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Trend Analysis

TOP DOWN ANALYSIS OF US DOLLAR - Watch n´Learn Hi everyone! So If you were to look back at my previous education video on the DXY you would have seen that we have continued to go higher. And right we are in the third zone without a pullback. What does it mean? Well for me, it means its definitely time for a serious pullback, where I would make back all my sell losses. This a little bit too manipulatory for me, and it does not make much sense, but gotta keep going and make that living. Thanks for watching!

Education

07:56

by ChameleonInvestments

Swing vs. Scalping: Who Really Wins?In the world of trading, data from industry sources often paints a picture that can be misleading for individual traders. Brokers and trading platforms promote high success rates, particularly for more frequent traders like scalpers, but the reality is often far more complex. In this post, we'll break down some of the numbers presented by industry sources and contrast them with independent research to give you a clearer perspective. Industry-Sourced Success Rates According to various industry sources, here’s what the reported success rates look like: Scalper (Under 5-minute operator): Success Rate: 50-70% Reasoning: High trade frequency. Small price movements. Greater liquidity. Short-term trend strategies. Swing Trader: Success Rate: 30-50% Reasoning: Lower trade frequency. Larger price movements. Greater exposure to risk. Medium to long-term trend strategies. At first glance, it seems like scalping offers a better chance of success. More frequent trades, combined with the liquidity of short-term moves, are presented as reasons why scalpers may be more successful. But should you trust these numbers at face value? Conflicts of Interest in Industry Data These industry-reported numbers may not be as reliable as they seem. Several potential conflicts of interest come into play when brokers and trading platforms promote certain types of trading: Platform Promotion: Platforms often highlight strategies that lead to more frequent trades, as these generate higher commissions for brokers. Attracting Active Traders: Scalpers tend to make more trades, and brokers benefit from the higher transaction volume. Risk Policies: Some platforms may structure their risk management tools and incentives to favor short-term trading. What Independent Sources Say When we look at independent, non-conflicted sources, a different picture starts to emerge. Independent academic studies suggest that swing traders may actually perform better than scalpers, for several reasons: Lower Trade Frequency: Swing traders typically make fewer trades, which reduces the impact of commission fees and spreads on their returns. Focus on Trends and Fundamentals: Swing traders often use technical analysis and fundamental factors to capture larger price moves, improving their potential for larger gains. Better Risk Management: With more time between trades, swing traders tend to employ more disciplined risk management practices. Less Stress and Fatigue: Scalping requires constant focus, which can lead to poor decision-making due to stress or fatigue. Independent Studies: Swing Traders vs. Scalpers Let’s take a look at some independent studies that tell a different story from the industry narrative: University of California Study (2019): Found that swing traders had an average annual return of 12.6%, compared to 6.8% for scalpers. Journal of Trading Report (2018): Showed a success rate of 55.6% for swing traders, compared to 41.4% for scalpers. QuantConnect Report (2020): Strategies based on swing trading delivered an average annual return of 15.6%, outperforming scalping strategies. These studies highlight how swing trading can offer better risk-reward profiles compared to the fast-paced, high-stress world of scalping. Key Takeaways for Individual Traders The key lesson here is not to fall for marketing hype or industry reports that may push you towards a specific style of trading, especially one that benefits the platforms you trade on. Here’s what you should keep in mind: Be Critical: Always question the sources of information. Industry success rates might be skewed by conflicts of interest. Independent Research: Seek out independent studies, academic journals, and unbiased platforms to get a clearer picture. Understand Your Goals: Both swing trading and scalping come with risks. Choose a trading style that fits your goals, risk tolerance, and lifestyle. Focus on Long-Term Growth: While scalping may seem exciting, swing trading tends to offer better long-term results by focusing on fewer, higher-quality trades with disciplined risk management. Recommended Resources for Objective Information Academic Journals: Journal of Trading, Journal of Financial Markets. University Studies: Seek out financial studies from universities like Stanford or Berkeley. Independent Platforms: QuantConnect, Backtrader. Specialized Blogs: TradingView, Investopedia. In conclusion, while the industry may promote fast-paced trading with promises of high success rates, the reality for individual traders is often quite different. Take the time to educate yourself and base your decisions on unbiased, independent information to improve your chances of success. P.S. Stay tuned for my next post, where I'll dive deeper into the topic, going beyond the potential use of misleading advertising. I'll demonstrate, using statistical methods—specifically, a covariance analysis—why larger time frames, like those used in swing trading, are mathematically more favorable for individual traders. Don't miss it! Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Trading is risky, and you should always conduct thorough research or consult a financial professional before making any investment decisions.

Education

SWING TUTORIAL - MFSL In this tutorial, we analyze the stock NSE:MFSL (MAX FINANCIAL SERV LTD) identifying a lucrative swing trading opportunity following its all-time high in July 2021. The stock declined by nearly 50%, forming a Lower Low Price Action Pattern, but subsequently reversed its trend. At the same time, we can also observe the MACD Level making a contradictory Pattern of Higher Highs. This Higher High Pattern of the MACD signaled the start of a Bullish Momentum, thereby also signaling a good Buying Opportunity. The trading strategy yielded approximately 80% returns in 71 weeks. Technical analysis concepts used included price action analysis, MACD, momentum reversal, trend analysis and chart patterns. The MACD crossover served as the Entry Point, with the stock rising to its Swing High Levels of 1148 and serving as our Exit too. As of wiring this tutorial, we can also notice how the stock is making a breakout and retest of the Swing High levels and trying to continue its momentum further upward trying to make a new All Time High. KEY OBSERVATIONS: 1. Momentum Reversal: The stock's price action shifted from a bearish to a bullish trend, indicating a potential reversal. 2. MACD Indicator: The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) line showed steady upward momentum, signaling increasing bullish pressure. 3. MACD Crossover: The successful crossover in May 2023 confirmed the bullish trend, creating an entry opportunity. TRADING STRATEGY AND RESULTS: 1. Entry Point: MACD crossover in May 2023. 2. Exit Point: Swing High Levels - 1148. 3. Return: Approximately 80%. 4. Trade Duration: 71 weeks. NOTE: This case study demonstrates the effectiveness of combining technical indicators to identify bullish momentum. By recognizing Price Action, MACD movements, and Reversal patterns, traders can pinpoint potential entry and exit points. Would you like to explore more technical analysis concepts or case studies? Share your feedback and suggestions in the comments section below.

Education

Stock Selection: How to Tip the Tailwinds in Your Favour Stock selection is a game of fine margins but understanding a few key factors can tilt the probability of success in your favour. By focusing on these crucial elements, you can ensure that when it comes to buying stocks, you’re sailing with the prevailing tailwinds rather than fighting against them. 1. Don’t Fight the Market Ever heard the saying, “a rising tide lifts all ships”? This holds true in the stock market. Favourable market conditions can make an average investor look like Warren Buffett. When the market is stable, it allows other factors to shine, while a risk-averse environment can dampen even the best stock’s performance. Don’t overthink this concept—use simple moving averages, such as the 50-day and 200-day, when analysing the index. Pair this with basic structure analysis to assess overall market conditions. Ask yourself: What is the long-term trend in the index? What is the current momentum? What does the price structure look like? The better the market conditions, the more aggressive you can be in your stock selection, as the broad tailwinds are stronger. Example: FTSE 100 The FTSE 100 index has been navigating a choppy sideways range since May, but there are still signs of optimism beneath the surface. While we’re not in a full-blown bull market, the 50-day moving average (50MA) remains comfortably above the 200-day moving average (200MA), and both are sloping upwards—indicating a long-term uptrend. Prices are currently hovering near the 50MA, suggesting the market’s tailwinds remain mildly favorable, even amidst some volatility. FTSE 100 Daily Candle Chart Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results 2. Earnings Catalysts: The Power of Post-Earnings Drift Positive earnings surprises can work wonders for any stock. They often create price gaps that signal strong short-term momentum. Moreover, positive earnings surprises can take time to be fully ‘priced in’ because large institutional investors typically stagger their investments over time. This phenomenon, known as post-earnings announcement drift, can lead to continued price appreciation following an earnings beat. Look for stocks that have recent positive fundamental catalysts in their price history. This focus can give you a clearer path toward potential gains. Example: Barclays (BARC) In February, Barclays revealed a strategic plan that reignited investor confidence and sparked a sharp breakout in its share price. The bank announced a £10 billion buyback program, coupled with £2 billion in cost cuts, aiming to boost profitability and efficiency. Barclays also set its sights on delivering returns in excess of 12% by 2026, with a renewed focus on its higher-margin UK consumer and business lending divisions. This announcement acted as a major earnings catalyst, forming the foundation for a strong uptrend that followed. BARC Daily Candle Chart Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results 3. The Buyback Bounce: Share Buybacks Companies that initiate share buybacks signal confidence in their stock and a commitment to returning value to shareholders. When a company buys back its shares, it reduces the total number of outstanding shares, often resulting in an increase in earnings per share (EPS) and potentially boosting the stock price. While this isn’t an exact science, a stock undergoing a share buyback that meets the other criteria on this list can provide a solid tailwind for your investment. Example: Mastercard Incorporated (MA.) In the second quarter of 2024, Mastercard repurchased approximately 5.8 million shares for $2.6 billion. Through the first half of 2024, the company bought back 10.2 million shares at a total cost of $4.6 billion. As of July 26, 2024, MA had repurchased an additional 1.9 million shares for $820 million, leaving $8.7 billion remaining under its approved share repurchase programs. These strategic buybacks not only reflect Mastercard's strong cash generation capabilities but also underline its commitment to enhancing shareholder value, making it an attractive consideration for investors seeking growth. MA. Daily Candle Chart Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results 4. Focus on Financial Quality When hunting for stocks, there’s often a tendency to bargain hunt, looking for those poised for a bounce. However, we believe that, over the long term, high-quality companies are best positioned to outperform the market. You don’t have to be a Wall Street analyst to develop a robust quality filter. The following financial metrics can help ensure that the stock you’re buying is solid and less likely to face dilution: • Return on Equity (ROE): Most companies will claim they are high-quality businesses that prioritize investors, but checking this metric helps verify their claims. A high ROE of 15% or more indicates efficient use of equity and a commitment to shareholder value. • Free Cash Flow (FCF): Cash is king for a good reason. Strong free cash flow means the company generates ample cash after covering its operational expenses, allowing for reinvestment or returns to shareholders. A FCF yield of 5% or higher is typically desirable. • Debt-to-Equity Ratio: While balance sheet strength may sound boring, it’s crucial. A low debt-to-equity ratio, ideally below 1.0, suggests a company is not overly reliant on debt to fuel growth, making it less vulnerable in downturns. Example: Morgan Sindall (MGNS) With a Return on Equity (ROE) of 22.7%, Morgan Sindall significantly exceeds the 15% benchmark, showcasing effective management and strong profitability. Its Free Cash Flow yield is an impressive 10.81%, well above the desirable 5%, reflecting robust cash generation capabilities. Furthermore, the company boasts a negative Debt-to-Equity ratio of -0.49, highlighting a strong balance sheet with no net debt and low financial risk. These qualities are also evident in its strong price chart (see below). MGNS Daily Candle Chart Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results 5. Long-Term Trend Structure Just as analysing the strength of the overall market can create headwinds and tailwinds, you should also be mindful of a stock's price history and calibrate your expectations accordingly. An old adage that has stood the test of time is, “trends take considerable time and effort to change.” This doesn’t mean you should buy stocks that have undergone prolonged underperformance, but it does mean you should be cautious and aware of a stock’s long-term trend when making decisions. Example: Marathon (MARA Holdings) A quick look at Marathon’s daily chart shows prices oscillating around the 200-day moving average, indicating a period of indecision. The trend lacks clear direction, with momentum appearing tepid at best. Given the uncertainty, investors should be cautious about taking trend continuation or momentum trades here until a clearer signal emerges. MAR Daily Candle Chart Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results Conclusion When it comes to stock selection, leveraging favourable market conditions, earnings catalysts, share buybacks, financial quality, and trend structures can enhance your investment strategy. By aligning your selections with these key factors, you can tip the tailwinds in your favour and increase your chances of success in the ever-evolving stock market. Disclaimer: This is for information and learning purposes only. The information provided does not constitute investment advice nor take into account the individual financial circumstances or objectives of any investor. Any information that may be provided relating to past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results or performance. Social media channels are not relevant for UK residents. Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 82.67% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Education

Learn Best Time Frames For Scalping Any Forex Pair I am trading forex with top-down analysis for many years. In this article, I will teach you powerful combinations of multiple time frames for scalping any currency pair. For scalping financial markets with multiple time frame analysis, I recommend applying 3 time frames: 4H, 15 minutes and 5 minutes time frames. 4H time frame will be applied for trend and structure analysis. On a 4H time frame, you should identify the direction of the market and significant supports and resistance. Key supports in a bullish trend will be applied for buying the market. While key resistances will be applied for counter trend trading. Above is USDJPY chart, 4H time frame. The trend is bullish and I have underlined important historical structures. Key resistances in a bearish trend will be applied for selling the market. While key supports will be applied for counter trend trading. Look at a structure and trend analysis on EURUSD on a 4H time frame. 15 minutes and 5 minutes time frames will be applied for confirmation, entry signal and trade execution. The logic is that once you identified key levels on a 4H time frame, you are patiently waiting for the test of one of these structures. Once one of the key levels is tested, you start analyzing 15 minutes and 5 minutes time frame and look for a signal there. What should be the signal? It can be a specific candlestick pattern, price action pattern, some signal from a technical indicator or some other stuff. Personally, I look for a price action pattern. I am looking for a bearish price action pattern on a 4H resistance and a bullish price action pattern on a 4H support. Look at GBPUSD. The pair is trading in a bearish trend on a 4H time frame, and it tests a key horizontal resistance. On 15 minutes time frame, we see a strong bearish price action signal. Head and shoulders pattern formation and a bearish breakout of its horizontal neckline. That will be our strong scalping short signal. If you sell the market in a bearish trend on a 4H from a key resistance, you can anticipate a bearish movement to the closest 4H support. Look how nicely GBPUSD dropped after a strong bearish confirmation of 15 minutes time frame. In that case, we did not apply 5 minutes time frame in our analysis, keep reading and I will explain when we apply 5 minutes time frame for scalping. Above is USDCAD. On a 4H time frame, I executed trend and structure analysis. We see a test of a key support in a bullish trend. At the same time, no pattern is formed on 15 minutes time frame after a test of structure. In such a situation, analyze 5 minutes time frame. If there is no pattern on 15m, probabilities will be high that the pattern will appear on 5m. On 5 minutes time frame, the pair formed the ascending triangle formation. A bullish breakout of its neckline is a strong bullish signal and confirmation for us to buy. If you buy the market in a bullish trend on a 4H from a key support, you can anticipate a bullish movement to the closest 4H resistance. You can see that after our confirmed bullish signal, the price went up to Resistance 1. Both trading opportunities that we discussed are trend following ones. Remember that the trades that are taken against the trend are riskier and have lower accuracy. For that reason, if you are a newbie trader, strictly trade with the trend! Good luck in scalping with multiple time frame analysis! ❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️

Education

by VasilyTrader

How to Master Technical Analysis How to Master Technical Analysis Price action traders are avid chart enthusiasts, constantly scouring price charts for valuable insights. Their trading approach is deeply rooted in technical analysis, a method that has been in the books of market participants for centuries. This article will cover technical analysis strategies and go into advanced technical analysis techniques. Definition and Purpose of Technical Analysis Technical analysis is a method used to evaluate and forecast the future movements of financial assets, such as stocks, currencies, commodities, or cryptocurrencies*, based on historical market data and statistics. The primary purpose of technical analysis is to help traders and investors make informed decisions by studying patterns and trends in charts and identifying potential entry and exit points. Key Principles of Technical Analysis Technical analysis in trading is based on several principles: - Supply and demand. This principle reflects that the asset price is influenced by supply and demand. When demand outpaces supply, instruments tend to move up, and vice versa. - "Trend Is Your Friend". This principle emphasises identifying and following prevailing trends and not going against them. Traders can spot trends by using tools like trendlines, moving averages, and indicators like the Average Directional Index (ADX). - Volumes. Volume, the traded amount of an asset, is crucial; high volume during price changes indicates strong interest and validates movements, while low volume suggests uncertainty. You may employ several indicators for a better technical analysis on FXOpen’s TickTrader platform. Chart Types and Timeframes The most common chart types used in technical analysis include: - Line Chart: It connects closing prices with a line, providing a simple overview of chart movements over time. - Bar Chart: Each bar represents the high, low, open, and close prices for a specific period, offering more detailed information than a line chart. - Candlestick Chart: Similar to a bar chart, but each candlestick's body represents the difference between the open and close prices, and the wicks (shadows) show the high and low prices. Timeframes in technical analysis refer to specific durations for representing price data on charts. Common timeframes include intraday (1-minute, 5-minute, 15-minute, 30-minute, and 1-hour) for short-term trading, daily for swing trading, weekly for identifying longer-term trends, and monthly for long-term investors. Essential Technical Analysis Tools and Indicators Traders utilise a wide array of indicators to inform their trading decisions, which can be categorised into five main groups: - Momentum Indicators: These indicators gauge the velocity and strength of price movements, aiding in the identification of whether a trend is gaining or losing momentum. - Volume Indicators: These indicators analyse trading volume to assess the potency of price movements. They offer insights into the level of market participation and can confirm or question the validity of price trends. - Trend Indicators: These indicators assist in recognising the direction and strength of trading trends. - Oscillators: Oscillators signal overbought or oversold conditions and can help identify potential trend reversals. - Volatility Indicators: Volatility indicators quantify the rate at which the prices of an asset fluctuate. Chart and Candlestick Patterns Traders also use chart and candlestick patterns. Chart Patterns, such as Head and Shoulders and Double Tops/Bottoms, serve as indicators of potential trend changes, while Flags and Pennants point towards trend continuations. Candlestick Patterns, such as Doji, Hammer, and Engulfing, reveal market sentiment and potential reversals. Support and Resistance Levels Support and resistance points are essential in technical analysis. Support levels are where an asset tends to find buying interest and reverse its downward movement. Resistance levels are where selling interest tends to emerge, causing the instrument to reverse its upward movement. Support and resistance levels are crucial as they indicate potential turning points in the market. A break below support or above resistance can signal a trend change. You can practise adding different tools in various markets right now. Limitations of Technical Analysis Technical analysis has the following limitations: - Subjectivity: Technical analysis relies on interpreting historical price patterns and indicators, which can be subjective and open to different interpretations. - Lack of Fundamental Analysis: Technical analysis does not consider fundamental factors like company financials or economic indicators, which can have a significant impact on an instrument. - Market Sentiment Shifts: Unexpected news or events can quickly invalidate technical analysis predictions, leading to potential losses. Conclusion Technical analysis may be a valuable tool for traders and investors to analyse price movements and make informed decisions; however, it's essential to acknowledge its limitations and consider it as one of many techniques when trading. Combining technical and fundamental analyses may lead to a more comprehensive approach to trading and investing. As you get a better understanding of the subject, you may consider opening an FXOpen account and applying the concepts to live trading. *At FXOpen UK, Cryptocurrency CFDs are only available for trading by those clients categorised as Professional clients under FCA Rules. They are not available for trading by Retail clients. 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.

Education

Bouncing Between Support and Resistance: A Simple yet Effective This straightforward approach leverages the fundamental concept of support and resistance levels to identify potential reversal points. By drawing these key levels on the chart, you'll visualize the trading range as a "floor" and "slab," similar to a ball bouncing within these boundaries, same work candles do between support and resistance Case Study: GBP Observing the GBP chart, we notice three instances of instant reversals occurring at resistance levels and five at support zones. This illustrates the strategy's potential effectiveness. Trade Entry Guidelines: To minimize losses, consider the following entry rules: 1. Sell Signals: Enter short positions when the trend approaches resistance levels. 2. Buy Signals: Enter long positions when the trend approaches support levels. By employing this strategy, traders can capitalize on predictable price movements and maximize profits.

Education

Surviving Drawdown: The Battle Between You and the Market The Battle Between You and the Market Every trader, no matter how seasoned, eventually encounters the nemesis of every strategy: drawdown. It’s that dreaded phase where the market isn’t quite ready to move in the direction of your bias, and your account balance starts to bleed. The key to surviving drawdown isn’t just about protecting your capital—it’s about protecting your mind. The mental toll of seeing your carefully plotted trades go red can lead to fatigue, impulsivity, and, in some cases, abandonment of your well-thought-out plan. But here’s the reality: drawdowns are part of the game. The market doesn’t move on your schedule, and it certainly doesn’t care about your bills, goals, or aspirations. Harsh, but true. In the world of trading, few experiences are as daunting as facing a drawdown. This period, where the market refuses to move in the direction of your bias, can feel like an endless slog through thick mud. It's during these times that trader fatigue sets in, and the mental strain can become overwhelming. But surviving a drawdown isn’t just about weathering the storm; it’s about maintaining focus, sticking to your plan, and emerging stronger on the other side. Understanding Drawdown: A Necessary Evil Drawdowns are an inevitable part of trading, a reality that every trader must confront. They occur when your account equity declines from its peak, often resulting from a series of losing trades. This is not a reflection of your skills or judgment; rather, it’s a natural fluctuation in the market. Accepting this fact is crucial for maintaining a balanced mindset. It’s easy to get caught up in the emotional turmoil that accompanies a drawdown. You might start questioning your strategy, second-guessing your decisions, or even feeling a deep sense of fatigue that clouds your judgment. Recognizing that drawdowns are temporary and often necessary for long-term success is the first step towards mental fortitude. The Weight of Trader Fatigue Trader fatigue is real, and it can manifest in various forms: diminished focus, irritability, and an overall lack of clarity in decision-making. As the drawdown drags on, it’s common to feel like you’re fighting an uphill battle, grappling with both the market and your own psyche. The key to overcoming this fatigue is to remain steadfast in your commitment to your trading plan. Embrace the discipline that brought you to trading in the first place. Remember, every successful trader has weathered their share of drawdowns. It’s not about the setbacks; it’s how you respond to them that defines your journey. Stick to the Plan: The Importance of Discipline When faced with a drawdown, the temptation to abandon your trading plan can be strong. You might be lured into making impulsive trades or deviating from your established strategy in an attempt to “make back” your losses. This is a perilous path. Instead, focus on the process. A well-defined trading plan serves as your guiding compass, ensuring that you stay on course, even when the waters are choppy. Utilizing Alerts: The Power of TradingView One of the most effective tools in your trading arsenal is the alert feature available on platforms like TradingView. Set alerts for key price levels or indicators that align with your trading strategy. This simple act allows you to step away from the charts, minimizing stress and providing the mental space you need to reset. By using alerts, you can disengage from the constant fluctuations of the market without losing touch with your strategy. Instead of staring at the screen, waiting for the market to conform to your bias, you can live your life—confident that you’ll be notified when it’s time to reassess your position. Embrace Patience and Mindfulness During a drawdown, patience is not just a virtue; it’s a necessity. The market operates on its own timetable, and as traders, we must learn to respect that. Implement mindfulness techniques to cultivate a sense of calm and clarity. Engage in practices like meditation, deep breathing, or even short walks to recharge your mental energy. This approach allows you to view the market from a fresh perspective, reducing the noise of frustration and fatigue. Cultivating a mindset of patience will enable you to remain focused on your long-term goals rather than being derailed by short-term setbacks. Keeping Perspective: The Long Game Finally, keep in mind that trading is a marathon, not a sprint. Drawdowns, while difficult, are often precursors to periods of growth and profitability. By maintaining perspective, you can navigate these challenging times with resilience. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small, and remember that every setback brings with it valuable lessons. Surviving a drawdown is an essential part of the trader's journey. Embrace the process, stay disciplined, and utilize the tools at your disposal—like TradingView alerts—to ease the mental burden. By maintaining focus and perspective, you can emerge from the drawdown not just intact, but stronger and more equipped for future challenges. Remember, in the world of trading, persistence pays off. The key to success lies in how you respond to the inevitable ups and downs. Stay the course, and the markets will eventually align with your bias once more.

Education

08:44

Options: Why the Odds Are Stacked Against You The Hidden Challenges of Options Trading: Options trading may seem like an exciting way to profit from market movements, but beneath the surface lies a trading environment that is heavily biased against individual traders. Many retail investors jump into options trading unaware of the many disadvantages they face, making it more of a gamble than a calculated investment. In this post, we’ll explore the major challenges that make options trading so difficult for individual traders and why you need more than luck to succeed. 1. The Odds Are Biased: Complex Algorithms Unlevel the Playing Field The first thing to understand is that the playing field is not even. Professional traders and market makers use complex algorithms that evaluate a wide range of factors—volatility, market conditions, historical data, time decay, news and more—before they even think about entering a trade. These systems are designed to assess risks, manage exposure, and execute trades with a precision that most individual traders simply can’t match. For an individual trader, manually analyzing these factors or using basic tools available online is nearly impossible. By the time you’ve analyzed one factor, the market may have already shifted. The reality is that unless you have access to these advanced algorithmic systems, you're trading with a massive handicap. 2. Market Makers Hold the Upper Hand: Your Trades Are Their Game Market makers play a critical role in options trading by providing liquidity. However, they also hold an unbeatable advantage. They see both sides of the trade, control the bid-ask spreads, and use their position to ensure they’re on the winning side more often than not. For them, it’s not about making speculative bets; it’s about managing risk and profiting from the flow of orders they receive. When you trade options, you're often trading against these market makers, and their strategies are designed to maximize their advantage while minimizing their risk. This means your trades are, in essence, a bad gamble from the start. The house always wins, and in this case, the house is the market maker. 3. They Will Fool You Every Time: Bid-Ask Spreads and the Math You Don’t See One of the most overlooked challenges in options trading is understanding the bid-ask spread. This spread represents the difference between the price you can buy an option (ask) and the price you can sell it (bid). While this may seem straightforward, it’s an area where professionals easily outsmart retail traders. Advanced traders and market makers use complex mathematical models to manage and manipulate these spreads to their advantage. If you don’t have the mathematical skills to properly evaluate whether the spread is fair or skewed, you’re setting yourself up to overpay for options, leading to unnecessary losses. 4. Information and Tools: A Professional-Only Advantage Another critical challenge is the vast difference in information and tools available to retail traders versus professionals. Institutional traders have access to data streams, proprietary tools, and execution platforms that the average trader can only dream of. They can monitor market sentiment, analyze volatility in real-time, and execute trades at lightning speed, often milliseconds faster than any retail investor. These tools give professionals an enormous edge in identifying trends, hedging positions, and managing risk. Without them, individual traders are flying blind, trying to compete in an arena where the best information is reserved for the pros. 5. Volatility and Time Decay: The Ultimate Account Killers Two of the most critical factors in options trading are volatility and time decay (known as theta). These are the silent killers of options accounts, and pros use them to their advantage. Volatility: When volatility increases, option prices go up, which might sound great. However, volatility is unpredictable, and when it swings in the wrong direction, it can destroy your position’s value almost overnight. Professionals have sophisticated strategies to manage and hedge against volatility; most individual traders don’t. Time Decay: Time is constantly working against you in options trading. Every day that passes, the value of an option slowly erodes, and as expiration approaches, this decay accelerates. For most retail traders, this is a ticking time bomb. Pros, on the other hand, know how to structure trades to profit from time decay, leaving amateurs at a disadvantage. Conclusion: Trading Options Is No Easy Game The challenges of options trading are real and significant. Between the advanced algorithms, the market makers’ advantages, the mathematical complexities of bid-ask spreads, and the tools and information reserved for professionals, the odds are stacked against you. Add to that the constant threat of volatility and time decay, and it’s clear that options trading is a difficult and often losing game for individual traders. If you’re thinking about jumping into options trading, it’s crucial to understand the risks involved and recognize that the deck is stacked. To succeed, you need more than just a basic understanding—you need tools, strategy, and a deep awareness of how the pros operate. Without that, you're gambling, not trading.

Education

Trading with Moving Average Crossovers Trading with Moving Average Crossovers Trading indicators and technical analysis are essential components of the financial markets, utilised by traders and investors to analyse price movements, identify trends, and make informed trading decisions. The moving average is an indicator that is used by many traders. This article will cover the best moving averages for day trading, swing trading, and scalping and discuss the crossover strategies. Understanding Moving Averages A moving average is a fundamental technical analysis tool used in financial markets to analyse price trends and identify potential trading opportunities. It provides a smoothed representation of price data over a specified period, enabling traders and investors to filter out short-term fluctuations and better understand the underlying trend. By plotting the average of past price points, the indicator creates a continuous line on a price chart, making it easier to spot trends and potential reversals. There are several types of MAs used in technical analysis. The choice of MA depends on the trader's preferences, trading strategy, and the market conditions. Let's go through some of the most common types of MAs: - Simple Moving Average (SMA): This is the most common or basic type of moving average. It calculates the average price over a specified number of periods and equally weights each data point. For example, a 10-day SMA calculates the average closing price of the last 10 days and updates it with each new day's data. - Exponential Moving Average (EMA): It gives more weight to recent price data, thus, becoming more responsive to current market conditions. It is calculated using a formula that applies a weighting multiplier. - Weighted Moving Average (WMA): The WMA assigns different weights to different data points, giving more importance to recent prices. The weighting scheme can vary, but commonly, the most recent data points have the highest weights. - Smoothed Moving Average (SMMA): The Smoothed Moving Average is a variation of the EMA, but it considers an extended history of price data. It attempts to provide a smoother curve by applying an additional smoothing factor. Types of Moving Averages Crossover A crossover is one of the key signals traders use when utilising this indicator. A cross occurs when two moving averages with different periods intersect each other. Crosses can be found on any timeframe. Therefore, traders use moving averages even for day trading. - Bullish MA Crossover: This occurs when a shorter-term moving average, such as a 50-hour EMA, crosses above a longer-term one, like a 200-hour EMA. This crossover is considered a bullish signal, indicating a potential upward trend and often signalling a buying opportunity. The TickTrader chart below highlights a bullish run when the 50-hour EMA crosses above the 200-hour EMA. - Bearish MA Crossover: On the other hand, a bearish crossover happens when a shorter-term MA crosses below a longer-term one. For instance, if a 50-hour EMA moves below a 200-hour EMA, it suggests a potential downward trend and may signal a selling opportunity. FXOpen’s TickTrader chart highlights a bearish run as the 50-hour EMA crosses over the 200-hour EMA from above. Confirming the Moving Averages Crossover While MA crossovers can provide valuable insights into potential trends, it is essential to confirm these signals using additional tools: - Volume Analysis: Analysing trading volume alongside moving average crossovers can enhance the reliability of the signals. A substantial increase in volume during a crossover can signify stronger market participation, supporting the validity of the trend reversal. The chart below shows a crossover coupled with rising volumes. - Oscillators and Indicators: Utilising additional technical indicators, such as the Relative Strength Index (RSI) or Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD), can provide supplementary confirmation. Overbought/oversold conditions reflected by oscillators signal potential trend reversals and strengthen the crossover signal. Look at the GBPUSD chart below. A move away by the RSI indicator from the overbought area, coupled with a MA crossover, provided additional confirmation of the trend reversal. Advantages and Limitations of Moving Average Crossovers Let's go through some advantages of MA crossovers: - Simplicity: Moving average crossovers are straightforward to understand and implement. They involve plotting two MAs on a price chart and observing the interactions. - Trend Identification: They help identify the prevailing trend in a market. A bullish crossover, where a shorter-term MA crosses above a longer-term one, signals a potential uptrend, while a bearish crossover, where the shorter-term moving average crosses below the longer-term one, indicates a potential downtrend. - Signal Generation: Crossovers can generate trading signals, telling traders when to enter or exit positions. These signals are based on the assumption that crossovers represent significant shifts in market sentiment. Therefore, moving averages are used for swing trading. - Smoothing Effect: They smooth out price fluctuations, making it easier to identify trend changes amid market noise. - Versatility: Traders can customise the length of MAs to suit their trading strategies and timeframes, allowing them to adapt to various market conditions. Here are the limitations of MA crossovers: - Lagging Indicator: MAs are lagging indicators because they are based on past price data. As a result, crossovers may occur after the start of a new trend, leading to delayed entries and exits. - Whipsawing: In choppy or sideways markets, the indicator may generate frequent crossovers. These false signals can result in losses and frustration for many market participants. - Lack of Precision: Crosses may not be precise enough to capture short-term price movements. They may work better in trending markets but struggle in ranging or volatile conditions. - Insensitivity to Market Conditions: As moving averages are lagging indicators, they may not fully adapt to changing market dynamics or sudden spikes in volatility. - Needed to be adjusted: While moving averages are effective in all markets, they may provide inaccurate signals, particularly during periods of low liquidity or unusual price behaviour. Therefore, they need to be adjusted to fit particular market conditions. Final Thoughts Swing and day trading with moving averages is one of the more popular trading approaches due to its simplicity and effectiveness. However, traders should note that without astute risk management and a proper trading plan, it is difficult to succeed in the financial markets. After developing a strong hand in MAs, you may consider opening an FXOpen account and trading various financial instruments. 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.

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HOW And WHY The Markets Move In this video I explain HOW and WHY the markets move. At it's core, trading is a zero-sum game, meaning that nothing is created. There must always be a counter-party to any trade, after all it is called "trading". Because of this, liquidity is the lifeblood of the market and it is what is required by all participants, albeit more for the larger entities out there. In order for these larger entities to trade, they must do so in stages of buying and selling, and not all in one single position like we do as retail traders. They buy on the way down, and sell on the way up, throughout many different time horizons. Therefore, they require price to be delivered efficiently in order to sustain this working machine. I hope you find the video somewhat insightful. Regardless of your beliefs, I think it can be agreed that these two principles are what drives the marketplace and it's movements. - R2F

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25:32

by Road_2_Funded

US dollar rally faces hurdle as rates unwind stalls at key level Whether it reflects US economic exceptionalism reducing the need for large-scale rate cuts from the Federal Reserve or improved prospects for Donald Trump winning the US Presidential election, or a combination of both, it’s obvious the US interest rate outlook is dictating direction across FX markets. Higher US yields are sucking capital from other parts of the world, helping to fuel US dollar strength. With short-dated Treasury futures teetering above a key technical level, what happens next could be highly influential in determining the path for currencies and global borrowing costs as we move towards year-end.

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05:01

Example of creating a trading strategy chart Hello, traders. If you "Follow", you can always get new information quickly. Please click "Boost" as well. Have a nice day today. ------------------------------------- To interpret the chart from a trend perspective, you can use the MS-Signal indicator. The MS-Signal indicator consists of the M-Signal indicator and the S-Signal indicator. Therefore, you can analyze the chart by checking the arrangement of the M-Signal indicator and the movement around it. The most important thing in chart analysis is support and resistance points. Therefore, if you do not indicate support and resistance points, it can be said that the chart analysis cannot be used for trading. - So, Fibonacci retracement and trend-based Fibonacci extension are widely used in chart analysis. I used the Trend-Based Fib Extension tool. I selected and displayed the low and high points pointed by the fingers. The selection of the candles pointed by the fingers corresponds to the inflection points of the StochRSI indicator. - If you connect these, you get a trend line. The important thing when drawing a trend line is to connect the high points of the StochRSI indicator by connecting the opening prices of the falling candles. When connecting the low points, you can connect the low points regardless of whether it is a falling candle or an rising candle. This is because I think it best expresses the trend and volatility period based on my experience using it. When drawing the Fibonacci ratio and when drawing the trend line, the selection points are different, so you should draw it with this in mind. - If it is drawn as above, you can see that the chart is ready to be analyzed. Since the channeling most commonly used in chart analysis has been formed, I think chart analysis will not be difficult. However, the above method is a drawing for chart analysis, so it is not suitable for trading. This is an important point. If you are good at chart analysis, but wonder why you lose money when trading, you should change the drawing of support and resistance points. Do not trade with Fibonacci ratios, but mark support and resistance points according to the candle arrangement on the 1M, 1W, and 1D charts and create a trading strategy according to their importance. - The chart above shows the support and resistance points drawn on the 1M, 1W, and 1D charts. To display this, we used the HA-High, HA-Low, OBV 0, OBV Up, OBV Down, BW (100), Mid (50), BW (0) indicators. To display the exact volatility period, we also need to draw a trend line on the 1M, 1W chart. The indicators that are important for support and resistance points are HA-Low, HA-High, BW (100), BW (0). Therefore, the point where the trend line intersects this point is likely to correspond to the volatility period. It is not accurate because it is displayed only with the trend line that was created right away, but I think it explains well how to display the volatility period. - If you display the volatility period like this and hide all indicators, you will have a complete chart that can be used for trading. - Have a good time. Thank you. --------------------------------------------------

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Unlock Market Targets with Fibonacci: Precise Entries & Exits Hey there! In this video, I’ll walk you through how I use the 50% and 100% Fibonacci levels to get a clear sense of where the market might move next. It’s a simple, no-fuss approach that helps me trade with more confidence—without cluttering my charts with tons of indicators. The projection marks where a move might wrap up—perfect for deciding when to exit or take profits. Whether you’re into forex, crypto, or stocks, this strategy can keep things simple and effective. If you found this helpful, feel free to like, boost, comment, or follow—I’d love to know your thoughts and hear how this method works for you! Mindbloome Trading Trade What You See

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18:15

by Mindbloome-Trading

TRIANGLE PATTERNS 101 The triangle pattern is one of the most common yet least reliable formations in trading. It occurs during periods of price consolidation or reversals, representing a narrowing trading range defined by two converging trend lines. For a trendline to be established, at least two touches are required. Consequently, a complete triangle typically consists of a minimum of four touches—two for each trendline. However, in practice, triangles tend to be more reliable when there are three or more touches on each line. In essence, the greater the number of touches, the stronger the lines become. The more frequently the price interacts with these lines, the higher the likelihood that they will serve as significant support and resistance zones, thereby resulting in a more powerful breakout. There are two main types of triangles: symmetrical and ascending/descending. Let's explore both of these patterns in more detail. 📍 Symmetrical Triangles A symmetrical triangle is formed by two or more trends combined with price movements, characterized by each successive high being lower and each low being higher than the previous ones. Unlike an extension, where trend lines diverge, the lines connecting the peaks and troughs in a symmetrical triangle converge. These triangular patterns are often referred to as “springs” because, as they develop, price fluctuations tend to calm down and trading volumes decrease. When the triangle is finally broken, the price can shoot out sharply—much like a tightly compressed spring releasing its tension. This breakdown occurs as the price breaks through the triangle with increased momentum. The essence of the symmetrical triangle lies in its ability to balance the interests of buyers and sellers during its formation. When a breakout occurs, trading volume typically surges, signaling that one side has gained the upper hand in terms of price direction. While most patterns provide fairly clear indicators of potential breakout directions, the symmetrical triangle encourages a bit of speculation. The prevailing trend remains dominant until it is definitively proven otherwise, leading to the assumption that the breakout will likely align with the main trend. Hints of a reversal — a breakout in the opposite direction might emerge if the price moves too far in either direction. Additionally, it's prudent to observe other assets; if they are breaking in a new direction, it could signal a potential shift. Generally, a reversal is more probable if the symmetrical triangle forms after a strong trend and remains intact for an extended period. However, in the absence of these signs, the default assumption should be that the primary trend will continue. 📍 The Psychology Behind Triangles in Trading A triangle formation in trading represents an escalating battle between buyers and sellers. It begins with a strong price movement on the left side of the pattern, reflecting volatility and uncertainty in both camps. As the price climbs to the apex of the triangle, buyers initially lose their enthusiasm while sellers start to take action. Subsequently, the price retracts, attracting those who missed out on the earlier surge and are determined to capitalize on this opportunity. At this juncture, sellers grow weary, and the price begins to rise again, though not as dramatically. This moderate increase confuses buyers once more. Potential sellers, who may have regretted their missed opportunity to sell at higher prices, begin to set aside their greed and are willing to sell at lower levels. Ultimately, the price falls once again, bringing in new buyers. However, with each cycle, the number of participants dwindles, leading to increasingly subdued price reactions. The initial excitement fades, and market participants become more cautious, waiting for stability and a normal balance to be established. As the triangle progresses, the boundaries between buyers and sellers draw closer, as neither side can assert its dominance. Typically, when the price stalls at the top of the triangle, even a slight imbalance in supply and demand can trigger a significant price movement. In summary: The more touchpoints there are within a triangle, the more substantial the price movement is likely to be after a breakout. A strong indicator of breakout strength is the contrast between decreased volume during the triangle's compression and a sudden surge in volume upon breakout. The greater this difference, the more decisive the outcome and the stronger the trading signal. 📍 Identify The Price Target For The Triangle Breakout To identify where the price might move after a triangle breakout, there is a traditional method you can use. First, draw a line parallel to the upper trendline, starting from the base of the triangle. This reference line will help identify the target zone the price is expected to reach, providing insight into potential future movements. When analyzing a symmetrical triangle, the same approach applies. You can also apply this method at the lower trend line of the formation. This technique is versatile and can be useful in various consolidation patterns as well. In the second example, you would measure the distance between the peak of the triangle and the subsequent low. This distance can then be projected from the breakout point to estimate the price's likely direction and target. By using these methods, we can gain a clearer understanding of potential price movements following a triangle breakout. 📍 Turning a Symmetrical Triangle into a Head and Shoulders Pattern Triangles, particularly symmetrical triangles, are often viewed as less reliable price patterns in technical analysis. This is primarily due to their tendency to evolve into different formations entirely, making them challenging to interpret. For instance, what starts as a symmetrical triangle can eventually transform into a head and shoulders pattern, which may lead to a misleading breakout that doesn’t accurately predict subsequent price movements. In a scenario where a triangle breakout appears promising, the price may undergo another movement that creates the contours of a sloping head and shoulders pattern. This transformation represents a significant shift in market sentiment and can lead to false expectations regarding future price behavior. Therefore, traders must be cautious and aware of this possibility, as it highlights the unpredictable nature of triangle patterns. To mitigate the risk of being caught off guard by such deceptive formations, it's beneficial to apply a filtering technique. Focus on patterns where the price has interacted with the trendlines—either support or resistance—two or more times. More touches or approaches reinforce the validity of the trendlines, lending them greater significance as points of support or resistance. Consequently, when a breakout occurs from a well-established triangle, it is more likely to be strong and reliable. 📍 Ascending and Descending Triangles A symmetrical triangle alone does not indicate the direction of a potential breakout, whereas an ascending or descending triangle does, due to the presence of sloping support and resistance lines. As is the case with most patterns, a breakout from a triangle is typically followed by a pullback. If you missed the initial breakout, this pullback often presents a second opportunity to enter the trade, usually under calmer market conditions. If a pullback trendline can be identified, it enhances the breakout line as a favorable entry zone, reinforcing the validity of the breakout that has already occurred. 📍 Transforming Ascending and Descending Triangles into Rectangles One challenge with these patterns is that many rectangles can initially appear similar to ascending and descending triangles. Consequently, it's important to exercise caution when analyzing these formations. 📍 When Ascending and Descending Triangles Fail We’ve already observed that ascending and descending triangles can sometimes evolve into rectangles. Typically, there are two scenarios where this failure can occur. The first scenario arises when the price breaks above the horizontal trendline, only to subsequently return and fall back through it. In the case of a false upward breakout, a closely situated false peak forms, allowing us to place a tight stop just below the trendline. The second situation occurs when a descending triangle fails due to the breaking of the rising or falling trendline before the horizontal trendline is broken. Traders, If you liked this educational post🎓, give it a boost 🚀 and drop a comment 📣

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Fibonacci Retracements: Finding Key Levels the Easy Way In this video, I’ll walk you through how I use Fibonacci retracements to spot those key pullback levels where price might bounce and keep trending. It all comes from an old-school math genius named Leonardo of Pisa (aka Fibonacci), but don’t worry – no crazy math here, just practical trading tools. The main levels I focus on? 38.2%, 50%, and 61.8%. IF price holds at one of these levels, THEN it’s a good sign the trend could keep going. IF NOT, THEN I stay ready for a deeper pullback. Using this tool helps me stay ahead and manage trades with more confidence. Your Turn: Here’s a fun exercise – draw Fibonacci retracements on different timeframes, from the weekly all the way down to the 5-minute chart. Check how the levels overlap or line up. Those overlaps, or confluences, are where some of the best trades happen! If this clicks with you, hit like, drop a comment, or follow – I’ll keep sharing more tips to help you crush the markets! Mindbloome Trading Trade What You See

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12:36

by Mindbloome-Trading

The Low Hanging Fruit Stacey Burke setup, with Silver R4,5 short In this video, I walk you through my entire thought process during today's trading session. You'll learn how I selected the pairs and executed three key trades: Silver 3 Sessions of Rise Reversal short DJ30 Low Hanging Fruit Continuation short I'll also provide a detailed explanation of the Low Hanging Fruit setup, helping you understand how to apply this strategy in your own trading. Low Hanging Fruit is a key best trade setup of Stacey Burke. Don't miss out on these valuable insights and tips! For details on the Stacey Burke style trading approach see his site and playbook: https://stacey-burke-trading.thinkifi...

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12:34

How to Trade with the Ultimate Oscillator How to Trade with the Ultimate Oscillator While there are many indicators out there, few incorporate multiple timeframes. The Ultimate Oscillator, with its multi-timeframe approach, is an effective tool for spotting divergences. In this article, we will break down how this indicator works, what signals it produces, and how it compares to other well-known oscillators. What Is the Ultimate Oscillator? The Ultimate Oscillator is a technical indicator invented by Larry Williams in 1976. It's designed to incorporate price action over three different timeframes – short-term (7-period), intermediate-term (14-period), and long-term (28-period) – to avoid the common pitfalls of a single timeframe strategy. Rather than following the more conventional method of focusing solely on closing prices or the period's high and low, it uniquely incorporates buying pressure into its calculation. Buying pressure is essentially the difference between the close and the low of the period or the difference between the close of the previous period and the close of the current period, whichever is lower. Like other oscillators, the Ultimate Oscillator has overbought and oversold levels. However, the main strength of this tool lies in identifying divergences between price and oscillator, which might suggest a potential trend reversal. Traders often prefer the Ultimate Oscillator for cryptocurrency*, stock, and forex trading, given its effective insights. Using the Ultimate Oscillator in Technical Analysis Using the Ultimate Oscillator indicator involves understanding and interpreting the values it generates. The tool provides signals for potential price reversals based on divergence and the crossing of certain thresholds. Overbought and Oversold Levels The Ultimate Oscillator moves up and down between 0 and 100. When its value surpasses 70, it indicates overbought conditions, suggesting an impending price drop. Conversely, levels below 30 point to oversold conditions, hinting at an imminent price rise. However, in strongly trending markets, these levels may remain overbought or oversold for extended periods, so it's important not to rely solely on these thresholds for trading decisions. Also, traders use the 50 point to open buy and sell trades. When the Oscillator breaks above 50, it’s considered an opportunity to go long. Conversely, a break below 50 is considered an opportunity to go short. However, it’s vital to combine this signal with other technical analysis tools. Bullish and Bearish Divergences The real strength of this tool lies in spotting divergences. Divergences occur when the price of an asset is moving in the opposite direction of the oscillator. A bullish divergence occurs when the price makes new lows, but the indicator fails to reach new lows. The divergence might be an indication that the downward momentum is losing strength, and a bullish reversal may be near. A bearish divergence, on the other hand, happens when the price makes new highs, but the indicator fails to reach new highs. This can signal that the upward momentum is waning, and a bearish reversal may be on the horizon. In both cases, traders often wait for a confirmation of the divergence before acting. This could be a subsequent move of the oscillator in the direction of the divergence or a break of a trendline/moving average. Comparing the Ultimate Oscillator and Other Indicators Comparing the Ultimate Oscillator with other popular technical indicators reveals specific distinguishing characteristics. Ultimate Oscillator vs Stochastic Oscillator The Stochastic Oscillator focuses on the position of the closing price compared to the range of high-low prices over a specified period. While it relies only on this single measure, the Ultimate Oscillator broadens its perspective by incorporating buying pressure and taking into account three separate timeframes. Ultimate Oscillator vs RSI The Relative Strength Index (RSI) measures momentum by comparing the magnitude of recent gains to recent losses. Its calculations are based on a single timeframe, making it potentially more prone to false signals during volatile price movements. The Ultimate Oscillator's multiple timeframe structure helps to reduce the incidence of such false signals. Awesome Oscillator vs Ultimate Oscillator Developed by Bill Williams, the Awesome Oscillator determines market momentum by calculating the difference between simple moving averages with a period of 34 and 5. Its focus is mainly on confirming current trends or anticipating potential reversals. In contrast, the Ultimate Oscillator uses the concept of buying pressure and multiple timeframes to identify divergences and anticipate reversals. The Bottom Line The Ultimate Oscillator, with its distinctive three timeframe approach and incorporation of buying pressure, offers a unique perspective in technical analysis. While its complexity may be challenging for traders with little experience, its ability to identify potential divergences effectively makes it a powerful tool. Ready to put your Ultimate Oscillator knowledge into action? You can open an FXOpen account to start using it in over 600+ markets. Good luck! *At FXOpen UK, Cryptocurrency CFDs are only available for trading by those clients categorised as Professional clients under FCA Rules. They are not available for trading by Retail clients. 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.

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BTC! To be or not to be ?In this chart if you look closely you will see just a pump with no fundamental rationale! I have done my research and if my birdies are right Black Rock has gotten the SEC clearance for the BTC Fund but they have not started the drive. Just a thinking point for you. Blackrock is the biggest asset manager out there in the known universe. So do you think Larry Fink will buy BTC at these prices? He will drive it down and accumulate. You all have brains you do the maths and determine the median!! I have given you my viewpoint!

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Getting Started with Forex Prop Trading: Intro Guide 🔸Forex prop trading (short for foreign exchange proprietary trading) refers to a trading model where traders use capital provided by a proprietary trading firm to trade in the Forex (foreign exchange) market. Unlike traditional retail trading, where traders use their own funds, prop traders operate with the firm's capital, typically after passing a series of evaluations to prove their trading skills and risk management abilities. In return, the firm takes a percentage of the profits generated by the trader. 🆕 Here’s a more detailed look at how forex prop trading works and why it's appealing: 🔸 Access to Capital Prop firms offer substantial capital to skilled traders, allowing them to trade with much larger account sizes than they might be able to on their own. For example, a trader might be funded with anywhere from $10,000 to $1,000,000 or more, depending on their experience and the firm's offerings. 🔸 Evaluation Process Most prop firms require traders to pass an evaluation or assessment phase before providing access to live capital. This involves trading on a demo account and meeting specific performance metrics like profit targets, drawdown limits, and risk management rules. If the trader successfully passes this phase, they are then given access to a live account with the firm's capital. 🔸 Profit Sharing Once a trader is funded, they enter into a profit-sharing agreement with the firm. Typically, the trader receives a percentage of the profits, often around 70-90%, while the firm keeps the rest as compensation for providing the capital and infrastructure. For example, if a trader makes $10,000 in profits and their profit split is 80/20, they would keep $8,000 while the firm takes $2,000. 🔸 Risk Management Prop firms are very strict about risk management because they are providing their own capital. They impose limits on the maximum drawdown (the amount a trader can lose), daily loss limits, and leverage. If these rules are violated, traders risk losing their funded status. 🔸 Advantages for Traders Low Financial Risk: Traders do not need to risk their own capital, reducing personal financial exposure. No Pressure to Invest Large Sums: With access to firm capital, traders don’t need to save up large amounts to trade at higher levels. Support and Resources: Many prop firms provide educational resources, trading platforms, and tools to help their traders succeed. 🔸Types of Prop Firms Prop firms can generally be categorized into two types: 🔸Traditional Prop Firms: These firms often require traders to work in-office and provide access to a wide range of markets beyond Forex, including stocks, commodities, and derivatives. Online Prop Firms: The more popular model today, these firms operate remotely, allowing traders from around the world to participate. 🔸 Fees Most prop firms charge traders an initial fee to cover the evaluation process. This fee can range from a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars, depending on the account size. In many cases, this fee is refundable if the trader successfully completes the evaluation. 🔸 Challenges Strict Rules: If traders fail to adhere to the firm's rules (such as daily loss limits or maximum drawdown), they can lose their funded account. Pressure to Perform: Trading with someone else’s capital can create pressure, which can affect trading decisions and lead to mistakes if not handled well. 🔸Bot Algo Trading in Forex Algorithmic trading (algo trading) involves using pre-programmed instructions (algorithms) that can automatically execute trades in the Forex market based on specific conditions. These conditions can be price, volume, time, or other market indicators. Algo trading has become increasingly popular in the Forex market due to its ability to: ▪️Execute trades at high speed without the need for human intervention. ▪️Remove emotional biases, which can often lead to poor decision-making in trading. ▪️Test and optimize strategies through backtesting on historical data to ensure effectiveness. ▪️Implement complex strategies that would be difficult for a human to execute manually. 🔸what is a Bot Algo Expert? A bot algo expert is typically a professional who specializes in developing and optimizing trading algorithms (bots) for Forex markets. They possess skills in coding, often using languages like Python, MQL4/5 (MetaQuotes Language), and other programming languages tailored to financial markets. 🔸The expert focuses on building bots that can: ▪️Identify trading signals based on technical indicators (like moving averages, RSI, Bollinger Bands). ▪️Automatically execute trades when certain criteria are met (such as entering or exiting positions). ▪️Manage risk by setting stop-loss and take-profit orders to minimize potential losses. ▪️Optimize performance by regularly updating the algorithm based on market conditions. 🎁Please hit the like button and 🎁Leave a comment to support our team!

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by ProjectSyndicate

Let's get back to the basics! ..4 In this chart I have made it simple. I accept that price can appreciate further but I will be looking for sell opportunities at levels posted earlier. My main concern is how to handle this gigonormic rise with the expected fall to come. It will come and if you are following I assure you it will come by early December. Logic: Election results FED rate Cut decision Gradual decrease in Iran / Israel tension US Government debt alleviation plan Indian not buying gold even if it is the peak season China's artificial stimulus Please do not trade in isolation. Those out there who are showing massive profits are fudging you. God has given you a brain please use it !!

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Replace a 100 000 USD salary with income from trading 🔸 Develop a Strong Foundation in Forex Trading Before considering Forex as a full-time source of income, it’s essential to build a solid foundation in trading. ▪️Learn the Basics: Understand Forex fundamentals such as how currency pairs work, how to read charts, how the market operates, and how global economic events affect price movements. ▪️Master Technical and Fundamental Analysis: Study technical analysis (price action, indicators, chart patterns) and fundamental analysis (macroeconomic data, interest rates, geopolitical events). This allows you to make informed trading decisions. ▪️Study Risk Management: Managing risk is crucial to avoid catastrophic losses. Learn how to calculate position sizes, set stop-losses, and limit leverage. Most professional traders risk no more than 1-2% of their capital per trade. ▪️Backtest and Paper Trade: Test your trading strategies on historical data and in demo accounts to ensure they are profitable over time. This will help you refine your approach without risking real money. 🔸 Create and Test a Trading Strategy A successful trading career requires a well-defined trading strategy. This is critical for consistency and profitability. ▪️Define Your Trading Style: Determine whether you are a day trader, swing trader, or position trader, based on your risk tolerance, time availability, and financial goals. ▪️Build a Strategy Based on Time Frames and Setups: Whether you focus on scalping, trend trading, or breakout strategies, you need a strategy that works for your trading style. Be sure to incorporate indicators (moving averages, Fibonacci retracement, RSI) and a risk-reward ratio. ▪️Test the Strategy: Test your strategy on demo accounts or paper trade until you have confidence in its profitability over the long run. A good strategy should consistently deliver positive results over several months and market conditions. 🔸 Accumulate Enough Capital Forex trading requires sufficient capital to replace a salary and generate consistent income. ▪️Set Realistic Capital Requirements: The amount of capital you need will depend on how much monthly income you need and how much risk you are willing to take. Generally, to replace a full-time salary with Forex income, you will need significant capital (likely in the range of $50,000–$100,000 or more). This amount allows you to generate enough returns without taking excessive risks. ▪️Calculate Your Required Return on Investment (ROI): Let’s say you need $3,000 per month to replace your salary. If you have a $100,000 account, you would need a 3% return per month. If your account is smaller (e.g., $10,000), you would need a much higher (and riskier) 30% return, which is unrealistic in the long run. ▪️Use Leverage Cautiously: Leverage can magnify both profits and losses. While Forex brokers often offer high leverage (e.g., 50:1, 100:1), it’s essential to use leverage cautiously, as it can lead to significant losses if a trade goes against you.

Education

by ProjectSyndicate

What America Does with Its Money ? 🇺🇸 Decoding America's Spending: A Deep Dive into Government Finances This topic has been on the horizon for a while, and I think many new traders will be pleased to see it so LFG Just like a business, the government has its own financial records : 💰 Money comes in (primarily from taxes) 💸 Money goes out (to fund a variety of programs) With an expected gross domestic product (GDP) of nearly $29 trillion in 2024, the US remains the world’s largest economy, surpassing China’s $18.5 trillion. However, the US government isn’t exactly profitable. In fact, it’s been consistently running a growing deficit, raising concerns about its long-term financial stability. As a general election approaches, it's more important than ever to understand how the US generates and spends its money. So, let’s dive into the details Here’s a quick overview: - Revenue: A deep dive into taxes - Spending: Powering the nation - Bottom Line: Operating costs & the deficit - National Debt: A mounting challenge - The Future: America's financial outlook 1. Revenue: A Deep Dive into Taxes The US government operates on an enormous scale, and like any large organization, it requires a consistent stream of income to stay functional. However, unlike businesses that sell products or services, the government generates revenue primarily through taxes and fees In fiscal year 2023, the federal government collected an astounding $4.4 trillion So, where does all of this money come from? Let’s take a closer look: 👥 Individual Income Taxes:Nearly 50% of the government’s total revenue comes from individuals. Every time you receive a paycheck, a portion is automatically sent to Uncle Sam. This also includes taxes on capital gains from investments. 🏦 Social Security and Medicare Taxes: About 36% of revenue is generated from these taxes, which support programs like Social Security and Medicare for retirees and older adults. It’s a system where current workers help fund benefits for those who have already retired. 🏢 Corporate Income Taxes:Around 10% of the total revenue comes from businesses, which contribute a portion of their profits to the federal government. This is reflected in the income tax provisions that companies report. 🧩 Other Revenue:The remaining ~4% is sourced from various channels such as excise taxes (extra charges on goods like alcohol and tobacco), estate taxes, customs duties, and even fees collected from national park visits. 2. Spending: Powering the Nation Now that we’ve seen how money flows into the US Treasury, it’s time to explore the exciting part figuring out how it’s spent. The US government faces the enormous responsibility of keeping the country functioning, covering everything from national defense to healthcare and infrastructure. And that demands a massive amount of spending In fiscal year 2023, the federal government's net cost was $7.9 trillion, which is almost as large as the combined GDP of Germany and Japan the world’s third and fourth largest economies! -Outlays vs. Net Cost:In FY23, total outlays (the actual cash spent) reached $6.1 trillion. Outlays refer to the cash disbursements, while the net cost also includes accrual-based accounting adjustments, such as changes in the future value of federal employee retirement benefits. Who’s Deciding Where the Money Goes So, how does the government determine how to allocate all this money? It’s a balancing act involving both the President and Congress: -The President’s Proposal: The President begins the process by proposing a budget, outlining spending priorities based on requests from federal agencies. Think of it as a wish list—with a lot of extra zeros. -House and Senate Role:Next, the House and Senate Budget Committees take over. They review the President’s proposal, make adjustments, and ultimately create the final spending bills. This process involves hearings, debates, and a fair amount of political negotiation. Types of Spending -Mandatory Spending:These are legally required expenses, like Social Security and Medicare, which make up a significant portion of the budget. These costs rise over time, particularly as the population ages -Discretionary Spending:This is the part of the budget where the President and Congress decide how much to allocate to areas like defense, education, and more. In FY23, discretionary spending accounted for roughly 28% of total outlays, and it involves a yearly struggle as various departments compete for funding. -Supplemental Spending: In cases of emergency, Congress can pass additional funding outside the normal budget cycle, as it did for the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Where the Money Goes Now, let's dive deeper into the specific areas where all that spending is directed: -🏥 Healthcare Heavyweight:The Department of Health and Human Services commands the largest portion of spending, making up 22% of the net cost. This reflects the huge outlays for healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid. -👵 Social Safety Net:Programs like Veterans Affairs and the Social Security Administration also require significant funding, together accounting for 18% of the budget. This demonstrates the high priority placed on supporting veterans and retirees. -🫡 Defense and Security:The Department of Defense, tasked with ensuring national security, takes up 13% of government spending! -💸 The Interest Burden: A growing share of the budget is going toward paying interest on the national debt, consuming 9% of total spending. In FY23, government outlays represented 22% of the US economy (GDP). Over the past decade, this figure has remained slightly above 20%, excluding the exceptional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 3. Bottom Line: Operating Cost & Deficit When government expenditures exceed its revenue, a budget deficit occurs In FY23, the U.S. government recorded a $1.7 trillion deficit (revenue minus outlays). Here’s a breakdown of two key financial terms: -Net Operating Cost:This includes all costs incurred by the government, even if the payments haven’t been made yet. In FY23, the net operating cost was $3.4 trillion -Budget Deficit:This is a narrower measure, focusing only on the cash difference between revenue and outlays. As mentioned, the FY23 budget deficit stood at $1.7 trillion Both of these financial measures reveal a government consistently spending beyond its means—a pattern that has persisted for decades. In fact, over the past 50 years, the U.S. federal budget has only seen a surplus four times, with the most recent one occurring in 2001. 4. National Debt: A Mounting Challenge So, how does the government continue operating despite being in the red? It borrows money, mainly by issuing Treasury bonds, bills, and other securities. This borrowing adds to the national debt, which has grown into a major concern for the country’s economic outlook. As of September 2024, the national debt has reached a staggering $36 trillion. To put that in perspective, it's as if every person in the US owes over $100,000! Every time the government spends more than it earns, the shortfall is added to the national debt, which, in turn, increases the interest payments that need to be made in the future. Why the Debt Keeps Growing ? Several factors contribute to the relentless increase of the national debt: -Persistent Deficits:For decades, the government has continuously spent more than it collects in revenue, leading to ongoing debt accumulation. -Wars and Economic Crises: Significant events such as wars (like those in Iraq and Afghanistan) and economic crises (including the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic) often necessitate large government expenditures, further escalating the debt. -Tax Cuts and Spending Increases: Policy decisions that either reduce government revenue (through tax cuts) or increase spending (by introducing new programs or expanding existing ones) also play a role in growing the debt. The national debt presents a complicated issue without straightforward solutions. It requires balancing essential funding for programs and services while ensuring the nation’s long-term financial health. 5. The Future: America’s Finances The road ahead is filled with challenges. The national debt continues to rise, with a debt-to-GDP ratio surpassing 100%, raising concerns about the nation's long-term economic stability and ability to fulfill financial commitments. According to the Department of the Treasury, the current fiscal trajectory is unsustainable. Projections based on existing policies show a persistent gap between expected revenue and spending. Without substantial policy reforms, the national debt is likely to keep increasing. Several factors will influence the future of America’s finances: -Economic Growth: A strong economy generates higher tax revenues, making it easier to manage the debt. Conversely, slower growth could worsen the deficit and increase the debt burden. -Interest Rates:Rising interest rates would elevate the cost of servicing the national debt, redirecting funds from other vital programs. -Inflation: Excessive government debt can contribute to inflation, diminishing the purchasing power of individuals and businesses. -Political Polarization: The significant partisan divide in U.S. politics complicates consensus-building on fiscal policy and the implementation of long-term solutions to address the debt. -Demographic Shifts: An aging population increases pressure on entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare, leading to higher government spending and potentially widening the deficit. To tackle the challenges of growing debt and deficits, a combination of strategies is needed: -Controlling Spending:Identifying areas for budget cuts or finding more efficient methods to deliver government services. -Increasing Revenue:Exploring avenues for raising revenue through tax reforms or other means. -Fostering Economic Growth:Implementing policies that promote sustainable long-term economic growth and boost tax revenues. -Encouraging Bipartisan Cooperation:Seeking common ground across party lines to implement lasting fiscal reforms. The future of America’s finances remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: addressing the national debt and ensuring the nation’s long-term fiscal health will require tough decisions and a commitment to responsible financial management. What Can Be Done? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of these challenges, but meaningful change often starts with informed citizens. As we head into a new election cycle, understanding how the US government manages its finances is more crucial than ever. So, what do you think should be America’s financial priorities? Should policymakers concentrate on cutting spending, raising taxes, or fostering economic growth?

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