IFVG) requires patience, precision, and clear confirmation of a shift in momentum. The process involves waiting for key conditions to form before entering a trade. Here's how to approach it step-by-step:
First, you need to wait for a liquidity sweep. This means price must take out a recent high or low, typically a short-term liquidity pool, trapping traders on the wrong side of the market. This sweep sets the stage for a potential reversal and indicates that the market is ready to shift direction.
After the liquidity sweep, watch for a 1-minute Fair Value Gap (FVG) to form and then get broken in the opposite direction. This break is crucial, it’s what creates the Inverse Fair Value Gap. The invalidation of this initial FVG confirms that momentum has switched and that the market is no longer respecting the previous imbalance.
Once the IFVG has formed, your entry comes on the close of the candle that breaks and closes beyond the IFVG, above it in a bullish scenario, or below it in a bearish one. This close confirms that the gap has not held and that price is likely to continue in the new direction.
Place your stop loss below the low (for a bullish setup) or above the high (for a bearish setup) of the structure that formed the IFVG. This gives you protection just beyond the level that would invalidate the setup.
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Mechanical rangesMany traders will talk about things like "Smart Money Concepts" (SMC) and think they have found something new.
The truth is, everything in trading stems back to Liquidity.
There is no "Algo" nobody is out to get you specifically. The market is always right, where you position yourself is your own choice.
I have written several posts on mechanical trading, recorded a number of streams. The more mechanical you can make the process, the less the emotions have a chance to kick your ass.
Let me give you a very simple method of being able to identify the ranges. Ignore the timeframes as this will work on any of them, on most instruments. (I say most, as some behave differently due to how it attracts liquidity). Lets assume high end crypto such as Bitcoin (BTC) and of course Forex in the general sense, stocks, commodities etc.
This is simple - only 2 rules.
You start by zooming out and giving yourself a general feel for the trend.
Let's say this looks to be an uptrend - we now need to understand the rules.
An opposing candle can simply be defined by a different colour. If the trend is up (Green) and we see a red candle - then it's an opposing candle.
The inverse is true, if we are down and the trend is Red. Then a Green candle would be opposing.
This is only half of the story. The second rule is a pullback candle or even a sequence of candles. This simply means either the very same opposing candle that doesn't make a new high or low (depending on the trend up not making fresh highs or down not taking new lows).
In this image, you can see we have in one candle both an opposing and pullback in one candle. This means we can now mark the high of the range. Working backwards to identify the swing range low.
This easy method means I can draw a range exactly the same and mechanically every single time.
Giving me a mechanical range.
We could then get a lot more technical by looking for liquidity, 50% of the range or places such as supply or demand areas.
But these are all for other posts.
For now, getting a range on the higher timeframes means you can work down and down into a timeframe you are likely to want to trade on.
These ranges will give clues to draws and runs of liquidity.
This will also help identify changes in the character and fresh breaks of structure.
Here's another post I posted on the mechanical structures and techniques.
More in the next post.
Have a great week!
Disclaimer
This idea does not constitute as financial advice. It is for educational purposes only, our principal trader has over 25 years' experience in stocks, ETF's, and Forex. Hence each trade setup might have different hold times, entry or exit conditions, and will vary from the post/idea shared here. You can use the information from this post to make your own trading plan for the instrument discussed. Trading carries a risk; a high percentage of retail traders lose money. Please keep this in mind when entering any trade. Stay safe.
How to Manage Emotions in Trading? One Word: DisciplineHow to deal with emotions?
If you don't feel like reading a long explanation — here's the short answer: Discipline.
There are two typical emotional traps in trading:
1. After a big loss:
You feel the urge to recover quickly. Emotions kick in: despair, paralysis, frustration, snapping at loved ones — the classic downward spiral.
2. After a big win:
You feel like a king. “I’ve figured out the market. I’m unstoppable.” This leads to overconfidence, oversized positions, increased risk, and careless spending of profits — all while forgetting that black swans do exist.
What’s the cure in both cases? Discipline.
That’s your weak spot in both scenarios.
When you lose a lot, you shouldn’t even allow deep drawdowns to begin with.
Set clear exit rules:
1. Hard stop-losses.
2. A maximum loss limit (ideally 5–10% of capital), after which you completely exit all positions and take a minimum one-month break from charts and trading activity.
This protects your capital and — even more importantly — your mental health.
If you can’t follow your own stop-loss or take breaks when needed — then you don’t need emotional advice. You need to work on discipline.
When you feel euphoric from profits, this is trickier, but also manageable.
Reduce your position sizes after a major win or take a 2–3 day break to reset your brain and step back from emotional excitement
Again — the tool that helps here is discipline.
So how do you build that discipline?
Discipline isn’t just about trading. It’s a life skill that touches everything — from health to finance to habits. Here's how to develop it:
Start with physical training
Yes, really.
If you’re new, aim for 30 minutes of exercise, 3 times a week.
Even if you’re tired halfway, just walk in place — finish the 30 minutes. This trains your brain to complete what it starts, no matter how you feel.
The self-discipline from training your body will spill into every other area of your life — including trading.
Build simple habits
Start small:
Get up at the first alarm
Make your bed right after waking up
Put away clothes properly
Clean your shoes after coming home
Pick 2–3 micro-habits, and once they stick, your "discipline muscle" will grow. Over time, it becomes a natural skill.
Don’t expect results in the first week
Give yourself 30 days, and you’ll see real change.