DON'T Make This MISTAKE in MULTIPLE TIME FRAME Analysis
Most of the traders apply multiple time frame analysis incorrectly . In the today's article, we will discuss how to properly use it and how to build the correct thinking process with that trading approach.
The problem is that many traders start their analysis with lower time frames first . They build the opinion and the directional bias analyzing hourly or even lower time frames and look for bullish / bearish signals there.
Once some solid setup is spotted, they start looking for confirmations , analyzing higher time frames. They are trying to find the clues that support their observations.
However, the pro traders do the opposite .
The fact is that higher is the time frame, more significant it is for the analysis. The key structures and the patterns that are spotted on an hourly time frame most of the time will be completely irrelevant on a daily time frame.
In the picture above, I underlined the key levels on USDJPY on an hourly time frame on the left.
On the right, I opened a daily time frame. You can see that on a higher time frame, the structures went completely lost.
BUT the structures that are identified on a daily, will be extremely important on any lower time frame.
In the example above, I have underlined key levels on a daily.
On an hourly time frame, we simply see in detail how important are these structures and how the market reacts to them.
The correct way to apply the top-down approach is to start with the higher time frame first: daily or weekly. Identify the market trend there, spot the important key levels. Make prediction on these time frames and let the analysis on lower time frames be your confirmation.
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Trading Plan
What is ICT Order Block and How to Trade it
👉🏻 ICT order block is basically an area on the price chart which indicates the huge institutional orders and signals the strong reversal or continuation of price.
You can use the order block as a confirmation of your trade entry or for the reversal of price.
In this article, we will teach you all about order block trading strategy from definition to its identification and to use along with examples.
You can jump to the part of this guide, you are most interested in or you can continue reading the whole article :
Table of Contents 👇🏻
1 : What is ICT Order Block?
2 : Types of Order Block
3 : Bullish Order Block
4 : Bearish Order Block
5 : Bullish Order Block Trading Strategy
6 : Bearish Order Block Trading Strategy
7 : Final Thoughts
What is ICT Order Block? ⚡️
ICT Order block is the area in the price chart, where a large number of orders are executed by institutional traders in the market and market shows sudden strong move from that area.
Retail traders follow institutional foot prints, so they wait for these order block zones to buy or sell in the market & make profit along with big institutions like banks.
You can see the example of order blocks in the picture given below :
Types of Order Block
As you know market has two price moves bullish & bearish. So on the basis of price moves, order block is divided into two types.
(I) Bullish Order Block
(II) Bearish Order Block
Bullish Order Block
A bullish order block is the last bearish candle before the bullish impulse (strong sudden) move, it typically consist of two candles, with the first candlestick being a bearish and the second candlestick being a bullish one.
How to Identify a Bullish Order Block? ⚡️
To identify a valid bullish order block you need to check following things.
(I) Second candle being a bullish candle, should grab the low of previous bearish candle. Price should go below the low of previous bearish candle.
(II) Second candle being a Bullish candle should close above the high of previous bearish candle.
(III) Imbalance in lower time frame in the order block zone.
(IV) Structure shift in lower timeframe.
To sum it up we can say, second candle should completely engulf the first candle – body to body & wick to wick.
You can see the example of bullish order block in the picture below :
Bearish Order Block ⚡️
A bearish order block is the last bullish candle before the bearish impulse move, it typically consist of two candles, with the first candlestick being a bullish and the second candlestick being a bearish one.
How to Identify a Bearish Order Block? ⚡️
To identify a valid bearish order block you need to check following things.
(I) Second candle being a bearish candle, should grab the high of previous bullish candle. Price should go above the high of previous bearish candle.
(II) Second candle being a bearish candle should close below the low of previous bullish candle.
(III) Imbalance in lower timeframe in the order block zone.
(IV) ICT Market Structure Shift in lower timeframe.
To sum it up we can say second candle should completely engulf the first candle – body to body & wick to wick.
You can see the example of bearish order block in the picture below :
Bullish Order Block Trading Strategy ⚡️
In bullish order block trading strategy you would look for shift of price delivery from bearish to bullish and then execute a buy trade utilizing a bullish order block.
When the trend is bearish and it approaches a demand zone where you would seek reversal of price and at that area price shifts its structure to the buy-side.
Then you will be looking for the order block at the bottom of the impulse move which changed market trend.
When you find the bullish order block in that move, it means it was a move involving institutions so you need to wait for the price to test the bullish order block zone to execute a buy trade.
When price retraces back and tests the bullish order block zone you can execute a buy trade as shown in the picture below :
When tradin bullish Order block trading strategy your stop loss will be 10/20 pips below the low of order block zone.
Bearish Order Block Trading Strategy ⚡️
In bearish order block trading strategy you would be looking for the shift of trend from bullish to bearish and then execute a sell trade utilizing a bearish order block.
When market trend is bullish and it approaches a supply zone where you seek reversal of price and at that area price shifts its structure to the sell-side.
Then you would look for the order block at the bottom of the impulse move which changed price trend.
When you find a bearish order block in that move it means it was a move involving institutions so you need to wait for the price to test the bearish order block zone to execute a sell trade.
When price retrace back and tests the bearish order block zone you can execute a sell trade.
A real market example of bearish order block trading strategy is shown below in the picture.
Final Thoughts⚡️
When trading using bearish Order block trading strategy our stop loss will be 10/20 pips above the high of order block zone.
Order blocks can also be found in a trend after a pull back and these order blocks confirm the strength of trend. We can use these order blocks to trade the trend or to add new positions in the trend.
Like in a bearish trend after a bullish pullback a bearish order block may form, which confirms the strength of bearish trend and we can add a new sell order to enjoy the bearish trend.
Likewise in a bullish trend after a bearish pullback a bullish Order block may form which confirms the strength of bullish trend and we can add a new buy order to enjoy the bullish trend ❤️ .
Trading Mindset
I Am a Software Developer and a Passionate Trader
Over the past five years, I have explored nearly every aspect of trading—technical analysis, intraday trading, MTF, pre-IPO investments, options selling, F&O, hedging, swing trading, long-term investing, and even commodities like gold and crude oil.
Through this journey, I realized that **technical analysis is only about 20% of the equation**. The real game is **psychology and mindset**.
I have distilled my learnings into concise points below—insights that have shaped my approach and will continue to guide me in my version 2.0 of trading. I hope they prove valuable to you as well.
---
### **Position Sizing**
One of the most important aspects of trading is choosing the right position size. Your trade should never be so large that it causes stress or worry. Keep it at a level where you can stay calm, no matter how the market moves.
### **Set Stop-Loss and Target Before Placing a Trade**
Decide in advance when you will exit a trade—both at a loss (**stop-loss**) and at a profit (**target**). This helps maintain emotional balance, preventing extreme excitement or frustration.
### **How to Calculate Position Size**
- Use **technical analysis** to identify your **stop-loss** and **target**.
- Example: If CMP is ₹100 and your stop-loss is at ₹94 (₹6 risk per share), determine your risk tolerance:
- ₹3,000 risk ➝ **500 shares** (₹3,000 ÷ ₹6)
- ₹1,200 risk ➝ **200 shares** (₹1,200 ÷ ₹6)
- Adjust quantity based on how much you're willing to risk.
### **Setting Target Price & Risk-Reward Ratio**
The most important factor in setting a target is the **risk-reward ratio**. If your stop-loss is ₹6, your target should be at least **₹6, ₹9, or ₹12**.
### **Why Is Risk-Reward Important?**
Let’s say you take **10 trades**—5 go in your favor, and 5 go against you. If your risk-reward ratio isn’t favorable, you could end up in a loss.
Example:
- You **lose ₹6** in two trades → ₹12 total loss
- You **gain ₹3** in three trades → ₹9 total profit
- **Net result: -₹3 loss**
To ensure profitability, your **reward should be equal to or greater than your risk**. A **1.5x or 2x risk-reward ratio** is ideal.
### **Flexibility in Targets**
Even when the price reaches **Target 1**, you can **book partial profits** and let the rest run with a **trailing stop-loss**.
---
### **Managing Multiple Trades**
This is **very important**. If you're a beginner, **limit yourself to 2 trades**, and even if you're a pro, **avoid more than 3-5 positions**.
**Example:** If you have **₹2 lakh**, make sure you have **only 2 trades open at a time**. Add a third stock **only when you close another position**.
---
### **How to Deploy Capital**
Patience is key. If you have **₹1 lakh**, **divide it into 4-5 parts** and buy **in small chunks over time**.
**Why?**
The **nature of stocks** is to move in waves—rising, facing profit booking, then breaking previous highs. Instead of investing everything at once, **buy in staggered amounts** to ensure your **average price stays close to CMP**.
---
### **Avoid Market Noise**
When trading, **stay in your zone**.
Social media posts can make you feel **slow compared to others**, but they don't show the full picture. Avoid distractions like:
- Direct stock tips from **news channels**
- P&L snapshots from traders
- Following too many **analysts on social media**
Instead, **listen to expert views**, but stay disciplined with **your own strategy**.
---
### **Stock Selection**
Stock selection has **two elements—technical and fundamental** (I'll write a separate post on this).
Always **buy a stock that you can hold even in your darkest times**.
**Example:**
- Choose **blue-chip stocks** with **high market caps & strong promoter holdings**
- Never **buy a stock just because it’s in momentum**
- If a stock **turns into a forced SIP**, it’s not a good buy
Pick stocks with **a long-term story**—even if you fail to exit at the right time, you should be comfortable holding them.
---
### **Accept That It’s the Market, Not You**
Many traders fail because they **don’t admit that the market is unpredictable**.
Losses happen because of volatility, not necessarily poor strategy. **Example:**
- You lose a trade and **try improving your method** but face another hit
- Some losses **are simply beyond your control**
Most of what happens in the market is **not in your hands**—including stop-loss triggers. **Accept this reality,** and focus on **risk management** instead of revenge trading.
---
### **Keep Separate Trading & Investment Accounts**
Trading and investing **are different**. If you keep them **in the same account**, you’ll:
- **Book small profits** on investments
- **Hold short-term trades in losses**
Having **separate accounts** keeps **your goals clear**.
---
### **Don’t Let the Market Dominate You**
Even full-time traders **shouldn’t obsess over the market**.
Limit your **screen time to 2-3 hours during market hours**.
**Why?**
- You can’t **act on global markets until 9:15 AM IST**
- Even if a **war or tariff issue** arises, **you can’t do anything until market open**
- Overthinking leads to **over-trading**, which drains money
Instead, **invest time in developing new skills**.
---
### **Do What Suits You, Not Others**
If you're good at **swings, stick to swings**. If you're good at **intraday, do intraday**.
Don't follow **what works for a friend—trade based on what suits you**.
---
### **Avoid FOMO**
Don't **stress** if a stock jumps **20% in a day**.
Stock **accumulation zones, demand/supply areas, profit booking**, and **retests** happen **regularly**—opportunities will always come.
Even traders who claim they made **20% in a day** **don’t share how often they got trapped chasing stocks**.
---
### **Stop-Loss Is Your Best Friend**
No, stop-loss is your **best friend for life**.
**Example:**
- Suppose you **enter 10 trades in a month**.
- **6 do well** and you book profits.
- **4 go against you**, but instead of exiting, **you hold** because you believe they’ll recover.
- Next month, you **repeat this cycle**—adding more positions.
Over time, **this builds a portfolio of lagging stocks**, and suddenly, **your losses dominate your portfolio**.
---
Even Experts Face Losses
Even professionals with **advanced research teams lose money**.
Retail traders often **believe they can avoid losses by analyzing a few ratios**, but **losses are part of trading**.
A stop-loss ensures **you stay in the game long-term**—instead of holding onto losing trades indefinitely.
---
Take a Break & Restart
Taking breaks is **crucial**. If everything is going wrong, **don’t hesitate to press the reset button**—step back, analyze, and refine your approach. A fresh mindset leads to better trading decisions. (I’ll write a detailed post on this soon.)
3 Tips to Make Trading EasierTrading is such a strange beast—both extremely difficult and unparalleled in its simplicity.
Sometimes, we find ourselves floating in effortless flow. Other times, we’re stuck in a storm of confusion, frustration, or overconfidence.
And it’s in these oscillations—the swing between extremes—where the true difficulty lies.
On one end, we show the market less respect than it demands.
On the other, we freeze in fear or get swept away in frustration and rage.
Managing these extremes is part of the trader’s job.
Managing them well… is an art form.
Here are 3 foundational tools that have helped me:
⸻
1. Find. Your. Rhythm.
Each of us is wired differently. Our biochemistry, personality traits, and preferences are all unique—and they absolutely affect how we trade.
Some traders thrive on high-frequency scalping.
Others wait patiently for a single swing setup.
Some feel energized after 6 hours of screen time.
Others burn out after one intense hour.
If you don’t understand your personal rhythm, you’ll constantly be misaligned—not just with your strategy, but with your life.
Workaholics may get bored and start forcing trades.
Laid-back traders may overcommit and burn out fast.
Rhythm isn’t just about preference—it’s about sustainability.
⸻
2. Practice Tolerating Discomfort.
Trading is uncomfortable.
Let’s be real—90% of it ranges from mildly uneasy to outright agonizing.
Practicing discomfort outside of trading has made a huge difference for me:
Cold plunges.
Sadhu boards.
Early morning wake-ups.
Cardio.
Even practicing restraint during family arguments.
These things teach you to sit with that gnawing feeling and not act impulsively.
They train your nervous system to stay stable under pressure.
Trading may not get “easier,” but your capacity for difficulty increases—so it starts to feel easier.
⸻
3. Plan Is Everything.
Trading becomes way simpler when you just show up to execute a plan.
If your plan says there are no trades today—then walk away.
If your plan says take two trades—then take them.
Win or lose, outsource the result to the plan, not to your self-worth.
Then, at the end of a set period (ideally written into the plan), review your execution.
Were you compliant?
What can be adjusted?
A good plan + rhythm alignment + discomfort tolerance = consistency.
⸻
Trading is obviously more complex than three bullet points can capture—but the foundation you can build from these is immense.
Thanks for reading.
Happy trading.
—Lightwork_
Trading is a business
The masses have the wrong ideas about Trading. It is a business and just like others it involves risk. We grow, we learn, earn and scale up. Crafting a plan is essential to success and character also play a key role here.
In this business, risk is an inherent part of the equation. Just like any other enterprise, trading exposes you to challenges and setbacks, but it's how you manage these risks that can differentiate a thriving business from one that falters. Careful risk management—whether through proper position sizing, stop-loss strategies, or diversification—is the foundation that helps protect your capital while you grow your business over time.
Crafting a trading plan is essential. This plan should not only outline your entry and exit strategies based on rigorous analysis but also incorporate a framework to evaluate your performance critically. A well-crafted plan serves as a roadmap, guiding your decisions in both favorable and challenging market conditions. Moreover, it creates a discipline that protects you from emotional reactions that can often lead to impulsive decisions—a common pitfall in trading.
Character plays a crucial role as well. In trading, psychological fortitude, resilience in the face of losses, and the humility to learn from mistakes are qualities that separate the successful from the rest. Many people mistakenly believe that a few big wins can offset a series of missteps; however, it is the consistent, calculated, and disciplined approach that leads to sustainable growth. This business mindset—acknowledging that each trade is a learning opportunity and a step in scaling up your efforts—is what ultimately propels traders to long-term success.
In essence, re-framing trading as a business fosters a mindset where every decision is taken seriously, every mistake is analyzed for improvement, and every trade is seen as a building block for growth. This approach not only minimizes unnecessary risks but also enables you to scale up with confidence.
I'm curious—what elements of your trading plan do you find most effective at keeping your business mindset in check, and are there aspects you'd like to refine further?
Are You Taking the Right Risks in Trading? RISK Per Trade Basics
What portion of your equity should you risk for your trading positions?
In the today's article, I will reveal the types of risks related to your position sizing.
Quick note: your risk per trade will be defined by the distance from your entry point to stop loss in pips and the lot size.
🟢Risking 1-2% of your trading account per trade will be considered a low risk.
With such a risk, one can expect low returns but a high level of safety of the total equity.
Such a risk is optimal for conservative and newbie traders.
With limited account drawdowns, one will remain psychologically stable during the negative trading periods.
🟡2-5% risk per trade is a medium risk. With such a risk, one can expect medium returns but a moderate level of safety of the total equity.
Such a risk is suitable for experienced traders who are able to take losses and psychologically resilient to big drawdowns and losing streaks.
🔴5%+ risk per trade is a high risk.
With such a risk, one can expect high returns but a low level of safety of the total equity.
Such a risk is appropriate for rare, "5-star" trading opportunities where all stars align and one is extremely confident in the positive outcome.
That winner alone can bring substantial profits, while just 2 losing trades in a row will burn 10% of the entire capital.
🛑15%+ risk per trade is considered to be a stupid risk.
With such a risk, one can blow the entire trading account with 4-5 trades losing streak.
Taking into consideration the fact that 100% trading setups does not exist, such a risk is too high to be taken.
The problem is that most of the traders does not measure the % risk per trade and use the fixed lot.
Never make such a mistake, and plan your risks according to the scale that I shared with you.
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I am part of Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analysis.
Learn 3 Best Time Frames for Day Trading Forex & Gold
If you want to day trade Forex & Gold, but you don't know what time frames you should use for chart analysis and trade execution, don't worry.
In this article, I prepared for you the list of best time frames for intraday trading and proven combinations for multiple time frame analysis.
For day trading forex with multiple time frame analysis, I recommend using these 3 time frames: daily, 1 hour, 30 minutes.
Daily Time Frame Analysis
The main time frame for day trading Forex is the daily.
It will be applied for the identification of significant support and resistance levels and the market trend.
You should find at least 2 supports that are below current prices and 2 resistances above.
In a bullish trend, supports will be applied for trend-following trading, the resistances - for trading against the trend.
That's the example of a proper daily time frame analysis on GBPCHF for day trading.
The pair is in an uptrend and 4 significant historic structures are underlined.
In a downtrend, a short from resistance will be a daytrade with the trend while a long from support will be against.
Look at GBPAUD. The market is bearish, and a structure analysis is executed.
Identified supports and resistances will provide the zones to trade from. You should let the price reach one of these areas and start analyzing lower time frames then.
Remember that counter trend trading setups always have lower accuracy and a profit potential. Your ability to properly recognize the market direction and the point that you are planning to open a position from will help you to correctly assess the winning chances and risks.
1H/30M Time Frames Analysis
These 2 time frames will be used for confirmations and entries.
What exactly should you look for?
It strictly depends on the rules of your strategy and trading style.
After a test of a resistance, one should wait for a clear sign of strength of the sellers : it can be based on technical indicators, candlestick, chart pattern, or something else.
For my day trading strategy, I prefer a price action based confirmation.
I wait for a formation of a bearish price action pattern on a resistance.
Look at GBPJPY on a daily. Being in an uptrend, the price is approaching a key resistance. From that, one can look for a day trade .
In that case, a price action signal is a double top pattern on 1H t.f and a violation of its neckline. That provides a nice confirmation to open a counter trend short trade.
Look at this retracement that followed then.
In this situation, there was no need to open 30 minutes chart because a signal was spotted on 1H.
I will show you when one should apply this t.f in another setup.
Once the price is on a key daily support, start looking for a bullish signal.
For me, it will be a bullish price action pattern.
USDCAD is in a strong bullish trend. The price tests a key support.
It can be a nice area for a day trade.
Opening an hourly chart, we can see no bullish pattern.
If so, open even lower time frame, quite often it will reveal hidden confirmations.
A bullish formation appeared on 30 minutes chart - a cup & handle.
Violation of its neckline is a strong day trading long signal.
Look how rapidly the price started to grow then.
In order to profitably day trade Forex, a single time frame analysis is not enough . Incorporation of 3 time frames: one daily and two intraday will help you to identify trading opportunities from safe places with the maximum reward potential.
❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
I am part of Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analysis.
Why I Only Buy Dips / Sell Rallies When I Trade GoldWhen it comes to trading Gold (XAUUSD), I’ve learned one key truth: breakouts lie, but dips/rallies tell the truth.
That’s why I stick to one rule that has kept me consistently profitable:
I only buy dips in an uptrend and only sell rallies in a downtrend.
Let me explain exactly why this approach works so well—especially on Gold, a notoriously tricky market.
________________________________________
1. 🔥 Gold is famous for fake breakouts
Breakouts on Gold often look amazing… until they trap you.
You enter just as price breaks a key level—then suddenly it reverses and stops you out.
This happens because Gold loves to tease liquidity. It breaks highs or lows just enough to activate stop losses or attract breakout traders, only to reverse.
Buying dips or selling rallies protects you from these traps by entering from value, not hype.
________________________________________
2. ✅ I get better stop-loss placement and risk:reward
When I buy a dip, I can place my stop below a strong level (like a support zone or swing low).
That gives me tight risk and allows for big reward potential—often 1:2, 1:3 or more.
Breakout trades, on the other hand, often require wider stops or result in poor entries due to emotional execution.
________________________________________
3. ⏳ I get time to assess the market
False breakouts happen fast. But dips usually form more gradually.
That gives me time to analyze price action, spot confirmation signals, and even scratch the trade at breakeven if it starts to fail.
This reduces emotional decisions and increases my accuracy.
________________________________________
4. 🎯 Gold respects key levels more than it respects momentum
Even in strong trends, Gold often retraces deeply and retests zones before continuing.
That means entries near key levels—on a dip or rally—are more reliable than chasing price.
I’d rather wait for the zone than jump in mid-air.
________________________________________
5. 🔁 Even in aggressive trends, Gold often reverts to the mean
Lately, Gold has been trending hard—no doubt.
But even during explosive moves, it frequently pulls back to key moving averages or demand zones.
That’s why mean reversion entries on dips or rallies continue to offer excellent setups, even in fast-moving markets.
________________________________________
6. 🧠 I benefit from retail trader mistakes
Most traders get excited on breakouts.
But what usually happens? The breakout fails, and the price returns to structure.
By waiting for the dip/rally (when others are panicking or taking losses), I can enter at a discount and ride the move in the right direction.
________________________________________
7. 🧘♂️ This strategy forces patience and discipline
Waiting for dips or rallies requires patience.
You don’t jump in randomly. You plan your entry, your stop, your take profit—calmly.
That mental discipline is a trading edge on its own.
________________________________________
8. 📊 I align myself with probability, not emotion
In an uptrend, buying a dip is logical.
In a downtrend, selling a rally is natural.
Trying to “chase the breakout” is emotional—trying to get in on the action, fearing you'll miss the move.
I trade with the trend, from the right zone, and with a clear plan.
________________________________________
9. 🕒 I can use pending limit orders and walk away
One of the most underrated benefits of trading dips and rallies?
I don’t need to chase the market or be glued to the screen.
When I see a clean level forming, I simply place a buy limit (or sell limit) with my stop and target predefined.
This saves time, reduces overtrading, and keeps my emotions in check.
It’s a set-and-forget approach that fits perfectly with Gold’s tendency to return to key zones—even during high volatility.
________________________________________
🔚 Final thoughts
There’s no perfect trading strategy. But when it comes to Gold, buying dips and selling rallies consistently keeps me on the right side of probability.
I avoid the emotional traps. I get better entries. And most importantly, I protect my capital while maximizing reward.
Next time you see Gold breaking out, ask yourself:
“Is this real… or should I just wait for the dip/rally?”
That question might save you a lot of pain.
Global Markets Crashing: What Now?⚠️ Global Markets Crashing: What Now?
Don't panic , this is a worldwide event . Even big players are affected.
The important thing is to be patient and focus on future opportunities . We're hoping for a recovery in 2025.
We're holding on! ⏳
If you're experiencing losses right now , don't get discouraged, almost everyone is in the same boat . Even the largest funds managing billions of dollars are in trouble. Trillions of dollars are being wiped out from the world economy. Every country and every stock market is crashing. If you're thinking, 'My altcoin is dropping,' just look at how much ETH has fallen (18% in just one day).
Everything across the globe is falling , so it's natural that our market and investments will also fall. Don't feel bad if you didn't sell at the top in November or December; these are learning experiences for the future. Remember to take profit in the next uptrend.
Right now, all we can do is wait and hope for global issues to be resolved. Interest rate cuts and printing more money could bring a recovery in 2025.
S tay strong and make sure to take your profits if we see a big pump towards the end of the year.
We are also holding all our assets and waiting.
Your Best Trading Signal Formula Revealed (Forex, Gold)
If you are looking for a way to increase the accuracy of your trades, I prepared for you a simple yet powerful checklist that you can apply to validate your trades.
✔️ - The trades fit my trading plan
When you are planning to open a trade, make sure that it is strictly based on your rules and your entry reasons match your trading plan.
For example, imagine you found some good reasons to buy USDJPY pair, and you decide to open a long trade. However, checking your trading plan, you have an important rule there - the market should strictly lie on a key level.
The current market conditions do not fit your trading plan, so you skip that trade.
✔️ - The trade is in the direction with the trend
That condition is mainly addressed to the newbie traders.
Trading against the trend is much more complicated and riskier than trend-following trading, for that reason, I always recommend my students sticking with the trend.
Even though USDCHF formed a cute double bottom pattern after a strong bearish trend, and it is appealing to buy the oversold market, it is better to skip that trade because it is the position against the current trend.
✔️ - The trade has stop loss and target level
Know in advance where will be your goal for the trade and where you will close the position in a loss.
If you think that it is a good idea to buy gold now, but you have no clue how far it will go and where can be the target, do not take such a trade.
You should know your tp/sl before you open the trade.
✔️ - The trade has a good risk to reward ratio
Planning the trade, your potential reward should outweigh the potential risks. And of course, there are always the speculations about the optimal risk to reward ratio, however, try to have at least 1.3 R/R ratio.
Planning a long trade on EURNZD with a safe stop loss being below the current support and target - the local high, you can see that you get a negative r/r ratio, meaning that the potential risk is bigger than the potential reward. Such a trade is better to skip.
✔️ - I am ok with losing this trade if the market goes against me
Remember that even the best trading setups may occasionally fail. You should always be prepared for losses, and always keep in mind that 100% winning setups do not exist.
If you are not ready to lose, do not even open the position then.
✔️ - There are no important news events ahead
That rule is again primarily addressed to newbies because ahead and during the important news releases we have sudden volatility spikes.
Planning the trade, check the economic calendar, filtering top important news.
If important fundamentals are expected in the coming hours, it's better to wait until the news release first.
Taking a long trade on Gold, you should check the fundamentals first. Only after you confirm, that there are no fundamentals coming soon, you can open the position.
What I like about that checklist is that it is very simple, but you can use it whether you are a complete newbie or an experienced trader.
Try it and let me know if it helps you to improve your trading performance.
❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
I am part of Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analysis.
Understanding Market Downturns: How to Navigate the StormLately, the markets have been in a downtrend, leaving many traders and investors wondering what comes next. Whether it’s stocks, crypto, or other financial assets, downturns are an inevitable part of the game. While they can be unsettling, they also present opportunities—if you know how to navigate them.
Market declines happen for many reasons: economic slowdowns, geopolitical tensions, changes in interest rates, or even shifts in investor sentiment. Regardless of the cause, understanding the different types of market downturns, their impact, and the right strategies to handle them is key to making informed decisions.
So, let’s break down market downturns, how they unfold, and what you can do to stay ahead.
📊 DOWNTURN #1: Down -2% — A Ripple of Volatility
A -2% drop is like a minor speed bump—annoying but not alarming. These small dips are common and often part of natural market fluctuations.
✅ Key Characteristics:
• Typically short-lived and often recovers quickly.
• Can be triggered by minor news events, investor sentiment shifts, or profit-taking.
• Provides opportunities to enter positions at a slightly better price.
💡 Strategy:
• If you're a long-term investor, ignore these small movements. They are normal.
• If you're a trader, these dips can be buying opportunities in an uptrend.
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🔄 DOWNTURN #2: Down -5% — The Pullback Perspective
A 5% decline is often called a pullback—a temporary market retreat within an ongoing trend.
✅ Key Characteristics:
• Pullbacks often occur after strong rallies as the market cools off.
• Typically seen as healthy corrections in an overall uptrend.
• Not necessarily a signal of long-term weakness.
💡 Strategy:
• Long-term investors should hold steady and potentially add to positions.
• Swing traders may look for a bounce at key support levels (moving averages, previous highs/lows).
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🛑 DOWNTURN #3: Down -10% — Entering Correction Territory
When a market drops 10% from its recent high, it officially enters correction territory.
✅ Key Characteristics:
• Often caused by changes in economic outlook, inflation concerns, or major geopolitical events.
• Moving averages may start crossing downward, signaling caution.
• Momentum shifts, and bearish traders begin to take control.
💡 Strategy:
• If you’re a long-term investor, consider rebalancing your portfolio or hedging with defensive assets.
• Traders may look for short opportunities or play reversals at support levels.
• Be cautious with leverage—downturns can accelerate quickly.
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🐻 DOWNTURN #4: Down -20% — The Bear Market Looms
A 20% drop or more marks a bear market, signaling a significant shift in market sentiment.
✅ Key Characteristics:
• Confidence is shaken; investors turn risk-averse.
• Defensive sectors (utilities, consumer staples, healthcare) tend to outperform.
• Market psychology shifts from "buying the dip" to "protecting capital."
💡 Strategy:
• Consider defensive positions, hedging strategies, or increasing cash reserves.
• Avoid high-risk assets—stocks with weak fundamentals often fall the hardest.
• If you’re a trader, look for short-selling opportunities or inverse ETFs.
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⚠️ DOWNTURN #5: Down -50% — The Market Crash Crisis
A 50% market decline is rare but catastrophic, often fueled by deep economic crises.
Historical Examples:
• 2008 Financial Crisis: Banks collapsed, and global markets fell over 50%.
• Dot-Com Bubble (2000): Tech stocks crashed after unsustainable hype.
• Oil Crisis (1973-74): Economic stagnation and inflation led to severe losses.
✅ Key Characteristics:
• Panic selling dominates the market.
• Fear-driven liquidation leads to extreme undervaluation.
• Long-term recovery often follows—but timing is uncertain.
💡 Strategy:
• If you have cash reserves, these moments present once-in-a-decade buying opportunities (but patience is needed).
• Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) can be effective for long-term investors.
• Traders should expect extreme volatility—both to the downside and in sharp relief rallies.
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🌧️ DOWNTURN #6: Prolonged Downside — The Economic Depression
Unlike a crash, a depression is a long-term, sustained downturn that deeply affects the economy.
✅ Key Characteristics:
• Prolonged recession, lasting years rather than months.
• Unemployment soars, economic activity collapses.
• Investor confidence remains low for an extended period.
Historical Example: The Great Depression (1930s)
• U.S. unemployment hit 25%.
• Stock markets stayed depressed for a decade.
• Industrial production and wages plummeted.
💡 Strategy:
• Preservation of capital is key—cash, gold, and defensive assets become crucial.
• Income-producing investments (dividend stocks, bonds) provide stability.
• Patience is essential; full recovery can take years.
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🧭 Conclusion: Navigating Market Downturns Like a Pro
Downturns are an inevitable part of investing and trading. While they can be unsettling, being informed and prepared is the key to staying ahead.
✅ Key Takeaways:
• Minor dips (-2% to -5%) are normal and often present opportunities.
• Corrections (-10%) require caution, but markets usually recover.
• Bear markets (-20%) signal broader economic concerns—risk management is crucial.
• Crashes (-50%) are rare but can create massive buying opportunities for long-term investors.
• Depressions are the most severe and require a long-term, defensive approach.
No matter the downturn, the key is to stay calm, adjust your strategy, and use market cycles to your advantage.
With the right approach, you won’t just survive market downturns—you’ll thrive in the long run. 🚀
HOW FOREX BROKERS MANIPULATE YOU TRADING? Real Example
Last month, I spotted a nice trading position on NZDCAD forex pair.
I shared that with my TradingView subscribers immediately after I placed the trade.
Though, the price moved exactly as it was predicted, the half of the members did not make any penny from this signal, while another half made a nice profit.
It happened because of one rare thing that I absolutely hate in trading.
Learn about a major frustration and market manipulation in trading, that no one will tell you about.
Here is the trading position that I spotted.
It was a classic price action trading setup based on a double top pattern.
Trade was taken on a retest of a broken neckline aiming at the closest strong support and stop loss lying about the tops.
Though, initially, the market started to fall rapidly. But it reversed, not being able to reach the target.
Watching that bullish rally resumes, I send the signal to my students to close the trade on entry, and I also did that personally.
I felt myself quite sad that I did not mange cash out from that trade.
Later on in the evening, surprisingly, I started to receive multiple thank you messages from my members that they made a good profit with that signal.
How could it be?
I decided to anonymously ask the members, how did they close the trade.
More than half of the members replied that the trade reached take profit.
Can it be possible? My TP was not reached and it was still quite far from the lowest low.
Now, examine the trading setup on NZDCAD on charts of different popular forex brokers.
On these 6 charts, you can see NZDCAD pair on OANDA, CAPITALCOM, IC MARKETS, ICE, FXCM, FOREX.COM brokers.
While in half of the instances TP was not reached, in other half, TP was reached and the price went even lower.
Why it happened?
There are the rare situations in Forex trading, when the price action on one broker can be very different from another.
It happens because different brokers have different liquidity providers, spreads, order execution methods and so on.
That is why the selection of a good broker is so vital in trading.
If you use TradingView for chart analysis, make sure that you watch all the instruments of one broker.
Moreover, once you start trading your strategy, always check how the price acted with different broker quotes.
If you will see a lot of instances that your tp is not hit, while on another broker it would, it will be a signal for you to change the broker.
When I started learning trading, no one told be that important nuance of Forex trading.
But knowing that is a very significant step in your trading journey.
❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
I am part of Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analysis.
Starting over in trading- A short guideThe internet has made it easier than ever to learn trading for free. You have access to blogs, videos, books, podcasts, and more. Yet, most traders still fail.
Why?
Because there’s too much information. It’s overwhelming, confusing, and filled with conflicting advice.
So, if I had to start over from scratch, here’s exactly how I’d do it—step by step.
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Step 1: Master Risk Management
No matter what type of trader you become—day trader, swing trader, options trader, quantitative trader, etc.—risk management is the foundation of long-term success.
It’s also one of the easiest things to master, and once you do, it will pay off for the rest of your trading career.
Risk Management Essentials:
✅ Never risk more than 1-2% of your account per trade.
✅ Always use stop losses to protect your capital.
✅ Focus on risk-to-reward ratios (aim for at least 1:2 or better).
✅ Manage position sizing properly to avoid blowing up your account.
Once you understand how to protect your capital, it’s time to expose yourself to the trading world.
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Step 2: Learn & Explore Different Trading Styles
When you're just starting, you don’t know what you don’t know.
Your goal at this stage is to explore different trading strategies, tools, and methods.
What to Learn:
🔹 Candlestick patterns & price action
🔹 Indicators (moving averages, RSI , MACD , etc.)
🔹 Chart patterns (head & shoulders, triangles, etc.)
🔹 Market structures (support/resistance, trends, ranges)
🔹 Different trading styles (day trading, swing trading, scalping, momentum trading, etc.)
Mindset for This Phase:
🚀 Keep an open mind—don’t judge strategies too early.
🚀 Focus on learning rather than making money right away.
🚀 Accept that not everything will work for you—and that’s okay.
At this stage, your goal is not to become an expert in everything but to discover what resonates with you.
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Step 3: Pick ONE Strategy & Go Deep
After exploring different strategies, you need to commit to ONE.
This eliminates information overload and allows you to focus on mastering a single trading method.
How to Choose a Strategy:
🔹 Does it fit your personality? (e.g., If you hate fast decision-making, avoid scalping.)
🔹 Does it match your lifestyle? (e.g., If you have a full-time job, swing trading might be better than day trading.)
🔹 Can you understand the logic behind it? (A good strategy should be simple, not overly complicated.)
Example: Mean Reversion Strategy in Stocks
• Identify stocks in an uptrend 📈
• Wait for a pullback (price moves lower)
• Enter when the stock shows signs of resuming the trend
• Sell on the next rally
By focusing on one strategy, you eliminate confusion and make faster progress.
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Step 4: Create & Refine Your Trading Plan
Now that you have a strategy, it’s time to turn it into a structured trading plan.
Your trading plan should include:
✅ Market Conditions – When will you trade? Trending or ranging markets?
✅ Entry Rules – What signals will you use to enter a trade?
✅ Exit Rules – When will you take profits or cut losses?
✅ Risk Management – How much will you risk per trade?
💡 Example Trading Plan (Momentum Trading):
• Market: Trade only in strong uptrends.
• Entry: Buy when the price breaks above a key resistance level.
• Exit: Take profit at 2x risk, cut losses at a 1x risk.
• Risk Management: Risk only 1% of the account per trade.
A clear, structured plan removes emotion from trading and keeps you disciplined.
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Step 5: Test Your Strategy (Before Risking Real Money)
You never know if a strategy works until you test it.
How to Test a Trading Strategy:
🔹 Backtesting – Analyze past data to see if the strategy has worked historically.
🔹 Forward Testing (Paper Trading) – Trade in a demo account without real money.
What You’ll Learn from Testing:
✔️ Does the strategy make money over time?
✔️ How often does it win vs. lose?
✔️ How big are the drawdowns?
✔️ Does it match your risk tolerance?
If the strategy performs well in testing, you now have a solid foundation to trade with real money.
If it doesn’t work, tweak and improve it—this is part of the process.
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Final Thoughts: The Key to Long-Term Success
Starting over isn’t about finding the “perfect” system —it’s about following a structured approach.
Here’s the Path to Trading Success:
1️⃣ Master Risk Management – Protect your capital first.
2️⃣ Learn & Explore – Understand different strategies & tools.
3️⃣ Pick ONE Strategy – Focus on a proven method.
4️⃣ Create a Trading Plan – Define your rules clearly.
5️⃣ Test & Improve – Validate your strategy before going live.
🔥 Bonus Tip: Trading success is 80% psychology and 20% strategy. Stay patient, disciplined, and treat trading like a business—not a get-rich-quick scheme.
How to Choose the Right Leverage in Trading: What Metters?One of the most common questions I get from beginner traders is: What leverage should I use ?
And every time, my answer is the same: The leverage offered by the broker is irrelevant. What truly matters is the position size you control in the market.
Understanding Leverage in Trading
Leverage is a tool that allows you to control a larger amount of money in the market than you actually have in your account. Brokers regulated in the U.S., EU, or Australia limit leverage to 1:30, but in other jurisdictions, these restrictions do not apply, and brokers may offer leverage of 1:200 or even higher.
What does this mean? Let’s take a concrete example:
• You have an account with $1,000.
• Your broker offers 1:200 leverage.
• This means you can control $200,000 in the market.
Although this may sound tempting, you must understand that your profit and loss are calculated based on the amount controlled, not your initial capital.
The Real Risk of High Leverage
Let’s assume you open a position using the full leverage available and control $200,000 in the market.
• If the market moves 100 pips against you, your loss is $2,000.
• Your $1,000 account is completely wiped out in just 50 pips of adverse movement.
In other words, high leverage can quickly take you out of the game if you do not manage your risk properly.
How to Trade Safely
If you have an account of $1,000, it is recommended to control much smaller amounts in the market to reduce risk.
A safer approach would be:
• To control $5,000, meaning you open a position of 0.05 lots.
• If you have a higher risk appetite, a maximum of 0.1 lots, which means you control $10,000 in the market.
This way, a 100-pip movement against you will not completely wipe out your account, giving you a better chance to manage risk and learn from experience.
Conclusion
The leverage offered by the broker does not matter; what matters is the position size you open. Set an appropriate risk level for your account and do not be tempted by high leverage offered by brokers. Survival in trading depends on proper risk management, not on how big you can bet on each trade.
High Volatility Trade Management & Risk Management Strategies
With a current geopolitical uncertainty and the election of Trump, forex market and gold experience wild price fluctuations. These unpredictable swings can result in substantial losses, particularly for the beginners in trading.
In this article, I will share with you the essential trade management and risk management tips for dealing with extreme volatility in trading.
I will reveal proven strategies and techniques for avoiding losses and unexpected risks.
1. First and foremost, pay attention to the news.
The main driver of high volatility on the markets are the news , especially the bad ones.
In normal times, high impact news events are relatively rare, while in times of uncertainty their frequency increases dramatically.
Such news may easily invalidate the best technical analysis setup: any powerful support or resistance level, strong price action or candle stick pattern can be easily overturned by the fundamentals.
Trump tariffs threats against Canada made USDCAD rise by 400 pips rapidly, while the change of rhetoric quickly returned the prices to previous levels.
One you hold an active trade, monitor the news. If you see the impactful news that may affect the pair or instrument that you trade, immediately protect your position, moving stop loss to entry.
It will help you avoid losses if the market starts going against you.
2. Even constantly monitoring the news, you will not be able to protect yourself from all the surprising movements.
Sometimes your trades will quickly be closed in a loss.
Therefore, I strictly recommend measure a lot size for every trade that you take. Make sure that you risk no more than 1% of your trading account per trade. That will help you to minimize losses cased by the impactful, uncertain events.
3. The impactful events may also occur on weekend, while Forex market is closed. Such incidents can be the cause of huge gap openings.
If you hold an active trading position over the weekend, remember that your entire account can be easily blown with such gaps.
Imagine that you decided to buy EURUSD on Friday during the NY session and keep holding the position over the weekend.
A huge gap down opening would make you face huge losses, opening the market 125 pips below the entry level.
By the way, this day I received a dozen of messages from my followers that their accounts were blown with the opening gaps.
4. If you see a significant price movement caused by some events, and you did not manage to catch it, let it go.
Jumping in such movements is very risky because quite ofter correctional movements will follow quickly.
It will be much safer and better to try to be involved in a trend continuation after a pullback.
Look what happened with Gold when Trump began a new trade war.
The price started to grow rapidly. However, even during such a sentiment, 500 pips pullback occurred, giving patient traders a safe entry point for the trade.
5. In the midst of geopolitical tensions and trade wars, the markets tend to rally or fall for the extended time periods.
The best trading strategies to use to get maximum from such movements are trend-following strategies.
While reversal, counter-trend trading might be extremely risky, providing a lot of false signals.
Trend trading may bring extraordinary profits.
These trading tips, risk management and trade management strategies and secrets are tailored for cutting and avoiding losses during dark times. Empower your strategy with this useful knowledge and good luck to you in trading high volatility on Gold and Forex.
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I am part of Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analysis.
DOGS Main Trend. Tactics of Working on Risky Crypto 03 2025Logarithm. Time frame 3 days. Tactics of working on super-risky cryptocurrencies of low liquidity, which are always sold (without loading the glass), by the creators of “nothing”. In order to increase sales, of course, when they rationally reverse the trend and make pumps at a large % and marketing positive news "have time to buy". On such assets with such liquidity, “killed faith” (at the moment), and control of the emission in “one hand” it is not difficult. Something like in BabyDOGE.
On such assets you should always remember:
1️⃣ allocate a certain amount for work in general on such assets from the deposit as a whole.
2️⃣ distribute money (potential reversal and decline zones) from this allocated amount to each similar asset in advance.
3️⃣ diversify similar assets themselves (5-10 cryptocurrencies), understanding that sooner or later they will scam. The scam of one of them should not be reflected significantly on the balance of the pump/dump group of low liquidity. It is impossible to guess everything that does not depend on you, and it is not necessary. Your miscalculations (what does not depend on you) are smoothed out by your initial trading plan and risk control, that is, money management (money management).
4️⃣ Set adequate goals. Part of the position locally trade 40-80% (not necessary, but this sometimes reduces the risk).
5️⃣ Work with trigger orders and lower them if they did not work and the price falls.
6️⃣ Remember that in consolidation and cut zones in assets of such liquidity, stops are always knocked out, so the size of the stop does not really matter. It will be knocked out, especially before the reversal.
7️⃣ Before the reversal of the secondary trend, as a rule, they first do a “hamster pump” by a conditionally significant %, when everyone is "tired of waiting". They absorb all sales. Then the main pumping without passengers by a very large % takes place to form a distribution zone. As a rule, it will be lower than the pump highs, that is, in the zone when they are not afraid to buy, but believe that after a large pump, the highs will be overcome significantly.
8️⃣ Remember that assets of such liquidity decrease after listings or highs by:
a) active hype, bull market -50-70%
b) secondary trend without extraordinary events -90-93%
c) cycle change -96-98% or scam, if it is a 1-2 cycle project (there is no point in supporting the legend, how it is easier to make a candy wrapper from scratch without believing holders with coins).
9️⃣In the capitulation zone, there can be several of them depending on the trend of the market as a whole and rationality, the asset is of no interest to anyone. Everyone gets the impression that everything is a scam. That is, on the contrary, you need to collect the asset, observing money management, that is, your initial distribution of money and the risk that you agreed with in advance. As a rule, in such zones people "give up" and abandon their earlier vision.
🔟 After the entire position is set (pre-planned, according to your money management), stop and do not get stuck in the market and news noise. Wait for your first goals.
Remember, people always buy expensive, and refuse to buy cheap ("it's a scam", they try to "catch the bottom"), when "the Internet is not buzzing". This all happens because there is no vision, and as a consequence, no tactics of work and risk control . Many want to guess the “bottom”, or “maximums”, and refuse to sell when they are reached. The first and second are not conditionally available, on assets of such liquidity and emission control. But, there are probabilities that you can operate and earn on this, without getting stuck in the market noise. And also in the opinions of the majority (inclination to the dominant opinion and rejection of your plan and risk control), from which you must fence yourself off.
Most people, immersed in market noise and the opinions of others , choose for themselves the price movement, which is beneficial to them at the moment , and to which they are inclined, but do not provide themselves with the tactics of work. This is a key mistake, and the main manipulation that the conditional manipulator achieves, who, by the way, is sometimes not on the asset, to form an opinion and, as a consequence, the actions of the majority.
Because, in essence, most people do not have the tactics of work. Where the news FUD (inclination to the dominant opinion), “market noise” (cutting zones and collecting liquidity), the opinion of the majority, is directed, that is what they are inclined to.
When the price goes in the other direction, it is disappointment.
If these are futures — liquidation of the position. Zeroing out due to greed.
If this is spot — "proud random holders" , without the ability to average the position (no money), to reduce the average price of the position set as a whole, and as a result increase the % of profit in the future.
A trading plan and risk control are the basis, not guessing the price movement. If you do not have the first “two whales” of trading in your arsenal, then you have nothing. It doesn't matter how much you guess the potential movement, as the outcome of such practice is always the same, and it is not comforting.
How to Actually Do Backtesting?Welcome back guys, I’m Skeptic!
Today, I’m gonna break down one of the most important and fundamental skills every trader needs: Backtesting .
Backtesting is the very first step on your trading journey and probably the most crucial one. It’s all about putting your theoretical knowledge and trading plan to the test by evaluating them against historical market data. The goal? To see whether your strategy actually works — with what win rate, R/R ratio , and more.
But here’s the problem: many traders do it wrong. They end up getting unreliable results, which leads to self-doubt when it comes to forward testing. The real issue is not your strategy but how you conduct your backtest.
Let’s dive into the complete process! 💪
🛠️ Tools You Need
To start backtesting, you’ll need some software that supports the replay feature, allowing you to move through historical data as if it were live.
The best platforms for this are TradingView and MetaTrader . Personally, I use TradingView because it’s super intuitive and has great backtesting capabilities.
Also, make sure to choose appropriate timeframes for backtesting that align with your strategy.
🕰️ Choosing Market Conditions:
You need to backtest your strategy in all types of market conditions:
Uptrend
Downtrend
Range-bound
High Volatility
🚀 Step-by-Step Backtesting
1.Choose the Timeframe:
Make sure your backtesting timeframe matches your strategy’s timeframe. For example, if your strategy works on the 4H chart, don’t backtest on the 1H chart.
2.Select Your Strategy:
Stick to your written trading plan without improvising.
3.Pick the Asset Pair:
Test on at least three different pairs or assets (e.g., EUR/USD, XAU/USD, GBP/NZD) to get diverse results.
4.Define Entry and Exit Rules:
Clearly specify your entry, stop loss, and target levels. Never change these rules mid-backtest, even if it seems illogical. In real trading, you won’t have the luxury of endless contemplation.
🎯 Running the Backtest
Use the Replay Tool to move through historical data.
Never peek at the future price movement. If you accidentally see it, restart from a different point.
Open a minimum of 30 positions for each market condition (e.g., uptrend, downtrend, range).
Record each trade in a spreadsheet (Excel, Google Sheets, etc.) with the following columns:
Date
Time
Entry strategy
Stop loss
Target
Result (profit/loss as R/R ratio)
Exit time
📊 Analyzing Your Results
After completing your backtest, it’s time to analyze the data. Key metrics to focus on include:
R/R Ratio
Win Rate (%)
Drawdown (%)
Losing Streaks
Position Frequency
🚩 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Inconsistent Strategy: Changing your rules during backtesting is a no-go. Stick to the plan.
Incomplete Testing: Don’t cut corners and always aim for a substantial number of trades.
Ignoring Market Conditions: Make sure your strategy is tested in all four market scenarios.
Lack of Patience: Just because the first few trades are losses doesn’t mean the strategy is a failure. Sometimes, a losing streak can be followed by a winning trade that covers it all.
💡 Conclusion
Backtesting is the beating heart of any trader’s skill set. It builds confidence and lays the foundation for a profitable strategy. If you found this tutorial helpful, give it a boost and share it with your fellow traders. Let’s grow together, not alone!
And as Freddie Mercury once said:
We are the champions, my friends! :)🏆
Happy trading, and see you in the next analysis! 💪🔥
Crypto: From "HODL Paradise" to a Speculator’s PlaygroundDuring past bull markets, a simple HODL strategy worked wonders.
Bitcoin and Ethereum set the market trend, and altcoins followed with explosive gains. If you bought the right project before the hype wave, the profits were massive.
However, today’s market is vastly different:
✅ Liquidity is unevenly distributed – Only a handful of major projects attract serious capital, while many altcoins stagnate.
✅ Investors are more sophisticated – Institutional players and smart money dominate, making retail-driven pumps less frequent.
✅ Not all coins pump together – Only projects with real utility and solid tokenomics see sustainable growth.
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2. What Matters Now? Strategies for the New Crypto Era
To succeed in the current market, you need a more calculated approach. Here’s what you should focus on:
🔹 Technical Analysis
You can’t just buy blindly and hope for a moonshot. Understanding support and resistance levels, price patterns, trading volumes, etc. is crucial.
Example: If an altcoin has surged 50% in a few days and reaches a strong resistance level, it’s not a buying opportunity—it’s a sell signal for short-term traders.
🔹 Tokenomics and Supply Mechanics
In 2017 and 2021, as long as a project had a compelling whitepaper, it could attract investors. Now, you need to analyze total token supply, distribution models, utility, and vesting schedules.
Example: If a project has an aggressive vesting schedule where early investors and the team receive new tokens monthly, there will be constant selling pressure. No matter how good the technology is, you don’t want to be caught in a dumping cycle.
🔹 Market Psychology and Speculative Cycles
Crypto is driven by emotions. You need to recognize when the crowd is euphoric (time to sell) and when fear dominates (time to buy).
Example: If a project is all over Twitter, Telegram, and TikTok, it might already be near the top. On the other hand, when a solid project is ignored and trading volume is low, it could be a prime accumulation opportunity.
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3. Realistic Expectations: 30-50-100% Are the New "100x"
If catching a 10x or 100x was common in the past, those days are largely over. Instead, 30-50-100% gains are far more realistic and sustainable.
Why?
• The market is more mature, and liquidity doesn’t flood into random projects.
• Most "100x" gains were pump & dump schemes, which are now avoided by smart investors.
• Experienced traders take profits earlier, limiting parabolic price action.
Recommended strategy:
1. Enter early in a solid project with clear utility and strong tokenomics.
2. Set realistic profit targets (e.g., take 30% profit at +50%, another 30% at +100%, and hold the rest long-term).
3. Don’t wait for a “super cycle” to make money—take profits consistently.
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4. Conclusion: Adapt or Get Left Behind
The crypto market has evolved from a “HODL Paradise” where almost any coin could 10-100x into a speculator’s playground, favoring skilled traders and informed investors.
To stay profitable, you must:
✅ Master technical analysis and identify accumulation vs. distribution zones.
✅ Pick projects with solid tokenomics and avoid those with aggressive unlock schedules.
✅ Set realistic expectations—forget about 100x and aim for sustainable 30-100% gains.
✅ Stay flexible and adapt to market psychology and emerging trends.
Crypto is no longer a game of luck. It’s a game of knowledge and strategy. If you don’t adapt, you’ll be stuck waiting for a 100x that may never come.
So, at least this is my opinion. But what about you? Do you think crypto is still a "HODL paradise," or are we fully in the era of skilled traders and speculators?
Will we ever see another cycle where almost everything pumps together, or is selective investing the new reality?
I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below and let’s discuss
123 Quick Learn Trading Tips - Tip #6 - Defensive or Aggressive?123 Quick Learn Trading Tips - Tip #6 - Defensive or Aggressive?
To make money in trading, you need to control your emotions.
Traders often fall into two emotional traps:
Overly Aggressive: After several wins , a trader may become too confident. They might increase their position sizes or take on riskier trades. This can lead to significant losses if the market turns.
Overly Defensive: After several losses , a trader may become too fearful. They might hesitate to enter good trades or exit trades too early. This can lead to missed profit opportunities.
Maintaining a balance between these states is key. Learn to recognize and control your emotions. Discipline and a calm mind are essential for successful trading.
In trading, you must simultaneously be
defensive and aggressive.
Balance is Key ⚖️
Navid Jafarian
Every tip is a step towards becoming a more disciplined trader. Look forward to the next one! 🌟
Exploring the Main Components of a Powerful Trading Journal
In one of the previous posts, we discussed the significance of a trading journal. In the today's article, I will share with you the key elements of a trading journal of a professional trader.
And first, a quick reminder that a trading journal is essential for your trading success. No matter on which level you are at the moment, you should always keep track of your results.
Let's go through the list of the things that you should include in your journal.
1 - Trading Instrument
The symbol where the order is executed.
You need that in order to analyze the performance of trading a particular instrument.
2 - Date
The date of the opening of the position. Some traders also include the exact time of the execution.
3 - Risk
Percentage of the account balance at risk.
Even though some traders track the lot of sizes instead, I do believe that the percentage data is more important and may give more insights.
4 - Entry Reason
The set of conditions that were met to open the trade.
In that section, I recommend to note as much data as possible.
It will be applied in future for the identification of the weaknesses of your strategy.
5 - Risk Reward Ratio
The expected returns in relation to potential risks.
6 - Results
Gain or loss in percentage.
And again, some traders track the pip value of the gain, however,
in my view, the percentage points are more relevant for studying the statistics.
Here is the example of the trade on Gold:
Here is how exactly you should journal the following trade:
Instrumet: Gold (XAUUSD)
Date: 03.07.2023
Risk: 1%
Entry Reason: H&S Pattern Formation,
Neckline Breakout & Retest
R/R Ratio: 1.77
Results: +1.77%
Of course, depending on your trading strategy and your personal goals, some other elements can be added. However, the list that I propose is the absolute minimum that you should track.
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Learn To Invest: Global Liquidity Index & BitcoinGlobal Liquidity Index & BitCoin:
🚀 Positive Vibes for Your Financial Journey! 🚀
BITSTAMP:BTCUSD
Look at this chart! It's the Global Liquidity Index , a measure of how much extra money is flowing through the world's financial systems.
Why is this important? Because when this index is high, it often means good things for investments like #Bitcoin! 📈
Think of it like this: when there's more money flowing, people are often more willing to take risks and invest in things like Bitcoin.
See those "BullRun" boxes? That means things are looking bright! It's showing that money is flowing, and that's often a good sign for potential Bitcoin growth. 🌟
Even if you're not a pro, it's easy to see the good news here. Understanding these trends can help you make smarter decisions.
Let's all aim for growth and success! 💪
Breaking the Trading Matrix: Lessons from The Matrix MovieThe Matrix is more than just a movie—it’s a mind-expanding experience that continues to offer new insights, no matter how many times you watch it. Beyond its philosophical depth and action-packed sequences, the film carries powerful lessons that can be applied to trading.
Just like in The Matrix, financial markets blur the line between reality and illusion. Success in trading requires a shift in perception, a willingness to embrace harsh truths, and the ability to decode the underlying structure of the market.
Let’s break down the key trading lessons inspired by The Matrix.
🕶️ Building Confidence: The Neo Path
Remember Neo’s journey? He started as Thomas Anderson—doubtful and uncertain—before transforming into the confident savior of humanity. This mirrors a trader’s evolution:
• You start hesitant and unsure.
• Greed and ego take over.
• The market humbles you with losses.
• You develop an edge, learning from experience.
• Over time, confidence and resilience grow.
Like Neo, every trader faces setbacks. But every setback is a setup for a comeback. Persistence and adaptation are key.
🏃♂️ Confirmation Bias: Dodging the Bullet
One of the most iconic scenes in The Matrix is Neo dodging bullets, bending reality to his advantage. Traders must do the same by reshaping their biases.
If you only seek confirmation for your trades, you’ll ignore critical counter-signals. To avoid this trap:
✅ Develop a trading system based on logic, not emotion.
✅ Seek diverse viewpoints instead of reinforcing your bias.
✅ Accept that the market moves on probabilities, not personal beliefs.
Dodge the confirmation bias bullet, and you’ll become a more objective and adaptable trader.
🔴 Take the Red Pill: Embrace Reality
In The Matrix, the red pill symbolizes awakening to the truth. In trading, taking the red pill means accepting the realities of the market:
❌ Traders who take the blue pill:
• Chase high win rates.
• Refuse to accept losses.
• Gamble with oversized positions.
✅ Traders who take the red pill:
• Accept risk as part of the game.
• Prepare for inevitable losses.
• Understand that past performance does not guarantee future results.
Those who ignore market realities are doomed to fail. Take the red pill and see the market for what it truly is.
🥄 There Is No Spoon: The Power of Perspective
In the famous "There is no spoon" scene, Neo learns that reality is shaped by perception. The same applies to trading:
• The market isn’t your enemy—your perception of it is.
• Stop trying to “bend” the market to your will.
• Instead, bend your mind to adapt to market conditions.
Traders who develop flexibility thrive, while those who resist change break.
🔢 Understand the Code – Understand the Matrix
Neo eventually sees the code behind The Matrix. Similarly, traders must understand the market’s underlying structure:
📊 Price Action
📈 Volume
📉 Probabilities
Markets move up, down, and sideways. Your job is to recognize patterns and decode them. The more you understand the code, the more clarity you gain in your trades.
👨💼 Agent Smith and Market Manipulators
Just as Agent Smith was a virus in The Matrix, market manipulators exist to exploit uninformed traders. Beware of:
🚨 Extreme volatility
📉 Unusual price gaps
❌ Pump-and-dump schemes
Stay vigilant and avoid manipulated markets that can drain your capital.
🏋️ Training Simulation: Practice Makes Perfect
Before Neo fought in the real world, he trained in simulated battles. Traders should do the same before risking real money:
✅ Backtest strategies to refine your edge.
✅ Use demo accounts to practice execution.
✅ Paper trade to gain confidence before going live.
Mistakes in training are free. Mistakes in live trading cost money. Train smartly.
🕶️ Morpheus’s Faith: Belief in Yourself
Morpheus believed in Neo before Neo believed in himself. Traders must also develop unwavering self-belief:
✔️ Trust your analysis.
✔️ Stick to your system.
✔️ Make decisions with confidence.
Doubt and hesitation lead to poor execution. Confidence, backed by preparation, leads to success.
🏛️ The Architect’s Plan: Strategy is Key
The Architect had a plan for The Matrix—every possible outcome was accounted for. Traders need the same level of structure:
📝 Develop a clear trading strategy.
🎯 Stick to your plan, even when emotions flare up.
⚖️ Adjust when necessary, but never trade impulsively.
Without a plan, you’re just another gambler in the market.
🧘 Free Your Mind: Emotional Control
Neo’s final test was to free his mind. In trading, emotional control is the ultimate skill:
✅ Backtest your system to understand market behavior.
✅ Risk less until you're comfortable with losses.
✅ Trade small before increasing position sizes.
Your worst enemies in trading?
❌ Ego
❌ Fear
❌ Greed
Master them, or the market will master you.
🔥 Final Words: The Path to Financial Awakening
Trading, like The Matrix, is a journey of self-discovery, discipline, and adaptation. If you want to break free from the illusion of quick riches and truly understand the market, you must:
📌 Develop confidence and resilience.
📌 Avoid confirmation bias and seek objective perspectives.
📌 Accept the harsh realities of trading.
📌 Adapt to market conditions instead of resisting them.
📌 Learn to read price action, volume, and probabilities.
📌 Stay vigilant against market manipulation.
📌 Practice before going live.
📌 Believe in yourself and your system.
📌 Have a structured plan and execute with discipline.
📌 Master your emotions to make rational decisions.
The real question is: Are you ready to free your mind and take control of your trading destiny?
Different Shades of DisciplineIn my decade of trading experience I've come to realize through huge number of trials and errors that discipline in trading is a rather unique and not always universal beast.
While there are definitely broad categories of discipline trading like taking high-quality setups, correctly managing risk, taking profits, and so on; There are also many unique underlying reasons and mind-tangled cognitive dissonances that can become the cause of these lapses.
What I understood in my experience is that discipline seems to be transferrable from 1 area to another. Addicted to smoking? Perhaps, quitting can be beneficial to one's trading. However, not necessarily as some traders smoke (and can't quit that habit) for a different underlying reason and thus quitting for them might NOT be as beneficial for the former one. The devil seems to be in the details. Why one smokes? Is it a coping mechanism for stress, or is it a little ritual that one employs to consciously recalibrate themselves?
The key seems to be in action and number of trials and experiments. Attempting to try the routine of other people might not yield the best results for the expended effort. One person may run for many miles and enjoy that time, for another it will be excruciating agony to do that. The discipline required in that example would obviously be vastly different, and thus the effect that action produces also - different.
At the end of the day - the most important thing in trading is consistency, but coupled with PERSONAL unique discipline is something that gives us edge in the markets.