Two Stock Market Crashes explained in one chart(ELLIOTT)The first is the Dot-Com Bubble that happened in Early 2000. This was the end of Wave 1(Black) and a retest was on the horizon. The market corrected with a zigzag marked in Red late in March 2000. What followed was a sharp drop Wave A(Red), B correction, and a 5 Wave move to complete Wave C of the zigzag. The 5 Wave move to Red Wave C is supported by Math as it retests at exactly at the 423% of the Fibonacci and 161.8% of Red Wave A on a Monthly time frame.
The second Stock Market Crash is the Financial Crisis of 2008 which by the way is the largest Stock Market Crash in the last 80 yrs. Historically, it is only second to the Great Depression of 1929. Can it be explained in terms of Elliott Wave? Yes. It was part of Wave 5 after Green Wave C ended. In fact, from Blue Wave 4/C there is a clear 5 wave move with a zigzag as its first correction and a flat as its second. The Financial Crisis is Wave 5 after the mentioned second flat but is called a Stock Market Crash!!
All this is avoidable.
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2025 ICT Mentorship: Premium & Discount Price Delivery Intro2025 ICT Mentorship: Lecture 4_Premium & Discount Price Delivery Intro
Greetings Traders!
In this video, we dive into the fundamental concept of Premium and Discount Price Delivery—a crucial aspect of smart money trading that helps us understand how institutions approach the market with precision and efficiency.
Understanding Currency Pairs
Before we explore premium and discount dynamics, it's essential to grasp the basics of currency pairs. A currency pair, like EUR/USD or GBP/USD, represents the value of one currency against another. For example, EUR/USD shows how many U.S. dollars (the quote currency) are needed to purchase one euro (the base currency). Just like any other tradable asset, currency pairs fluctuate in value due to various economic and market factors.
Trading Is Part of Everyday Life
Believe it or not, everyone in the world is a trader. Whether you're buying groceries at a store or negotiating for goods and services, you're participating in trading activities daily. Some people aim to purchase items at a discount, while others can afford to pay a premium—it’s simply part of life.
However, banks and financial institutions take trading to another level. They don’t just trade haphazardly—they operate with extreme precision, aiming to make high-quality investments by executing trades at premium prices and targeting discount levels. This strategic approach allows them to capitalize on market inefficiencies and ensure profitable outcomes.
Why Premium and Discount Matter?
The concept of premium and discount price delivery is foundational for understanding how the market moves. By recognizing where the market is trading at a premium (overvalued) versus a discount (undervalued), traders can make more informed decisions and align their strategies with institutional order flow.
Stay tuned as we break down how to identify these zones on a chart and how to incorporate them into your trading strategy. Make sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an update!
Happy Trading,
The_Architect
A Pseudoscience called Technical analysis!Pseudoscience is characterized as a system of theories or beliefs that are presented as scientific but lack the rigors and foundations of the scientific method. It often uses scientific-sounding language while being rooted in unsubstantiated claims or cultural beliefs, and it can be misleading and harmful.
My Evolution as a Market Analyst
Early Success on TradingView
In 2020-2021, I established myself as a leading analyst on the TradingView platform, becoming the top-rated contributor for equities and high-volume tickers including TSLA, AAPL, AMZN, ARKK, COIN, RIOT, WKHS, PLTR, NIO, and Bitcoin.
Educational Background
My journey began fifteen years ago with a comprehensive study of technical analysis methodologies. I immersed myself in seminal works including:
"Technical Analysis of Financial Markets" by John J. Murphy
"Japanese Candlestick Charting Techniques" by Steve Nison
"Trading with the Andrews Pitchfork" by Glenn Wilson
"Elliott Wave - Fibonacci High Probability Trading" by Jared Sanders
Professional Recognition
While my initial goal in publishing analyses on TradingView was personal performance tracking, industry recognition came unexpectedly. Within three months, I ranked among the platform's top six contributors, advancing to the highest-rated position by the fourth month.
This visibility led to multiple partnership offers from brokerages and cryptocurrency projects, including Tiger Broker (NASDAQ: TIGR), all of which I declined to maintain independence.
Client Development
Following requests from followers, I established a contribution system to support ongoing analysis. My work attracted institutional attention, including a hedge fund managing hundreds of millions in assets that engaged me for educational services.
I developed a customized curriculum delivered via virtual platforms, maintaining a rigorous teaching schedule that ultimately revealed limitations in traditional technical analysis approaches—confirming Richard Feynman's observation that "When one teaches, two learn."
Methodological Evolution
This realization prompted a strategic pivot. I paused teaching to focus on skill development, particularly in programming and data analytics. I integrated advanced concepts including:
Game theory applications
Quantitative analysis frameworks
Behavioral finance principles
AI Integration
The emergence of accessible AI models represented a significant advancement for my practice. I leveraged Gemini (formerly Bard), ChatGPT, and Claude to enhance my options trading system, developing proprietary metrics to identify market inefficiencies in derivatives pricing.
Current Approach
Today, I operate as a substantially transformed analyst with a modernized market perspective. While my analytical methods employ sophisticated quantitative techniques, I continue presenting findings in traditional visual formats to accommodate audience preferences—a phenomenon explained by patternicity.
Understanding Cognitive Biases in Trading
Patternicity
A concept introduced by Michael Shermer describes our tendency to identify meaningful patterns within random noise
Highlights humanity's inherent drive to impose order on chaotic information
Significantly impacts decision-making processes as our minds actively seek connections, sometimes where none exist
Apophenia
The broader tendency to perceive connections between unrelated phenomena
First defined by German neurologist Klaus Conrad in 1958 as "unmotivated seeing of connections"
While common in everyday cognition, extreme manifestations can indicate psychological concerns
Trading in the AI Era
For market participants continuing to rely exclusively on traditional technical analysis methodologies—pattern trading, Elliott Wave theory, harmonic patterns, or price action systems—I offer this perspective: these approaches alone are increasingly insufficient for achieving consistent market outperformance in today's technology-driven environment.
Use Buy The Dip Like a LynchWhile we can’t say for certain that Merrill Lynch specifically uses VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price) in their strategies, one thing is clear: they certainly rely on sophisticated statistical tools and data-driven insights to inform their investment decisions. Merrill Lynch, known for its expertise and successful track record, employs a range of techniques to navigate market fluctuations and identify profitable opportunities.
In the fast-paced world of trading, every decision counts. One strategy that has stood the test of time is Buy the Dip (BTD). This approach involves buying assets after they’ve experienced a temporary drop, anticipating that the price will bounce back 📉➡️📈. However, timing the dip correctly can be challenging without accurate data and predictive tools.
This article explores how to enhance your Buy the Dip predictions using OHLC Range Map and 4 VWAPs set to Century on TradingView.
What is the Buy the Dip Strategy? 🤔
The Buy the Dip (BTD) strategy is simple yet effective. Traders buy an asset after its price has fallen, believing that the dip is temporary and the price will soon rise again 📉➡️📈. The challenge, however, is knowing when the dip is truly an opportunity rather than the start of a longer-term downtrend.
This is where data-driven insights come into play. Rather than relying solely on intuition, having the right tools can make all the difference. With the OHLC Range Map, traders can gain a clearer understanding of price action, which helps identify whether a dip is worth buying 💰.
Strategies for Predicting Buy the Dip Levels 📍
Spot the Dip Using 4 VWAPS set to Century
Spot the Dip Using OHLC Range Map
1. Spot the Dip Using 4 VWAPS set to Century 🎯
Load 4 VWAPs on the chart, and configure them as follow:
1st VWAP: Source - Open, Period - Century
2st VWAP: Source - High, Period - Century
3rd VWAP: Source - Low, Period - Century
4th VWAP: Source - Close, Period - Century
When the price approaches key support or resistance zones, such as VWAP bands, particularly for well-established assets like ES, NQ, BTC, NVDA, AAPL, and others, there's a high probability of price reversal.
By combining this with price action analysis, you can identify precise entry points for a position with greater accuracy.
2. Spot the Dip Using OHLC Range Map 👀
The OHLC Range Map is a powerful statistical tool designed to plot key Manipulation (M) and Distribution levels over a specific time period. By visualizing these levels, traders can gain insights into market behavior and potential price movements.
For example, when analyzing the ES chart, we can observe that the bearish distribution level has already been reached for the next 12 months. This suggests that the market may be poised for a reversal, with the expectation of higher prices in the near future. By identifying these critical levels, traders can anticipate market trends and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Key Takeaways 🔍📊
Buy the Dip (BTD): The BTD strategy involves buying assets after a temporary price drop, expecting a price rebound.
Enhancing BTD Predictions: Using OHLC Range Map and 4 VWAPs on TradingView improves the accuracy of Buy the Dip predictions.
Spotting the Dip with 4 VWAPs: Configuring 4 VWAPs (Open, High, Low, Close) on a chart helps identify key support and resistance zones for potential price reversals.
Using the OHLC Range Map: The OHLC Range Map helps pinpoint Manipulation and Distribution levels, aiding in market trend anticipation and timing.
Combining Tools for Precision: Integrating the OHLC Range Map and VWAPs with price action analysis allows for more accurate Buy the Dip entry points.
Lesson 1.0.1A lesson I find myself forgetting many times over is
DO NOT ENTER IMMEDIATELY AT BREAKOUT/BREAKDOWN
In these markets, it is generally better to wait for a candle close confirmation above zone, followed by a retracement, and then you can enter.
Generally it is better to miss a move than lose money regardless.
Essentially if you want more of your trades to work, even at breakout or breakdown, wait.
While some may argue that you would miss the move, I would counter to say that if a move is incredibly and rapidly directional it is very likely there will be a retracement. Markets prefer a slow and steady rise or decline for stability, if it moves jaggedly it will eventually regress to the mean all the same.
Bitcoin and Elliott Wave Principles This is a good example showing how Bitcoin adheres to Elliott Wave Rules, as does everything in the Market. As stated other publications, the Elliott Wave Theory is more than just a Theory but how the market works. Bitcoin won't always buy, there will be ups and downs. Timing is key. If there is an over-investment just before the top of Wave B, ''Buy The Dip'', this would lead to unimaginable losses. This is what people call ''Stock Market Crash''. To Elliott Wave Theorists, this is a simple Wave 4.
THE IMPORTANCE OF TREND FOLLOWINGMost people tend to not check the overall trend not knowing that could potential be a danger to their trades and account
If the overall trend is a downtrend(making lower lows and lower high)- you should look only for selling entries especially if you trade bigger time frames(M15 to upwards). However it's not that simple or everyone would be making millions of dollars lol.
when you check the overall trend you should make sure the swing lows and high are clear, strong and the bearish/bullish pressure(volatility) should also be strong and clear if one of these is missing
then it's best to stay away from the market or you'll become liquidity for other trades😂
so all in all, combine your Trend following with liquidity and market volatility.
How to Trade Trend ReversalsThey say, “the trend is your friend”—until it bends at the end. Every strong move eventually runs out of steam, but spotting the turn and trading it effectively is no easy task. Some traders try to anticipate the reversal, positioning ahead of time, while others wait for confirmation, entering once the trend has already shifted. Both methods have their strengths and weaknesses, and the best approach depends on your risk tolerance and trading style.
Anticipating the Turn: Catching the Reversal Early
This approach focuses on momentum shifts and false breakouts before the price fully confirms a new trend. The goal is to enter before the crowd, capturing a reversal at the best possible price.
Key Tools:
Momentum Divergence – If price makes a new high or low, but RSI fails to follow, it suggests the trend is weakening.
False Breakouts – If price breaks a key level but immediately reverses, it signals a trap set for traders expecting continuation.
Benefits:
• Better risk-reward – Entering before the confirmation means stops can be tighter, allowing for a larger potential profit.
• First-mover advantage – Catching a trend change early means getting in at a great price before the majority of traders react.
Drawbacks:
• Higher failure rate – Many trends look weak before resuming, leading to premature entries and false starts.
• Requires precision – Entry and stop placement must be exact to avoid being caught in noise.
Waiting for Confirmation: Trading the Break
Rather than trying to predict the turn, this method waits for price to confirm the reversal by breaking key levels or forming a clear new trend structure.
Key Tools:
Trend Structure Shift – A series of lower highs in an uptrend, or higher lows in a downtrend, signals exhaustion.
Break of Key Support/Resistance – Once price decisively moves beyond a critical level, it confirms the trend change.
Benefits:
• Higher probability trades – Waiting for confirmation reduces the risk of being faked out by temporary pullbacks.
• Less stressful – Entering after the break avoids the uncertainty of catching tops and bottoms.
Drawbacks:
• Worse risk-reward – Entry is later, meaning stops tend to be wider and potential profits smaller.
• Missed moves – Sometimes, a reversal happens too quickly, leaving conservative traders behind.
Applying Both Methods: Two Live Market Examples
1. EUR/USD – A Potential Trend Reversal in Progress
Recently, EUR/USD had been stuck in a long-term downtrend, with lower lows forming consistently. But the latest attempt to break support failed spectacularly.
Anticipatory Approach: Traders watching for a false breakout could have entered after price dipped below support and immediately reversed. RSI also showed bullish divergence—momentum was no longer confirming the downtrend. Entry would be placed just above the reclaimed support, with a tight stop below the false breakdown.
Momentum-Based Approach: Traders waiting for confirmation would have looked for a strong breakout above the first major resistance. After the false breakdown, price surged above prior swing highs, confirming buyers had taken control. The break of horizontal resistance provided a clearer entry signal, with stops below the breakout level.
EUR/USD Daily Candle Chart
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
2. S&P 500 – The Start of a Breakdown?
The S&P 500 had been in a strong uptrend, but multiple failed attempts to break through resistance suggested buyers were losing momentum. Eventually, price broke below key support, triggering a sharp decline.
Anticipatory Approach: Traders looking for early signs of weakness could have entered short after noticing a series of failed breakouts. RSI divergence signalled that momentum was waning, and the repeated failures at resistance suggested a sell-off was brewing. The entry would have been placed near resistance, with stops just above the recent highs.
Momentum-Based Approach: A more patient trader would have waited for a confirmed break of support. Once the S&P sliced through a major level, a short trade could be initiated on the retest of the broken support, with stops just above the previous swing low.
S&P Daily Candle Chart
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Approach
Both methods have their advantages. Anticipating reversals can offer an early entry with strong risk-reward potential, but it also comes with a higher chance of false signals. Waiting for confirmation provides greater clarity and reduces the likelihood of premature entries, though it often means entering later in the move.
Neither approach is inherently better—it depends on your trading style, risk tolerance, and strategy. The key is consistency: whichever method you use, having a clear plan and following it with discipline is what separates successful traders from those who get caught on the wrong side of a trend change.
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. 83% 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.
3 Best Entry Points For Swing Trading (Forex, Gold)
What is the best entry point for swing trading?
You will learn 3 safest places/zones to buy or sell the market from, best swing trading time frame, and the most accurate swing trading setups.
Best Entry 1
Swing Trading After a Confirmed Trend Reversal
It can be a bearish trend violation and a start of a new bullish trend.
Look at a price action on WTI Crude Oil on a daily.
The market violated a bearish trend and started to trade in a new bullish trend, confirming the reversal.
In such a case, your best entry will be the closest daily support.
Alternatively, it can be a bullish trend violation and an initiation of a new bearish trend.
USDCAD was in an uptrend, steadily growing within a parallel channel.
Its violation confirmed the change of sentiment and start of a downtrend.
In this situation, your safest entries will be from the closest daily resistance.
Best Entry 2
Swing Trading with the Trend After Pullback
In a bullish trend, you should wait for
a completion of a bullish movement,
wait for a pullback
swing buy the market after it completes.
AUDCAD is in a rising trend.
A pullback tends to complete on a key support.
That will be your zone for buying.
Otherwise, in a bearish trend, you should let the price:
finish a bearish impulse
start a correctional movement
sell the market after the correction ends.
USDCHF was in downturn and updated the low. A local bullish movement started then.
It usually completes after a test of a key resistance. That will be the area where you should look for swing selling.
Best Entry 3
Swing Trading After Key Level Breakout
Bearish violation of a key daily support is a perfect signal to sell.
It is an important sign of strength of the sellers and a strong indication that the price will continue falling.
NZDUSD broke and closed below a key daily support cluster. After a breakout, it turns into a potentially strong resistance.
For us, the best entry is a retest of a broken structure.
Bullish breakout of a key daily resistance is a reliable signal to buy.
After a violation of a horizontal resistance, it became a support on USDCHF Forex pair on a daily.
Your perfect entry for swing buying is its retest .
The entry zones that we discussed will provide the safest trading opportunities.
Learn to combine that with your trading strategy, it will help you to dramatically increase the profitability of your swing trading.
❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
I am part of Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analysis.
What Are Financial Derivatives and How to Trade Them?What Are Financial Derivatives and How to Trade Them?
Financial derivatives are powerful instruments used by traders to speculate on market movements or manage risk. From futures to CFDs, derivatives offer potential opportunities across global markets. This article examines “What is a derivative in finance?”, delving into the main types of derivatives, how they function, and key considerations for traders.
What Are Derivatives?
A financial derivative is a contract with its value tied to the performance of an underlying asset. These assets can include stocks, commodities, currencies, ETFs, or market indices. Instead of buying the asset itself, traders and investors use derivatives to speculate on price movements or manage financial risk.
Fundamentally, derivatives are contracts made between two parties. They allow one side to take advantage of changes in the asset's price, whether it rises or falls. For example, a futures contract locks in a price for buying or selling an asset on a specific date, while a contract for difference (CFD) helps traders speculate on the price of an asset without owning it.
The flexibility of derivatives is what makes them valuable. They can hedge against potential losses, potentially amplify returns through leverage, or provide access to otherwise difficult-to-trade markets. Derivatives are traded either on regulated exchanges or through over-the-counter (OTC) markets, each with distinct benefits and risks.
Leverage is a very common feature in derivative trading, enabling traders to control larger positions with less capital. However, it’s worth remembering that while this amplifies potential returns, it equally increases the risk of losses.
These instruments play a pivotal role in modern finance, offering tools to navigate market volatility or target specific investment goals. However, their complexity means they require careful understanding and strategic use to potentially avoid unintended risks.
Key Types of Financial Derivatives
There are various types of derivatives, each tailored to different trading strategies and financial needs. Understanding the main type of derivative can help traders navigate their unique features and applications. Below are the most common examples of derivatives:
Futures Contracts
Futures involve a contract to buy or sell an asset at a set price on a specific future date. These contracts are standardised and traded on exchanges, making them transparent and widely accessible. Futures are commonly used in commodities markets—like oil or wheat—but also extend to indices and currencies. Traders commonly utilise this type of derivative to potentially manage risks associated with price fluctuations or to speculate on potential market movements.
Forward Contracts
A forward contract is a financial agreement in which two parties commit to buying or selling an asset at a predetermined price on a specified future date. Unlike standardised futures contracts, forward contracts are customizable and traded privately, typically over-the-counter (OTC). These contracts are commonly used for hedging or speculating on price movements of assets such as commodities, currencies, or financial instruments.
Swaps
Swaps are customised contracts, typically traded over-the-counter (OTC). The most common types are interest rate swaps, where two parties agree to exchange streams of interest payments based on a specified notional amount over a set period, and currency swaps, which involve the exchange of principal and interest payments in different currencies. Swaps are primarily used by institutions to manage long-term exposure to interest rates or currency risks.
Contracts for Difference (CFDs)
CFDs allow traders to speculate on price changes of an underlying asset. They are flexible, covering a wide range of markets such as shares, commodities, and indices. CFDs are particularly attractive as they allow traders to speculate on rising and falling prices of an asset without owning it. Moreover, CFDs provide potential opportunities for short-term trading, which may be unavailable with other financial instruments.
Trading Derivatives: Mechanisms and Strategies
Trading derivatives revolves around two primary methods: exchange-traded and over-the-counter (OTC) markets. Each offers potential opportunities for traders, depending on their goals and risk tolerance.
Exchange-Traded Derivatives
These derivatives, like futures, are standardised and traded on regulated exchanges such as the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME). Standardisation ensures transparency, making it potentially easier for traders to open buy or sell positions. For example, a trader might use futures contracts to hedge against potential price movements in commodities or indices.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Derivatives
OTC derivatives, including swaps and forwards and contracts for difference, are negotiated directly between two parties. These contracts are highly customisable but may carry more counterparty risk, as they aren't cleared through a central exchange. Institutions often use OTC derivatives for tailored solutions, such as managing interest rate fluctuations.
Strategies for Trading Derivatives
Traders typically employ derivatives for speculation or hedging. Speculation involves taking positions based on anticipated market movements, such as buying a CFD if prices are expected to rise. Hedging, on the other hand, can potentially mitigate losses in an existing portfolio by offsetting potential risks, like using currency swaps to protect against foreign exchange volatility.
Risk management plays a crucial role when trading derivatives. Understanding the underlying asset, monitoring market conditions, and using appropriate position sizes are vital to navigating their complexity.
CFD Trading
Contracts for Difference (CFDs) are among the most accessible derivative products for retail traders. They allow for speculation on price movements across a wide range of markets, including stocks, commodities, currencies, and indices, without owning the underlying asset. This flexibility makes CFDs an appealing option for individuals looking to diversify their strategies and explore global markets.
How CFDs Work
CFDs represent an agreement between the trader and the broker to exchange the difference in an asset's price between the opening and closing of a trade. If the price moves in the trader’s favour, the broker pays the difference; if it moves against them, the trader covers the loss. This structure is straightforward, allowing retail traders to trade in both rising and falling markets.
Why Retail Traders Use CFDs
Retail traders often gravitate towards CFDs due to their accessibility and unique features. CFDs allow leverage trading. By depositing a smaller margin, traders can gain exposure to much larger positions, potentially amplifying returns. However, you should remember that this comes with heightened risk, as losses are also magnified.
Markets and Opportunities
CFDs offer exposure to an extensive range of markets, including stocks, forex pairs, commodities, and popular indices like the S&P 500. Retail traders particularly appreciate the ability to trade these markets with minimal upfront capital, as well as the availability of 24/5 trading for many instruments. CFDs also enable traders to access international markets they might otherwise find difficult to trade, such as Asian or European indices.
Traders can explore a variety of CFDs with FXOpen.
Considerations for CFD Trading
While CFDs offer potential opportunities, traders must approach them cautiously. Leverage and high market volatility can lead to significant losses. Effective risk management in derivatives, meaning using stop-loss orders or limiting position sizes, can help traders potentially navigate these risks. Additionally, costs like spreads, commissions, and overnight fees can add up, so understanding the total cost structure is crucial.
Key Considerations When Trading Derivatives
Trading derivatives requires careful analysis and a clear understanding of the associated risks and potential opportunities.
Understanding the Underlying Asset
The value of a derivative depends entirely on its underlying asset, whether it’s a stock, commodity, currency, or index. Analysing the asset’s price behaviour, market trends, and potential volatility is crucial to identifying potential opportunities and risks.
Choosing the Right Derivative Product
Different derivatives serve different purposes. Futures might suit traders looking for exposure to commodities or indices, while CFDs provide accessible and potential opportunities for those seeking short-term price movements. Matching the derivative to your strategy is vital.
Managing Risk Effectively
Risk management plays a significant role in trading derivatives. Leverage can amplify both returns and losses, so traders often set clear limits on position sizes and overall exposure. Stop-loss orders and diversification are common ways to potentially reduce the impact of adverse market moves.
Understanding Costs
Trading derivatives involves costs like spreads, commissions, and potential overnight financing fees. These can eat into potential returns, especially for high-frequency or leveraged trades. A clear understanding of these expenses may help traders evaluate the effectiveness of their strategies.
Monitoring Market Conditions
Derivatives are sensitive to their underlying market changes, from geopolitical events to macroeconomic data. In stock derivatives, this might be company earning reports or sudden shifts in management. Staying informed helps traders adapt to shifting conditions and avoid being caught off guard by sudden price swings.
The Bottom Line
Financial derivatives are versatile tools for trading and hedging, offering potential opportunities to access global markets and diversify strategies. While their complexity demands a solid understanding, they can unlock significant potential for informed traders. Ready to explore derivatives trading? Open an FXOpen account today to trade CFDs on more than 700 assets with competitive costs, fast execution, and advanced trading tools. Good luck!
FAQ
What Is a Derivative?
The derivatives definition refers to a financial contract whose value is based on the performance of an underlying asset, such as stocks, commodities, currencies, or indices. Derivatives are financial instruments used to hedge risk, speculate on price movements, or access specific markets. Examples include futures, forwards, swaps, and contracts for difference (CFDs).
What Are the 4 Main Derivatives?
The primary categories of derivatives are futures, forwards, swaps, and contracts for difference (CFDs). Futures are commonly traded on exchanges, while forwards, swaps and CFDs are usually traded over-the-counter (OTC). Each serves different purposes, from risk management to speculative trading.
What Is the Derivatives Market?
The derivatives market is where financial derivatives are bought and sold. It includes regulated exchanges, like the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, and OTC markets where customised contracts are negotiated directly between parties. This market supports hedging, speculation, and risk transfer across global financial systems.
What Is the Difference Between Derivatives and Equities?
Equities signify ownership in a company, typically in the form of stock shares. Derivatives, on the other hand, are contracts that derive their value from the performance of an underlying asset, which can include equities. Unlike equities, derivatives do not confer ownership.
Is an ETF a Derivative?
No, an exchange-traded fund (ETF) is not a derivative. It is a fund that tracks a basket of assets, such as stocks or bonds, and trades like a stock. However, ETFs can use derivatives, such as futures, to achieve their investment objectives.
Is the S&P 500 a Derivative?
No, the S&P 500 is not a derivative. It is a stock market index that tracks the performance of 500 large companies listed in the US. Derivatives, like futures, can be created based on the S&P 500’s performance.
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.
This Pattern Could Return Ripple (XRP) Where It Started Rally Textbook, beautiful symmetric Head & Shoulders reversal pattern emerged on Ripple
approaching the Neckline.
Head is the highest peak among three on the chart
Neckline is built through valleys of the Head.
Price already tested Neckline support and was rejected yesterday.
Bearish trigger is on the clear breakdown.
Target is located at 0.55
It was calculated by subtracting the height of the Head from the Neckline.
It is the support area where XRP started its rally before.
"What goes up should come down"
Understanding Trump - Chapter 2: Excessive DebtChapter 2: Excessive Debt
The U.S. debt problem has already reached a critical level. As of July 2024, U.S. debt has reached $35 trillion, with interest payments exceeding defense spending. Paying off this debt is virtually impossible, especially since politicians rely on public support. It’s almost unthinkable for them to cut spending, knowing that doing so would weaken the economy. Who would vote for someone whose policies make their lives more difficult?
So, the method the U.S. has relied on has been simple:
Keep printing dollars, trigger inflation, and devalue the currency to reduce the real burden of debt.
This has been the U.S.'s go-to strategy for a long time, and for a while, it worked. When money flows into the market, the private sector thrives. Up until the Biden administration, this approach seemed to be working to some extent. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, an excessive amount of money was injected into the economy, pushing inflation beyond a sustainable level and accelerating the pace of debt accumulation beyond control.
Where Does U.S. Debt Come From?
The U.S. debt problem largely stems from two sources: trade deficits and government spending deficits.
- Government Spending Deficit
The key to reducing government spending is "DODGE." As many people have noticed, Elon Musk has been aggressively cutting jobs.
A typical politician could never do this, but both Trump and Elon Musk come from business backgrounds, so they don’t have the same aversion to making these kinds of tough decisions.
Of course, cutting government spending and reducing the money supply will help control inflation.
While this will be beneficial for the future of the U.S. economy, in the short term, it will hit the current economy hard.
Historically, the U.S. stock market has risen whenever the Federal Reserve (Fed) lowered interest rates or the government injected money into the economy. That is, stock prices increased when there was more money circulating in the market. However, if Trump moves forward with spending cuts, it will likely have a negative impact on the stock market.
Industries heavily reliant on government-funded projects may experience declining stock prices over the next 1–2 years. Of course, the future is uncertain, but it might be wise to explore investment opportunities outside these sectors.
- Trade Deficit & Tariff Policy
The U.S. is looking to resolve its trade deficit through tariff policies. The strategy involves pressuring companies to move manufacturing back to the U.S.
Currently, Trump has stated that he plans to impose tariffs on all countries worldwide. However, in practice, it is unlikely that he will follow through with this on such a broad scale.
The worst-case scenario for the U.S. would be if the country imposes tariffs on everyone, while other nations trade freely among themselves.
This would severely undermine the competitiveness of American products, forcing U.S. consumers to pay significantly higher prices for lower-quality goods.
If this situation persists—where U.S. trade shrinks while other countries' trade flourishes—it could even lead to global doubts about the necessity of using the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency.
Trump’s real strategy likely isn’t to tax all nations equally. Instead, he’s positioning himself in negotiations:
Some countries will face high tariffs.
Some will face lower tariffs, depending on the deal they strike with the U.S.
The Shift Toward a Block Economy
The global economic landscape is shifting away from full-scale free trade toward a "block economy" system.
Going forward, the world will likely be divided into three or four major economic blocs, where countries within each bloc benefit from tariff exemptions.
The U.S.-led economic block will likely include:
- Countries that possess semiconductor or high tech material industries but lack food and resource self-sufficiency, making them dependent on the U.S.
- Countries with cheap labor forces but structural limitations that prevent them from becoming major global powers.
-Countries where the U.S. can have a trade surplus
The primary goal of the U.S. in structuring block is to ensure that economic benefits from trade with the U.S. do not ultimately flow into "China".
Additionally, the U.S. is actively working to weaken competing economic blocs, particularly the one led by China—BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa).
This is one of Trump’s top priorities.
It is also why the U.S. has recently been more lenient toward Russia, despite it being part of BRICS.
The strategy is simple: split Russia from China. Russia is rich in natural resources, and if the U.S. can pull it away from China’s economic influence, it will significantly weaken China’s position.
Of course, the goal is not to completely ruin China, but rather to prevent it from challenging U.S. hegemony, similar to Japan's 'Lost 30 Years.' Instead of completely cutting off trade, the aim is to regulate it within limits that benefit U.S. dominance.
Different Shades of DisciplineIn my decade of trading experience I've come to realize through huge number of trials and errors that discipline in trading is a rather unique and not always universal beast.
While there are definitely broad categories of discipline trading like taking high-quality setups, correctly managing risk, taking profits, and so on; There are also many unique underlying reasons and mind-tangled cognitive dissonances that can become the cause of these lapses.
What I understood in my experience is that discipline seems to be transferrable from 1 area to another. Addicted to smoking? Perhaps, quitting can be beneficial to one's trading. However, not necessarily as some traders smoke (and can't quit that habit) for a different underlying reason and thus quitting for them might NOT be as beneficial for the former one. The devil seems to be in the details. Why one smokes? Is it a coping mechanism for stress, or is it a little ritual that one employs to consciously recalibrate themselves?
The key seems to be in action and number of trials and experiments. Attempting to try the routine of other people might not yield the best results for the expended effort. One person may run for many miles and enjoy that time, for another it will be excruciating agony to do that. The discipline required in that example would obviously be vastly different, and thus the effect that action produces also - different.
At the end of the day - the most important thing in trading is consistency, but coupled with PERSONAL unique discipline is something that gives us edge in the markets.
What happens if you give a TikTok trader a billion dollars?In this video, I covered the topic of accumulation and distribution of large positions.
I explained why big market players prefer using limit orders when building and offloading their positions.
I also talked about how retail traders — who I often call TikTok traders — tend to rely on market orders, and why the price is more likely to move against the masses of TikTok traders.
Understanding this is crucial when analyzing what’s really going on "under the hood" of the market. I’ll dive deeper into this in my upcoming posts.
So don’t miss out! Subscribe!
How to Backtest a Trading Strategy on TradingViewBacktesting is an essential part of developing a profitable trading strategy. It allows you to test how your system would have performed in past market conditions before risking real money.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of backtesting using TradingView’s Bar Replay Tool and other key methods. By the end, you’ll be able to analyze and optimize your strategy for better results.
📌 Step 1: Open Your Chart & Select a Timeframe
The first step in backtesting is choosing the right chart and timeframe based on your trading style:
Scalping → 1-minute (M1) or 5-minute (M5) charts
Day Trading → 15-minute (M15) or 1-hour (H1) charts
Swing Trading → 4-hour (H4) or daily (D1) charts
Select the asset you want to test (stocks, forex, crypto, indices, etc.) and ensure there’s enough historical data available.
Enough available data in this chart:
⏳ Step 2: Activate the Bar Replay Tool
TradingView’s Bar Replay Tool lets you scroll back in time and simulate live market conditions. Here’s how to use it:
Click on the "Replay" button in the top toolbar.
Select a point in the past where you want to begin your test.
The chart will "rewind," hiding future price action.
At this stage, you’re looking at the market as if it were happening in real-time. This prevents hindsight bias, which is when you unconsciously adjust decisions based on already knowing the outcome.
Enable it here:
Then choose a point on the chart:
📈 Step 3: Apply Your Trading Strategy
Now, it’s time to apply your chosen strategy. This could be:
Indicator-based strategies (e.g., EMA crossovers, MACD signals, RSI divergences).
Price action trading (e.g., support/resistance levels, candlestick patterns, chart patterns).
Algorithmic or rule-based trading (e.g., entry and exit conditions based on technical indicators).
The strategies above are just some examples so make sure to use your own strategy.
Make sure to document your trade setup, including:
✅ Entry conditions (What triggers a trade?)
✅ Stop-loss placement (Where do you exit if wrong?)
✅ Take-profit target (What is the goal?)
✅ Risk-to-reward ratio (Is it worth taking the trade?)
Here is an example how to draw it out on your chart:
▶️ Step 4: Play the Market & Record Your Trades
Now comes the real testing phase:
Press "Play" or use the "Step Forward" button to move price action forward bar by bar.
When a trade setup appears, log it in a trading journal or spreadsheet.
Record:
Entry price
Stop-loss level
Take-profit target
Win/Loss outcome
You can use a simple Google Sheet, Excel or Notion template to track results. The more data you collect, the better your analysis will be later.
📊 Step 5: Analyze Your Results & Optimize
After backtesting at least 50-100 trades, it’s time to analyze the performance of your strategy. Here are some key metrics to review:
Win Rate (%) → How many trades were profitable?
Risk-to-Reward Ratio → Are your winners bigger than your losers?
Drawdowns → What’s the worst losing streak your system encountered?
Market Conditions → Did your strategy perform better in trends or ranging markets?
🚀 Final Thoughts
Backtesting is a crucial step for any serious trader. It allows you to:
✅ Gain confidence in your strategy.
✅ Identify weaknesses and make adjustments.
✅ Avoid trading systems that don’t work before losing real money.
However, keep in mind that past performance does not guarantee future results. After backtesting, it’s best to forward-test your strategy in a demo account before using real capital.
__________________________________________
Have you backtested your strategy before? What were your results? Let me know in the comments! 💬
18 Times, +2000%, 5800 Days - All About NASDAQ100 Corrections!Hi, all!
I need to repost some of my recent ideas on TradingView due to issues with the platform's moderation. Let's start! The most up-to-date post is coming right away - one that serves as a timely reminder during these interesting times: never forget history.
From November 2008 to February 2025, the Nasdaq 100 (NDX) index has grown by over 2000%! Yes, that’s a 20x increase! This tech giant, made up of the 100 leading technology stocks, has shown impressive strength.
For comparison, the S&P 500 has risen about 820% in the same period. A great performance but Nasdaq 100 leaves it far behind.
Has this been a straight-line rise? Not really. Looking back, it may seem like the perfect investment. But the road was not smooth. Nasdaq 100’s success came with painful drops, investor panic, and moments when it felt like the market would never recover.
From the outside, everything looks great. But would you sit through a 30% drop, while the news is screaming about the "end of the world"?
So, I decided to analyze every correction of 10% or more since the market bottom in 2008.
- How long do corrections and recoveries last?
- How often do they happen?
- What should investors know?
- Can this help you in any way?
DATA ANALYSIS - 18 corrections in Nasdaq 100 (2008–2025), -10% or more.
Retracement Stats:
- Average drop: -15%
- Median drop: -13%
- Biggest drop: -37.72%
- Smallest drop: -10%
Correction Length (17 completed corrections): How many days does a correction last from the peak to the bottom?
- Average: 60 days
- Median: 35 days
- Longest: 325 days
- Shortest: 14 days
Recovery Time: From bottom back to new highs.
- Average: 165 days (~5.5 months)
- Median: 119 days (~4 months)
- Longest: 752 days (over 2 years)
- Shortest: 42 days (~1.5 months)
Correction Frequency
If we take a rough estimate, in 5800 days, there were 18 corrections, which means a correction happens every 322 days (~10.5 months) on average.
Total Time Spent in Corrections vs. Rising Markets
- Corrections lasted 1016 days
- Recoveries lasted 2801 days
- Total time spent in "work mode": 3817 days
- Total "smooth uptrend" days: 1983 days (~5.4 years)
Basically, like a hardworking employee – the market spends more time struggling than rising!
What Can Investors Learn from This?
1. Accept Volatility
Knowing that market swings are normal, investors can keep a long-term perspective and avoid panic-selling during downturns.
2. Nasdaq 100 Has Always Recovered
In the long run, Nasdaq 100 has always bounced back to new highs. Each recovery has been different, but so far, making new all-time highs has never been a problem.
3. Make Better Decisions
Understanding psychological biases helps investors make rational choices and manage risks better.
4. Market Drops = Opportunities, Not Threats
Most big market rallies started when most investors were too scared to buy.
"A simple rule dictates my buying: Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful." – Warren Buffett
Market drops always feel unique and scary but history shows they follow repeating patterns. And those who keep their emotions in check have the best opportunities.
"The time to buy is when there's blood in the streets." – Baron Rothschild
Final Thoughts: Is the current retracement a buying opportunity? No one knows for sure but history suggests - stay calm!
So, that's all. Like & Boost if you find this useful! 🚀
Have great day,
Vaido
💬 Before you leave... What’s your take on the current Nasdaq 100 correction? Drop your thoughts in the comments 👇
Different Ways to Manage Your TradesFinding the perfect trade setup is just one part of the equation. How you manage that trade can be the difference between consistent profits and missed opportunities. In this video, I’ll break down the different ways you can manage your trades and how each method impacts your results.
We’ll cover essential trade management techniques, including setting fixed take-profits and stop-loss levels, using trailing stops to lock in gains, scaling out of positions with partial profits, and actively monitoring trades for dynamic adjustments. Each method has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the key is finding what aligns with your trading style, risk tolerance, and market conditions.
I’ll also share insights on how I utilize trade management to maximize returns while keeping risk under control. Whether you prefer a hands-off approach or actively managing your trades in real time, this video will help you refine your execution and make smarter decisions.
Watch the full breakdown now, and let me know in the comments, how do you manage your trades?
- R2F Trading
An Easy Method for Identifying Wave and Cycle Endings! :)Hello, you don’t need to discover anything else to make money in this market. Simply by identifying peaks and valleys at the same level, which align in terms of numbers, degrees, and angles, you can easily earn a lot of money. Don’t get caught up in vague and useless information, my friends. Much respect, Ehsan :)
Index Investing: A Practical Approach to Market ParticipationIndex Investing: A Practical Approach to Market Participation
Index investing has become a popular way for traders and investors to access the broader market. By tracking the performance of financial indices like the S&P 500 or FTSE 100, index investing offers diversification, lower costs, and steady exposure to market trends. This article explores how index investing works, its advantages, potential risks, and strategies to suit different goals.
Index Investing Definition
Index investing is a strategy where traders and investors focus on tracking the performance of a specific financial market index, such as the FTSE 100 or S&P 500. These indices represent a collection of stocks or other assets, grouped to reflect a segment of the market. Instead of picking individual assets, index investors aim to match the returns of the entire index by investing in a fund that mirrors its composition.
For example, if an investor puts money in a fund tracking the Nasdaq-100, it’s effectively spread across all companies in that index, including tech giants like Apple or Microsoft. This approach provides instant diversification, as the investor is not reliant on the performance of a single stock.
This style of investing is often seen as a straightforward way to gain exposure to broad market trends without the need for active stock picking. Many investors choose exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for this purpose, as they trade on stock exchanges like individual shares and often come with lower fees compared to actively managed funds.
How Index Investing Works
Indices are constructed by grouping a selection of assets—usually stocks—to represent a specific market or sector. For instance, the S&P 500 includes 500 large-cap US companies, weighted by their market capitalisation. This means larger companies like Apple and Amazon have a greater impact on the index performance than smaller firms. The same principle applies to indices like the FTSE 100, which represents the 100 largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Index funds aim to mirror the performance of these indices. Fund managers have two primary methods for this: direct replication and synthetic replication. With direct replication, the fund buys and holds every asset in the market, matching their exact proportions. For example, a fund tracking the Nasdaq-100 would hold shares of all 100 companies in that index.
Synthetic replication, on the other hand, uses derivatives like swaps to mimic the index's returns without directly holding the assets. This method can reduce costs but introduces counterparty risk, as it relies on financial agreements with third parties.
Because index investing doesn’t involve constant buying and selling of assets, funds typically have lower management fees compared to actively managed portfolios. Fund managers don’t need to research individual stocks or adjust holdings frequently, making this a cost-efficient option for gaining exposure to broad market trends.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Index Investing
Index investing has become a popular choice for those looking for a straightforward way to align their portfolios with market performance. However, while it offers some clear advantages, there are also limitations worth considering. Let’s break it down:
Advantages
- Diversification: By investing in an index fund, investors gain exposure to a broad range of assets, reducing the impact of poor performance from any single stock. For instance, tracking the S&P 500 spreads investments across 500 companies.
- Cost-Efficiency: Index funds often have lower fees compared to actively managed funds because they require less trading and oversight. Passive management keeps costs low, which can lead to higher net returns over time.
- Transparency: Indices are publicly listed, so investors always know which assets they are invested in and how those assets are weighted.
- Consistent Market Exposure: These funds aim to match the performance of the market segment they track, providing reliable exposure to its overall trends.
- Accessibility: As exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are traded on stock exchanges, this allows investors to buy into large markets with the same simplicity as purchasing a single stock.
Disadvantages
- Limited Flexibility: Index funds strictly follow the composition of the underlying assets, meaning they can’t respond to other market opportunities or avoid underperforming sectors.
- Market Risk: Since these funds mirror the broader market, they’re fully exposed to downturns. If the market drops, so will the fund’s value.
- Tracking Errors: Some funds may not perfectly replicate an index due to fees or slight differences in holdings, which can cause performance to deviate.
- Lack of Customisation: Broad-based investing doesn’t allow for personalisation based on individual preferences or ethical considerations.
Index Investing Strategies
Index investing isn’t just about buying a fund and waiting—an index investment strategy can be tailored to suit different goals and market conditions. Here are some of the most common strategies investors use:
Buy-and-Hold
This long-term index investing strategy involves purchasing an index fund and holding it for years, potentially decades. The aim is to capture overall market growth over time, which has historically trended upwards. This strategy works well for those who value simplicity and are focused on building wealth gradually.
Sector Rotation
Some investors focus on specific sectors within indices, such as technology or healthcare, depending on economic trends. This strategy can help take advantage of sectors expected to outperform while avoiding less promising areas. For instance, in periods of economic downturn, investors might allocate funds to the MSCI Consumer Staples Index, given consumer staples’ defensive nature.
Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA)
Rather than investing a lump sum, this index fund investing strategy involves putting money away regularly—say monthly—into indices, regardless of market performance. DCA reduces the impact of market volatility by spreading purchases over time.
The Boglehead Three-Fund Index Portfolio
Inspired by Vanguard founder John Bogle, this strategy is a popular approach for simplicity and diversification. It involves splitting index investments across three areas: a domestic stock fund, an international stock fund, and a bond fund. This mix provides broad market exposure and balances growth with risk. According to theory, the strategy is cost-efficient and adaptable to individual risk tolerance, making it a favourite among long-term index investors.
Hedging with Index CFDs
Traders looking for potential shorter-term opportunities might use index CFDs to hedge against broader market movements or amplify their exposure to a specific trend. With CFDs, traders can go long or short, depending on their analysis, without owning the underlying funds or shares.
Who Usually Considers Investing in Indices?
Index investing isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, but it can suit a variety of investors depending on their goals and preferences. Here’s a look at who might find this strategy appealing:
Long-Term Investors
For those with a long investment horizon, such as individuals saving for retirement, this style of investing offers a practical way to grow wealth over time. By capturing the overall market performance, investors can build a portfolio that aligns with steady, long-term trends.
Passive Investors
If investors prefer a hands-off approach, index funds can be an option. They require minimal effort to maintain, as they simply track the performance of the market. This makes them appealing to those who want exposure to the markets without constantly managing their investments.
Cost-Conscious Investors
These passive funds typically have lower management fees than actively managed funds, making them attractive to those who want to minimise costs. Over time, this cost-efficiency might enhance overall returns.
Diversification Seekers
Investors who value broad exposure will appreciate the inherent diversification of index funds. By investing in an index, they’re spreading risks across dozens—or even hundreds—of assets, reducing reliance on any single stock.
CFD Index Trading
However, not everyone wants and can invest in funds. Index investing may be very complicated and require substantial funds. It’s where CFD trading may offer an alternative way to engage with index investing, giving traders access to markets without needing to directly own the underlying assets.
With CFDs, or Contracts for Difference, traders can speculate on the price movements of an index—such as the S&P 500, FTSE 100, or DAX—whether the market is rising or falling. This flexibility makes CFDs particularly appealing to those who want to take a more active role in the markets.
One key advantage of CFDs is the ability to trade with leverage. Leverage allows traders to control a larger position than their initial capital, amplifying potential returns. For instance, with 10:1 leverage, a $1,000 deposit can control a $10,000 position on an index. However, it’s crucial to remember that leverage also increases risk, magnifying losses as well as potential returns.
CFDs also enable short selling, allowing traders to take advantage of bearish market conditions. If a trader analyses that a specific index may decline, they can open a short position and potentially generate returns from the downturn—a feature not easily accessible with traditional funds.
CFDs can also be used to trade stocks and ETFs. For example, stock CFDs let traders focus on individual companies within an index, such as Apple or Tesla, without needing to buy the shares outright. ETF CFDs, on the other hand, allow for diversification across sectors or themes, mirroring the performance of specific industries or broader markets.
One notable feature of CFD trading is its accessibility to global markets. From the Nikkei 225 in Japan to the Dow Jones in the US, traders can access indices from around the world, opening up potential opportunities in different time zones and economies.
In short, for active traders looking to amplify their exposure to indices or explore potential short-term opportunities, CFD trading can be more suitable than traditional indices investing.
The Bottom Line
Index investing offers a practical way to gain market exposure, while trading index CFDs adds flexibility for active traders. With CFDs, you can get exposure to indices, ETFs and stocks. Moreover, you can take advantage of both rising and falling prices without the need to wait for upward trends. Whether you're aiming for long-term growth or potential short-term opportunities, combining these approaches can diversify your strategy.
With FXOpen, you can trade index, stock, and ETF CFDs from global markets, alongside hundreds of other assets. Open an FXOpen account today to explore trading with low costs and tools designed for traders of all levels. Good luck!
FAQ
What Is Index Investing?
Index investing involves tracking the performance of a specific financial market index, such as the S&P 500 or FTSE 100, by investing in funds that mirror the index. It provides broad market exposure and is often seen as a straightforward, passive investment strategy.
What Are Index Funds?
Index funds are financial instruments created to mirror the performance of a particular market index. They’re commonly structured as mutual funds or ETFs. At FXOpen, you can trade CFDs on a wide range of ETFs, including the one that tracks the performance of the S&P 500 index.
What Makes Indices Useful?
Indices offer a benchmark for understanding market performance and provide a way to diversify investments. By representing a segment of the market, they allow investors and traders to gain exposure to multiple assets in one investment.
Is It Better to Invest in Indices or Stocks?
It depends on your goals. According to theory, indices provide diversification and potentially lower risk compared to picking individual stocks, but stocks might offer higher potential returns. Many traders and investors combine both approaches for a balanced portfolio.
Does Index Investing Really Work?
As with any financial asset, the effectiveness of investing depends on an investor’s or trader’s trading skills and strategy. According to theory, the S&P 500 has averaged annual returns of about 10% over several decades, making index investments potentially effective. However, this doesn’t mean index investing will work for everyone.
What Are the Big 3 Index Funds?
The "Big 3" index funds often refer to those from Vanguard, BlackRock (iShares), and State Street (SPDR), which collectively manage a significant portion of global fund assets. For example, at FXOpen, you can trade CFDs on SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) tracking the S&P 500 stock market index and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) which reflects the performance of the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index.
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.
The Beauty of Elliott Wave.Wave 3 corrects in a Flat formation that is exactly 100% of Green Wave A. Upon completion, there is beautiful retest and a big move downwards to complete Blue Wave C and hence Wave 4 of the Flat. Wave 4 also corrects at 50% of the Red Wave 3. This whole Flat occurs between 161.8% and 261.8% of the main Wave. This is a weekly time frame and these are some massive moves showing that the market obeys Elliott Wave Principles at all levels of time.
What to do after you missed a big price move (Example: EUR/USD)There was a big fast move in EUR/USD last week.
The ‘European currencies’ did especially well versus the US dollar, including GBP/USD and USD/CHF as well as the ‘Skandies’ SEK/USD and NOK/USD.
If you rode the move, then job done. If you did ride the move up, you might have taken full profits already - or maybe you are leaving a little bit of the position open to ride any continuation of the move.
But, what to do if you missed it completely?
Explosive moves in the market usually mean traders who were on the ‘losing’ side step out for a while, having lost confidence in their view. For example if you were bearish and the market makes a significant move higher - you’re probably going to be a lot less confident in your bearish view - but perhaps also not ready to take an opposite bullish view. The loss of sellers in the market can see the up-move continue with minimal pullback.
This might suggest buying any small dips to ride the next leg higher, and emotionally it would offer some salvation to capture the second leg of the move even if you missed the first leg. However, what you are doing here is ‘chasing the market’.
One trouble is that after a big move in the market, there is no definitive place to put your stop loss, except at the beginning of the move - which is now far away. That's a bad risk: reward.
It is tempting to place a closer (more manageable) stop loss under lower timeframe levels of support - but then you find yourself trading an unknown strategy that requires different rules to follow because it is based on a lower timeframe.
And indeed, after a sharp move in the market - there is still a chance for a sharp pullback to match. Why? Because buyers quickly take profits on their unexpected quick gains, which will create selling pressure into minimal support - because the next support level is far away.
A sharp pullback would mean an opportunity to buy into the uptrend at a lower level, closer to the previous support. But then the flipside of the sharp pullback is that it raises questions over the sustainability of the initial move.
Probably the biggest takeaway here is not to think about this ‘explosive’ move in isolation.
Instead of forcing a trade, consider:
1. Waiting for the right setup in the same market. If your strategy is based on structured breakouts, wait for the next clean consolidation or pattern before re-engaging. A big move often leads to a new setup—but forcing a trade in the middle of a volatile move isn’t a strategy, it’s FOMO.
2. Looking at uncorrelated markets. Just because EUR/USD already made a big move doesn’t mean you have to trade it now. If you want to be in at the start of a move, shift focus to another market that hasn’t yet made its move.
3. Sticking to your edge. If your strategy works over hundreds of trades, don’t abandon it just because one market moved without you. The next opportunity will come—if not in this market, then in another.
Again, the best trades don’t come from reacting to what already happened, but from positioning for what’s about to happen. If you missed the move, accept it, reset, and wait for the next high-quality setup—whether in the same market or somewhere else.