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Trend Analysis

What is Confluence ?✅ Confluence refers to any circumstance where you see multiple trade signals lining up on your charts and telling you to take a trade. Usually these are technical indicators, though sometimes they may be price patterns. It all depends on what you use to plan your trades. A lot of traders fill their charts with dozens of indicators for this reason. They want to find confluence — but oftentimes the result is conflicting signals. This can cause a lapse of confidence and a great deal of confusion. Some traders add more and more signals the less confident they get, and continue to make the problem worse for themselves. ✅ Confluence is very important to increase the chances of winning trades, a trader needs to have at least two factors of confluence to open a trade. When the confluence exists, the trader becomes more confident on his negotiations. ✅ The Factors Of Confluence Are: Higher Time Frame Analysis; Trade during London Open; Trade during New York Open; Refine Higher Time Frame key levels in Lower Time Frame entries; Combine setups; Trade during High Impact News Events. ✅ Refine HTF key levels in LTF entries or setups for confirmation that the HTF analysis will hold the price. HTF Key Levels Are: HTF Order Blocks; HTF Liquidity Pools; HTF Market Structure.
OANDA:XAUUSDEducation
by Snick3rSD
Market Structure Identification !!Hello traders! I want to share with you some educational content. ✅ MARKET STRUCTURE . Today we will talk about market structure in the financial markets, market structure is basically the understading where the institutional traders/investors are positioned are they short or long on certain financial asset, it is very important to be positioned your trading opportunities with the trend as the saying says trend is your friend follow the trend when you are taking trades that are alligned with the strucutre you have a better probability of them closing in profit. ✅ Types of Market Structure Bearish Market Structure - institutions are positioned LONG, look only to enter long/buy trades, we are spotingt the bullish market strucutre if price is making higher highs (hh) and higher lows (hl) Bullish Market Structure - institutions are positioned SHORT, look only to enter short/sell trades, we are spoting the bearish market strucutre when price is making lower highs (lh) and lower lows (ll) Range Market Structure - the volumes on short/long trades are equall instiutions dont have a clear direction we are spoting this strucutre if we see price making equal highs and equal lows and is accumulating . I hope I was clear enough so you can understand this very important trading concept, remember its not in the number its in the quality of the trades and to have a better quality try to allign every trading idea with the actual structure
OANDA:XAUUSDEducation
by Snick3rSD
Trading is a waiting game🔸Trading is a waiting game. Stop forcing trades. Learn waiting for your setups. A trader who can't wait is not a successful trader. 🔸Waiting is the hardest part of trading. And also the least talked about. If you can improve your waiting you will improve your trading. 🔸Trading is a waiting game. You sit, you wait, and you make a lot of money all at once. Profits come in bunches. The trick when going sideways between home runs is not to lose too much in between. 🔸Overtrading is the number one reason why traders blow their entire accounts because it exposes them to unnecessary risks and costs that vanish their capital. Some studies show that overtrading accounts for more than 75% of trading losses among retail traders. 🎁Please hit the like button and 🎁Leave a comment to support our team! RISK DISCLAIMER: Trading Futures , Forex, CFDs and Stocks involves a risk of loss. Please consider carefully if such trading is appropriate for you. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Education
by ProjectSyndicate
25
My personal interpretation of the Volume Footprint chart Hello, traders. If you "Follow", you can always get new information quickly. Please click "Boost" as well. Have a nice day today. ------------------------------------- I signed up for an expensive plan on TradingView, but I think there are some parts of the chart that I can't use properly. I think the Volume Footprint chart is a chart that can be used when you sign up for a premium plan. (I may be wrong, so please check.) I think it's because I'm used to the old way, so I feel resistant to new things, and the explanation is difficult to read. In order to solve that problem a little, I'd like to explain how to interpret the chart using only the core interpretation methods. Since my explanation may be different from the creator's intention, I strongly recommend that you read the creator's explanation. Volume Footprint Chart Description: www.tradingview.com ---------------------------------------- I think you should pay attention to and interpret the part indicated above. I think the section marked as VAL, VAH is the section that is mainly traded. Therefore, I think that depending on which direction it deviates from this section, it will affect the future flow. Therefore, - If it rises near or above VAH, it is likely to show an upward trend, - If it falls near or below VAL, it is likely to show a downward trend. - The next thing to look at is the column indicated next to each volume. (The part that the arrow points to) - The column in the Sell Volume section indicates that it is a section with strong selling pressure, - The column in the Buy Volume section indicates that it is a section with strong buying pressure. (The creator explains that this is the part that is indicated by the imbalance of volume.) Anyway, since there is a high possibility of a rebound or reversal in the part where this column is indicated, I think it can be a tradable section depending on whether it receives support or resistance in this part. - The Delta section shows the difference between Sell Volume and Buy Volume. ----------------------------------------------------------- The time frame charts that are good for viewing the volume footprint chart are 1s, 1m, 15m, 1h, and 1D charts, so I recommend viewing them with the corresponding time frame charts. If it deviates from the VAL, VAH area near 1, 1-1 and 2, 2-1 shown on the chart, a trend is formed, so you should check whether it deviates from this section. If it does not deviate, it can be interpreted that there is a high possibility of sideways movement. - Therefore, 1. Is it located near VAL, VAH? 2. Is there a section where columns are created next to Sell Volume, Buy Volume? I think this chart allows you to detect the trading volume, that is, the movement of buyers and sellers, with the above two things. - Have a good time. Thank you. --------------------------------------------------
Education
by readCrypto
Trading Psychological Levels 101What are psychological levels? 🔸Psychological levels are price points in financial markets that hold significant meaning for traders and investors, mainly due to their simplicity and ease. 🔸Typically, these levels are round numbers, ending in 00 or halfway points like 50. 🔸With currency pairs, the exchange rate of 1.0” or parity is also a major psychological level. 🔸Traders tend to anchor their decisions around these levels, leading to increased buying and selling pressure when prices approach or surpass them. How to Trade Psychological Levels 🔸Identify Key levels: The first step in incorporating psychological levels into your trading is to identify the key levels relevant to the financial instrument (e.g. currency pair) you are trading. This can be done by observing historical price action and noting round numbers where the price has previously shown significant reactions. 🔸Monitor Price Action: Keep a close eye on how the price behaves as it approaches a psychological level. Look for signs of increased price volatility, as this can indicate heightened interest from market participants. 🔸Set Entry and Exit Points: Once you have identified a psychological level and observed price action around it, use this information to set entry and exit points for your trades. For example, if the price has bounced off a psychological support level, you might enter a long position just above the level and set a stop loss slightly below it. 🎁Please hit the like button and 🎁Leave a comment to support our team! RISK DISCLAIMER: Trading Futures , Forex, CFDs and Stocks involves a risk of loss. Please consider carefully if such trading is appropriate for you. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Education
by ProjectSyndicate
9
A Video Explaining how to use the Greer Invest StrategyGreer Invest Strategy Overview: The Greer Invest strategy is designed to assist investors in making long-term investment decisions through a structured approach to buying and managing investments over time. Key Features: Invest: Indicator to pinpoint optimal entry points for investments. Investment Management: Includes an additional feature for strategic selling, allowing investors to rebalance their portfolio or generate cash for other purposes without full liquidation. Precision and Alerts: Offers precise buy signals within BuyZones and customizable alerts for proactive investment management. Purpose: This tool aims to simplify the decision-making process for when to enter or adjust positions in stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, or other assets, focusing on long-term wealth accumulation rather than short-term speculation. Usage: Backtesting: Investors can use TradingView's strategy tester to evaluate the performance of this strategy over historical data. Alerts: Set up notifications to be alerted on potential buy or sell opportunities across your watchlist. Backtesting Results: The Greer Invest Strategy was backtested against the top 50 companies in the U.S. by market capitalization. Here are the key results from this comprehensive test: Total number of trades: 470 trades were executed. Total invested over time: $470,000, with each trade amounting to $1,000. Total Net Profit: The strategy yielded a profit of $162,344.59. Total Net Profit %: Overall, the strategy achieved a 35% return on the total investment. % Trade wins: A notable 82.33% of all trades ended profitably. % Trade loss: 17.67% of trades resulted in losses. Average Max Draw Down per $1000: The strategy experienced an average maximum drawdown of $550.74 per $1,000 invested, indicating potential risk levels. Average Trade Profit per $1000: Each trade, on average, profited $497.93 per $1,000. Average # bars in trade: Trades were held for an average of 396 bars, reflecting a medium-term to long-term trade duration. Detailed Results for Selected Companies: Apple (AAPL): Profit of $6,752 (67.53% return) from 10 trades. Microsoft (MSFT): Profit of $3,294.13 (32.94% return) from 8 trades. NVIDIA (NVDA): Profit of $7,743.43 (77.43% return) from 5 trades. Alphabet (GOOG): Profit of $338.22 (3.38% return) from 2 trades. Amazon (AMZN): Profit of $3,580.17 (35.80% return) from 6 trades. Meta Platforms (META): Profit of $731.04 (7.31% return) from 2 trades. Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B): Profit of $1,902.01 (19.02% return) from 4 trades. Broadcom (AVGO): Profit of $1,089.64 (10.89% return) from 2 trades. Eli Lilly (LLY): Profit of $1,408.76 (14.09% return) from 12 trades. Tesla (TSLA): Profit of $10,263.41 (102.63% return) from 2 trades. Key Observations: High Win Rate: An impressive 82.33% of trades were winners, suggesting the strategy was effective in picking winning trades. Profitability: The strategy was profitable across various companies, with some like TSLA, NVDA, and AAPL showing particularly high returns. Drawdown: The average maximum drawdown of $550.74 per $1,000 could be a concern for risk management, indicating significant fluctuations in equity. Trade Duration: With an average of 396 bars in trade, the strategy seems to hold positions for a considerable duration, suggesting a medium to long-term approach. This analysis indicates that the strategy performs well across a diversified set of top U.S. companies by market cap, with some standout performers. However, the drawdown and long trade duration might require careful risk management and could impact liquidity or opportunity cost considerations. Credit: Credit to Tushar Chande who invented the Aroon indicator. Credit to Carl Friedrich Gauss who invented the Gaussian process. Credit to Donovan Wall who created the script that has the math for the Gaussian Channel. Disclaimer: The Greer Invest strategy is for educational and informational use only. It does not constitute financial or investment advice. Users should perform their due diligence and consider consulting a financial advisor. There's no guarantee of profit or protection against loss. The creator of this script is not liable for any outcomes from its use.
NASDAQ:AAPLEducation
by controllinghand
A Detailed Guide for New Traders!Technical Analysis: A Detailed Guide for New Traders Technical analysis (TA) is a trading method used to evaluate and predict the future price movements of assets like stocks, cryptocurrencies, commodities, or forex, by analyzing past market data, primarily price and volume. It differs from fundamental analysis, which looks at financial metrics like earnings, revenue, and overall economic conditions. For beginners, here’s a breakdown of technical analysis and its essential tools and concepts: 1. Price Charts: The Foundation of TA Price charts are visual representations of an asset’s price over a specific period. There are different types of charts, but the most common are: Line Charts: Show the closing prices over time. Bar Charts: Display the open, high, low, and close prices (OHLC) for each period. Candlestick Charts: Similar to bar charts but more visually intuitive, displaying the same OHLC data with colored “candles” for up or down movements. Candlestick charts are the most popular among traders because they provide more information and are easier to interpret visually. 2. Key Concepts in Technical Analysis a. Trends A trend is the general direction in which the price of an asset is moving. Understanding trends is crucial in technical analysis because traders aim to follow the market’s momentum. There are three types of trends: Uptrend: Prices are generally increasing, making higher highs and higher lows. Downtrend: Prices are decreasing, making lower highs and lower lows. Sideways Trend (Range): Prices move within a specific range without a clear upward or downward direction. b. Support and Resistance Support: A price level where an asset tends to stop falling due to increased buying demand. Resistance: A price level where an asset tends to stop rising due to increased selling pressure. These levels are essential for identifying potential entry and exit points for trades. c. Moving Averages Moving averages (MAs) are a simple way to smooth out price data over a specified time period to identify trends more easily. There are two main types: Simple Moving Average (SMA): The average price over a set number of periods (e.g., 50-day or 200-day SMA). Exponential Moving Average (EMA): Gives more weight to recent prices, making it more responsive to new information. Traders use MAs to determine the overall trend, and crossovers (e.g., when a short-term MA crosses a long-term MA) are often seen as buy or sell signals. 3. Indicators and Oscillators Indicators and oscillators are tools derived from price and volume data to help identify potential trends, reversals, and overbought or oversold conditions. a. Relative Strength Index (RSI) The RSI measures the magnitude of recent price changes to evaluate whether an asset is overbought or oversold. It ranges from 0 to 100: Above 70: Overbought (price might be too high, possible reversal). Below 30: Oversold (price might be too low, possible reversal). b. Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) The MACD is a trend-following momentum indicator that shows the relationship between two moving averages of an asset’s price. It helps traders identify changes in the strength, direction, and momentum of a trend. MACD Line: The difference between the 12-day and 26-day EMA. Signal Line: A 9-day EMA of the MACD Line. Histogram: Shows the difference between the MACD Line and the Signal Line. A crossover between the MACD Line and the Signal Line can signal buying or selling opportunities. c. Bollinger Bands Bollinger Bands consist of a moving average (middle band) and two outer bands that are two standard deviations away from the middle. The bands expand and contract based on market volatility. When the price moves toward the upper band, the asset might be overbought, and when it moves toward the lower band, it might be oversold. 4. Chart Patterns Chart patterns are formations created by the price movement of an asset, and traders use them to predict future price movements. Some common patterns include: Head and Shoulders: A reversal pattern that signals a change from bullish to bearish or vice versa. Triangles (Ascending, Descending, Symmetrical): Continuation patterns that suggest the price will break out in the direction of the current trend. Double Top and Double Bottom: Reversal patterns indicating that the price may reverse its current trend after testing a support or resistance level twice. 5. Volume Analysis Volume refers to the number of shares, contracts, or lots traded during a particular period. It can confirm trends or warn of potential reversals: Rising volume during an uptrend confirms the strength of the trend. Decreasing volume in a rising trend can indicate a weakening trend and potential reversal. Volume spikes often occur at trend reversals. 6. Risk Management No trading strategy is foolproof, and technical analysis is not a crystal ball. To succeed, you must manage your risk: Stop-Loss Orders: Automatically sell a position if the price moves against you by a certain amount, limiting your losses. Risk-Reward Ratio: Determine the amount you're willing to risk for a potential reward. A typical ratio is 1:2, meaning for every $1 risked, you aim to make $2 in profit. Position Sizing: Only risk a small percentage of your total capital (e.g., 1-2%) on a single trade to prevent significant losses. 7. Combining TA with Fundamental Analysis While technical analysis is valuable, many traders combine it with fundamental analysis to get a complete picture. For instance, in the stock market, technical analysis might show that a stock is oversold, but if the company’s fundamentals (earnings, revenue) are strong, it could be a buying opportunity. 8. Conclusion Technical analysis is a powerful tool for traders to predict price movements and make informed trading decisions. However, it requires practice and patience. Start with the basics, use demo accounts to test your skills, and never forget to manage your risk. For beginners, mastering the key concepts like trends, support and resistance, moving averages, and common indicators like RSI and MACD will set you on the path to becoming a successful trader. Like and follow if you found this helpful! #Crypto #Bitcoin #bullrun
Education
by CRYPTOMOJO_TA
2
Putting the odds in your favor - $EXEL in a green zone pullbackI've said before that trading with the trend is always something that improves your odds, both long and short. I don't ALWAYS trade with the trend but I like to, especially when there's other compelling reasons to. Putting the odds in your favor is always a smart move when trading. On this chart I'm using 2 things to illustrate trend. The GC overlay is simply a pair of moving average ribbons that I use to show me the strength of the trend. Yellow above purple is an uptrend. I usually use green and red which are the default colors, but changed the colors for this in case anyone is red/green colorblind. Almost as important for me, is the gap between the two ribbons. This shows the strength of that trend. You can see that since August, NASDAQ:EXEL has been in a strong uptrend. We like that being the case whenever possible. Now my algo says oversold (and its input is not disputed by me) but it also incorporates some of this. However, the visual here shows that the oversold signal is just as the price is touching the upper part of the yellow ribbon. IF price had collapsed in a hurry into the bottom part of that ribbon or especially through it, I'd be thinking it was more of a trend reversal signal. This is shown by the circle on the chart back in January and again in early-mid April) rather than a temporary pullback. When the price crashes through that band, it's a warning. Listen to it, especially if you trade trends more than the 'noise' that I trade. I also like to have these pullbacks occur in the upper half of the regression channel (the green zone). Again, if my algo says "buy" when it's in the red zone, I still listen. But if my algo says buy on two stocks, but one is in the green, and the other is in the red, I'll take the green almost every time. As always, there are exceptions to the rules, where crashing doesn't signal a trend change or when gradual moves through the band are the beginning of trend changes. But it works often enough to be aware of it. If you open the chart for EXEL and apply this indicator, you'll see lots of other examples where this was a portent of things to come regarding a trend reversal. This works the same way moving up when the yellow ribbon is below the purple one during a bearish period. If there's an upward rip then, the odds just increased for a positive reversal. I am nothing if not a slave to probability when trading. I don't guess or rely on hunches or what some random "pumper" says, trying to get everyone to be on their side of a trade. I make every trading decision based on probability. You should too. It doesn't mean you''ll always be right, but it will increase how often you are. When you're designing a trading system, know the probability behind the decision you're making. If you don't, you're just guessing and most people lose money trading because of that. If you're trading a head and shoulders pattern, for example, do you know the win probability behind it? I doubt it. But you should. You're just trusting that because someone else said it works, that it will this time, on this stock, in this never before seen combined environment of variables. Until you test something on THIS stock, under as many possible conditions as you can, don't be surprised when it fails. I try to post backtest results (or at least partial ones) when I post trades, so you can see WHY I trust the decision I'm making. That testing, and the probability that it indicates, should influence not only the direction of your trade, but stop placements if you use them and even capital allocation. Stronger probabilities warrant stronger conviction and vice versa. I'm not saying if your system says 99% chance of a win, to go all in and then lose it all. Probability and PROBABLY have the same linguistic root for a reason. Probability is NEVER a guarantee. It is a compass for a trade, not military grade GPS. So in the end, all price action, indicators, and patterns are simply elements that can increase the probability of your trades working out. But knowing how they work, and how reliable they are should be a HUGE part of your prep work for trading, long before you ever risk real money on that trade. If not, I hope that money doesn't matter very much to you - because you're likely to lose it. I took this trade at the close today. I'm simply looking to turn a profit, so my goal is any gain above my entry price and then get that capital back to work on another idea. I'm adding as long as my algo says it's oversold and selling each lot as it becomes profitable. EXEL long at 26.06 - wish me luck! I hope you all realize this post was instructional and not an encouragement to take this trade, so if you decide to trade it, good luck, but do your own research first.
NASDAQ:EXELEducation
by redwingcoach
A Beginner's Guide for New TradersIntroduction to Cryptocurrency: Cryptocurrency has become a major financial trend in recent years, attracting both experienced traders and newcomers alike. If you're just starting out, this guide will help you understand the basics of cryptocurrency and what it takes to start trading. 1. What is Cryptocurrency? Cryptocurrency is a type of digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security. Unlike traditional currencies like the US dollar or Euro, cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized networks based on blockchain technology. This means that they are not controlled by any central authority, such as a government or bank. The most well-known cryptocurrency is Bitcoin (BTC), but there are thousands of others, including Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), and Litecoin (LTC). 2. How Does Cryptocurrency Work? Cryptocurrencies operate on blockchain technology, which is essentially a distributed ledger that records all transactions across a network of computers (nodes). These transactions are grouped into blocks and added to the blockchain, ensuring transparency and security. Since every transaction is verified by the network, there is no need for a middleman (like a bank), reducing transaction costs and increasing efficiency. 3. Common Types of Cryptocurrencies Bitcoin (BTC): The first and most widely recognized cryptocurrency, often referred to as "digital gold." Ethereum (ETH): Known for its smart contract functionality, Ethereum is a platform for building decentralized applications (dApps). Stablecoins (USDT, USDC): Cryptocurrencies pegged to the value of traditional currencies like the US dollar, offering stability and reducing price volatility. Altcoins: A broad term for any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin. These include a wide range of coins like Litecoin (LTC), Ripple (XRP), and more niche coins such as Dogecoin (DOGE). 4. Why Trade Cryptocurrency? High Volatility: Cryptocurrency prices can fluctuate dramatically, providing opportunities for traders to profit from price movements. 24/7 Market: Unlike traditional stock markets, cryptocurrency markets are open 24/7, allowing traders to trade at any time. Global Accessibility: Cryptocurrencies are accessible to anyone with an internet connection, making it possible to trade from anywhere in the world. 5. How to Start Trading Cryptocurrency To start trading cryptocurrencies, follow these steps: Step 1: Choose a Cryptocurrency Exchange A cryptocurrency exchange is an online platform where you can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies. Some popular exchanges include: Binance: One of the largest exchanges, offering a wide range of coins and trading pairs. Coinbase: Known for its user-friendly interface, making it ideal for beginners. Kraken: Offers a variety of coins and advanced trading tools. Step 2: Create an Account Once you've chosen an exchange, you'll need to sign up by providing your email and personal information. Most exchanges will require you to verify your identity before you can start trading. Step 3: Deposit Funds After creating your account, you can deposit funds into your exchange wallet. Most exchanges accept deposits via bank transfer, credit/debit cards, or other cryptocurrencies. Step 4: Choose a Trading Pair In cryptocurrency trading, you'll often be trading pairs, such as BTC/USDT (Bitcoin/US Dollar Tether). You'll be buying one currency while selling another. For example, if you believe Bitcoin will rise in value against the US dollar, you'd buy BTC/USDT. Step 5: Place a Trade There are two main types of trades: Market Order: This is an order to buy or sell immediately at the current market price. Limit Order: This is an order to buy or sell at a specific price. The trade will only execute when the price reaches your target. 6. Basic Trading Strategies There are several strategies traders use to make profits in the cryptocurrency market. Here are a few basic ones: HODLing: This refers to holding onto your cryptocurrency for a long period, regardless of market fluctuations, expecting it to rise in value over time. Day Trading: Buying and selling within a single day, aiming to profit from small price movements. Swing Trading: Holding onto an asset for several days or weeks, attempting to profit from short- to medium-term price movements. Scalping: Making quick trades for small profits over a very short time period, often minutes or seconds. 7. Key Concepts for New Traders Volatility: Cryptocurrency is known for its wild price swings. As a trader, you'll need to understand that prices can go up and down very quickly. Liquidity: This refers to how easily an asset can be bought or sold without affecting the market price. High liquidity means you can trade larger amounts without causing significant price changes. Market Capitalization (Market Cap): This is the total value of a cryptocurrency, calculated by multiplying the price by the total supply of coins. It gives a rough indication of the size and popularity of a coin. 8. Risks of Cryptocurrency Trading Market Volatility: Prices can swing dramatically, leading to significant gains or losses. Security Risks: Cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets are often targeted by hackers. Always use secure exchanges, enable two-factor authentication (2FA), and store your assets in a secure wallet (e.g., hardware wallet). Regulatory Risks: Governments may impose regulations on cryptocurrency trading, which could affect the market. 9. Security and Wallets When you're trading cryptocurrency, it's important to know how to secure your assets: Exchange Wallets: These are provided by the exchange where you trade, but they can be vulnerable to hacks. Software Wallets: Apps or programs where you store your cryptocurrency. They're more secure than exchange wallets but still vulnerable to online threats. Hardware Wallets: Physical devices, such as Ledger or Trezor, that store your crypto offline, offering the highest level of security. 10. Tax Implications In most countries, cryptocurrency profits are subject to taxes. Be sure to check your local tax laws and keep track of your trades for tax reporting purposes. 11. Start Small and Learn If you're a beginner, it’s important to start small. Trade with an amount you're comfortable losing, as the cryptocurrency market can be unpredictable. As you gain more experience and understand how the market works, you can gradually increase your investments. Conclusion Cryptocurrency trading offers exciting opportunities, but it also comes with risks. Understanding the basics, choosing the right strategies, and being cautious are essential to becoming a successful trader. Keep learning, stay updated with market trends, and don’t rush into decisions without proper research. #Crypto #Bitcoin #learn #Altseason #Bullrun2025
Education
by CRYPTOMOJO_TA
Interest Rate Strategies: Trade Smarter with Fed Rate DecisionsInterest Rate Strategies: Trade Smarter with Fed Rate Decisions Trading interest rates may seem straightforward at first: buy when cuts end and sell when they fall. However, this approach often defies expectations, as determining when rate cuts truly end isn't as simple as pointing to a rate pause following a cut. While today’s Federal Reserve rate decisions are made during scheduled (and unscheduled emergency) Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meetings, this wasn’t always the case. Before the 1990s, the Fed often made changes outside of meetings. The shift to exclusively deciding rates during FOMC meetings was implemented to provide greater transparency and predictability for markets. Topics Covered: How Are Interest Rates Traded? Three Interest Rate Trading Strategies. Key Insights from Backtesting Interest Rate Trading Strategies. Interest Rate Trading Indicator (Backtest For Yourself). █ How Are Interest Rates Traded? This strategy focuses on trading around Federal Reserve interest rate decisions, including hikes (increases), cuts (decreases), and pauses. These decisions are believed by many to have both short- and long-term effects on the market. Key Strategy Concepts Backtested: Buy on Rate Pauses or Increases: Go long (buy) when the Fed pauses or raises interest rates, typically signaling market stability or optimism. Sell on Rate Decreases: Go short (sell) or close longs when the Fed cuts rates, often indicating economic concerns or slowing growth. Buy on Specific Rate Decreases: Enter trades when the Fed implements specific rate cuts, such as 50 basis points (bps) which represents 0.5%, and analyze market reactions over different time horizons. █ Strategy: Long during Pauses and Increases, Short during Decreases This section examines the effectiveness of going long on rate pauses or increases and shorting during decreases. This strategy performed well between 2001 and 2009, but underperformed after 2009 and before 2001 compared to holding positions. The main challenge is the unpredictability of future rate changes. If you could foresee rate trends over two years, decision-making would be easier, but that’s rarely the case, making this strategy less reliable in certain periods. 2001-2009 Trade Result: 67.02% Holding Result: -31.19% 2019-2021 Trade Result: 19.28% Holding Result: 25.22% 1971-Present Trade Result: 444.13% Holding Result: 5694.12% █ Strategy: Long 50bps Rate Cuts This section evaluates trading around 50 basis point (bps) rate cuts, which is a 0.5% decrease. Large cuts usually respond to economic stress, and market reactions can vary. While these cuts signal aggressive economic stimulation by the Fed, short-term responses are often unpredictable. The strategy tends to perform better over longer timeframes, as markets absorb the effects. 1971-Present Trade Duration: 10 trading days — Average Return: -0.19% Trade Duration: 50 trading days — Average Return: 2.41% Trade Duration: 100 trading days — Average Return: 2.46% Trade Duration: 250 trading days — Average Return: 11.4% 2001-Present Trade Duration: 10 trading days — Average Return: -2.12% Trade Duration: 50 trading days — Average Return: -1.84% Trade Duration: 100 trading days — Average Return: -3.72% Trade Duration: 250 trading days — Average Return: 1.72% 2009-Present Trade Duration: 10 trading days — Average Return: -15.79% Trade Duration: 50 trading days — Average Return: -6.11% Trade Duration: 100 trading days — Average Return: 7.07% Trade Duration: 250 trading days — Average Return: 29.92% █ Strategy: Long Any Rate Cuts This section reviews the performance of buying after any rate cut, not just large ones. Rate cuts usually signal economic easing and often improve market conditions in the long run. However, the size of the cut and its context greatly influence how the market reacts over different timeframes. 1971-Present Trade Duration: 10 trading days — Average Return: 0.33% Trade Duration: 50 trading days — Average Return: 2.65% Trade Duration: 100 trading days — Average Return: 4.38% Trade Duration: 250 trading days — Average Return: 8.4% 2001-Present Trade Duration: 10 trading days — Average Return: -1.12% Trade Duration: 50 trading days — Average Return: -0.69% Trade Duration: 100 trading days — Average Return: -1.59% Trade Duration: 250 trading days — Average Return: 0.22% 2009-Present Trade Duration: 10 trading days — Average Return: -3.38% Trade Duration: 50 trading days — Average Return: 3.26% Trade Duration: 100 trading days — Average Return: 12.55% Trade Duration: 250 trading days — Average Return: 12.54% █ Key Insights from Backtesting Interest Rate Trading Strategies The first assumption I wanted to test was whether you should sell when rate cuts begin and buy when they end. The results were inconclusive, mainly due to the difficulty of predicting when rate cuts will stop. A rate pause might suggest cuts are over, but that’s often not the case, as shown below. One key finding is that the best time to be fully invested is when rates fall below 1.25% or 1.00%, as this has historically led to stronger market performance. But this can be subject to change. █ Interest Rate Trading Indicator (Backtest For Yourself) Indicator Used For Backtesting (select chart below to open): The 'Interest Rate Trading (Manually Added Rate Decisions) ' indicator analyzes U.S. interest rate decisions to determine trade entries and exits based on user-defined criteria, such as rate increases, decreases, pauses, aggressive changes, and more. It visually marks key decision dates, including both rate changes and pauses, offering valuable insights for trading based on interest rate trends. Historical time periods are highlighted for additional context. The indicator also allows users to compare the performance of an interest rate trading strategy versus a holding strategy.
SP:SPXEducation
by TanHef
Unlock Trading Success with These Proven Chart PatternsTechnical Analysis of the Trade: The chart you provided highlights several patterns and levels, which I'll break down into different components for a clear analysis: 1. Market Structure: Ascending Channel: The price is moving within an upward-sloping channel, indicating that the market is in a bullish structure. An ascending channel like this represents a controlled trend higher with occasional corrections, providing potential buying opportunities on pullbacks to the lower boundary of the channel. Trade Implication: As long as price remains within this channel, the overall bias is bullish. A break below the channel, however, would signal a shift in momentum, suggesting a potential sell-off. 2. Bull Flags: Bull Flag 1 (Lower on the chart): This flag formed after a strong upward move, followed by a tight consolidation, which is a classic bullish continuation pattern. The breakout from this flag has already occurred, leading to a further upward push. Bull Flag 2 (Upper on the chart): Similar to the previous one, this bull flag formed after another sharp move up, indicating a potential continuation. The price is currently in the process of consolidating in this flag, which makes this an area of interest for a potential entry on a breakout. Trade Implication : Both flags suggest that the market is in a bullish phase. You could consider entering on a breakout above the upper bull flag, aiming for continuation to the upside. 3. Support/Resistance Zones: 1-Hour Liquidity Zones (LQZ): The chart shows two 1-hour liquidity zones: Upper LQZ (Around 2660): Price is consolidating just below this area. This zone could act as short-term resistance but would be a strong area for a breakout and continuation move higher. Lower LQZ (Around 2640): Should the price reject from the upper bull flag, this area is the next potential support zone where price could find liquidity and buyers might step back in. 4-Hour Liquidity Zone (Around 2622): This lower level is a major support area. If price retraces significantly, this could be a high-probability area for a reversal or continuation of the overall bullish trend. Trade Implication: If the price breaks above the 1-hour LQZ (Upper), it could trigger a bullish continuation. If rejected, you might look for a retracement back to the lower LQZ or even the 4-hour LQZ for a potential buying opportunity. 4. Pattern Confirmation & Confluences: Multi-Touch Confirmation: The price has interacted with significant levels multiple times (ascending channel, bull flags, and liquidity zones), strengthening the idea that these levels are respected by the market. This gives added confidence in the patterns you are trading off of, such as bull flags and support levels​​. Trinity Rule: Before entering a trade, ensure you have at least three confluences. In this case, potential confluences include: Price staying within the ascending channel. Bull flag formation at the current level. Proximity to key liquidity zones. With these three factors, you can confidently look for a continuation to the upside​​. 5. Price Action Signals: Correction vs. Impulse: If the market continues to move upwards impulsively, it supports the bullish continuation thesis. However, if it begins to correct, expect a pullback towards the lower boundaries of the liquidity zones or the lower boundary of the ascending channel. Trade Implication: If you see a sharp impulse (breakout of the upper bull flag), it could be a signal to enter long positions, while a slow corrective move might indicate waiting for a better entry lower. 6. Risk Management: Stop Placement: Place your stop loss below the lower boundary of the second bull flag or below the most recent swing low. For a safer trade, consider setting the stop just below the lower 1-hour LQZ (2640), where price may likely find support. Trade Implication: This gives the trade room to breathe while protecting against a deeper pullback. Take Profit: Based on the bullish pattern, your first take profit should be just above the upper 1-hour LQZ around 2660, with the next take profit near the next liquidity zone or potential resistance levels further up. 7. Probable Scenarios: Bullish Scenario: If price breaks above the upper 1-hour LQZ and the current bull flag, it could rally towards the next significant resistance level (around 2670-2680). Bearish Scenario : If price rejects from the upper bull flag and falls below the lower 1-hour LQZ, it could retrace to the 4-hour LQZ around 2620. This area would then offer a high-probability long entry. Summary of the Trade: Bias: Bullish (based on the ascending channel, bull flags, and liquidity zones). Entry Strategy: Enter on a breakout above the upper bull flag, with the price moving above 2660. Alternatively, if the price retraces, enter near the 2640 (lower 1-hour LQZ) or 2622 (4-hour LQZ). Stop Loss: Below the lower 1-hour LQZ (2640) or the recent swing low within the bull flag consolidation. Take Profit: Around 2670-2680 (based on the next potential resistance and liquidity zones).
OANDA:XAUUSDEducation
by Adlercon333
What is Structure Mapping in Gold Trading XAUUSD? Structure mapping is essential for day trading, scalping and swing trading gold. It is applied for trend analysis, pattern recognition, reversal and trend-following trading. In this article, I will teach you how to execute structure mapping on Gold chart and how to apply that for making accurate predictions and forecasts. Take notes and let's get started. Let's discuss first, what is structure mapping? With structure mapping, we perceive the price chart as the set of impulse and retracement legs. Structure mapping can be executed on any time frame and on any financial market. Look at a Gold chart on a 4H time frame. What I did, I underlined significant price movements. Each point where every leg of a movement completes will have a specific name and meaning. On a gold chart, I underlined all such points. These points are very important because it determines the market trend and show the patterns. When you execute structure mapping, the first thing that you should start with the identification of a starting point - the initial point of analysis. On a price chart, such a point should be the highest high that you see or the lowest low. If you start structure mapping with a high, that high will be called Initial High. A completion point of a bearish movement from the Initial High will be called Lower Low LL. A bullish movement that completes BELOW the level of the Initial High or Any Other High will be called Lower High LH. A bullish movement that completes on the level of the Initial High or Any Other High will be called Equal High. A bullish movement that completes above the level of the Initial High or Any Other High will be called Higher High HH. If you start with the low, such point will be called Initial Low. A completion point of a bullish movement from the Initial Low will be called Higher High HH. A bearish movement that completes ABOVE the level of the Initial Low or Any Other Low will be called Higher Low HL. A bearish movement that completes on the level of the Initial Low or Any Other Low will be called Equal Low. A bearish movement that completes below the level of the Initial Low or Any Other Low will be called Lower Low LL. Look how I executed structure mapping on Gold chart. Starting with the lowest low, I underlined all significant price movements and its lows and highs. You should learn to recognize these points because it is the foundation of gold structure mapping. Combinations of these points will be applied for the identification of the market trend, trend reversal and patterns. According to the rules, 2 lower lows and a lower high between them are enough to confirm that the market is trading in a bearish trend. While 2 higher highs and a higher low between them confirm that the trend is bullish . In a bullish trend, a bullish violation of the level of the last Higher High will be called a Break of Structure BoS. That event signifies the strength of the buyers and a bullish trend continuation. A bearish violation of the level of the last Higher Low will be called Change of Character CHoCH . It will mean the violation of a current bullish trend. In a bearish trend, a bearish violation of the level of the last Lower Low will be called a Break of Structure BoS . It is an important event that signifies the strength of the sellers and a bearish trend continuation. While a bullish violation of the level of the last lower high will be called Change of Character CHoCH. That even will signify a violation of a bearish trend. That's how a complete structure mapping should look on Gold chart. With the identification of the legs of the move, highs and lows, BoS and ChoCh you can clearly understand what is happening with the market. Gold was trading in a bearish trend. Once the level of our Initial Low was tested, the market started a correctional movement and started to trade in a bullish trend. Once some important resistance was reached, the market reversed. We saw a confirmed CHoCH and the market returned to a bearish trend. Structure mapping is the foundation of technical analysis. It is the basis of various trading strategies and trading styles. It is the first thing that you should start your trading education with. I hope that my guide helped you to understand how to execute structure mapping in Gold trading. ❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
OANDA:XAUUSDEducation
by VasilyTrader
2
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​.
OANDA:XAUUSDEducation
by Adlercon333
How to Trade with the Island Reversal PatternHow to Trade with the Island Reversal Pattern Price action analysis serves as a pivotal methodology in financial markets, offering a means to assess and determine the future price movements of various assets, including stocks, currencies, and commodities. Among the many tools employed within this method, the Island Reversal pattern stands out as a significant indicator of potential trend reversals. What Is an Island Reversal Pattern? The Island Reversal is a technical analysis pattern that signals a potential trend reversal. It typically occurs after a strong uptrend or downtrend and is characterised by a gap in price action, isolating a group of candlesticks. The pattern suggests a shift in market sentiment, indicating that the previous trend may be losing momentum. How to Spot an Island Reversal in the Chart To identify the setup, traders pay close attention to the following characteristics, which can manifest in both bullish and bearish market conditions: Strong Trend: - Bullish: This pattern often materialises after a prolonged downtrend. It signifies a potential price change to the upside. - Bearish: Conversely, in a bullish market, the pattern emerges following a sustained uptrend, suggesting a possible change in a trend to the downside. Gap in Island Reversal: - Bottom Island Reversal: In a bullish context, there is a gap down, creating an "island" of isolated candlesticks, indicating a shift from bearish sentiment to potential bullish momentum. - Top Island Reversal: For a bearish reversal, there is a gap up, isolating a group of candlesticks, signalling a transition from bullish to potentially bearish market sentiment. Isolation: - Bullish Island Reversal: The gap is created by an upward movement that is isolated from the surrounding price action, forming the characteristic island formation. - Bearish Island Reversal: In a bearish context, the gap is formed by a downward movement that does not overlap with the previous, creating a distinctive island formation. How to Trade the Island Reversal Traders employing the setup adhere to a systematic strategy for identifying and capitalising on a potential change in a trend. Patiently awaiting confirmation of the reversal through subsequent price action, traders enter the market upon the break of isolation, where the price decisively moves below (for a bearish scenario) or above (for a bullish scenario) the isolated island. Profit targets may be set by considering key support and resistance levels to potentially enhance precision. The placement of stop-loss orders just above or below the pattern is a critical risk management component. Traders carefully assess the risk-reward ratio to align potential profits with associated risks. This holistic approach reflects a commitment to disciplined decision-making, combining technical analysis and prudent risk management in navigating the complexities of financial markets. Live Market Example The TickTrader chart by FXOpen below shows a bearish setup. The trader takes the short at the opening of the new candle below the Island. Their stop loss is above the setup with a take profit at the next support level. The Bottom Line Although the Island Reversal is a popular technical analysis tool, it's crucial to wait for confirmation and consider other technical indicators to potentially increase the probability of an effective trade. As with any trading strategy, risk management is key to mitigating potential losses. Always adapt your approach based on the specific conditions of the market and use the pattern as one of several tools in your trading arsenal. To develop your expertise, open an FXOpen account to trade in numerous markets with exciting trading conditions. FAQs Why Is Risk Management Important When Trading the Island Reversal? The pattern is considered a strong signal of a change in the price direction, but like all technical patterns, it is not infallible. There is always a risk that the pattern may fail to lead to the expected price movement. Effective risk management helps limit losses in case the trade doesn't play out as anticipated. Should Traders Solely Rely on the Island Reversal for Trading Decisions? No, traders always wait for confirmation and incorporate other technical indicators to potentially enhance the probability of an effective trade. The pattern should be regarded as just one of several tools in a trader's toolkit. Is There a Platform Where Traders Can Apply Their Knowledge of the Pattern in Live Markets? Yes, traders can explore FXOpen’s free TickTrader trading platform to trade in over 600 markets and apply their understanding of the pattern in practical trading scenarios. This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
Editors' picks
NASDAQ:AMZNEducation
by FXOpen
4
Fibonacci Retracement ExplainedWhat Are Fibonacci Retracement Levels? In simple terms, Fibonacci Retracement Levels are horizontal lines on a chart that represent price levels. These price levels help identify where support or resistance may likely occur on a chart. Each retracement level corresponds to a specific percentage, indicating how much of a pullback has taken place from a previous high or low. These percentages are derived from the Fibonacci sequence and include 23.6%, 38.2%, 61.8%, and 78.6%. Although not an official Fibonacci ratio, the 50% level is also commonly used. This indicator is useful because it can be drawn between a high and a low price point, creating levels that indicate potential retracement areas between those two prices. The basic Fibonacci Retracement amongst many trading platforms would normally look like this: While this is okay, I would recommend changing the settings to my suggested format to improve clarity and comprehension. The revised version would look like this: To copy this, the revised Fibonacci Retracement Settings are bellow: By doing this, it shows you the “Golden Zone.” This spot is considered one of the most important areas because price often pulls back into this zone right before “extending” in a bullish pattern. >>>>>NERDY INFO AHEAD<<<<< Calculating Fibonacci Retracement Levels The origin of the Fibonacci numbers is fascinating. They are based on something called the Golden Ratio. This is a sequence of numbers starting with zero and one. Then, keep adding the prior two numbers to get the third number. This will eventually produce a number string looking like this: • 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, 377, 610, 987...with the string continuing indefinitely. Fibonacci retracement levels are derived from the Fibonacci number sequence. As the sequence progresses, dividing one number by the next number yields 0.618, or 61.8% (233 divided by 377 gives you 0.618037. Divide a number by the second number to its right; the result is 0.382 or 38.2% (233 divided by 610 gives you 0.381967. All these ratios, apart from 50% (which is not officially part of the Fibonacci sequence), are calculated based on relationships within this number sequence. The golden ratio can be found in various places in nature as well. This includes spiral patterns of seashells (like nautilus shells), the arrangement of leaves on a plant stem, the petals of certain flowers, and the structure of pinecones; it's also often observed in art and architecture, such as in the proportions of the Mona Lisa and the Parthenon, where artists intentionally incorporated it for aesthetic appeal. Now, as you can tell, the Fibonacci isn’t just some lines and numbers someone made up. It’s in everything you encounter. It’s on charts. It’s in nature. It’s in geometry. It’s even in HUMAN DNA. Fibonacci Retracements vs. Fibonacci Extensions Remember when I said, “price often pulls back into this zone right before extending in a bullish pattern.” ??? That’s because Fibonacci Retracement, sometimes confused with Fibonacci Extension, is the act of price level pulling back to the Golden Zone. The Fibonacci Extension is when price level continues to move in a bullish pattern after pulling back to the Golden Zone. For example, if a stock goes from $10 to $20, then back to $13. The move from $20 to $13 is the retracement. If the price starts rallying again and goes to $30, that is the extension. Limitations of Using Fibonacci Retracement Levels While the retracement levels suggest potential areas for support or resistance, there’s no guarantee that the price will reverse to these levels. This is why traders often look for additional confirmation signals such as price action and patterns. A double bottom in this Golden Zone coupled with an RSI divergence is a very good indication the price will move after entering the Golden Zone. !!!Fun Fact!!! Fibonacci retracement levels were named after Italian mathematician Leonardo Pisano Bigollo, famously known as Leonardo Fibonacci. However, Fibonacci did not create the Fibonacci sequence. Instead, Fibonacci introduced these numbers to western Europe after learning about them from Indian merchants. Some scholars suggest Fibonacci retracement levels were formulated in ancient India between 700 BCE and 100 AD, while others estimate between 480-410 BCE.2 Cheers everyone!!! Happy Trading 😊
Education
by TaylorDeMario
Swing Trade Set UPA simple, Swing Trade Set UP. Often it is simple trade setup that make lots of money. This is one such set up. Here trend is captured with alignment of MA's . 3 MAs are plotted EMA-10, EAM-21 and SMA 50. To pick the trend, first condition is EMA-10 > EMA-21 > SMA 50. Second condition is price above all these MAs. In the chart it is marked wherever this occurred. Now to make entry you have to wait till the stock out performs the Index. It can be captured through plotting a indicator named RS or Relative strength. use Bench mark index as #NIFTY50 or #CNX500. You can see that there are areas where MAs aligned but RS was negative and trend failed. But when all these aligned price moved up nicely. You can exit the trade on deceive break of EMA 21 or SMA 50. Try this on many charts and lean the nuance before making actual trade.
NSE:DEEPAKFERTEducation
by Vasu_devan
The Multitimeframe Bias method for enjoyable trend tradingUnlock the power of Multitimeframe Bias trading! This approach aims to identify and trade with the prevailing trend and momentum by assessing the bias across different timeframes. By determining the alignment of various timeframes, you can anticipate potential rollovers and make more informed trading decisions. Fully aligned and integrated with SB Style trading, this method offers a mechanical system that prevents impulsive trades, ensuring a disciplined and strategic approach to the market. Learn how to leverage Multitimeframe Bias to enhance your trading strategy today!
OANDA:WTICOUSDEducation
by TC888
Top 5 Books Every Trader Should Have on Their ShelfLet’s face it: there is more to trading than blindly smashing the buy and sell button after you’ve picked up the latest buzz on Reddit’s messaging boards. What’s happening between your ears is just as important as what’s happening on your charts. And sometimes, it might as well help you make sense of it all. So, where do you start if you want to sharpen your edge? Books . Real, old-fashioned, mind-expanding books. The kind of reads that will school you in both the mechanics and mindset of trading. Forget the social media noise—we’re listing five books that will hand you the wisdom, strategies and mental toughness you need to not just survive but thrive in the seemingly chaotic world of markets. Let’s get into it. 📖 1. Reminiscences of a Stock Operator ✍️ by Edwin Lefèvre 🧐 What’s it about : This is the OG of trading books. A classic that was first published in 1923, it follows the life of the legendary trader Jesse Livermore, who made and lost millions more times than most traders have had profitable months. It's less of a step-by-step guide and more of a philosophical deep dive into what drives traders to win, lose, and repeat the cycle. 💡 What’s the takeaway : You’ll find yourself nodding along, thinking, “Yep, been there” every few chapters. And trust us, Livermore’s lessons on greed, fear and market timing are still as relevant today as they were a century ago. 📖 2. Trading in the Zone ✍️ by Mark Douglas 🧐 What’s it about : If there’s one book that will help you stop blowing up your account because you’re caught in emotional trades, this is it. Mark Douglas breaks down the psychological barriers traders face and teaches you how to think in probabilities. Spoiler alert: The market owes you nothing. Douglas teaches you how to embrace the uncertainty of trading and act probabilistically—playing the odds, not emotions. 💡 What’s the takeaway : If you're constantly getting blindsided by your feelings, there is a high probability that this book will snap you out of that spiral and teach you how to approach the market with a level head. 📖 3. Market Wizards ✍️ by Jack D. Schwager 🧐 What’s it about : Ever wish you could pick the brains of the world’s greatest traders? Jack Schwager did it for you. This book is essentially a collection of interviews with the top traders of the 80s (think Paul Tudor Jones, Bruce Kovner, and Richard Dennis). Schwager’s interviewing style makes it feel like you’re sitting in on private conversations, absorbing their secrets, strategies and market philosophies. 💡 What’s the takeaway : There’s no single “right way” to trade. Whether you're a scalper or a trend follower, you’ll find someone here who matches your vibe. Plus, these stories prove that anyone—from a college dropout to a former blackjack player—can conquer the market with the right mindset and persistence. 📖 4. Technical Analysis of Stock Trends ✍️ by Robert D. Edwards and John Magee 🧐 What’s it about : If you’re serious about technical analysis, this is the trading bible. Originally published in 1948, this book largely introduced the world to concepts like trend lines , support and resistance , head-and-shoulders patterns , and much more. Edwards and Magee laid the foundation for almost every technical analysis tool you see around today. 💡 What’s the takeaway : This gem will teach you how to recognize trend changes, continuation patterns, and reversal signals that can sharpen your trading entries and exits. 📖 5. The Alchemy of Finance ✍️ by George Soros 🧐 What’s it about : If you want to understand not only how to trade but also how the world of finance operates, this is the book. Written by one of the most successful (and controversial) investors and currency speculators of all time, George Soros, The Alchemy of Finance is part autobiography, part deep dive into Soros' legendary "reflexivity" theory. It's not just about looking at price action—it's about understanding how traders' perceptions affect markets, often driving them in irrational directions. 💡 What’s the takeaway : Soros teaches you to think bigger than charts and numbers—to anticipate shifts in market psychology and position yourself accordingly. Wrapping Up You can binge all the videos, tutorials and online courses you want, but nothing beats the distilled wisdom found in a great trading book. These five reads are the perfect balance of trading psychology, real-life stories, and technical analysis insights that will help you become a better, more knowledgeable trader. Bonus tip : if you start now, you’ve got a couple of months until Thanksgiving when you can brag about how many pages you read. 📚 Additional Picks for the Avid Trader If you’re hungry for more insight, we’ve got a few additional picks for you. Of course, they offer a wealth of knowledge from market titans and cautionary tales from the trading trenches: 📖 More Money Than God by Sebastian Mallaby A brilliant history of the hedge fund industry, revealing the strategies and personalities behind some of the greatest trades ever made—and showing you how the masters manage risk and opportunity. 📖 When Genius Failed by Roger Lowenstein A cautionary tale of Long-Term Capital Management, the "genius" hedge fund that imploded in spectacular fashion. Learn what happens when ego and leverage collide in the financial world. 📖 The Man Who Solved the Market by Gregory Zuckerman This is the story of Jim Simons and his secretive firm, Renaissance Technologies, which revolutionized trading with quantitative models. It’s a must-read for anyone intrigued by the world of algorithmic trading. 📖 Big Mistakes by Michael Batnick Everyone makes mistakes—especially traders. This book dives into the biggest blunders made by history’s top investors and traders, showing you that even the greats are human—and how to avoid repeating their costly errors. 📖 Confusion de Confusiones by Joseph de la Vega Originally written in 1688, this is one of the first books ever on trading (to many, the first ever), set during the time of the Dutch stock market bubble. It may be old but its lessons on speculation, greed and market psychology are as timeless as they come. 🙋‍♂️ What's your favorite book on trading and did it make our list? Comment below! 👇
Editors' picks
Education
by TradingView
10
The Fair Value Gap (FVG)The term "fair value gap" is known by various names among price action traders, including imbalance, inefficiency, and liquidity void. But what do these imbalances mean? They arise when the forces of buying and selling exert considerable pressure, resulting in sharp and rapid price movements. On a chart, a Fair Value Gap appears as a three-candlestick pattern. In a bullish context, an FVG forms when the top wick of the first candlestick does not connect with the bottom wick of the third candlestick. Conversely, in a bearish scenario, the FVG is created when the bottom wick of the first candlestick fails to connect with the top wick of the third candlestick. The gap on the middle candlestick, created by the wicks of the first and third candlesticks, represents the Fair Value Gap. The concept of FVG trading is based on the idea that the market has a natural tendency to self-correct. These price discrepancies or inefficiencies are generally not sustainable over time, and the market often returns to these gaps before continuing in the same direction as the original impulsive move. What are the Types of Fair Value Gaps? 1. Bearish Fair Value Gap A bearish Fair Value Gap occurs when there is a space between the bottom wick of the first candlestick and the top wick of the third candlestick. This gap typically appears on the body of the middle candlestick, and the individual characteristics of each candlestick are not particularly important. What’s crucial in a bearish scenario is that the gap on the middle candlestick results from the wicks of the surrounding candlesticks not connecting. 2. Bullish Fair Value Gap A bullish Fair Value Gap occurs when the top wick of the first candlestick does not connect with the bottom wick of the third candlestick. In this case, the specific direction of each candlestick is not as important. What really matters is that there is a gap in the middle candlestick, where the wicks of the first and third candlesticks have not linked. 3. Inverse Fair Value Gap An Inverse Fair Value Gap is an FVG that has lost its validity in one direction but remains significant enough to influence price movement in the opposite direction. For example, a bullish FVG is deemed invalid if it fails to act as a demand zone. However, it then transforms into an inverse bearish FVG, which may serve as a supply zone capable of holding the price. 4. Implied Fair Value Gap The Implied Fair Value Gap is also a three-candlestick pattern, but it does not feature a gap on the middle candlestick, which is why it’s called an “implied FVG.” Instead, it consists of a larger middle candle flanked by two relatively long wicks from the first and third candles. The “gap” is defined by marking the midpoint of the wick of the first candlestick that touches the middle candle and the midpoint of the wick of the third candle that also touches the middle candle. These two midpoints create the gap. Here are some factors that can lead to the formation of fair value gaps: 1. Economic Data Releases Key economic data releases, such as changes in interest rates or unemployment statistics, can similarly create imbalances. If the data surprises the market, it can trigger a swift price movement in one direction, resulting in a gap. 2. Sudden News Events Unexpected news that significantly affects market sentiment can lead to a rapid increase in buying or selling activity, resulting in a gap as prices adjust to the new information. For instance, if a company unexpectedly reports strong earnings, its stock price may surge, creating a gap on the chart. 3. Market Openings or Closings Gaps may form during periods of low liquidity, such as at market openings or closings. With fewer market participants, even a small amount of buying or selling can cause a noticeable price jump that isn’t quickly countered. 4. Large Institutional Trades Significant trades by institutional investors can also lead to fair value gaps (FVGs). When a hedge fund or financial institution executes a large buy or sell order, it can overwhelm the existing order book, causing a rapid price shift and leaving a gap behind. 5. Weekend Gaps FVG's are often observed between the close on Friday and the open on Monday, reflecting news or events that occurred over the weekend. KEY POINTS TO KNOW - Fair Value Gaps (FVGs) are powerful tools traders use to identify market imbalances and inefficiencies. - FVGs occur when buying or selling pressure leads to significant price movements, leaving behind gaps on price charts. - FVGs can be identified through technical analysis involving the analysis of candlestick patterns and price chart patterns. - Traders can categorize FVGs into two types: Undervalued FVGs, where prices are lower than fair value, and Overrated FVGs, where prices are higher.
Editors' picks
Education
by TaylorDeMario
4
ESSENTIAL FACTORS IN BACKTESTINGTesting trading strategies is essential for assessing their effectiveness based on historical market data. It allows traders to gain insights into how a strategy would perform under real market conditions, identify necessary adjustments, and understand various influencing factors. For instance, it can reveal how news releases impact trading outcomes or how a gradual increase in position volume can help recover losses. In this post, we will explore the most important criteria for effective testing. Criteria for Testing Strategies on Historical Data 📍 1. Reliability and Quality of Historical Data Accurate and comprehensive historical market data is crucial for effective testing. Any errors or omissions in the quotes can significantly skew the results. For instance, if there is a missing entry for a day that experienced a spike, the absence of this data could misrepresent the strategy's performance. This missing information might conceal a stop-loss trade that closed at a loss, ultimately distorting the yield curve and leading to misleading conclusions. What to Consider: 🔹 Data Quality: It’s essential to use verified data sources that minimize errors and lag. Ideally, obtain quotes directly from your broker. If you are testing your strategy on third-party platforms, consider using data from TradingView. 🔹 Depth of History: The data should encompass a significant time period that includes various market conditions, such as trends, consolidations, and different volatility levels. For scalping strategies, a minimum of one year of data is recommended, while long-term strategies should be tested on data spanning more than three years. 🔹 Tick Accuracy: For high-frequency trading and scalping, having tick-level data is crucial. Conversely, for medium-term strategies, candlestick closing data may suffice. The price history is sourced from your broker and may vary from the histories provided by other brokers due to differing liquidity providers. However, there should not be substantial discrepancies or noticeable gaps in the data. 📍 2. Reality of Order Execution When testing a trading strategy using historical data, it's important to recognize that real trading differs significantly from backtesting: 🔹 Variable Spread: The spread can fluctuate based on market volatility, the time of day, or significant news events. It's essential to account for changing spreads during testing rather than relying on fixed values in your settings. 🔹 Slippage: Orders may be executed at prices different from the expected level, particularly in volatile markets or when liquidity is low. 🔹 Execution Delay : A delay may occur between the submission of an order and its actual execution, especially in fast-moving markets. The key issue is that in a strategy tester, orders are executed instantly, whereas real trading involves slippage, server delays, and other factors. This can lead to discrepancies of several points. Therefore, it's advisable to establish a percentage deviation parameter to estimate the potential difference between the test results and real trading outcomes, leaning towards the conservative side. Alternatively, you can test the strategy under various spread conditions and analyze how performance metrics and the equity curve are affected by changes in the spread. 📍 3. Accounting for Commissions and Costs Even a strategy that demonstrates positive results in a backtesting environment can become unprofitable once real trading costs are factored in: 🔹 Broker Commissions: It is crucial to consider the fixed or variable commissions charged by the broker for each trade. Some strategy testers allow you to integrate commission parameters; if that's not the case, you should manually subtract these costs from the profit for each full lot traded. 🔹 Spread: The spread can widen during periods of low liquidity, which can significantly impact profitability. Some testers include spread parameters, but others may not. 🔹 Swaps: Swap rates can vary drastically between brokers, and it’s important to remember that they can be substantial, particularly when held overnight due to rollover rates. The core issue lies in the limitations of the testing software. If your tester does not account for floating spreads and swaps, it may be worth exploring alternative options. 📍 4. Optimization and Over-Optimization of the Strategy While strategy testing is essential, it can lead to over-optimization, also known as data fitting. A strategy that appears perfect for historical data might not perform effectively in real market conditions. To mitigate this risk, consider the following: 🔹 Avoid Deep Ad Hoc Parameter Fitting: Over-optimizing too many parameters for historical data can significantly reduce a strategy's robustness in live trading environments. A strategy that is fine-tuned solely for past performance may fail when faced with the unpredictability of future market conditions. 🔹 Use Forward Testing: This approach involves testing a strategy on one timeframe and then applying it to a different timeframe. This method can help prevent over-optimization by assessing the strategy's adaptability across various market conditions. The key takeaway is achieving balance. Attempting to utilize numerous indicators simultaneously and fine-tuning their values extensively can lead to problems. If you have adjusted parameters based on a selective set of trades (let’s say, a 15-trade segment), it’s likely that you will need to readjust for different segments. 📍 5. Testing Under Different Market Conditions To ensure comprehensive evaluation, a trading strategy should be tested under various market conditions: 🔹 Trend and Range Markets: It’s essential to verify that the strategy performs effectively during periods of strong trending markets as well as in sideways (range-bound) movements. A robust strategy should be adaptable to both scenarios. 🔹 Volatility: The strategy should be assessed across different volatility levels. While it might perform well in low-volatility environments, it may struggle or become unprofitable during sharp market movements. Testing across diverse volatility conditions is crucial for understanding the strategy's resilience. 🔹 Macroeconomic Events: Significant economic factors, such as news releases and central bank decisions, can greatly impact market behavior. Therefore, it’s important to test the strategy over timeframes that include these critical events to gauge its performance in response to external shocks. By thoroughly testing across these varying conditions, traders can better understand the strategy’s strengths and weaknesses, leading to more informed trading decisions. 📍 6. Stress Testing Stress testing is a crucial process for assessing the sustainability and resilience of a trading strategy under adverse conditions. Consider the following factors during stress testing: 🔹 Falling Liquidity: Evaluate how the strategy performs during scenarios of sharply reduced market liquidity. Understanding its behavior in these situations is vital, as low liquidity can lead to wider spreads and slippage, affecting trade execution and overall performance. 🔹 Price Spikes: Assess the strategy's response to unexpected price changes, such as those triggered by significant news events (e.g., interest rate announcements). Observing how the strategy reacts to rapid market movements helps gauge its robustness in volatile conditions. 🔹 Crisis Events: Testing the strategy against data from historical financial crises can provide insight into its resilience during extreme market conditions. For instance, analyzing performance during the 2008/2020 financial crisis or the market disruptions caused by geopolitical events (such as the 2022 war) can reveal potential weaknesses and strengths. 📍 7. Analyzing Strategy Metrics After conducting tests on your trading strategy, it is essential to analyze the results through key performance metrics. The following metrics provide valuable insights into the strategy's effectiveness and risk profile: 🔹 Maximum Drawdown: This measures the maximum peak-to-trough decline in funds during the testing period. A lower drawdown indicates a less risky strategy, as it shows how much the capital could potentially decrease before recovering. 🔹 Risk/Profit Ratio: This metric assesses the profit generated for every dollar at risk. A favorable risk/profit ratio indicates that the potential rewards justify the risks taken, making the strategy more appealing. 🔹 Percentage of Profitable Trades: While the sheer number of profitable trades is important, it's equally crucial to analyze the ratio of profitable trades to losing trades. A higher percentage signifies a consistently effective strategy, but it should also be evaluated in conjunction with other metrics. 🔹 Average Profit/Loss: This metric calculates the average profit of winning trades and the average loss of losing trades. Understanding these averages helps to contextualize the strategy’s overall performance and can guide adjustments to improve outcomes. 📍 Conclusion There is no one-size-fits-all algorithm or set of criteria for testing trading systems. Each strategy has unique characteristics that require tailored evaluation methods. However, there are general recommendations that should be considered when assessing any type of trading strategy. Gaining an understanding of parameter selection and optimization comes with experience. It is advisable to first gather this experience on a demo account by running a strategy that has been fine-tuned in a testing environment. However, it’s important to note that testing environments may not replicate real market conditions accurately—issues such as price delays and slippage can significantly affect trade execution in live markets. Thus, when transitioning from a demo account to a real account, continuous monitoring is essential. Traders should keep track of statistical parameters and be vigilant for any deviations from the outcomes observed during testing. This oversight will help ensure better alignment with the strategy’s expected performance and provide an opportunity to make necessary adjustments in response to changing market conditions. Traders, If you liked this educational post🎓, give it a boost 🚀 and drop a comment 📣
Education
by Lingrid
4
How to Adapt Your Trading Plan to Any Market ConditionDaily Trendline Break and Market Structure The break of the daily trendline suggests potential bearish momentum. However, as the break appears corrective, we must be cautious about interpreting it as a reversal too early. As described in the Trinity Rule, it’s crucial to evaluate whether price is moving impulsively or correctively before deciding​​. The market could be forming an arcing structure, which traps traders on the wrong side before reversing, as mentioned in Pattern Separation​. This aligns with the idea that the market may retest the trendline or break structure in the opposite direction after a fake-out. Lower Timeframe Ascending Channel There is an ascending channel on the lower timeframes, which typically signals continuation of the bullish trend unless there’s a strong breakout to the downside​. This is where the Multi-Touch Confirmation comes in; if we get a third touch on this channel without a break, it could present a strong reversal signal​. However, if the price decisively breaks the ascending channel with strong momentum, the next step would be to look for a flag or corrective structure for an entry into the bearish continuation, as highlighted in Running Channels​. High-Probability Trade Setup Impulse and Correction: As per Entry Types​, a high-probability trade should be executed after the first impulse following a correction. If the price breaks out of the ascending channel, wait for a correction (such as a flag) before entering a short position. You may look for a third touch confirmation to enhance the probability of success​. Risk Management: Don’t rush the entry based solely on the trendline break. Ensure the structure evolves, showing a confirmed breakout, especially on higher timeframes​​. Manage your stop loss based on market structure rather than arbitrary levels. For instance, if the market presents an impulsive move after breaking the channel, your stop could be above the last lower high​. Market Structure and Valid Trades Evolve Structure: Continuously update your structure by considering the most recent touches. This avoids getting caught in outdated setups​. Where Are We in Structure?: Evaluate whether the price is impulsively breaking key levels or showing corrective behavior. If momentum is lacking after the trendline break, the bearish setup may not play out​​. Trade Scenarios Bearish Scenario (Short Setup): Price Breaks the Ascending Channel: If the price breaks with momentum, look for a retest or flag formation to enter short​. Manage Your Position: As the Rule of Three suggests, avoid perfectionism. If the market forms a strong flag or corrective structure, trust the process and adjust your stop as the trade moves in your favor​. Bullish Scenario (Long Setup) : Price Fails to Break the Channel: If the market respects the ascending channel, this could indicate a continuation of the bullish trend. You could enter long after the third touch confirmation or a clear rejection of lower levels​​. Multi-Touch Confirmation: This will be a key factor if the market holds within the channel​. Key Considerations Impulse and Confirmation: Be patient for the first impulse and correction before committing to a trade​​. Stay Neutral: Use running channels and the overall structure to keep a neutral mindset until the market gives a clear signal​. Avoid Perfectionism: Don’t hesitate or wait for the “perfect” setup if multiple confluences align. Stick to your pre-trade checklist to avoid overanalyzing​​.
OANDA:XAUUSDEducation
by Adlercon333