Bollinger Bands: How to Stop Being a Slave to the Markets.Bollinger Bands are a technical analysis indicator widely used in trading to assess the volatility of a financial asset and anticipate price movements. Created in the 1980s by John Bollinger, they consist of three lines superimposed on the price chart:
The middle band: a simple moving average, generally calculated over 20 periods.
The upper band: the moving average to which two standard deviations are added.
The lower band: the moving average to which two standard deviations are subtracted.
These bands form a dynamic channel around the price, which widens during periods of high volatility and narrows when the market is calm. When a price touches or exceeds a band, it can signal an overbought or oversold situation, or a potential trend reversal or continuation, depending on the market context.
What are Bollinger Bands used for?
Measuring volatility: The wider the bands, the higher the volatility.
Identify dynamic support and resistance zones.
Detect market excesses: A price touching the upper or lower band may indicate a temporary excess.
Anticipate reversals or consolidations: A tightening of the bands often heralds an upcoming burst of volatility.
Why is the 2-hour time frame so widely used and relevant?
The 2-hour (H2) time frame (TU) is particularly popular with many traders for several reasons:
Perfect balance between noise and relevance: The H2 offers a compromise between very short time frames (often too noisy, generating many false signals) and long time frames (slower to react). This allows you to capture significant movements without being overwhelmed by minor fluctuations.
Suitable for swing trading and intraday trading: This TU allows you to hold a position for several hours or days, while maintaining good responsiveness to take advantage of intermediate trends.
Clearer reading of chart patterns: Technical patterns (triangles, double tops, Wolfe waves, etc.) are often clearer and more reliable on H2 than on shorter time frames, making decision-making easier.
Less stress, better time management: On H2, there's no need to constantly monitor screens. Monitoring every two hours is sufficient, which is ideal for active traders who don't want to be slaves to the market.
Statistical relevance: Numerous backtests show that technical signals (such as those from Bollinger Bands) are more robust and less prone to false signals on this intermediate time frame.
In summary, the 2-hour time frame is often considered "amazing" because it combines the precision of intraday trading with the reliability of swing trading, thus providing superior signals for most technical strategies, particularly those using Bollinger Bands.
To summarize
Bollinger Bands measure volatility and help identify overbought/oversold areas or potential reversals.
The 2-hour timeframe is highly valued because it filters out market noise while remaining sufficiently responsive, making it particularly useful for technical analysis and trading decision-making.
US100 trade ideas
Nasdaq 100: Bearish Signals Near the All-Time HighNasdaq 100: Bearish Signals Near the All-Time High
As the 4-hour chart of the Nasdaq 100 (US Tech 100 mini on FXOpen) shows, the index reached a new all-time high last week. However, the price action suggests that the current pace of growth may not last.
Last week’s strong labour market data triggered a significant bullish impulse. However, the upward momentum has been entirely retraced (as indicated by the arrows).
The tax cut bill signed on Friday, 4 July, by Trump — which is expected to lead to a significant increase in US government debt — contributed to a modest bullish gap at today’s market open. Yet, as trading progressed during the Asian session, the index declined.
This suggests that fundamental news, which could have served as bullish catalysts, are failing to generate sustainable upward movement — a bearish sign.
Further grounds for doubt regarding the index's continued growth are provided by technical analysis of the Nasdaq 100 (US Tech 100 mini on FXOpen) chart, specifically:
→ a bearish divergence on the RSI indicator;
→ price proximity to the upper boundary of the ascending channel, which is considered resistance.
It is reasonable to suggest that the market may be overheated and that bullish momentum is waning. Consequently, a correction may be forming — potentially involving a test of the 22,100 level. This level acted as resistance from late 2024 until it was broken by strong bullish momentum in late June.
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.
NAS100 - Stock market is waiting for tariffs!The index is above the EMA200 and EMA50 on the four-hour timeframe and is trading in its ascending channel. Maintaining the ascending channel will lead to the continuation of the Nasdaq's upward path to higher targets, but if it does not rise and corrects towards the demand limits, you can buy the Nasdaq index with appropriate reward and risk.
Three months ago, Donald Trump postponed the imposition of severe retaliatory tariffs, granting America’s major trading partners more time to reach new agreements that Washington views as “fairer.” Now, as the White House’s July 9 deadline approaches, only two official trade deals have been finalized—one with the United Kingdom and another with Vietnam. As for China, merely a fragile temporary truce has been reached, which has so far prevented any additional tariffs from being enforced.
Although reports suggest promising progress in negotiations with India, Japan, and South Korea, no final agreements have been secured with these countries yet. Interestingly, talks with the European Union—which had previously stalled—have suddenly taken a positive turn, and prospects for a deal with Canada in the coming days have also improved.
However, given the limited time left, it seems unlikely that trade agreements with all of America’s 18 key partners will be reached before the deadline. This situation has raised a critical question for the markets: Will Trump set a new deadline for the remaining countries, or will the suspended tariffs be reinstated?
The prevailing view is that the U.S. president will once again resort to threats before granting any extensions—this time not merely by reviving the “Liberation Day” tariffs, but also by promising even heavier tariffs to extract the last concessions from the remaining trade partners.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bassett stated that if no agreements are reached by August 1, tariffs will revert to the levels announced in April. He also emphasized that Washington’s core strategy in these trade talks is to apply maximum pressure. According to Bassett, letters will be sent to various countries, outlining the August 1 deadline for reaching deals. This news, which broke during the market’s closing hours, sparked a wave of risk appetite in the financial markets.
In a week when the U.S. economic calendar is notably devoid of major data releases, investors are focusing their attention on the minutes from the Federal Reserve’s June FOMC meeting—a document that could offer fresh insights into the trajectory of interest rates for the second half of the year.
June’s strong employment report, which exceeded market expectations, has effectively dashed hopes for an interest rate cut this month. Now, if the positive economic momentum persists, the likelihood of a rate cut in the September meeting may also gradually be priced out by the markets.
According to data from Challenger, Gray & Christmas, U.S. employers announced 47,999 job cuts in June, marking a sharp decline from 93,816 in the previous month. Compared to June of last year, layoffs have dropped by 2%. However, total job cuts in the second quarter of 2025 reached 247,256—a 39% increase from the same period last year (177,391) and the highest second-quarter layoff figure since 2020.
With no significant economic reports scheduled for the coming days, investors will be closely analyzing Wednesday night’s Fed minutes and the limited remarks from central bank officials—statements where every word has the potential to significantly move the markets.
US100/Analysis *📊 US100 (NAS100) – 4H Analysis & Trade Signal*
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*🔎 Chart Observation:*
- *Current Price:* 22,764
- *Structure:* Market rejected downside strongly with a *Bull Wick* (demand zone reaction).
- *RSI (14):* 60.38
- Momentum is rising again, just under overbought.
- *Bearish divergence* still visible, but price is defending structure.
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*📌 Key Levels:*
- *Support:* 22,715
- *Resistance:* 22,865 → 23,000
- *Strong Bullish Zone:* 22,720–22,750
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*📈 Trade Idea: BUY Setup*
- *Entry:* 22,760–22,770
- *SL:* 22,690 (below wick)
- *TP1:* 22,865
- *TP2:* 23,000
- *TP3 (optional):* 23,150 if breakout occurs
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*🧠 Smart Money View:*
- Likely a *liquidity sweep* below wick zone.
- Demand zone got respected → smart money possibly reloading longs.
- If next candle closes bullish, more confirmation for continuation.
Discount Zone Reversal Play Entered a long position after identifying an short formed W formation within discount territory, mapped from yesterday’s high–low range. Price action showed clear structural symmetry, with the second leg completing at a key demand zone.
📌 Buyside liquidity at 22,692.27 acted as the inducement level—price swept it and respected the zone, signaling smart money accumulation.
Key Confluences:
- Extended W structure with balanced legs and volume support
- Price operating below EQ before trigger, favoring bullish reversal
- TP placed just above EQ to anticipate reaction without overextending
- Structure confirmed by neckline retest and bullish candle ignition
This setup aligns with a classic liquidity sweep and reversal narrative, targeting measured premium zones while managing drawdown with tight risk control. The trade is guided by structure, liquidity, and session timing—a patient play with clean narrative flow.
#NDQ - Weekly Targets 23197.39 or 21886.08 ?Date: 03-07-2025
#NDQ - Current Price: 22641.89
Pivot Point: 22541.74 Support: 22335.83 Resistance: 22748.58
#NDQ Upside Targets:
Target 1: 22832.49
Target 2: 22916.40
Target 3: 23056.89
Target 4: 23197.39
#NDQ Downside Targets:
Target 1: 22251.45
Target 2: 22167.08
Target 3: 22026.58
Target 4: 21886.08
Ustec - longs📈 NAS100 Long Reversal — Powered by ELFIEDT RSI + Reversion Indicator
Timeframe: 15-min
Instrument: NAS100 (US Tech 100)
⸻
✅ Signal Setup (Long Entry)
This clean reversal was captured using my custom ELFIEDT RSI + Reversion indicator, which detects:
• RSI-based exhaustion conditions
• Precise reversal signals (green “UP” label on the chart)
• Trend-aligned confirmations
⸻
📌 Entry Criteria:
1. Oversold RSI conditions signaled potential exhaustion of the downtrend.
2. A clear bullish reversal candle closed with confirmation from the indicator.
3. The “UP” label marked the ideal entry candle just before the impulsive breakout.
4. RSI momentum shifted positively at the point of signal.
⸻
🎯 Execution Plan:
• Entry: At close of the signal candle with the “UP” label
• Stop-Loss: Placed just below the recent swing low (see red zone on chart)
• Target: Up to previous intraday structure and recovery zone
⸻
💡 Key Observations:
• Early signal allowed high RR entry before breakout
• RSI structure confirmed direction shift
• Strong sustained price action into close
⸻
📚 Learn More:
This trade is part of a larger system combining:
• RSI signal dynamics
• Momentum shift detection
• Session and structure alignment
If you’d like more information about the indicator or how to use it in your own strategy, feel free to follow or reach out.
ICTTrading foreign currencies can be a challenging and potentially profitable opportunity for investors. However, before deciding to participate in the Forex market, you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite. Most importantly, do not invest money you cannot afford to lose.
There is considerable exposure to risk in any foreign exchange transaction. Any transaction involving currencies involves risks including, but not limited to, the potential for changing political and/or economic conditions that may substantially affect the price or liquidity of a currency. Investments in foreign exchange speculation may also be susceptible to sharp rises and falls as the relevant market values fluctuate. The leveraged nature of Forex trading means that any market movement will have an equally proportional effect on your deposited funds. This may work against you as well as for you. Not only may investors get back less than they invested, but in the case of higher risk strategies, investors may lose the entirety of their investment. It is for this reason that when speculating in such markets it is advisa
Usrec longs after drop📈 US Tech 100 | 15-Min Chart
✅ Live Trade Example using ELFIEDT RSI + Reversion
⸻
This setup was captured using the ELFIEDT RSI + Reversion indicator. A clean BUY signal was triggered after an extended move, followed by a sharp reversal — perfectly timed and visually confirmed by the indicator’s built-in logic.
💡 The result? A precise entry with a strong follow-through.
This tool is built to spot high-probability reversals with confluence — across timeframes, instruments, and volatility conditions.
⸻
👥 Want to trade with structure and clarity?
Join our community of traders who use this system daily to simplify their decisions and sharpen their edge.
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NAS100 - The stock market is breaking the ceiling!The index is above the EMA200 and EMA50 on the four-hour timeframe and is trading in its medium-term channels. If it does not increase and corrects towards different zone, it is possible to buy the index near the reward.
Following a strong rally in U.S.equities, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq indices both achieved new all-time highs on Friday. It marks the first time since February that the S&P 500 has surpassed its previous peak, while the Nasdaq entered fresh price territory for the first time since December.
Despite ongoing market focus on economic data and the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy path, the simultaneous surge in both indices reflects a renewed appetite for risk in the stock market—an appetite that has been accelerating since mid-April, especially in tech stocks.
In contrast, the Russell 2000 index, which tracks small-cap U.S. companies, still remains significantly below its prior high. To return to its October levels, it would need to rise over 13.5%. However, Friday’s 1.7% gain suggests capital is beginning to flow more broadly into underrepresented sectors.
Analysts argue that a strong breakout in the Russell 2000 could signal a broader rotation toward increased risk-taking—possibly driven by optimism over future rate cuts, easing inflation, and improved business conditions in the second half of the year.
Now that the S&P 500 has reached new highs and the Nasdaq has joined in, attention turns to the Russell 2000. If it begins to accelerate upward, markets could enter a new phase of sustained bullish momentum.
Following a week focused on gauging U.S. consumer spending strength, the upcoming holiday-shortened week (due to Independence Day) will shift attention to key employment and economic activity data.
On Tuesday, markets await the ISM Manufacturing PMI and the JOLTS job openings report. Wednesday will spotlight the ADP private employment report, and Thursday—one day earlier than usual due to the holiday—will see the release of several crucial figures, including the Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP), weekly jobless claims, and the ISM Services Index.
Currently, investor reaction to Donald Trump’s tariff commentary has been minimal. Market participants largely believe that any new tariffs would have limited inflationary effects and that significant retaliation from trade partners is unlikely.
Friday’s PCE report painted a complex picture of the U.S. economy. On one hand, inflation remains above ideal levels; on the other, household spending is showing signs of fatigue—a combination that presents challenges for policymakers.
Inflation-adjusted personal consumption fell by 0.3%, marking the first decline since the start of the year and indicating a gradual erosion of domestic demand. While wages continue to rise, their impact has been offset by declining overall income and reduced government support. To maintain their lifestyle, households have dipped into their savings, driving the personal savings rate down to 4.5%—its lowest level this year.
On the inflation front, the core PCE price index—the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge—rose 2.7% year-over-year, slightly above expectations. Monthly inflation also increased by 0.2%. Although these figures appear somewhat restrained, they remain above the Fed’s 2% target, with persistent price pressures in services—particularly non-housing services—still evident.
Altogether, the data suggest the U.S. economy faces a troubling divergence: weakening household income and consumption could slow growth, while sticky inflation in the services sector—especially under a potential Trump tariff scenario—could limit the Federal Reserve’s ability to cut interest rates.
Comprehensive Market Analysis: NAS100 Comprehensive Market Analysis: NAS100
1. Monthly Timeframe (The Long-Term "Big Picture")
Observation: The chart displays an incredibly powerful and long-standing uptrend. The price is consistently making higher highs and higher lows.
Candlestick Analysis: The most recent candles are strong, long-bodied bullish (green) candles. There are no significant bearish reversal patterns present whatsoever. This is a picture of strength.
Ichimoku Analysis: The price is trading far above the Kumo (Cloud), which is wide and bullish (green). The Tenkan-sen is far above the Kijun-sen, and the Chikou Span is in open space high above the price action from 26 periods ago. This is a textbook example of a very strong, healthy bull market.
Conclusion (Monthly): The long-term outlook is unequivocally Bullish.
2. Weekly Timeframe (The Dominant Trend)
Observation: The strength seen on the monthly chart is confirmed here. The trend is clearly defined and moving from the lower-left to the upper-right.
Heikin Ashi Interpretation: If we were to view this with Heikin Ashi, this chart would show a long sequence of green candles, with most of them having no lower wicks, which, according to your lesson, signifies a very strong and healthy uptrend.
Ichimoku Analysis: All five Ichimoku components are in perfect bullish alignment. The price is above the Tenkan-sen, which is above the Kijun-sen, and all are far above the Kumo. This confirms the trend is not only bullish but also has strong momentum.
Conclusion (Weekly): The dominant trend is Strongly Bullish.
3. Daily Timeframe (The Trading Trend)
Observation: The chart shows a clear uptrend. The most recent price action shows a slight pullback or pause after making a new high.
Candlestick Analysis: The last few candles are smaller and show some indecision (like Spinning Tops), which is very common after a strong upward move. This is more likely a "breather" or consolidation rather than a reversal. There are no major bearish reversal patterns like a Bearish Engulfing or Evening Star.
Ichimoku Analysis: The price is pulling back towards the Tenkan-sen, which is the first line of dynamic support. As long as the price holds above the Kijun-sen, the bullish trend is considered fully intact.
Conclusion (Daily): The trend is Bullish, currently in a minor pullback. The overall structure remains strong.
4. 4-Hour and 1-Hour Timeframes (The Intraday Trend)
Observation: These charts give a clearer view of the minor pullback seen on the daily chart. Here, the price action is moving sideways to slightly down.
Candlestick Analysis: We can see a few Long Upper Shadow candles near the recent top, which confirms the lesson that sellers stepped in to cause this short-term pause. However, there is no strong follow-through yet from the bears.
Ichimoku Analysis: On the 4H chart, the price is testing the Kijun-sen as support. This is a critical level. If it holds, the uptrend is likely to resume. If it breaks below, the correction could deepen, with the Kumo cloud being the next major support zone.
Conclusion (4H & 1H): The short-term momentum is corrective/sideways within a larger bullish trend.
5. Lower Timeframes (30M, 15M, 5M)
Observation: These charts show the corrective price action most clearly, appearing as a short-term downtrend.
Context is Key: Based on the overwhelming strength of the Monthly, Weekly, and Daily charts, this downtrend on the lower timeframes must be interpreted as counter-trend noise. It is a pullback, not a reversal of the major trend.
Harmonic Potential: This pullback could be forming the BC leg of a bullish ABCD pattern, or the AB leg of a bullish Gartley or Bat pattern, where traders would look for a buying opportunity at a key Fibonacci retracement level below.
Overall Synthesis and Final Conclusion
By performing a correct, top-down analysis of the NAS100 charts, the conclusion is the complete opposite of my previous mistaken analysis.
Long-Term (Monthly/Weekly): The market is in a powerful, secular bull market.
Medium-Term (Daily): The primary trend is up, but the market is taking a healthy and expected pause or pullback.
Short-Term (Intraday): The market is currently in a corrective phase.
Final Outlook: The multi-timeframe analysis is in strong alignment. The overwhelming evidence suggests that the primary trend for NAS100 is strongly Bullish. The current downward price action on the lower timeframes is very likely a temporary correction. Traders who align with the dominant trend would view this dip as a potential buying opportunity as the price approaches key support levels (like the Kijun-sen on the 4H/Daily chart), anticipating a resumption of the main uptrend.
For those interested in further developing their trading skills based on these types of analyses, consider exploring the mentoring program offered by Shunya Trade.
I welcome your feedback on this analysis, as it will inform and enhance my future work.
Regards,
Shunya Trade
⚠️ Disclaimer: This post is educational content and does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. The views expressed here are based on technical analysis and are shared solely for informational purposes. The stock market is subject to risks, including capital loss, and readers should exercise due diligence before investing. We do not take responsibility for decisions made based on this content. Consult a certified financial advisor for personalized guidance.
Nasdaq Analysis before market .If you do a top down analysis you will see /nq potentially working in the bulls favor. Especially if you own tech stocks. Its been steadily rising. with a couple hick-ups but look at the arrows on the 1 hour timeframe. The VWAP was showing a peak and than dropping. The chart soon to follow. Reversing. Yesterdays top and bottom were in line with an continuation and big $$$ taking profit,s than continued up the mountain.
Have a good day.
US100 BULLISH BREAKOUT|LONG|
✅US100 is going up
Now and the index made a bullish
Breakout of the key horizontal
Level of 22,222 and the breakout
Is confirmed so we are bullish
Biased and we will be expecting
A further bullish move up
LONG🚀
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Disclosure: I am part of Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analysis.
NQ Shorts Into Sellside Liquidity (26/06/2025)
Tracked this trade live as price swept buyside liquidity at 22,300.59, forming a potential short-formed M pattern. Watched for confirmation and waited patiently through a small bullish pullback, identifying potential trap behavior rather than true continuation.
Once a bearish market structure shift (MSS) occurred—confirmed by a body close below the prior wick low—I executed a short position, targeting the sellside liquidity shelf at 22,166.92, aligned with Asian session lows. Dimmed HeatMap clusters beneath suggested institutional interest, supporting a high-probability setup.
Trade thesis:
- Liquidity sweep at 22,300.59
- Rejection with fading momentum and wick absorption
- MSS confirmation with strong-bodied candle
- Dimmed clusters and multiple marked sellside levels below
Execution: Sniper short after MSS confirmation. Trade is live and managed with defined targets and narrative context. Let’s see how deep this bleed runs.
nasdaq100OANDA:NAS100USD
has reached the previous highest level.
We see that the trendline has made a high possibility of the nasdaq 100 to reach a new high level because the price has gone above the previous high level, and came back to test it.
Now the price is going back up. It is fascinating as to what nasdaq100 will do next and how
other indices will be affected, including Gold and forex...
My opinion on nasdaq100:
1. It has made a different move compared to the previous high levels when they reached this level. Previously when the price reached the horizontal line (the resistance level) price began to push down and create very long spikes.
2. Nasdaq100 will go way too high and spike on that highest trendline. Spike from that level thereby create a new resistance level.
3. And then price will begin to push down strong. This will happen only if there will be a very strong spike meaning an incredible amount of sells pushing the price down.