Learn How to Avoid Margin Call in Trading
Hey traders,
In this educational article, I will share with you 5 simple tips that will help you not to blow your trading and avoid margin call.
1️⃣ Always Use Stop Loss.
Let's start with the obvious - with the stop loss order.
Never ever trade without that. Before you open your trade, plan in advance its placement, stick to it once the position becomes active and never remove it.
2️⃣ Manage Your Position Sizes
I know that most of you are trading with a fixed lot. That is a bad habit. You should measure the lot size for each trading position you take. You should define in advance the risk percentage you are willing to lose per trade and calculate the lot sizes for your trades accordingly, then.
3️⃣ Avoid Taking Too Many Positions
Remember that in trading, quantity does not imply quality. The more trades you take, the harder it is to manage each position individually. I would suggest opening maximum 5 trades per day and holding no more than 8 trades simultaneously.
4️⃣ Avoid Trading Too Many Markets
The wider is your watch list, the harder it is to focus on each individual element inside. Do not try to control as many markets as possible, instead, narrow your watch list and concentrate your attention on your favorite trading instruments.
5️⃣ Remember About Volatility
The more volatile is the market that you trade, the harder it is to trade it and the bigger stop losses you need to keep your positions safe. Remember, that the volatility is the double-edged sword. It can bring substantial profits, but it can also blow your entire account in a blink of an eye.
Following these 5 simple rules, you will make your trading much safer. Study them and add them in your trading plan.
❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
Tradingeducation
Mastering the "IF-THEN" Mindset: The Key to Stress-Free TradingIn this video, I’ll share how using IF-THEN statements helps me stay balanced in my trading. It’s simple: IF the price does this, THEN I’ll do that. Having a plan like this keeps me from getting caught up in emotions and helps me react to what’s actually happening in the market – not what I wish would happen.
This mindset keeps things smooth, makes trade management easier, and keeps me consistent. It’s all about staying ready for whatever the market throws your way.
If this vibe clicks with you, drop a comment, like, or follow – I’ve got plenty more insights to share!
Mindbloome Trading
Trade What You See
This One Emotion Could Be Destroying Your Trading ProfitsIn the world of trading, emotions play a pivotal role in shaping decision-making, and one of the most powerful and potentially dangerous emotions traders face is GREED . Greed, when left unchecked, can lead to impulsive decisions, high-risk behaviors, and significant losses. On the flip side, mastering greed and learning to manage it can make you a more disciplined and successful trader. In this article, we will explore what greed in trading looks like, how it affects performance and practical strategies for managing it.
Greed in Trading?
Greed in trading is the overwhelming desire for more – more profits, more wins, more success – often without regard to risk, logic, or a well-structured plan. It can manifest in different ways, such as overtrading, chasing unrealistic returns, holding on to winning positions for too long, or abandoning a proven strategy in the hope of making quick gains.
How Greed Manifests in Trading:
📈Overtrading: A greedy trader may take on far more trades than necessary, often without proper analysis or risk management, simply to increase exposure to potential profits. Overtrading increases transaction costs, dilutes focus, and leads to emotional burnout.
🏃♂️Chasing Profits: Greed can cause traders to chase after price movements, entering trades impulsively based on fear of missing out (FOMO). This often leads to poor entry points, increased risk, and diminished returns.
⚠️Ignoring Risk Management: A greedy trader might ignore risk parameters like stop losses or over-leverage positions, believing they can maximize profits by taking on more risk. This is a dangerous path, as a single market movement in the wrong direction can wipe out large portions of capital.
⏳Failure to Exit: Holding on to winning trades for too long is another sign of greed. Instead of securing profits according to a trading plan, traders might hold positions with the hope that prices will continue to rise indefinitely, only to see their gains evaporate when the market reverses.
How Greed Affects Trading Performance
Greed can distort your decision-making process. It leads to overconfidence and clouds judgment, causing you to believe that the market will always behave in your favor. This overconfidence pushes traders to abandon their strategies or take unnecessary risks, resulting in:
Emotional Trading: The trader begins to react emotionally to every small market movement, making decisions based on feelings rather than rational analysis.
Impaired Risk Management: Greed often blinds traders to the importance of managing risk, which is the backbone of long-term trading success. A single high-risk move inspired by greed can erase months or years of gains.
Missed Opportunities: By focusing on unrealistic gains or trying to squeeze every bit of profit from a trade, a trader may miss more reliable and smaller, but consistent, opportunities.
The Psychology Behind Greed
Greed is rooted in our psychology and is amplified by the very nature of the financial markets. Trading offers the possibility of instant gains, which triggers a dopamine response in the brain, making us feel rewarded. The lure of quick profits encourages traders to take greater risks or deviate from their trading plans in pursuit of bigger wins.
However, the emotional high from successful trades is often short-lived. Traders can become addicted to this feeling, pushing them to take on more trades or stay in positions for longer than they should. Eventually, this leads to bad habits and unsustainable trading practices
How to Manage Greed in Trading
While greed is a natural human emotion, it can be controlled with the right mindset and strategies. Here are some practical ways to manage greed in trading:
1. Set Realistic Goals
The first step in managing greed is setting clear, realistic trading goals. Rather than aiming for massive, one-time profits, focus on steady, consistent returns. Define what "success" looks like for you on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Having measurable goals helps anchor your trading behavior and keeps you grounded.
Example: Instead of aiming for a 100% return in a short period, set a more achievable target like 5%-10% monthly. This may not sound as exciting, but it's more sustainable in the long term.
2. Stick to a Trading Plan
A well-defined trading plan is your safeguard against impulsive decisions driven by greed. Your plan should outline entry and exit points, stop-loss levels, and risk-reward ratios. By adhering strictly to your plan, you can resist the temptation to hold on to trades longer than necessary or jump into trades impulsively.
Key elements of a good trading plan include:
-Entry and exit criteria are based on analysis, not emotion
-Risk management rules (like how much to risk per trade, stop-loss settings)
-Profit-taking strategy, deciding when to lock in gains
3. Use Risk Management Techniques
Effective risk management is the antidote to greed. By setting strict risk parameters, you limit the impact of poor decisions driven by emotions. Always use stop-loss orders to protect yourself from significant losses, and never risk more than a small percentage of your trading capital on any single trade (example 1-2%).
Avoid over-leveraging, as leverage amplifies both profits and losses. While it may be tempting to use high leverage to chase bigger gains, it significantly increases the risk of catastrophic losses.
4. Take Profits Regularly
One way to counteract greed is to develop a habit of taking profits regularly. When you set profit targets ahead of time, you can ensure that you lock in gains before they evaporate. Don’t wait for an unrealistic price surge. Exit trades once your profit target is reached, or scale out by selling a portion of your position as the trade progresses.
5. Practice Emotional Awareness
Being aware of your emotional state is crucial in trading. Take the time to self-reflect and recognize when greed is influencing your decisions. Keep a trading journal to track not just your trades, but also your emotions during the process. This will help you identify patterns and emotional triggers that lead to poor decisions.
Example: After a series of winning trades, you may feel overconfident and tempted to take bigger risks. By noting this in your journal, you can remind yourself to remain disciplined and not deviate from your plan.
6. Focus on Long-Term Success
Trading is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on the long-term process rather than short-term profits. Greed often leads traders to forget that consistent, small gains compound over time. By shifting your mindset to long-term wealth-building, you’re less likely to take excessive risks or engage in reckless behavior.
Greed is a natural emotion in trading, but it can be highly destructive if not managed properly. The key to success lies in discipline, risk management, and a well-structured trading plan that aligns with your goals. By understanding the psychological drivers of greed and taking proactive steps to control it, traders can make more rational decisions, protect their capital, and increase their chances of long-term success.
Avoiding the Pump and Dump: A Beginner's GuideAvoiding the Pump and Dump: A Beginner's Guide to Protecting Your Investments
In the dynamic world of stock trading, new traders are constantly seeking ways to maximize profits and minimize risks. Unfortunately, one of the most deceptive and harmful schemes that can easily trap beginners is the infamous pump and dump scheme. This fraudulent practice has been around for decades, targeting unsuspecting traders by artificially inflating a stock's price and then swiftly cashing out, leaving the victims with significant losses. For traders on platforms like TradingView, especially those just starting, it’s crucial to understand how to spot these schemes and avoid falling prey to them.
This guide will provide you with the knowledge you need to recognize pump and dump schemes by analyzing monthly, weekly, and daily charts, identifying repetitive patterns, and understanding market sentiment. By the end, you'll know exactly what to look for to safeguard your investments.
What is a Pump and Dump?
A pump and dump scheme occurs when a group of individuals, often coordinated through social media or private channels, artificially inflates the price of a stock. They "pump" up the stock by spreading misleading information or creating hype around the asset, leading to increased buying interest. Once the stock price has risen significantly, the perpetrators "dump" their shares at the elevated price, leaving uninformed buyers holding a stock that will soon plummet in value.
The key elements to watch out for are:
Unusual price spikes without any corresponding fundamental news.
High trading volume during these spikes, suggesting that a group of individuals is actively manipulating the price.
Aggressive promotion through emails, forums, or social media channels, often making exaggerated claims about a stock's potential.
Understanding Timeframes: Monthly, Weekly, and Daily Charts
One of the most effective ways to spot pump and dump schemes is by analyzing various timeframes—monthly, weekly, and daily charts. Each timeframe provides different insights into the stock's behavior, helping you detect irregular patterns and red flags.
Monthly Charts: The Big Picture
Monthly charts give you a broad overview of a stock's long-term trends. If you notice a stock that has been relatively inactive or stagnant for months, only to suddenly surge without any substantial news or developments, this could be a sign of manipulation .
What to look for in monthly charts:
Sudden spikes in price after a prolonged period of flat or declining movement.
Sharp volume increases during the price rise, especially when the stock has previously shown little to no trading activity.
Quick reversals following the price surge, indicating that the pump has occurred, and the dump is on its way.
For example, if a stock shows consistent low trading volume and then experiences a sudden burst in both volume and price, this is a classic sign of a pump. Compare these periods with any news releases or market updates. If there’s no justifiable reason for the spike, be cautious .
Weekly Charts: Spotting the Mid-Term Trend
Weekly charts help you see the mid-term trends and can reveal the progression of a pump and dump scheme. Often, the "pump" phase will be drawn out over several days or weeks as the schemers build momentum and attract more buyers.
What to look for in weekly charts:
Gradual upward trends followed by a sharp, unsustainable rise in price.
Repeated surges in volume that don’t correlate with any fundamental analysis or positive news.
Recurrent patterns where a stock has previously been pumped, experienced a sharp decline, and is now showing the same pattern again.
Stocks used in pump and dump schemes are often cycled through multiple rounds of pumping, so if you notice that a stock has undergone several similar spikes and drops over the weeks, it’s a strong indicator that the stock is being manipulated.
Daily Charts: Catching the Pump Before the Dump
Daily charts provide a more granular view of a stock's price movement, and they can help you detect the exact moments when a pump is taking place. Because pump and dump schemes can happen over just a few days, monitoring daily activity is critical.
What to look for in daily charts:
Intraday price spikes that happen suddenly and without any preceding buildup in momentum.
A huge increase in volume followed by rapid price drops within the same or subsequent days.
Exaggerated price gaps at market open or close, indicating manipulation during off-hours or lower-volume periods.
On a daily chart, if a stock opens significantly higher than the previous day's close without any news or earnings report to back it up, this could be the start of the dump phase. The manipulators are looking to sell their shares to anyone who has bought into the hype, leaving retail traders holding the bag.
Repeated Use of the Same Quote: A Telltale Sign of a Pump and Dump Scheme
Another red flag is when the same stock or "hot tip" keeps resurfacing in social media, forums, or emails. If you notice that the same quote or recommendation is being promoted repeatedly over time, often using the same language, this is a strong sign of manipulation. The scammers are likely trying to pump the stock multiple times by reusing the same tactics on new, unsuspecting traders.
Be cautious of stocks that:
Have been heavily promoted in the past.
Show a history of sudden spikes followed by rapid declines.
Are promoted with vague, overhyped language like "the next big thing" or "guaranteed gains."
If the same stock is mentioned multiple times in trading communities, check its historical chart. If the stock has undergone previous pumps, you will likely see sharp rises and falls that align with the promotional periods.
How to Avoid Pump and Dump Schemes
Now that you know how to spot the signs, here are actionable steps you can take to protect yourself from becoming a victim of a pump and dump scheme:
Do Your Research: Always verify the information you receive about a stock. Check if there’s legitimate news, earnings reports, or significant company developments that justify the price movement. Avoid relying solely on social media or forums for your stock tips.
Look at Fundamentals: Focus on stocks with solid fundamentals, such as earnings growth, revenue increases, and strong management. Stocks targeted for pump and dump schemes often have weak or non-existent fundamentals.
Use Multiple Timeframes: As we've discussed, examining stocks across different timeframes—monthly, weekly, and daily—can help you spot abnormal price behavior early on.
Monitor Volume and Price Movements: If you see large, unexplained surges in volume and price, be skeptical. Legitimate price increases are usually accompanied by news or fundamental changes in the company.
Avoid Low-Volume Stocks: Pump and dump schemes often target low-volume, illiquid stocks that are easier to manipulate. Stick to stocks with healthy trading volumes and liquidity.
Set Stop Losses: Always use stop losses to protect yourself from sudden price drops. Setting a stop loss at a reasonable level can help limit your losses if you accidentally invest in a stock being manipulated.
Be Wary of Promotions: If a stock is being aggressively promoted, ask yourself why. More often than not, aggressive promotions are a sign that the stock is part of a pump and dump scheme.
Conclusion
Pump and dump schemes prey on traders’ fear of missing out ( FOMO ) and the allure of quick profits . However, by using a disciplined approach to trading, analyzing charts across multiple timeframes, and paying close attention to volume and price movements, you can avoid falling victim to these schemes.
Remember: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Protect your investments by staying informed, doing thorough research, and trusting your analysis. By following these guidelines, you can navigate the markets with confidence and avoid the pitfalls of pump and dump schemes.
Happy trading, and stay safe!
AlgoTrading Basics for Beginners and Advanced StrategiesHello,
1 Introduction
Algotrading or Algorithmic trading has brought about a revolution in the financial markets: automation of trades with the help of complex algorithms. These algorithms execute trades according to predefined rules and are quicker in capturing market opportunities compared to manual trading. HFT in gold HFT-based algotrading has also greatly skewed the transaction volumes in recent years, but even though these trades are very short-term, they can tell us something about longer-term trading strategies.
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2 What is Algorithmic Trading?
Algorithmic trading is a method of executing orders using automated, pre-designed trading instructions that account for variables such as trade timing, price, and volume. The platform has found application in the work of large financial institutions, hedge funds, and individual traders to facilitate the ease of trading strategy selection and optimization.
One might be, a set of rules that tells it to buy the gold if it falls below a certain level and sells as soon as the price of that gold hits a specified level. Traders can take advantage of small price movements without sitting in front of their screens all day.
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3 Why use Algorithmic Trading?
There are various reasons as to why one would engage in Algotrading:
Speed: It is obvious that technology is used to carry out trades and computers do this faster than people. This proves extremely useful in fast markets like gold trading where prices may change in milliseconds.
Emotionless Trading: An individual does not deviate from the proposal; emotional elements like fear and greed that affect traders do not affect its operation.
Backtesting: Trading systems risk analyses can be done using test histories which access the performance of trading systems on historical figures, thus preventing any risk when trading.
Precision and Consistency: Algorithms maintain accuracy levels in trade initiation with almost never deteriorating without human intervention as only information is required regarding trading and no emotions.
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4 Core Principles of Algorithmic Trading
Apart from trading in shares, forex or even taking a position in gold (XAUUSD) there are a few primary principles common to all algorithmic trading:
a Data Mining And Data Management
Technical Indicators – Besides backtesting and strategy optimization, algorithms employ very prominent technical indicators such as Moving Averages (MA), Relative Strength Index (RSI), Bollinger Bands, or other indicators associated with detecting trends or momentum.
Price Patterns – Other factors that might be of influence include pattern recognition algorithms which can be trained to identify specific shapes such as heads and shoulders, flags, or triangles, and thereby predicting price movements.
Volume Analysis – Volume analysis can be instrumental in price movement validation. Volumes increase during up-trend or down-trend and their analysis is essential when confirming trends or reversals.
b Machine Learning Models
Machine learning models aim to work in this way in modern algorithms with a view to predicting price changes in the near future. Algorithms that one develops or wires are fed with data sets and they learn patterns and devise methods of trading faster or more efficiently anyway as the case might be. There are other strategies like SVM, Random Forests, and Neural Networks that one can use to enhance predictive power.
c High-Frequency Trading
HFT involves placing numerous orders and getting them executed in split seconds and on some occasions microseconds. That is particularly attractive in cash markets like a gold market where there are narrow price bands in which one can place determinants and capitalize on the fluctuations.
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5 Advanced Techniques in Gold (XAUUSD) Algorithmic Trading
Trading gold presents unique challenges and opportunities in the algorithmic trading world. Here are some advanced techniques tailored to the XAUUSD market:
Reinforcement learning has emerged as a powerful technique in gold trading. RL works as the trading systems interact with the market and improvise over the strategy by solving the problem by trying it in the market. This is useful for gold trading, as RL strategies are adaptable to external shocks such as economic news or investor sentiment changes.
They include sentiment predictions around precious metals.
Gold as an asset class has a unique character because it is a ‘safe-hoard’ asset and hence its price is subject to global and domestic conditions, military conflicts and general investor feel. Sentiment algorithms incorporate news, social networks, and reports on economics and stock markets to identify the mood of the investor's community. If there is a piece of news pointing to some uncertain or negative times ahead, then the algorithm predominantly directed by the sentiment may initiate purchases of gold.
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6 The Future of Algorithmic Trading
Although this form of trading has not yet reached widespread use, the potential of quantum computing in investment strategies including gold markets is promising. Quantum calculations have been demonstrated to outperform classical computation in solving combinatorial optimization problems and processing big data. This can allow the development of new and better trading strategies and more effective utilization of unnecessary.
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7 Practical Use of the Traders on Platforms like TradingView
With the inception of platforms like TradingView, algorithmic traders have been aided with a design, a test, and an automated strategy submission in the most reliant fashion.
a Algorithmic Strategies Implemented Using Pine Script
On its part, TradingView accepts user-written trading algorithms. Pine Script programming language is based on TradingView. These traders favor strategies resting on either technical indicators, patterns, or custom conditions. For instance, one can formulate a strategy to place a gold (XAUUSD) order whenever the price rises above its 50-day moving average and a closing order whenever the price goes down.
b Strategic Testing
Strategies (algorithms) are tested using back-testing methods incorporated in the trading software, this process is known as back-testing. A feature of the TradingView platform is that a trader can run their algorithms on record and see how those algorithms would have played out on historical data. This is important for adjusting the entry and exit plus the risk control parameters and further the performance of a strategy.
c Community Insights
Another benefit of using the TradingView platform is the community of traders around it who can post their strategies, exchange ideas, and learn from each other. You will be able to learn how other traders have taken to algorithmic trading with gold and other assets and be able to develop better strategies.
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8 Tactics to Consider for New and Intermediate Trading Positions
The strategies provided for algorithmic trading may vary from simple to complex in levels. Below are some typical strategies that every trader should consider implementing in their trading practice:
a Trend Following
This is perhaps the most basic type of algorithmic trading. The idea is very simple; one buys those assets that are on the uptrend (bullish) and sells those that are on the downtrend (bearish). For example, in gold trades, a strategy for a trader may be quite simple: moving averages. For instance, an algorithm could be designed in such a way that it buys gold whenever the 20-day moving average of gold crosses the 50-day moving average upwards and sells when this situation is reversed.
b Arbitrage
Arbitrage strategies, as the very definition suggests, enable traders to exploit all such situations which emerge, due to the mispricing corrects routinely. In gold trading, for instance, this would refer to the action of selling short shares in an exchange retrieved in one exchange, where that price, would include a premium orchestrated by other markets.
c Mean Reversion
Mean reversion strategies originate from the classic concept that there is a high likelihood of prices returning to their average or mean. For instance, an algorithm buys an asset such as gold if its average is lower than the over its certain period moving average and sells whenever it is above that average.
d High-Frequency Trading (HFT)
HFT although it calls for many resources, there are traders who have this kind of approach to gold markets in that they seek to benefit from price changes within seconds or rather milliseconds HFT. This strategy also calls for other aspects such as having very good network connectivity to enable very fast execution of trades as well as high volume trades.
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9 Conclusion
Algorithmic trading opens a world of opportunities for all kinds of traders. It doesn't matter whether you're a beginner looking into simple tactics such as trend-following or a seasoned trader putting more sophisticated approaches to work with gold (XAUUSD), there has never been a time that the tools and methods are more readily available to you for successful algotrading. Traders can use existing platforms such as our TradingView to develop, back & optimize their strategies to keep up with today’s fast-moving financial markets.
The financial world is evolving and staying up to date with these new breakthroughs in technology, including machine learning, sentiment analysis, and quantum computing will help give the traders the edge. Algorithmic trading can become everyone’s thing if one is patient, disciplined, and keeps learning.
Regards,
Ely
Entry Types Simplified: The Essential Guide for New Traders!Key Structures and Formations:
Ascending Channel:
The price has been moving within this channel for a while. An ascending channel indicates an uptrend but also signals that the price is forming higher highs and higher lows, which can later break either direction.
Bull Flag:
A classic continuation pattern where after a strong bullish move (flagpole), the price consolidated before continuing upwards. This was a great entry point for traders watching for bullish momentum.
Failed Flag:
It appears there was a bull flag that failed to continue upwards and instead reversed direction. This type of failure is a strong indication for traders to reconsider their long positions or take partial profits. Often when a flag fails, it can lead to an aggressive move in the opposite direction.
Zones:
4HR, 1HR, 15M LQZ (Liquidity Zones):
These zones mark areas where liquidity is expected to be high, which means these are key levels to watch for price reactions.
The 4HR LQZ around 2,622 and the 1HR LQZ around 2,639 are critical areas for price retracement or reversals, particularly in a trending market.
Current Price Action:
The price is currently hovering near the 15M LQZ (2,655.443), which could act as a short-term support/resistance level. Watching how the price reacts to this zone will provide insight into the next move.
If the price continues to drop, the 1HR LQZ around 2,639 may provide support. If that fails, the next likely target is the 4HR LQZ near 2,622.
Recommendations Based on Confluence:
Check for Multi-Touch Confirmation: If the price interacts with the 4HR or 1HR LQZ zones multiple times and forms a base, this could serve as strong confirmation of a potential reversal or continuation.
Comprehensive Patterns: The failed flag within the larger ascending channel provides a great example of how smaller patterns (failed flag) can give clues about larger moves (channel break).
Follow the Trinity Rule: As per the Trinity Rule, wait for multiple confirmations across different structures before entering a trade. The liquidity zones and patterns within patterns provide a good basis for this.
TOP 20 TRADING PATTERNS [cheat sheet]Hey here is Technical Patterns cheat sheet for traders.
🖨 Every trader must print this cheatsheet and keep it on the desk 👍
🖼 Printable picture below (Right click > Save Image As…)
In finance, technical analysis is an analysis methodology for forecasting the direction of prices through the study of past market data, primarily price and volume.
Behavioral economics and quantitative analysis use many of the same tools of technical analysis, which, being an aspect of active management, stands in contradiction to much of modern portfolio theory. The efficacy of both technical and fundamental analysis is disputed by the efficient-market hypothesis, which states that stock market prices are essentially unpredictable, and research on whether technical analysis offers any benefit has produced mixed results. As such it has been described by many academics as pseudoscience.
Fundamental analysts examine earnings, dividends, assets, quality, ratio, new products, research and the like. Technicians employ many methods, tools and techniques as well, one of which is the use of charts. Using charts, technical analysts seek to identify price patterns and market trends in financial markets and attempt to exploit those patterns.
Technicians using charts search for archetypal price chart patterns, such as the well-known head and shoulders or double top/bottom reversal patterns, study technical indicators, moving averages and look for forms such as lines of support, resistance, channels and more obscure formations such as flags, pennants, balance days and cup and handle patterns.
Technical analysts also widely use market indicators of many sorts, some of which are mathematical transformations of price, often including up and down volume, advance/decline data and other inputs. These indicators are used to help assess whether an asset is trending, and if it is, the probability of its direction and of continuation. Technicians also look for relationships between price/volume indices and market indicators. Examples include the moving average, relative strength index and MACD. Other avenues of study include correlations between changes in Options (implied volatility) and put/call ratios with price. Also important are sentiment indicators such as Put/Call ratios, bull/bear ratios, short interest, Implied Volatility, etc.
There are many techniques in technical analysis. Adherents of different techniques (for example: Candlestick analysis, the oldest form of technical analysis developed by a Japanese grain trader; Harmonics; Dow theory; and Elliott wave theory) may ignore the other approaches, yet many traders combine elements from more than one technique. Some technical analysts use subjective judgment to decide which pattern(s) a particular instrument reflects at a given time and what the interpretation of that pattern should be. Others employ a strictly mechanical or systematic approach to pattern identification and interpretation.
Contrasting with technical analysis is fundamental analysis, the study of economic factors that influence the way investors price financial markets. Technical analysis holds that prices already reflect all the underlying fundamental factors. Uncovering the trends is what technical indicators are designed to do, although neither technical nor fundamental indicators are perfect. Some traders use technical or fundamental analysis exclusively, while others use both types to make trading decisions.
Best regards
Artem Shevelev
These Market Structures Are Crucial for EveryoneIn this article, we will simplify complex market structures by breaking them down into easy-to-understand patterns. Recognizing market structure can enhance your trading strategy, increase your pattern recognition skills in various market conditions. Let’s dive into some essential chart patterns that every trader should know.
Double Bottom / Double Top
A double bottom is a bullish reversal pattern that occurs when the price tests a support level twice without breaking lower, indicating strong buying interest. This pattern often suggests that the downtrend is losing momentum and a potential uptrend may follow. Conversely, a double top signals a bearish reversal, formed when the price tests a resistance level twice without breaking through. This pattern indicates selling pressure and suggests that the uptrend may be coming to an end.
Bull Flag / Bear Flag
A bull flag is a continuation pattern that appears after a strong upward movement. It typically involves a slight consolidation period before the trend resumes, providing a potential entry point for traders looking to capitalize on the ongoing bullish momentum. On the other hand, a bear flag forms during a downtrend, signaling a brief consolidation before the price continues its downward movement. Recognizing these flags can help traders identify potential breakout opportunities.
Bull Pennant / Bear Pennant
A bull pennant is a continuation pattern that forms after a sharp price increase, followed by a period of consolidation where the price moves within converging trendlines. This pattern often indicates that the upward trend is likely to continue after the breakout. Conversely, a bear pennant forms after a sharp decline, with the price consolidating within converging lines. This pattern suggests that the downtrend may resume after the breakout.
Ascending Wedge / Descending Wedge
An ascending wedge is a bearish reversal pattern that often forms during a weakening uptrend. It indicates that buying pressure is slowing down, and a reversal may be imminent. Traders should be cautious as this pattern suggests a potential downtrend ahead. In contrast, a descending wedge appears during a downtrend and indicates that selling pressure is weakening. This pattern may signal a bullish reversal, suggesting a possible upward breakout in the near future.
Triple Top / Triple Bottom
A triple top is a bearish reversal pattern that forms after the price tests a resistance level three times without breaking through, indicating strong selling pressure. This pattern can help traders anticipate a potential downtrend. Conversely, a triple bottom is a bullish reversal pattern where the price tests support three times before breaking higher. This pattern highlights strong buying interest and can signal a significant upward move.
Cup and Handle / Inverted Cup and Handle
The cup and handle pattern is a bullish continuation pattern resembling a rounded bottom, followed by a small consolidation phase (the handle) before a breakout. This pattern often indicates strong bullish sentiment and can provide a solid entry point. The inverted cup and handle is the bearish counterpart, signaling potential downward movement after a rounded top formation, suggesting that a reversal may occur.
Head and Shoulders / Inverted Head and Shoulders
The head and shoulders pattern is a classic bearish reversal signal characterized by a peak (head) flanked by two smaller peaks (shoulders). This formation indicates a potential downtrend ahead, helping traders to identify possible selling opportunities. The inverted head and shoulders pattern serves as a bullish reversal indicator, suggesting that an uptrend may follow after the price forms a trough (head) between two smaller troughs (shoulders).
Expanding Wedge
An expanding wedge is formed when price volatility increases, characterized by higher highs and lower lows. This pattern often indicates market uncertainty and can precede a breakout in either direction . Traders should monitor this pattern closely, as it can signal potential trading opportunities once a breakout occurs.
Falling Channel / Rising Channel / Flat Channel
A falling channel is defined by a consistent downtrend, with price movement contained within two parallel lines. This pattern often suggests continued bearish sentiment. Conversely, a rising channel indicates an uptrend, with price moving between two upward-sloping parallel lines, signaling bullish momentum. A flat channel represents sideways movement, indicating consolidation with no clear trend direction, often leading to a breakout once the price escapes the channel.
P.S. It's essential to remember that market makers, whales, smart investors, and Wall Street are well aware of these structures. Sometimes, these patterns may not work as expected because these entities can manipulate the market to pull money from unsuspecting traders. Therefore, always exercise caution, and continuously practice and hone your trading skills.
What are your thoughts on these patterns? Have you encountered any of them in your trading? I’d love to hear your experiences and insights in the comments below!
If you found this breakdown helpful, please give it a like and follow for more technical insights. Stay tuned for more content, and feel free to suggest any specific patterns you’d like me to analyze next!
Quarter Theory: Intraday Trading Mastery - Part 2 ExamplesGreetings Traders!
In today's video, we'll continue our deep dive into Quarter Theory Intraday Trading Mastery—a model rooted in the algorithmic nature of price delivery within the markets. We’ll explore the concept of draw on liquidity through premium and discount price delivery, equipping you to identify optimal trading sessions and execute high-probability trades, all while aligning with market bias.
This video is part of our ongoing High Probability Trading Zones playlist on YouTube. If you haven't watched the previous videos, I highly recommend doing so. They provide essential insights into identifying and acting on market bias, which Quarter Theory enhances further.
I highly recommend you watch ICT2022 Mentorship model on YouTube, it will really help you in your trading journey, the link to the mentorship is provided below.
I’ll attach the links to those videos in the description below.
Quarter Theory: Intraday Trading Mastery - Part 1 Intro:
Premium Discount Price Delivery in Institutional Trading:
ICT 2022 Mentorship: www.youtube.com
High Probability Trading Zones: www.youtube.com
Best Regards,
The_Architect
Quarter Theory: Intraday Trading Mastery - Part 1 IntroGreetings Traders!
In today’s video, we’ll be introducing Quarter Theory Intraday Trading Mastery, a model grounded in the algorithmic nature of price delivery within the markets. We’ll explore candle anatomy and learn how to predict candle behavior on lower timeframes to capitalize on intraday trading opportunities. This model will also help us identify the optimal trading sessions and execute trades with high probability, all while effectively acting on market bias.
This video will focus primarily on the foundational content, with practical examples to follow in the next video. In the meantime, I encourage you to practice these concepts on your own to deepen your understanding.
This video is part of our ongoing High Probability Trading Zones playlist on YouTube. If you haven’t watched the previous videos in the series, I highly recommend checking them out. They provide crucial insights into identifying market bias, which Quarter Theory will help you act on effectively.
I’ll attach the links to those videos in the description below.
Premium Discount Price Delivery in Institutional Trading:
Mastering Institutional Order-Flow Price Delivery:
Quarter Theory Mastering Algorithmic Price Movements:
Mastering High Probability Trading Across All Assets:
Best Regards,
The_Architect
Never Trade Without Stop Loss!
Hey traders,
Talking to many struggling traders from different parts of the world, I realized that the majority constantly makes the same mistake : they do not set a stop loss .
Asking for the reason why they do that, the common answer is that
these traders consider the manual position closing to be safer, implying that if the market goes in the opposite direction, they will be able to much better track the exact moment to cut loss.
In this article, we will discuss why it is crucially important to set a stop loss and why it is the number one element of your trading position.
What is Stop Loss?
Let's discuss what is a stop loss . By a stop loss , we mean a certain price level where we close our trading position in loss. In comparison to a manual closing, the stop loss (preferably) should be set at the exact moment when the order is executed.
On the chart above, I have an active selling position on Gold.
My entry level is 2372, my stop loss is 2381.
It means that if the price goes up and reaches 2381 level, the position will automatically close in a loss.
Why Do You Need a Stop Loss?
Stop loss allows us limiting the risks in case of unfavorable movements .
On the chart above, I have illustrated 2 similar negative scenarios : 1 with a stop loss being placed and one without on USDJPY.
In the example on the left, stop loss helped to prevent the excessive risk , cutting the loss at the beginning of a bearish wave.
With the manual closing, however, traders usually hold the negative positions much longer , praying for a reversal.
Holding a losing trade, emotions intervene. Greed and fear usually spoil the reasoning, causing irrational decisions .
Following such a strategy, the total loss of the second scenario is 6 times bigger than the total loss with a placed stop loss order.
Always Set Stop Loss!
Stop loss defines the point where you become wrong in your predictions. Planning your trade, you should know in advance such a point and cut your loss once it is reached.
Never trade without a stop loss.
Beware of Trading on Public Holidays!
In this educational article, we will discuss why is it recommendable not to trade during the public holidays. I will explain to you how banking holidays affect the financial markets and how it may impact your trading.
WHY???
🏦 The main source of problems comes from the fact that the big market players like:
banks,
hedge funds
investing firms
are absent.
Similarly to ordinary people, bankers and investors prefer to spend the holidays with their relatives and friends instead of staring at charts on Holidays.
HOW???
But how does it affect the market?
Big players are the main source of the market liquidity.
The liquidity itself is the measure to which an asset can be quickly bought or sold in the market at a price of its quotes.
Therefore, when the big players are missing, the market liquidity drops.
WHAT???
1️⃣ That fact instantly reflects in the market spreads.
They become substantially bigger, directly increasing the costs of each trade and making it problematic to open a position at a desired price.
2️⃣ Secondly, low liquidity leads to a decrease in volatility.
The market becomes weak and indecisive.
As traders, we make the money on market moves. Our goal is to catch a bullish or a bearish wave. Their absence deprives us of profits or, at least, dramatically decreases them.
Look at a chart above, it is EURJPY on a 4H time frame. Look how weak and boring the pair was in US Independence Day - official US banking holiday.
And here is how weak and slow was Gold during US Independence Day on an hourly time frame .
3️⃣ Thirdly, when the liquidity is low, even small market participants can move the market.
It dramatically increases the probabilities of false signals. Relatively low trading volumes may manipulate the market, substantially decreasing the efficiency of technical and fundamental analysis.
Look at a density of false breakout on Dollar Index DXY on 15 minutes time frame the 19th of June - Juneteenth National Independence Day in US.
All these breakouts were the manipulations and false signals.
The increased costs of trading, low volatility and manipulations should have convinced you to stay from charts during the holidays season.
However, the main reason to not trade on holidays is much simpler.
Holidays give you an opportunity to stay with your family, to take a break, to recharge and relax. Even a part-time trading is very exhausting and requires a constant attention. Let yourself be distracted and return after holidays.
❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
It's OK to change your mind- it even makes you a better traderIn the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of trading, the pressure to make quick decisions and stick to them can be intense. There's a pervasive belief that once a decision is made, a good trader should stand by it, no matter what.
However, this mindset can be misleading and, in some cases, even harmful.
In truth, the ability to change your mind in trading is not a sign of weakness or inconsistency. On the contrary, it’s a hallmark of a skilled and adaptable trader who understands the complexities of the market.
The Nature of the Market: Constant Change
The financial markets are anything but static. They are influenced by an array of factors that can change within moments—economic indicators, global political events, shifts in market sentiment, and even unexpected news releases. These variables make the market highly unpredictable. A trading decision that was well-founded one moment can become obsolete the next due to new developments.
Successful traders recognize this inherent uncertainty and embrace the need to adapt. Being rigid in your approach can lead to unnecessary risks and missed opportunities. Flexibility allows you to respond to the market’s constant fluctuations, ensuring that your trading strategy remains relevant and effective.
Embracing Flexibility: The Power of Adaptation
Flexibility in trading is not just about changing your mind when things go wrong; it’s about continuously assessing your position in light of new information. This doesn’t mean constantly second-guessing yourself but rather being open to the possibility that your initial analysis may need adjustment as new data becomes available.
For instance, you might enter a trade based on a specific market pattern or trend. However, as the trade progresses, you might notice signs that the market is shifting in an unexpected direction. At this point, the ability to re-evaluate your position and, if necessary, change your strategy can mean the difference between a small loss and a significant one—or even turning a potential loss into a profitable trade. This willingness to adapt shows not indecision but a deep understanding of the market’s unpredictable nature.
Ego vs. Objectivity: Trading Without Emotional Attachment
One of the biggest hurdles traders face is overcoming their own ego. Ego can cloud judgment, pushing you to stick with a decision out of pride rather than sound reasoning. This is particularly dangerous in trading, where the market has no regard for your personal biases or feelings. Ego-driven decisions can lead to stubbornness, causing you to hold onto losing trades far longer than you should.
Objectivity, on the other hand, is the foundation of successful trading. It requires detaching your emotions from your trades and focusing solely on the data and what the market is telling you. Changing your mind in response to new market information is not a sign of weakness; it’s a demonstration of objectivity. By prioritizing market signals over personal pride, you’re aligning yourself with the realities of the market rather than a fixed idea of what should happen.
The Importance of Capital Preservation
In trading, your capital is your most valuable asset. Preserving it is crucial for long-term success. The notion that "it’s better to be right than to be profitable" can be a dangerous trap. Sticking to a losing trade out of stubbornness can lead to significant losses, quickly eroding your trading account and undermining your ability to recover.
When you change your mind in response to market conditions, you are, in effect, practicing good risk management. Recognizing when a trade isn’t going as planned and adjusting your strategy accordingly helps you limit losses and protect your capital. This approach not only safeguards your resources but also keeps you in the game, allowing you to capitalize on future opportunities.
Continuous Learning: Evolving as a Trader
Trading is not a static skill—it’s a dynamic process that involves continuous learning and adaptation. Every trade, whether successful or not, provides valuable insights. When you allow yourself to change your mind, you’re acknowledging that there is always something new to learn. This openness to learning and evolving is essential for long-term success in trading.
The market itself is a constantly evolving entity, influenced by countless factors that change over time. Traders who are rigid in their thinking are often left behind, while those who embrace change and are willing to learn from their experiences continue to grow and succeed. Changing your mind in trading isn’t about flip-flopping or being indecisive; it’s about recognizing that the market is bigger than any one individual and that adaptability is key to thriving in this environment.
Navigating the Fine Line: Reason vs. Reaction (AND THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT)
While the ability to change your mind is crucial, it’s important to recognize that there’s a fine line between making well-reasoned decisions and reacting impulsively to every market fluctuation. The market is filled with noise—short-term movements that can be misleading if taken out of context. Constantly changing your mind in response to every minor shift can lead to overtrading, unnecessary stress, and ultimately, poor performance.
The key is to differentiate between significant market changes that warrant a reassessment of your strategy and normal market noise that should be ignored. Strong, data-driven reasons should guide your decision to change course, not fleeting emotions or fear of missing out. Successful traders strike a balance—they remain flexible and open to change, but they do so based on sound analysis, not on every whim of the market.
Building Confidence Through Adaptability
Another critical aspect of changing your mind in trading is that it can actually build your confidence rather than diminish it. Confidence in trading doesn’t come from being right all the time; it comes from knowing that you can navigate the market effectively, even when things don’t go as planned. By being flexible and willing to change your mind, you develop a stronger sense of control over your trading strategy.
This adaptability also helps you develop resilience. In trading, losses are inevitable. What separates successful traders from the rest is their ability to recover from those losses and learn from them. When you change your mind in response to the market, you’re not just minimizing losses—you’re also building the mental toughness needed to succeed in the long term.
Conclusion: The Strength in Changing Your Mind
In the world of trading, changing your mind doesn’t make you a bad trader—it makes you a better one. It demonstrates that you are flexible, objective, and committed to continuous learning—qualities that are essential for long-term success in the markets. The ability to adapt to new information and evolving market conditions is not just a good practice; it’s a necessary one.
So the next time you find yourself reconsidering a trade, remember: it’s not about being right all the time. It’s about making the best possible decision with the information at hand. In the ever-changing landscape of trading, those who can adapt and change their minds when necessary are the ones who ultimately thrive.
Six Key Ideas from "Trading in the zone" by Mark Douglas
I first read "Trading in the Zone" 15 years ago in English. Recently, a publishing house in Romania translated it, and I purchased it on Friday, finishing it entirely by Sunday evening and it was just as impactful as the first time I read it. Mark Douglas' insights into trading psychology are timeless, and this book remains a cornerstone for anyone serious about mastering the mental aspect of trading. For those who haven’t read it, here are the key ideas from this book.
Key Ideas from "Trading in the Zone":
1. The Importance of a Winning Mindset: Douglas emphasizes that successful trading is not just about having the right strategy but about developing a mindset that allows you to execute that strategy without hesitation or fear. The book teaches you how to cultivate confidence and consistency by focusing on probabilities rather than certainties.
2. Embracing Uncertainty: One of the most important lessons from the book is the idea that the market is inherently unpredictable. Rather than trying to predict every move, successful traders focus on managing risk and understanding that each trade has an uncertain outcome. This mindset helps traders avoid the emotional pitfalls of fear and greed.
3. The Power of Consistency: Douglas stresses that consistency is key in trading. He argues that the most successful traders are those who can follow their trading plan with discipline, regardless of the market conditions. Consistency reduces emotional decision-making and increases the likelihood of long-term success.
4. Psychological Barriers: The book delves into the psychological challenges that traders face, such as fear, greed, and overconfidence. Douglas provides practical advice on how to recognize and overcome these barriers, helping traders make more rational decisions and avoid common traps.
5. Process Over Outcome: Another key takeaway is the idea that traders should focus on the process of trading rather than the outcome of individual trades. By trusting in their edge—a proven trading strategy—and not getting overly attached to the results of any single trade, traders can improve their overall performance.
6. Money Management: While the book is primarily about trading psychology, it also touches on the critical importance of money management. Douglas highlights how proper money management ensures that you can withstand losses and stay in the game for the long haul.
Reading "Trading in the Zone" again this weekend reminded me of the timeless wisdom it offers. Whether you're a seasoned trader or just starting out, the principles in this book can help you develop the psychological resilience needed to succeed in the markets. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend picking up a copy.
How to Identify Candlestick Strength | Trading Basics
Hey traders,
In this educational article, we will discuss
Please, note that the concepts that will be covered in this article can be applied on any time frame, however, higher is the time frame, more trustworthy are the candles.
Also, remember, that each individual candle is assessed in relation to other candles on the chart.
There are three types of candles depending on its direction:
🟢 Bullish candle
Such a candle has a closing price higher than the opening price.
🔴 Bearish candle
Such a candle has a closing price lower than the opening price.
🟡 Neutral candle
Such a candle has equal or close to equal opening and closing price.
There are three categories of the strength of the candle.
Please, note, the measurement of the strength of the candle is applicable only to bullish/bearish candles.
Neutral candle has no strength by definition. It signifies the absolute equilibrium between buyers and sellers.
1️⃣ Strong candle
Strong bullish candle signifies strong buying volumes and dominance of buyers without sellers resistance.
Above, you can see the example of a strong bullish candle on NZDCHF on a 4H.
Strong bearish candle means significant selling volumes and high bearish pressure without buyers resistance.
On the chart above, you can see a song bearish candle on EURUSD.
Usually, a strong bullish/bearish candle has a relatively big body and tiny wicks.
2️⃣ Medium candle
Medium bullish candle signifies a dominance of buyers with a rising resistance of sellers.
You can see the sequence of medium bullish candles on EURJPY pair on a daily time frame.
Medium bearish candle means a prevailing strength of sellers with a growing pressure of bulls.
Above is the example of a sequence of medium bearish candles on AUDUSD pair.
Usually, a medium bullish/bearish candle has its range (based on a wick) 2 times bigger than the body of the candle.
3️⃣ Weak candle
Weak bullish candle signifies the exhaustion of buyers and a substantial resistance of sellers.
Weak bearish candle signifies the exhaustion of sellers and a considerable bullish pressure.
Usually, such a candle has a relatively small body and a big wick.
Above is the sequence of weak bullish and bearish candles on NZDCHF pair on an hourly time frame.
Knowing how to read the strength of the candlestick, one can quite accurately spot the initiate of new waves, market reversals and consolidations. Watch how the price acts, follow the candlesticks and try to spot the change of momentum by yourself.
75: Comprehensive Guide to Volume Profiles and Volume in TradingWhat is a Volume Profile?
A Volume Profile is an advanced charting tool that plots the amount of trading activity (volume) across different price levels over a specific period. Unlike traditional volume indicators that only show volume over time, Volume Profiles provide insights into where the majority of trading took place, highlighting key areas of support and resistance, as well as zones of high and low interest among traders.
Key Components of Volume Profiles:
1. Point of Control (POC) : This is the price level where the highest volume of trades occurred. The POC is a crucial level because it represents the price at which traders found the most value, making it a strong indicator of support or resistance.
2. Value Area (VA) : The Value Area represents the range of prices where approximately 70% of the volume was traded. This area is divided into the Value Area High (VAH) and Value Area Low (VAL). The VA is significant because it identifies the zone where most market participants were active, providing a clear picture of market consensus on value.
3. High Volume Nodes (HVN) and Low Volume Nodes (LVN) : HVNs are price levels where there was a large amount of trading activity, indicating significant interest and often serving as strong support or resistance levels. LVNs, on the other hand, represent areas with minimal trading activity, where prices tend to move quickly due to the lack of interest.
The Importance of Volume in Trading
Volume is a fundamental aspect of market analysis, offering insights into the strength and sustainability of price movements. It reflects the level of participation in a market, indicating the intensity of buying or selling at different price levels.
- Confirmation of Price Movements : High volume confirms the legitimacy of a price move. For example, a price breakout from a resistance level on high volume is more likely to be sustained than one on low volume.
- Reversals and Continuations : Spikes in volume can signal potential reversals, especially when occurring at significant price levels such as the POC or near the VA boundaries. Conversely, a sustained high volume along a trend can indicate its continuation.
- Validation of Support and Resistance : Volume at key levels like the POC, VAH, and VAL helps validate these areas as strong support or resistance. When price interacts with these levels on high volume, it suggests that many market participants are active, reinforcing the importance of these price levels.
How to Interpret and Use Volume Profiles:
1. Identifying Key Price Levels :
- The POC acts as a magnet for price, often drawing the price back to it when it moves away. This level is crucial for identifying potential areas of reversal or consolidation.
- The Value Area is where the majority of the trading activity occurs. Prices above the VAH might indicate an overbought condition, while prices below the VAL could suggest an oversold market.
2. Volume and Market Sentiment :
- High Volume Nodes indicate areas of significant interest, where prices tend to stabilize due to heavy trading. These areas often become zones of accumulation or distribution, depending on market conditions.
- Low Volume Nodes indicate price levels with minimal trading interest, where prices may move quickly and encounter less resistance, often leading to rapid price changes or breakouts.
3. Order Flow and Large Volume Blocks :
- Large blocks of volume, particularly at HVNs, suggest the presence of institutional traders or significant market participants placing large orders. These zones are critical because they reflect where big players are accumulating or distributing their positions. As a result, these areas tend to create strong support or resistance levels that can define future market behavior.
4. Dynamic vs. Static Profiles :
- Volume Profile Visible Range (VPVR): This type of profile updates as you scroll through your chart, dynamically showing the volume distribution for the visible price range. It’s useful for analyzing the current market context and finding immediate trading opportunities.
- Fixed Range Volume Profile (FRVP): This profile is static, showing volume data for a specified price range or time period. It’s valuable for comparing current price action to historical data, helping identify long-term support and resistance levels.
Practical Tips for Using Volume Profiles :
1. Customization and Settings :
- Adjust the number of rows or ticks per row in your Volume Profile settings to get a more detailed or broader view of volume distribution. More rows will give you finer detail, while fewer rows will smooth out the data, highlighting major trends.
2. Combining with Other Indicators :
- Use Volume Profiles in conjunction with other technical indicators like moving averages, RSI, or MACD to confirm trading signals and enhance the reliability of your analysis.
3. Adapting to Different Timeframes :
- Tailor your Volume Profile analysis to your trading style. For day traders, shorter timeframes (e.g., 5, 15, 30 minutes) might be more relevant, while swing traders or investors might focus on daily, weekly, or even monthly profiles to identify long-term trends and key levels.
4. Observing Market Reactions at Key Levels :
- Pay close attention to how the market reacts when it approaches HVNs, LVNs, the POC, or the boundaries of the Value Area. These reactions can provide clues about future price movements and potential trading opportunities.
Volume Profiles offer a deep and nuanced view of market behavior by highlighting where significant trading activity has occurred at different price levels. By understanding the interaction between volume and price, traders can make more informed decisions, identify key levels for entry and exit, and gain insights into market sentiment. Integrating Volume Profile analysis into your trading strategy can provide a significant edge, enhancing your ability to navigate the complexities of financial markets.
Demo Account Will Not Make You a PRO TRADER
Hey traders,
In this article, we will discuss demo account trading .
We will discuss its importance for newbie traders and its flaws.
➕ Pros:
Demo account is the best tool to get familiar with the financial markets . It gives you instant access to hundreds of different financial instruments.
With a demo account, you can learn how the trading terminal works . You can execute the trading orders freely and get familiar with its types. You can get acquainted with leverage, spreads and volatility.
Trading on paper money, you do not incur any risks , while you can see the real impact of your actions on your account balance.
Demo account is the best instrument for developing and testing a trading strategy , not risking any penny.
The absence of risk makes demo trading absolutely stress-free.
➖ Cons:
The incurred losses have no real impact , not causing real emotions and pressure, which you always experience trading on a real account.
Your performance (positive or negative) does not influence your future decisions.
Real market conditions are tougher. Demo accounts execute the orders a bit differently than the real ones. That is clearly felt during the moments of high volatility, with the order slippage occurring less often and trade execution being longer.
Trading with paper money allows you to trade with the sums being unaffordable in a real life, misrepresenting your real potential gains and providing a false confidence in success.
Even though we spotted multiple negative elements of demo trading, I want you to realize that it still remains the essential part of your trading journey and one of the main training tools. You should spend as much time on demo trading as you need to build confidence in your actions, only then you can gradually switch to real account trading.
Profitable Triangle Trading Strategy Explained
Descending triangle formation is a classic reversal pattern . It signifies the weakness of buyers in a bullish trend and bearish accumulation .
In this article, I will teach you how to trade descending triangle pattern. I will explain how to identify the pattern properly and share my trading strategy.
⭐️ The pattern has a very peculiar price action structure :
1. Trading in a bullish trend, the price sets a higher high and retraces setting a higher low .
2. Then the market starts growing again but does not manage to set a new high, setting a lower high instead.
3. Then the price drops again perfectly respecting the level of the last higher low, setting an equal low .
4. After that, one more bullish movement and one more consequent lower high , bearish move, and equal low .
Based on the last three highs , a trend line can be drawn.
Based on the equal lows , a horizontal neckline is spotted.
❗What is peculiar about such price action is the fact that a set of lower highs signifies a weakening bullish momentum : fewer and fewer buyers are willing to buy from horizontal support based on equal lows.
🔔 Such price action is called a bearish accumulation .
Once the pattern is formed it is still not a trend reversal signal though. Remember that the price may set many lower highs and equal lows within the pattern.
The trigger that is applied to confirm a trend reversal is a bearish breakout of the neckline of the pattern.
📉Then a short position can be opened.
For conservative trading, a retest entry is suggested.
Safest stop is lying at least above the level of the last lower high.
However, in case the levels of the lower highs are almost equal it is highly recommendable to set a stop loss above them all.
🎯For targets look for the closest strong structure support.
Below, you can see the example of a descending triangle trade that I took on NZDCAD pair.
After I spotted the formation of the pattern, I was patiently waiting for a breakout of its neckline.
After a breakout, I set a sell limit order on a retest.
Stop loss above the last lower high.
TP - the closest key support.
90 pips of pure profit made.
Learn to identify and trade descending triangle. It is one of the most accurate price action patterns every trader should know.
#GOLD - only single supporting area, hold or not?#GOLD.. well guys market just trade above our today area that was discussed in today video analysis.
So now keep close only supporting area 2423 around.
Untill hold it don't short gold.
But keep in mind that below 2423 we will short gold by cut n reverse on confirmation.
Good luck
Trade wisely
Do Not Overwhelm Your Price Chart!
In this article, we will discuss a very important term in trading psychology - paralysis by analysis in trading.
Paralysis by analysis occurs when the trader is overwhelmed by a complexity of the data that he is working with. Most of the time, it happens when one is relying on wide spectra of non correlated metrics. That can be various trading indicators, different news outlets and analytical articles and multiple technical tools.
Relying on such a mixed basket, one will inevitably be stuck with the contradictory data.
For example, the technical indicators may show very bearish clues while the fundamental data is very bullish. Or it can be even worse, when the traders have dozens of indicators on his chart and half of them dictates to open a long position, while another half dictates to sell.
Above, you can see an example of a EURUSD price chart that is overwhelmed by
various technical indicators: Ichimoku, MA, Volume, ATR
support and resistance levels
fundamental data
As a result, the one becomes paralyzed , not being able to make a decision. Moreover, each attempt to comprehend the data leads to deeper and deeper overthinking, driving into a vicious circle.
The paralysis breeds the inaction that necessarily means the missed trading opportunities and profits.
How to deal with that?
The best option is to limit the number of data sources used for a decision-making. The rule here is simple - the fewer indicators you use, the easier it is to make a decision.
EURUSD chart that we discussed earlier can look much better. Removing a bunch of tools will make the analysis easier and more accurate.
There is a common fallacy among traders, that complexity breeds the profit. With so many years of trading, I realized, however, that the opposite is true...
Keep the things simple, and you will be impressed how accurate your predictions will become.
❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
Binance Coin - The $70.000 price target is real!Hello Traders and Investors, today I will take a look at Binance Coin .
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Explanation of my video analysis:
Back in 2020 Binance Coin created a decent bullish break and retest of a horizontal structure which was followed by a rally of 10.000% towards the upside. After this rally, which ended in April of 2021, Binance Coin has been trading sideways ever since. Currently it seems like Binance Coin is preparing another bullish breakout, which could lead us all the way up to $70.000 in the future!
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Keep your long term vision,
Philip (BasicTrading)
From Beginner to Pro - The Evolution of a Trader
Hey traders,
In this educational article, we will discuss 3 stages of the evolution of a trader .
Stage 1 - Unprofitable trader 😞
The unprofitable trader has very typical characteristics:
-total absence of trading skills
Most of the time, people open a live account simply after completing some beginners course like on babypips website.
Being sure that the obtained knowledge are completely enough to start trading, they quickly face the tough reality.
-no trading plan
Having just basic knowledge, of course, they do not have a trading plan. Why the hell to have it if everything is so simple?!
All their actions on the market is just gambling. They open the positions randomly most of the time, simply relying on intuition.
-poor risk management
In 99% percent of the time, the unprofitable trader does not even think about risk management. The position sizing, stop placement and target selection are completely neglected.
Trading performance of the unprofitable traders is characterized by small wins and substantial losses and negatively trending equity.
Stage 2 - Boom and bust trader 😶
Usually, traders reach boom and bust stage after 1-2 years of unprofitable trading. At some moment, winning trades start to compensate losing trades, brining non-trending equity.
Such traders have very common traits:
-not polished trading plan
Being unprofitable for so long, traders start to realize the significance of a trading plan.
Sticking to the set of rules, they notice positive changes in their trading performance.
However, trading plan requires to be polished and modified. It takes many years for a trader to identify all its drawbacks before it starts bringing net profits.
-lack of confidence
When one starts following a trading system, confidence plays a substantial role.
The fact is that even the best trading strategy in the world occasionally produces negative results. In order to not give up and keep following such a system, one needs to build trust in that.
The confidence that after a series of losing trades, the strategy will manage to recover.
Such a trust can be built after many years of trading that strategy.
Stage 3 - Profitable trader ☺️
That is the final destination.
After many years of a struggling trading, one finally sees positively-trending equity. Winning trades start to outperform losing ones, leading to consistent account growth.
Profitable trader is characterized by iron discipline, confidence and consistency.
He knows what he is trading, when and why. His trading plan is polished, he fully controls his emotions.
He never stops learning and constantly develops his strategy.
Knowing the 3 stages of the evolution of a trader, one can easily identify at what stage he currently is. That will help to identify the things to be focused on to move to the next stage.
At what stages are you at the moment?
Exploring Ilian Yotov's Quarter Point Theory: Refine Your Entry
The quarters theory challenges the notion that financial markets are chaotic and that market prices are random by demonstrating constant orderly movement of price from one Quarter point to the next. In this publication, I will delve into the fundamentals of Yotov's Quarter Point Theory, its significance, and how it can be applied effectively in forex trading.
What is Quarter Point Theory by Ilian Yotov?
Ilian Yotov's Quarter Point Theory is a technical analysis strategy used in forex trading to identify potential entry and exit points. The theory is based on the observation that currency prices tend to gravitate towards specific levels known as "quarter points," which are key psychological and technical levels in the market.
Key Concepts of Quarter Point Theory
• Quarter Points: These are price levels that divide a currency pair's price range into four equal parts. For example, if a currency pair is trading between 1.2000 and 1.3000, the quarter points would be 1.2250, 1.2500, and 1.2750.
• Psychological Levels: Quarter points often act as psychological barriers where traders tend to place buy or sell orders, causing price reactions at these levels.
• Support and Resistance: Quarter points can act as support and resistance levels, where prices may consolidate, reverse, or experience significant movement.
Identifying Quarter Points
To apply Quarter Point Theory, traders need to identify the high and low of a currency pair's price range. These values are then divided into quarters to determine the quarter points.
The quarters theory focuses on the 1000 pip range between major whole numbers in currency exchange. Each 1000 pip range can be divided into 4 equal parts called Large Quarters
Each Large quarter has exactly 250 pips (1000/4 =250).
A Large Quarter Point (LQP) is a price that marks the beginning and the end of each Large Quarter (250 pips range).
Large Quarter Points that coincide with Major whole numbers are called Major Large Quarter Points (MLQP). MLQP signals the end of a 1000 PIP range and the beginning of a new 1000 pip range.
A Major Small Quarter point is simple the number that coincides with a whole number, for example, 1.30, 1.31, 1.32, 1.33, 1.34…. Each of these numbers mark the beginning of a 100 pip range.
Here is an illustration of this:
Using Quarter Points in Forex
When you study price around this theory, you may notice that price has a tendency to print the high of the day or low of the day around quarter point levels. Here is a example of this over a 5 day period on EURUSD:
With this new-found knowledge, you could integrate this into your strategy. Once you have a directional bias for the day and you have an AOI for entry, you simply need to identify the quarter point within that range and anticipate a reaction at that level.
For a deeper dive into this theory, I highly recommend reading the original work by Ilian Yotov's. If you would like a free pdf copy, drop me a message or leave a comment, I'd be happy to share this with you.
Happy Trading