Market Structure Shift Meaning and Use in ICT TradingMarket Structure Shift Meaning and Use in ICT Trading
In ICT (Inner Circle Trader) trading, understanding Market Structure Shifts (MSS) is crucial for accurately interpreting market trends and making informed trading decisions. This article delves into the significance of MSS, its distinct indicators, and how it integrates with other trading elements like Breaks of Structure and Changes of Character.
Understanding Breaks of Structure and Change of Character
Comprehending the dynamics of Breaks of Structure (BOS) and Change of Character (CHoCH) can be crucial for analysing market trends. A Break of Structure occurs when price levels move beyond established support or resistance areas, indicating a potential continuation or acceleration of the current trend. For example, in an uptrend, a BOS is identified when prices break above a previous resistance level, suggesting further upward movement.
Conversely, a Change of Character signifies a possible shift in the market's direction. This occurs when the price action breaks against the prevailing trend, challenging the recent high or low points that served as market barriers. A CHoCH often raises a red flag about the sustainability of the current trend. For instance, in a sustained uptrend, a CHoCH would be marked by a significant downward breach that violates a previous low point, hinting at a weakening of bullish momentum.
Both BOS and CHoCH are pivotal in the ICT (Inner Circle Trader) methodology, where they are used to gauge market sentiment and potential shifts in trend dynamics. Traders monitor these patterns to adjust their strategies, whether to capitalise on the continuation signalled by a BOS or prepare for a trend reversal suggested by a CHoCH.
What Is a Market Structure Shift?
MSS, meaning a Market Structure Shift, is an indicator of a significant change in the prevailing trend, marked by a series of patterns that suggest a reversal is imminent. An ICT MSS is more than a simple Change of Character (CHoCH); it includes additional signals that strengthen the case for a directional change.
The process begins with a shift in market structure that fails to sustain the ongoing trend. For example, during an uptrend, the market might fail to make a new higher high, instead forming a lower high. This initial deviation raises a caution flag about the trend’s strength.
The confirmation of an MSS in trading occurs when there is a decisive break of a significant swing point, accompanied by a strong impulse move that deeply penetrates through this point, known as a displacement. This displacement is critical—it’s not merely a slight breach but a robust move that clearly indicates a shift.
In essence, an MSS signals that the current market momentum has not only paused but is likely reversing. For traders, this is a pivotal moment: the lower highs in an uptrend or the higher lows in a downtrend prior to the break suggest that a new opposite trend is starting to take shape.
How to Use a Market Structure Shift in Trading
An MSS ultimately serves as a directional tool. It helps traders understand when a potential trend reversal is underway, enabling them to align their strategies with the new market direction.
To effectively use an MSS in trading, traders often follow these steps:
- Observing Current Market Structure: They start by analysing the existing trend direction and key price levels. Understand whether the market is in an uptrend, downtrend, or sideways movement by identifying patterns of higher highs and higher lows or lower highs and lower lows.
- Watching for a Break in Key Levels: The core of an MSS is the break of an important high or low, combined with a sharp price movement that breaches a significant swing point (displacement).
- Confirming with News Releases: MSS often coincides with major economic announcements or news releases that can affect market sentiment significantly. For example, if there's a report indicating unexpectedly high US inflation rates, and this correlates with a sharp downward movement in EURUSD, it provides additional confirmation of the MSS. A stronger dollar against the euro, in this case, would signal a clear shift in market direction towards favouring the dollar.
By recognising these elements, traders can more confidently anticipate and adapt to changes in market direction. A well-identified MSS not only indicates a pause in the current trend but also the establishment of a new trend.
Using Market Structure Shifts With Other ICT Components
Using Market Structure Shifts with other Inner Circle Trader methodology components like break of structure, order blocks, and fair value gaps may enhance a trader's ability to interpret and react to market dynamics.
Integrating MSS with ICT Market Structure
An MSS identifies a potential reversal in the market’s direction. When an MSS occurs, it often leads to the formation of a new high-low range in the direction of the new trend. For example, if a bearish MSS results in a new lower high and lower low, traders can watch for a BOS of this range. A retracement back inside of the new range can signal a decent area to search for an entry to ride the trend that’s just beginning.
Utilising Order Blocks and Fair Value Gaps
However, there are scenarios where the price doesn’t establish a new high-low range but instead returns to the area where the original displacement occurred. This displacement often leaves behind a fair value gap and an order block.
- Fair Value Gap: This is a price range that the market skips over quickly during a displacement, leaving it untested by typical market trading. It often acts like a vacuum, drawing the price back to fill in the gap at a later stage.
- Order Block: An order block is typically a consolidation area that precedes a strong price move and is considered a footprint left by institutional traders. It represents levels where significant buying or selling occurred, potentially acting as support or resistance in future price movements.
If the price returns to fill a fair value gap and enters the order block, this scenario can provide a potent setup for a reversal. Traders might look for confirmatory signals at these levels to enter trades that anticipate the market returning to its previous course or extending the reversal initiated by the MSS.
The Bottom Line
The insights provided on MSS and its application within the ICT trading framework can be instrumental for any trader seeking to navigate the complexities of the market effectively. To put these strategies into practice and potentially improve your trading outcomes, practice a lot and learn more about ICT trading.
FAQs
What Is a Market Structure Shift?
A Market Structure Shift (MSS) indicates a potential reversal in market trends, marked initially by a lower high in an uptrend or a higher low in a downtrend, followed by a displacement—a significant and rapid price movement that decisively breaks through a key market level.
How to Identify Market Structure Shift?
Identifying an MSS involves observing for early signs of trend weakening (lower highs or higher lows) and waiting for a subsequent displacement that confirms the shift. This displacement should significantly penetrate a key swing point, clearly indicating a new direction in market momentum.
What Is the ICT Method of Trading?
The ICT (Inner Circle Trader) method of trading is a comprehensive approach that utilises various trading concepts such as market structure, order blocks, and fair value gaps, focusing on how institutional traders influence the market. It emphasises understanding and leveraging these components to align trading strategies with probable market movements.
What Is the Difference Between MSS and BOS in ICT?
In ICT, a Market Structure Shift (MSS) refers to a potential trend reversal, confirmed by a lower high/higher low followed by a displacement. A Break of Structure (BOS), however, simply indicates the continuation or acceleration of the current trend without necessarily suggesting a reversal, marked by the breach of a key high or low point within the ongoing trend direction.
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.
Trend Analysis
Decoding Momentum with Precision: Absolute Strength HistogramMomentum is more than just a buzzword—it’s the pulse of price action. The Absolute Strength Histogram v2 is a powerful open-source indicator that brings that pulse to life, helping traders visualize the ongoing tug-of-war between bulls and bears with clarity and precision.
In this post, we’ll explore how this tool works, how we use it at Xuantify, and how you can integrate it into your own trading strategy to sharpen your edge.
🔍 What Is the Absolute Strength Histogram ?
Originally developed by jiehonglim , this indicator is a refined version of the classic Absolute Strength Histogram. It measures the relative strength of buyers and sellers and plots it as a color-coded histogram.
Key Features:
Color-coded bars to reflect bullish or bearish dominance
Clear visual cues for trend strength and exhaustion
Helps identify trending vs. ranging market conditions
Open-source and customizable
Unlike traditional oscillators, this histogram doesn’t just show overbought or oversold—it shows who’s in control , and how strongly.
🧠 How We Use It at Xuantify
At Xuantify, we use the Absolute Strength Histogram as a momentum confirmation tool within our multi-layered trading models. Here’s how:
1. Trend Confirmation
We look for alignment between price structure and histogram color. For example, if price breaks structure to the upside and the histogram turns green and rising, that’s a strong confirmation of bullish momentum.
2. Divergence Detection
When price makes a new high but the histogram prints a lower high, it signals momentum divergence —a potential early warning of reversal.
3. Range Filtering
Flat or alternating histogram bars often indicate a ranging market . We avoid trend trades during these periods and instead look for mean-reversion setups.
🧩 New: Pivot High/Low Overlay for Reversal Clarity
To make the Absolute Strength Histogram even more actionable, we’ve added a custom Pivot High/Low indicator that visually marks key swing points on the chart. This addition helps traders clearly see how the histogram behaves before, during, and after reversals .
Below an example of HTF 4H used as stronger trade confirmation:
Why this matters:
It highlights where momentum shifts align with structural turning points
It helps validate divergence signals from the histogram
It makes backtesting and visual analysis much easier
How to use it:
Watch for histogram color or slope changes near pivot highs/lows
Look for divergence between price and histogram at these pivots
Use the pivot zones as potential entry or exit points when confirmed by momentum
🔄 Does It Repaint?
One of the most common concerns with momentum indicators is whether they repaint —meaning they change past values based on future price action. The Absolute Strength Histogram is designed to be non-repainting .
Once a histogram bar is printed, it remains fixed, making it suitable for real-time decision-making and reliable backtesting . This gives traders confidence that what they see on the chart is what actually happened in the moment—not a hindsight illusion.
⚙️ Settings That Matter
The indicator comes with several adjustable parameters, but one of the most impactful is the “Indicator Method” setting.
Our recommendation:
Set Indicator Method = STOCHASTIC for smoother, more responsive signals
This setting tends to reduce noise and better capture momentum shifts
It works especially well in combination with structure-based entries
Other useful settings include:
Length – Controls the sensitivity of the histogram
Smoothing – Helps reduce choppiness in volatile markets
Color thresholds – Customize visual cues for easier interpretation
⚙️ Best Combinations with This Indicator
To maximize its effectiveness, we combine the Absolute Strength Histogram v2 with:
Market Structure Tools – Like BOS/CHOCH from LuxAlgo Smart Money Concepts
Volume Profile – To confirm strength around key volume nodes
Fair Value Gaps (FVGs) – For precision entries when histogram confirms direction
RSI or Stochastic – For additional momentum or exhaustion confirmation
This layered approach helps us filter out noise and focus only on high-conviction trades .
⚠️ What to Watch Out For
No indicator is perfect. The Absolute Strength Histogram can sometimes lag slightly in fast-moving markets. It’s best used as a confirmation tool , not a standalone signal generator.
Also, in low-volume or choppy conditions, the histogram may give mixed signals. Always combine it with structure and context.
🚀 Final Thoughts
The Absolute Strength Histogram is a clean, intuitive, and powerful tool for traders who want to see momentum clearly . Whether you’re a trend trader, scalper, or swing strategist, this indicator can help you stay on the right side of the market.
At Xuantify, we’re all about combining simplicity with precision. This tool fits that philosophy perfectly.
Add it to your chart, test it, and see how it sharpens your edge.
How to Draw Trendline in Changing MarketHey Traders so here I wanted to illustrate how you catch the change from Uptrend to Downtrend on the charts. You never know for sure if the trend has completely changed but basically look for 3 bars that you draw a straight line and connect them together. You don't need indicators you just need to be able to draw a straight line. Buy or Sell when market touches trendline. Technical Analysis is a little bit like Art but alot of time it can work really well if you draw correctly!
So in uptrend you would be buyer at the trendline.
In downtrend you would be seller at the trendline.
Always use Risk Management! (just in case your wrong in your analysis)
Hope This Helps Your Trading
Clifford
Golden Cross? You are late! Here’s How to Get In Early.📉 “Golden Cross? No Thanks. Here’s How to Get In Early.”
By FXProfessor
Video here:
Everyone’s hyped about the Golden Cross again...
📰 “Bullish Signal!”
📈 “50 SMA crossed the 200!”
🎉 “Party time!”
Let me stop you right there.
If you’re waiting for that cross to go long —
You’re not late.
You’re definitely late.
The Golden Cross is a lagging indication.
It’s the afterparty. The smart money already had the drinks and left.
🔍 Here's the deal:
✅ Golden Cross forms after the move
✅ Price is usually already up double digits
✅ Sometimes it triggers right before a top
✅ Even EMAs (which I prefer) are still confirmation tools
✅ The real edge? Structure. Trendlines. Pressure zones.
📊 What I use instead:
-Custom EMAs that react faster
-My signature parallelogram method for early pressure
-Focus on trendlines and structure
-Above all — logic, not hype
- Fundamentals first!
For example, while the Golden Cross just printed, I was already watching $74,394 and $79,000.
Why? Because pressure builds before indicators react.
That's where the best entries live.
So next time someone posts
“Golden Cross confirmed!” 😏 Just smile and remember:
By the time the cross lights up, I’m already halfway to the next target.
Use EMAs if you like. But structure comes first.
That’s where the party starts.
One Love,
The FXProfessor 🧠📈
Disclosure: I am happy to be part of the Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analysis.
Exposing Price Inefficiencies: The Role of Fair Value Gaps (FVG)In the ever-evolving landscape of price action trading, one concept has gained significant traction among institutional and retail traders alike: Fair Value Gaps (FVGs) . At Xuantify, we believe that understanding market inefficiencies is key to anticipating high-probability setups—and FVGs offer just that.
🔍 What Is a Fair Value Gap?
A Fair Value Gap is a price imbalance that occurs when the market moves too quickly in one direction, leaving behind a "gap" in liquidity. This typically happens during high volatility or news-driven events, where price skips over levels without sufficient buying or selling.
In technical terms, an FVG is identified when a candle’s low (in a bullish move) or high (in a bearish move) does not overlap with the previous or next candle. This creates a three-candle structure :
- Bullish FVG : Candle 1 (bearish), Candle 2 (strong bullish), Candle 3 (bullish or neutral)
- Bearish FVG : Candle 1 (bullish), Candle 2 (strong bearish), Candle 3 (bearish or neutral)
These gaps often act as magnets for price , as the market seeks to rebalance and fill the inefficiency.
🧠 Why Do FVGs Matter?
FVGs are not just visual anomalies—they represent institutional footprints . When large orders are executed, they often cause price to move rapidly, leaving behind unfilled orders. Smart money tends to revisit these zones to complete their positions.
Key Benefits of Trading FVGs:
- ✅ High-probability entries: Price often returns to fill the gap before continuing its trend.
- ✅ Clear invalidation levels: The edges of the gap provide natural stop-loss zones.
- ✅ Works across timeframes: From scalping on the 1-minute to swing trading on the daily.
🧩 Using the “Fair Value Gap ” Indicator
To simplify the process of identifying and trading FVGs, we recommend the Fair Value Gap indicator on TradingView. This tool automatically highlights bullish and bearish FVGs, tracks their mitigation, and even provides alerts when gaps are filled.
Key Features:
- Auto-detection of bullish and bearish FVGs
- Mitigation tracking: See which gaps are filled and which remain open
- Threshold filtering: Focus on significant gaps by adjusting the minimum size
- Dynamic mode: Monitor evolving FVGs in real time
- Alerts: Get notified when price fills a gap
💡 No Repainting, No Delays
One of the most reassuring aspects of this indicator is that it does not repaint . Once a fair value gap is printed, it stays on the chart—no disappearing zones, no misleading signals.
Even better, the indicator plots FVGs in real time . It uses a three-candle structure and confirms the gap immediately after the third candle closes . This means you’re seeing valid, actionable gaps as they form—not in hindsight.
This makes the LuxAlgo FVG tool a reliable companion for both live trading and backtesting , giving traders the confidence that what they see is what the market actually delivered.
How to Use It:
1. Add the indicator : Search for “Fair Value Gap ” in the TradingView Indicators tab.
2. Adjust settings :
- Use the “Threshold %” to filter out smaller, less relevant gaps.
- Enable “Mitigation Levels” to track filled gaps.
- Use “Auto Threshold” for adaptive filtering based on volatility.
3. Trade setups :
- Contrarian : Wait for price to fill a gap and look for reversal signals.
- Trend-following : Enter trades in the direction of the gap when it forms.
⚠️ FVGs Are Not Always Honored
While FVGs offer powerful insight into market inefficiencies, it's important to remember: they are not guaranteed reversal or continuation zones . Sometimes price will blow right through a gap without reacting—especially in trending or news-driven markets.
Why this happens:
The gap may have already been mitigated on a lower timeframe
Strong momentum or macroeconomic catalysts override technical zones
The FVG is too small or lacks confluence with other key levels
How to manage this:
Always combine FVGs with structure, liquidity, and volume
Use alerts and confirmations (e.g., candle patterns or BOS/CHOCH)
Avoid trading FVGs in isolation—context is everything
🧠 Best Indicator Combinations with FVG
To increase the accuracy of FVG-based setups, we recommend combining the LuxAlgo FVG indicator with the following tools:
1. Market Structure (LuxAlgo Smart Money Concepts)
Identify breaks of structure (BOS) or change of character (CHOCH) near FVGs. Use structure shifts to confirm whether the FVG is likely to hold or fail.
2. Volume Profile or Session Volume
Confirm FVGs with low-volume nodes or volume gaps . FVGs aligning with volume imbalances are more likely to be respected.
3. Order Blocks
Look for FVGs that overlap with bullish or bearish order blocks . This confluence often signals institutional accumulation or distribution.
4. Relative Strength Index (RSI) or Stochastic
Use momentum indicators to confirm exhaustion or continuation near FVGs. For example, a bullish FVG + oversold RSI = potential long setup.
5. Liquidity Zones (Equal Highs/Lows, Swing Points)
FVGs near liquidity pools are often targeted before reversal. Combine with sweep setups for sniper entries.
Here’s a new section you can add to your blog post, focusing on the power of **Multi-Timeframe (MTF) FVG Alignments**:
🧭 Multi-Timeframe FVG Alignments
One of the most powerful ways to increase the reliability of Fair Value Gaps is by using multi-timeframe confluence . When FVGs align across different timeframes—say, a 1H FVG inside a 4H FVG zone—it often signals a high-probability reaction area .
Why it works:
Higher timeframe FVGs represent broader institutional imbalances
Lower timeframe FVGs offer precise entries within those zones
Alignment confirms that multiple layers of market participants are active in the same area
How to use it:
Start with a higher timeframe (e.g., 4H or Daily) and mark key FVGs
Drop to a lower timeframe (e.g., 15M or 1H) and look for fresh FVGs forming inside the higher zone
Wait for structure shifts or liquidity sweeps within the lower timeframe FVG before entering
This technique is especially effective when combined with tools like LuxAlgo Smart Money Concepts and Volume Profile , helping you time entries with sniper-like precision while staying aligned with the broader market narrative.
📊 Backtest It Yourself
FVGs are best understood through chart time . Load up your favorite pair on TradingView, activate the LuxAlgo FVG indicator, and observe how price reacts. You’ll be surprised how often these zones act as support, resistance, or launchpads for major moves.
🚀 Final Thoughts
Fair Value Gaps are more than just a buzzword—they’re a window into how smart money operates. By incorporating FVGs and tools like the LuxAlgo indicator , you gain a deeper understanding of market dynamics and a sharper edge in execution.
At Xuantify, we’re committed to decoding institutional logic and bringing it to the retail trader. Stay tuned for more insights, and as always— trade smart, not hard .
What Is the ICT Silver Bullet Strategy, and How Does It Work?What Is the ICT Silver Bullet Strategy, and How Does It Work?
The ICT Silver Bullet strategy offers traders a unique approach to capitalising on market opportunities during specific trading hours. This article explored this advanced strategy, explaining the role of fair value gaps, liquidity, and timeframes and how to implement it.
Understanding the ICT Silver Bullet Strategy
The ICT Silver Bullet trading strategy is a sophisticated trading methodology developed by Michael J. Huddleston, known as the Inner Circle Trader, or ICT. This strategy is designed to capitalise on specific, high-probability trading opportunities that align with certain times throughout certain sessions, specifically the London and New York sessions.
Central to the ICT Silver Bullet strategy are two key concepts: liquidity and fair value gaps. Liquidity in this context refers to places within the market where there is significant trading activity, often indicated by previous highs and lows of a trading session or historical price points that attract significant interest from traders.
Fair value gaps are price areas that were either skipped over quickly during rapid price moves or areas where the price has not returned for a significant period, reflecting a disparity between perceived value and market price.
The strategy's effectiveness hinges on executing trades during specific one-hour windows known as Silver Bullet times. By focusing on these concepts and timings, traders can more accurately analyse market movements and align their trades with the influxes of smart money, potentially improving their returns by catching swift moves towards liquidity points.
Key Components of the Strategy
The Silver Bullet ICT strategy employs a detailed approach to trading that revolves around understanding market dynamics at critical times. Here are the key components that define this strategy:
Fair Value Gaps
A fair value gap (FVG) occurs when the price quickly moves away from a level without significant trading occurring at that price, leaving a "gap" that is likely to be tested again when the price returns to this point. In the context of the ICT Silver Bullet strategy, these gaps are targeted because they represent potential inefficiencies in the market where the price may return to balance or fill the gap. Traders using this strategy watch these gaps closely as they often present clear entry points when approached again.
Liquidity Targets
Liquidity targets are essentially areas where there is expected to be a significant volume of orders, which can lead to particular price movements when these levels are approached. These include:
- Previous session highs and lows: These are often areas where stop-loss orders accumulate, making them prime targets for liquidity-driven price moves.
- Swing points in the market: Key reversals and continuation points that have historical significance.
- Psychological levels: These include round numbers or price levels ending in '00' or '50', which often act as focal points for trading activity.
Specific Trading Times
Unlike many strategies that align strictly with market opening times, the ICT Silver Bullet trading strategy utilises specific one-hour windows during the day when liquidity and volatility are expected to be high due to trader participation across the globe. These Silver Bullet hours are strategically chosen based on their potential to tap into significant market moves:
- London Open Silver Bullet: Occurs from 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM Eastern Standard Time (EST) in winter and from 2:00 AM to 3:00 AM in summer, which is 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in winter and 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM in summer.
- New York AM Session Silver Bullet: From 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM EST, translating to 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM GMT.
- New York PM Session Silver Bullet: From 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM EST or 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM GMT.
These time slots are selected based on historical data showing heightened trading activity and, therefore, increased opportunities to capture moves towards identified liquidity targets.
Implementing the ICT Silver Bullet Strategy
Traders utilising the ICT Silver Bullet strategy typically prepare by marking potential fair value gaps and liquidity targets before these key trading times. As these windows approach, they monitor price action closely for signs that the market is moving bullishly or bearishly toward these liquidity points, enabling them to search for an entry.
Note that because this is an intraday strategy, ICT says it’s better to use a 15-minute timeframe or lower. Most traders use the 1-minute to 5-minute for the Silver Bullet setup, though those inexperienced with the strategy may prefer the 5-minute.
Here’s a breakdown of the strategy:
Entry
- Market Direction and Liquidity Analysis: Before the designated Silver Bullet timeframes, traders perform a detailed assessment of the market direction on higher timeframes, such as the 15-minute to 4-hour charts. This initial analysis is crucial to align their strategies with the market's overall momentum.
- Identifying Key Liquidity Points: Traders also mark significant liquidity targets during their analysis, such as previous session/day highs and lows. These points are expected to attract significant trading activity and thus are critical for planning entry points.
- Formation of Fair Value Gaps (FVG): During the Silver Bullet hours—specifically from 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, and 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM EST—traders watch for the market to approach these liquidity points and leave behind a Fair Value Gap. This movement is essential as it indicates a potential inefficiency in price that the market may seek to correct.
- Setting Limit Orders at FVGs: Once an FVG is identified, traders set their limit orders at the boundary of the FVG closest to their intended trade direction. If aiming for a long position, the order is placed at the top of the FVG; for a short position, at the bottom. This method allows traders to potentially enter the market as it moves to 'fill' the gap, aligning with the initial momentum assessment and the subsequent market reaction to liquidity levels.
Stop Loss
- Initial Placement: Traders typically place stop-loss orders to potentially manage risk tightly with respect to the FVG's structure. If trading long, the stop loss might be set just below the low of the candle that forms the FVG; if trading short, just above the high.
- Swing Points: Alternatively, stop losses might also be placed beyond recent swing highs or lows, providing a buffer against market volatility and minor fluctuations that do not affect the overall market trend.
Take Profit
- Targeting Liquidity Points: The common practice for setting take-profit points involves aiming for the next significant liquidity target identified during the preparatory phase.
- Risk-to-Reward Considerations: Many traders set their take-profit goals based on a calculated risk-to-reward ratio, often aiming for at least a 1:2 ratio. This means that for every unit of risk taken, two units of reward are targeted. In terms of pips, traders generally look for at least 15 pips when trading forex and 10 points in indices.
EUR/USD Example
In the provided EUR/USD chart example, a detailed analysis of higher timeframes has established a bearish outlook. Consequently, the focus is on identifying short trading opportunities while disregarding potential long setups.
During the 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM GMT window, there's a noticeable Fair Value Gap (FVG) that forms following a swift rejection from an upward move. This price action reflects a viable entry point for a short position. Traders could place a limit order at the bottom boundary of the candle that initiated the FVG, with a stop loss positioned just above the candle's high or the nearby swing point high, depending on their risk tolerance. The target for this trade is set at the previous day's low, which is reached and prompts a short-term reversal in price direction.
Later in the day, between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM GMT, another FVG develops. Following the same principle, we can enter at the bottom of the FVG. Setting a stop loss above the swing high is considered more prudent than directly above the candle high, which in this case would likely lead to a stop-out due to the tightness of the entry. Since the previous day’s low has already been reached earlier, the next logical target is the low of the US session, aligning with the day's bearish momentum.
The Bottom Line
The ICT Silver Bullet strategy provides a precise framework for traders looking to exploit specific market conditions tied to the rhythmic movements of liquidity and price during crucial trading hours. By focusing on fair value gaps and strategic entry points, traders can align their actions with significant market forces.
FAQs
What Is the Silver Bullet Strategy in Trading?
The Silver Bullet strategy in trading is a specific, time-sensitive approach designed to capitalise on liquidity and fair value gaps that typically form during key periods of market volatility. Developed by Michael J. Huddleston, also known as ICT, it aims to take advantage of the movements that occur when the market reacts to these gaps during certain hours of the trading day.
What Time Is the Silver Bullet Strategy?
The Silver Bullet strategy is executed during three distinct one-hour windows corresponding to heightened market activity periods. These are:
- London Open Silver Bullet: Occurs from 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM Eastern Standard Time (EST) in winter and from 2:00 AM to 3:00 AM in summer, which is 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in winter and 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM in summer.
- New York AM Session Silver Bullet: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM EST (3:00 PM to 4:00 PM GMT).
- New York PM Session Silver Bullet: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM EST (7:00 PM to 8:00 PM GMT).
How Long Does Silver Bullet Last?
As an intraday trading strategy, the Silver Bullet targets quick, short-term trades within specific one-hour windows. The trades are typically intended to be closed by the end of the trading day, capitalising on rapid movements towards and away from liquidity points.
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.
Soybeans: The Global Protein Powerhouse🟡 1. Introduction
Soybeans might not look like much at first glance — small, round, unassuming. But behind every bean lies a global story of protein demand, export flows, and economic policy.
They feed livestock, fuel vehicles, nourish entire populations, and move markets. In fact, soybeans sit at the intersection of agriculture, industry, and geopolitics — making them one of the most actively traded and strategically watched commodities in the world.
If you’re looking to understand how soybeans move markets — and how you can trade them effectively — this article is your starting point.
🌍 2. Why the World Cares About Soybeans
Few agricultural commodities carry the weight soybeans do. Their importance spans both the food and energy sectors — and their global footprint is enormous.
Here’s why they matter:
Protein Meal: After processing, about 80% of the soybean becomes high-protein meal used to feed poultry, pigs, and cattle.
Soybean Oil: Roughly 20% is extracted as oil — a key ingredient in cooking, industrial products, and increasingly, biodiesel.
Biofuels: As the push for renewable energy grows, soybean oil plays a major role in sustainable fuel strategies.
Top producers:
United States — historically the world’s largest producer.
Brazil — now rivals or exceeds U.S. production in some years.
Argentina — a dominant player in soybean meal and oil exports.
Top importers:
China — imports over 60% of globally traded soybeans.
EU, Mexico, Japan — also large buyers.
Soybeans are a bridge commodity — connecting livestock feed, food manufacturing, and renewable energy. That’s why traders from Chicago to Shanghai watch every yield forecast and export announcement closely.
💹 3. CME Group Soybean Contracts
Soybeans trade on the CME Group’s CBOT platform, with two main futures products:
o Standard Soybeans
Ticker: ZS
Size = 5,000 bushels
Tick = 0.0025 = $12.50
Margin = ~$2,150
o Micro Soybeans
Ticker: MZS
Size = 500 bushels
Tick = 0.0050 = $2.50
Margin = ~$215
Soybean futures are among the most actively traded agricultural contracts, offering deep liquidity, tight spreads, and excellent volatility for strategic traders. Keep in mind that margins are subject to change — always confirm with your broker. Micro contracts are ideal for scaling in/out of trades or learning market structure without large capital risk.
📅 4. The Soybean Calendar
Soybeans follow a seasonal cycle that creates rhythm in the market — and a potential edge for informed traders.
In the United States:
🌱 Planting: Late April to early June
☀️ Pod development / blooming: July and early August (weather-sensitive)
🌾 Harvest: September through November
In Brazil:
🌱 Planting: October to December
🌾 Harvest: February through April
This staggered calendar means that soybean markets have multiple weather risk windows each year. It also means the export flows and global pricing dynamics shift between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres throughout the calendar year.
That’s why soybeans tend to have two major volatility windows — mid-summer (U.S. crop concerns) and early Q1 (South American weather). Traders often build seasonal strategies around these patterns — buying weakness before key USDA reports, fading rallies during overbought harvests, or trading futures spreads between U.S. and Brazilian supply flows.
🔄 5. How Soybeans Are Traded Globally
Soybeans move through a complex international web of growers, crushers, exporters, and consumers. As a trader, understanding this flow is essential — because each node introduces price risk, opportunity, and reaction points.
Key players:
o Hedgers:
U.S. and Brazilian farmers hedge production risk using futures or options on futures.
Exporters hedge shipping schedules against fluctuating basis and FX risk.
o Crushers:
Companies like Cargill or Bunge buy soybeans to crush into meal and oil.
Crush margin (aka “board crush”) affects demand and influences futures spreads.
o Speculators:
Institutional funds trade soybeans as a macro or relative value play.
Retail traders use micro contracts (MZS) to capture directional or seasonal moves.
o China:
Its purchasing pace (or sudden cancellations) can move markets dramatically.
Announcements of bulk U.S. purchases could trigger short-covering rallies.
Additionally, soybeans are sometimes traded indirectly via their by-products:
Soybean Meal (ZM)
Soybean Oil (ZL)
These contracts often lead or lag ZS based on demand shifts in feed or fuel.
📈 6. What Makes Soybeans Unique to Trade
Compared to wheat and corn, soybeans are:
More weather-sensitive during July and August (especially to drought and heat).
More globally integrated, thanks to China’s dominant import role.
More complex, due to crush dynamics and multiple end-use markets.
This multifaceted nature is why many professional traders monitor soybeans, even if they aren’t actively trading them every week.
📌 7. Summary / Takeaway
Soybeans are one of the most important — and most tradable — commodities in the world. They feed livestock, fuel industry, and anchor the agricultural markets across two hemispheres.
Their unique role in food, fuel, and feed makes them more than just another contract — they’re a barometer for global health, demand, and policy.
Whether you’re trading the standard ZS contract or getting started with MZS, mastering soybeans means understanding weather, trade flows, product demand, and seasonality.
🧭 This article is part of our agricultural futures trading series.
📅 Watch for the next release: “Weather and Corn: A Deep Dive into Temperature Impact”
When charting futures, the data provided could be delayed. Traders working with the ticker symbols discussed in this idea may prefer to use CME Group real-time data plan on TradingView: www.tradingview.com - This consideration is particularly important for shorter-term traders, whereas it may be less critical for those focused on longer-term trading strategies.
General Disclaimer:
The trade ideas presented herein are solely for illustrative purposes forming a part of a case study intended to demonstrate key principles in risk management within the context of the specific market scenarios discussed. These ideas are not to be interpreted as investment recommendations or financial advice. They do not endorse or promote any specific trading strategies, financial products, or services. The information provided is based on data believed to be reliable; however, its accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. Trading in financial markets involves risks, including the potential loss of principal. Each individual should conduct their own research and consult with professional financial advisors before making any investment decisions. The author or publisher of this content bears no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided or for any resultant financial or other losses.
Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK): FAQ guide before investing🚀 Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK): A Deep Dive into Holdings and Hypothetical Returns
🌟 The Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) is a popular exchange-traded fund offering investors access to some of the largest and most dynamic growth-oriented companies in the U.S. market. MGK closely tracks the CRSP US Mega Cap Growth Index, emphasizing mega-cap stocks.
🎯 Key Features of MGK
💰 Expense Ratio: 0.07%, a cost-effective choice for investors.
📊 Assets Under Management: Around $25.42 billion.
💵 Dividend Yield: 0.44%, distributed quarterly.
🏆 Top Holdings:
🍎 Apple Inc. (AAPL): 14.34%
🖥️ Microsoft Corp. (MSFT): 11.93%
🎮 NVIDIA Corp. (NVDA): 10.70%
📦 Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN): 7.63%
📱 Meta Platforms Inc. (META): 4.33%
🔌 Broadcom Inc. (AVGO): 3.54%
🚗 Tesla Inc. (TSLA): 3.22%
💊 Eli Lilly and Co. (LLY): 3.20%
💳 Visa Inc. (V): 2.76%
🔍 Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL): 2.31%
📌 Sector Allocation:
💻 Technology: ~52.8%
🛒 Consumer Discretionary: 15.9%
📡 Communication Services: 11.0%
📈 Performance Overview
MGK has consistently demonstrated strong returns:
🗓️ Year-to-Date (YTD): 0.96%
📅 1-Year Return: ~21.09%
📆 3-Year Return: ~23.26%
📊 5-Year Return: ~19.26%
💸 Hypothetical Investment Scenarios
Assuming an average annual return of 19.26%, here's how various investments might grow over five years:
💲 $10,000 Investment:
Year 1: $11,926
Year 2: $14,219
Year 3: $16,951
Year 4: $20,207
Year 5: $24,070
💲 $100,000 Investment:
Year 1: $119,260
Year 2: $142,190
Year 3: $169,510
Year 4: $202,070
Year 5: $240,700
💲 $1,000,000 Investment:
Year 1: $1,192,600
Year 2: $1,421,900
Year 3: $1,695,100
Year 4: $2,020,700
Year 5: $2,407,000
⚠️ Note: These returns are hypothetical and assume consistent annual performance, which may not reflect actual market volatility.
🔑 Considerations for Investors
🎯 Concentration Risk: MGK heavily invests in technology and a few major stocks, tying its success closely to these specific companies.
📉 Market Volatility: Although historically strong, MGK can be highly volatile, particularly during tech-sector downturns.
📈 Long-Term Growth: Ideal for investors seeking significant long-term capital appreciation through prominent U.S. growth firms.
📌 In Summary: MGK provides focused exposure to U.S. mega-cap growth stocks with a strong track record. Investors should consider portfolio diversification carefully due to its sector concentration.
Unlocking Market Cycles with the RSI Cyclic Smoothed IndicatorIntro
In the world of technical analysis, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) is established. However, the RSI Cyclic Smoothed indicator takes this classic tool to the next level by incorporating cyclic smoothing and dynamic bands. This post will explore the features, configuration, and practical applications of this powerful indicator.
What is the RSI Cyclic Smoothed Indicator ?
The RSI Cyclic Smoothed indicator is an advanced version of the traditional RSI. It enhances the classic RSI by adding cyclic smoothing and cyclic memory, allowing it to better adapt to market cycles and provide more accurate signals.
Dynamic Bands
One of the standout features of the RSI Cyclic Smoothed indicator is its dynamic bands. These bands adjust automatically to the asset’s cyclical levels, providing clearer signals in varying market conditions. The adaptive upper and lower bands help traders avoid whipsaw trades and identify overbought and oversold conditions more effectively.
What kind of indicator is it ?
The RSI Cyclic Smoothed indicator falls into the category of oscillators. Oscillators are technical analysis tools that vary over time within a banded range, typically used to identify overbought and oversold conditions.
Leading or Lagging ?
The RSI Cyclic Smoothed indicator is primarily a lagging indicator. It smooths the RSI data to reduce noise and provide more reliable signals, but it does not predict future price movements.
Key Features
Cyclic Smoothing: Reduces noise and enhances signal accuracy.
Dynamic Bands: Adaptive upper and lower bands that adjust to market cycles.
Cyclic Memory: Uses the dominant cycle length to optimize signal accuracy.
Benefits Compared to Normal RSI
Enhanced Signal Accuracy: The cyclic smoothing reduces noise and false signals, providing more reliable trading signals.
Adaptability to Market Cycles: The cyclic memory allows the indicator to adapt to the dominant market cycle, making it more responsive to cyclical changes.
Dynamic Bands: Unlike the fixed levels in normal RSI, the dynamic bands adjust to market conditions, offering better identification of overbought and oversold levels.
Reduced Whipsaw Trades: The smoothing process helps avoid the frequent false signals that can occur with the normal RSI, especially in volatile markets.
Indicator Configuration
Configuring the RSI Cyclic Smoothed indicator involves setting the dominant cycle length and adjusting the smoothing parameters. The key parameters include:
Dominant Cycle Length: Defines the duration of the dominant market cycle.
Smoothing Factor: Reduces fluctuations and noise.
Cyclic Memory: Stores the indicator’s history to calculate dynamic reference levels.
Ideal settings vary based on market conditions, but a common approach is to start with a dominant cycle length that matches the asset’s typical cycle and adjust the smoothing factor to balance responsiveness and noise reduction.
Enhancing Signal Accuracy with a Trend Indicator
To enhance the accuracy of signals generated by the RSI Cyclic Smoothed indicator, it can be used in conjunction with trend indicators. Examples of trend indicators include:
Moving Averages: Simple Moving Average (SMA) and Exponential Moving Average (EMA) are widely used to identify trend direction.
MACD: Moving Average Convergence Divergence helps reveal both direction and underlying momentum.
ADX: Average Directional Index measures the strength of a trend.
Combining these tools helps confirm signals and reduce false positives.
MTF Chart Setup
Below is an example chart showcasing the RSI Cyclic Smoothed indicator in action. The chart highlights trading signals where the signal line crosses above or below the adaptive bands, providing clear entry and exit points. Below are the 1H, 2H and 4H overbought aligned.
Alternatives
While the RSI Cyclic Smoothed indicator is powerful, there are other alternatives that also focus on overbought and oversold conditions:
Stochastic Oscillator: This indicator measures the level of the closing price relative to the range of prices over a certain period. It identifies overbought and oversold conditions with key levels below 20 (oversold) and above 80 (overbought).
Williams %R: Similar to the Stochastic Oscillator, Williams %R compares the closing price to the high-low range over a specified period. It indicates overbought conditions above -20 and oversold conditions below -80.
CCI (Commodity Channel Index): The CCI measures the deviation of the price from its average price over a given period. It identifies overbought conditions above +100 and oversold conditions below -100.
Bollinger Bands: While not an oscillator, Bollinger Bands can be used to identify overbought and oversold conditions when the price touches the upper or lower band.
Additional Insights
The RSI Cyclic Smoothed indicator is highly responsive to market moves and can be fine-tuned to match the dominant cycle of the asset being analysed. For more in-depth information, refer to Chapter 4 of "Decoding the Hidden Market Rhythm, Part 1".
Practical Tips
Combine with Trend Indicators: Use the RSI Cyclic Smoothed indicator alongside trend indicators to confirm signals.
Adjust Cyclic Parameters: Fine-tune the cyclic parameters to match the market conditions and dominant cycle.
Monitor Dynamic Bands: Pay close attention to the adaptive bands for overbought and oversold signals.
Backtest Thoroughly: Before using the indicator in live trading, backtest it on historical data to understand its performance and adjust settings accordingly.
Stay Updated: Market conditions change, so periodically review and adjust the indicator settings to ensure they remain optimal.
Which Securities Does This Apply For?
The RSI Cyclic Smoothed indicator can be applied to a wide range of securities, including: Stocks: Useful for identifying cyclical patterns and overbought/oversold conditions in individual stocks. ETFs: Effective for analyzing exchange-traded funds, especially those tracking cyclical sectors. Forex: Valuable for currency pairs, helping traders identify market cycles and potential reversals. Commodities: Applicable to commodities like gold, oil, and agricultural products, where cyclical movements are common. Cryptocurrencies: Can be used to analyze digital assets, providing insights into cyclical trends and volatility.
Conclusion
The RSI Cyclic Smoothed indicator is a powerful tool for traders looking to enhance their technical analysis. By incorporating cyclic smoothing and dynamic bands, it provides clearer and more accurate signals, helping traders navigate complex market cycles.
What is Opening Range Breakout (ORB)Hello mates today i want to share an Educational post about Opening range breakout a very common and old strategy used by many traders and it's still pretty effective. I hope you will read the complete post and like my publication too friends.
So let's understand about Opening Range Breakout below-::
⚡Introduction to Opening Range Breakout-::
In the world of trading timing can be everything. One of the strategies that traders use to capitalize on market movements at the start of the trading day is the Opening Range Breakout (ORB). This technique is particularly popular among day traders because it leverages the market's early volatility to make quick profits. In this article we'll dive deep into what ORB is, how it works, and how traders can effectively use it.
⚡What is the Opening Range-::
The "opening range" refers to the price range established during the first few minutes of a trading session. This range is defined by the high and low prices observed within this period. Depending on the trader's preference and the asset being traded, this range can be set over different time intervals, commonly 5, 15, or 30 minutes.
⚡Understanding the Breakout-::
A breakout occurs when the price moves outside the opening range, either above the high or below the low. This movement indicates a potential direction for the day's trend. The idea behind the ORB strategy is that the price, once it breaks out of this range, is likely to continue moving in that direction, giving traders a chance to enter a position early in the day and ride the trend.
⚡Why Use ORB-::
1.Early Market Volatility-: The market often shows significant volatility at the opening bell, driven by overnight news, earnings reports, and economic data. This creates opportunities for sharp price movements.
2.Defined Risk and Reward-: Since the opening range is defined, traders can set clear entry, stop-loss, and take-profit levels, making risk management straightforward.
3.Capturing Early Trends-: ORB allows traders to capture trends early, often before the broader market catches on. This can lead to significant profits in a short period.
⚡How to Implement the ORB Strategy-::
1-Identify the Opening Range-: At the start of the trading session, observe the price action and note the high and low points within your chosen time frame (e.g., the first 15 minutes).
2-Set Breakout Levels-: Once the opening range is established, these levels (the high and low) become your breakout levels.
3-Place Orders-::
Long Position-: If the price breaks above the high of the opening range, enter a long position (buy).
Short Position-: If the price breaks below the low of the opening range, enter a short position (sell).
4-Set Stop-Loss-: A common approach is to place a stop-loss just inside the opening range. For example, if you enter a long position, your stop-loss might be slightly below the high of the range.
5-Set Profit Targets-: Profit targets can be set based on a fixed ratio (e.g., 2:1 risk/reward ratio), or by trailing the stop-loss as the price moves in your favor.
⚡Factors to Consider for ORB Success-::
1-Market Conditions-: ORB tends to work best in markets with high liquidity and volatility. Stocks with news catalysts, or major indices, are often good candidates.
2-Time Frame Selection-: The choice of the opening range time frame is critical. Shorter time frames (e.g., 5 minutes) might offer more frequent signals, but they can also lead to more false breakouts. Longer time frames (e.g., 30 minutes) may provide more reliable signals but fewer opportunities.
3-Volume Confirmation-: It's often wise to confirm breakouts with an increase in volume, which can indicate the strength of the move.
4-Avoiding False Breakouts-: Not every breakout leads to a sustained move. To avoid false breakouts, some traders wait for a retest of the breakout level or use additional technical indicators, such as moving averages or momentum oscillators, to confirm the trend.
⚡Example of ORB in Action-::
Let’s consider a stock that has an opening range of 100 to 105 in the first 15 minutes of trading. Here’s how a trader might approach this:
Breakout Above 105-: The trader places a buy order at 105.10 (a little above the breakout level) and sets a stop-loss at 104.50 (just below the high of the opening range). The profit target might be set at 107.20, assuming a 2:1 reward-to-risk ratio.
Breakout Below 100-: Alternatively, if the stock breaks below 100, the trader could short the stock at 99.90 with a stop-loss at 100.50 and a profit target at 97.80.
⚡Advantages of ORB-::
Clarity-: The strategy provides clear entry and exit points, reducing guesswork.
Structure-: It imposes discipline by setting predefined rules for trading.
Simplicity-: ORB is relatively simple to understand and execute, making it accessible to traders of all experience levels.
⚡Challenges and Limitations-::
False Breakouts-: These can lead to losses if not managed carefully.
Whipsaws-: In highly volatile markets, prices might break the range multiple times, leading to potential whipsaws.
Over-Reliance on Opening Range-: Solely relying on the opening range might ignore broader market context or trends from previous days.
⚡Conclusion-::
The Opening Range Breakout strategy is a powerful tool in a trader's arsenal, particularly for those who thrive on early market action. While it offers a structured approach to capturing trends, success with ORB requires discipline, proper risk management, and an understanding of market conditions. By combining ORB with other strategies or indicators, traders can increase their chances of capturing profitable moves while minimizing risks.
Whether you’re a seasoned trader or just starting, mastering the ORB strategy can provide you with the edge needed to navigate the fast-paced world of day trading.
Thanks for reading the post, I hope you will like the information shared above and like my idea too.
Best Regards- Amit
How To Setup & Use The Trend Trading IndicatorThis video gives an in depth explanation of each setting of the Trend Trading Indicator so you can understand how to set up the indicator properly and get your desired results.
We cover the following:
Master trend signals and settings
How to configure your master trend signal timeframes correctly
How to get rid of signals when the market is ranging
Each type of extra signal: strong all timeframe trends, pullbacks during strong trends, trend score signals and more
What timeframes and settings to use for intraday trading
Customizing the settings to get the results that fit your trading style
Make sure to test out your settings on various markets using historical data to ensure you have the indicator performing according to your specific parameters.
If you have any questions about using the indicator or the settings, feel free to reach out to us.
Happy Trading :)
The CBBI, identify the timing the end of the Bull Run cryptosIntroduction: The bitcoin price is a highly cyclical market structured around the halving event that takes place every 4 years. BTC's last halving took place in April 2024, and it is around this event that our current cycle is structured, which should end at the end of 2025 if and only if the cycle repetition still applies (Bitcoin's famous 4-year cycle).
To find a more precise time frame for the end of the current crypto bull run, there are a number of indicators, some of which are based on Bitcoin blockchain data. This is particularly true of the CBBI Index, which we'll be presenting in this new TradingView analysis.
Don't hesitate to subscribe to our TradingView account to follow all our daily analyses on cryptos and financial markets in general.
1) Definition of the CBBI Index (Colin Crypto Bitcoin Bull Run Index)
The CBBI Index, an acronym for Colin Talks Crypto Bitcoin Bull Run Index, is an indicator developed by Colin Talks Crypto, a well-known analyst and popularizer in the crypto-currency community, notably on YouTube. Its aim is to give a global reading of the Bitcoin market's position in its cycle, by combining several technical and on-chain indicators.
The CBBI synthesizes all these indicators and calculates a final score. It is the value of this score that tells us whether the Bitcoin price is close to the beginning of its bullish cycle or close to the end of its bullish cycle.
Rather than relying on a single volatile indicator, CBBI compiles nine major metrics such as MVRV Ratio, RHODL Ratio, NUPL and Reserve Risk.
The result is expressed in the form of a score from 0 to 100:
A score close to 100 suggests that the market is overheating, that the final peak of the cycle is in sight, and that there is therefore a risk of a downward reversal.
Conversely, a low score (close to 0) indicates a probable end to the bear market, and an increased likelihood of the cycle reversing upwards.
Looking at the chart of the CBBI Index (the green curve on the graph below) overlaid with the bitcoin price, we can see that the CBBI Index has been highly relevant in identifying the beginnings and ends of bullish cycles for BTC.
2) The current CBBI Index score suggests that the crypto bull run is not yet over
The current CBBI Index score is below 80 and is still a long way from the bull run end identification zone. Naturally, no single indicator is relevant on its own, so we'll need to combine the CBBI Index with other indicators influencing the crypto market, in particular the underlying trend in global liquidity and the theoretical price targets from the graphical analysis of bitcoin's long-term price charts.
DISCLAIMER:
This content is intended for individuals who are familiar with financial markets and instruments and is for information purposes only. The presented idea (including market commentary, market data and observations) is not a work product of any research department of Swissquote or its affiliates. This material is intended to highlight market action and does not constitute investment, legal or tax advice. If you are a retail investor or lack experience in trading complex financial products, it is advisable to seek professional advice from licensed advisor before making any financial decisions.
This content is not intended to manipulate the market or encourage any specific financial behavior.
Swissquote makes no representation or warranty as to the quality, completeness, accuracy, comprehensiveness or non-infringement of such content. The views expressed are those of the consultant and are provided for educational purposes only. Any information provided relating to a product or market should not be construed as recommending an investment strategy or transaction. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
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Products and services of Swissquote are only intended for those permitted to receive them under local law.
All investments carry a degree of risk. The risk of loss in trading or holding financial instruments can be substantial. The value of financial instruments, including but not limited to stocks, bonds, cryptocurrencies, and other assets, can fluctuate both upwards and downwards. There is a significant risk of financial loss when buying, selling, holding, staking, or investing in these instruments. SQBE makes no recommendations regarding any specific investment, transaction, or the use of any particular investment strategy.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. The vast majority of retail client accounts suffer capital losses when trading in CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Digital Assets are unregulated in most countries and consumer protection rules may not apply. As highly volatile speculative investments, Digital Assets are not suitable for investors without a high-risk tolerance. Make sure you understand each Digital Asset before you trade.
Cryptocurrencies are not considered legal tender in some jurisdictions and are subject to regulatory uncertainties.
The use of Internet-based systems can involve high risks, including, but not limited to, fraud, cyber-attacks, network and communication failures, as well as identity theft and phishing attacks related to crypto-assets.
Tutorial On FOMC Support and ResistanceUsing the 8-hour chart on the Wednesday of an FOMC release, I use a purple line on the 10am EST 8-hour candle's open as the FOMC release price point.
I then use a purple highlighter to signal the date of the release.
I have come to the conclusion that the Dow Jones Futures moves and finds support/resistance using the FOMC releases. Nothing else on the chart matters BUT each release.
There are only 2 ways these levels are used.
1. Support and Resistance levels
2. Mean Reversion levels
I have not found a single source on the ENTIRE internet that describes this phenomenon and would like to think I am quite lucky for stumbling upon this observation.
Below are examples of how/what to look for when using these levels.
Step 1:
On the 8 hour chart, mark the 10am EST opening price of that candle with a purple line and highlight
Step 2:
Project it across and see how price reacts. It will either mean revert or bounce from it
It is hilariously funny to me that price stopped dead within a measly 84 ticks away from the DEC 2023 FOMC level before bouncing.
Support and Resistance:
Mean Reversion:
Price mean reverting around the 10am opening price of FOMC Wednesday.
Keep Your Confidence with CDV!!!Using Cumulative Delta Volume (CDV) in your analysis can help you remain confident that you are on the RIGHT side of your trade. Here is a video describing how I use CDV in my analysis as well as an example of how I've used it to enter a trade I've recently taken on Natural Gas Futures! (NG)
I hope this has been helpful. Happy trading!
How to Use Drawing Tools on TradingViewThis tutorial video discusses why and how traders use different types of trading tools, how to access the trading tools in Tradingview, and a few examples of how and why you might apply them.
Learn more about using Tradingview to trade futures with Optimus Futures:
optimusfutures.com
Disclaimer: There is a substantial risk of loss in futures trading. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Please trade only with risk capital. We are not responsible for any third-party links, comments, or content shared on TradingView. Any opinions, links, or messages posted by users on TradingView do not represent our views or recommendations. Please exercise your own judgment and due diligence when engaging with any external content or user commentary.
KISS Trading SystemOverview :
Trading process should be as simple as possible. One of the simple method to trade is primarily identify direction, find a good location to entry, wait for confirmation in the location, and finally execute the trade when the risk reward ratio is good.
1. Direction
To identify direction, follow the market structure. Higher high and higher low indicates price is in a bullish trend (uptrend), while lower high and lower low indicates the price is in a bearish trend (downtrend). If there is no clear structure higher high and higher low or lower and high lower low, price is in sideways mode. Best is to avoid trade under this condition until clear trend is formed.
2. Location
Every time price create a new breakout structure, mark the the structure as our potential location for entry. There are some occasion where price does not pullback to the location and continuing the trend by creating a new breakout structure. Do not FOMO, just wait for the next location and confirmation within the location to entry and minimize your risk.
3. Confirmation
Patience is the key. Wait for price to pullback at higher time frame location, and focus for confirmation in lower time frame to entry and reduce risk. Time is fractal, the structure pattern is same on all timeframes. Choosing the right timeframe pair is crucial. Refer to table in the notes below for timeframe pairing.
4. Risk Reward
This is the main essence in trading, controlling risk and preserving capital. Entry without doubt when the risk reward are good. Execute, and trust your setup.
Bullish Engulfing Pattern: A Strong Reversal SignalBullish Engulfing Pattern: A Strong Reversal Signal
The bullish engulfing pattern is a two-candlestick formation that suggests a possible reversal from a downtrend to an uptrend in the financial market. This particular pattern holds immense value for traders and technical analysts as it equips them with the means to discern potential buying opportunities. In this article, we will explain how traders implement this pattern in their trading strategies.
What Is a Bullish Engulfing Pattern?
The bullish engulfing is a technical analysis pattern consisting of two candles. This formation emerges when a large bearish candlestick is succeeded by a larger green one that entirely engulfs it.
What does the bullish engulfing mean? The bullish engulfing indicates a potential shift in market sentiment, suggesting that buying pressure might surpass selling pressure in the near future and highlighting a possible reversal from a downtrend to an uptrend.
Traders can find the bullish engulfing candlestick pattern across various financial instruments, including currencies, stocks, cryptocurrencies*, ETFs, and indices.
Bearish Engulfing vs Bullish Engulfing
The bullish engulfing pattern has a counterparty - bearish engulfing. The bearish engulfing pattern occurs during an uptrend, indicating a change in market sentiment and potential price reversal to the downside. It consists of two candles, where the second is larger and bearish and completely engulfs the body of the preceding candlestick.
How Can You Trade the Bullish Engulfing Pattern?
Here are some steps traders consider when trading with the bullish engulfing:
- Identification: Look for a clear bullish engulfing setup on a price chart at the end of a downtrend.
- Entry Point: Although candlestick patterns don't provide precise entry and exit points as chart patterns do, there are general rules you could use.
The entry point could be set slightly above the high of the bullish engulfing formation. In the conservative approach, traders enter the market after several candles close higher. In a risky approach, traders open a buy position after the pattern is formed.
- Exit Point: A stop-loss level could be below the low of the engulfing candle or below a nearby support level. A take-profit level could be based on a trader’s risk/reward ratio or key resistance levels.
- Risk Management: You can consider a risk management strategy to potentially limit losses. Traders focus on appropriate position sizing and risk-to-reward ratios to maintain a balanced approach to trading.
- Trade Monitoring: Once you have entered the trade, monitor price action and market conditions. Pay attention to any sign of reversal confirmation or potential obstacles that may invalidate the signal.
- Stop-Loss and Take-Profit Adjustment: As the trade progresses, you may consider adjusting your stop-loss level to protect potential returns. Similarly, you may consider adjusting your take-profit level if the price signals a strong uptrend.
Live Market Example
Let's consider an example of a bullish engulfing on the forex chart. The bullish engulfing candle in the example below is marked with 1 and 2. The trader sets the entry point above the green candle and a stop-loss level below it. The take profit is at the closest resistance level.
How Do Traders Confirm a Bullish Engulfing Candlestick Pattern?
Confirming this pattern enhances the reliability of its signals and helps traders make informed decisions. Here are key steps to confirm it:
- Volume Analysis: Traders typically look for increased buying trading volume accompanying the candle. Higher volume suggests stronger buyers’ interest and validates the reversal signal.
- Follow-Up Candlesticks: Waiting for subsequent closes can confirm the upward momentum. A series of higher closes strengthens its credibility.
- Support Levels: If it forms near a significant support level, this adds context to the reversal, as buyers are stepping in at a critical price point.
- Technical Indicators: Complementary indicators like the Relative Strength Index (RSI), Stochastic Oscillator, or a pair of moving averages can confirm the shift in sentiment.
- Market Context: Traders assess the overall market trend and news to ensure the formation aligns with broader market conditions.
Bullish Engulfing and Other Patterns
Let’s take a closer look at how this pattern compares to other chart formations, like the piercing and harami.
What Is the Difference Between a Bullish Engulfing and a Piercing Pattern?
A bullish engulfing pattern occurs when a large bearish bar is followed by a larger candlestick that completely overtakes the former's body. This indicates a strong potential reversal from a downtrend to an uptrend.
In contrast, a piercing formation also signals a potential reversal but is slightly weaker. It forms when a bearish candle is followed by a bullish candle that closes above its midpoint but doesn’t envelop it entirely.
What Is the Difference Between a Bullish Engulfing Pattern and a Bullish Harami Pattern?
The bullish harami pattern consists of a large red candle followed by a smaller green candle that is completely contained within the body of the red candle. This formation suggests a potential reversal but is generally considered less strong than the bullish engulfing candle pattern, as the latter completely envelops the previous bearish bar, showing more decisive buying pressure.
Final Thoughts
While this pattern offers valuable insights into potential trend reversals, it's essential to complement it with technical indicators and robust risk management for effective use. Also, be sure to explore other patterns as they may look very similar but provide different signals.
FAQ
What Is a Bullish Engulfing Pattern?
A bullish engulfing pattern is a two-candlestick formation in technical analysis that suggests a potential reversal from a downtrend to an uptrend. It occurs when a large bearish candlestick is followed by a larger bullish candlestick that completely engulfs the body of the preceding bearish candle.
How Reliable Is the Bullish Engulfing Pattern?
The reliability of the bullish engulfing pattern as a reversal signal depends on various factors, including the overall market context, confirmation from other technical indicators, and the timeframe being analysed. While it can be a strong indication of a potential trend reversal, it is not foolproof and should be used in conjunction with other tools and fundamental analysis.
What Is a Bullish Engulfing Candle Trading Strategy?
The bullish engulfing candle strategy involves identifying this pattern at the end of a downtrend as a signal for a potential sentiment shift. Traders typically enter a buy position slightly above the high of the closing bar, with stop-loss levels set below the low or beneath nearby support levels. Take-profit levels are determined based on risk/reward ratios or key resistance levels.
Do Wicks Matter in Engulfing Candlesticks?
Yes, wicks matter in the formation. The wicks provide insights into price rejection and volatility. For a strong confirmation, the absence of long upper wicks suggests sustained buying pressure, reinforcing its validity as a reversal signal.
*Important: At FXOpen UK, Cryptocurrency trading via CFDs is only available to our Professional clients. They are not available for trading by Retail clients. To find out more information about how this may affect you, please get in touch with our team.
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.
How to Trend the Trend for Beginners part 3 Hey Traders so today we are going to the final part of the series for beginners about how to trade trends using techincal analysis.
So today we will go over what I believe is the best way to confirm that the market is trending using the best method.
Enjoy!
Clifford
How to Master Premium & Discount For Better EntriesA lot of traders talk about premium and discount, but very few actually know how to use it properly. Most just draw Fibonacci tools on random legs and try to catch reactions at the 61.8% level. That kind of trading lacks structure and context. If you're serious about using Smart Money Concepts the right way, then you need to understand where value exists in the market and how to position yourself accordingly.
This guide is all about mastering the premium vs discount model using a 4H bias, entries on the 1H or 15M, and refinements based solely on Fair Value Gaps. No order blocks. No guessing. Just clean structure, displacement, and a focus on institutional logic.
Establishing a Valid 4H Dealing Range
Your entire analysis starts with the 4H chart. That’s where you define the dealing range, the leg of price that caused a significant shift in market structure, usually confirmed by displacement and a break of a previous swing.
To do this correctly:
Identify a 4H swing high to swing low (or low to high) that broke structure and created an imbalance.
Anchor your range from that swing point to the extreme, this becomes your dealing range.
Mark the 50% of this range — this is your equilibrium line.
Everything above this midpoint is premium, everything below is discount.
You’re not drawing fibs for retracement levels. You’re using them to separate cheap price from expensive price.
Premium vs Discount: Why It Matters
The logic is simple: institutions buy at discount and sell at premium. They don’t place large positions in the middle of the range, they accumulate when price is cheap and distribute when price is expensive.
Once you’ve marked out your 4H range, you now have a framework:
Price in discount (below the 50%) = potential buy setups.
Price in premium (above the 50%) = potential sell setups.
The key is to only look for trades in the right part of the range. If price is in premium and you're trying to long, you're working against smart money. If it's in discount and you're trying to short, you're fading accumulation.
Refining the Setup on 1H or 15M
Once price enters the zone you’re interested in, premium or discount. Drop to the 1H or 15M charts to look for entries.
But we’re not trading any structure or supply/demand zone. We’re only interested in Fair Value Gaps. Why? Because FVGs are the cleanest way to spot imbalance — they show where price moved too aggressively and left inefficiency behind.
Here's what to do:
Watch for displacement on 1H or 15M once price taps into the 4H premium or discount zone.
The move should break short-term structure and leave a clear FVG.
Wait for price to retrace into that FVG.
Entry is placed inside the gap, preferably in the upper or lower third depending on direction.
Your invalidation is the low or high of the displacement move.
The FVG gives you a clean risk-to-reward setup that is backed by structure, context, and smart money intent.
Example: Long from Discount
Let’s say price is trading inside the discount zone of a 4H bullish dealing range. You now drop to 15M and see a sharp move higher that breaks structure and creates a clean 15M FVG.
Now you wait.
If price retraces into that gap and shows some form of reaction (volume, reaction wick, or small lower timeframe shift), you have a valid long. The trade is high probability because:
It’s inside 4H discount
The 15M displacement confirms smart money is stepping in
The FVG is your refined entry zone
Target is always the next liquidity pool inside premium.
Example: Short from Premium
Opposite logic applies.
If price trades into the premium zone of a 4H bearish range, you drop to 1H or 15M and wait for displacement to the downside. When you get a strong bearish move that leaves behind a Fair Value Gap and breaks intraday structure, you mark the FVG.
When price retraces into it, you execute your short. Stop is above the displacement high. Target is the first liquidity level inside discount, such as an old low or a clean equal low.
Rules for FVG Entries (1H/15M)
To keep your execution sharp, stick to these:
Only enter FVGs that form from displacement moves.
The FVG must break intraday structure.
It must form inside the 4H premium or discount zone, no exceptions.
Avoid FVGs that form in the middle of the range or during chop.
Make sure higher timeframe context supports the direction.
This filters out 90% of weak setups and forces you to trade in sync with value.
Targets and Exits
Where you enter is based on imbalance and structure, but where you exit is based on liquidity and the premium/discount model in reverse.
If you long from discount, you should be targeting premium levels.
If you short from premium, you should be targeting discount levels.
More specifically:
Look for old highs/lows
Clean equal highs/lows
Unfilled FVGs in the opposite zone
This way, you’re always exiting into areas where the market is likely to reverse or stall, and not overstaying your trade.
Conclusion
Trading from premium or discount zones isn’t just a concept, it’s a framework that puts you in line with institutional activity. When you combine it with FVGs, you have a clean, mechanical way to structure your trades.
Keep your bias on the 4H. Mark your ranges clearly. Drop to 1H or 15M only when price is in a valid zone, and only take entries on FVGs that form from strong displacement. If you stay disciplined with this model, you’ll avoid chasing price and start trading from areas of true value.
___________________________________
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Best GOLD XAUUSD Psychological Levels Indicator on TradingView
There is one free technical indicator that will show you every significant psychological level on Gold XAUUSD chart.
It is available on TradingView and it is very easy to set.
Discover the best psychological support and resistance indicator for Gold trading , its settings and useful tips.
First, let's discuss the significance of psychological levels in GOLD XAUUSD analysis and trading.
The classic way of the search of significant supports and resistance is based on the analysis of a historic price action.
However, while Gold constantly sets new historic highs such a method does not work, because there are no historic resistances to rely on.
In such a situation, the only reliable strategy to find potentially strong resistances is to analyze psychological levels.
Psychological levels are the round numbers based price levels. Because of the common human psychological biases, these levels attract the interest of the market participants and the prices tend to react to them.
A great example of a psychological level in Gold trading is 3000 level.
It served as a resistance first and after a breakout turned into an important support.
And I found a free technical indicator that plots all the significant psychological levels efficiently.
One more thing to note is that I strictly recommend searching for psychological levels on a daily time frame, because it provides the most relevant perspective.
To use this indicator, search "round" in indicators wind ow.
It is called "Round numbers above and below".
Click on that and it will start working immediately.
You can see that the indicator plotted 3 significant psychological resistances above current prices and 3 supports below on Gold chat.
In the settings of the indicator, you can change the number of levels to identify and change the style of the horizontal lines.
Examine the reaction of the price to psychological supports that the indicator shows. These levels may remain significant in futures and applied for pullback/breakout trading.
With a crazy bullish rally that we contemplate on Gold this year, psychological levels will be the most reliable technical analysis tools for the identification of future bearish reversals and corrections.
This free technical indicator on TradingView will help you in search of the strongest ones.
❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
I am part of Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analysis.
Ethereum and the Pectra Upgrade: ETH Growth PotentialEthereum is approaching a significant upgrade called Pectra, which, according to analysts at Trenovia Group, could become a major catalyst for ETH’s price appreciation—especially if network activity continues to rise.
What Does Pectra Bring?
Pectra continues Ethereum’s path toward greater technological maturity. The upgrade introduces enhancements to the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), optimizes validator coordination, and strengthens smart contract security. As Trenovia Group highlights, such developments are essential to the platform's long-term competitiveness and stability.
Potential Impact on ETH Price
Based on Trenovia Group’s internal analysis, ETH could strengthen after the Pectra upgrade, assuming a rise in network engagement. Past events, such as The Merge, have historically driven price momentum. However, sustained growth depends on actual increases in user activity, transaction volumes, and new project deployments.
Network Activity as a Growth Indicator
Network usage is one of the most critical metrics tracked by Trenovia Group. A surge in active wallets, decentralized applications (dApps), and DeFi platforms often translates to higher demand for ETH. These indicators are at the core of our investment strategies and client advisory services.
Trenovia Group’s Position
As a company focused on digital asset analytics and blockchain innovation, Trenovia Group views Pectra as a strategically important upgrade. It further solidifies Ethereum’s role in decentralized finance and Web3. We will continue to deliver in-depth market insights and recommendations as the network evolves.
Conclusion
Ethereum is entering a new phase of development. Should the Pectra upgrade lead to a measurable increase in network activity, Trenovia Group anticipates a favorable environment for ETH growth, reaffirming its position as a leader in the crypto market.
Is There the Best Moving Average For Swing Trading?Is There the Best Moving Average For Swing Trading?
In swing trading, moving averages are widely used to analyse market trends and identify potential turning points. In this article, we’ll dive into the most commonly used MAs, their unique characteristics, and how they can be applied in swing trading strategies.
What Are Moving Averages?
You definitely know what moving averages are. However, we need to start our article with a brief introduction to this market analysis tool.
A moving average (MA) is a fundamental tool in technical analysis that helps traders understand the direction of a market trend by smoothing out price fluctuations, often touted among the best indicators for swing trading. Instead of focusing on the volatile ups and downs, MAs calculate an average of prices over a specific period, such as 20, 50, or 200 periods. This gives traders a clearer picture of the overall trend by filtering out short-term volatility.
There are different types of moving averages, but they all work on the same principle: tracking the average price over time to highlight the market's trajectory. For example, a 20-period MA shows the average (usually closing price but a trader can choose highs, lows, and opens) over the past 20 periods, updating as new prices come in. This rolling calculation creates a line on the chart, making it easy to identify whether the market is trending upwards, downwards, or moving sideways.
Types of Moving Averages
Moving averages come in various forms, each with unique characteristics that cater to different trading styles and strategies.
Simple Moving Average (SMA)
The simple moving average (SMA) is the most straightforward type, calculated by averaging the closing prices (but a trader can choose any price type) over a set number of periods. For example, a 20-period SMA adds up the last 20 closing prices and divides by 20. It’s popular among traders who want a broader view of price trends without overreacting to short-term fluctuations, making it a contender for one of the best moving averages for swing trading. However, SMAs can lag behind price action, as they give equal weight to all prices in the calculation.
Hull Moving Average (HMA)
The hull moving average (HMA) is designed to reduce lag while maintaining a smooth line. By combining weighted averages with additional smoothing techniques, the HMA offers a balance of speed and clarity, making it an underrated moving average for swing trading.
Exponential Moving Average (EMA)
The exponential moving average (EMA) prioritises recent prices, giving them more weight in the calculation. This makes it more responsive to price changes compared to the SMA. Swing traders often use EMAs in faster-moving markets, where quick adjustments to trend shifts are crucial, with 8- and 21-period EMAs considered by some traders as two of the best EMAs for swing trading. For instance, a 20-period EMA reacts faster to sudden price movements than a 20-period SMA, helping traders spot potential reversals sooner.
Weighted Moving Average (WMA)
Similar to the EMA, the weighted moving average (WMA) also gives more importance to recent prices but does so with a linear weighting system. This means the most recent price has the greatest impact, gradually decreasing with older data. WMAs are less common but useful when traders want a more precise reflection of recent price action.
How to Use Moving Averages in Swing Analysis and Trading
Moving averages are versatile tools that can provide valuable insights for swing traders. Beyond highlighting trends, they can help identify potential turning points and dynamic support or resistance levels. Here’s how they’re commonly used in swing trading:
1. Identifying Trends
MAs are widely used to assess the direction of a trend. For instance, if the price consistently stays above a rising moving average, it suggests an upward trend. Conversely, when prices remain below a declining moving average, the market could be trending downward. Swing traders often rely on shorter moving averages, like the 20-period, for identifying trends that align with their trading horizon.
2. Spotting Reversals with Crossovers
Crossovers happen when two MAs intersect. A common example is a shorter MA crossing above a longer one, which may indicate a shift towards bullish momentum and vice versa.
3. Dynamic Support and Resistance
MAs act as floating support and resistance levels. MAs serve as a support level in an uptrend, with the price bouncing off it repeatedly. In a downtrend, the same moving average might act as resistance, limiting upward moves.
4. Filtering Market Noise
In choppy markets, MAs can smooth out minor fluctuations, making it easier to focus on the bigger picture. Swing traders often use longer MAs, such as the 50-day or 200-day, to filter out irrelevant short-term movements.
5. Timing Entry and Exit Zones
Many traders use crossovers to time their entries and exits, though it’s worth noting their lagging nature means they can result in untimely trades. They can also provide context. For example, if the price approaches a key moving average after a strong move, it might indicate a consolidation phase or a potential reversal, allowing traders to adapt their analysis.
Common Moving Averages for Swing Trading: The 20, 50, and 200 MAs
Swing traders often turn to the 20-, 50-, and 200-period moving averages as their go-to tools for analysing market trends. Each serves a specific purpose, helping traders gauge short-, medium-, and long-term price movements. These moving averages are often used together.
20-Period Moving Average
The 20-period MA is a favourite for short-term trend analysis. It reacts quickly to price changes; therefore, traders use it to identify recent momentum or potential trend shifts. Traders frequently watch for price “bounces” off the 20-period MA as potential indications of continuation in the current trend.
50-Period Moving Average
The 50-period MA provides a medium-term perspective, offering a smoother look at price trends. It’s slower to react than the 20-period MA but avoids being overly lagging. This balance makes it useful for identifying sustained trends while filtering out minor price noise. When prices interact with the 50-period MA, it often acts as a dynamic support or resistance level.
200-Period Moving Average
The 200-period MA is the benchmark for long-term trend analysis. It’s often used to determine the overall market direction. This MA is also a widely followed indicator for institutional traders, adding weight to its significance. Interactions with the 200-period MA often mark key turning points or areas of consolidation.
Traders also monitor crossovers between the 50- and 200-period MAs, recognised by some as the best moving average crossover for swing trading. For instance:
- Golden Cross: When the 50-period MA crosses above the 200-period MA, it suggests potential bullish momentum.
- Death Cross: When the 50-period MA drops below the 200-period MA, it signals a possible bearish shift.
Using Them Together
Using the 20-, 50-, and 200-period MAs together offers a comprehensive approach to identifying the best moving average crossover setups, allowing traders to see the bigger picture while still tracking short-term shifts. For instance, when the price breaks above the 200-period MA while the 20-period MA crosses above the 50-period MA, it may signal the beginning of a broader bullish trend. Meanwhile, a price drop below all three MAs could suggest broader bearish momentum.
Other Moving Average Combinations for Swing Trading
While the 20, 50, and 200-period MAs are staples in swing trading, exploring other combinations can offer nuanced insights tailored to specific trading strategies. Some alternative moving average setups that traders often employ include:
8-Period and 21-Period Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs)
This pairing is favoured by traders seeking to capture short-term price movements with greater sensitivity. They call this the best EMA crossover strategy. The 8-period EMA responds swiftly to recent price changes, while the 21-period EMA provides a slightly broader perspective.
10-Period and 50-Period Simple Moving Averages (SMAs)
Combining the 10- and 50-period SMAs offers a balance between short-term agility and medium-term trend identification. This combination helps traders filter out minor price fluctuations and focus on more sustained movements.
28-Period and 50-Period HMAs
For traders focused on short-to-medium-term trends, the 28- and 50-period HMAs offer a balanced approach. The 28-period HMA reacts quickly to price changes, while the 50-period HMA provides a steadier view of the broader trend. Crossovers between the two can signal potential bullish or bearish momentum shifts, benefiting from the HMA’s reduced lag.
13-Period and 34-Period WMAs
Rooted in Fibonacci sequences, the 13- and 34-period WMAs are employed by traders who believe in the natural rhythm of the markets. A 55-period WMA can also be included for a longer-term perspective. Crossovers between these WMAs can highlight potential trend reversals or continuations, with the WMA adapting more quickly than other MAs due to its weighted calculation.
Implementing These Combinations
When applying these moving average combinations, it's crucial to consider the following:
- Market Conditions: These combinations often perform better in trending markets versus ranging markets. Moreover, shorter MAs might be more effective in capturing quick price movements during high volatility.
- Timeframes: Traders align MAs with their trading horizon. Shorter periods like the 5-period or 8-period MAs are usually used by traders focusing on brief swings, while longer periods like the 50-period MA cater to those looking at extended trends.
- Confirmation with Other Indicators: Relying solely on moving averages can lead to false signals. Traders corroborate these signals with other technical indicators, such as Bollinger Bands or the Relative Strength Index (RSI).
What Moving Averages Should You Use for Swing Trading?
There is no best moving average for swing trading. The choice of MAs ultimately depends on a trader's strategy and preferences. The combinations discussed provide a framework, but experimenting with different setups can help identify what aligns with individual trading styles and objectives.
The Bottom Line
Moving averages are powerful tools for swing trading, offering insights into trends and potential market turning points. Whatever your unique preference for different types and lengths, understanding their application can refine your strategy.
FAQ
Which Moving Average Is Good for Swing Trading?
The 20-period, 50-period, and 200-period moving averages are widely used in swing trading. However, different combinations, like the 8- and 21-period or 13- and 34-period MAs can offer equally valuable insights; it ultimately comes down to the trader’s preference.
What Is the Most Popular Moving Average to Use?
The most popular moving average depends on a trader’s trading style and goals. Shorter MAs, like the 20-day MA, are popular for quick trend identification, while longer ones, such as the 200-day MA, provide a bigger picture. Many traders combine MAs to cover different timeframes.
Is 200 EMA Good for Swing Trading?
The 200-period EMA is useful for swing traders seeking to understand long-term trends. It reacts faster than the 200-period SMA, making it suitable for traders looking to incorporate a responsive indicator in their analysis.
Which Indicator Is Most Popular for Swing Trading?
There isn’t a single best indicator for swing trading. Moving averages, RSI, MACD, and volume indicators are commonly used. Combining these can provide a more comprehensive analysis.
Which Volume Indicator Is Popular for Swing Trading?
The On-Balance Volume (OBV) and Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) are popular volume indicators for swing traders, helping assess market momentum.
Which RSI Indicator Is Popular for Swing Trading?
The standard 14-period RSI is widely used. Swing traders often adjust it to shorter periods (e.g., 7) for faster signals or longer periods (e.g., 21) for smoother trends.
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.