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What Is the ICT Silver Bullet Strategy, and How Does It Work?What Is the ICT Silver Bullet Strategy, and How Does It Work? The ICT Silver Bullet strategy offers traders a unique approach to capitalising on market opportunities during specific trading hours. This article explored this advanced strategy, explaining the role of fair value gaps, liquidity, and timeframes and how to implement it. Understanding the ICT Silver Bullet Strategy The ICT Silver Bullet trading strategy is a sophisticated trading methodology developed by Michael J. Huddleston, known as the Inner Circle Trader, or ICT. This strategy is designed to capitalise on specific, high-probability trading opportunities that align with certain times throughout certain sessions, specifically the London and New York sessions. Central to the ICT Silver Bullet strategy are two key concepts: liquidity and fair value gaps. Liquidity in this context refers to places within the market where there is significant trading activity, often indicated by previous highs and lows of a trading session or historical price points that attract significant interest from traders. Fair value gaps are price areas that were either skipped over quickly during rapid price moves or areas where the price has not returned for a significant period, reflecting a disparity between perceived value and market price. The strategy's effectiveness hinges on executing trades during specific one-hour windows known as Silver Bullet times. By focusing on these concepts and timings, traders can more accurately analyse market movements and align their trades with the influxes of smart money, potentially improving their returns by catching swift moves towards liquidity points. Key Components of the Strategy The Silver Bullet ICT strategy employs a detailed approach to trading that revolves around understanding market dynamics at critical times. Here are the key components that define this strategy: Fair Value Gaps A fair value gap (FVG) occurs when the price quickly moves away from a level without significant trading occurring at that price, leaving a "gap" that is likely to be tested again when the price returns to this point. In the context of the ICT Silver Bullet strategy, these gaps are targeted because they represent potential inefficiencies in the market where the price may return to balance or fill the gap. Traders using this strategy watch these gaps closely as they often present clear entry points when approached again. Liquidity Targets Liquidity targets are essentially areas where there is expected to be a significant volume of orders, which can lead to particular price movements when these levels are approached. These include: - Previous session highs and lows: These are often areas where stop-loss orders accumulate, making them prime targets for liquidity-driven price moves. - Swing points in the market: Key reversals and continuation points that have historical significance. - Psychological levels: These include round numbers or price levels ending in '00' or '50', which often act as focal points for trading activity. Specific Trading Times Unlike many strategies that align strictly with market opening times, the ICT Silver Bullet trading strategy utilises specific one-hour windows during the day when liquidity and volatility are expected to be high due to trader participation across the globe. These Silver Bullet hours are strategically chosen based on their potential to tap into significant market moves: - London Open Silver Bullet: Occurs from 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM Eastern Standard Time (EST) in winter and from 2:00 AM to 3:00 AM in summer, which is 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in winter and 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM in summer. - New York AM Session Silver Bullet: From 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM EST, translating to 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM GMT. - New York PM Session Silver Bullet: From 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM EST or 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM GMT. These time slots are selected based on historical data showing heightened trading activity and, therefore, increased opportunities to capture moves towards identified liquidity targets. Implementing the ICT Silver Bullet Strategy Traders utilising the ICT Silver Bullet strategy typically prepare by marking potential fair value gaps and liquidity targets before these key trading times. As these windows approach, they monitor price action closely for signs that the market is moving bullishly or bearishly toward these liquidity points, enabling them to search for an entry. Note that because this is an intraday strategy, ICT says it’s better to use a 15-minute timeframe or lower. Most traders use the 1-minute to 5-minute for the Silver Bullet setup, though those inexperienced with the strategy may prefer the 5-minute. Here’s a breakdown of the strategy: Entry - Market Direction and Liquidity Analysis: Before the designated Silver Bullet timeframes, traders perform a detailed assessment of the market direction on higher timeframes, such as the 15-minute to 4-hour charts. This initial analysis is crucial to align their strategies with the market's overall momentum. - Identifying Key Liquidity Points: Traders also mark significant liquidity targets during their analysis, such as previous session/day highs and lows. These points are expected to attract significant trading activity and thus are critical for planning entry points. - Formation of Fair Value Gaps (FVG): During the Silver Bullet hours—specifically from 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, and 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM EST—traders watch for the market to approach these liquidity points and leave behind a Fair Value Gap. This movement is essential as it indicates a potential inefficiency in price that the market may seek to correct. - Setting Limit Orders at FVGs: Once an FVG is identified, traders set their limit orders at the boundary of the FVG closest to their intended trade direction. If aiming for a long position, the order is placed at the top of the FVG; for a short position, at the bottom. This method allows traders to potentially enter the market as it moves to 'fill' the gap, aligning with the initial momentum assessment and the subsequent market reaction to liquidity levels. Stop Loss - Initial Placement: Traders typically place stop-loss orders to potentially manage risk tightly with respect to the FVG's structure. If trading long, the stop loss might be set just below the low of the candle that forms the FVG; if trading short, just above the high. - Swing Points: Alternatively, stop losses might also be placed beyond recent swing highs or lows, providing a buffer against market volatility and minor fluctuations that do not affect the overall market trend. Take Profit - Targeting Liquidity Points: The common practice for setting take-profit points involves aiming for the next significant liquidity target identified during the preparatory phase. - Risk-to-Reward Considerations: Many traders set their take-profit goals based on a calculated risk-to-reward ratio, often aiming for at least a 1:2 ratio. This means that for every unit of risk taken, two units of reward are targeted. In terms of pips, traders generally look for at least 15 pips when trading forex and 10 points in indices. EUR/USD Example In the provided EUR/USD chart example, a detailed analysis of higher timeframes has established a bearish outlook. Consequently, the focus is on identifying short trading opportunities while disregarding potential long setups. During the 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM GMT window, there's a noticeable Fair Value Gap (FVG) that forms following a swift rejection from an upward move. This price action reflects a viable entry point for a short position. Traders could place a limit order at the bottom boundary of the candle that initiated the FVG, with a stop loss positioned just above the candle's high or the nearby swing point high, depending on their risk tolerance. The target for this trade is set at the previous day's low, which is reached and prompts a short-term reversal in price direction. Later in the day, between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM GMT, another FVG develops. Following the same principle, we can enter at the bottom of the FVG. Setting a stop loss above the swing high is considered more prudent than directly above the candle high, which in this case would likely lead to a stop-out due to the tightness of the entry. Since the previous day’s low has already been reached earlier, the next logical target is the low of the US session, aligning with the day's bearish momentum. The Bottom Line The ICT Silver Bullet strategy provides a precise framework for traders looking to exploit specific market conditions tied to the rhythmic movements of liquidity and price during crucial trading hours. By focusing on fair value gaps and strategic entry points, traders can align their actions with significant market forces. FAQs What Is the Silver Bullet Strategy in Trading? The Silver Bullet strategy in trading is a specific, time-sensitive approach designed to capitalise on liquidity and fair value gaps that typically form during key periods of market volatility. Developed by Michael J. Huddleston, also known as ICT, it aims to take advantage of the movements that occur when the market reacts to these gaps during certain hours of the trading day. What Time Is the Silver Bullet Strategy? The Silver Bullet strategy is executed during three distinct one-hour windows corresponding to heightened market activity periods. These are: - London Open Silver Bullet: Occurs from 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM Eastern Standard Time (EST) in winter and from 2:00 AM to 3:00 AM in summer, which is 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in winter and 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM in summer. - New York AM Session Silver Bullet: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM EST (3:00 PM to 4:00 PM GMT). - New York PM Session Silver Bullet: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM EST (7:00 PM to 8:00 PM GMT). How Long Does Silver Bullet Last? As an intraday trading strategy, the Silver Bullet targets quick, short-term trades within specific one-hour windows. The trades are typically intended to be closed by the end of the trading day, capitalising on rapid movements towards and away from liquidity points. This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
Education
by FXOpen
1
Market Structure Shift Meaning and Use in ICT TradingMarket Structure Shift Meaning and Use in ICT Trading In ICT (Inner Circle Trader) trading, understanding Market Structure Shifts (MSS) is crucial for accurately interpreting market trends and making informed trading decisions. This article delves into the significance of MSS, its distinct indicators, and how it integrates with other trading elements like Breaks of Structure and Changes of Character. Understanding Breaks of Structure and Change of Character Comprehending the dynamics of Breaks of Structure (BOS) and Change of Character (CHoCH) can be crucial for analysing market trends. A Break of Structure occurs when price levels move beyond established support or resistance areas, indicating a potential continuation or acceleration of the current trend. For example, in an uptrend, a BOS is identified when prices break above a previous resistance level, suggesting further upward movement. Conversely, a Change of Character signifies a possible shift in the market's direction. This occurs when the price action breaks against the prevailing trend, challenging the recent high or low points that served as market barriers. A CHoCH often raises a red flag about the sustainability of the current trend. For instance, in a sustained uptrend, a CHoCH would be marked by a significant downward breach that violates a previous low point, hinting at a weakening of bullish momentum. Both BOS and CHoCH are pivotal in the ICT (Inner Circle Trader) methodology, where they are used to gauge market sentiment and potential shifts in trend dynamics. Traders monitor these patterns to adjust their strategies, whether to capitalise on the continuation signalled by a BOS or prepare for a trend reversal suggested by a CHoCH. What Is a Market Structure Shift? MSS, meaning a Market Structure Shift, is an indicator of a significant change in the prevailing trend, marked by a series of patterns that suggest a reversal is imminent. An ICT MSS is more than a simple Change of Character (CHoCH); it includes additional signals that strengthen the case for a directional change. The process begins with a shift in market structure that fails to sustain the ongoing trend. For example, during an uptrend, the market might fail to make a new higher high, instead forming a lower high. This initial deviation raises a caution flag about the trend’s strength. The confirmation of an MSS in trading occurs when there is a decisive break of a significant swing point, accompanied by a strong impulse move that deeply penetrates through this point, known as a displacement. This displacement is critical—it’s not merely a slight breach but a robust move that clearly indicates a shift. In essence, an MSS signals that the current market momentum has not only paused but is likely reversing. For traders, this is a pivotal moment: the lower highs in an uptrend or the higher lows in a downtrend prior to the break suggest that a new opposite trend is starting to take shape. How to Use a Market Structure Shift in Trading An MSS ultimately serves as a directional tool. It helps traders understand when a potential trend reversal is underway, enabling them to align their strategies with the new market direction. To effectively use an MSS in trading, traders often follow these steps: - Observing Current Market Structure: They start by analysing the existing trend direction and key price levels. Understand whether the market is in an uptrend, downtrend, or sideways movement by identifying patterns of higher highs and higher lows or lower highs and lower lows. - Watching for a Break in Key Levels: The core of an MSS is the break of an important high or low, combined with a sharp price movement that breaches a significant swing point (displacement). - Confirming with News Releases: MSS often coincides with major economic announcements or news releases that can affect market sentiment significantly. For example, if there's a report indicating unexpectedly high US inflation rates, and this correlates with a sharp downward movement in EURUSD, it provides additional confirmation of the MSS. A stronger dollar against the euro, in this case, would signal a clear shift in market direction towards favouring the dollar. By recognising these elements, traders can more confidently anticipate and adapt to changes in market direction. A well-identified MSS not only indicates a pause in the current trend but also the establishment of a new trend. Using Market Structure Shifts With Other ICT Components Using Market Structure Shifts with other Inner Circle Trader methodology components like break of structure, order blocks, and fair value gaps may enhance a trader's ability to interpret and react to market dynamics. Integrating MSS with ICT Market Structure An MSS identifies a potential reversal in the market’s direction. When an MSS occurs, it often leads to the formation of a new high-low range in the direction of the new trend. For example, if a bearish MSS results in a new lower high and lower low, traders can watch for a BOS of this range. A retracement back inside of the new range can signal a decent area to search for an entry to ride the trend that’s just beginning. Utilising Order Blocks and Fair Value Gaps However, there are scenarios where the price doesn’t establish a new high-low range but instead returns to the area where the original displacement occurred. This displacement often leaves behind a fair value gap and an order block. - Fair Value Gap: This is a price range that the market skips over quickly during a displacement, leaving it untested by typical market trading. It often acts like a vacuum, drawing the price back to fill in the gap at a later stage. - Order Block: An order block is typically a consolidation area that precedes a strong price move and is considered a footprint left by institutional traders. It represents levels where significant buying or selling occurred, potentially acting as support or resistance in future price movements. If the price returns to fill a fair value gap and enters the order block, this scenario can provide a potent setup for a reversal. Traders might look for confirmatory signals at these levels to enter trades that anticipate the market returning to its previous course or extending the reversal initiated by the MSS. The Bottom Line The insights provided on MSS and its application within the ICT trading framework can be instrumental for any trader seeking to navigate the complexities of the market effectively. To put these strategies into practice and potentially improve your trading outcomes, practice a lot and learn more about ICT trading. FAQs What Is a Market Structure Shift? A Market Structure Shift (MSS) indicates a potential reversal in market trends, marked initially by a lower high in an uptrend or a higher low in a downtrend, followed by a displacement—a significant and rapid price movement that decisively breaks through a key market level. How to Identify Market Structure Shift? Identifying an MSS involves observing for early signs of trend weakening (lower highs or higher lows) and waiting for a subsequent displacement that confirms the shift. This displacement should significantly penetrate a key swing point, clearly indicating a new direction in market momentum. What Is the ICT Method of Trading? The ICT (Inner Circle Trader) method of trading is a comprehensive approach that utilises various trading concepts such as market structure, order blocks, and fair value gaps, focusing on how institutional traders influence the market. It emphasises understanding and leveraging these components to align trading strategies with probable market movements. What Is the Difference Between MSS and BOS in ICT? In ICT, a Market Structure Shift (MSS) refers to a potential trend reversal, confirmed by a lower high/higher low followed by a displacement. A Break of Structure (BOS), however, simply indicates the continuation or acceleration of the current trend without necessarily suggesting a reversal, marked by the breach of a key high or low point within the ongoing trend 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.
Education
by FXOpen
4H FVG level is indicating a strong bullish sentiment.Market Analysis – Gold (XAU/USD) Gold is currently trading within a bullish Fair Value Gap (FVG) on the 4-hour timeframe, accompanied by notable volume activity. Just below this zone lies a weekly FVG, and multiple other FVG and Breaker Block (BPR) formations have emerged in the same region. The price action around the 4H FVG level is indicating a strong bullish sentiment. However, on the 1-hour chart, the market has recently formed a bearish FVG in the 3214–3220 range. If the price breaks above this level with strength, the bullish momentum could potentially drive the market toward the following upside targets: 3233, 3240, 3250, and 3260. Let’s monitor closely and remember: Do Your Own Research (DYOR).
OANDA:XAUUSDLong
by Peter_Wade
EurAud..Daily Volume Imbalance fillGood day traders, I’m back with another great idea on EurAud and what I like about this setup, is that we can also learn from it. On our daily TF we have a clear volume imbalance since price opened on Monday with a gap and it failed to fill the gap last week meaning it might happen this week where price can fill the gap. On the chart I’m showing you the high/low of the volume imbalance but you can add the midpoint of that gap too if you wish to do so. Price tried filling that gap but we can see it failed to do so because price did not even get to the midpoint of the VI, after it touched the lower quarter of the VI, it pushed lower showing weakness in price. Jumping to the present TF 4H here we can see that we have a bullish flow in price but out structure remain bearish. Going into the new week we wanna see price continue in its original structure to Atleast our first presented FVg that has been noted on the chart. Currently price is inside an inverted FVG which again supports our narrative. We can expect price to fill the 1st.PFVG on Tuesday the latest before it can move higher and for the week we want to see price close above the volume imbalance.
Long
by FxPipMaster_TebohoMatla
1
GBPJPY( British pound my banker!)Good day traders, I’m back with another idea on GbPJPY but this one is based on the strength and weakness of the pound itself. Before you ask what I mean…on this respective TF we had a break of structure higher(strength) but we saw price immediately move lower showing some weakness in price. For the rest of the London session we can expect price to move higher on that volume imbalance to start the New York session. The rectangle is a balanced price range.
Short
by FxPipMaster_TebohoMatla
How to Master Premium & Discount For Better EntriesA lot of traders talk about premium and discount, but very few actually know how to use it properly. Most just draw Fibonacci tools on random legs and try to catch reactions at the 61.8% level. That kind of trading lacks structure and context. If you're serious about using Smart Money Concepts the right way, then you need to understand where value exists in the market and how to position yourself accordingly. This guide is all about mastering the premium vs discount model using a 4H bias, entries on the 1H or 15M, and refinements based solely on Fair Value Gaps. No order blocks. No guessing. Just clean structure, displacement, and a focus on institutional logic. Establishing a Valid 4H Dealing Range Your entire analysis starts with the 4H chart. That’s where you define the dealing range, the leg of price that caused a significant shift in market structure, usually confirmed by displacement and a break of a previous swing. To do this correctly: Identify a 4H swing high to swing low (or low to high) that broke structure and created an imbalance. Anchor your range from that swing point to the extreme, this becomes your dealing range. Mark the 50% of this range — this is your equilibrium line. Everything above this midpoint is premium, everything below is discount. You’re not drawing fibs for retracement levels. You’re using them to separate cheap price from expensive price. Premium vs Discount: Why It Matters The logic is simple: institutions buy at discount and sell at premium. They don’t place large positions in the middle of the range, they accumulate when price is cheap and distribute when price is expensive. Once you’ve marked out your 4H range, you now have a framework: Price in discount (below the 50%) = potential buy setups. Price in premium (above the 50%) = potential sell setups. The key is to only look for trades in the right part of the range. If price is in premium and you're trying to long, you're working against smart money. If it's in discount and you're trying to short, you're fading accumulation. Refining the Setup on 1H or 15M Once price enters the zone you’re interested in, premium or discount. Drop to the 1H or 15M charts to look for entries. But we’re not trading any structure or supply/demand zone. We’re only interested in Fair Value Gaps. Why? Because FVGs are the cleanest way to spot imbalance — they show where price moved too aggressively and left inefficiency behind. Here's what to do: Watch for displacement on 1H or 15M once price taps into the 4H premium or discount zone. The move should break short-term structure and leave a clear FVG. Wait for price to retrace into that FVG. Entry is placed inside the gap, preferably in the upper or lower third depending on direction. Your invalidation is the low or high of the displacement move. The FVG gives you a clean risk-to-reward setup that is backed by structure, context, and smart money intent. Example: Long from Discount Let’s say price is trading inside the discount zone of a 4H bullish dealing range. You now drop to 15M and see a sharp move higher that breaks structure and creates a clean 15M FVG. Now you wait. If price retraces into that gap and shows some form of reaction (volume, reaction wick, or small lower timeframe shift), you have a valid long. The trade is high probability because: It’s inside 4H discount The 15M displacement confirms smart money is stepping in The FVG is your refined entry zone Target is always the next liquidity pool inside premium. Example: Short from Premium Opposite logic applies. If price trades into the premium zone of a 4H bearish range, you drop to 1H or 15M and wait for displacement to the downside. When you get a strong bearish move that leaves behind a Fair Value Gap and breaks intraday structure, you mark the FVG. When price retraces into it, you execute your short. Stop is above the displacement high. Target is the first liquidity level inside discount, such as an old low or a clean equal low. Rules for FVG Entries (1H/15M) To keep your execution sharp, stick to these: Only enter FVGs that form from displacement moves. The FVG must break intraday structure. It must form inside the 4H premium or discount zone, no exceptions. Avoid FVGs that form in the middle of the range or during chop. Make sure higher timeframe context supports the direction. This filters out 90% of weak setups and forces you to trade in sync with value. Targets and Exits Where you enter is based on imbalance and structure, but where you exit is based on liquidity and the premium/discount model in reverse. If you long from discount, you should be targeting premium levels. If you short from premium, you should be targeting discount levels. More specifically: Look for old highs/lows Clean equal highs/lows Unfilled FVGs in the opposite zone This way, you’re always exiting into areas where the market is likely to reverse or stall, and not overstaying your trade. Conclusion Trading from premium or discount zones isn’t just a concept, it’s a framework that puts you in line with institutional activity. When you combine it with FVGs, you have a clean, mechanical way to structure your trades. Keep your bias on the 4H. Mark your ranges clearly. Drop to 1H or 15M only when price is in a valid zone, and only take entries on FVGs that form from strong displacement. If you stay disciplined with this model, you’ll avoid chasing price and start trading from areas of true value. ___________________________________ Thanks for your support! If you found this guide helpful or learned something new, drop a like 👍 and leave a comment, I’d love to hear your thoughts! 🚀 Make sure to follow me for more price action insights, free indicators, and trading strategies. Let’s grow and trade smarter together! 📈
CAPITALCOM:US100Education
by TehThomas
66
EurGbp….‘CE of a balanced FVG’Good day traders, EurGbp has been on my watchlist for sometime now and I was hesitant because of the strength shown on DXY and that made me think we’d have a quiet day here yesterday. With that been said the balanced price range is the grey rectangle shown on the chart and we can see that price showed a rejection by failing to close below the midpoint(CE). On the daily TF we are very much still bullish and till we shift structure lower on the daily TF, my overall sentiment remains. On the 4H TF we have a very bearish leg and from what we know price moves in a trend not a line so that also makes part of our thought process as well.
Long
by FxPipMaster_TebohoMatla
NAS100USD: Is this a False Break?Greetings Traders, In today’s analysis on NAS100USD, we observe sustained bullish volatility, indicating that the institutional order flow remains decisively bullish. As such, our objective is to align with that momentum and seek opportunities to position ourselves accordingly. Current Market Context: Now entering the New York session, we can anticipate continued upward movement. A key technical development is the recent liquidity sweep—price action took out a set of sell stops, creating the appearance of a potential bearish break of structure. However, this movement aligns with a classic “Turtle Soup” scenario, where a false break is engineered to trap liquidity before the market resumes in its dominant direction. Institutional Insight: This sweep suggests that institutions have likely order paired against willing sellers, using their stops as entry liquidity. With that liquidity now absorbed and price rejecting lower levels, we look for bullish confirmations to join the smart money narrative. Trading Focus: We are now monitoring for lower-timeframe confirmation entries to validate bullish setups, ideally supported by institutional arrays or bullish order blocks that hold as support. Let the market reveal the footprints of smart money—our role is to read and respond with discipline. Regards, The Architect
OANDA:NAS100USDLong
by The_Archi-tect
EurUsd…Daily FVG fill.Good day traders, I’m back with another setup but this setup is based on the GBPUSD setup I posted yesterday…go and look at it, to get the ideological. To be honest I don’t think the drop in price to start the week was unexpected because of the strength shown last week on the DXY and on the idea I posted on GBpUSD I highlighted that last week XXX/USD pairs did not perform as the USD/XXX pairs. Which explains why we open with a bearish move lower and now I believe price is gonna do as I expected it on GBPUSD before taking liquidity but strength was too strong. EurUsd on this respective TF we can see that it has been on a downward movement, and if we take a look at that healthy bearish leg. Price has left imbalances but the most visible one is the volume imbalance that I have shown you on the chart. For the rest of the day should price closer above the VI than I believe we can expect it to move higher till Thursday before DXY continues moving higher.
Long
by FxPipMaster_TebohoMatla
2
GBPUSD…inverse FVGGood day traders I have a lot of great setups but I believe this one can be a big mover going into the new week. 1D- Before going into more details I hope the inverse FVG is visible because that’s the area of interest, for the most part of last week was bearish indicating that US dollar for the upcoming week might continue with the strength shown last week. Price has broken structure lower but the way it broke price is not in a convincing way so keep an open mind to manipulation but overall the inverse is our area of interest. Monday and Tuesday we can expect price to move higher first than make a run lower since last week the move did not match the USD/XXX moves. 4H- Here we saw market shift lower to be in sync with the daily solidifying our weekly price movement bias. Here I’m not gonna say much cause the idea is based of the daily TF.
Short
by FxPipMaster_TebohoMatla
USDJPY Smart Money Short Setup | 30m OB + FVG Reaction🧠 USDJPY 30m SMC Setup | May 9, 2025 We’ve got a high-probability short brewing as price taps the premium zone and aligns with multiple Smart Money Concepts. A clear Fair Value Gap (FVG) is sitting inside a bearish Order Block, with price aggressively wicking into it — right where institutions unload. 🔍 KEY CONFLUENCES: 🧱 Bearish Order Block rejection in premium ⚡ Fair Value Gap filled at 145.910 💰 Risk-to-Reward ~1:4+, targeting discounted zone 🧲 Liquidity sweep + FVG fill = SM distribution trigger ⏳ Entry timing aligned with NY session reaction 📊 Setup Specs: Pair: USDJPY Timeframe: 30 min Entry: 145.910 (after FVG fill) SL: ~146.246 TP: ~144.440 RR: Approx. 1:4.5 💡 Smart Money Logic: Price filled a clean imbalance zone, ran liquidity from earlier highs, and instantly showed distribution behavior. If momentum confirms with a bearish break, this becomes a high-conviction short. 📈 Chart Ninja Note: “FVG + OB is where the banks sell while the crowd buys… don’t be the crowd.”
Short
by ChartNinjas88
4
NAS100USD: Discount Reversal & Bullish Continuation NarrativeGreetings Traders, In today’s analysis on NAS100USD, we observe the market operating within a bullish institutional order flow—a clear signal for us to align with the prevailing momentum and look for high-probability buying opportunities. Market Context: The market has established a well-defined bullish swing, followed by a retracement that delivered price action deep into discount territory. Within this zone, a prior low was taken out, serving as a liquidity grab where institutions could execute order pairing—buying against the willing sellers (sell stops) positioned at discounted prices. Key Observations: Optimal Entry Zone: Price retraced into the 62%–79% Fibonacci levels, historically considered the optimal reversal zone. Following this, we observed a rejection—an early indication of bullish re-engagement. Breaker Block Alignment: The rejection coincides with a breaker block array, a zone where previous selling orders are mitigated and fresh institutional buying begins. This strengthens the validity of the expected reversal. Bullish Continuation Signs: Post-rejection, price action confirmed a shift in market structure, and prior order blocks have now begun to act as bullish support arrays. Trading Strategy: With institutional footprints aligning at key technical zones, I am anticipating further upside. Upon receiving confirmation on the lower timeframes, I will look to enter buy positions, aiming to target the liquidity pools resting in premium prices—the next logical draw for institutional interest. Stay focused, follow the smart money, and let the structure guide your entries. Kind Regards, The Architect
OANDA:NAS100USDLong
by The_Archi-tect
4
Dxy bullish idea for next week - MMBMThis is a bullish possibility for DXY price action for next week. Monthly: - Price took a swing low confluent with a bearish breaker in discount and closed above the level; Weekly: - Price Took a swing below monthly swing with a bullish reaction. If this week closes with above previous weeks high, it confirms a bullish weekly swing; Daily: - Monday printed the likelly low of the week - A daily fair value gap is open allow with a volume imballance around monday open signalling bullish price action - a retrace to these levels would be a good buying opportunity. 4h: - there is a market maker buy model in play. - as of now, price already printed an intermidiate term low signalling that low risk buy myght have happened. News forecast: - I expect NFP to either retrace price to daily fvg or daily volume imbalance and leave a bullish reaction. - FOMC next week might bring the volatility to complete the mmbm Thank you for reading
TVC:DXYLong
by josefreis
1
NAS100USD: Bearish Confluence Builds as Market WeakensGreetings Traders, Despite the broader bullish context on NAS100USD, current confluences suggest a potential short-term move to the downside. As we enter the New York session—with a key news release on the horizon—we anticipate heightened volatility. The critical question now becomes: where is price most likely to draw? Key Observations: 1. Shift in Market Structure: Price failed to break above the previous high and instead formed a lower high, signaling weakness and suggesting a possible reversal. This lower high, marked by multiple rejection wicks, forms what we identify as a rejection block—a zone often used by institutions to initiate sell orders. 2. Displacement and Bearish Arrays: Following this rejection, the market displayed strong displacement to the downside, confirming a market structure shift. This supports the likelihood of bearish continuation and increases the validity of bearish institutional arrays holding as resistance. 3. Current Zone of Interest: Price is now trading within a fair value gap (FVG) aligned with a reclaimed order block—a strong confluence area for potential bearish continuation. Just above this zone lies a bearish order block and another FVG, which may act as a secondary resistance should price wick higher before moving down. Trading Plan: Wait for confirmation at the current resistance zones before considering entries. If validated, look to target the liquidity pools resting at lower, discount price levels. Stay patient, trade with precision, and let the market confirm your idea. Kind Regards, The Architect
OANDA:NAS100USDShort
by The_Archi-tect
9
CadChf daily bias confirmedGood day traders, I’m back with CadChf but this one is special cause it provides us a clean setup where I will get an opportunity to explain some of ICT concepts that I look for and have made me the trader I am today but I’m not here to talk about Michael!! Just his thoughts behind this type of setup. Well my excitement is that this setup is happening on the daily timeframe so hopefully it’ll be much more understandable. First let’s start with some tape reading on the left hand side we can see that price has been bearish and have reason to believe that price has bottomed as we can see that price left a low only to later take out creating a new one than made a run higher shifting structure on the lower TF’s but here on the daily what price did was leave the first presented FVG which you can see on the chart I have marked it. Back to the tape, if you take a closer look at that F.PFVG you’ll see that price only touch the upper quarter of the level and price made a move higher. Here why I said this one was special👂 ICT teaches how to look at price from a naked eye just by dividing gaps, FVG and OB’s and more.. by 4 quarters and FIB retrace works wonders here 0,25,50,75,100. 50 being the midpoint. Price from experience since paying attention to details always comes for the F.PFVG midpoint ATLEAST!🔊 If you look at the chart again you’ll see a red arrow pointing to that wick’cosidered a gap’, now if we consider that wick a gap than we gonna treat it as one. If you take you FIB and get the levels you’ll see price was a few pips shy of the midpoint of that gap!!👂 Our narrative than becomes…we wanna see price reach the midpoint of that wick considered a gap. Than we gonna shoot down if we can just get to that midpoint 🤞🏾 Because we cannot I repeat we cannot trust price, we can expect it to disrespect that buyside but not close higher 🛑✋, our draw on liquidity is the one below. Please study this setup carefully 🙏🏽🙏🏽
Short
by FxPipMaster_TebohoMatla