Let's get back to the basics! ..3October 21 - 25 Roadmap
Fib extension levels indicated are sell levels
Green boxes or demand are buy levels (accumulate) with proper risk management
Pink box is your ideal retracement target
Sell Stop (NOT Stop loss) blow 2627)
This is my trading plan and not a recommendation. I am sharing and caring that is all. What you do is your own decision!
Trend Analysis
Let's get back to the basics! ..2The point of this chart is to demonstrate that prices dont just go zoom boom or crash bang! there is a semblance. Always remember the market is an efficient self correcting mechanism and that is why fair value gaps or imbalances are filled more often than not.
If the price elevates way above the 20 period moving average it means there is a distort in the market, and the market fixes the distorty. This is old school I agree, but it is tried and tested and it works. Your turn to agree!
New strategy based on 50/200 EMASaw this strategy on Reddit and tweaked some things to what I am showing to you now with a 80-85% win rate. You wait for the 50 EMA to cross over the 200 EMA either the same day or post/pre market before. After the crossover, you wait for the pullback and when a wick hits the 50 EMA and reverses, you enter a long trade until either the trading day is over or the RSI shows overbought. Anybody have any changes that would make it better or that I’m missing? I’ve noticed it works best on 15m.
Can you Identify these two Tradingview Indicators?I bumped-into two very unique tradingview indicators a while back, and I have been trying to identify them ever since. I have looked at hundreds, maybe thousands, of Indicators, and cannot find these two or who makes them. The Second one looks like the Ichimoku Oscillator but is not.
Now, i am on a Quest to find them. I have asked Tradingview help, and couple of the moderators, and they didn't know what they were. Can you help me identify them?
Let's get back to the basics!In this chart I have kept it simple. Old school style because I am old school. If you have the time please ponder on these fundamental and technical points.
1. Gold is overbought on higher time frames
2. Why is it overbought ? Clue (Sharks)
3. DT is edging ahead in the races and that is bad for gold and sharks know it
4. Middle eastern crisis is no bad or no worse than last week
5. DXY and US10Y is rising and XAU is rising in tandem? why ?
6. There are two plays here manipulation and FOMO
7. Manipulation drives FOMO. Sharks want to exit their longs and clear out the stops of the retail crowd and then crash boom bang. The sharks enter at lower prices
8. All the hype that you see on the media about US Debt and other countries cutting interest rates? What BS? do you buy it ?
9. Understand this simple fact. Gold costs you swap/interest or whatever you want to call it. Do you think the sharks don't understand this fact ( I am sure retail traders dont pay attention to such minor details)
10. Who makes the sharks richer?
I do not have a crystal ball but I can assure you that even if Fib levels or the MA levels dont work common sense will work.
I am selling and I am not asking you to sell. I will buy at 2580 and then layer it to 2530 in the coming week. Sorry I am more of a buffet guy.
Like or dislike is not my problem. This post is mostly for retail traders who have been taught BS by professional thieves!!
Swing Trading vs. Day Trading in Forex: Which Style Suits You?So, you’ve got a burning desire to trade forex and take over the world—or at least the markets—but there’s one major question still nagging you: How to get there? If you choose to do it with forex trading you’ve got two main ways — swing trading and day trading. Let’s break down what these two mean and which one is right for you. Spoiler alert: neither option involves overnight millionaire status, so let’s keep it real.
Swing Trading: The Art of Patience (But Not Too Much)
Swing trading — you’re not glued to your computer but you’re still in the game. Swing traders look to capture “swings” in the market. These are short- to medium-term price moves that typically last a few days to a few weeks. You’re riding the wave 🏄♂️ but getting off before it crashes on the shore. 🌴
➕ Pros of Swing Trading:
Less screen time : You don’t need to babysit your trades 24/7. Set it, slap a stop loss and chill.
Fewer trades, more quality : You’re focusing on larger, more meaningful moves, meaning fewer opportunities for revenge trading or panic closing.
Flexibility : You can have a life outside of trading. (Pro tip: Don’t quit that job yet!)
Catch bigger price moves : Swing traders benefit from multi-day to multi-week trends, potentially leading to larger gains (or losses, if you’re not careful).
➖ Cons of Swing Trading:
Overnight risk : The market doesn’t sleep, and neither do geopolitical events. Price gaps overnight can wreck your carefully laid plans.
Patience required : If you’re someone who wants immediate action, waiting a few days for your trade to play out might feel like watching paint dry.
FOMO : The market might move without you while you’re waiting for the “perfect” setup. Swing traders often miss smaller, quick gains.
Day Trading: The All-In, High-Adrenaline Life
Day trading — you’re jet skiing with a huge wave behind your back. And there’s a hurricane. It’s on fire. Well, not quite but kind of. You’re in and out of trades within minutes or hours, locking in gains (or losses) multiple times a day. It’s fast, furious, and not for the faint of heart.
➕ Pros of Day Trading:
No overnight risk : You close all your positions by the end of the day, so nothing can blindside you while you sleep.
Action-packed : If you love adrenaline, this is your jam. Every day offers multiple opportunities thanks to so many events happening.
Tighter risk control : You’re constantly monitoring the markets, which means you can (most likely) react quickly to minimize losses.
Quick profits (potentially) : You’re aiming for small, consistent wins. Compound them enough, and you could see some real returns.
➖ Cons of Day Trading:
It’s stressful : Constant focus is draining. If you’re not sharp, it’s easy to make emotionally driven mistakes.
More trades, more fees : Commissions and spreads can eat into your profits since you’re making multiple trades per day.
Time-consuming : You’re glued to your screen for hours. Day traders don’t have the luxury of doing much else while waiting for trades to play out.
Learning curve : It’s a steeper climb to become consistently profitable. Day trading requires mastering short-term price movements, and the odds are stacked against newbies.
❔ Which One Is for You?
So, which trading style matches your life and personality? Let’s break it down:
If you’ve got a day job or prefer some balance in your life, swing trading is your best bet. You can scan the charts in the evening, set your orders, and go about your business while Mr. Market does its thing.
If you thrive in fast-paced environments and can dedicate full days to trading, then day trading could be your playground. But be warned: it’s not just about speed; it’s about being sharp, disciplined, and, well, not losing your focus after a bad day.
If patience is your virtue , swing trading will test it, but the reward is potentially big, long-term moves with less stress.
If you live for the rush , day trading might feed your need for action, but be prepared for the pressure cooker environment and razor-thin margins.
Final Verdict
There’s no one-size-fits-all in forex trading. The key is to match the trading style to your personality, goals, and lifestyle. Are you cool with being patient and letting trades develop, or do you want to be locking in profits on the daily? Whatever you choose, stick to your plan, manage your risk, and remember: the market doesn’t care about your feelings—only your strategy.
If you’ve already tried one style and it didn’t work, don’t sweat it—there’s always another way to play the game. Share your experiences in the comments, and let’s keep the conversation going.
Uptrend or Fadeout? Learn the Key to Catching Market Breakouts1. Recognizing Market Structures: Uptrends and Downtrends
Higher Highs (HH) and Higher Lows (HL):
These are signs the market is in an uptrend—prices keep moving up, forming new highs (peaks) and lows (dips) that are higher than the previous ones.
Think of it like climbing stairs: each step higher shows the market’s strength.
Lower Highs (LH) and Lower Lows (LL):
When prices stop climbing and start forming lower peaks and lower dips, it signals that the market might be slowing down or reversing into a downtrend.
In the chart:
The first part shows a bullish (upward) move with Higher Highs and Higher Lows.
Later, the market shifts to lower highs, signaling a potential slowdown or shift toward a downward move.
2. What Is the LQZ (Liquidity Zone)?
Liquidity Zone (LQZ): This is a key price area where a lot of trading activity happens—like a hotspot where buyers and sellers clash.
When price reaches such a zone, it either breaks through and keeps moving in that direction (bullish continuation) or bounces back down (rejection).
Think of it like a soccer goal line: if the ball crosses the line, the team scores a goal (bullish move); if it’s blocked, the ball goes the other way (bearish move).
In the chart:
The LQZ is highlighted as the key level to watch. A clean breakout (with more than just a quick spike or wick) signals that buyers are strong enough to push the market higher.
If the price gets rejected at this zone, the sellers regain control, and the market might move down.
3. Scenarios: What Happens Next?
The chart offers two possible outcomes based on how price behaves near the LQZ.
Bullish Scenario:
If the price breaks above the LQZ and stays there, it’s likely to continue upward towards:
Target 1: 2,661.38
Target 2: 2,673.60
These are the next levels where buyers might take profits or where new sellers could appear.
Bearish Scenario:
If the price gets rejected at the LQZ and drops lower, it could move towards:
Bearish Target 1: 2,569.49
Bearish Target 2: 2,546.25
This suggests the sellers have taken control, pushing the market down.
4. How to Know When to Enter a Trade?
The chart highlights the importance of waiting for confirmation before jumping into a trade. Here’s a simple trade plan:
For a Buy (Long) Trade:
Wait until the price breaks above the LQZ and stays above it.
Enter on the first pullback (dip) after the breakout—this is often called a flag or retest.
For a Sell (Short) Trade:
If the price gets rejected at the LQZ, wait for a clear downward movement.
Enter after the first lower high forms, confirming that the sellers are in control.
Why wait for confirmation?
Jumping in too early might cause you to get caught in a false breakout or fake move. Think of it like waiting to see which team scores first before betting on the game.
5. Avoid Emotional Trading and Manage Risk
This chart reflects a key lesson: trading is a game of patience and probabilities.
If the trade doesn't go as expected, it’s important to step back and wait for the next opportunity.
Don’t chase trades just because you fear missing out (FOMO). You might enter too soon and hit your stop loss unnecessarily.
Risk Management Tip:
Use stop losses to protect your account from big losses.
Avoid placing multiple risky trades on the same pair just because you’re impatient. It’s better to wait for high-probability setups.
6. Summary: A Simple Trading Plan
Watch the LQZ level:
If the price breaks above, look to buy on the next dip.
If the price gets rejected, look to sell when it starts forming lower highs.
Set Clear Targets:
For bullish trades, aim for Target 1 and 2 above.
For bearish trades, aim for Bearish Targets 1 and 2 below.
Don’t Rush:
Wait for clear confirmation before entering.
Follow your trading plan and avoid emotional decisions.
The Coin Market is Different from the Stock Market
Hello, traders.
If you "Follow", you can always get new information quickly.
Please also click "Boost".
Have a nice day today.
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The coin market discloses a lot of information compared to the stock market.
Among them, it discloses the flow of funds.
Most of the funds in the coin market are flowing in through USDT, and it can be said that it currently manages the largest amount of funds.
Therefore, unlike the stock market, individual investors can also roughly know the flow of funds.
Therefore, you can see that it is more transparent than other investment markets.
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USDT continues to update its ATH.
You can see that funds are continuously flowing into the coin market through USDT.
USDC has been falling since July 22 and has not yet recovered.
The important support and resistance level of USDC is 26.525B.
Therefore, if it is maintained above 26.525B, I think there is a high possibility that funds will flow in.
If you look at the fund size of USDT and USDC, you can see that USDT is more than twice as high.
Therefore, it can be said that USDT is the fund that has a big influence on the coin market.
USDC is likely to be composed of US funds.
Therefore, if more funds flow in through USDC, I think the coin market is likely to develop into a clearer investment market.
But it is not all good.
This is because the more the coin market develops into a clearer investment market, the more likely it is to be affected by the existing investment market, that is, the watch market.
This is because large investment companies are working to link the coin market with the coin market in order to make the coin market an investment product that they can operate.
In order for the coin market to be swayed by the coin-related investment product launched in the stock market, more funds must flow into the coin market through USDC.
Otherwise, it is highly likely that it will eventually be swayed by the flow of USDT funds.
Therefore, USDC is likely to have a short-term influence on the coin market at present.
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As mentioned above, the most important thing in the investment market is the flow of funds.
The flow of funds in the coin market can be seen as maintaining an upward trend.
Therefore, there are more and more people who say that there are signs of a major bear market these days, but their position seems to be judging the situation from a global perspective and political perspective.
As mentioned above, the funds that still dominate the coin market are USDT funds, which are an unspecified number of funds.
Therefore, I think that the coin market should not be predicted based on global perspectives and political situations.
The start of the major bear market in the coin market is when USDT starts to show a gap downtrend.
Until then, I dare say that the coin market is likely to maintain its current uptrend.
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(BTCUSDT 1D chart)
The StochRSI indicator is approaching its highest point (100), and the uptrend is reaching its peak.
Accordingly, the pressure to decline will increase over time.
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(1W chart)
The StochRSI indicator is also in the overbought zone on the 1W chart.
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(1M chart)
On the 1M chart, the StochRSI indicator is showing signs of entering the overbought zone, but it is not expected to enter the oversold zone due to the current rise.
The movement of the 1M chart should be checked again when a new candle is created.
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You can see that the StochRSI indicator on the 1M chart is the most unusual among the three charts above.
In the finger area on the 1M chart, the StochRSI indicator was in the overbought zone, but it is currently showing signs of entering the oversold zone.
Therefore, you can see that the current movement is different from the past movement.
Therefore, I think it is not right to predict the current flow by substituting past dates.
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I wrote down my thoughts on the recent comments from famous people who say that the coin market will enter a major bear market along with the stock market.
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Have a good time. Thank you.
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- Big picture
It is expected that the real uptrend will start after rising above 29K.
The section expected to be touched in the next bull market is 81K-95K.
#BTCUSD 12M
1st: 44234.54
2nd: 61383.23
3rd: 89126.41
101875.70-106275.10 (overshooting)
4th: 134018.28
151166.97-157451.83 (overshooting)
5th: 178910.15
These are points where resistance is likely to be encountered in the future. We need to see if we can break through these points.
We need to see the movement when we touch this section because I think we can create a new trend in the overshooting section.
#BTCUSD 1M
If the major uptrend continues until 2025, it is expected to start by creating a pull back pattern after rising to around 57014.33.
1st: 43833.05
2nd: 32992.55
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The 3 Session of Rise Reversal Setup, with todays Silver R4 Going through my thinking process of the whole session, pair selection and the 3 trades i took. Gold breakout continuation long, NAS FOH Continuation short (stopped out) and then an end Session 3 sessions of rise reversal short with Silver. Additionally i am explaining the 3 sessions of rise setup in detail
This Wyckoff VSA Buy in Gold and Short S&P FuturesIn this video produced by Author of "Trading in the Shadow of the Smart Money", Gavin Holmes, we see clear buying by professionals in the GC futures contract (Indicator is PB in the Wyckoff VSA system for TradingView) and clear selling into the e-Mini S&P Futures contract (Indicator is PS in the Wyckoff VSA system for TradingView).
The markets move based on three universal laws, its simple as explained over 100 years ago by Richard D Wyckoff, a famous investor in the early 1900's.
The laws are:
Supply and Demand
Cause and Effect
Effort Vs Result
The fourth law to success is your belief system, often referred to in new thinking as:
The Law of Attraction. Enjoy the video and I hope it helps You succeed.
Namaste, Gavin Holmes, Author "Trading in the Shadow of the Smart Money" and "Think-Link-Create".
Breakout after 12 yearsTion Woong has been in the long triangle range for more than 12 years and it is breaking out now. with the larger STI index also moving on the higher side and construction in full swing the stock has fundamental tailwind also. looking for it to touch SGD 1.20 with a stop loss at SGD 0.50 .. Long term hold ... lets see
Trading GBPUSD | Judas Swing Strategy 15/10/2024Last week proved challenging for the Judas Swing strategy, with three consecutive losses and no wins, which heightened our anticipation for this week. Will we be able to break this losing streak? We'll soon find out. We typically arrive at our trading desks five minutes before the session starts to delineate our zones and settle into the trading rhythm.
After delineating our zones, the next step is to wait for a sweep of a high or low of the trading zone, which will assist us in establishing our bias for the trading session. Forty-five minutes later, price swept the liquidity at the high, indicating that we should look for selling opportunities during this trading session.
A few minutes after the high was swept, we observed a Break of Structure (BOS) on the sell side, which was encouraging as we avoid entering trades without analysis, even with a sell bias established for the session. Upon identifying the BOS, the next step is to find a Fair Value Gap (FVG) within the price leg that broke structure.
The final step in the entry checklist is to wait for price to pull back into the Fair Value Gap (FVG) and to execute the trade only after the candle that enters the FVG has closed. Shortly after, a candle entered the FVG, indicating that we could execute our trade following the close of the candle.
It's crucial to understand that by risking only 1% of our trading account for a potential 2% return, we minimize emotional attachment to the trades since we're only risking what we can afford to lose, and we stand to gain more than we risk. After executing the trade, we experienced a significant drawdown, which is a critical point for those who risk more than they can afford to lose.
After a patient wait, the trade has turned around and begun to move in our favor, which is thrilling. However, we must still keep our composure as the objective has not yet been achieved
According to our data, we can anticipate being in a position for an average of 11 hours, so the duration of this trade meeting our objective is not a concern; we simply need to remain patient for it to occur. After 15 hours and 20 minutes, our patience was rewarded when our take profit (TP) target was reached, resulting in a 2% gain on a trade where we risked 1%.
What Is the S&P 500 Index and How to Trade It via CFDs?What Is the S&P 500 Index and How to Trade It via CFDs?
The S&P 500 index is a cornerstone of the financial world, providing a snapshot of the US stock market by tracking 500 of the largest companies. This FXOpen article delves into the essence of the S&P 500, its operational mechanics, and how traders can navigate its movements through CFDs.
What Is the S&P 500?
The S&P 500 index, established in 1957, serves as a barometer for the US economic health, tracking the performance of 500 large companies listed on stock exchanges in the United States. It is widely regarded as one of the best representations of the US stock market and a leading indicator of other US equities. The index is managed by Standard & Poor's, a division of S&P Global, and is updated to reflect changes in the market and economy.
Inclusion in the S&P 500 is based on several criteria, such as market capitalisation, liquidity, domicile, public float, financial viability, and the length of time publicly traded. Market capitalisation, in particular, is a critical factor, ensuring that the index reflects the largest and most stable companies that meet Standard & Poor's stringent requirements. The criteria may change, so you can check the latest updates on the S&P Dow Jones Indices website.
The index uses a market capitalisation-weighted formula. In essence, market capitalisation weighting means those with a greater value, like Apple or Microsoft, have an outsized impact on the index’s movements. The calculation involves summing the adjusted market capitalisation of all 500 companies and dividing it by a divisor, a proprietary figure adjusted by Standard & Poor's to account for changes such as stock splits, dividends, and mergers.
S&P 500 stocks span all sectors of the economy, from technology and health care to financials and consumer discretionary. This broad sector diversification makes the index a valuable tool for investors seeking exposure to the entire US economy through a single investment.
The diversity and size of the companies included in the index also mean that it can serve as a benchmark for the performance of investment funds and portfolios.
What Moves the S&P 500?
Anyone learning how to invest in the S&P 500 will inevitably realise that a range of factors drives its movements. These include:
- Economic Indicators: Data such as US GDP growth, unemployment rates, and inflation can sway investor sentiment and market performance.
- Corporate Earnings: Quarterly earnings reports from companies within the index provide insights into their financial health, impacting their stock prices and the overall index.
- Interest Rates: Decisions by the Federal Reserve on interest rates can affect investor behaviour, as they influence borrowing costs and investment returns.
- Global Events: Political instability, geopolitical tensions, and global economic developments can lead to market volatility, affecting the index.
- Market Sentiment: Investors' perceptions and reactions to news and events play a crucial role in short-term market movements.
These elements combined dictate the daily and long-term trends seen in the S&P 500.
Trading the S&P 500 Index with CFDs
Trading the S&P 500 index has become a preferred method for investors seeking exposure to the performance of the US equity market. While S&P 500 ETFs, such as SPY, offer a popular way to invest directly in the performance of the 500 companies making up the index, many traders opt for S&P 500 Contracts for Difference (CFDs) for enhanced flexibility.
S&P 500 CFDs allow traders to speculate on the index's price movements without owning the underlying assets. This trading instrument mirrors the price movements of the S&P 500, enabling traders to open positions on both rising and falling markets. A key advantage of S&P 500 CFDs is the ability to use leverage, which can amplify returns. However, you should remember that leverage also increases risks. Traders can go long (buy) if they anticipate the index will rise or go short (sell) if they expect it to fall.
As with all CFDs, traders must consider factors such as the spread—the difference between the buy and sell prices—and the overnight financing cost, or swap, which may be charged when positions are held open past the market close. Understanding these costs is crucial for effective trading.
At FXOpen, we offer both US SPX 500 mini (S&P 500 E-mini at FXOpen) and the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) CFDs in our TickTrader platform, catering to all traders looking to take advantage of the movements in one of the world’s most-followed equity indices.
How You Can Trade S&P 500 CFDs
Trading S&P 500 CFDs requires a nuanced approach, given the index's unique characteristics and the broader economic factors influencing it.
Leveraging Economic Releases
The S&P 500 is particularly sensitive to US economic indicators such as employment data, inflation reports, and GDP figures. Traders can use these releases to gauge market sentiment and anticipate potential movements. For instance, stronger-than-expected economic growth can boost the index, while disappointing data may lead to declines.
Monitoring Earnings Seasons
Given that the S&P 500 comprises 500 of the largest US companies, their quarterly earnings reports are a significant driver of index performance. Traders often keep a close eye on earnings seasons, as positive surprises from key index constituents can lead to upward movements, while negative reports can drag the index down.
Following Federal Reserve Announcements
Interest rate decisions and monetary policy statements from the Federal Reserve have a profound impact on the S&P 500. Lower interest rates generally support higher index levels by reducing the cost of borrowing and encouraging investment, whereas hints of rate hikes can cause declines.
Utilising Technical Analysis
For S&P 500 CFDs, technical analysis can be particularly insightful. Support and resistance levels, trendlines, and moving averages can help traders identify potential entry and exit points. Given the index's liquidity and the vast number of traders watching these indicators, technical analysis can be a powerful tool.
Applying Risk Management
Due to the leverage involved in CFD trading, effective risk management is crucial. Setting stop-loss orders can potentially help protect against significant losses, especially during volatile market conditions. Additionally, position sizing is an important consideration, potentially limiting the risk exposure of a given trade.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the complexities and opportunities of trading the S&P 500 index, particularly through CFDs, offers a strategic advantage for those looking to navigate the financial markets. For those ready to dive into the dynamic world of S&P 500 trading, opening an FXOpen account can provide the necessary tools, resources, and platform to engage with the market effectively. Whether you're looking to trade the S&P 500 or explore other asset classes, FXOpen offers a gateway to a wide range of trading opportunities in the global markets.
FAQ
What Stocks Make Up the S&P 500?
The S&P 500 consists of 500 of the largest companies listed on US stock exchanges. Companies like Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Google's parent company, Alphabet, are significant contributors, given their large market capitalisations. Check the list here.
What Is the Difference Between the Nasdaq and the S&P 500?
The Nasdaq is tech-centric, including a large number of technology and biotech companies, while the S&P 500 is broader and viewed as a more comprehensive representation of the US economy.
Is an S&P 500 Index a Good Investment?
Since its inception, the S&P 500 index has delivered a historical return of around 9.9% annually. However, like any investment, it carries risks, and its past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
What Is the 20-year Return of the S&P 500?
The 20-year return, between 2004 and 2023, stands at 9%.
What Is the S&P 500 All-Time High?
The S&P 500's all-time high can vary as the market fluctuates. Its most recent all-time high was 5,100.92 on the 23rd of February, 2024.
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.
Avoiding the Pump and Dump: A Beginner's GuideAvoiding the Pump and Dump: A Beginner's Guide to Protecting Your Investments
In the dynamic world of stock trading, new traders are constantly seeking ways to maximize profits and minimize risks. Unfortunately, one of the most deceptive and harmful schemes that can easily trap beginners is the infamous pump and dump scheme. This fraudulent practice has been around for decades, targeting unsuspecting traders by artificially inflating a stock's price and then swiftly cashing out, leaving the victims with significant losses. For traders on platforms like TradingView, especially those just starting, it’s crucial to understand how to spot these schemes and avoid falling prey to them.
This guide will provide you with the knowledge you need to recognize pump and dump schemes by analyzing monthly, weekly, and daily charts, identifying repetitive patterns, and understanding market sentiment. By the end, you'll know exactly what to look for to safeguard your investments.
What is a Pump and Dump?
A pump and dump scheme occurs when a group of individuals, often coordinated through social media or private channels, artificially inflates the price of a stock. They "pump" up the stock by spreading misleading information or creating hype around the asset, leading to increased buying interest. Once the stock price has risen significantly, the perpetrators "dump" their shares at the elevated price, leaving uninformed buyers holding a stock that will soon plummet in value.
The key elements to watch out for are:
Unusual price spikes without any corresponding fundamental news.
High trading volume during these spikes, suggesting that a group of individuals is actively manipulating the price.
Aggressive promotion through emails, forums, or social media channels, often making exaggerated claims about a stock's potential.
Understanding Timeframes: Monthly, Weekly, and Daily Charts
One of the most effective ways to spot pump and dump schemes is by analyzing various timeframes—monthly, weekly, and daily charts. Each timeframe provides different insights into the stock's behavior, helping you detect irregular patterns and red flags.
Monthly Charts: The Big Picture
Monthly charts give you a broad overview of a stock's long-term trends. If you notice a stock that has been relatively inactive or stagnant for months, only to suddenly surge without any substantial news or developments, this could be a sign of manipulation .
What to look for in monthly charts:
Sudden spikes in price after a prolonged period of flat or declining movement.
Sharp volume increases during the price rise, especially when the stock has previously shown little to no trading activity.
Quick reversals following the price surge, indicating that the pump has occurred, and the dump is on its way.
For example, if a stock shows consistent low trading volume and then experiences a sudden burst in both volume and price, this is a classic sign of a pump. Compare these periods with any news releases or market updates. If there’s no justifiable reason for the spike, be cautious .
Weekly Charts: Spotting the Mid-Term Trend
Weekly charts help you see the mid-term trends and can reveal the progression of a pump and dump scheme. Often, the "pump" phase will be drawn out over several days or weeks as the schemers build momentum and attract more buyers.
What to look for in weekly charts:
Gradual upward trends followed by a sharp, unsustainable rise in price.
Repeated surges in volume that don’t correlate with any fundamental analysis or positive news.
Recurrent patterns where a stock has previously been pumped, experienced a sharp decline, and is now showing the same pattern again.
Stocks used in pump and dump schemes are often cycled through multiple rounds of pumping, so if you notice that a stock has undergone several similar spikes and drops over the weeks, it’s a strong indicator that the stock is being manipulated.
Daily Charts: Catching the Pump Before the Dump
Daily charts provide a more granular view of a stock's price movement, and they can help you detect the exact moments when a pump is taking place. Because pump and dump schemes can happen over just a few days, monitoring daily activity is critical.
What to look for in daily charts:
Intraday price spikes that happen suddenly and without any preceding buildup in momentum.
A huge increase in volume followed by rapid price drops within the same or subsequent days.
Exaggerated price gaps at market open or close, indicating manipulation during off-hours or lower-volume periods.
On a daily chart, if a stock opens significantly higher than the previous day's close without any news or earnings report to back it up, this could be the start of the dump phase. The manipulators are looking to sell their shares to anyone who has bought into the hype, leaving retail traders holding the bag.
Repeated Use of the Same Quote: A Telltale Sign of a Pump and Dump Scheme
Another red flag is when the same stock or "hot tip" keeps resurfacing in social media, forums, or emails. If you notice that the same quote or recommendation is being promoted repeatedly over time, often using the same language, this is a strong sign of manipulation. The scammers are likely trying to pump the stock multiple times by reusing the same tactics on new, unsuspecting traders.
Be cautious of stocks that:
Have been heavily promoted in the past.
Show a history of sudden spikes followed by rapid declines.
Are promoted with vague, overhyped language like "the next big thing" or "guaranteed gains."
If the same stock is mentioned multiple times in trading communities, check its historical chart. If the stock has undergone previous pumps, you will likely see sharp rises and falls that align with the promotional periods.
How to Avoid Pump and Dump Schemes
Now that you know how to spot the signs, here are actionable steps you can take to protect yourself from becoming a victim of a pump and dump scheme:
Do Your Research: Always verify the information you receive about a stock. Check if there’s legitimate news, earnings reports, or significant company developments that justify the price movement. Avoid relying solely on social media or forums for your stock tips.
Look at Fundamentals: Focus on stocks with solid fundamentals, such as earnings growth, revenue increases, and strong management. Stocks targeted for pump and dump schemes often have weak or non-existent fundamentals.
Use Multiple Timeframes: As we've discussed, examining stocks across different timeframes—monthly, weekly, and daily—can help you spot abnormal price behavior early on.
Monitor Volume and Price Movements: If you see large, unexplained surges in volume and price, be skeptical. Legitimate price increases are usually accompanied by news or fundamental changes in the company.
Avoid Low-Volume Stocks: Pump and dump schemes often target low-volume, illiquid stocks that are easier to manipulate. Stick to stocks with healthy trading volumes and liquidity.
Set Stop Losses: Always use stop losses to protect yourself from sudden price drops. Setting a stop loss at a reasonable level can help limit your losses if you accidentally invest in a stock being manipulated.
Be Wary of Promotions: If a stock is being aggressively promoted, ask yourself why. More often than not, aggressive promotions are a sign that the stock is part of a pump and dump scheme.
Conclusion
Pump and dump schemes prey on traders’ fear of missing out ( FOMO ) and the allure of quick profits . However, by using a disciplined approach to trading, analyzing charts across multiple timeframes, and paying close attention to volume and price movements, you can avoid falling victim to these schemes.
Remember: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Protect your investments by staying informed, doing thorough research, and trusting your analysis. By following these guidelines, you can navigate the markets with confidence and avoid the pitfalls of pump and dump schemes.
Happy trading, and stay safe!
Breakout Retest, A+ setup explained with todays R5 Silver longFull recap of my todays NY session showing my preparation, my shortlist, my thinking process into my entry window and a detailed breakdown of the trade, including a detailed explanation of the setup, what to look for and how to trade it. One more trade for your playbook!
Learn Supply and Demand Zones in Gold Trading
In this article, I will teach you how to identify supply and demand zones on Gold chart easily.
You will learn what are supply and demand zones and how to apply it in Gold trading.
In order to identify supply and demand zones on Gold chart, the first thing that you should do is to execute a complete structure analysis.
You should identify horizontal structures: support and resistance levels/zones; vertical structures - trend lines.
That's how a complete support and resistance analysis should look.
On a daily time frame, I have underlined all significant horizontal and vertical structures.
First, let's look for demand zones.
A demand zone is a specific area on a price chart that combines multiple key structure supports: horizontal or vertical ones.
Buying orders of the market participants will be placed within that entire area.
Our first demand zone will be based on a Horizontal Support 1 and a Vertical Support 1. A trend line and a horizontal support compose an expanding area.
We will call such an area a demand zone, simply because we assume that buying volumes will accumulate within that entire zone. And lower the price will move inside that area, more buying orders will become active.
Our second demand zone will be based on Horizontal Support 3/4/5.
All these structures are lying very close to each other. Some supports even have common boundaries.
These supports will compose a demand zone , a wide horizontal area where buying orders will be placed.
Vertical Support 2 is lying very closely to our Demand Zone 2.
A horizontal demand zone and a trend line will compose and expanding demand zone.
Now let's discuss supply zones.
A supply zone is a specific area on a price chart that combines multiple key structure resistances: horizontal or vertical ones.
Selling orders of the market participants will be placed within that entire area.
There is one supply zone on our Gold price chart. It will be based on a Horizontal Resistance 1 and Vertical Resistance 1.
Both structures are lying very close to each other.
We will assume that selling orders will be placed throughout that entire area and the higher the price moves within that, the more selling orders will become active.
Remember that you can identify Supply and Demand Zones on Gold on any time frame.
A bullish movement and a bullish reaction will be expected from a Demand Zone.
While a bearish movement and a bearish reaction will be expected from a Supply Zone.
Because Supply and Demand Zones are relatively large areas, it is very important to analyze a price action within these zones before you place a trade.
Thank you for reading!
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Patience Pays Off: Key Strategies for Long-Term InvestorsInvesting is a fundamental pillar in building wealth and securing financial stability. Among the myriad strategies available, long-term investing stands out as one of the most reliable and rewarding. Unlike short-term trading, which seeks to capitalize on price fluctuations over days or weeks, long-term investing focuses on holding assets for several years, or even decades, to allow for substantial growth. This approach is deeply rooted in the principle of patience, which enables investors to navigate market volatility, leverage compounding returns, and achieve their financial goals.
Patience is more than simply waiting; it requires discipline, confidence, and the ability to withstand short-term market turbulence. For long-term investors, patience plays a key role in benefiting from compounding returns, reducing transaction costs, and minimizing tax liabilities. The patience-driven investor is less prone to impulsive decisions and is better positioned to reach financial success over time.
Understanding Long-Term Investing
Long-term investing involves purchasing and holding assets like stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate for extended periods—typically five years or more. The main objective is to benefit from the growth of the investment over time, whether through capital appreciation, dividends, or interest. Unlike short-term strategies, which aim for quick profits, long-term investing emphasizes steady and sustainable growth.
Key to this approach is the power of compounding. Compounding occurs when earnings from investments are reinvested, generating additional returns. Over time, this snowball effect can lead to exponential growth. Long-term investing also benefits from lower transaction costs, as frequent buying and selling of assets is avoided. Furthermore, long-term capital gains are taxed at lower rates than short-term gains, offering additional financial advantages.
While long-term investing still carries risks, particularly during market downturns, it provides the potential for recovery and continued growth. In contrast, short-term investors may face higher volatility and risk due to frequent trades and quick shifts in market sentiment.
S&P500 from 1980 monthly chart
Advantages of Long-Term Investing
The long-term investing approach comes with several compelling advantages:
Compounding Returns: The most powerful advantage of long-term investing is the compounding effect, where reinvested earnings generate additional returns. The longer the investment period, the more significant the compounding becomes. Even modest returns can lead to considerable wealth over time.
Lower Costs: With fewer trades, long-term investors incur significantly lower transaction fees and commissions. This not only preserves capital but also enhances overall returns.
Tax Efficiency: Long-term capital gains are generally taxed at a lower rate than short-term gains, leading to more favorable after-tax returns. The buy-and-hold strategy reduces the frequency of taxable events.
Reduced Stress: Long-term investing minimizes the need for constant market monitoring, providing peace of mind. Investors don’t need to react to daily market swings, allowing them to remain focused on their long-term financial goals.
Alignment with Financial Goals: Long-term investing is well-suited for achieving major financial milestones, such as funding retirement, education, or home purchases. It provides a structured and systematic approach to accumulating wealth over time.
GC1! GOLD FUTURES From 1980 Monthly Chart
Why Patience is Essential in Long-Term Investing
Patience is the cornerstone of long-term investing, as it helps investors remain focused on their goals despite market fluctuations and emotional pressures. Here are key reasons why patience is critical:
1. Navigating Market Volatility
Financial markets are inherently volatile, with asset prices fluctuating due to economic data, geopolitical events, and shifts in investor sentiment. While short-term investors may react to these movements, long-term investors recognize that volatility is part of the market cycle. Patience allows them to ride out these fluctuations, avoiding impulsive decisions and giving their investments time to recover and grow. By not panicking during downturns, long-term investors can stay committed to their strategy and avoid selling assets at a loss.
2. Compounding Returns
Patience is vital in maximizing the benefits of compounding. Compounding requires time to work its magic, as reinvested earnings generate further returns. The longer an investor remains in the market, the greater the potential for compounding to significantly boost their wealth. Even modest annual returns can accumulate into substantial wealth over decades.
3. Behavioral Finance and Emotional Control
Investing often involves emotional decision-making driven by fear, greed, and market noise. Behavioral finance studies show that emotions like panic during market downturns or overconfidence during rallies can lead to poor investment decisions. Patience helps investors manage these emotions by keeping their focus on long-term goals rather than short-term market movements. Investors who remain patient and disciplined are more likely to make rational decisions that align with their overall strategy.
NDX Nasdaq 100 Index Monthly Chart
Strategies to Cultivate Patience in Investing
Maintaining patience as a long-term investor requires a combination of strategies that foster discipline and reduce emotional reactivity:
1. Set Realistic Expectations
Establishing clear, realistic financial goals helps investors stay grounded. Understanding that markets fluctuate and that significant returns take time can reduce impatience. Setting specific goals, such as saving for retirement over a 20- or 30-year period, provides a long-term perspective and a framework for measuring progress.
2. Regular Monitoring Without Overreacting
While it's important to monitor your portfolio, it’s equally important to avoid overreacting to short-term market moves. Periodic reviews, such as quarterly or annual check-ins, allow investors to assess performance without being influenced by daily volatility. By maintaining a big-picture view, investors can avoid impulsive decisions and stay on track with their goals.
3. Diversification
Diversification spreads risk across various asset classes, sectors, and regions, helping to reduce the impact of poor performance in any single investment. A well-diversified portfolio provides a smoother experience, allowing investors to remain patient even during periods of underperformance in certain areas.
4. Continuous Learning and Education
Staying informed about market trends and investment strategies helps investors feel more confident in their decisions. The more knowledge an investor has about market behavior, historical trends, and the benefits of long-term investing, the more patient they can remain during challenging times. Education empowers investors to understand that short-term volatility is part of the process.
Case Studies and Historical Examples
Several well-known examples illustrate the power of patience in long-term investing:
Warren Buffett: One of the most famous proponents of long-term investing, Warren Buffett has built his wealth through patience and disciplined investing. His purchase of Coca-Cola shares in 1988 is a prime example. Despite periods of market volatility, Buffett held his shares, allowing the company's growth and compounding returns to generate significant wealth.
KO Coca-Cola Monthly Chart
Index Funds: Index funds, which track major market indices like the S&P 500, demonstrate the benefits of long-term investing. Over decades, these funds have delivered solid returns, often outperforming actively managed funds. Investors who stay invested in index funds, even during market downturns, benefit from overall market growth.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
While patience is key, there are common mistakes that can derail long-term investing:
Panic Selling: Investors who panic during market downturns often sell at a loss, only to see the market recover later. Staying patient and focused on long-term goals helps avoid this costly mistake.
Trying to Time the Market: Attempting to predict market highs and lows is a risky strategy that often leads to missed opportunities. Staying invested allows investors to benefit from overall market growth without the risk of mistimed trades.
Overtrading: Frequent buying and selling erode returns through higher transaction costs and taxes. A buy-and-hold approach helps preserve capital and reduces unnecessary trading.
Conclusion
Patience is not just a virtue in long-term investing—it is a necessity. By maintaining discipline, staying focused on long-term goals, and avoiding emotional reactions to market volatility, investors can harness the full potential of compounding returns and achieve financial success. The strategies of setting realistic expectations, diversifying, and staying informed provide the foundation for a patient, long-term approach to wealth building. Through patience, long-term investors can navigate the ups and downs of the market and emerge with a stronger financial future.
Using Big Data Analytics in Forex TradingUsing Big Data Analytics in Forex Trading
Recent years have seen explosive growth in the amount of data in circulation, and the financial industry is no exception. The use of big data analytics in forex trading has become increasingly popular as traders and institutions look to gain a competitive edge through the analysis of vast data sets.
The forex market is the largest financial market in the world, with a daily turnover of trillions of US dollars. The market is constantly changing. One might argue that such a tendency to change makes it difficult for traders to make decisions. Therefore, the use of big data in forex analytics acts as an essential advanced tool and serves as a means to overcome decision-making challenges.
This FXOpen article explores why big data in trading has the potential to revolutionise the way traders approach the market and looks into how it can provide them with valuable insights.
Big Data in Forex Trading
Big data refers to the large quantity of diverse information that is generated every day from a variety of sources. Such volumes of information cannot be processed and analysed by users or simple office software. Therefore, there’s a whole set of sophisticated technologies designed for working with it.
The set typically includes tools for data collection, storage, preprocessing, cleaning, and analysis. To collect and store large amounts of information, traders use cloud computing and distributed databases. Before analysing it, traders preprocess and clean it to remove any noise or inconsistencies using techniques such as normalisation and outlier detection.
In the context of forex trading, big data includes market figures, economic indicators, social media sentiment, news articles, and more. The role of big data in forex is enormous. With the help of analytics, traders can select relevant, promising assets and make informed trading decisions, thereby gaining a competitive advantage.
Sources of Big Data in the Forex Market
Predictive analytics and big data provide actionable insights about the FX market and the general mood of market participants. Here are some of the sources incorporated into big data models used for forex trading purposes:
- Market figures — real-time and historical price, order flow, and trade execution data.
- Economic indicators — figures of inflation, GDP, employment, various indices, earnings reports, industrial production figures, and other economic indicators.
- Social media sentiment — comments from social media platforms such as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook, which provide insights into public sentiment towards certain countries and their currencies.
- News articles — articles from financial news sources such as Bloomberg and Reuters, which inform traders about market trends, governmental policies, and major events.
How Big Data Analytics Affect Forex
Big data analytics significantly impact forex trading, offering both advantages and challenges. Let’s first explore how big data analytics can help in forex trading.
Pros:
- Improved forecasting and predictive modelling
- Real-time market monitoring and analysis
- Enhanced risk management and decision support
Analysing big data helps traders uncover future market movements and identify patterns that may not be visible through traditional analysis methods. It can provide traders with real-time insights into current trends and high-impact economic events, which allows them to react quickly to changes. Analytics can also simplify risk identification and management.
These benefits make big data analytics a key tool for renowned and successful financial institutions. For example, JPMorgan Chase uses it to analyse millions of transactions daily, detect suspicious patterns, and prevent fraudulent activities and money laundering. Meanwhile, the investment bank Goldman Sachs uses it to identify trends in various markets, improve the company’s trading strategies, and enhance risk management.
Despite the inspiring cases and the benefits of using it, big data analytics is not a cure-all and has some downsides.
Cons:
- Requires significant resources
- Possible security issues
- Possible overfitting
Since big data analysis requires significant computing power and storage, as well as high bandwidth, using this approach is not cheap, and it can be problematic for retail traders and trading start-ups. Besides, big data analytics involves collecting sensitive financial information, which is often targeted by cyberattacks. Unintentional breaches are also possible, so companies employ additional security algorithms. This can increase costs as well.
Another issue comes when the data analysis model fits too closely to its training basis. Overfitting makes it unable to perform accurately against unseen information. It is related to the issue of capturing patterns without being overly influenced by irrelevant information. If traders rely on algorithms to analyse data, this drawback could hinder their performance.
Risk Management in Big Data-Driven Trading
Based on the limitations and possible problems with large-scale analyses, the question of risk management in the use of big data arises. Here are some considerations on what a trader could do to minimise risks.
1. Traders use risk controls and backtesting to check whether trading strategies are effective and not overly risky.
2. To ensure that the figures are accurate, consistent, up-to-date, and reliable, traders may implement quality control measures such as data validation and verification.
3. Leveraging different sources of big data allows traders to drive their risk management strategies with more confidence as they get a holistic picture of the currency market.
Big Data Analytics Strategies in Forex
The most popular big data forex trading strategy involves using traditional technical and fundamental analysis, which is enhanced by additional insights and information obtained through big data analytics.
Then comes trading based on sentiment analysis and social media monitoring. As mentioned, social media is necessary to understand how the trading community feels about the currency and whether they think it is a good decision to trade it.
Lastly, big data analytics improves algorithmic trading, which involves using computer programs to execute trades automatically based on predefined rules. Big data analysis may be helpful in determining these rules.
Final Thoughts
The use of big data in forex trading and analysing vast amounts of information helps traders gain valuable insights into market trends and make more informed decisions. However, there are also challenges and limitations associated with big data analytics, including overfitting and cybersecurity threats.
If you want to trade in the forex market with attractive conditions, you can open an FXOpen account. To create and test trading strategies, you can use the TickTrader trading platform. Alongside trading tools and various assets, there are advanced charts with accurate price history.
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.
The Basics of Support and Resistance LevelsSupport and resistance levels are fundamental concepts in technical analysis, widely used by traders across asset classes, strategies, and trading techniques. In this post, we’ll cover the basics of support and resistance so that any trader following us here on TradingView can have a foundation to work with.
What is Support?
Support is a price level where a falling asset tends to stop and reverse direction. In the chart above, utilizing FOREXCOM:EURUSD, you’ll see some lines drawn, showcasing this example. Support is a concept that is drawn on the chart to help predict or forecast where other buys may step in based on the preceding rate fluctuations.
When an asset’s price drops to this level, buyers can often step in, preventing further decline and typically causing the rate to rise again. The support level acts as a floor that the asset’s price struggles to break below, usually testing it multiple times. Support levels can be identified on charts across various timeframes and are not exclusive to bear markets; they also appear in bull markets as higher support levels are established.
What is Resistance?
Resistance, on the other hand, is a price level where an asset’s upward movement is continuously halted by selling pressure. When the rate reaches this level, sellers usually dominate, often causing the price to fall back. This level acts as a ceiling that the asset’s price struggles to break above, bouncing off it as a result. Like support, resistance levels can be found in both bear and bull markets and are crucial for identifying potential price reversals.
Why are Support and Resistance Levels Important?
Traders use support and resistance levels (along with other technical and fundamental data) to help them make informed decisions about when to enter or exit trades. For instance, buying near a support level can be profitable if the market bounces back, while selling near a resistance level can capitalize on the move before a downward reversal.
In summary, support is a method for locating potential bottom areas and resistance is a method to locate potential topping areas.
The best way to get started with Support & Resistance is to draw out the levels yourself and use a demo account to test out the concepts. This way, you can practice, review, and learn about these levels without risking real funds.
Did you learn something new?
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What Is Money Flow In & Out of a Stock? And Why Should You Care?Professionals often speak of money flowing in or out of a stock, but how can that be if there is an equal number of buyers and sellers? It is because “Money Flow” comes from the balance of the lot sizes.
There are four possible positions in any one stock:
Buy
Buy to Cover
Sell
Sell Short
Each investor and trader in the stock has their own separate agenda. Each may come from a different Market Participant Group. There are now 9 Stock Market Participant Groups, starting from those who buy first, at the bottom of a new upward cycle:
The giant Buy Side Institutions who invest Mutual and Pension Funds and/or create ETFs and other kinds of stock market derivatives.
The Sell Side Institutions, aka the big banks and major market makers
Wealthy Individual Investors
Corporations
Institutional/ Pro Traders
High Frequency Traders (HFTs)
Small Funds
Individual Small-Lot Investors, Investment Groups and Individual Retail Traders
Odd-Lot Investors
Buyers are anticipating that the stock is going to move up. Their stock order types span the spectrum, for example: Market Orders, Limit Orders, Stop Orders. Buy to Cover Orders are placed by traders who sold short and are now taking profits.
Those who are selling the stock are anticipating that the stock is going to move down. In an uptrending stock, this is profit-taking near the top of the run. It can also be similar in a downtrending stock because the seller is afraid that the stock is going to move down more, and they have been holding through what they thought was a short retracement. Most of these stock order types will be “Sell at Market” (SAM). Sell Short Traders are anticipating that the stock is going to move down, and they can place a variety of orders just like the buyers.
Both Buyers and Sell Shorters are entering the trade, while Buy to Covers and Sellers are exiting the trade.
It is the mix of these different types of buying and selling coupled with the kind of investor or trader and the size of their share lots that causes money to flow in or out of a stock.
If the buyers are mostly large lots and the sellers are mostly small lots, who is in control? The buyers purchasing large lots . This is because, at some point, there will not be enough small-lot sellers, and those who are Selling Short will turn and start Buying to Cover, creating more of a shortage of sellers. Consequently, this will put more pressure on the buy side.
There are always latecomers to a stock run, and they are usually small-lot buyers. As the stock moves up in price, more of the small-lot buyers will step in, pushing the price up even further. Most small-lot buyers typically use a “Buy at Market” Order, which is the worst kind to use to control the entry price.
As the stock moves up further in price, the last of the Short Sellers will panic and Buy to Cover, causing the stock to gap up or jump even higher. This then triggers the large-lot buyers to start selling for profit. As profit-taking begins, the stock dips in price. This causes the odd-lot buyer, who is the last in the market participant cycle to buy, to rush into the stock and buy because they have been told to “Buy the Dip.” By now, the news media has been talking about this stock and its great run. Consequently, the odd-lot uninformed investor finds the dip irresistible and buys on pure emotion without any analysis of the stock. This causes the final gap up and exhaustion pattern.
Now, while all of those odd-lot latecomers are buying, who is selling to balance the equation? Market Makers are Selling Short and the Smart Money, who were the first to enter, are selling to take profits. Suddenly, the large lots are now shifting to the downside, and what happens? The control switches to the sellers who are moving larger lots. Now, money is flowing out of the stock, yet the price may go up briefly before a downtrend develops.
Large lots are usually wiser investors and traders who know more than the other investors and traders. So the giant Buy Side Institutions investing Mutual and Pension Funds, who have access to information often not yet available to Individual Investors and Retail Traders, are called the Smart Money.
It can be assumed that the smaller the lot size, the less the investor or trader knows and understands about the market. As smaller lots move in, a shift of power occurs due to the large lots moving to the sell side, and thus money shifts to flowing out of the stock.
As the stock collapses and reaches a price or equilibrium near a base or bottom, those smaller lots who held through the collapse reach an emotional point of extreme pain of loss and begin to sell in panic. In response, the Smart Money and Market Makers switch roles again, Buying to Cover their profitable shorts and buying to hold as the stock moves up again.
Summary:
Every time you take a position in a stock, there are also three other positions in that same stock. You need to be aware of each of these and make sure that you are with the right group. Most of the time, traders who are having problems with their trades are simply trading with the wrong group. It is important, then, to learn about today's stock market structure and what I call the "Cycle of Market Participants." When traders can trade with the flow of the Smart Money, they have a decided advantage.
Can You Use Math to Elevate Your Trading Strategy?In the world of trading, understanding market movements is crucial for success. One of the most effective frameworks for interpreting these movements is Wave Theory, a concept that helps traders identify price trends and potential reversals. By incorporating mathematical projections, traders can enhance their analysis and make informed decisions. In this article, we’ll explore the fundamentals of Wave Theory and demonstrate how to project price movements using wave measurements—specifically, measuring Wave 1 to project the size of Wave 3.
Understanding Wave Theory
Wave Theory, popularized by Ralph Nelson Elliott, posits that financial markets move in repetitive cycles or waves, driven by collective investor psychology. Elliott identified two primary types of waves:
Impulse Waves: These are the waves that move in the direction of the prevailing trend, typically comprising five waves (labeled 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5).
Corrective Waves: These waves move against the prevailing trend and consist of three waves (labeled A, B, and C).
In a typical bullish market, you will observe a series of impulse waves followed by corrective waves. Understanding these waves allows traders to identify potential entry and exit points based on price patterns.
The Mathematics Behind Wave Projections
One of the key aspects of Wave Theory is using mathematical relationships to predict future price movements. A common approach is to measure the length of Wave 1 and use that measurement to project the size of Wave 3. Research indicates that Wave 3 often ranges between 1.0 to 1.68 times the length of Wave 1.
Steps to Project Wave 3:
Identify Wave 1: Begin by determining the starting point of Wave 1 and measuring its length. This can be done by noting the price levels at the start and end of Wave 1.
Calculate the Length of Wave 1:
Length of Wave 1 = End Price of Wave 1 - Start Price of Wave 1.
Project Wave 3:
To project Wave 3, multiply the length of Wave 1 by the desired factor (1.0 to 1.68).
Projected Length of Wave 3 = Length of Wave 1 × (1.0 to 1.68).
Determine the Target Price:
Add the projected length of Wave 3 to the endpoint of Wave 2 to determine the target price for Wave 3.
Target Price = End Price of Wave 2 + Projected Length of Wave 3.
Example: Applying Wave Theory in a Trading Scenario
Let’s say we’re analyzing a stock and identify Wave 1 as follows:
Start of Wave 1: $50
End of Wave 1: $70
Step 1: Measure Wave 1:
Length of Wave 1 = $70 - $50 = $20
Step 2: Project Wave 3:
Using the range of 1.0 to 1.68:
Minimum Projection = $20 × 1.0 = $20
Maximum Projection = $20 × 1.68 = $33.60
Step 3: Determine the Target Price: Assuming Wave 2 has an endpoint of $80:
Minimum Target Price = $80 + $20 = $100
Maximum Target Price = $80 + $33.60 = $113.60
Thus, based on Wave Theory, we would anticipate that Wave 3 could reach between $100 and $113.60.
Wave Theory, combined with mathematical projections, provides traders with a structured approach to understanding market dynamics and predicting future price movements. By accurately measuring Wave 1 and projecting Wave 3, traders can make informed decisions based on calculated price targets, improving their chances of success in the financial markets.
As you incorporate Wave Theory into your trading strategy, remember that no system is foolproof. Always combine technical analysis with sound risk management practices to protect your capital. With patience, discipline, and a strong mathematical foundation, you can leverage Wave Theory to enhance your trading prowess and navigate the markets with greater confidence.
How can you see yourself incorporating mathematical projections like Wave Theory into your trading strategy, and what has been your experience with predicting market movements using these techniques? Let me know in the comments.
Happy trading!