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Liquidity Sweeps: A Complete Guide to Smart Money Manipulation!🔹 What is a Liquidity Sweep? A liquidity sweep occurs when price temporarily moves beyond a key level, such as a previous swing high or low to trigger stop-losses and lure breakout traders into bad positions before reversing in the opposite direction. This is a classic smart money technique used to grab liquidity before initiating the real move. Financial markets need liquidity to function, and institutions (smart money) can’t enter or exit large positions without it. Instead of chasing price like retail traders, they manipulate price to engineered levels where liquidity is resting, allowing them to fill their orders without causing massive slippage. 🔹 How Liquidity Works in the Market To understand liquidity sweeps, it’s important to know where liquidity pools exist. These are areas where a high number of stop-loss orders and pending market orders are placed. Stop-loss liquidity: Traders set stop-losses above swing highs and below swing lows. When price hits these levels, stop-loss orders trigger as market orders, adding fuel for big moves. Breakout trader liquidity: Many traders enter buy trades when a high is broken and sell trades when a low is broken. Smart money often uses these breakout orders as liquidity before reversing the market. Essentially, liquidity sweeps allow smart money to take the opposite side of retail traders’ positions before moving the market in their favor. 🔹 Identifying Liquidity Sweeps on the Chart A valid liquidity sweep has three key components: 1️⃣ A Key Liquidity Zone: Look for well-defined swing highs and lows where stop-losses are likely sitting. Equal highs and equal lows are prime targets because many traders place stops there. Areas with high trading activity (volume profile levels, POCs) are also potential liquidity pools. 2️⃣ A Quick Price Spike Through That Level: Price briefly moves beyond a high or low, triggering stop-losses and luring breakout traders in the wrong direction. This move often happens suddenly, with a sharp candle wick or a short-term breakout that quickly fails. 3️⃣ An Immediate Reversal (Rejection): Price fails to hold above/below the liquidity level and reverses aggressively. Strong rejection candles like long wicks, bearish engulfing (after a buy-side sweep), or bullish engulfing (after a sell-side sweep) confirm the sweep. The stronger the rejection, the higher the probability that smart money just manipulated price to collect liquidity before the real move. 🔹 Types of Liquidity Sweeps 🔸 Buy-Side Liquidity Sweep (Bull Trap) Price spikes above a key high, triggering stop-losses from short sellers and inducing breakout buyers. If price fails to hold above that level and quickly reverses, it confirms the sweep. This is a signal that price is likely to drop as smart money absorbs liquidity before selling off. Example of a buy side liquidity sweep (BSL) 🔸 Sell-Side Liquidity Sweep (Bear Trap) Price dips below a key low, triggering stop-losses from long traders and trapping breakout sellers. If price fails to hold below that level and quickly reverses, it confirms the sweep. This is a signal that price is likely to rise as smart money collects liquidity before pushing higher. A liquidity sweep is not just a random wick, it’s a strategic price move designed to trap traders before a reversal. Example of a sell side liquidity sweep (SSL) 🔹 Why Liquidity Sweeps Matter Liquidity sweeps provide traders with some of the highest probability reversal signals because they: ✔ Show where institutions and smart money are active ✔ Confirm major support and resistance levels ✔ Help traders avoid false breakouts ✔ Provide excellent risk-to-reward setups Once a liquidity sweep is confirmed, price often moves aggressively in the opposite direction, as smart money has finished collecting liquidity and is now driving price toward their true target. 🔹 How to Use Liquidity Sweeps in Your Trading 1️⃣ Identify Key Liquidity Zones Mark previous swing highs and lows where traders are likely placing stop-losses. Pay attention to equal highs/lows and tight consolidations, as these areas tend to hold a lot of liquidity. Use volume profile tools to see where the highest liquidity clusters exist. 2️⃣ Wait for a Liquidity Sweep & Rejection Don’t enter just because price broke a high/low, wait for confirmation. A strong rejection candle (wick, engulfing pattern, pin bar, etc.) signals that the sweep was a trap. Lower timeframes (5m, 15m) can help confirm entry after a sweep happens on higher timeframes. 3️⃣ Combine with Other Confluences Liquidity sweeps are most effective when combined with: ✅ Fair Value Gaps (FVGs): Price often sweeps liquidity before filling an imbalance. ✅ Order Blocks: Smart money enters positions at order block levels after a sweep. ✅ Fibonacci Retracements: Sweeps often happen near the Golden Pocket (0.618 - 0.65). ✅ Volume Profile (POC): If a sweep happens near a Point of Control (POC), it adds extra confluence. The more confirmations you have, the higher the probability of a successful trade! 🔹 Common Mistakes Traders Make with Liquidity Sweeps Entering too early: A liquidity sweep needs confirmation. Wait for a clear rejection before trading. Ignoring higher timeframes: The strongest sweeps happen on 1H, 4H, and Daily charts. Lower timeframes can be noisy. Forgetting the invalidation rule: If price closes above/below the liquidity sweep level, the move may not be valid. Chasing price after a sweep: Always look for an optimal entry (retracement to a key level) rather than impulsively entering. 🔹 Advanced Tips for Trading Liquidity Sweeps 📌 Use Time-of-Day Analysis: Liquidity sweeps often occur before major sessions open (London, New York, etc.). Many sweeps happen during high impact news releases, be cautious. 📌 Look for Repeated Sweeps at the Same Level: If price sweeps liquidity multiple times without follow through, it increases the chance of a strong reversal. A double or triple sweep is a powerful confirmation that smart money is manipulating price before a real move. 📌 Use Liquidity Sweeps for Entry & Exit Points: Entering after a confirmed liquidity sweep can provide great risk-to-reward setups. Use liquidity sweeps as take-profit targets if price is approaching a key high/low, expect a sweep before reversal. 📌 Final Thoughts: Mastering Liquidity Sweeps Liquidity sweeps are one of the most powerful tools in a trader’s arsenal because they reveal smart money’s true intentions. By understanding how they work, traders can: ✅ Avoid being trapped by false breakouts ✅ Identify high-probability reversal points ✅ Follow smart money instead of fighting it Next time you see price breaking a high or low, don’t immediately assume it’s a breakout. Look for the liquidity sweep if it happens, it could be a game changer for your trading strategy. 🚀 Also, check out our Liquidity sweep indicator! __________________________________________ 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! 📈✨
KRAKEN:BTCUSDEducation
by TehThomas
EURSEK at Major Support Level – Bullish Rebound ExpectedOANDA:EURSEK is approaching a key demand zone, which has historically acted as strong support. The recent sharp decline has brought the price back into this area, increasing the likelihood of a potential bullish reaction. If buyers step in and confirm support within this zone, we could see a rebound toward the 11.25000 level, aligning with a corrective move after the recent sell-off. However, failure to hold this support could signal further downside continuation. Traders should watch for bullish confirmation signals, such as rejection wicks, bullish engulfing patterns, or increased buying volume, before considering long positions.
Long
by DanieIM
3
NZDUSD at Key Support - Bullish Continuation SetupOANDA:NZDUSD has broken above a key resistance zone, which has now flipped to support, aligning with a potential bullish continuation. The recent retest of this level held successfully, indicating strong buyer interest and reinforcing the bullish outlook. After making a new high, price has now pulled back for another retest of this support zone, presenting a potential continuation setup. If buyers step in at this level, the price could resume its upward momentum toward 0.57610 as the next key target. A strong rejection from this zone would further confirm bullish strength. However, a deeper breakdown below the support area could indicate a shift in momentum. Monitoring price action for bullish confirmation will be key before entering long positions. What’s your outlook on this setup? Let me know your thoughts!
Long
by DanieIM
1
EURUSD 26 Feb 2025 W9 - Intraday AnalysisThis is my Intraday analysis on EURUSD for 26 Feb 2025 W9 based on Smart Money Concept (SMC) which includes the following: Market Sentiment 4H Chart Analysis 15m Chart Analysis Market Sentiment Today economic news: No Major economic news scheduled today. The market still in the same sentiment detailed in my Weekly Analysis . Below a summary: Short-Term Bias: Cautiously bullish for EUR/USD, driven by optimism over delayed tariffs, geopolitical progress, and hopes for softer inflation. Key Risks: A hot PCE report reviving Fed hawkishness. Sudden tariff escalations or breakdowns in peace talks. 4H Chart Analysis 1️⃣ 🔹Swing Bullish (Reached Swing Extreme Demand) 🔹INT Bearish (Reached Extreme Supply) 🔹INT-INT Bullish (Reached EQ (50%) 🔹Swing Continuation 2️⃣ 🔹With the deep pullback to the Bullish Swing extreme discount and mitigating the 4H/Daily demand zones, price turned Bullish forming a Bullish CHoCH. 🔹The current Bullish move from Swing extreme discount to current price level having 2 scenarios (Previously I’d the following 2 scenarios where now I favors the 2nd scenario due to the impulsive nature of the move): Scenario 1: Pullback for Bearish INT Structure and with the recent Bearish CHoCK and Minor Demand zones are failing, I expect Bearish continuation to target the Weak INT Low which aligns with the Daily/Weekly Bearish Structure/Move. (Counter Swing – Pro Internal) Scenario 2: Bullish Swing continuation to target the Weak Swing High. Which requires to have Demand holding and Supply failing. The first sign required to confirm this scenario will be the current Demand which price is currently at to hold and we form a Bullish CHoCH. (Pro Swing – Counter Internal) 🔹With this week open, price continued Bullish as expected and created another ii-BOS after which price started PB for the ii-BOS and reached the recent Demand which we could see the next Bullish move from. 3️⃣ 🔹Still expectation is set to continue Bullish targeting the Weak Swing High as long LTFs holds Bullish structures. Also, In my mind I’m not neglecting the current Bearish 4H INT structure and we already reached that structure extreme. 15m Chart Analysis 1️⃣ 🔹Swing Bullish 🔹INT Bullish 🔹Reached Swing EQ (50%)/Discount 🔹Swing Continuation Phase 2️⃣ 🔹After the 15m Bullish BOS, price initiated the Swing PB Phase. 🔹Price reached the 15m Swing EQ (50%) and turned Bullish after the INT structure changed to Bullish iBOS indicating that the Swing PB maybe over and we are currently starting the Swing Bullish continuation Phase. 🔹As price continued Bullish yesterday with Bullish iBOS. Currently with the recent iBOS we started the pullback and reached the INT structure extreme Demand where price can start the INT structure Bullish continuation and target the Weak INT High and ultimately the Weak 15m Swing High. 🔹If price failed to hold the INT structure Bullish and Turned Bearish, there is a high probability that we will continue Bearish based on the DXY PB Phase on 4H (PB after Bearish iBOS) and price may target the Strong 15m Swing Low. 3️⃣ 🔹Expectations is set to continue Bullish with the 15m / 4H INT & Swing are all Bullish while also cautious about the possibility of price to turn Bearish iBOS.
by Amr-Sadek
NAS100 at Key Support – Bullish Rebound Ahead?PEPPERSTONE:NAS100 is currently testing a major demand zone, which has previously acted as strong support. The recent bearish move has brought price into this key area, increasing the probability of a potential bullish reversal. If buyers step in and defend this zone, we could see a bounce toward the 21,655 level, aligning with a short-term recovery from the current dip. However, a break and close below this support zone would invalidate the bullish bias and could lead to further declines. Traders should look for bullish confirmation signals such as rejection wicks, bullish engulfing candles, or a shift in momentum before considering long positions. Do you agree with this analysis? Drop your thoughts below!
ICMARKETS:USTECLong
by DanieIM
1
WHEAT at Key Support Zone – Bullish Bounce ExpectedPEPPERSTONE:WHEAT has approached a key support zone, marked by previous price reactions and strong buying interest. This area has previously acted as a demand zone, increasing the likelihood of a bullish bounce if buyers step in. The current market structure suggests that if the price confirms support within this zone, we could see a reversal toward 573.0, a logical target based on prior price behavior and current structure. A clear bullish signal, such as a rejection wick or bullish engulfing candle, would strengthen this outlook. However, if the price breaks below this support zone, the bullish scenario may be invalidated, signaling potential further downside. Just my take on support and resistance zones—not financial advice. Always confirm your setups and trade with solid risk management. Best of luck!
PEPPERSTONE:WHEATLong
by TrendDiva
1
Key Liquidity Zone in Play – Sniper Bounce to ATH? (XAU/USD)Alright GTK Family! 🏆 Here are our key zones for today: 🔹 4H Bullish OB Holding… For Now – Price is currently respecting our 4H Bullish OB, but the chances of breaking through aren’t slim considering the extreme bearish momentum from market open. 📉 🔹 Liquidity Grab & Bounce? – If price breaks below the OB, I expect a sweep of liquidity at the Feb 10 Weekly Low, followed by a strong push back up towards ATH. 💧🚀 🔹 Bearish Scenario? – If price rejects upwards, the next key resistance is the 4H Bearish FVG, which could be a selling opportunity, but it would be a riskier trade. ⚠️ 📍 Key Levels to Watch: ✅ 4H Bullish OB – Holding as support (for now) 🟢 ✅ Feb 10 Weekly Low – Major liquidity zone 💧 ❌ 4H Bearish FVG – Potential sell area, but risky 🔴 🎯 ATH Target – If bulls regain control 🚀
FOREXCOM:XAUUSDLong
by GoldTraderKaan
EURNZD: Potential Sell Setup at Key Resistance LevelOANDA:EURNZD is approaching a significant resistance zone, marked by prior price rejections and strong selling pressure. This area has historically acted as a key supply zone, increasing the likelihood of a bearish reaction if sellers regain control. The recent bullish momentum has brought price back into this zone, making it a crucial level to watch. If sellers step in and confirm resistance, we could see a decline toward the 1.82920 level. However, a break above this resistance zone would invalidate the bearish bias and could signal further upside continuation. Traders should watch for confirmation signals such as rejection wicks, bearish engulfing patterns, or increased selling volume before considering short positions.
Short
by DanieIM
1
EURUSD 27 Feb 2025 W9 - Intraday Analysis - US GDP Day!This is my Intraday analysis on EURUSD for 27 Feb 2025 W9 based on Smart Money Concept (SMC) which includes the following: Market Sentiment 4H Chart Analysis 15m Chart Analysis Market Sentiment Heavy economic news: US: Durable Goods Orders - GDP - Initial Jobless Claims - Pending Home Sales The market still in the same sentiment detailed in my Weekly Analysis . Below a summary: Short-Term Bias: Cautiously bullish for EUR/USD, driven by optimism over delayed tariffs, geopolitical progress, and hopes for softer inflation. Key Risks: A hot PCE report reviving Fed hawkishness. Sudden tariff escalations or breakdowns in peace talks. 4H Chart Analysis 1️⃣ 🔹Swing Bullish (Reached Swing Extreme Demand) 🔹INT Bearish (Reached Extreme Supply) 🔹INT-INT Bullish (Swept ii-High Liq.) 🔹Swing Continuation 2️⃣ 🔹Is the Bearish INT structure still intact?! This is the 1st scenario of the current 4H Bullish Swing PB. INT Structure still Bearish and we reached the INT Structure Extreme and now failing to break the Weak Swing High (Not confirmed yet, we need at least a Bearish ii-BOS) and LTFs started to show weakness that may support this scenario. 🔹Currently price had swept the Liq. above the Weak ii-High and created a bearish CHoCH. 🔹With that failure to break the Weak High, the low that failed to break the high is now the target. With that low having Liq. below and above the unmitigated 4H Demand, there is a probability that we may mitigate the 4H Demand after taking the Liq. reside above to continue Bullish if and only if price started to show Bullish on LTFs where its going to have Bullish Structures. 3️⃣ 🔹Expectations is set to Bearish to target the Liq. above the unmitigated 4H Demand and maybe after we will have the Bullish continuation from the current move is looking for more Liq. to target the Weak Swing High. 🔹Also, keep in mind that today is having US Volatile new and tomorrow is the most awaited US PCE report where will have high volatility. (It’s always the rule of investors positioning before high volatile reports) 15m Chart Analysis 1️⃣ 🔹Swing Bullish 🔹INT Bearish 🔹Swept Liq. above Weak Swing High 2️⃣ 🔹With the INT structure turned Bearish yesterday in LDN session, this indicated that there is weakness in the 15m Swing continuation. 🔹Also, with Trump talk yesterday on Tariffs, this didn’t help price to hold Bullish and formed another Bearish iBOS after failing to break the Weak Swing High and just swept the Liq. above and confirmed Bearish INT structure. 🔹With failure to break the Weak Swing High, there is a HP that price will target the Low that failed to break the Swing High. The low that failed to break the high is having Liq. below above the 4H Demand where if price to keep the 15m Swing Bullish, this is the zone where we will see Bullish continuation from. 3️⃣ 🔹Expectation is set to continue Bearish as intraday targeting the Liq. below the lows and mitigating the 4H Demand for maybe a Bullish continuation later after confirmation.
by Amr-Sadek
GBPAUD - Short Setup at Key Resistance LevelOANDA:GBPAUD is approaching a major resistance zone, an area where sellers have consistently stepped in, leading to notable reversals in the past. This level is marked by strong selling interest and historical price reactions, increasing the likelihood of a bearish move if sellers regain control. The current price action suggests that if the pair confirms resistance through bearish engulfing candles, long upper wicks, or increased selling volume, we could see a downward move toward the 1.99200 level. However, if the price breaks above this zone, the bearish outlook could be invalidated, opening the door for further upside. Just my take on support and resistance zones—not financial advice. Always confirm your setups and trade with solid risk management. Best of luck!
Short
by TrendDiva
1
CADCHF at Major Support Level – Bullish Rebound ExpectedOANDA:CADCHF is approaching a significant support zone, marked by prior price rejections and strong buying pressure. This area has historically acted as a key demand zone, indicating the potential for a pullback if buyers regain control. The current market structure suggests that if the price confirms a rejection from this support zone, there is a high likelihood of an upward move. I anticipate that if rejection occurs, the market may head higher toward the 0.62870 level, which represents a logical target within the current market structure. If you agree with this analysis or have additional insights, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
Long
by DanieIM
1
GBPNZD - Potential Sell Opportunity at Resistance LevelOANDA:GBPNZD is approaching a significant resistance zone, marked by previous strong price rejections. This area has consistently acted as a turning point, suggesting the potential for another bearish reaction if sellers step in. If the price shows clear signs of rejection from this resistance zone, I anticipate a move downward toward the 2.20620 level, which serves as a logical target for this setup. Conversely, a clean breakout above the resistance zone could signal a potential bullish continuation. Traders should monitor for bearish confirmation signals, such as bearish engulfing candles, long upper wicks rejecting the resistance, or increased selling volume before considering short positions. Let me know your thoughts or any additional insights you might have!
Short
by DanieIM
1
ALUMINIUM at Key Resistance – Potential Drop to 2,630FUSIONMARKETS:XALUSD has reached a significant resistance zone, marked by prior price rejections and strong selling pressure. The current market structure suggests that if the price confirms a rejection from this resistance zone, there is a high likelihood of a downward move. I anticipate that if rejection occurs, the market may head lower toward the 2,630 level, which represents a logical target within the current market structure. Just my take on support and resistance zones—not financial advice. Always confirm your setups and trade with solid risk management.
FUSIONMARKETS:XALUSDShort
by TrendDiva
1
EURCAD – Bullish Continuation Toward 1.49730OANDA:EURCAD has broken above a key resistance zone around 1.49000, which has now flipped to support, aligning with a potential bullish continuation. The recent retest of this level held successfully, indicating strong buyer interest and reinforcing the bullish outlook. With momentum favoring the upside, the next logical target is 1.49730, aligning with the upper boundary of the ascending channel. As long as the price remains above the 1.49000 support, the bullish bias stays intact. If you agree with this analysis or have additional insights, feel free to share your thoughts here!
Long
by DanieIM
3
EURUSD 25 Feb 2025 W9 -Intraday Analysis- US Consumer ConfidenceThis is my Intraday analysis on EURUSD for 25 Feb 2025 W9 based on Smart Money Concept (SMC) which includes the following: Market Sentiment 4H Chart Analysis 15m Chart Analysis Market Sentiment Today economic news: US : Consumer Confidence The market still in the same sentiment detailed in my Weekly Analysis . Below a summary: Short-Term Bias: Cautiously bullish for EUR/USD, driven by optimism over delayed tariffs, geopolitical progress, and hopes for softer inflation. Key Risks: A hot PCE report reviving Fed hawkishness. Sudden tariff escalations or breakdowns in peace talks. 4H Chart Analysis 1️⃣ 🔹Swing Bullish (Reached Swing Extreme Demand) 🔹INT Bearish (Reached Extreme Supply) 🔹INT-INT Bullish (Reached EQ (50%) 🔹Swing Continuation 2️⃣ 🔹With the deep pullback to the Bullish Swing extreme discount and mitigating the 4H/Daily demand zones, price turned Bullish forming a Bullish CHoCH. 🔹The current Bullish move from Swing extreme discount to current price level having 2 scenarios (Previously I’d the following 2 scenarios where now I favors the 2nd scenario due to the impulsive nature of the move): Scenario 1: Pullback for Bearish INT Structure and with the recent Bearish CHoCK and Minor Demand zones are failing, I expect Bearish continuation to target the Weak INT Low which aligns with the Daily/Weekly Bearish Structure/Move. (Counter Swing – Pro Internal) Scenario 2: Bullish Swing continuation to target the Weak Swing High. Which requires to have Demand holding and Supply failing. The first sign required to confirm this scenario will be the current Demand which price is currently at to hold and we form a Bullish CHoCH. (Pro Swing – Counter Internal) 🔹With this week open, price continued Bullish as expected and created another ii-BOS after which price started PB for the ii-BOS and reached the recent Demand which we could see the next Bullish move from. 3️⃣ 🔹Still expectation is set to continue Bullish targeting the Weak Swing High as long LTFs holds Bullish structures. Also, In my mind I’m not neglecting the current Bearish 4H INT structure and we already reached that structure extreme. 15m Chart Analysis 1️⃣ 🔹Swing Bullish 🔹INT Bullish 🔹Reached Swing EQ (50%)/Discount 🔹Swing Continuation Phase 2️⃣ 🔹After the 15m Bullish BOS, price initiated the Swing PB Phase. 🔹Price reached the 15m Swing EQ (50%) and turned Bullish after the INT structure changed to Bullish iBOS indicating that the Swing PB maybe over and we are currently starting the Swing Bullish continuation Phase. 3️⃣ 🔹Expectations is set to continue Bullish with the 15m / 4H INT & Swing are all Bullish. 🔹Price targets are 15m Weak INT High and ultimately 15m Weak Swing High.
by Amr-Sadek